公开(公告)号：US20160146683A1

公开(公告)日：2016-05-26

申请号：US15011518

申请日：2016-01-30

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

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

IPC: G01L5/10 ,  G01L1/26

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：US20160138388A1

公开(公告)日：2016-05-19

申请号：US15006504

申请日：2016-01-26

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： Albert W. Chau ,  Loc Viet Lam

IPC: E21B47/12

CPC classification number: E21B47/12 ,  E21B7/046 ,  E21B7/30 ,  E21B47/091 ,  E21B47/121 ,  G01V3/30

Abstract: A drill string communication system is described. An uphole transceiver can couple a signal onto the drill string at a power that is always greater that a selectable power for a downhole signal. Communication from a drill rig to an inground tool can be re-initiated using a maximum uphole transmit power of an uphole transceiver. A procedure can establish a new set of transmission parameters for a drill string signal to establish communication between the drill rig and the inground tool. The system can include a walkover locator that receives an active/inactive status-controlled electromagnetic locating signal. Responsive to a locating signal degradation, a reconfiguration command can modify the locating signal. The uphole transceiver and a downhole transceiver can automatically modify at least one parameter of a downhole signal. An uphole receiver can apply a compensation response to a transferred signal to compensate for a drill string channel transfer function.

公开(公告)号：US20160138340A1

公开(公告)日：2016-05-19

申请号：US15004783

申请日：2016-01-22

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

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

IPC: E21B7/06

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：US09335431B2

公开(公告)日：2016-05-10

申请号：US14231603

申请日：2014-03-31

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： John E. Mercer ,  Albert W. Chau

IPC: G01V3/12 ,  G01V3/08

CPC classification number: G01V3/12 ,  G01V3/08 ,  G01V3/165 ,  G01V3/17

Abstract: A cable locating system includes a transmitter for generating a locating signal frequency for coupling onto a first cable and for transmitting a reference signal, which includes the locating signal frequency modulated on the reference signal. A second cable emits a false locating signal. A receiver distinguishes the locating signal from a false locating signal based on a modulation envelope of the reference signal as compared to the locating signal and the false locating signal.

Abstract translation: 电缆定位系统包括用于产生用于耦合到第一电缆上的定位信号频率并用于传输参考信号的发射器，该参考信号包括在参考信号上调制的定位信号。 第二根电缆发出错误的定位信号。 与定位信号和伪定位信号相比，接收机基于参考信号的调制包络区分定位信号与错误定位信号。

公开(公告)号：US09291738B2

公开(公告)日：2016-03-22

申请号：US14174176

申请日：2014-02-06

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

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

IPC: G01V3/15 ,  G01V3/12 ,  G01V3/08 ,  E21B47/024 ,  G01V3/28

CPC classification number: E21B47/0905 ,  E21B47/024 ,  G01C9/02 ,  G01V3/08 ,  G01V3/15 ,  G01V3/165 ,  G01V3/28

Abstract: A portable locator and method for establishing the location of the cable line in a region which includes at least one generally straight electrically conductive cable line extending across the region from which cable line a locating signal includes a first arrangement for measuring a local flux intensity of the locating signal at a first above ground point within the region with the portable locator in a particular orientation at the first above ground point. A second arrangement uses the local flux intensity to establish a cable line angular orientation which limits the possible directions to the cable line relative to the particular orientation of the portable locator at the above ground point. A third arrangement uses the measured local flux intensity to establish an actual direction of the cable line that is selected from the possible directions based on certain characteristics of the locating signal.

Abstract translation: 一种便携式定位器和方法，用于在包括至少一个大致直的导电电缆线的区域中建立电缆线的位置，该电缆线延伸穿过电缆线的区域，定位信号包括用于测量电缆线的局部通量强度的第一布置 将定位信号放置在该区域内的第一个地上点，便携式定位器在第一个地面上处于特定取向。 第二种方案使用局部通量强度来建立电缆线角度取向，其限制相对于便携式定位器在上述地面点的特定取向的电缆线的可能方向。 第三布置使用测量的局部通量强度来建立从基于定位信号的某些特性的可能方向中选择的电缆线的实际方向。

公开(公告)号：US20140174825A1

公开(公告)日：2014-06-26

申请号：US14193280

申请日：2014-02-28

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

Inventor： Albert W. Chau ,  Benjamin John Medeiros

IPC: E21B19/16 ,  E21B47/022

CPC classification number: E21B17/028 ,  E21B7/046 ,  E21B7/30 ,  E21B17/003 ,  E21B17/042 ,  E21B47/02224

Abstract: A coupling adapter is insertable in at least one joint of a drill string as the drill string is extended from a drill rig. The coupling adapter includes an arrangement for receiving a data signal that is generated by an inground tool and for electromagnetically coupling the data signal onto at least a portion of the drill string that extends from the adapter to the drill rig such that at least some of the drill pipe sections cooperate as an electrical conductor for carrying the data signal to the drill rig. In another feature, a current transformer is resiliently supported to isolate the current transformer from mechanical shock and vibration that is produced by an inground operation that is performed using the drill string. In another feature, a drill string repeater is described.

