System, method and apparatus for controlling buried devices

摘要

A system, method and apparatus for controlling buried devices by means of a very low frequency (VLF) modulated magnetic field capable of providing through-the-earth (TTE) communications. The system comprises a plurality of VLF transmission loop antennas positioned to cover a desired coverage area and configured to transmit a magneto-inductive signal to a desired operating depth. One or more VLF receivers are configured to receive one or more magneto-inductive signals from the one or more VLF transmission antennas. The VLF receivers are operatively connected to the buried devices, and configured to output a control signal thereto in response to the magneto-inductive signals. The plurality of VLF transmission loop antennas may be square or rectangular antennas positioned in an array to cover the desired coverage area, the VLF transmission loop antennas sized and sufficiently powered to transmit the magneto-inductive signal to the desired operating depth.

主权项

1. A through-the-earth (TTE) communication system for wirelessly controlling one or more buried devices in a desired coverage area, comprising:
one or more very low frequency (VLF) transmission loop antennas positioned to cover the desired coverage area, the one or more transmission loop antennas each configured to transmit a magneto-inductive signal to a desired operating depth; and one or more VLF receivers configured to receive one or more magneto-inductive signals from the one or more VLF transmission antennas, the one or more VLF receivers operatively connected to the one or more buried devices and configured to each output a control signal to a corresponding one of the one or more buried devices in response to the one or more magneto-inductive signals, wherein the one or more VLF transmission loop antennas comprise a plurality of square or rectangular antennas positioned in an array to cover the desired coverage area, each of the plurality of VLF transmission loop antennas sized and powered to transmit the magneto-inductive signal to the desired operating depth.