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公开(公告)号：US20210207438A1
公开(公告)日：2021-07-08
申请号：US17209177
申请日：2021-03-22
Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.
Inventor： Timothy Shaw , John E. Mercer , Albert W. Chau
IPC: E21B7/06 , G01V3/34 , G01V3/38 , E21B47/024 , E21B44/00 , G01V3/18 , E21B47/13 , E21B47/0232 , G01V3/08 , G01V3/15
Abstract: A boring tool is movable through the ground. A transmitter supported by the boring tool transmits an electromagnetic homing signal. A portable device monitors the electromagnetic homing signal and receives the electromagnetic homing signal in a homing mode for guiding the boring tool to a target position. A processor generates steering commands for guiding the boring tool based on a bore plan in a steering mode such that at least some positional error is introduced without using the electromagnetic homing signal. Switching from the steering mode to the homing mode is based on monitoring of the electromagnetic homing signal as the boring tool approaches the portable device to then guide the boring tool to the target position location in compensation for the positional error. Intermediate target positions are described as well as guiding the boring tool based on the homing signal so long as the portable device receives the signal.
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192.发明授权公开(公告)号：US10969399B1
公开(公告)日：2021-04-06
申请号：US14800454
申请日：2015-07-15
Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.
Inventor： Albert W. Chau , Kenneth J. Theimer , Jason Pothier
Abstract: An accelerometer module is supported within an interior passage of a transmitter housing of a transmitter that is itself receivable within an inground housing of an inground tool to perform an inground operation which subjects the transmitter to mechanical shock and vibration. An accelerometer housing of the module includes an exterior periphery that is receivable in the interior passage of the transmitter. A resilient damping foam can be supported to dispose the foam between the accelerometer housing and the transmitter housing such that the foam cooperates with the accelerometer housing to form a complex mass-spring-damper system that exhibits a resonant frequency which is controllable. An accelerometer cartridge of the module can include a mass that is at least five times the mass of an original accelerometer cartridge. In one feature, the accelerometer cartridge can include a mass of at least 20 grams for a one inch diameter transmitter housing.
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公开(公告)号：US10901106B2
公开(公告)日：2021-01-26
申请号：US16132361
申请日：2018-09-15
Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.
Inventor： John E. Mercer , Albert W. Chau
Abstract: Discriminating between a cable locating signal and a false cable locating signal is described. A reference signal, which contains a locating signal frequency impressed on it, is transmitted in a way which provides for detection of a phase shift between the locating signal and the false locating signal. Based on the phase shift, a receiver is used to distinguish the locating signal from the false locating signal.
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公开(公告)号：US20200332646A1
公开(公告)日：2020-10-22
申请号：US16918355
申请日：2020-07-01
Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.
Inventor： Albert W. Chau , Benjamin John Medeiros , Craig Caswell
IPC: E21B47/024 , E21B44/00 , E21B7/04 , E21B47/06 , E21B47/02 , E21B47/10 , E21B21/08 , E21B47/13 , E21B47/12 , 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.
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公开(公告)号：US10781638B2
公开(公告)日：2020-09-22
申请号：US15373417
申请日：2016-12-08
Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.
Inventor： Bruce Kolpack , David Bahr , Thomas J. Hall , Benjamin J. Medeiros
IPC: E21B7/04 , E21B47/024 , E21B7/06 , E21B41/00 , E21B44/00
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.
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Patent Agency Ranking
公开(公告)号：US10767468B2
公开(公告)日：2020-09-08
申请号：US16404393
申请日：2019-05-06
Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.
Inventor： Albert W. Chau , Dmitry Feldman , Benjamin John Medeiros
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.
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公开(公告)号：US10738592B2
公开(公告)日：2020-08-11
申请号：US15581135
申请日：2017-04-28
Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.
Inventor： Albert W. Chau , Benjamin John Medeiros , Craig Caswell
IPC: E21B47/02 , E21B47/024 , E21B44/00 , E21B7/04 , E21B47/06 , E21B47/10 , E21B47/12 , E21B21/08 , 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.
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公开(公告)号：US10648326B2
公开(公告)日：2020-05-12
申请号：US16297634
申请日：2019-03-09
Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.
Inventor： Albert W. Chau , Jason Pothier
Abstract: An inground housing supports a transmitter for receiving electrical power from a battery. The transmitter transmits at least one signal using at least two different transmit power levels for at least one of locating the transmitter and characterizing an orientation of the transmitter. Based on detecting the battery voltage, the transmitter selects one of the transmit power levels. Transmitter output power can be controlled based on one or both of signal gain and duty cycle.
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公开(公告)号：US20200032586A1
公开(公告)日：2020-01-30
申请号：US16588836
申请日：2019-09-30
Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.
Inventor： Tim Shaw , John E. Mercer , Albert W. Chau
IPC: E21B7/06 , E21B47/022 , G01V3/18 , G01V3/34 , G01V3/38 , E21B47/024 , E21B47/12 , E21B44/00 , G01V3/08 , G01V3/15
Abstract: A boring tool is movable through the ground. A transmitter supported by the boring tool transmits an electromagnetic homing signal. A portable device monitors the electromagnetic homing signal and receives the electromagnetic homing signal in a homing mode for guiding the boring tool to a target position. A processor generates steering commands for guiding the boring tool based on a bore plan in a steering mode such that at least some positional error is introduced without using the electromagnetic homing signal. Switching from the steering mode to the homing mode is based on monitoring of the electromagnetic homing signal as the boring tool approaches the portable device to then guide the boring tool to the target position location in compensation for the positional error. Intermediate target positions are described as well as guiding the boring tool based on the homing signal so long as the portable device receives the signal.
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公开(公告)号：US20200018621A1
公开(公告)日：2020-01-16
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
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.
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