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Location device with a gravity measuring device

Location device with a gravity measuring device description/claims

In many instances the location of an object may be critical to the success of a project. Many locating systems such as Global Positioning Systems have been implemented to assist in the location of objects.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,379,224 which is herein incorporated by reference for all that it contains, discloses a Global Positioning system used in applications involving radiosondes, sonobuoys, and other objects. The GPS data is processed in a data processing workstation where the position and velocity of a sensor, at the time the data was sampled, is computed. A data buffer in the sensor is periodically refreshed, and the workstation periodically computes the new position and velocity of the sensor.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,983,161 which is herein incorporated by reference for all that it contains, discloses GPS satellite ranging signals at one of a plurality of vehicles/aircraft/automobiles that are computer processed to continuously determine the one's kinematic tracking position on a pathway with centimeter accuracy.

These types of systems have been useful in the locating of certain objects. However, these types of systems generally depend on satellite communication to function appropriately. In places where satellite communication may be impeded alternatives may be useful.

A location device has a gravity measurement instrument in communication with a database which has the locations according to time of an astronomical object. The location device also has a timepiece indicating the time which may be used to determine the location of the astronomical object.

The location device may measure the gravitational force of least two astronomical objects creating two vector directions. Between these two vector directions an angle is formed that may be used in finding the position of the location device.

In another aspect of the invention a method comprising the steps of providing a gravity measurement instrument at a position within the universe may be used to locate the position of the gravity measurement instrument. The gravity measurement instrument may be in communication with a database that comprises the locations of at least two astronomical objects. Each astronomical object may provide a gravitational force on the gravity measurement device, creating a gravitational field. The method may further comprise measuring the gravitational field of the gravity measurement instrument; and calculating the position of the gravity measurement instrument from the gravitational field by determining a vector direction of the gravitational force from each astronomical object. Generally, a gravitometer is used in the measurement of gravitational forces. Types of gravitometer may include a zero length spring, a Lacoste gravitometer, a relative gravitometer, an absolute gravitometer, a superconducting gravitometer, or a combination thereof. Generally, the gravity measurement instrument comprises a quartz material, metallic material, elastomeric material, plastic material, or a combination thereof.

The location device may be placed in various places such as caves, cities, jungles, a plane, a submergible machine, a space shuttle, or beneath the surface of an astronomical object. In some embodiments, the location device may be used as an alternative to the commonly used GPS such as in cases where the communication between the location device and GPS satellite is blocked, or in other embodiments it may be used as a primary locating device. The location device may also be placed on a plane, a submergible machine, a space shuttle, a person, or on or in the surface of an astronomical object. The location device may be of particular importance in downhole operations such as mining and drilling operations. The location device may be deployed within a tool string or on a mining machine. The location device may further be placed within a housing that may protect it from harsh conditions. It may be of importance that the gravity measurement instrument be stationary relative to the astronomical object upon which it is positioned. Astronomical objects that may create a gravitational force on the gravity measurement instrument may include the Earth, the sun, the moon, a comet, a star, or a combination thereof. The database may comprise the locations of the astronomical objects which may be previously known or predictable. The astronomical object may move relative to the gravity measurement instrument. The gravity measurement instrument may be able to measure the gravitational forces as the astronomical object moves. The various gravitational forces and locations of the astronomical object at various positions may be recorded to the database.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the gravity measuring device may be part of an array of gravity measuring devices which may also be used to aid in determining a size, a boundary, a volume and/or a density of an astronomical object in part or in whole, such as mineral accumulations or hydrocarbon deposits. In some embodiments, tides or other local effects may be determine through the use of multiple gravity measuring devices.

FIG. 1 is an orthogonal diagram of a derrick attached to a tool string comprising a location device.

FIG. 2 is a cross-section of a drill bit comprising a location device.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section of a drill bit comprising another embodiment of a location device.

FIG. 4 is an orthogonal diagram of derrick attached to a tool string comprising a location device.

FIG. 5 is an orthogonal diagram of derrick attached to a tool string comprising a location device.

FIG. 6 is an orthogonal diagram of derrick attached to a tool string comprising a location device.

FIG. 7 is an orthogonal diagram of derrick attached to a tool string comprising a location device.

FIG. 8 is an orthogonal diagram of a location device positioned within an under ground enclosure.

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