Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a monitoring cable or other utility near an existing pipeline. An electromagnetic signal may be induced on the pipeline, either directly, or by transmitting a signal from a vehicle carrying a sensor array. The sensors disposed on the vehicle communicate with a processor to determine a distance and orientation of the vehicle relative to the pipeline. The signal may be electromagnetic, acoustic, capacitive, or the like. A plow or other digging tool may be on the vehicle or a secondary vehicle. Such a digging tool opens a trench and installs the cable along a path disposed next to the pipeline within an acceptable distance range from the pipeline. The vehicle may be remotely or automatically operated.

Abstract: A crossbore detection system. The system is located in a downhole tool proximate a drill bit. The system comprises circuitry sensitive to a subsurface environment and a sensor that detects changes in the circuitry. The sensor detects changes in the circuitry that indicates that the drill bit has struck an underground pipe. The sensor may detect a series of electromagnetic signals indicative of the strike or may detect changes to an impedance bridge at a capacitive sensor.

Abstract: A detection system used to alert an operator of a work machine of humans or objects dangerously close to the machine or a work tool attached to the machine. The detection system uses one or more cameras to capture images of an area surrounding the machine. The captured images are displayed on an interface electronically connected to a processor. Prior to operation, one or more zones surrounding the work tool or work machine are defined and projected on the images displayed on the interface. The processor analyzes the images captured by the cameras and determines if a characteristic of a predetermined object is within one or more of the identified zones. If the processor determines the characteristic of the predetermined object is within one of the zones, the processor will identify the object on the display and trigger a warning system to alert to the operator to take necessary precautions.

Abstract: A detection system used to alert an operator of a work machine of humans or objects dangerously close to the machine or a work tool attached to the machine. The detection system uses one or more cameras to capture images of an area surrounding the machine. The captured images are displayed on an interface electronically connected to a processor. Prior to operation, one or more zones surrounding the work tool or work machine are defined and projected on the images displayed on the interface. The processor analyzes the images captured by the cameras and determines if a characteristic of a predetermined object is within one or more of the identified zones. If the processor determines the characteristic of the predetermined object is within one of the zones, the processor will identify the object on the display and trigger a warning system to alert to the operator to take necessary precautions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a monitoring cable or other utility near an existing pipeline. An electromagnetic signal may be induced on the pipeline, either directly, or by transmitting a signal from a vehicle carrying a sensor array. The sensors disposed on the vehicle communicate with a processor to determine a distance and orientation of the vehicle relative to the pipeline. The signal may be electromagnetic, acoustic, capacitive, or the like. A plow or other digging tool may be on the vehicle or a secondary vehicle. Such a digging tool opens a trench and installs the cable along a path disposed next to the pipeline within an acceptable distance range from the pipeline. The vehicle may be remotely or automatically operated.

Abstract: A beacon assembly located at a downhole end of a drill string proximate a boring tool. The beacon assembly transmits data to an above-ground receiver. The beacon has a housing with a housing wall located between its sensors, such as gradiometers, accelerometers, and other orientation sensors, and an antenna assembly. The antenna assembly has a protective covering made of electromagnetically transparent material.

Abstract: A detection system used to alert an operator of a work machine of humans or objects dangerously close to the machine or a work tool attached to the machine. The detection system uses one or more cameras to capture images of an area surrounding the machine. The captured images are displayed on an interface electronically connected to a processor. Prior to operation, one or more zones surrounding the work tool or work machine are defined and projected on the images displayed on the interface. The processor analyzes the images captured by the cameras and determines if a characteristic of a predetermined object is within one or more of the identified zones. If the processor determines the characteristic of the predetermined object is within one of the zones, the processor will identify the object on the display and trigger a warning system to alert to the operator to take necessary precautions.

Abstract: A detection system used to alert an operator of a work machine of humans or objects dangerously close to the machine or a work tool attached to the machine. The detection system uses one or more cameras to capture images of an area surrounding the machine. The captured images are displayed on an interface electronically connected to a processor. Prior to operation, one or more zones surrounding the work tool or work machine are defined and projected on the images displayed on the interface. The processor analyzes the images captured by the cameras and determines if a characteristic of a predetermined object is within one or more of the identified zones. If the processor determines the characteristic of the predetermined object is within one of the zones, the processor will identify the object on the display and trigger a warning system to alert to the operator to take necessary precautions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a monitoring cable or other utility near an existing pipeline. An electromagnetic signal may be induced on the pipeline. Sensors disposed on an installation vehicle communicate with a processor to determine a distance and orientation of the vehicle relative to the pipeline. A plow or other digging tool opens a trench and installs the cable along a path disposed next to the pipeline within an acceptable distance range from the pipeline. The vehicle may be remotely or automatically operated.

Abstract: A beacon assembly located at a downhole end of a drill string proximate a boring tool. The beacon assembly transmits data to an above-ground receiver. The beacon has a housing with a housing wall located between its sensors, such as gradiometers, accelerometers, and other orientation sensors, and an antenna assembly. The antenna assembly has a protective covering made of electromagnetically transparent material.

