Abstract: A portable area monitoring system for use with a horizontal directional drilling machine and adapted to produce a composite of the positions of a beacon and a fixed object. In a preferred embodiment the sensor assembly is supported by a hand-held frame and adapted to detect signals emanating from each of a beacon and a fixed object. The sensor assembly transmits the detected signals to a processor which simultaneously processes the signals to produce a composite of relative positions of the beacon and the fixed object to the frame. The composite of the relative positions of the beacon and the fixed object to the frame is communicated to the operator using a portable display.

Abstract: A horizontal directional drilling system is used to drive operation of a guidable reamer assembly connected to a drill string. The guidable reamer assembly preferably has a cutting member with a central longitudinal axis and a support member also having a central longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axes of the cutting member and the support member are collinear when the reamer assembly is in the non-steering position and laterally displaced when in the steering position. The assembly and method of this invention provide for increased control of reaming operations and product pipe placement.

Abstract: A tracking receiver system is used to track the progress of a downhole tool along a subsurface path having a desired grade. The tracking receiver system is adapted to detect a reference line originating from a reference line receiver and to determine the position of the downhole tool along a desired subsurface path relative to the reference line. In an alternative embodiment the tracking receiver system may comprise a global positioning satellite system to provide information used to determine the position of the downhole tool relative to the desired subsurface path.

Abstract: A tracked multifunction work machine and tool carrier having bogie rollers. The machine includes an upper frame supported on an undercarriage. The upper frame includes a tool adapter and an operator station. The tool adapter supports a variety of work tools that can be selected for various operations. The operator station provides platform so the machine can be operated while walking behind or standing on the platform. The undercarriage includes a plurality of tracks for propelling the machine along the ground. Each track is associated with pairs of bogie rollers that engage the tracks as the tracks traverse the ground. The pairs of bogie rollers are pivotally mounted on the undercarriage, providing additional support of the tracks with the ground.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the position and orientation of a downhole tool assembly having multiple beacons. In a preferred embodiment the first and second beacons are supported by the downhole tool assembly. Both beacons are adapted to transmit signals that are indicative of the orientation and position of the downhole tool assembly. A receiving assembly detects the signals transmitted from the first and second beacons. The receiving assembly transmits the detected signals to a processor that processes the signals to produce a composite of the relative positions and orientations of the receiving assembly and the downhole tool assembly. The composite of the relative positions of the receiving assembly and the downhole tool assembly are communicated to the operator using a display. The orientations of the first and second beacons are also communicated to the operator using the display.

Abstract: An electric horizontal directional drilling machine. An electric horizontal directional drilling machine is powered by an electric power assembly. The power assembly is made up of a fuel cell and inverter, or multiple fuel cells with synchronized inverters. , are used to power an electric motor controller and electric motor. The electric motor operates hydraulic pumps used to advance a drill string and downhole tool through the earth and operate various machine functions. Mechanical functions of the drilling machine may also be satisfied through the use of electric rotary actuators (e.g., motors) and linear actuators (e.g., linear motors and solenoids).

Abstract: A system for determining the location of and communicating with a downhole tool assembly. A tracker assembly comprises a vertical transmitting antenna, a plurality of receiving antennas, and a processor. The downhole tool assembly has a beacon assembly comprising a plurality of receiving antennas, a transmitting antenna, an orientation sensor, and a processor. The transmitter in the tracker transmits a substantially vertical dipole field. The beacon assembly detects the vertical field and processes the signals to determine the location of the beacon relative to the tracker. The beacon assembly transmits the beacon location and operational information to the tracker assembly. The tracker assembly displays the beacon location and operational information on a visual display. The tracker assembly may also transmit operational commands or requests for information to the beacon assembly.

Abstract: A receiver and tracking system for identifying a location of a magnetic field source. In a preferred embodiment a plurality of tri-axial antennas are positioned at three distinct points on a receiver frame. Each antenna detects a magnetic field from a source and a processor is used to determine a location of the source relative to the frame using the antenna signals. Each tri-axial antenna comprises three windings in each of three channels defined by a support structure. The windings each define an aperture area. The windings have substantially identical aperture areas and have a common center point. The receiver may to display to the operator the relative location of the field source or may direct the operator to a spot directly above the field source.

