Two mode boring tool guiding system and method
US6057687A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 13, 1998 |
| Grant date | May 2, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 13, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01C9/20
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A boring tool contains an arrangement for producing a dipole magnetic field. The boring tool is steered through the ground using a boring machine. The position of the boring tool, during its movement through the ground, is established by an above ground receiver in cooperation with and responsive to the magnetic field. The receiver is configured to operate alternatively in first and second modes. When operating the receiver in the first mode positioned above ground, the receiver includes an arrangement responsive to the magnetic field for determining the location of the boring tool as the boring tool moves along a path from a first point to a second point. When operating the receiver in the second mode positioned at a fixed point, the receiver includes an arrangement responsive to the magnetic field for establishing between the boring tool and the receiver a homing path along which the boring tool is steered toward the fixed point.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.