Abstract translation: 当钻柱从钻机延伸时，联接适配器可插入钻柱的至少一个接头中。 耦合适配器包括用于接收由接地工具产生的数据信号并用于将数据信号电磁耦合到从适配器延伸到钻机的钻柱的至少一部分的装置，使得至少一些 钻杆部分作为用于将数据信号传送到钻机的电导体协作。 在另一个特征中，电流互感器被弹性地支撑以将电流互感器与通过使用钻柱执行的内部操作产生的机械冲击和振动隔离。 在另一特征中，描述了钻柱中继器。

公开(公告)号：US20140167764A1

公开(公告)日：2014-06-19

申请号：US14186310

申请日：2014-02-21

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

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

IPC: G01V3/08

CPC classification number: G01V3/08 ,  H01Q1/04 ,  H01Q7/00 ,  H01Q9/28

Abstract: Location determination is performed using a transmitter including an elongated generally planar loop antenna defining an elongation axis. The elongation axis is positioned along at least a portion of a path. A magnetic field is then generated which approximates a dipole field. Certain characteristics of the magnetic field are then determined at a receiving position radially displaced from the antenna elongation axis. Using the determined certain characteristics, at least one orientation parameter is established which characterizes a positional relationship between the receiving position and the antenna on the path. The magnetic field may be transmitted as a monotone single phase signal. The orientation parameter may be a radial offset and/or an angular orientation between the receiving position and the antenna on the path. The antenna of the transmitter may be inserted into a first borehole to transmit the magnetic field to a receiver inserted into a second borehole.

Abstract translation: 使用包括限定伸长轴的细长大体上平面的环形天线的发射机来执行位置确定。 伸长轴沿着路径的至少一部分定位。 然后产生近似偶极子场的磁场。 然后在从天线伸长轴径向偏移的接收位置处确定磁场的某些特性。 使用确定的某些特征，建立表征路径上的接收位置和天线之间的位置关系的至少一个取向参数。 磁场可以作为单调单相信号传输。 取向参数可以是路径上的接收位置和天线之间的径向偏移和/或角度取向。 发射器的天线可以插入第一钻孔中，以将磁场传输到插入第二钻孔的接收器。

公开(公告)号：US20140150547A1

公开(公告)日：2014-06-05

申请号：US14174024

申请日：2014-02-06

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： Albert W. Chau ,  Dmitry Feldman ,  Benjamin John Medeiros

IPC: E21B47/06

CPC classification number: E21B47/06 ,  E21B47/011 ,  Y10T29/49002

Abstract: Generally, a sonde, associated components and methods are described which can be used in conjunction with an inground tool having an inground tool housing that defines an inground tool cavity such that the inground tool cavity is exposed to an ambient pressure environment which surrounds the inground tool during an inground operation. A sonde housing assembly includes an exterior configuration that is receivable within the inground tool cavity. The sonde housing assembly at least partially defines a sonde interior and is further configured for receiving the pressure sensor body of a pressure sensor in a pressure sealed engagement. A sonde electronics package is supported within the sonde interior and is at least configured to receive the pressure signal and transfer a corresponding pressure signal from the sonde.

Abstract translation: 通常，描述了一种探头，相关的部件和方法，其可以与具有嵌入式工具壳体的嵌入式工具结合使用，所述嵌入式工具限定了内部工具腔，使得所述内部工具腔暴露于围绕所述环形工具的环境压力环境 在地下作业期间。 探头壳体组件包括可接收在内部工具腔内的外部构造。 探头壳体组件至少部分地限定了探测器内部，并且还被构造成用于以压力密封接合的方式接收压力传感器的压力传感器主体。 探头电子组件支撑在探头内部，并且至少被配置成接收压力信号并且传送来自探头的相应的压力信号。

公开(公告)号：US20140020953A1

公开(公告)日：2014-01-23

申请号：US13946284

申请日：2013-07-19

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： Albert W. Chau ,  Benjamin John Medeiros ,  Craig Caswell

IPC: E21B44/00 ,  E21B47/12 ,  E21B47/02 ,  E21B7/04 ,  E21B47/06

CPC classification number: E21B47/024 ,  E21B7/046 ,  E21B21/08 ,  E21B44/00 ,  E21B47/02 ,  E21B47/06 ,  E21B47/10 ,  E21B47/12 ,  E21B47/122 ,  G01V3/18

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods are described for purposes of initiating a response to detection of an adverse operational condition involving a system including a drill rig and an inground tool. The response can be based on an uphole sensed parameter in combination with a downhole sensed parameter. The adverse operational condition can involve cross-bore detection, frac-out detection, excessive downhole pressure, a plugged jet indication and drill string key-holing detection. A communication system includes an inground communication link that allows bidirectional communication between a walkover detector and the drill rig via the inground tool. Monitoring of inground tool depth and/or lateral movement can be performed using techniques that approach integrated values. Bit force based auto-carving is described in the context of an automated procedure.

Abstract translation: 描述了系统，装置和方法，用于启动对涉及包括钻机和地下工具的系统的不利操作条件的检测的响应。 响应可以基于井下感测参数与井下感测参数的组合。 不利的操作条件可以涉及钻孔检测，破裂检测，井下压力过大，堵塞式喷射指示和钻柱键盘检测。 一种通信系统包括一个允许步行检测器和钻机之间通过地下工具进行双向通信的环形通信链路。 可以使用接近积分值的技术来监测地下工具深度和/或横向运动。 在自动化程序的上下文中描述了基于位力的自动雕刻。

公开(公告)号：US20130319136A1

公开(公告)日：2013-12-05

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: G01L1/26

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.

Abstract translation: 使用可以表现出可以提供补偿以产生零电压放大输出或增加动态范围的偏移的传感器描述张力监测。 一种布置确定电源复位是否响应于电池反弹，使得可以保持初始测量的系统启动参数。 如果电源复位响应于关闭条件下的启动，启动参数将在启动时自动保存。 启动参数可以是响应于零张力处的传感器偏移的零拉伸放大输出。 提供张力数据集的保护，使得在传送数据集之前不提供改变数据集的机会。 壳体配置形成用于从电池向电子组件提供电力的电力电路的一部分。