Patent ID: 6600320
Filing Date: 2003-07-29
Classification: G01V

Abstract:
An apparatus for locating a buried, metallic object comprising:a transmitter coil located in the vicinity of the object for inducing an electromotive force in the object thereby causing eddy currents to flow in the object; a plurality of receiver coils located over the area above the object for measuring a decaying secondary magnetic field generated by the eddy currents; means for moving the receiver coils over the area above the object, the moving means comprising: means for supporting the receiver coils in an array, and allowing vertical and horizontal movement of the array; and means for positioning the array over the area above the object, the positioning means comprising: a claw for engaging a first peg on the receiver coil array supporting means; and a piston for pulling the claw when engaging the first peg to move the supporting means and for pushing the claw to disengage the claw from the first peg and move the claw to a second peg; and computer means for acquiring and processing data received from the receiver coils to determine the location of the object.