公开(公告)号：US20160251078A1

公开(公告)日：2016-09-01

申请号：US14562479

申请日：2014-12-05

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

Inventor： John E. Mercer ,  Mark H. Marvin

IPC: B64C27/57 ,  B64C27/04 ,  B64C27/59 ,  B64C27/00

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：US20160216379A1

公开(公告)日：2016-07-28

申请号：US15090566

申请日：2016-04-04

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： John E. Mercer

IPC: G01S19/39 ,  G01P15/14

CPC classification number: G01S19/39 ,  B64D43/02 ,  G01P5/00 ,  G01P7/00 ,  G01P15/14

Abstract: The flight of an aircraft is characterized in terms of Earth-based reference system data for a first position and a second position of the aircraft that are separated by a time increment. A centripetal acceleration of the aircraft is determined based on the Earth-based reference system data for the positions in conjunction with the time increment. A rate of rotation is established corresponding to the time increment in an aircraft-based reference system. Aircraft airspeed is determined based on the centripetal acceleration and the rate of rotation. A turn can be detected as characterized by a change in track angle from a prior GPS packet compared to a new packet. Aircraft turns can be detected based on a change in track angle in GPS packets. Compensation can be applied to a gyro based on centripetal acceleration such that the gyro more accurately responds to the Earth gravity axis.

Abstract translation: 飞机的飞行的特征在于基于地面的参考系统数据，用于飞行器的第一位置和第二位置，其被时间增量分开。 基于地面参考系统数据确定飞机的向心加速度，并结合时间增量确定位置。 对应于基于飞机的参考系统中的时间增量来建立旋转速率。 基于向心加速度和旋转速度确定飞机空速。 与新分组相比，可以检测到与来自先前的GPS分组的轨道角度的变化相关的转弯。 可以根据GPS数据包中轨道角度的变化来检测飞机转弯。 可以基于向心加速度对陀螺仪进行补偿，使得陀螺仪更准确地响应于地球重力轴。

公开(公告)号：US09360579B1

公开(公告)日：2016-06-07

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: 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：US20160124110A1

公开(公告)日：2016-05-05

申请号：US14991177

申请日：2016-01-08

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

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

IPC: G01V3/38 ,  G01V3/08

CPC classification number: G01V3/081 ,  E21B47/0905 ,  G01V3/15 ,  G01V3/30 ,  G01V3/38

Abstract: An arrangement and an associated method are described in which a boring tool is moved through the ground within a given region along a path in which region a cable is buried. The boring tool and the cable transmit a boring tool locating signal and a cable locating signal, respectively. Intensities of the boring tool locating signal and the cable locating signal are measured along with a pitch orientation of the boring tool. Using the measured intensities and established pitch orientation, a positional relationship is determined to relative scale including at least the boring tool and the cable in the region. The positional relationship is displayed to scale in one view. The positional relationship may be determined and displayed including the forward locate point in scaled relation to the boring tool and the cable. Cable depth determination techniques are described including a two-point ground depth determination method.

Abstract translation: 描述了一种布置和相关方法，其中镗孔工具沿着沿着其中埋入电缆的区域的路径在给定区域内移动通过地面。 钻孔工具和电缆分别传输钻孔定位信号和电缆定位信号。 镗刀定位信号和电缆定位信号的强度随钻孔工具的俯仰方向一起测量。 使用所测量的强度和建立的俯仰方向，确定位置关系至至少包括该钻孔工具和该区域中的电缆的相对标度。 位置关系在一个视图中以比例显示。 可以确定和显示位置关系，包括与镗孔工具和电缆成比例关系的前向定位点。 描述了电缆深度确定技术，其包括两点地面深度确定方法。

公开(公告)号：US09133703B2

公开(公告)日：2015-09-15

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: G01V3/15 ,  E21B7/06 ,  E21B44/02 ,  E21B47/022 ,  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。

公开(公告)号：US09035656B2

公开(公告)日：2015-05-19

申请号：US14179314

申请日：2014-02-12

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

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

IPC: G01V3/08 ,  G01R33/00 ,  G01R33/02 ,  E21B47/022

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：US20140260741A1

公开(公告)日：2014-09-18

申请号：US14289910

申请日：2014-05-29

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： John E. Mercer

IPC: F16H3/30

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.

