Importance

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Abstract

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.

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First Claim