公开(公告)号：US09310507B2

公开(公告)日：2016-04-12

申请号：US14702694

申请日：2015-05-02

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： Rudolf Zeller ,  Guenter W. Brune ,  Albert W. Chau ,  John E. Mercer

IPC: G01V3/08 ,  G01R33/00 ,  E21B47/022 ,  G01V3/38

CPC classification number: G01D5/2006 ,  E21B47/02224 ,  G01V3/08 ,  G01V3/081 ,  G01V3/38

Abstract: A device rotates at least one static magnetic field about an axis, producing a rotating magnetic dipole field, and is movable in relation to the surface of the ground. The field is periodically sensed using a receiver to produce a receiver output responsive to the field. A positional relationship between the receiver and the device is monitored using the output. In one aspect, changing the positional relationship, by moving the device nearer to a boring tool which supports the receiver, causes an increase in accuracy of depth determination. In another aspect, determination of an actual overhead position of the boring tool, and its application, are described. Use of a plurality of measurements over at least one-half revolution of each magnet is disclosed. Establishing a surface radial direction toward a boring tool and resolution of multi-valued parameters is described. Calibration techniques, as well as a three transmitter configuration are also described.

公开(公告)号：US20160069180A1

公开(公告)日：2016-03-10

申请号：US14845231

申请日：2015-09-03

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： Rudolf Zeller ,  Gary Garrabrant ,  Timothy Bayliss ,  John E. Mercer

IPC: E21B47/12

CPC classification number: E21B47/122 ,  E21B7/046 ,  G01S11/06

Abstract: A system includes a transmitter for use in conjunction with a horizontal directional drilling system that transmits a multi-bit symbol stream that characterizes sensor symbols for receipt by an aboveground portable device. The portable device receives the symbol stream for aboveground recovery of the sensor signals. The transmitter can precisely place the symbol frequencies at least to avoid a noise environment, as well as to avoid powerline harmonics, and can utilize wave shaping for transmitted symbols at least to provide for transmission power control, spectral content control and wideband antenna matching. The receiver can measure the noise environment to identify the symbol frequencies used by the transmitter. The noise can be scanned at an incremental resolution across a wide frequency bandwidth for display or automatic symbol frequency selection.

Abstract translation: 一种系统包括与水平定向钻井系统一起使用的发射机，其传输表征传感器符号的多比特符号流，以便由地上便携式设备接收。 便携式设备接收用于传感器信号的地面恢复的符号流。 发射机可以至少精确地将符号频率放置到避免噪声环境以及避免电力线谐波，并且可以利用发射符号的波形整形来至少提供传输功率控制，频谱内容控制和宽带天线匹配。 接收机可以测量噪声环境，以识别发射机使用的符号频率。 可以在宽频带宽度上以增量分辨率扫描噪声，以进行显示或自动符号频率选择。

公开(公告)号：US09274013B2

公开(公告)日：2016-03-01

申请号：US13957929

申请日：2013-08-02

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

Inventor： Albert W. Chau ,  Rudolf Zeller ,  John E. Mercer ,  Charles Yu Yat Tsang

IPC: G01N3/08 ,  G01L1/26 ,  B66C13/16 ,  B66C23/90 ,  B66D1/54 ,  G01L5/10

CPC classification number: G01L5/10 ,  B66C13/16 ,  B66C23/905 ,  B66D1/54 ,  G01L1/26 ,  G01L5/103

Abstract: Tension monitoring is described using a sensor which may exhibit an offset for which compensation may be provided to produce a zero voltage amplified output or to increase dynamic range. An arrangement determines whether a power reset is responsive to a battery bounce such that an initially-measured system start-up parameter can be retained. The start-up parameter is automatically saved at start-up if the power reset is responsive to a start-up from a shut-down condition. The start-up parameter may be a zero tension amplified output responsive to the sensor offset at zero tension. Protection of a tension data set is provided such that no opportunity for altering the data set is presented prior to transfer of the data set. A housing configuration forms part of an electrical power circuit for providing electrical power to an electronics package from a battery.

公开(公告)号：US09267575B2

公开(公告)日：2016-02-23

申请号：US14289910

申请日：2014-05-29

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： John E. Mercer

IPC: F16H3/30 ,  F16D21/02 ,  F16D27/00 ,  F16D27/01

CPC classification number: F16H1/06 ,  F16D21/02 ,  F16D27/004 ,  F16D27/01 ,  F16H3/30 ,  Y10T74/19251 ,  Y10T74/19307 ,  Y10T74/19372 ,  Y10T74/19488 ,  Y10T74/19614

Abstract: A drive train is used at least including an input shaft and an output shaft. A clutch member is rotatable by a clutch shaft about an axis of rotation. The clutch shaft is supported for lateral movement along the axis of rotation to move the clutch member to cooperate with the drive train at a first lateral position to cause the output shaft to turn and to move the clutch member to a second lateral position to disengage the output shaft from rotation of the input shaft. A permanent magnet is supported by one end of the clutch shaft and arranged for receiving an external magnetic biasing force along the axis of rotation to selectively move the clutch member between the first and second lateral positions. A traveling shaft can be used to support a selected gear for movement by the permanent magnet to implement transmission and reversing configurations.

