Vermeer Manufacturing Company, Inc.

Underground Imaging Technologies, Inc.

Vermeer Corporation

Kevin L Alft

Gary Neal Young

Hans Kelpe

Gregory W Draper

Fred G Delonti

Christopher Dean Rettig

Paul A Cartwright

Gregg Alan Austin

Brian John Bischel

Dennis J Johnson

Eugene Bogatyrev

A system and method of mapping underground utilities and other subsurface objects involves one or more of acquiring utility location data using a number of different detectors and sensors, processing the multiple detector/sensor output data to produce mapping data, storing the mapping data in a database, and providing access to and use of the stored mapping data by subscribing users on a usage fee basis.

Utility mapping and data distribution system and method

An earth penetrating apparatus includes a cutting tool and a sensor housing. A radar unit, rate sensor unit, processor, and transmitter are provided in the sensor housing. An antenna arrangement is coupled to the radar unit and configured for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals in a relatively forward and/or lateral looking direction relative to a distal end of the cutting tool. The rate sensor unit may include one or both of a gyroscope and an accelerometer. The processor receives radar data from the radar unit indicative of subsurface strata and obstacles respectively located generally forward and/or lateral of the cutting tool, and receives displacement data from the rate sensor unit indicative of one or both of longitudinal and rotational displacement of the cutting tool. The transmitter is configured for transmitting one or both of the radar data and the displacement data to an aboveground location.

Earth penetrating apparatus and method employing radar imaging and rate sensing

Systems and methods provide for detection of one or more underground utilities. Radar waves and seismic waves of about the same wavelength are generated and communicated into a subsurface. Radar and seismic response signals resulting from communication of the radar and seismic waves into the subsurface are concurrently received. Data associated with the received radar and seismic response signals are stored. One or more underground utilities within the subsurface is/are detected using the stored data. The underground utilities may include metallic and non-metallic utilities.

Underground utility detection system and method

Systems provide for electronic development of a bore plan for use in connection with an underground boring machine. Electronically developing a bore plan involves providing topographical information representative of topography of the bore site and providing bore path information representative of an intended bore path for the bore site. The bore path information includes at least two target points through which the intended bore path is to pass. The intended bore path can define a pilot bore path or a backream path. The target points comprise an entry point and an exit point, and each of the target points is defined by at least a distance value, lateral value, and a depth value.

Automated bore planning system for horizontal directional drilling

An apparatus and method are employed to detect underground objects for use with a horizontal directional drilling (HDD) machine. A drill pipe is configured to cooperate with the HDD machine to produce a horizontal bore. A transmit apparatus is provided with the drill pipe and transmits electromagnetic probe signals ahead and/or to the side of the drill pipe. A receive apparatus is provided with the drill pipe and receives electromagnetic return signals resulting from the probe signals. A processor, coupled to the transmit and receive apparatuses, compares at least some of the return signals, and generates an alert signal indicative of a detected object in proximity with the drill pipe. HDD machine activity is modified, such as by reducing or halting drill pipe advancement, in response to the alert signal.

Underground utility detection system and method employing ground penetrating radar

Systems and methods for sensing at an underground drilling device in communication with an above-ground locator involve transmitting a radar probe signal from the underground drilling device. A radar return signal is received at the underground drilling device. The radar return signal is processed at the underground drilling device to produce sensor data. The sensor data is transmitted in a form suitable for reception by the above-ground locator.

Underground drilling device and method employing down-hole radar

A system and method provide for electronic development of a bore plan for use in connection with an underground boring machine. Electronically developing a bore plan involves providing topographical information representative of topography of the bore site and providing bore path information representative of an intended bore path for the bore site. The bore path information includes at least two target points through which the intended bore path is to pass. The intended bore path can define a pilot bore path or a backream path. The target points comprise an entry point and an exit point, and each of the target points is defined by at least a distance value, lateral value, and a depth value.

Automated bore planning method and apparatus for horizontal directional drilling

An excavation system includes a cutting tool coupled to a drill pipe, an adjustable steering mechanism provided on or in the cutting tool, and a driving apparatus coupled to the drill pipe for moving the cutting tool along an underground path. The system further includes a navigation sensor system and a controller. The controller produces a control signal to adjust one or both of the steering mechanism and the driving apparatus for directing the cutting tool along the underground path in accordance with one or both of position information and orientation information produced by the navigation sensor system.

Underground boring machine employing navigation sensor and adjustable steering

A system and method provide for electronic development of a bore plan for use in connection with an underground boring machine. Electronically developing a bore plan involves receiving bore path plan information representative of an intended bore path at the bore site, which may include topographical and utility related information. A pre-established bore plan is generated using the received bore path plan information. Actual bore path information is acquired indicative of an actual bore path produced by the boring machine. A modified bore plan is generated using the actual bore path information and at least some of the bore path plan information. The modified bore plan comprises data representative of a modified bore path that minimizes a deviation in alignment between the actual bore path and the intended bore path. Selected bore plan data can be displayed in both textual and graphical forms.

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Pella, IA, United States of America

Kevin L Alft