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：US09272780B2

公开(公告)日：2016-03-01

申请号：US13763574

申请日：2013-02-08

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： John E. Mercer ,  Nicolas Albion ,  Mark Bartel ,  Marc Feifel ,  Mark Marvin

IPC: B64C27/57 ,  B64C27/59 ,  B64C27/64 ,  B64C27/68 ,  B64C13/18 ,  B64C13/42 ,  G05D1/08

CPC classification number: B64C27/57 ,  B64C13/18 ,  B64C13/42 ,  B64C27/56 ,  B64C27/59 ,  B64C27/64 ,  B64C27/68 ,  G05D1/0077 ,  G05D1/0816 ,  G05D1/0858 ,  G05D1/102 ,  Y02T50/44

Abstract: A helicopter autopilot system includes an inner loop for attitude hold for the flight of the helicopter including a given level of redundancy applied to the inner loop. An outer loop is configured for providing a navigation function with respect to the flight of the helicopter including a different level of redundancy than the inner loop. An actuator provides a braking force on a linkage that serves to stabilize the flight of the helicopter during a power failure. The actuator is electromechanical and receives electrical drive signals to provide automatic flight control of the helicopter without requiring a hydraulic assistance system in the helicopter. The autopilot can operate the helicopter in a failed mode of the hydraulic assistance system. A number of flight modes are described with associated sensor inputs including rate based and true attitude modes.

Abstract translation: 直升机自动驾驶系统包括用于直升机飞行的姿态保持的内循环，包括施加到内循环的给定水平的冗余。 外部环路被配置为提供关于直升机的飞行的导航功能，其包括与内部循环不同的冗余级别。 致动器在联动装置上提供制动力，用于在停电期间稳定直升机的飞行。 致动器是机电的并且接收电驱动信号以提供直升机的自动飞行控制，而不需要直升机中的液压辅助系统。 自动驾驶仪可以在液压辅助系统的故障模式下操作直升机。 使用相关的传感器输入描述了多个飞行模式，包括基于速率和真实姿态模式。

公开(公告)号：US08910909B2

公开(公告)日：2014-12-16

申请号：US14161877

申请日：2014-01-23

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

Inventor： John E. Mercer ,  Mark H. Marvin

IPC: B64C27/57 ,  B64C27/54

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.

公开(公告)号：US08766752B2

公开(公告)日：2014-07-01

申请号：US13761980

申请日：2013-02-07

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： John E. Mercer

IPC: 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.

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：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：US20140110170A1

公开(公告)日：2014-04-24

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: E21B44/00 ,  E21B7/04

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.

Abstract translation: 镗削刀具具有俯仰方位，偏转方向和滚动方位，并且可使用滚动方向在地下方向转向。 建立最大的钻柱曲率用于转向。 无聊工具在路径段上前进。 确定镗刀沿着路径段的移动的平均辊特性。 基于沿着路径段的至少一个测量的俯仰方向来建立路径段俯仰取向。 使用最大钻柱曲率与平均辊特性和路段段俯仰方向相结合，确定偏航方向。 基于在路径段上间隔的一系列增量滚动测量来确定平均滚动特性。 一组耦合的常微分方程用于表征钻孔工具的运动。

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：US08622150B2

公开(公告)日：2014-01-07

申请号：US13688314

申请日：2012-11-29

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

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

IPC: E21B7/08 ,  E21B44/00

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.

Abstract translation: 镗削刀具具有俯仰方位，偏转方向和滚动方位，并且可使用滚动方向在地下方向转向。 建立最大的钻柱曲率用于转向。 无聊工具在路径段上前进。 确定镗刀沿着路径段的移动的平均辊特性。 基于沿着路径段的至少一个测量的俯仰方向来建立路径段俯仰取向。 使用最大钻柱曲率与平均辊特性和路段段俯仰方向相结合，确定偏航方向。 基于在路径段上间隔的一系列增量滚动测量来确定平均滚动特性。 一组耦合的常微分方程用于表征钻孔工具的运动。