A transmitter unit is provided for transmitting a continuous waveform in a magnetic field, the continuous waveform being an unmodulated electromagnetic waveform. The transmitter unit typically comprises a transmitting solenoid for transmitting the continuous waveform, and an oscillator for generating the continuous waveform. A receiver unit is also provided, the receiver unit having receiving circuitry, such as a receiving solenoid, for receiving the continuous waveform. The receiver unit also provides an output for outputting an indication of proximity between the transmitter unit and the receiver unit, where a characteristic of the indication of proximity depends on the strength of the magnetic field generated by the transmitter unit at the location of the receiving solenoid. Also provided is a method for using a system having a transmitter unit and a receiver unit.

Tracked distance measuring device, systems, and methods for determining and mapping point of interest for use in utility locating operations and other mapping applications are disclosed. A tracked distance measuring device embodiment includes simultaneously triggered rangefinder and positioning elements to measure a distance and determine location and pose, optionally in conjunction with a utility locator.

Tracked distance measuring device, systems, and methods for determining and mapping point of interest for use in utility locating operations and other mapping applications are disclosed. A tracked distance measuring device embodiment includes simultaneously triggered rangefinder and positioning elements to measure a distance and determine location and pose, optionally in conjunction with a utility locator.

Provided is a technique for specifying a medium more simply. A medium sensor device includes an antenna, a storage unit that stores a medium identification table in which a medium corresponding to an antenna impedance has been determined beforehand, and a medium specification unit that specifies the impedance of the antenna and specifies a medium in the vicinity of the antenna by referring to the medium identification table.

A locate wire grounding terminal having a body for encapsulating various components of the locate wire grounding terminal, a switch for changing the locate wire grounding terminal between a grounded configuration and an ungrounded configuration, at least one locating terminal in electronic connectivity with the switch and one end of a section of tracer wire and a grounding lug in electronic connectivity with the switch. A locate wire grounding terminal device that includes a printed circuit board that can be incorporated into a locate wire terminal system, a switch attached to the printed circuit board to change the locate wire terminal system between a grounded configuration and an ungrounded configuration, at least one locating terminal attached thereto wherein the at least one locating terminal is in electronic connectivity with the switch and one end of a section of tracer wire. The device further includes a grounding lug attached to the printed circuit board and the at least one grounding lug is in electronic connectivity with the switch. Methods of using the terminal and device to locate tracer wire.

Location systems and methods for locating paint and other markings on a surface are described. More specifically, but not exclusively, the disclosure relates to smart paint stick devices and methods of use in locating and marking buried utility lines or other buried objects. One system for locating a buried object may include a buried object locator and a paint stick. The locator may include a tracking component configured to detect a location of a buried object. The paint stick may be configured to cause a paint container to dispense paint at a first position associated with the location of the buried object. The paint stick may include a position determination component configured to transmit one or more range vector signals that are detected by the tracking component. Sensors may be used to determine when paint is dispensed from a paint container, and to determine a color of the paint or a type of a marking.

Location systems and methods for locating paint and other markings on a surface are described. More specifically, but not exclusively, the disclosure relates to smart paint stick devices and methods of use in locating and marking buried utility lines or other buried objects. One system for locating a buried object may include a buried object locator and a paint stick. The locator may include a tracking component configured to detect a location of a buried object. The paint stick may be configured to cause a paint container to dispense paint at a first position associated with the location of the buried object. The paint stick may include a position determination component configured to transmit one or more range vector signals that are detected by the tracking component. Sensors may be used to determine when paint is dispensed from a paint container, and to determine a color of the paint or a type of a marking.

A body for a handheld metal detector includes a lower end configured to engage with a sensor head; an upper end including an armrest connected to an upper shaft element; and a grip element intermediate to the lower end and the upper end, the grip element including a grip portion configured to allow a user to hold the body, and a first retaining means for slidably retaining the upper shaft element such that the distance between the armrest and the grip element is able to be adjusted.

A body for a handheld metal detector includes a lower end configured to engage with a sensor head; an upper end including an armrest connected to an upper shaft element; and a grip element intermediate to the lower end and the upper end, the grip element including a grip portion configured to allow a user to hold the body, and a first retaining means for slidably retaining the upper shaft element such that the distance between the armrest and the grip element is able to be adjusted.

A separation assembly for use with handheld metal detectors. According to one aspect, the separation assembly is mounted to a handheld metal detector having a blade containing transmission and receiver components of the handheld metal detector. The separation assembly includes at least a first separation member formed of a nonferromagnetic material, and the first separation member is spaced a lateral separation distance from the blade of the handheld metal detector. The separation assembly may be incorporated as a permanent and integrated part of a handheld metal detector, or separately manufactured and installed on a handheld metal detector.