Dipole Locator Using Multiple Measurement Points

Abstract

A receiver and tracking system for identifying a location of a magnetic field source. In a preferred embodiment a plurality of tri-axial antennas are positioned at three distinct points on a receiver frame. Each antenna detects a magnetic field from a source and a processor is used to determine a location of the source relative to the frame using the antenna signals. Each tri-axial antenna comprises three windings in each of three channels defined by a support structure. The windings each define an aperture area. The windings have substantially identical aperture areas and have a common center point. The receiver may to display to the operator the relative location of the field source or may direct the operator to a spot directly above the field source.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An antenna assembly comprising:
 a first aperture area;   a second aperture area that circumvents the first aperture area;   a third aperture area that circumvents the second aperture area;   wherein the first aperture area, the second aperture area, and the third aperture area have a common center point;   wherein each of the aperture areas are defined by two channels each comprising a winding; and   wherein half of the windings contained in the antenna assembly are wound in an opposite direction from the other half of the windings.   
     
     
         2 . The antenna assembly of  claim 1  wherein the first aperture area, the second aperture area, and the third aperture area are the same.