Patent ID: 8561719
Filing Date: 2013-10-22
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A computerized boring system comprising: a) a boring machine having a shaft, a bore head on an end of said shaft, and one or more proximity sensors in said bore head, said one or more proximity sensors for detecting underground target objects; b) a control system in communication with said one or more sensors for controlling rotational and longitudinal movement of said bore head in response to said one or more sensors; c) a longitudinal hydraulic system providing upward and downward force to said shaft; d) a rotational hydraulic system providing rotational motion to said bore head; e) a pressure transducer in each of said longitudinal and rotational hydraulic systems; f) one or more electro-hydraulic valves in each of said longitudinal and rotational hydraulic systems, said valves controllable by a programmable logic computer in said control system; e) said electro-hydraulic valves being located in parallel configuration to manual controls for said boring machine such that said boring machine is controllable both manually by a machine operator and automatically by said programmable logic computer.