U.S. patent application number 17/542596 was filed with the patent office on 2022-06-02 for roadway access hole cutter having a utility avoidance safety device, method of cutting a hole in a roadway, method of cutting a horizontal hole under a roadway.
The applicant listed for this patent is CCIIP LLC. Invention is credited to Angelo J. Pino, JR..
Application Number | 20220171149 17/542596 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006004128 |
Filed Date | 2022-06-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220171149 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pino, JR.; Angelo J. |
June 2, 2022 |
ROADWAY ACCESS HOLE CUTTER HAVING A UTILITY AVOIDANCE SAFETY
DEVICE, METHOD OF CUTTING A HOLE IN A ROADWAY, METHOD OF CUTTING A
HORIZONTAL HOLE UNDER A ROADWAY
Abstract
A method of cutting a microtrench in which the buried utility is
exposed by opening an access hole in a roadway above the buried
utility using a roadway access hole drill that is controlled by a
computer system connected to an under-roadway detection unit that
detects a buried utility and stops movement of the drill to avoid
damaging the buried utility. Also provided is a method of drilling
a substantially horizontal hole under a roadway using a horizontal
drill that is controlled by a computer system connected to an
under-roadway detection unit that detects a buried utility and
stops movement or changes direction of the drill to avoid damaging
the buried utility.
Inventors: |
Pino, JR.; Angelo J.; (New
York, NY) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CCIIP LLC |
New York |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006004128 |
Appl. No.: |
17/542596 |
Filed: |
December 6, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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17197356 |
Mar 10, 2021 |
11215781 |
|
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17542596 |
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63118993 |
Nov 30, 2020 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02F 5/12 20130101; G02B
6/504 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G02B 6/50 20060101
G02B006/50; E02F 5/12 20060101 E02F005/12 |
Claims
1. A method of installing optical fiber, innerduct or microduct
under a roadway comprising: drilling an access hole in a roadway
above a buried utility using a roadway access drill comprising a
drill head driven by a motor; controlling the movement of the drill
head by a computer system; measuring in real time a distance
between the drill head and the buried utility by the computer
system and an under-roadway detection unit connected to the
computer system, wherein the under-roadway detection unit is only
above the roadway surface; the computer system automatically at
least one of providing warning to an operator of the roadway access
drill or stopping movement of the drill head towards the buried
utility at a set distance between the drill head and the buried
utility to avoid damaging the buried utility; removing dirt below
the roadway through the access hole to expose the buried utility;
cutting a microtrench in the roadway using a microtrencher so that
the microtrench crosses the buried utility and does not damage the
buried utility; laying the optical fiber, innerduct or microduct in
the microtrench; and filling the microtrench with a fill material
to cover and protect the optical fiber, innerduct or microduct.
2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising placing a
debris containment collar on a roadway surface over a buried
utility, the debris containment collar having a debris containment
collar body defining a hollow chamber sized to accept the drill
head; and inserting the drill head into the hollow chamber of the
debris containment collar so that the debris containment collar
body surrounds the drill head.
3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising providing a
source vacuum to the hollow chamber of the debris containment
collar and vacuuming debris from the access hole during
drilling.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the set distance
comprises 2-24 inches.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the set distance
comprises 4-12 inches.
6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the computer system
automatically stopping movement of the drill head towards the
buried utility at a set distance between the drill head and the
buried utility to avoid damaging the buried utility.
7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising uploading
buried utility information from the computer system to a server
using a network, wherein the buried utility information comprising
a location of the buried utility.
8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising making a
video of the drilling of the access hole and cutting of the
microtrench.
9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising uploading
buried utility information from the computer system to a server
using a network, wherein the buried utility information comprising
a location of the buried utility.
10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising making a
video of the drilling of the access hole and cutting of the
microtrench.
11. A roadway access drill configured to reduce damage to a utility
buried under a roadway comprising: a drill head driven by a motor;
a computer system configured to control movement of the drill head;
an under-roadway detection unit connected to the computer system
and configured to measure in real time a distance between the drill
head and a buried utility under the roadway, wherein the
under-roadway detection unit is only above the roadway surface; and
the computer system being configured to automatically at least one
of providing warning to an operator of the roadway access drill or
stopping movement of the drill head towards a buried utility at a
set distance between the drill head and the buried utility to avoid
damaging the buried utility.
12. The roadway access drill according to claim 11, further
comprising a lifting device for lifting and lowering the roadway
access drill.
13. The roadway access drill according to claim 11, further
comprising a debris containment collar comprising a vacuum
attachment for attaching a source of vacuum to a hollow chamber
configured to at least partially surround the roadway access
drill.
14. A method of installing a new utility under a roadway
comprising: drilling an access hole in a roadway above a buried
utility using a roadway access drill comprising a drill head driven
by a motor; controlling the movement of the drill head by a
computer system; measuring in real time a distance between the
drill head and the buried utility by the computer system and an
under-roadway detection unit connected to the computer system,
wherein the under-roadway detection unit is only above the roadway
surface; the computer system automatically at least one of
providing warning to an operator of the roadway access drill or
stopping movement of the drill head towards the buried utility at a
set distance between the drill head and the buried utility to avoid
damaging the buried utility; removing dirt below the roadway
through the access hole to expose the buried utility; cutting a
microtrench in the roadway using a microtrencher so that the
microtrench crosses the buried utility and does not damage the
buried utility; laying the new utility in the microtrench; and
filling the microtrench with a fill material to cover and protect
the new utility.
