Controlling an underground object
First Claim
1. A method of operating an underground or inaccessible object, said object including a sonde arranged to emit signals having a plurality of non-orientation-dependent characteristics, said method comprising the steps of;
- applying a predetermined rotation sequence involving at least one rotation step to said object;
detecting said rotation sequence;
wherein said detection of said rotation sequence causes said sonde to change from the emission of a first signal having a first non-orientation-dependent characteristic to the emission of a second signal having a second non-orientation-dependent characteristic.
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Accused Products
Abstract
In order to control the sonde of an underground object, such as an underground boring tool, a predetermined sequence of rotation steps is applied to the object and that sequence is detected. The detection of the appropriate sequence causes the sonde to change its function, for example by changing the carrier frequency of the signal transmitted by the sonde on to change the data output sequence or transfer rate, or to change output power. While it is possible to use a single rotation step, the use of more than one step, with each step to be carried out within a predetermined time, reduces the risk of error.
21 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A method of operating an underground or inaccessible object, said object including a sonde arranged to emit signals having a plurality of non-orientation-dependent characteristics, said method comprising the steps of;
- applying a predetermined rotation sequence involving at least one rotation step to said object;
detecting said rotation sequence;
wherein said detection of said rotation sequence causes said sonde to change from the emission of a first signal having a first non-orientation-dependent characteristic to the emission of a second signal having a second non-orientation-dependent characteristic. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
- applying a predetermined rotation sequence involving at least one rotation step to said object;
- 6. (canceled)
- 8. (canceled)
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9. Apparatus for operating an underground or inaccessible object, said apparatus including;
- a sonde for emitting a plurality of signals having predetermined non-orientation-dependent characteristics;
rotation means for applying a predetermined rotation sequence involving at least one rotation step to said object;
detection means for detecting said predetermined rotation sequence; and
response means activated by said detection of said predetermined rotation sequence for causing said sonde to change from the emission of a first signal having a first non-orientation-dependent characteristic to the emission of a second signal being a second non-orientation-dependent characteristic.
- a sonde for emitting a plurality of signals having predetermined non-orientation-dependent characteristics;
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11. A method of operating an underground or inaccessible object including a sonde, said object being connected to an operator triggered drive means said method comprising the steps of;
- signaling from said drive means to said sonde, said signaling including the operator triggering said operator triggered drive means to apply a predetermined rotation sequence involving at least one rotation step to said object;
detecting said rotation sequence;
wherein said detection of said rotation sequence causes said sonde to change from a first operation function to a second operation function. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13)
- signaling from said drive means to said sonde, said signaling including the operator triggering said operator triggered drive means to apply a predetermined rotation sequence involving at least one rotation step to said object;
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14. (canceled)
Specification