Utility locator transmitter devices, systems, and methods with dockable apparatus
First Claim
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1. A transmitter system for providing current to a utility when performing a locate operation, comprising:
- a body or frame;
a transmitter element for generating an output current for provision to the utility so as to generate a corresponding magnetic field for detection by a utility locator;
a GPS antenna and a GPS receiver operatively coupled to the GPS antenna to generate positional information about a position of the transmitter system and store the positional information in a memory of the transmitter system;
a tray apparatus configured to be removably dockable to the body or frame of the transmitter system, the tray apparatus including one or more mounting elements for securing the GPS and/or omnidirectional induction antennas to the tray; and
an omnidirectional induction antenna operatively coupled to the transmitter element to generate an three-dimensional magnetic field signal for inducing current into a buried conductive utility.
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Abstract
Buried utility transmitters and associated locator devices, systems, and methods used for locating utility lines, pipes, and/or other conductors that are obscured from view are disclosed. In one embodiment a buried utility transmitter includes a module generating an output current for provision to the utility so as to generate a magnetic field for detection by a utility locator, with the output current signal having modulated signaling. The transmitter system may include a tray apparatus configured to be removably dockable to the transmitter module or element or a body or frame of the transmitter system.
74 Citations
27 Claims
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1. A transmitter system for providing current to a utility when performing a locate operation, comprising:
- a body or frame;
a transmitter element for generating an output current for provision to the utility so as to generate a corresponding magnetic field for detection by a utility locator;
a GPS antenna and a GPS receiver operatively coupled to the GPS antenna to generate positional information about a position of the transmitter system and store the positional information in a memory of the transmitter system;
a tray apparatus configured to be removably dockable to the body or frame of the transmitter system, the tray apparatus including one or more mounting elements for securing the GPS and/or omnidirectional induction antennas to the tray; and
an omnidirectional induction antenna operatively coupled to the transmitter element to generate an three-dimensional magnetic field signal for inducing current into a buried conductive utility. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
- a body or frame;
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4. A transmitter system for providing current to a utility when performing a locate operation, comprising:
- a body or frame;
a transmitter element for generating an output current for provision to the utility so as to generate a corresponding magnetic field for detection by a utility locator;
a tray apparatus, including a ground stake receptacle element, configured to be removably dockable to the body or frame of the transmitter system;
a GPS antenna and a GPS receiver operatively coupled to the GPS antenna to generate positional information about a position of the transmitter system and store the positional information in a memory of the transmitter; and
an omnidirectional induction antenna operatively coupled to the transmitter module to generate an three-dimensional magnetic field signal for inducing current into a buried conductive utility;
wherein the ground stake receptacle element comprises one or more magnets and an area of the apparatus is formed or molded to receive a ground stake.
- a body or frame;
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6. A transmitter system for providing current to a utility when performing a locate operation, comprising:
- a body or frame;
a transmitter element for generating an output current for provision to the utility so as to generate a corresponding magnetic field for detection by a utility locator;
a tray apparatus, including a ground stake receptacle element, configured to be removably dockable to the body or frame of the transmitter system a GPS antenna and a GPS receiver operatively coupled to the GPS antenna to generate positional information about a position of the transmitter system and store the positional information in a memory of the transmitter and an omnidirectional induction antenna operatively coupled to the transmitter module to generate an three-dimensional magnetic field signal for inducing current into a buried conductive utility wherein the transmitter system includes one or more latch mechanisms to removably couple the tray apparatus to the body or frame of the transmitter system.
- a body or frame;
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7. A transmitter system for providing current to a utility when performing a locate operation, comprising:
- a transmitter element for generating an output current for provision to the utility so as to generate a magnetic field for detection by a utility locator;
a tray apparatus configured to be removably dockable to the transmitter element or a body or frame of the transmitter system;
wherein the transmitter system includes one or more latch mechanisms to removably couple the tray apparatus to a body or frame of the transmitter system; and
wherein the latch mechanisms include a latch element, a spring, and a spring retainer nubbin formed on the body of the tray apparatus.
- a transmitter element for generating an output current for provision to the utility so as to generate a magnetic field for detection by a utility locator;
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11. A transmitter system for providing current to a utility when performing a locate operation, comprising:
- a transmitter element for generating an output current for provision to the utility so as to generate a magnetic field for detection by a utility locator;
a tray apparatus configured to be removably dockable to a body or frame of the transmitter system; and
a direct connection clamp;
wherein the direct connection clamp includes a polarization indicator.
- a transmitter element for generating an output current for provision to the utility so as to generate a magnetic field for detection by a utility locator;
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12. A transmitter system for providing current to a utility when performing a locate operation, comprising:
- a transmitter element for generating an output current for provision to the utility so as to generate a magnetic field for detection by a utility locator;
a tray apparatus configured to be removably dockable to a body or frame of the transmitter system; and
a direct connection clamp;
wherein the direct connection claim includes a utility type selector.
- a transmitter element for generating an output current for provision to the utility so as to generate a magnetic field for detection by a utility locator;
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26. A transmitter system for providing current to a utility when performing a locate operation, comprising:
- a transmitter element for generating an output current for provision to the utility so as to generate a magnetic field for detection by a utility locator;
a tray apparatus configured to be removably dockable to a body or frame of the transmitter system;
an omnidirectional induction antenna operatively coupled to the transmitter element to generate an three-dimensional magnetic field signal for inducing current into a buried conductive utility based on the output current signal; and
an anti-theft module configured to sense a motion of the transmitter system and generate an alarm response. - View Dependent Claims (27)
- a transmitter element for generating an output current for provision to the utility so as to generate a magnetic field for detection by a utility locator;
Specification