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Boring technique using locate point measurements for boring tool depth prediction

  • US 20060158194A1
  • Filed: 03/20/2006
  • Published: 07/20/2006
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/14/1996
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for use in a system including a steerable boring tool which transmits a dipole locating signal and for avoiding an inground obstacle at a known depth, and said boring tool is configured for transmitting a pitch orientation signal, said apparatus comprising:

  • a signal strength detector for measuring a signal strength of said locating signal at a location above the inground obstacle serving as a field defined forward point of the locating signal and with the boring tool located at a first position that is a forward distance from the obstacle such that the signal strength is representative of the depth of the boring tool at said forward distance from the obstacle;

    a pitch sensing arrangement for determining a pitch orientation of the boring tool using the pitch orientation signal; and

    a processor for determining a predicted depth of the boring tool, based on at least generally straight movement of the boring tool by said forward distance toward the inground obstacle, said signal strength and said pitch orientation for use in steering the boring tool in a way that is intended to avoid the obstacle based on the predicted depth of the boring tool and the known depth of the obstacle.

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