Systems and methods for using location data to electronically display dispensing of markers by a marking system or marking tool
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A marking apparatus, comprising:
- a marking dispenser to dispense at least one marker in a dig area to be excavated or disturbed during excavation activities, the at least one marker to mark ground, pavement or other surface in the dig area so as to provide a visual indication of a presence or an absence of at least one underground utility in the dig area;
a triggering system communicatively coupled to the marking dispenser to trigger the marking dispenser so as to dispense the at least one marker; and
a communication system communicatively coupled to the triggering system and including a wireless interface to transmit at least one signal from the marking apparatus relating to use of the marking apparatus,wherein the at least one signal transmitted by the wireless interface represents first data relating to;
a location of the marking apparatus upon at least one actuation of the triggering system; and
at least one characteristic of the at least one marker dispensed from the marking dispenser.
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Accused Products
Abstract
One or more markers are dispensed on ground, pavement or other surface in a dig area to be excavated or disturbed during excavation activities, so as to provide a visual indication of a presence or an absence of one or more underground utilities in the dig area. One or more signals are wirelessly transmitted in response to the dispensing of the one or more markers, wherein the signal(s) represent(s) first data relating to a location at which the marker(s) is/are dispensed, and/or one or more characteristics of the dispensed marker(s).
535 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A marking apparatus, comprising:
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a marking dispenser to dispense at least one marker in a dig area to be excavated or disturbed during excavation activities, the at least one marker to mark ground, pavement or other surface in the dig area so as to provide a visual indication of a presence or an absence of at least one underground utility in the dig area; a triggering system communicatively coupled to the marking dispenser to trigger the marking dispenser so as to dispense the at least one marker; and a communication system communicatively coupled to the triggering system and including a wireless interface to transmit at least one signal from the marking apparatus relating to use of the marking apparatus, wherein the at least one signal transmitted by the wireless interface represents first data relating to; a location of the marking apparatus upon at least one actuation of the triggering system; and at least one characteristic of the at least one marker dispensed from the marking dispenser. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A marking apparatus, comprising:
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a marking dispenser to dispense at least one marker in a dig area to be excavated or disturbed during excavation activities, the at least one marker to mark ground, pavement or other surface in the dig area so as to provide a visual indication of a presence or an absence of at least one underground utility in the dig area; a triggering system communicatively coupled to the marking dispenser to trigger the marking dispenser so as to dispense the at least one marker; a location tracking system to provide location data relating to a location of the marking apparatus upon at least one actuation of the triggering system; and a communication system communicatively coupled to the triggering system and the location tracking system, the communication system including a wireless interface to transmit at least one signal from the marking apparatus relating to use of the marking apparatus, wherein the at least one signal transmitted by the wireless interface represents; the location data relating to the location of the marking apparatus upon the at least one actuation of the triggering system; and at least one characteristic of the at least one marker dispensed from the marking dispenser.
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12. A marking method, comprising:
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A) dispensing at least one marker on ground, pavement or other surface in a dig area to be excavated or disturbed during excavation activities so as to provide a visual indication of a presence or an absence of at least one underground utility in the dig area; and B) wirelessly transmitting at least one signal, in response to A), wherein the at least one signal represents first data relating to; a location at which the at least one marker is dispensed in A); and at least one characteristic of the at least one marker dispensed in A). - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification