Laser Control System and Apparatus for Drilling and Boring Operations

Abstract

A laser control system and apparatus for guiding a drilling or boring operation during a trenchless technology implementation. In most if not all trenchless technology applications, direction of the pipe or utility structure through the earth is of utmost importance. Proper directional guidance throughout the trenchless technology implementation ensures not only that the resulting utility infrastructure is placed properly, but also ensures that the trenchless technology operation does not hit or otherwise damage (such as through vibrations) existing utilities and other underground objects. The laser control system and apparatus of the present invention comprises a laser, a laser control head having a prism, an audible alignment indicator operatively coupled to the laser control head, and a target having a laser beam hole.

1 . An optical control head for drilling and boring operations comprising:
 a prism assembly having a prism, the prism assembly being connected to a shaft;   a first flange operatively coupled to said shaft;   an audible alignment indicator operatively coupled to said shaft; and   a second flange operatively coupled to said shaft.   
   
   
       2 . The optical control head as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising an expandable plug connected to said shall. 
   
   
       3 . The optical control head as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a tightener connected to said shaft. 
   
   
       4 . The optical control head as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said audible alignment indicator comprises a bell housing and a striker. 
   
   
       5 . The optical control head as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said audible alignment indicator comprises a bell housing, a striker, a pivot pin and a stop. 
   
   
       6 . The optical control head as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said audible alignment indicator is electronic. 
   
   
       7 . The optical control head as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a strut connected to said first flange and said second flange. 
   
   
       8 . The optical control head as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said prism has a visual alignment indicator marking. 
   
   
       9 . A target for drilling and boring operations comprising:
 a target backing;   a laser beam hole made in the target backing; and   angular displacement markings made on the target backing.   
   
   
       10 . The target for drilling and boring operations as recited in  claim 9  further comprising a laser beam termination. 
   
   
       11 . The target for drilling and boring operations as recited in  claim 9 , wherein said angular displacement markings are clock indicators. 
   
   
       12 . The target for drilling and boring operations as recited in  claim 9 , wherein said angular displacement markings are in degrees. 
   
   
       13 . Tile target for drilling and boring operations as recited in  claim 9 , wherein said angular displacement markings are in radians. 
   
   
       14 . The target for drilling and boring operations as recited in  claim 9  further comprising a laser beam sensor. 
   
   
       15 . A laser control system for drilling and boring operations comprising:
 a laser;   an optical control heady;   an audible alignment indicator operatively coupled to the optical control head;   and a target having a laser beam hole.   
   
   
       16 . The laser control system for drilling and boring operations as recited in  claim 15 , further comprising a pipe operatively coupled to said optical control head. 
   
   
       17 . The laser control system for drilling and boring operations as recited in  claim 15 , is further comprising a prism operatively coupled to said optical control head. 
   
   
       18 . The laser control system for drilling and boring operations as recited in  claim 17 , wherein said prism has a visual alignment indicator marking. 
   
   
       19 . The laser control system for drilling and boring operations as recited in  claim 15 , wherein said audible alignment indicator is mechanical. 
   
   
       20 . The laser control system for drilling and boring operations as recited in  claim 15 , wherein said audible alignment indicator is electronic.