公开(公告)号：US11136881B2

公开(公告)日：2021-10-05

申请号：US13946611

申请日：2013-07-19

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

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

IPC: E21B47/13 ,  E21B47/024 ,  G01V3/18 ,  E21B21/08 ,  E21B47/12 ,  E21B44/00 ,  E21B7/04 ,  E21B47/02 ,  E21B47/06 ,  E21B47/10

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. Loss of locator to drill rig telemetry can trigger an automated switch to a different communication path within the system.

公开(公告)号：US20210270128A1

公开(公告)日：2021-09-02

申请号：US17322530

申请日：2021-05-17

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： Rudolf Zeller ,  Gary Garrabrant ,  Timothy Bayliss ,  Scott Phillips

IPC: E21B47/13 ,  E21B47/024 ,  E21B7/04

Abstract: A transmitter for inground use controls a depth signal transmit power in relation to a data signal transmit power such that one reception range of the depth signal at least approximately matches another, different reception range of the data signal. A portable device can form a system with the transmitter in which the portable device scans a plurality of frequencies within at least one low frequency depth signal range to measure the electromagnetic noise at each one of the plurality of frequencies and identify at least one of the frequencies as a potential depth frequency for the transmitter. The portable device can include a dual mode filter having a rebar mode and a normal mode filter. The depth signal frequency is dynamically positionable in relation to low frequency noise.

公开(公告)号：US20210245871A1

公开(公告)日：2021-08-12

申请号：US17159156

申请日：2021-01-27

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

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

IPC: B64C27/57 ,  B64C27/56 ,  G05D1/10 ,  B64C13/18 ,  G05D1/08 ,  G05D1/00 ,  B64C13/28 ,  B64C13/04 ,  B64C27/58 ,  B64C27/59 ,  B64C27/64 ,  B64C27/68

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.

公开(公告)号：US11015441B2

公开(公告)日：2021-05-25

申请号：US16298988

申请日：2019-03-11

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： Albert W. Chau ,  Loc Viet Lam ,  Scott Phillips

IPC: E21B47/13 ,  E21B47/024 ,  E21B7/04

Abstract: A transmitter is carried proximate to an inground tool for sensing a plurality of operational parameters relating to the inground tool. The transmitter customizes a data signal to characterize one or more of the operational parameters for transmission from the inground tool based on the operational status of the inground tool. A receiver receives the data signal and recovers the operational parameters. Advanced data protocols are described. Pitch averaging and enhancement of dynamic pitch range for accelerometer readings are described based on monitoring mechanical shock and vibration of the inground tool.

公开(公告)号：US11002623B2

公开(公告)日：2021-05-11

申请号：US16400771

申请日：2019-05-01

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

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

IPC: G01L5/00 ,  G01L5/10 ,  B66C13/16 ,  B66C23/90 ,  B66D1/54 ,  G01L5/103 ,  G01L1/26

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：US11002129B2

公开(公告)日：2021-05-11

申请号：US16382198

申请日：2019-04-12

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： Thomas J. Hall

IPC: E21B47/024 ,  E21B47/12 ,  E21B7/04 ,  E21B47/02 ,  E21B47/01 ,  E21B44/00 ,  E21B47/13 ,  E21B47/0232

Abstract: A drilling area network hub is located proximate to a drill rig and includes an uphole transceiver in bidirectional communication with a downhole transceiver by utilizing the drill string as an electrical conductor. Certain information is collected including rig-based and/or location information. At least one field report is generated based on the certain information to characterize at least one of an inground operation, an operational condition of the downhole transceiver, an operational condition of the uphole transceiver, and an operational condition of the drill rig. A drilling area network server receives the field report from the Internet at a remote location and can generate a custom report and/or recommended actions based on field data. Region specific parameters can be applied to the operation of a drilling system. The drilling area network hub can transfer data logs to the remote location according to assigned priorities.

公开(公告)号：US20210010828A1

公开(公告)日：2021-01-14

申请号：US17015680

申请日：2020-09-09

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

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

IPC: G01D5/20 ,  G01V3/08 ,  E21B47/0232 ,  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：US20210002996A1

公开(公告)日：2021-01-07

申请号：US16988671

申请日：2020-08-09

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

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

IPC: E21B44/00 ,  E21B7/04 ,  E21B47/024 ,  E21B47/0232 ,  E21B7/10

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：US10809099B2

公开(公告)日：2020-10-20

申请号：US16579795

申请日：2019-09-23

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

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

IPC: G01D5/20 ,  G01V3/38 ,  G01V3/08 ,  E21B47/022 ,  E21B47/0232

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：US20200173275A1

公开(公告)日：2020-06-04

申请号：US16782948

申请日：2020-02-05

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： Rudolf Zeller ,  Gary Garrabrant ,  Timothy Bayliss ,  Scott Phillips

IPC: E21B47/12 ,  E21B47/024 ,  E21B7/04

Abstract: A transmitter for inground use controls a depth signal transmit power in relation to a data signal transmit power such that one reception range of the depth signal at least approximately matches another, different reception range of the data signal. A portable device can form a system with the transmitter in which the portable device scans a plurality of frequencies within at least one low frequency depth signal range to measure the electromagnetic noise at each one of the plurality of frequencies and identify at least one of the frequencies as a potential depth frequency for the transmitter. The portable device can include a dual mode filter having a rebar mode and a normal mode filter. The depth signal frequency is dynamically positionable in relation to low frequency noise.