Patent ID: 9329295
Filing Date: 2016-05-03
CPC Classification: G01V

Claim Text:
1. A device for locating a ferromagnetic object, the device comprising: a non-magnetic housing with a front end, a rear end, and a perimeter wall defining a chamber within the housing; a ferromagnetic member fixedly housed within the housing; a magnet element movably housed within the chamber between the front end and the ferromagnetic member, wherein the magnet element is reversibly movable between a first position in which the magnet element is proximate the ferromagnetic member, and a second position in which the magnet element is proximate the front end; a electrical coil in the chamber and defining a central opening that surrounds at least part of the magnet element and sized for free passage of the magnet element therethrough; and a light source electrically coupled to the electrical coil; wherein the ferromagnetic member provides a magnetic attractive force sufficient by itself to return the magnet element to the first position and maintain the magnet element at the first position in the absence of the ferromagnetic object located proximate the front end; and wherein movement of the magnet element from the first position to the second position induces a current in the electrical coil and illuminates the light source.