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：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：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：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。

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。

公开(公告)号：US20130146415A1

公开(公告)日：2013-06-13

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：US20130146356A1

公开(公告)日：2013-06-13

申请号：US13761632

申请日：2013-02-07

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

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

IPC: E21B47/022

CPC classification number: E21B47/024 ,  E21B7/046 ,  E21B44/005 ,  E21B47/02224

Abstract: A boring tool that is moved by a drill string to form an underground bore. A transmitter transmits a time varying dipole field as a homing field from the boring tool. A pitch sensor detects a pitch orientation of the boring tool. A homing receiver is positionable at a target location for detecting the homing field to produce a set of flux measurements. A processing arrangement uses the pitch orientation and flux measurements with a determined length of the drill string to determine a vertical homing command for use in controlling depth in directing the boring tool to the target location such that the vertical homing command is generated with a particular accuracy at a given range between the transmitter and the homing receiver and which would otherwise be generated with the particular accuracy for a standard range, different from the particular range. An associated system and method are described.

Abstract translation: 一个钻孔工具，通过钻柱移动以形成地下孔。 发射机从钻孔工具发送时变偶极场作为归位场。 俯仰传感器检测钻孔工具的俯仰方向。 归位接收器可定位在目标位置，用于检测归位域以产生一组通量测量。 处理装置使用具有确定的钻柱长度的俯仰方向和通量测量来确定用于控制将钻孔工具引导到目标位置的深度的垂直归位命令，使得以特定精度产生垂直归位命令 在发射机和归巢接收机之间的给定范围内，否则将以与特定范围不同的标准范围的特定精度产生。 描述了相关联的系统和方法。