公开(公告)号：US09581717B2

公开(公告)日：2017-02-28

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 ,  H01Q1/04 ,  H01Q7/00 ,  H01Q9/28

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：US20170008624A1

公开(公告)日：2017-01-12

申请号：US15158521

申请日：2016-05-18

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： Mark Marvin ,  John E. Mercer ,  Derek Vetter

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

CPC classification number: B64C27/57 ,  B64C27/006 ,  B64C27/56 ,  B64C27/58 ,  B64C27/59

Abstract: An emergency collective actuator includes an actuator motor to produce an actuation force and an actuator linkage that directly engages a friction control lever that is pivotally supported on the collective stick of a helicopter to apply the actuation force directly to the friction control lever such that the actuation force initially disengages the friction control and then reduces the adjustable pitch toward a minimum collective pitch position. The actuator can include a clutch that slips to allow the pilot to overcome the actuation force and that slips responsive to an engagement of the friction control by the pilot, but otherwise the clutch co-rotates with the motor shaft to bias the adjustable pitch toward a minimum collective pitch position.

Abstract translation: 紧急集体执行器包括致动器马达以产生致动力和致动器连杆，其直接接合摩擦控制杆，所述摩擦控制杆枢转地支撑在直升机的集体杆上，以将致动力直接施加到摩擦控制杆，使得致动 力最初脱离摩擦控制，然后将可调节距减小到最小集体俯仰位置。 致动器可包括离合器，其滑动以允许飞行员克服致动力，并且响应于飞行员的摩擦控制的接合滑动，但是否则离合器与马达轴共同旋转以将可调俯仰偏压朝向 最低集体职位。

公开(公告)号：US09540879B2

公开(公告)日：2017-01-10

申请号：US13725718

申请日：2012-12-21

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： Bruce Kolpack ,  David Bahr ,  Thomas J. Hall ,  Benjamin J. Medeiros

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

CPC classification number: E21B7/046 ,  E21B7/06 ,  E21B41/0092 ,  E21B44/00 ,  E21B47/024

Abstract: An apparatus and method are used in conjunction with a system for performing horizontal directional drilling, the system including a drill string extending from a drill rig to a boring tool such that the boring tool is steerable based on a roll orientation. The system also includes an arrangement for generating steering commands for guiding the boring tool to a target position. Responsive at least in part to the steering commands, a display is configured to selectively indicate each of a rotate command, a push command and a spin command. A steering indicator is described which indicates a current roll orientation of the boring tool. A 3-D grid can be animated and centered on either a steering or target indicator. Rounding of a steering command ratio can limit the display of target roll orientations to only those that a given boring tool transmitter is capable of sensing and indicating.

Abstract translation: 一种装置和方法与用于执行水平定向钻井的系统结合使用，该系统包括从钻机延伸到钻孔工具的钻柱，使得钻孔工具可基于滚动方向操作。 该系统还包括用于产生用于将钻孔工具引导到目标位置的转向指令的装置。 至少部分地响应于转向命令，显示器被配置为选择性地指示旋转命令，推送命令和旋转命令中的每一个。 描述了指示钻孔工具的当前滚动方向的转向指示器。 三维网格可以动画化，并以转向或目标指示器为中心。 转向指令比率的四舍五入可以将目标滚动方向的显示限制到只有给定的钻孔发射机能够感测和指示的方向。

公开(公告)号：US09425619B2

公开(公告)日：2016-08-23

申请号：US14214074

申请日：2014-03-14

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： Albert W. Chau ,  Scott Phillips ,  Benjamin J. Medeiros

IPC: H02J1/00 ,  H02J17/00 ,  E21B47/01 ,  E21B47/09 ,  E21B47/12 ,  E21B7/04

CPC classification number: E21B44/005 ,  E21B7/046 ,  E21B41/00 ,  E21B47/01 ,  E21B47/024 ,  E21B47/09 ,  E21B47/121 ,  E21B47/122 ,  H02J1/00 ,  H02J17/00 ,  H02J50/80