公开(公告)号：US09244189B2

公开(公告)日：2016-01-26

申请号：US14821599

申请日：2015-08-07

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： Guenter W. Brune ,  Albert W. Chau ,  Rudolf Zeller ,  John E. Mercer

IPC: G01V3/08 ,  E21B7/04 ,  G01V3/15

CPC classification number: E21B44/02 ,  E21B7/04 ,  E21B7/046 ,  E21B47/02216 ,  E21B47/02224 ,  G01V3/15

Abstract: A steering tool is movable by a drill string to form an underground bore along an intended path. A sensing arrangement of the steering tool detects its pitch and yaw orientations at a series of spaced apart positions along the bore, each position is characterized by a measured extension of the drill string. The steering tool further includes a receiver. At least one marker is positioned proximate to the intended path, for transmitting a rotating dipole field to expose a portion of the intended path to the field for reception by the receiver. The detected pitch orientation, the detected yaw orientation and the measured extension of the drill string are used in conjunction with magnetic information from the receiver to locate the steering tool. The steering tool may automatically use the magnetic information when it is available. A customized overall position determination accuracy can be provided along the intended path.

公开(公告)号：US20160003863A1

公开(公告)日：2016-01-07

申请号：US14789071

申请日：2015-07-01

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： Albert W. Chau ,  John E. Mercer ,  Scott Phillips

IPC: G01P15/03 ,  G01P15/18

CPC classification number: G01P15/18

Abstract: An accelerometer arrangement and method are described for determining accelerations of an inground tool. First and second triaxial accelerometers are supported such that a normal sensing axis of the first triaxial accelerometer is at least generally orthogonal to the normal sensing axis of the second triaxial accelerometer for determining the accelerations along the three orthogonal axes based on a combination of sensing axis outputs from one or both of the triaxial accelerometers. A weaker sensing axis of one triaxial accelerometer can be supported at least approximately normal to a weaker sensing axis of another triaxial accelerometer such that the weaker axes are not used. The triaxial accelerometers can be supported such that one axis of one accelerometer can be redundant with respect to another axis of another accelerometer. One triaxial accelerometer can be mounted on a tilted plane with respect to another triaxial accelerometer.

Abstract translation: 描述了用于确定地下工具的加速度的加速度计布置和方法。 支撑第一和第二三轴加速度计，使得第一三轴加速度计的正常感测轴至少大致垂直于第二三轴加速度计的法向感测轴，用于基于感测轴输出的组合来确定沿着三个正交轴的加速度 来自一个或两个三轴加速度计。 一个三轴加速度传感器的传感轴较弱，可以至少大致垂直于另一个三轴加速度传感器的较弱传感轴，从而不使用较弱的轴。 可以支持三轴加速度计，使得一个加速度计的一个轴相对于另一个加速度计的另一个轴可以是冗余的。 一个三轴加速度计可以相对于另一个三轴加速度计安装在倾斜的平面上。

公开(公告)号：US20150329199A1

公开(公告)日：2015-11-19

申请号：US14133601

申请日：2013-12-18

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： Carlos E. Golborne ,  Ray E. Debs ,  Mark Marvin ,  John E. Mercer

IPC: B64C13/22 ,  B64C13/18 ,  B64C27/04

CPC classification number: B64C13/22 ,  B64C13/04 ,  B64C13/18 ,  B64C27/04 ,  B64C27/56 ,  B64C27/57 ,  B64D43/00 ,  G01C23/00 ,  G01C23/005 ,  G05G9/047 ,  G05G2009/04774

Abstract: A pilot control interface and method are described for selective control of an autopilot system by a pilot of an aircraft in which the autopilot system is installed. The pilot control interface includes a passive network that is selectively switchable between a plurality of states across an output interface that is made up of no more than two conductors that are in electrical communication with the autopilot system. Modification of a current autopilot flight mode can be performed incrementally or continuously based on respective momentary and continuous pilot input actuations.

