Importance

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Abstract

The present invention relates to an acoustic prodding implement for the detection of land mines which provides an indication of the material an object buried in the ground. An indication of mineral material such as rock allows the operator to confidently classify the object as safe, without carefully excavating it. This saves significant time in mine clearing. The device includes a piezoelectric crystal as an acoustic transducer acoustically coupled to a transmitting probe. The piezoelectric transducer generates an acoustic wave into the probe which contacts the object and tranmits the reflected wave. A signal processor compares a signal generated by the transducer with characteristic signatures of known materials to determine a match within predetermined limits. The implement includes a shock resistant coupler to maintain acoustic coupling between the transducer and the probe in response to shock or vibration. The implement may farther include a capacitive force sensor for providing an indication of a force at the tip of the probe as it is contacted with an object. The implement may filter include a metal detector removeably supported on the probe.

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First Claim