15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising placing a
debris containment collar on a roadway surface over a buried
utility, the debris containment collar having a debris containment
collar body defining a hollow chamber sized to accept the drill
head; and inserting the drill head into the hollow chamber of the
debris containment collar so that the debris containment collar
body surrounds the drill head.
16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising providing
a source vacuum to the hollow chamber of the debris containment
collar and vacuuming debris from the access hole during
drilling.
17. The method according to claim 14, wherein the set distance
comprises 2-24 inches.
18. The method according to claim 14, wherein the set distance
comprises 4-12 inches.
19. The method according to claim 14, wherein the computer system
automatically stopping movement of the drill head towards the
buried utility at a set distance between the drill head and the
buried utility to avoid damaging the buried utility.
20. The method according to claim 14, further comprising uploading
buried utility information from the computer system to a server
using a network, wherein the buried utility information comprising
a location of the buried utility.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention generally relates to a roadway access hole
cutter that reduces the chance of rupturing a utility buried close
to the roadway and a method of cutting an access hole in a roadway
that avoids rupturing the buried utility. The invention further
relates a utility avoidance device configured to avoid cutting a
buried utility. The invention further relates a horizontal drill
having a utility avoidance safety device to avoid cutting a buried
utility.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] During installation of the optical fiber, a microtrench is
cut in a roadway, the optical fiber and/or innerduct/microduct is
laid in the microtrench and then a fill and sealant are applied
over the optical fiber and/or innerduct/microduct to protect them
from the environment. Methods of microtenching that can be utilized
in the present invention include the methods described in my
previous U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,641,414; 10,571,047; 10,571,045;
10,781,942; 10,808,379; 10,808,377 and U.S. patent publication Nos.
20180292027; 20180156357, and 20180106015, the complete disclosures
of which are incorporated in their entirety herein by
reference.
[0003] Before cutting a microtrench in a roadway, the city must be
notified. The city personnel will locate and mark buried utilities
on the roadway. When a microtrench must cross a buried utility, the
buried utility must first be exposed, which requires cutting an
access hole through the roadway and then removing the dirt below
the roadway through the roadway access hole. Currently, core saws,
concrete saws, core drills and jack hammers are used to break
through the roadway.
[0004] The city roadways are asphalt and/or concrete. Utilities,
such as natural gas, water, telecommunications, and/or electric,
are typically buried in the dirt or bedding below the roadway.
Natural gas lines are usually required to have 12-36 inches of
cover above them. For example, a 2 inch natural gas line would have
to be buried 14 inches below the roadway in order to have 12 inches
of cover (dirt or bedding) above the natural gas line.
[0005] However, often times codes are not followed by installers
and natural gas lines can be installed just below the roadway. A
jackhammer is usually used to form the access hole in the roadway.
However, if the buried utility, such a natural gas line is not
buried according to code and is just below the roadway, the
jackhammer can cause the natural gas line to rupture causing a fire
and serious injury or death. Furthermore, conventional core saws,
concrete saws, and core drills can also damage the shallowly buried
utility. There is a great need for a softer way of cutting an
access hole that reduces the chances of rupturing a buried utility
that is not to code, i.e. just below the roadway.
[0006] Horizontal drills are often utilized to cut a small hole for
installation of utilities below a roadway surface. Examples of
horizontal drills include those disclosed in U.S. Patent
Publication No. 20030070841 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,746,370.
[0007] Even with marking of the buried utilities, crews are still
damaging buried utilities at an alarming rate. There is a great
need for an automated safety device to reduce damaging buried
utilities.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present inventions reduces the chances of a road crew
damaging a buried utility when installing optical fiber and/or
innerduct/microduct under a roadway.
[0009] The objectives of the invention can be obtained by a method
of installing optical fiber, innerduct or microduct under a roadway
comprising: [0010] drilling an access hole in a roadway above a
buried utility using a roadway access drill comprising a drill head
driven by a motor; [0011] controlling the movement of the drill
head by a computer system; [0012] measuring in real time a distance
between the drill head and the buried utility by the computer
system and an under-roadway detection unit connected to the
computer system; [0013] the computer system automatically at least
one of providing a warning to an operator of the roadway access
drill or stopping movement of the drill head towards the buried
utility at a set distance between the drill head and the buried
utility to avoid damaging the buried utility; [0014] removing dirt
below the roadway through the access hole to expose the buried
utility; [0015] cutting a microtrench in the roadway using a
microtrencher so that the microtrench crosses the buried utility
and does not damage the buried utility; [0016] laying the optical
fiber, innerduct or microduct in the microtrench; and [0017]
filling the microtrench with a fill material to cover and protect
the optical fiber, innerduct or microduct.
[0018] The objections of the invention can also be obtained by a
method of installing optical fiber, innerduct or microduct under a
roadway comprising; [0019] drilling a hole substantially
horizontally under a roadway using a horizontal drill comprising a
drill head driven by a motor; [0020] controlling the movement of
the drill head by a computer system; [0021] moving an under-roadway
detection unit above the roadway so that the under-roadway
detection unit detects the drill head and a buried utility under
the roadway; [0022] the under-roadway detection unit sending
detection data to the computer system; [0023] measuring in real
time a distance between the drill head and the buried utility by
the computer system based on the detection data; [0024] the
computer system at least one of automatically changing a direction
of the drill head or stopping movement of the drill head towards
the buried utility at a set distance between the drill head and the
buried utility to avoid damaging the buried utility; [0025]
removing the drill head from a substantially horizontal hole under
the roadway formed by the drilling; and [0026] installing the
optical fiber, innerduct or microduct into the substantially
horizontal hole.