Abstract translation: 描述了一种飞行员控制接口和方法，用于通过其中安装了自动驾驶仪系统的飞机的飞行员选择性地控制自动驾驶仪系统。 导频控制接口包括无源网络，该无源网络可以跨越由不多于两个与自动驾驶仪系统电连通的导体组成的输出接口在多个状态之间切换。 可以基于相应的瞬时和连续的导频输入启动来逐步或连续地执行当前自动驾驶飞行模式的修改。

公开(公告)号：US20150211356A1

公开(公告)日：2015-07-30

申请号：US14677099

申请日：2015-04-02

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

Inventor： John E. Mercer

IPC: E21B47/024 ,  E21B7/06 ,  E21B47/12 ,  E21B7/04

CPC classification number: E21B44/005 ,  E21B7/046 ,  E21B7/06 ,  E21B7/068 ,  E21B44/00 ,  E21B47/02224 ,  E21B47/024 ,  E21B47/122

Abstract: A drilling system performs underground boring using a drill rig and a boring tool which is configured for moving through the ground under control of the drill rig to form an underground bore. A monitoring arrangement, forming part of the system, includes a detection arrangement at the drill rig for monitoring at least one operational parameter to produce a data signal relating to at least one of a utility to be installed in the underground bore, the drill rig and the boring tool. A portable device forms another part of the system for receiving the data signal relating to the operational parameter for use by the portable device. A communication arrangement, for example using telemetry, transfers the data signal from the drill rig to the portable device. The operational parameter may be monitored for the purpose of preventing equipment failure.

Abstract translation: 钻井系统使用钻机和钻孔工具进行地下钻孔，所述钻机和钻孔工具构造成在钻机的控制下移动通过地面以形成井下孔。 构成系统的一部分的监测装置包括在钻机处的检测装置，用于监测至少一个操作参数，以产生与要安装在地下钻孔中的至少一个工具相关的数据信号，钻机和 无聊的工具。 便携式设备形成系统的另一部分，用于接收与便携式设备使用的操作参数有关的数据信号。 通信布置，例如使用遥测，将数据信号从钻机传送到便携式设备。 为了防止设备故障，可以监视操作参数。

公开(公告)号：US20140332633A1

公开(公告)日：2014-11-13

申请号：US14161877

申请日：2014-01-23

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

Inventor： John E. Mercer ,  Mark H. Marvin

IPC: B64C27/57

CPC classification number: B64C27/57 ,  B64C27/006 ,  B64C27/04 ,  B64C27/59

Abstract: A helicopter includes a rotor system having a rotor with an adjustable pitch that is controlled at least in part by a pilot using a collective control and which helicopter generates a Low RPM signal that is indicative of a threshold low rotational speed of the rotor. An actuator arrangement can move the collective control by exerting a force on the collective control such that the pilot is able to overcome the actuator force but which otherwise can move the collective control from a current operational position toward a minimum pitch position. A clutch can co-rotate with a motor to serve in transferring the actuation force to reduce the adjustable pitch and can slip relative to the actuator shaft assembly responsive to an application of a counterforce applied by the pilot to the collective control such that the counterforce overcomes the actuation force.

Abstract translation: 直升机包括具有可调间距的转子的转子系统，其至少部分地由飞行员使用集体控制来控制，并且哪个直升机产生指示转子的阈值低转速的低RPM信号。 致动器装置可以通过在集体控制上施加力来移动集体控制，使得飞行员能够克服致动器力，但是否则可以将集体控制从当前操作位置向最小桨距位置移动。 离合器可以与电动机共同旋转以用于传递致动力以减小可调节节距并且可以响应于由飞行员施加到集体控制的反作用力的应用而相对于致动器轴组件滑动，使得反作用力克服 致动力。

公开(公告)号：US20140138156A1

公开(公告)日：2014-05-22

申请号：US14163374

申请日：2014-01-24

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： Guenter W. Brune ,  Albert W. Chau ,  Rudolf Zeller ,  John E. Mercer

IPC: E21B44/02 ,  E21B7/04

CPC classification number: E21B44/02 ,  E21B7/04 ,  E21B7/046 ,  E21B47/02216 ,  E21B47/02224 ,  G01V3/15

Abstract: A steering tool is movable by a drill string to form an underground bore along an intended path. A sensing arrangement of the steering tool detects its pitch and yaw orientations at a series of spaced apart positions along the bore, each position is characterized by a measured extension of the drill string. The steering tool further includes a receiver. At least one marker is positioned proximate to the intended path, for transmitting a rotating dipole field to expose a portion of the intended path to the field for reception by the receiver. The detected pitch orientation, the detected yaw orientation and the measured extension of the drill string are used in conjunction with magnetic information from the receiver to locate the steering tool. The steering tool may automatically use the magnetic information when it is available. A customized overall position determination accuracy can be provided along the intended path.

Abstract translation: 转向工具可通过钻柱移动，以形成沿预定路径的地下孔。 转向工具的感测装置在沿着孔的一系列间隔位置处检测其俯仰和偏转方向，每个位置的特征在于测量的钻柱的延伸部。 转向工具还包括接收器。 至少一个标记位于预期路径附近，用于传送旋转偶极场以暴露到场的预期路径的一部分以供接收机接收。 结合来自接收器的磁信息来定位检测到的俯仰方向，检测到的偏航方向和测量的钻柱的延伸部分以定位转向工具。 转向工具可以自动使用磁信息。 可以沿着预期路径提供定制的总体位置确定精度。