Communications: directive radio wave systems and devices (e.g. – Transmission through media other than air or free space
Reexamination Certificate
2006-09-26
2006-09-26
Lobo, Ian J. (Department: 3662)
Communications: directive radio wave systems and devices (e.g.,
Transmission through media other than air or free space
C324S326000, C324S329000
Reexamination Certificate
active
07113124
ABSTRACT:
A locator capable of tracking buried, non-metallic utility lines (fiber optic, gas, water, waste, conduits) using ground penetrating radar (GPR) and an inertial position sensor is described. In some embodiments, a tracking filter is applied to a hyperbolic trajectory model based on the radar range data to determine a predicted track of the target utility line. After comparison of the predicted track to the measured inertial position, the centerline variance of the tracked line can be deduced. In some embodiments, an electromagnetic pipe and cable locator may also be included. Some embodiments of the invention can include accurate depth calibration and line depth tracking. Further, a display may provide results to a user in a simplified fashion.
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Finnegan Henderson Farabow Garrett & Dunner L.L.P.
Lobo Ian J.
Metrotech Corporation, Inc.
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