Multimode steering and homing system, method and apparatus

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United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 9759012
SERIAL NO

14864800

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Importance

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Abstract

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A boring tool is movable through the ground. A transmitter supported by the boring tool transmits an electromagnetic homing signal. A portable device monitors the electromagnetic homing signal and receives the electromagnetic homing signal in a homing mode for guiding the boring tool to a target position. A processor generates steering commands for guiding the boring tool based on a bore plan in a steering mode such that at least some positional error is introduced without using the electromagnetic homing signal. Switching from the steering mode to the homing mode is based on monitoring of the electromagnetic homing signal as the boring tool approaches the portable device to then guide the boring tool to the target position location in compensation for the positional error. Intermediate target positions are described as well as guiding the boring tool based on the homing signal so long as the portable device receives the signal.

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
MERLIN TECHNOLOGY INC19625 62ND AVE SOUTH STE B-103 KENT WA 98032

International Classification(s)

Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Chau, Albert W Woodinville, US 185 2687
Mercer, John E Gig Harbor, US 276 4847
Shaw, Tim Auburn, US 5 11

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