[0027] The objectives of the invention can be further obtained by a
roadway access drill configured to reduce damage to a utility
buried under a roadway comprising: [0028] a drill head driven by a
motor; [0029] a computer system configured to control movement of
the drill head; [0030] an under-roadway detection unit connected to
the computer system and configured to measure in real time a
distance between the drill head and a buried utility under the
roadway; and [0031] the computer system being configured to
automatically at least one of providing warning to an operator of
the roadway access drill or stopping movement of the drill head
towards a buried utility at a set distance between the drill head
and the buried utility to avoid damaging the buried utility.
[0032] The objectives of the invention can be further obtained by a
horizontal drill configured to reduce damage to a utility buried
under a roadway comprising; [0033] a drill head driven by a motor;
[0034] a computer system for controlling the movement of the drill
head; [0035] an under-roadway detection unit connected to the
computer system and configured to move above the roadway so that
the under-roadway detection unit detects the drill head and a
buried utility under the roadway; [0036] the computer system and
under-roadway detection unit are configured to measure in real time
a distance between the drill head and the buried utility by the
computer system; and [0037] the computer system is configured to a
at least one of automatically changing a direction of the drill
head or stopping movement of the drill head towards the buried
utility at a set distance between the drill head and the buried
utility to avoid damaging the buried utility.
[0038] The objectives of the invention can be obtained by a method
of installing a new utility under a roadway comprising: [0039]
drilling an access hole in a roadway above a buried utility using a
roadway access drill comprising a drill head driven by a motor;
[0040] controlling the movement of the drill head by a computer
system; [0041] measuring in real time a distance between the drill
head and the buried utility by the computer system and an
under-roadway detection unit connected to the computer system;
[0042] the computer system automatically at least one of providing
a warning to an operator of the roadway access drill or stopping
movement of the drill head towards the buried utility at a set
distance between the drill head and the buried utility to avoid
damaging the buried utility; [0043] removing dirt below the roadway
through the access hole to expose the buried utility; [0044]
cutting a microtrench in the roadway using a microtrencher so that
the microtrench crosses the buried utility and does not damage the
buried utility; [0045] laying the new utility in the microtrench;
and [0046] filling the microtrench with a fill material to cover
and protect the new utility.
[0047] The objections of the invention can also be obtained by a
method of installing a new utility under a roadway comprising;
[0048] drilling a hole substantially horizontally under a roadway
using a horizontal drill comprising a drill head driven by a motor;
[0049] controlling the movement of the drill head by a computer
system; [0050] moving an under-roadway detection unit above the
roadway so that the under-roadway detection unit detects the drill
head and a buried utility under the roadway; [0051] the
under-roadway detection unit sending detection data to the computer
system; [0052] measuring in real time a distance between the drill
head and the buried utility by the computer system based on the
detection data; [0053] the computer system at least one of
automatically changing a direction of the drill head or stopping
movement of the drill head towards the buried utility at a set
distance between the drill head and the buried utility to avoid
damaging the buried utility; [0054] removing the drill head from a
substantially horizontal hole under the roadway formed by the
drilling; and [0055] installing the new utility into the
substantially horizontal hole.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0056] FIG. 1A illustrates a roadway access hole drill located over
the roadway above a buried utility.
[0057] FIG. 1B illustrates a roadway access hole drill located over
the roadway above a buried utility.
[0058] FIG. 1C illustrates a roadway access hole saw located over
the roadway above a buried utility.
[0059] FIG. 2 illustrates hole in the roadway cut by the roadway
access hole drill to expose the buried utility.
[0060] FIG. 3 illustrates a microtrencher cutting a microtrench in
the roadway that crosses the exposed previously buried utility.
[0061] FIG. 4A illustrates an optical fiber sealed in the
microtrench by a fill.
[0062] FIG. 4B illustrates a buried utility sealed in the
microtrench by a fill.
[0063] FIG. 5A illustrates a horizontal access hole drill.
[0064] FIG. 5B illustrates a horizontal hole containing an optical
fiber or innerduct/microduct.
[0065] FIG. 5C illustrates a horizontal hole containing a new
utility.
[0066] FIG. 6A illustrates a flow chart of a first method of
cutting a vertical roadway access hole.
[0067] FIG. 6B illustrates a flow chart of a second method of
cutting a horizontal access hole.
[0068] FIG. 6C illustrates a flow chart of a first method of
cutting a vertical roadway access hole.
[0069] FIG. 6D illustrates a flow chart of a second method of
cutting a horizontal access hole.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0070] The invention will be explained by reference to the attached
non-limiting Figs. In the description, for purposes of explanation
and not limitation, specific details are set forth, such as
particular networks, communication systems, computers, terminals,
devices, components, techniques, storage devices, data and network
protocols, software products and systems, operating systems,
development interfaces, hardware, etc. in order to provide a
thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will
be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention
can be practiced in other embodiments that depart from these
specific details. Detailed descriptions of well-known networks,
computers, digital devices, storage devices, components,
techniques, data and network protocols, software products and
systems, development interfaces, operating systems, and hardware
are omitted so as not to obscure the description of the present
invention. All use of the word "example" are intended to describe
non-limiting examples of the invention.
