System and method for tracking and communicating with a boring tool
US7150331B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 16, 2004 |
| Grant date | Dec 19, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 11, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B47/0232
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A system for determining the location of and communicating with a downhole tool assembly. A tracker assembly comprises a vertical transmitting antenna, a plurality of receiving antennas, and a processor. The downhole tool assembly has a beacon assembly comprising a plurality of receiving antennas, a transmitting antenna, an orientation sensor, and a processor. The transmitter in the tracker transmits a substantially vertical dipole field. The beacon assembly detects the vertical field and processes the signals to determine the location of the beacon relative to the tracker. The beacon assembly transmits the beacon location and operational information to the tracker assembly. The tracker assembly displays the beacon location and operational information on a visual display. The tracker assembly may also transmit operational commands or requests for information to the beacon assembly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.