초록 ▼

A composite tool and instrument is configured as a hammer having a metal striking head electrically coupled to capacitive sensing electronics disposed in a handle of the hammer. The head can thus serve as a sensing plate portion of a capacitive sensor responsive to a change in the effective dielectr

A composite tool and instrument is configured as a hammer having a metal striking head electrically coupled to capacitive sensing electronics disposed in a handle of the hammer. The head can thus serve as a sensing plate portion of a capacitive sensor responsive to a change in the effective dielectric constant of a building surface caused by the proximity of a structural member hidden behind that surface. The head can also serve as a sensing electrode portion of a sensor used to sense the proximity of AC power lines hidden behind the surface. In a preferred composite tool, the hammer has a handle made of an electrically insulating polymeric material and has an electrical conductor axially threaded through the handle so as to electrically couple the striking head to sensing electronics located in a cavity at the end of the handle distal from the head.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [7.] Apparatus comprising, in combination, a hammer and a capacitive measurement circuit adapted to measure a first electrical capacitance between a metallic head of the hammer and an electrical ground and to indicate the proximate presence of an object hidden behind a wall wh

[ What is claimed is:] [7.] Apparatus comprising, in combination, a hammer and a capacitive measurement circuit adapted to measure a first electrical capacitance between a metallic head of the hammer and an electrical ground and to indicate the proximate presence of an object hidden behind a wall when an operator grasps the hammer by a handle thereof and moves the head of the hammer across the wall, the apparatus further comprising:a touch sensing plate disposed on the handle, the capacitive measurement circuit adapted to measure a second electrical capacitance between the touch sensing plate and the ground at each of a plurality of predetermined times and to thereby sense the presence of the operator.