Abstract: A beacon assembly located at a downhole end of a drill string proximate a boring tool. The beacon assembly transmits data to an above-ground receiver. The beacon has a housing with a housing wall located between its sensors, such as gradiometers, accelerometers, and other orientation sensors, and an antenna assembly. The antenna assembly has a protective covering made of electromagnetically transparent material.

Abstract: A modular compaction boring device. The boring device comprises a compaction boring head which creates a borehole through a subsurface by operation of a thruster and a rear and forward anchor. Extension of the thruster while the rear anchors are engaged move the boring head forward. Retraction of the thruster while the forward anchors are engaged brings the rear anchors forward for an addition stroke. A steering geometry in the boring head and rotation of the boring head allow steering of the boring device. Steering, thrust, and anchors may be controlled remotely through an umbilical cable pulled through the borehole by the boring device.

Abstract: A detection system used to alert an operator of a work machine of humans or objects dangerously close to the machine or a work tool attached to the machine. The detection system uses one or more cameras to capture images of an area surrounding the machine. The captured images are displayed on an interface electronically connected to a processor. Prior to operation, one or more zones surrounding the work tool or work machine are defined and projected on the images displayed on the interface. The processor analyzes the images captured by the cameras and determines if a characteristic of a predetermined object is within one or more of the identified zones% If the processor determines the characteristic of the predetermined object is within one of the zones, the processor will identify the object on the display and trigger a warning system to alert to the operator to take necessary precautions.

Abstract: A beacon assembly located at a downhole end of a drill string proximate a boring tool. The beacon assembly transmits data to an above-ground receiver. The beacon has a housing with a housing wall located between its sensors, such as gradiometers, accelerometers, and other orientation sensors, and an antenna assembly. The antenna assembly has a protective covering made of electromagnetically transparent material.

Abstract: A crossbore detection system. The system is located in a downhole tool proximate a drill bit. The system comprises circuitry sensitive to a subsurface environment and a sensor that detects changes in the circuitry. The sensor detects changes in the circuitry that indicates that the drill bit has struck an underground pipe. The sensor may detect a series of electromagnetic signals indicative of the strike or may detect changes to an impedance bridge at a capacitive sensor.

Abstract: A ground source heat exchanger for use with a heat pump. The heat exchanger comprises a foldable, expandable outer pipe with an inner pipe that is placed within a borehole. The outer pipe may be folded and sealed at one end while out of the borehole. The outer pipe is inserted into the borehole then expanded by pressure to minimize the annulus between the outer pipe and the ground. The inner pipe is inserted and the inner and outer pipes are connected to the heat pump for circulation of heat exchange fluid.

Abstract: A modular compaction boring device. The boring device comprises a compaction boring head which creates a borehole through a subsurface by operation of a thruster and a rear and forward anchor. Extension of the thruster while the rear anchors are engaged move the boring head forward. Retraction of the thruster while the forward anchors are engaged brings the rear anchors forward for an addition stroke. A steering geometry in the boring head and rotation of the boring head allow steering of the boring device. Steering, thrust, and anchors may be controlled remotely through an umbilical cable pulled through the borehole by the boring device.

Abstract: A dual pipe drill string system having increased fluid flow. The dual pipe system comprises a plurality of pipe sections, each pipe section having an inner rod and an outer pipe. The inner rod and the outer pipe of each pipe section may be coupled to the inner rod and outer pipe of an adjacent pipe section. An annulus between the inner rod and the outer pipe defines a fluid flow path through the dual pipe system. The outer pipe defines a shoulder at each end of an individual pipe section. The inner rod defines at least one stop for maintaining the inner rod within the outer pipe. A spacing assembly disposed around the circumference of the inner rod defines paths for fluid flow and maintains a minimum distance between the stop and the shoulder at one end of outer pipe of the pipe section.

Abstract: A downhole tool for a dual member drill string for detecting information and sending a signal containing that information up a wireline. The tool comprises a beacon supported on a housing for collection of orientation information. The wireline is located within a drill stem in the housing. The beacon communicates a signal to the wireline using a slip ring or a receiver for receiving a wireless signal from the beacon. The downhole tool may have a steering feature such as a deflection shoe for changing the path of the downhole tool.

Abstract: A dual pipe drill string system having increased fluid flow. The dual pipe system comprises a plurality of pipe sections, each pipe section having an inner rod and an outer pipe. The inner rod and the outer pipe of each pipe section may be coupled to the inner rod and outer pipe of an adjacent pipe section. An annulus between the inner rod and the outer pipe defines a fluid flow path through the dual pipe system. The outer pipe defines a shoulder at each end of an individual pipe section. The inner rod defines at least one stop for maintaining the inner rod within the outer pipe. A spacing assembly disposed around the circumference of the inner rod defines paths for fluid flow and maintains a minimum distance between the stop and the shoulder at one end of outer pipe of the pipe section.