Abstract translation: 传动系至少包括输入轴和输出轴。 离合器构件可以通过离合器轴绕旋转轴线旋转。 离合器轴被支撑用于沿着旋转轴线的横向移动，以移动离合器构件以在第一横向位置与传动系协调，以使输出轴转动并将离合器构件移动到第二横向位置，以使 输出轴从输入轴旋转。 永磁体由离合器轴的一端支撑，并被布置成沿着旋转轴线接收外部磁偏置力，以选择性地在第一和第二横向位置之间移动离合器构件。 可以使用行进轴来支撑通过永磁体移动的所选择的齿轮，以实现传动和倒车配置。

公开(公告)号：US20140159730A1

公开(公告)日：2014-06-12

申请号：US14179314

申请日：2014-02-12

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

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

IPC: G01V3/08

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.

Abstract translation: 设备围绕轴旋转至少一个静态磁场，产生旋转的磁偶极场，并且可相对于地面移动。 使用接收器周期性地感测该场以响应于场产生接收机输出。 使用输出监视接收机和设备之间的位置关系。 一方面，通过使设备更靠近支撑接收器的钻孔工具来改变位置关系，导致深度确定的精度的提高。 在另一方面，描述了钻孔工具的实际开销位置的确定及其应用。 公开了在每个磁体的至少半圈上使用多个测量。 描述了朝向钻孔工具的表面径向方向和多值参数的分辨率。 还描述了校准技术以及三个发射机配置。

公开(公告)号：US20140152311A1

公开(公告)日：2014-06-05

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: G01V3/08

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线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：US20140131103A1

公开(公告)日：2014-05-15

申请号：US14158676

申请日：2014-01-17

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

Inventor： Guenter W. Brune ,  Peter H. Hambling ,  John E. Mercer ,  Lloyd A. Moore ,  Shiu S. Ng ,  Rudolf Zeller

IPC: E21B47/022

CPC classification number: E21B47/02224 ,  B82Y25/00 ,  E21B7/046 ,  G01R33/093 ,  G01V3/081 ,  G01V3/165 ,  G01V3/38 ,  H01Q1/04 ,  H01Q1/36 ,  H01Q1/38 ,  H01Q7/00 ,  H01Q21/205 ,  H01Q21/28 ,  H01Q21/29

Abstract: Specific apparatus and associated methods are described for use in establishing the positions of locating field detectors and for path mapping within a region for the purpose of tracking and/or guiding the movement of an underground boring tool. In one aspect, an improvement is provided forming part of an arrangement for tracking the position and/or guiding the boring tool using an electromagnetic locating signal which is transmitted from the boring tool as the boring tool moves through the ground. At least two detectors are located at fixed positions within the region, each being operable in a transmit mode and in a receive mode such that each one of the detectors in the transmit mode is able to transmit a relative locating signal to the other detector for use in determining the relative position of one detector in relation to the other and such that both detectors receive the electromagnetic locating signal in the receive mode for use in determining the position of the boring tool within the region. Provisions are also described for extending drilling range by using additional detectors by moving a limited number of detectors. In another aspect, a system is provided including at least two above ground detectors for sensing the locating signal. The detectors are located at initial positions in the region. Electromagnetic data is generated by the detectors with the boring tool at multiple positions to generate electromagnetic data which is used to identify the positions of the detectors. A selected flux pathline steering technique is introduced.

Abstract translation: 描述了用于建立定位场检测器的位置和用于跟踪和/或引导地下钻孔工具的运动的区域内的路径映射的具体设备和相关方法。 在一个方面，提供了一种改进，其形成用于跟踪钻孔工具的位置和/或引导钻孔工具的一部分，该电磁定位信号是在钻孔工具移动通过地面时从钻孔工具传递的。 至少两个检测器位于区域内的固定位置，每个检测器可以在发射模式和接收模式下操作，使得发射模式中的每个检测器能够将相对定位信号传输到另一检测器以供使用 在确定一个检测器相对于另一检测器的相对位置时，两个检测器接收接收模式中的电磁定位信号，以用于确定钻孔工具在该区域内的位置。 还描述了通过移动有限数量的检测器通过使用附加检测器来延长钻孔范围的规定。 在另一方面，提供一种系统，其包括用于感测定位信号的至少两个上述地面探测器。 探测器位于该区域的初始位置。 电磁数据由具有钻孔工具的检测器在多个位置产生，以产生用于识别检测器的位置的电磁数据。 引入了选择的通量线路转向技术。