[0071] The operations described in the figures and herein can be
implemented as executable code stored on a computer or machine
readable non-transitory tangible storage medium (e.g., floppy disk,
hard disk, ROM, EEPROM, nonvolatile RAM, CD-ROM, etc.) that are
completed based on execution of the code by a processor circuit
implemented using one or more integrated circuits; the operations
described herein also can be implemented as executable logic that
is encoded in one or more non-transitory tangible media for
execution (e.g., programmable logic arrays or devices, field
programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, application
specific integrated circuits, etc.).
[0072] To facilitate an understanding of the principles and
features of the various embodiments of the present invention,
various illustrative embodiments are explained below. Although
example embodiments of the present invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that other embodiments are
contemplated. Accordingly, it is not intended that the present
invention is limited in its scope to the details of construction
and arrangement of components set forth in the following
description or examples. The present invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various
ways.
[0073] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the
singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include plural references unless
the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to a
component is intended also to include composition of a plurality of
components. References to a composition containing "a" constituent
is intended to include other constituents in addition to the one
named.
[0074] Also, in describing the example embodiments, terminology
will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is intended that
each term contemplates its broadest meaning as understood by those
skilled in the art and includes all technical equivalents that
operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.
[0075] It is also to be understood that the mention of one or more
method steps does not preclude the presence of additional method
steps or intervening method steps between those steps expressly
identified. Similarly, it is also to be understood that the mention
of one or more components in a composition does not preclude the
presence of additional components than those expressly identified.
Such other components or steps not described herein can include,
but are not limited to, for example, similar components or steps
that are developed after development of the disclosed
technology.
[0076] As illustrated, lines or arrows between elements can denote
communications between the different elements. These communications
can take any form known by those of skill in the art, including
digital, telephonic, or paper. The communications can be through a
WAN, LAN, analog phone line, etc. The information communicated can
be in any format appropriate for the transmission medium.
[0077] "Data storage" can be non-transitory tangible memory, such
as any one or a combination of a hard drive, random access memory,
flash memory, read-only memory and a memory cache, among other
possibilities. The data storage can include a database, implemented
as relational database tables or structured XML documents or any
other format. Such a database can be used to store the information
gathered from transaction records and Thing Records. Non-volatile
memory is preferred.
[0078] "Processor" can refer to a single data processor on a single
computing device or a collection of data processors. The collection
of data processors can reside on a single computing device or be
spread across multiple computing devices. The processor can execute
computer program code stored in the data storage or a memory. In
one example, the processor can execute computer program code
representative of functionalities of various components of the
system.
[0079] While certain implementations of the disclosed technology
have been described in connection with what is presently considered
to be the most practical and various implementations, it is to be
understood that the disclosed technology is not to be limited to
the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, is intended to
cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included
within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms
are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive
sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
[0080] Certain implementations of the disclosed technology are
described above with reference to block and flow diagrams of
systems and methods and/or computer program products according to
example implementations of the disclosed technology. It will be
understood that one or more blocks of the block diagrams and flow
diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flow
diagrams, respectively, can be implemented by computer-executable
program instructions. Likewise, some blocks of the block diagrams
and flow diagrams do not have to be performed in the order
presented or if at all, according to some implementations of the
disclosed technology.
[0081] Computer program instructions can also be stored in a
non-transient computer-readable memory that can direct a computer
or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a
particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the
computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture
including instruction means that implement one or more functions
specified in the flow diagram block or blocks.
[0082] FIGS. 1A and 1B describe an example of a system for cutting
a roadway access hole. The system comprises user interface devices
120, a server 150, and computer system 702, all interconnected via
a communication network 140. All interconnections can be direct,
indirect, wireless and/or wired as desired.
[0083] FIGS. 5A and 5B show an example of a system for cutting a
horizontal access hole. The system comprises user interface devices
120, a server 150, and computer system 702, all interconnected via
a communication network 140. All interconnections can be direct,
indirect, wireless and/or wired as desired.
[0084] The network 140 can be any desired network including the
internet or telephone network. Various networks 800 can be
implemented in accordance with embodiments of the invention,
including a wired or wireless local area network (LAN) and a wide
area network (WAN), wireless personal area network (PAN) and other
types of networks that comprise or are connected to the Internet.
When used in a LAN networking environment, computers can be
connected to the LAN through a network interface or adapter. When
used in a WAN networking environment, computers typically include a
modem, router, switch, or other communication mechanism. Modems can
be internal or external, and can be connected to the system bus via
the user-input interface, or other appropriate mechanism. Computers
can be connected over the Internet, an Intranet, Extranet,
Ethernet, or any other system that provides communications, such as
by the network. Some suitable communications protocols can include
TCP/IP, UDP, OSI, Ethernet, WAP, IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, Zigbee,
IrDa, WebRTC, or any other desired protocol. Furthermore,
components of the system can communicate through a combination of
wired or wireless paths, including the telephone networks.
[0085] The systems can be accessed via any user interface device
120 that is capable of connecting to the server 150 via the network
140. A plurality of user interface devices 120 can be connected to
the server 150. An example user interface device 120 contains a web
browser and display. This includes user interface devices 120 such
as internet connected televisions and projectors, tablets, iPads,
Mac OS computers, Windows computers, e-readers, and mobile user
devices such as the smartphones, iPhone, Android, and Windows
Phone, and other communication devices. The user interface device
120 preferably is a smartphone. The smartphone 120 can be in any
form, such as a hand held device, wristband, or part of another
device, such as vehicle.
