Horizontal directional drilling system including sonde position detection using global positioning systems

Abstract

A locator device and methods of use are disclosed. The locator device includes a first locating system configured to generate to sense an electromagnetic field emanating from a sonde associated with a drill head, and a second locating system including a global positioning system. The locator device includes a display on the locating system configured to display a map of the area in which the locator device resides based on a location detected by the global positioning system. The locator device also includes control electronics configured to, upon receipt of an input from a user, record location data in a memory associated with the locator device for use by a horizontal directional drilling control system.

Description

[0001] This application was filed on June 21, 2012 as a PCT International Patent Application, designating the domestic company Vermeer Manufacturing Company as applicant in all countries except the United States, and Scott Rempe, a US citizen, as applicant in the United States only. [0002] Cross References to Related Applications [0003] This application claims U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 499,581 filed June 21, 2011, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 530,155 filed September 1, 2011, and April 17, 2012 Priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 625,190, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. technical field [0004] The present disclosure generally relates to detection of subterranean objects, such as sondes. In particular, the present disclosure relates to systems and techniques for detecting the location of a probe using a global positioning system. Background technique [0005] Utility wiring fo...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Furthermore, even once such measurements are taken, the position of the detector and associated drill must be inferred relative to known points and mapped relative to those points, which adds computational complexity

Furthermore, even once these locations are actually determined, it is difficult for managers, such as construction companies, utility units, or other entities performing or requesting drilling operations to access them on the rig and remotely.

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