Abstract: A transmitter is powered by a regulated battery voltage and is installable in one of a plurality of different housings, each housing is characterized by a different design and each can form part of an inground tool for performing an inground operation in which a drill string extends from a drill rig to the inground tool. An antenna driver drives an antenna based on the regulated voltage to emanate an electromagnetic signal for remote reception. A controller limits power consumption from the regulated voltage so as not to exceed a power consumption threshold, irrespective of installation of the transmitter in any one of the housings when the transmitter would otherwise exhibit a different power consumption for each housing design. A corresponding method is described. Features relating to power consumption threshold modification based on temperature as well as mechanical shock and vibration are described.

Abstract translation: 发射机由调节的电池电压供电并且可安装在多个不同的壳体中的一个中，每个壳体的特征在于不同的设计，并且每个壳体可以形成用于进行钻孔工具的一部分，其中钻柱从 一个钻机到地下工具。 天线驱动器基于调节电压驱动天线，发出用于远程接收的电磁信号。 控制器限制来自调节电压的功率消耗，以便不超过功率消耗阈值，而不管发射机在任何一个外壳中的安装，否则当发射机对于每个外壳设计将表现出不同的功耗时。 描述相应的方法。 描述了基于温度的功耗阈值修改以及机械冲击和振动的特征。

公开(公告)号：US09371725B2

公开(公告)日：2016-06-21

申请号：US14097180

申请日：2013-12-04

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

Inventor： James W. Burrows ,  Guenter W. Brune ,  John E. Mercer

IPC: E21B47/024 ,  E21B44/00 ,  E21B7/04 ,  E21B47/022

CPC classification number: E21B44/00 ,  E21B7/04 ,  E21B7/046 ,  E21B7/10 ,  E21B47/02224 ,  E21B47/024 ,  G01V3/081 ,  G01V3/38

Abstract: A boring tool moves having a pitch orientation, a yaw orientation and a roll orientation and is steerable underground using the roll orientation. A maximum drill string curvature is established for steering. The boring tool is advanced over a path segment. An averaged roll characteristic is determined for movement of the boring tool along the path segment. A path segment pitch orientation is established based on at least one measured pitch orientation along the path segment. Using the maximum drill string curvature in combination with the averaged roll characteristic and the path segment pitch orientation, the yaw orientation is determined. The averaged roll characteristic is determined based on a series of incremental roll measurements that are spaced across the path segment. A set of coupled ordinary differential equations is used to characterize movement of the boring tool.

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：US09310509B2

公开(公告)日：2016-04-12

申请号：US14242042

申请日：2014-04-01

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

Inventor： John E. Mercer

IPC: G01V3/12 ,  E21B47/022 ,  G01V3/15 ,  G01V3/165 ,  G01V3/26

CPC classification number: G01V3/12 ,  E21B47/02224 ,  G01V3/15 ,  G01V3/165 ,  G01V3/26

Abstract: An apparatus forms part of a system in which a transmitter is moved through the ground while transmitting a signal for locating the transmitter. The apparatus includes a receiver for receiving the signal to generate certain information about the position of the transmitter relative to the position of the apparatus based on the signal. A processor establishes a current location of the transmitter and electronically records the current location as one of a series of recorded locations of the transmitter based on the certain information and, at a time of recording the current location, electronically records a time stamp that designates at least a date on which the current location was recorded as part of the series of recorded locations of the transmitter.

Abstract translation: 一种装置形成系统的一部分，其中发射机在传送用于定位发射机的信号的同时移动通过地面。 该装置包括接收器，用于基于该信号接收信号以产生关于发射器相对于设备的位置的位置的某些信息。 处理器建立发射机的当前位置并且基于该特定信息将当前位置电子地记录为发射机的一系列记录位置之一，并且在记录当前位置时电子地记录指定的时间戳 至少记录当前位置的日期，作为发射机的一系列记录位置的一部分。