[0086] The computer processing unit (CPU) of the user interface
device 120 can be implemented as a conventional microprocessor,
application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), digital signal
processor (DSP), programmable gate array (PGA), or the like. The
CPU executes the instructions that are stored in order to process
data. The set of instructions can include various instructions that
perform a particular task or tasks, such as those shown in the
appended flowchart. Such a set of instructions for performing a
particular task can be characterized as a program, software
program, software, engine, module, component, mechanism, or tool.
The non-transitory memory can include random access memory (RAM),
ready-only memory (ROM), programmable memory, flash memory, and the
like. The memory, include application programs, OS, application
data etc.
[0087] The server 150 and/or computer system 702 described herein
can include one or more computer systems directly connected to one
another and/or connected over the network 140. Each computer system
can include a processor, non-transitory memory, user input and user
output mechanisms, a network interface, and executable program code
(software) comprising computer executable instructions stored in
non-transitory tangible memory that executes to control the
operation of the server 150 and/or computer system 702. Similarly,
the processors functional components formed of one or more modules
of program code executing on one or more computers. Various
commercially available computer systems and operating system
software can be used to implement the hardware and software. The
components of each server can be co-located or distributed. In
addition, all or portions of the same software and/or hardware can
be used to implement two or more of the functional servers (or
processors) shown. The server 150 and/or computer system 702 can
run any desired operating system, such as Windows, Mac OS X,
Solaris or any other server based operating systems. Other
embodiments can include different functional components. In
addition, the present invention is not limited to a particular
environment or server 150 and/or computer system 702 configuration.
Preferably, the server 150 is a cloud based computer system. If
desired for the particular application, the server 150 or portions
of the server 150 can be incorporated within one or more of the
other devices of the system, including but not limited to a user
interface device 120.
[0088] The server 150 includes at least one web server and the
query processing unit. The web server receives the user query and
sends the user query to the query processing unit. The query
processing unit processes the user query and responds back to the
user interface device 150 and/or computer system 702 via the web
server. The query processing unit fetches data from the database
server if additional information is needed for processing the user
query. The database is stored in a non-transitory tangible memory,
and preferably a non-volatile memory. The term "database" includes
a single database and a plurality of separate databases. The server
150 can comprise the non-volatile memory or the server 150 can be
in communication with the non-volatile memory storing the database.
The database can be stored at different locations.
[0089] Software program modules and data stored in the
non-transitory memory the server 150 and/or non-volatile memory of
the user interface device 150 and/or computer system 702 can be
arranged in logical collections of related information on a
plurality of computer systems having associated non-volatile
memories. The software and data can be stored using any data
structures known in the art including files, arrays, linked lists,
relational database tables and the like. The server 150, computer
system 702 and mobile user device 150 can be programmed to perform
the processes described herein.
[0090] Drill head utility avoidance safety device.
[0091] Modern cities require an extensive range of utilities to
function. The buried utilities include at least water, electricity,
gas, telephone, and fiber optics. These utilities are typically
provided through underground conduits. In theory, the location of
the utilities is carefully recorded and held centrally by city
authorities. In practice this does not universally occur and the
location of many utilities can be unrecorded or recorded
incorrectly. The determined location of the utility may be acquired
by underground imaging, which is commonly accomplished by the use
of ground penetrating radar (GPR). Typically, the location of
buried utilities are separately determined by GPR and the location
marked for later cutting or digging.
[0092] The present drill systems for installing optical fiber
and/or innerduct microduct, or for installing a new utility, having
a drill head utility avoidance safety device greatly reduces the
chances of damaging a buried utility caused by operator error,
errors in drill head location, errors in the buried utility
location, and other errors. The utility avoidance safety device
includes an under-roadway detection unit 700, which can be a GPR,
connected to the computer system 702 that controls forward movement
of the drill head 20 during drilling. The computer system 702 can
further comprise a drill control system 716.
[0093] A conventional GPR system comprises an electromagnetic
detection unit, a computer system that receives detection data from
the detection unit; a user interface device coupled to the computer
system; and a display coupled to the computer system. The computer
system interprets the detection data to provide a visual
representation of the underground on the display. Computer systems
are now well known and any suitable computer system comprising a
processor in communication with non-volatile, non-transitory memory
can be utilized.
[0094] U.S. patent publication No. 2003/0012411 (Sjostrom),
discloses a system and method for displaying and collecting GPR
data. U.S. Pat. No. 6,617,996 (Johansson), discloses a GPR system
to provide an audible signal regarding size and how deep. My
previous U.S. Pat. No. 10,571,047 discloses a GPR system for use in
microtrenching. The complete disclosures of these patents and
publications are incorporated herein by reference. Ditch Witch
2450R GPR is commercial example of a GPR machine that can detect at
suitable speeds of 5.6 mph. Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. also
commercially sells suitable GPRs that can be utilized in the
present invention.
