The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 24, 2002
Filed:
Jun. 15, 2000
John E. Mercer, Kent, WA (US);
Peter H. Hambling, Bellevue, WA (US);
Rudolf Zeller, Seattle, WA (US);
Shiu S. Ng, Kirkland, WA (US);
Guenter W. Brune, Bellevue, WA (US);
Lloyd A. Moore, Renton, WA (US);
Digital Control Incorporated, Renton, WA (US);
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.