Patent ID: 7498796
Filing Date: 2009-03-03
Classification: B23B,G01D,G01V

Abstract:
1. A system for determining a location of a device that produces a magnetic field having a magnetic axis and varying strengths depending upon a lateral distance from the device, the system comprising: a probe adapted to be affected by and produce a signal based upon the strength of a field strength produced by the device to assist in locating the device; a processor to receive said signal to determine the field strength affecting said probe; a confirmation system to provide a physical confirmation that said processor has determined the location of the magnetic axis with said probe; a permanent magnet having a field defining an axis positioned in a substantially enclosed area such that said probe is operable to be affected by said permanent magnet; a robot; and a control system for controlling said robot, said probe being movable by said robot, and said control system being responsive to said processor to control said robot to move said probe until said processor has determined the location of the device.