Grade monitoring and steering apparatus

Patent · Tue Mar 27 00:00:00 EST 1984

OSTI ID:6253178

Gibson, P N

Apparatus for monitoring the percent of grade and controlling machinery in response thereto is disclosed. A novel grade sensor A includes a reservoir filled with a translucent fluid medium to a predetermined level. Grade sensor is adapted for attachment to associated machinery such as casing head of casing pipe being simultaneously bored and pushed underground. A light emitting diode transmits light through the fluid containing reservoir. Light detector is located opposite the diode for detecting light intensity and has an output representing the intensity. Light intensity changes due to changes in the orientation of the sensor and inclination of the surface level of the fluid medium is used to indicate changes in percent of grade. Electrical means converts output of detector into a visual display of percent of grade change. Steering apparatus is provided in the form of elongated steering skis carried exteriously of casing head having a free end for providing reactionary steering force. Inflatable air bag is in operational engagement with free end. Supply means D selectively inflate the air bags in response to visual display.

• Assignee: EDB-85-032654
• Patent Number(s): US 4438820
• OSTI ID: 6253178
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: Filed date 16 Nov 1981; Other Information: PAT-APPL-322026
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
CONTROL SYSTEMS
DESIGN
EXCAVATION
PROCESS CONTROL
PIPELINES
INSTALLATION
DISPLAY DEVICES
EARTHMOVING EQUIPMENT
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
HYDRAULIC CONTROL DEVICES
INCLINED STRATA
MONITORING
UNDERGROUND
CONTROL
CONTROL EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
GEOLOGIC STRATA
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
LEVELS
MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT
422000* - Engineering- Mining & Underground Engineering- (1980-)