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Remote lock-out system and method for a horizontal directional drilling machine

  • US 6,766,869 B2
  • Filed: 06/25/2002
  • Issued: 07/27/2004
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/17/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A system for remotely altering operation of a horizontal directional drilling machine, the drilling machine comprising a control system, a driving apparatus coupled to a drill string, a cutting head or reamer coupled to the drill string, the system comprising:

  • a remote lock-out override controller capable of interrupting a drilling operation of the drilling machine, the remote lock-out override controller comprising a transmitter and a receiver; and

    a remote lock-out controller capable of issuing a lock-out signal and a run signal, the lock-out signal, when received by the horizontal directional drilling machine, initiating suspension of the horizontal directional drilling machine drilling operation, and the run signal initiating enablement of the horizontal directional drilling machine drilling operation, the remote lock-out controller comprising a transmitter and a receiver;

    wherein the signal transmitted by the remote lock-out override controller is utilized as a handshake signal by the remote lock-out controller.

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