[0095] In place of the usual GPR used to locate buried utilities,
the invention can utilize other means of revealing buried utilizes
or any tomography, including but not limited to, radio frequency
identification, sound waves, electrons, hydraulic, vibration,
magnetic, sonar, ultrasound, microwaves, xrays, gamma rays,
neutrons, electrical resistivity tomography, Multi-channels
Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW), and/or Frequency-domain Electra
Magnetics (FDEM) induction. Any of these alternatives and later
developed alternatives can be utilized. Thus, the under-roadway
detection unit 700 can comprise GPR and/or any other alternative
for detecting objects buried under the roadway. Preferably, the
under-roadway detection unit 700 comprises a GPR.
[0096] As shown in FIGS. 1A-4A, the claimed invention utilizes an
under-roadway detection unit 700 in a novel utility avoidance
device for use on a roadway access hole vertical drilling device 22
to create an access hole 3 in a city street (also referred to as a
roadway 2) or on a horizontal drilling device 24 to create a
horizontal hole 26 in the dirt 6 under the roadway 2 to install an
optical fiber or innerduct/microduct 5 under the roadway 2. FIG. 4B
shows a buried new utility 9 in place of the buried optical fiber
or innerduct/microduct 5. Examples of the new utility 9 include
electrical devices, including but not limited to coax cable, coper
cable, low voltage cable and power cable.
[0097] Vertical drilling device 22 for forming an access hole 3 in
a roadway 2, FIGS. 1A-4B:
[0098] As shown in FIG. 1A, the under-roadway detection unit 700 is
configured to survey under the roadway 2 during drilling using the
vertical drilling device 22. Vertical drilling devices 22 are now
well known and any suitable vertical drilling device can be
utilized in the present invention. Detection data from the
under-roadway detection unit 700 can be sent to a computer system
702. The computer system 702 can send display information to the
display 704 to display what is under the roadway 2 in the same
manner as conventional GPR systems. The computer system 702 can
also interpret the detection data in real time to identify objects
under the roadway. For example, the computer system 702 can
distinguish between utilities 4 under the roadway 2 and other
objects under the roadway, such as reinforcing steel. The
interpretation, i.e. a buried utility 4, can also be displayed on
the display 704 for the drill operator, or on a user interface
device 120. The computer system 702 determines the location of the
identified utility 4, or object, to be avoided, such as depth
and/or size in real time as the drill head 20 is cutting through
the roadway 2. The computer system 702 determines the distance
between the drill head 20 and the buried utility 4 in real time as
the drill head 20 is cutting through the roadway 2, which is shown
at 706. A user interface device 120 can be coupled to the computer
system 702 for the operator to control the under-roadway detection
unit 700. The computer system 702 can also determine the distance
between the roadway 2 and the buried utility 4, shown at 709.
[0099] When the computer system 702 identifies a buried utility 4
in the path of the drill head 20, the computer system 702 can send
an alert 714 to the drill and/or stop forward movement of the drill
head 20. In this manner, there is added protection against
undesirable cutting of buried utilities 4 by the drill head 20. In
the vertical drilling method, the drill head 20 may be replaced
with a saw or other type of boring device that can form the access
hole 3. For example, as shown in FIG. 1C, a saw 27 can be used in
place of the drill head 20. The present invention will work in the
same manner for the saw 27 and other cutting devices.
[0100] Drill control systems 716 for controlling forward movement
and/or directional control of the drill head 20 are now well known.
The computer system 702 is connected to the drill control system
716 to override control of the drill head 20 when necessary to
avoid damaging a buried utility 4. For example, forward movement of
the drill head 20 can be automatically stopped by the computer
system 702 and/or drill control system 716 at a set distance 706,
such as from 2-24 inches, preferably 4-12 inches.
[0101] The under-roadway detection unit 700 can be connected to the
computer system 702 by wireless and/or wired connection, and/or
indirectly by a network 140. Additional attachments can be
connected to the computer system 702 as desired. Examples of
additional attachments are shown in FIG. 1A. The connections
between the additional attachments can be wired and/or wireless
directly and/or indirectly by the network 140. Examples of
additional attachments include user interface devices 120 and/or a
server 150.
[0102] The computer system 702 can comprise a global positioning
device or other positioning device to map the location of the
microtrench 12, buried utilities 4 detected by the under-roadway
detection unit 700, and the buried optical fiber and/or
innerduct/microduct 5, or buried new utility 9.
[0103] The computer system 702 can be connected to a network 140
for transmitting drilling data to the server 150 connected to the
network 140 and/or user interface devices 120 connected to the
network 140. The drilling data can include, for example, the
measurements of the access hole 3, video of the hole 3, location of
the hole 3, location of the buried utilities 4 detected by the
under-roadway detection unit 700, location of the buried optical
fiber and/or innerduct/microduct, speed of microtrenching, and any
other information as desired, in real time. The drilling data can
also be stored on the computer system 702, or by any other means,
such as USB, flash drives, etc., for later uploading or
accessing.
[0104] With the present method and system, as described in the flow
diagrams of FIGS. 6A and 6C, the location of buried utilities 4 can
be accurately determined in real time, the access hole 3 drilled in
a manner that avoids the drill head 20 damaging the buried
utilities 4, a microtrench 12 cut, spoil vacuumed out of the
microtrench 12, the measurements of the microtrench 12 measured
720, 722, the optical fiber and/or innerduct/microduct 5 or buried
new utility 9 can be installed in the microtrench 12, and the
microtrench 12 filled with fill 7, all conducted simultaneously and
continuously at the rates disclosed herein above, which are far
faster rates than previously. The drilling information can be
uploaded in real time to a central database for use by the city,
managers, traffic controllers, supervisors, and any others as
desired. In this manner, the actual location of buried utilities
can be more precisely mapped and stored in city records.