Abstract: A system and method use magnetic field sensing to detect underground objects for strike avoidance. The system detects magnetic field components for both passive distortions in the magnetic field indicative of a ferromagnetic object and active magnetic fields that are impressed on an object by a signal generator. A detection module has a magnetic sensor assembly that detects the magnetic field components. The magnetic field component data is transferred through a multiplexer to an analog/digital converter to a processor. Pitch angle data from a pitch sensor and roll angle data from a roll sensor also may be transferred to the processor. The data is processed by the processor to determine the orientation of the detection module with respect to the object. The detection module may be installed in an underground boring tool or a trenching assembly.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the position and orientation of a downhole tool assembly having multiple beacons. In a preferred embodiment the first and second beacons are supported by the downhole tool assembly. Both beacons are adapted to transmit signals that are indicative of the orientation and position of the downhole tool assembly. A receiving assembly detects the signals transmitted from the first and second beacons. The receiving assembly transmits the detected signals to a processor that processes the signals to produce a composite of the relative positions and orientations of the receiving assembly and the downhole tool assembly. The composite of the relative positions of the receiving assembly and the downhole tool assembly are communicated to the operator using a display. The orientations of the first and second beacons are also communicated to the operator using the display.

Abstract: A system and method use magnetic field sensing to detect underground objects for strike avoidance. The system detects magnetic field components for both passive distortions in the magnetic field indicative of a ferromagnetic object and active magnetic fields that are impressed on an object by a signal generator. A detection module has a magnetic sensor assembly that detects the magnetic field components. The magnetic field component data is transferred through a multiplexer to an analog/digital converter to a processor. Pitch angle data from a pitch sensor and roll angle data from a roll sensor also may be transferred to the processor. The data is processed by the processor to determine the orientation of the detection module with respect to the object. The detection module may be installed in an underground boring tool or a trenching assembly.

Abstract: A rotating inner member is used to drive a downhole tool housed within the hollow outer member of a dual-member drill string. The downhole tool preferably will be adapted to receive rotational energy from the inner member. In a preferred embodiment, the downhole tool is an electric generator connected to a downhole electric device. In another preferred embodiment the downhole tool is a mechanical transmission that uses the rotational energy from the inner member to drive a non-electric tool, such as a downhole hammer. This invention will increase the consistency and efficiency of downhole energy production.

Abstract: A pipe handling device with an auxiliary pipe loading device for use with a horizontal boring machine is disclosed. The auxiliary pipe loading device includes an auxiliary pipe receiving member that is connected to a pipe handling assembly at a location remote from the boring machine. The pipe receiving member is adapted to receive and support a pipe section when the pipe handling assembly is retracted such that the auxiliary pipe receiving member is positioned beyond the magazine of the pipe handling device. The auxiliary pipe receiving member is pivotally connected to a lockout assembly that is operable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the lockout assembly prevents a pipe section from entering the auxiliary pipe receiving member. Whereas in the open position, the lockout assembly permits a pipe section to be manually placed in the auxiliary pipe receiving member.

Abstract: A portable area monitoring system for use with a horizontal directional drilling machine and adapted to produce a composite of the positions of a beacon and a fixed object. In a preferred embodiment the sensor assembly is supported by a hand-held frame and adapted to detect signals emanating from each of a beacon and a fixed object. The sensor assembly transmits the detected signals to a processor which simultaneously processes the signals to produce a composite of relative positions of the beacon and the fixed object to the frame. The composite of the relative positions of the beacon and the fixed object to the frame is communicated to the operator using a portable display.

Abstract: An automatic pipe handling system for automatically transporting pipe sections to and from a horizontal boring machine. The system comprises a pipe handling assembly, a pipe lubrication assembly, a makeup/breakout assembly, and an automatic control system. The pipe handling assembly stores pipe sections and transports the pipe sections to and from the drill string of a boring machine. As the pipe handling assembly transports a pipe section, the pipe lubrication assembly lubricates the appropriate pipe joints. The makeup/breakout assembly secures the drill string and pipe joints so that pipe sections can be added to or removed from the drill string. A programmed controller automatically operates the pipe handling system and its components by synchronizing the operations of the pipe handling system. The controller sequences and times the operation of each aspect of the pipe handling system during both the boring operation and the backreaming operation.

Abstract: A method for generating a new or corrected horizontal underground bore path from a point below ground for use with a horizontal boring machine. In the preferred embodiment, orientation and depth measurements for a boring tool located below ground are recorded. The current position of the boring tool is determined using a previously determined position, measured orientation of the boring tool, and calculating for pipe bend characteristics. Previous measurements and determined positions are recorded to provide a map of the bore. A new path is calculated using the current position as a starting point and through predetermined critical points for the bore. Instructions for drilling the next segment of the bore are made available to an operator or to a control system for a boring machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for bursting pipe is preferably adapted to receive rotational energy from the inner member of a dual-member drill string. In a preferred embodiment, an oscillating pipe-bursting member, driven by the interconnected inner members, cuts or bursts a subterranean pipe. In another preferred embodiment, a screw drive moves a pipe-bursting member between an expanded position and a retracted position. In another preferred embodiment, the pipe-bursting member is an arm moveable in response to operation of a screw drive. In yet another preferred embodiment, the pipe-bursting member is hydraulically actuated. This invention increases the efficiency of pipe-bursting operations by utilizing rotation energy generated by a horizontal directional boring system.