Path mapping in underground boring tool applications
US6668944B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 28, 2003 |
| Grant date | Dec 30, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 28, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01V3/165
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Specific methods are described for use in tracking and/or guiding the movement of an underground boring tool. In one aspect, an improvement is provided forming part of an arrangement for tracking the position and/or guiding the boring tool using an electromagnetic locating signal which is transmitted from the boring tool as the boring tool moves through the ground. At least two detectors are located at fixed positions within the region, each being operable in a transmit mode and in a receive mode such that each one of the detectors in the transmit mode is able to transmit a relative locating signal to the other detector for use in determining the relative position of one detector in relation to the other and such that both detectors receive the electromagnetic locating signal in the receive mode for use in determining the position of the boring tool within the region. Electromagnetic data is generated by the detectors with the boring tool at multiple positions to generate electromagnetic data which is used to identify the positions of the detectors.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.