[0105] Any suitable microtrencher 14 can be utilized in the present
invention. Non-limiting examples of suitable micro trenchers
include those made and sold by Ditch Witch, Vermeer, and Marais. A
Vermeer RTX 1250 tractor can be used as the motorized vehicle for
the microtrencher 14. A microtrencher 14 has is a "small rock
wheel" specially designed for work in rural or urban areas. The
microtrencher 14 is fitted with a microtrencher blade 15 that cuts
a microtrench 12 with smaller dimensions than can be achieved with
conventional trench digging equipment. Microtrench 12 widths
usually range from about 6 mm to 130 mm (1/4 to 5 inches) with a
depth of 750 mm (about 30 inches)) or less. Other widths and depths
can be used as desired.
[0106] With a microtrencher 14, the structure of the road,
sidewalk, driveway, or path is maintained and there is no
associated damage to the road. Owing to the reduced microtrench 12
size, the volume of waste material (spoil) excavated is also
reduced. Microtrenchers 14 are used to minimize traffic or
pedestrian disturbance during cable laying. The microtrencher 14
can work on sidewalks or in narrow streets of cities, and can cut
harder ground than a chain trencher, including cutting through for
example but not limited to solid stone, concrete, and asphalt.
[0107] A debris containment shroud 40 can be placed on the roadway
2 over the buried utility 4 to be exposed. The debris containment
shroud 40 can be attached to a vacuum hose 48 attached to a source
of vacuum 50. The debris containment shroud 40 is configured to
provide a vacuum to a hollow chamber 44 during use. During use, the
debris containment shroud 40 rests on the roadway 2 surface and the
debris, such as dust, chips, particles, etc., and water if present
are vacuumed away through the vacuum hose 48 and into a vacuum
storage container 52. The vacuum hose 48 can be any size as
desired, such as from 4 to 12 inches in diameter. Sources of vacuum
50 are now well known and any suitable vacuum source can be
utilized, such as those made by SCAG Giant Vac., DR Power, Vermeer,
and Billy Goat.
[0108] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, once the buried utility 4 is
exposed, a microtrencher 14 is used to cut a microtrench 12 in the
roadway so that the microtrench 12 crosses the buried utility 4
without damaging the buried utility 4. As shown in FIG. 4A, the
optical fiber, innerduct, or microduct 5 can be laid in the
microtrench 12, and the a fill 7 can be applied to cover the hole 3
and fill the microtrench 12 to cover and protect the optical fiber,
innerduct, or microduct 5. As shown in FIG. 4B, the new utility 9
can be laid in the microtrench 12, and the a fill 7 can be applied
to cover the hole 3 and fill the microtrench 12 to cover and
protect the new utility 9.
[0109] Horizontal drilling device 24 for forming a substantially
horizontal hole 26 under a roadway 2, FIGS. 5A-5C:
[0110] As shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, the under-roadway detection unit
700 is configured to survey under the roadway 2 during drilling
using the horizontal drilling device 24. Horizontal drilling
devices 24 are now well known and any suitable vertical drilling
device can be utilized in the present invention. Detection data
from the under-roadway detection unit 700 can be sent to a computer
system 702. The computer system 702 can send display information to
the display 704 to display what is under the roadway 2 in the same
manner as conventional GPR systems. The computer system 702 can
also interpret the detection data in real time to identify objects
under the roadway. For example, the computer system 702 can
distinguish between utilities 4 under the roadway 2 and other
objects under the roadway, such as reinforcing steel. The
interpretation, i.e. a buried utility 4, can also be displayed on
the display 704 for the drill operator. The computer system 702
determines the location of the identified utility 4, or object, to
be avoided, such as depth and/or size in real time as the drill
head 20 is cutting through the dirt 6 under the roadway 2. The
computer system 702 determines the distance between the drill head
20 and the buried utility 4 in real time as the drill head 20 is
cutting through the dirt 6 under the roadway 2, which is shown at
705. A user interface device 120 can be coupled to the computer
system 702 for the operator to control the under-roadway detection
unit 700.
[0111] When the computer system 702 identifies a buried utility 4
in the path of the drill head 20, the computer system 702 can send
an alert 714 to the drill operator, change the direction of the
drill head 20 and/or stop forward movement of the drill head 20. In
this manner, there is added protection against undesirable cutting
of buried utilities 4 by the drill head 20. FIG. 5B shows and
example of where the drill head 20 changed direction at 28 to avoid
damaging the buried utility 4.
[0112] Drill control systems 716 for controlling forward movement
and/or directional control of the drill head 20 are now well known.
The computer system 702 is connected to the drill control system
716 to override control of the drill head 20 when necessary to
avoid damaging a buried utility 4. For example, forward movement of
the drill head 20 can be automatically stopped or the direction
changed by the drill control system 716 at a set distance 705, such
as from 2-24 inches, preferably 4-12 inches.
[0113] The under-roadway detection unit 700, when used for
horizontal drilling, must be moved along with the movement of the
drill head 20 so that the ground in front of the drill head 20 is
continuously monitored in real time to detect buried utilities 4 in
the path of the drill head 20. The distance in front of the moving
drill head 20 will be determined by the type of under-roadway
detection unit 700 utilized. In general, the under-roadway
detection unit 700 can be from 1 to 6 feet, preferably 2 to 5 feet,
in front of the drill head 20. The under-roadway detection unit 700
preferably detects the buried utility 4 at least 1 foot, preferably
at least 2 feet, in front of the moving drill head 20 in real
time.
