Patent ID: 9732883
Date: 2017-08-15
CPC Classifications: F16L,F42B

Claim:
1. A self-contained excavation-sensing module capable of being emplaced in the soil near an existing buried structure with said module comprising: an elongated, tubular housing with opposing first and second ends, a smoke generator comprising a body having first and second ends emplaced within said elongated tubular housing with a pull-type igniter extending from said first end of said smoke generator body, said smoke generator body being loosely emplaced near said first end of said elongated, tubular housing, said pull-type igniter being affixed to said first end of said elongated, tubular housing by a spring, an actuator which will cause said smoke generator to release smoke when said module is disturbed by an external force, said actuator comprising a wire with one end of said wire affixed to said second end of said smoke generator body and having the other end of said wire affixed to said second end of said elongated, tubular housing; and, said elongated, tubular housing being provided with at least one weakened area such that said elongated, tubular housing is strong enough to maintain its structural integrity during manufacture, routine handling and implantation of said excavation-sensing module in the soil, but with said elongated, tubular housing being weak enough such that said elongated, tubular housing will break upon application of predetermined external shear, tensile and torsional forces of the type imparted by excavation equipment striking said elongated, tubular housing.