Locating arrangement and method using boring tool and cable locating signals

摘要

An arrangement and an associated method are described in which a boring tool is moved through the ground within a given region along a path in which region a cable is buried. The boring tool and the cable transmit a boring tool locating signal and a cable locating signal, respectively. Intensities of the boring tool locating signal and the cable locating signal are measured along with a pitch orientation of the boring tool. Using the measured intensities and established pitch orientation, a positional relationship is determined to relative scale including at least the boring tool and the cable in the region. The positional relationship is displayed to scale in one view. The positional relationship may be determined and displayed including the forward locate point in scaled relation to the boring tool and the cable. Cable depth determination techniques are described including a two-point ground depth determination method.

主权项

1. In a system for locating an in-ground cable in a region using a cable locating signal which is transmitted from the length of the cable, a method comprising:
using a portable locator, sensing a first locating signal strength at a first operator determined distance at least generally in vertical alignment with an overhead surface position on a surface of the ground which is at least generally overhead of the cable; measuring the first operator determined distance from the overhead surface position; sensing a second locating signal strength at a second operator determined distance from the overhead surface position at least generally in vertical alignment with the overhead surface position; measuring the second operator determined distance from the overhead surface position; and determining the depth of the cable based on the first and second signal strengths and the first and second distances.