[0114] The system can automatically mark the surface of the roadway
2 where a buried utility 4 was identified, such as by using paint.
The system can also upload locations of the buried utilities 4 to a
city database to update the city database for locations of the
buried utilities 4.
[0115] The under-roadway detection unit 700 can be connected
directly to the computer system 702 by wireless and/or wired
connection, and/or indirectly by a network 140. Additional
attachments can be connected to the computer system 702 as desired.
Examples of additional attachments are shown in FIG. 5A. The
connections between the additional attachments can be wired and/or
wireless directly and/or indirectly by the network 140. Examples of
additional attachments include user interface devices 120 and/or a
server 150. FIG. 5B illustrates an optical fiber and/or
innerduct/microduct 5 installed in the hole 26. FIG. 5C illustrates
a new utility 9 installed in the hole 26.
[0116] With the present method and system, as described in the flow
diagram of FIGS. 6B and 6D, the location of buried utilities 4 can
be accurately determined in real time, the horizontal hole 26
drilled in a manner that avoids the drill head 20 damaging the
buried utilities 4, and the optical fiber and/or
innerduct/microduct 5 or new utility 9 can be installed in the hole
26. The drilling information can be uploaded in real time to a
central database for use by the city, managers, traffic
controllers, supervisors, and any others as desired. In this
manner, the actual location of buried utilities can be more
precisely mapped and stored in city records.
[0117] The computer system 702 can comprise a global positioning
device or other positioning device to map the location of the
buried utilities 4 detected by the under-roadway detection unit
700, and the buried optical fiber and/or innerduct/microduct 5 or
new utility 9.
[0118] The computer system 702 can be connected to a network 140
for transmitting drilling data to the server 150 connected to the
network 140 and/or user interface devices 120 connected to the
network 140. The drilling data can include, for example, the
measurements of the horizontal hole 26, video of the hole 26,
location of the holes 26, location of the buried utilities 4
detected by the under-roadway detection unit 700, location of the
buried optical fiber and/or innerduct/microduct, and any other
information as desired, in real time. The drilling data can also be
stored on the computer system 702, or by any other means, such as
USB, flash drives, etc., for later uploading or accessing.
[0119] Examples of suitable commercially available horizontal
drills include those sold by HDD Tooling, Vermeer, XCMG, and
others.
Example
[0120] On 19 Nov. 2020, one of my crews struck a buried gas line
while installing optical fiber. The gas line The Gas line was
mismarked by approximately twenty-one (21) inches and buried
approximately six (6) inches deep. 911 and 811 were contacted. This
type of accident happens far too often and the chances of this type
of accident happening can be greatly reduced using the present
invention. The following information is the ticket: [0121] 811
Ticket #2082405236 (11/19/2020) [0122] Dig Up Tkt #2082843411
[0123] When did it happen: 3:00 PM [0124] Impact to residents: 2
[0125] Evacuation?: No [0126] Main line: No [0127] Service line:
Yes [0128] Scope of work: Microtrenching--2213 Rountree Dr. [0129]
Positive Locate: Mismarked [0130] Reason for strike: Mismarked by
21'' [0131] Repair status: Gas has been contained; TGS On Site
[0132] ConEx Ticket Number: 174074741
TERMS
[0132] [0133] 2 Roadway [0134] 3 Access hole [0135] 4 Buried
utility [0136] 5 Optical fiber, innerduct, microduct [0137] 6 Dirt
[0138] 7 Fill [0139] 9 New utility [0140] 12 Microtrench [0141] 14
Microtrencher [0142] 15 Microtrencher blade [0143] 18 Drilling
Device [0144] 20 Drill head [0145] 22 Vertical drilling device
[0146] 24 Horizontal drilling device [0147] 26 Horizontal Hole
[0148] 27 Saw blade [0149] 28 Change in direction [0150] 32 Motor
[0151] 40 Debris containment shroud [0152] 44 Hollow chamber [0153]
48 Vacuum hose [0154] 50 Source of vacuum [0155] 52 Vacuum storage
container [0156] 120 User interface device [0157] 140 Network
[0158] 150 Server [0159] 700 Under-Roadway Detection Unit [0160]
702 Computer System [0161] 704 Display [0162] 705 Distance between
buried utility 4 and drill head 20 during horizontal cutting [0163]
706 Distance between buried utility 4 and drill head 20 during
vertical cutting [0164] 707 Distance between buried utility 4 and
roadway 2 [0165] 714 Alert to Drill Operator [0166] 716 Drill
control system
[0167] It is to be understood that the foregoing illustrative
embodiments have been provided merely for the purpose of
explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the
invention. Words used herein are words of description and
illustration, rather than words of limitation. In addition, the
advantages and objectives described herein may not be realized by
each and every embodiment practicing the present invention.
Further, although the invention has been described herein with
reference to particular structure, steps and/or embodiments, the
invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars
disclosed herein. Rather, the invention extends to all functionally
equivalent structures, processes and uses, such as are within the
scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art, having the
benefit of the teachings of this specification, may affect numerous
modifications thereto and changes may be made without departing
from the scope and spirit of the invention. While the invention has
been described to provide an access hole over a buried utility, the
invention can be utilized wherever an access hole in the roadway is
required.
* * * * *