US3554301A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical auger guidance system
Assignee: American Gas Association Inc
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Filing: 1969-08-26
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Granted: 1971-01-12
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Expires: 1989-08-26
Abstract
Abstract Signals indicative of the bending of an elongated rotating member are generated by a light sensitive detector mounted within the member and off-axis with respect to a circular light beam generator. The detector output signals are employed to control apparatus which reacts externally of the member in such a manner as to return the member to the desired straight line path.
Inventors
- 👤 David E Adkins
- 👤 Jeremy M Harris
- 👤 George R Riley
- 👤 Donald J Hackman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 02:44
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B7/00; E21B7/04; E21B7/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
126 words
An optical guidance system for a boring tool, said tool being of the rotary type and including normally inoperative means for producing radial directional corrective action, said guidance system comprising: means positioned within the tool for generating a beam of radiant energy; detector means responsive to the energy emanating from said beam generating means, said detector means being positioned within the tool and spacially displaced from said beam generating means, the relative positions of said generating and detector means being selected whereby undesired bending of said tool will result in periodic variation in the impingement of energy on said detector mEans; and means connected to said detector means and responsive to the state of energy impingement thereon for generating energizing signals for said directional correcting means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
126 words
An optical guidance system for a boring tool, said tool being of the rotary type and including normally inoperative means for producing radial directional corrective action, said guidance system comprising: means positioned within the tool for generating a beam of radiant energy; detector means responsive to the energy emanating from said beam generating means, said detector means being positioned within the tool and spacially displaced from said beam generating means, the relative positions of said generating and detector means being selected whereby undesired bending of said tool will result in periodic variation in the impingement of energy on said detector mEans; and means connected to said detector means and responsive to the state of energy impingement thereon for generating energizing signals for said directional correcting means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said beam generating means comprises means for producing a circular beam of light.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said detector means comprises a light sensitive element positioned off-axis with respect to said beam of light, said element rotating with said tool.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said means for generating energizing signals comprises means responsive to the state of illumination of said light sensitive element.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
68 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said directional correcting means is hydraulically operated and wherein said means for generating energizing signals comprises; valve means for controlling the flow of operating fluid to said correcting means; and means responsive to the state of illumination of said light sensitive element for generating valve means control signals whereby said correcting means is periodically rendered operative when said tool undergoes undesired bending.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the beam of light emanating from said producing means is coaxial with the tool.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said detector means further comprises adjustable support means for said light sensitive element, said support means being mounted internally of the tool and enabling said element to be selectively positioned radially of the tool.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
68 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said directional correcting means is hydraulically operated and wherein said means for generating energizing signals comprises: valve means for controlling the flow of operating fluid to said correcting means; and means responsive to the state of illumination of said light sensitive element for generating valve means control signals whereby said correcting means is periodically rendered operative when said tool undergoes undesired bending.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said means for generating valve means control signals comprises: switch means responsive to output signals provided by said light sensitive element; and power supply means, said power supply means being selectively connected to said valve means by said switch means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said switch means comprises bistable circuit means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
US2656505A
Cited
US3243001A
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US3482103A
Cited
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-01-11 | 1974-07-13 | 1975-01-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-01-11 | 1978-07-13 | 1979-01-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-01-11 | 1982-07-13 | 1983-01-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |