Abstract: The present method and apparatus are directed to river crossings and the like. A horizontal drilling rig is set up and drills under a body of water or the like. Angular measurement sensors carried at the drill bit provide data periodically which is transmitted from a transmitter at the end of the drill string. Two antennas are deployed, the two being parallel strips spaced equally on the left and right of the right of way. They connect with two receivers. The transmitted angular data is used to determine the location of the drill bit. Progressive determinations of the transmitter enable determination of the trajectory during drilling. The two antennas are used to provide redundant reception of the transmitted signal. In addition to that, a quick reading of lateral drift is obtained by measuring the ratio of the received signals. The two antennas have the form of flat strips which can be deployed across the terrain, over a river, and the like.

Abstract: A method for positioning an added length of wire in a drill string is set forth, and it is especially intended for use in drilling a slant hole, as typically occurs to drill under a river, or under other surface obstacles. A cartridge is disclosed; it has an upper flange at one end, a hook or eyelet across the flange to engage a hook and line for pulling the cartridge along the drill string, and further includes latching means for latching the cartridge at a specified location in a drill string. It further includes a spool for storage of wire, and the wire extends from an annular space for storage and the annular space is defined by a pair on concentric cylindrical sleeves. A method of use is also set forth wherein the cartridge is moved from drill pipe joint to joint and supports an elongate wire which is spooled therearound and which is pulled from the spool position. The wire, on emerging, encounters frictional drag to assure that only the wire length necessary is spooled out of the device.