Ground tracking devices and methods for use with a utility locator
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A device for locating buried utilities, comprising:
- a utility locator; and
a ground follower assembly mechanically coupled to the utility locator with a mounting assembly adapted to roll and pivot in conjunction with user-actuated movement of the utility locator over a locating surface,wherein the ground follower assembly generates one or more dipole magnetic field output signals representative of a motion of the utility locator over a ground surface in two or more axes of motion and wherein the utility locator receives the one or more magnetic field signals and determines position or motion information of the ground follower based at least in part on the one or more received magnetic field signals.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A ground tracking apparatus for connection to a locator or other measurement device and configured to determine position, motion, and/or orientation information is disclosed. The ground tracking apparatus may include a ground follower assembly including one or more wheels, which may be detachably coupled to a buried object locator system to capture three-dimensional positional and orientation information during a locate process, as well as provide output data or information to be integrated with maps, photographs, drawings, or other data or information.
24 Citations
15 Claims
-
1. A device for locating buried utilities, comprising:
-
a utility locator; and a ground follower assembly mechanically coupled to the utility locator with a mounting assembly adapted to roll and pivot in conjunction with user-actuated movement of the utility locator over a locating surface, wherein the ground follower assembly generates one or more dipole magnetic field output signals representative of a motion of the utility locator over a ground surface in two or more axes of motion and wherein the utility locator receives the one or more magnetic field signals and determines position or motion information of the ground follower based at least in part on the one or more received magnetic field signals. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
-
Specification