The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 28, 1998
Filed:
Oct. 18, 1995
James R Booker, Baltimore, OH (US);
Other;
Abstract
A method and apparatus for detecting a loss in cross-sectional area of metallic reinforcing members having magnetic properties of a conductor indicating corrosion effects on the conductor. The method and apparatus comprises a tug component to provide the motive force to move a data collection component and a detector component along a length of conductor. The tug component further includes a rechargeable battery, a motor energizable by the rechargeable battery, a guide wheel and tensioner assembly. Linked to the tug is a data collection component. In turn, a detector is linked to the data collection unit. The tug, data collection unit and detector all ride along the same conductor by a series of guide wheels and tensioners. The detector further includes a magnetic source spaced apart from an electronic coil winding. In use, a conductor is interpositioned between the magnetic source and electronic coil winding. The magnetic source is preferably energized to produce an alternating (e.g., oscillating or rotating) magnetic field which is directed at the conductor. The amount of magnetic field passing through the conductor corresponds to the cross-sectional area of the steel reinforcing strands of a conductor. The magnetic field recognized by the coil induces a varying voltage depending upon the cross-sectional area of the steel strands of the conductor through which the rotating magnetic field passes. The electronic coil may also be linked to a recording system such that the change in magnetic field induces a change in voltage in the coil which can be recorded on a strip chart, graph, CPU or other suitable data collection unit. The data collection component therefore may also include a relay system comprising a transmitter and receiver sufficient to send data streams and information to a ground surface when the unit is used above ground to analyze and test overhead conductors. An optional amplifier, band pass filter, and maximum and minimum type voltage meter may also be included.