Multi-frequency boring tool locating system and method
First Claim
1. In a boring tool for use in a system in which the boring tool is moved underground in a region during selective rotation of the boring tool, an assembly comprising:
- a first arrangement for transmitting a locating signal from the boring tool for use in tracking an underground position of the boring tool in said region; and
a second arrangement for controlling at least one function in the boring tool responsive to subjecting the boring tool to a predetermined roll sequence during underground operation.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Arrangements, apparatus and associated methods are described for use in a multi-frequency boring tool locating system. The boring tool includes a transmitter for transmitting a locating signal at two or more selectable frequencies. One set of above ground procedures may be applied to the transmitter in order to change the frequency of the boring tool transmitter. Another set of procedures is applicable for changing the frequency during below ground drilling operations, for example, by subjecting the boring tool to a predetermined roll orientation sequence. An enhanced portable locator operates in a manual or automatic mode to receive locating frequency information transmitted from the boring tool transmitter including frequency updates. Boring tool transmitter, as well as above ground locator shutdown/restart procedures are described relating to multi-frequency operation. A tone detector is described which implements one or more digital match filters.
27 Citations
20 Claims
-
1. In a boring tool for use in a system in which the boring tool is moved underground in a region during selective rotation of the boring tool, an assembly comprising:
-
a first arrangement for transmitting a locating signal from the boring tool for use in tracking an underground position of the boring tool in said region; and a second arrangement for controlling at least one function in the boring tool responsive to subjecting the boring tool to a predetermined roll sequence during underground operation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
-
-
12. In a system in which a boring tool is moved underground in a region during selective movement of the boring tool by a drill string, said boring tool transmitting a locating signal at least for tracking the underground position of the boring tool using a locator, an assembly comprising:
-
a first arrangement for transmitting a control signal from the surface of the ground to the boring tool using the drill string; a second arrangement, forming part of the boring tool, which is configured for controlling at least one function in the boring tool responsive to said control signal and, thereafter, for encoding data related to the function for transmission to the locator. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
-
-
16. In a system in which a boring tool is moved underground in a region during selective rotation of the boring tool, a method comprising:
configuring the boring tool for transmitting a locating signal for use in tracking an underground position of the boring tool in said region and for control of at least one function in the boring tool responsive to subjecting the boring tool to a predetermined roll sequence during underground operation. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
Specification