Apparatus and method for horizontal drilling

Boring or penetrating the earth – Processes – Boring curved or redirected bores

Reexamination Certificate

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C340S853400, C340S853600

Reexamination Certificate

active

06886644

ABSTRACT:
An apparatus and method for horizontally drilling provides for detecting subsurface features and avoiding such features during closed-loop control of an underground drilling machine. A horizontal drilling system includes a base machine capable of propelling a drill pipe rotationally and longitudinally underground. A cutting tool system is coupled to the drill pipe, and a control system controls the base machine. A detector is employed to detect a subsurface feature. A communication link is utilized for transferring data between the detector and the control system. The control system uses the data generated by the detector to modify control of the base machine in response to detection of the subsurface feature.

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