Abstract: Systems and associated methods for tracking and/or guiding an underground boring tool are disclosed. Each system or arrangement uses one or more detectors to measure the intensity of an electromagnetic field which is transmitted from an underground boring tool. The measured intensities may then be used to determine the location of the boring tool. In a dead reckoning embodiment of the invention, one detector may be employed while, in a position determination embodiment, two or more detectors may be employed. In any embodiment, physically measurable parameters may be used in addition to measured magnetic intensities. A highly advantageous mapping tool instrument and a cubic antenna are disclosed. The former for use in the position determination embodiment and the latter for use in any magnetic field detector employed herein.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods for tracking and/or guiding an underground boring tool are disclosed. Each system or arrangement uses one or more detectors to measure the intensity of an electromagnetic field which is transmitted from an underground boring tool. The measured intensities may then be used to determine the location of the boring tool. In a dead reckoning embodiment of the invention, one detector may be employed while, in a position determination embodiment, two or more detectors may be employed. In any embodiment, physically measurable parameters may be used in addition to measured magnetic intensities. A highly advantageous mapping tool instrument and a cubic antenna are disclosed. The former for use in the position determination embodiment and the latter for use in any magnetic field detector employed herein.

Abstract: A method is disclosed as part of an overall process in which a boring tool is moved through the ground within a given region along a particular path in an orientation which includes pitch. A locating signal is transmitted from the boring tool which signal exhibits a field defined forward point within a reference surface which field defined forward point is vertically above an inground forward point on the particular path through which the boring tool is likely to pass. The method establishes a predicted depth of the boring tool at the inground forward point by first identifying the field defined forward point. The signal strength of the locating signal is then measured at the field defined forward point as being representative of the depth of the boring tool at an inground upstream point which is the current location of the boring tool. With the boring tool at the upstream inground point, the pitch of the boring tool is determined.

Abstract: An antenna member, associated orthogonal antenna arrangement and method are disclosed. The antenna member is configured such that an orthogonal antenna arrangement may utilize two or three identical ones of the disclosed antenna member. Accordingly, the antenna member includes a support member defining a through hole which includes a predetermined configuration. Furthermore, an arrangement of conductive members is supported by the support member and surrounds the through hole such that an antenna pattern is defined along an axis which extends through the through hole. The predetermined configuration of the through hole is such that a two orthogonal axis antenna subassembly may be formed by receiving a first one of the antenna members in the predetermined configuration of the through hole of a second one of the antenna members in a way which arranges the axes of the first and second antenna members orthogonally with respect to one another.

Abstract: The present invention provides a locator/monitor capable of locating a boring tool and monitoring the progress of the tool for control purposes. The locator/monitor may be used in expedited locating methodology and straightforward calibration techniques of the present invention. A durable and cost effective pitch sensor is also provided by the present invention. In addition, the present invention provides a slotted transmitter housing formed of an electrically conductive material, where the magnetic field generated by the transmitter is capable of penetrating to the surface.

Abstract: An arrangement and associated method for thermally protecting an electronic component assembly from heat at least to a limited extent is disclosed herein. The electronic component assembly includes a plurality of thermally sensitive electronic devices, each of which is constructed such that when the device is in a powered state there is a maximum operating temperature to which it may be subjected without causing thermal damage and such that when the device is in a non-powered state there is a higher maximum non-operating temperature to which the device may be subjected without causing thermal damage. During powered operation of the assembly, the temperature is sensed at a predetermined position in close proximity to the devices.

Abstract: An overall process in which a boring tool is moved through the ground within a given region along a particular path from a specific starting point is disclosed herein. A method of establishing and graphically recording the location of at least a portion of the particular path taken by the boring tool within the given region is also disclosed herein along with and with respect to a reference path which may change with time and vertical survey reference path which will remain unchanged with time.

Abstract: A method of establishing the location of at least a portion of a particular path taken by a boring tool within a given region is presented. The method includes the steps of establishing a reference path within the region and providing a portable locator and means located partially at and forming part of the boring tool and partially at and forming part of the locator for generating certain information about the position of the boring tool relative to the position of the locator. When the boring tool reaches various spaced apart measuring locations as it moves along the particular path, at each such measuring location, the locator is positioned on the reference path at an associated reference point which is specifically determined by the position of the boring tool at the associated location on the particular path.

Abstract: The present invention provides a locator/monitor capable of locating a boring tool and monitoring the progress of the tool for control purposes. The locator/monitor may be used in expedited locating methodology and straightforward calibration techniques of the present invention. A durable and cost effective pitch sensor is also provided by the present invention. In addition, the present invention provides a slotted transmitter housing formed of an electrically conductive material, where the magnetic field generated by the transmitter is capable of penetrating to the surface.