Mohammad X Arshad

US Patent:

60913371, Jul 18, 2000

Filed:

Mar 15, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/268222

Inventors:

Mohammad Javaid Arshad - Downers Grove IL
Alan D. Berger - Winfield IL

Assignee:

Case Corporation - Racine WI

International Classification:

G08B 2100

US Classification:

340662

Abstract:

A sensor system for use on drilling equipment to detect the presence of high voltages during horizontal or vertical drilling and providing an alarm signal corresponding to one of three possibilities: (1) the drilling tool hitting a high voltage line; (2) the drilling tool remaining in contact after hitting the high voltage line; and (3) an exposed or damaged high voltage line in close proximity to the drilling implement. The sensor system detects alternating current, converts the alternating current signal to a pseudo square waveform signal, compares the magnitude of the square waveform signal with a reference voltage, and sounds an alarm if the magnitude of the square waveform signal exceeds the reference voltage. The sensor system also incorporates a self-test circuit which allows an operator to check its functionality before use. The operator can also check the sensor at any time during drilling process.