Mapping tool for tracking and/or guiding an underground boring tool
US6454023B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 15, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 24, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 15, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01Q21/29
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Systems and associated methods for tracking and/or guiding an underground boring tool use one or more detectors to measure the intensity of an electromagnetic field which is transmitted from an underground boring tool. The measured intensities may then be used to determine the location of the boring tool. In a dead reckoning embodiment of the invention, one detector may be employed while, in a position determination embodiment, two or more detectors may be employed. In any embodiment, physically measurable parameters may be used in addition to measured magnetic intensities. A highly advantageous mapping tool instrument for use in the position determination embodiment and a cubic antenna for use in any magnetic field detector are employed herein. A highly advantageous apparatus and associated method for determining the movement of the boring tool underground by monitoring the motion of a drill string, which is attached to the boring tool and extends to a drill rig, are used to perform measurements relating to movement of the drill string at the drill rig.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.