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:
Mar. 21, 2006
Filed:
Aug. 17, 2004
Alan Wilson-langman, Milnerton, ZA;
Michael R. Inggs, Simons Town, ZA;
Leendert Johannes Du Toit, Somerset-West, ZA;
Kirankumar M. Kothari, Hoffman Estates, IL (US);
David R. Hanson, Pella, IA (US);
Alan Wilson-Langman, Milnerton, ZA;
Michael R. Inggs, Simons Town, ZA;
Leendert Johannes du Toit, Somerset-West, ZA;
Kirankumar M. Kothari, Hoffman Estates, IL (US);
David R. Hanson, Pella, IA (US);
Gas Technology Institute, Des Plaines, IL (US);
Abstract
An obstacle avoidance system for obstacle detection in an opaque material. The system includes at least one electromagnetic signal source adapted to produce an electromagnetic source signal suitable for transmission through the opaque material, at least one electromagnetic signal detector adapted to receive reflected electromagnetic energy signals from discontinuities in the opaque material encountered by the electromagnetic source signal, and a reflected electromagnetic energy signal processor suitable for determining a presence of obstructions and/or strata variations within the opaque material. The system is preferably integral with a head element suitable for traversing the opaque material, for example a subterranean drill bit.