Locator and transmitter calibration system
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A calibration system for a portable locator, comprising:
- a frame for supporting a locator;
a pair of coil windings mounted on the frame for generating a substantially symmetrical electromagnetic field surrounding the locator when supported on the frame when the coil windings are energized with a predetermined signal generated by a transmitter;
a drive assembly for rotating the locator; and
an interface that enables a computer to sample field strength signals from the locator at different rotational positions of the locator.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A framework encloses a stepper motor, mounting structure, and circuitry for use in calibrating the responses of utility locators or the precise frequency outputs of locating transmitters, and associated tilt, directional, angle, and gradient sensors. The framework contains two Helmholtz or similar field windings embedded in its sides to achieve maximum accuracy in calibration of locating instruments, such that a locator may be precisely situated within the uniform field of the windings for calibration measurement or testing. Calibration and testing may be done manually or by automated means.
30 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A calibration system for a portable locator, comprising:
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a frame for supporting a locator; a pair of coil windings mounted on the frame for generating a substantially symmetrical electromagnetic field surrounding the locator when supported on the frame when the coil windings are energized with a predetermined signal generated by a transmitter; a drive assembly for rotating the locator; and an interface that enables a computer to sample field strength signals from the locator at different rotational positions of the locator. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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2. A calibration system for a portable locator, comprising:
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a frame for supporting a locator; a pair of coil windings mounted on the frame for generating a symmetrical electromagnetic field surrounding the locator when supported on the frame when the coil windings are energized with a predetermined signal generated by a transmitter; a drive assembly for rotating the locator; and an interface that enables a computer to sample field strength signals from the locator at different rotational positions of the locator; wherein the system is configured so that the computer can control the rotation of the drive assembly and store position signals generated by the drive assembly corresponding to the sampled field strength signals.
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11. A calibration system for a portable locator, comprising:
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means for supporting a portable locator; means for generating an electromagnetic field around the locator; and means for enabling a plurality of field strength samples to be extracted from the locator representing different angular and/or vertical positional relationships of the locator and the electromagnetic field. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A locator calibration system, comprising:
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a frame that supports a portable locator; at least one coil that generates an electromagnetic field around the locator when a suitable signal is applied to the coil; a motor assembly capable of rotating the locator; a sensor that outputs a signal representative of a rotational position of the locator relative to the magnetic field; and a computer interface that enables a computer to sample a plurality of field strength samples from the locator at each of a plurality of different rotational positions of the locator, calculate at least one corrective value, and upload the corrective value to the locator to calibrate the locator.
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Specification