公开(公告)号：US20160265338A1

公开(公告)日：2016-09-15

申请号：US15158456

申请日：2016-05-18

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

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

IPC: E21B44/02 ,  E21B7/04 ,  E21B47/022

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：US09388683B2

公开(公告)日：2016-07-12

申请号：US14677099

申请日：2015-04-02

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

Inventor： John E. Mercer

IPC: E21B47/024 ,  E21B7/04 ,  E21B7/06 ,  E21B44/00 ,  E21B47/022 ,  E21B47/12

CPC classification number: E21B44/005 ,  E21B7/046 ,  E21B7/06 ,  E21B7/068 ,  E21B44/00 ,  E21B47/02224 ,  E21B47/024 ,  E21B47/122

Abstract: A drilling system performs underground boring using a drill rig and a boring tool which is configured for moving through the ground under control of the drill rig to form an underground bore. A monitoring arrangement, forming part of the system, includes a detection arrangement at the drill rig for monitoring at least one operational parameter to produce a data signal relating to at least one of a utility to be installed in the underground bore, the drill rig and the boring tool. A portable device forms another part of the system for receiving the data signal relating to the operational parameter for use by the portable device. A communication arrangement, for example using telemetry, transfers the data signal from the drill rig to the portable device. The operational parameter may be monitored for the purpose of preventing equipment failure.

公开(公告)号：US09261621B2

公开(公告)日：2016-02-16

申请号：US14177898

申请日：2014-02-11

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

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

IPC: G01V3/08 ,  G01V3/38

CPC classification number: G01V3/081 ,  E21B47/0905 ,  G01V3/15 ,  G01V3/30 ,  G01V3/38

Abstract: An arrangement and an associated method are described in which a boring tool is moved through the ground within a given region along a path in which region a cable is buried. The boring tool and the cable transmit a boring tool locating signal and a cable locating signal, respectively. Intensities of the boring tool locating signal and the cable locating signal are measured along with a pitch orientation of the boring tool. Using the measured intensities and established pitch orientation, a positional relationship is determined to relative scale including at least the boring tool and the cable in the region. The positional relationship is displayed to scale in one view. The positional relationship may be determined and displayed including the forward locate point in scaled relation to the boring tool and the cable. Cable depth determination techniques are described including a two-point ground depth determination method.

公开(公告)号：US20160023758A1

公开(公告)日：2016-01-28

申请号：US14858080

申请日：2015-09-18

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

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

IPC: B64C27/59 ,  B64C27/57 ,  F16F15/121 ,  B64C27/68

CPC classification number: B64C27/68 ,  B64C13/04 ,  B64C13/18 ,  B64C13/30 ,  B64C27/57 ,  B64C27/58 ,  B64C27/59 ,  F16F15/121 ,  Y02T50/44

Abstract: An autopilot actuator includes first and second motors each including a rotatable motor output shaft such that either one or both of the motors can drive an actuator output shaft. An autopilot main unit enclosure is removably mounted to the helicopter proximate to a cyclic control and commonly houses autopilot actuators as well as main autopilot electronics. A cyclic vibration isolator is removably supported by an actuator shaft for co-rotation and coupled to the cyclic control to attenuate a cyclic vibration frequency at the actuator shaft while output rotations of the actuator shaft below a resonant frequency are coupled to the cyclic control. A force limited link includes first and second ends and a variable length between. The force limited link having a relaxed length when less than an unseating force is applied and the variable length changes when an applied force exceeds the unseating force to permit pilot override.

Abstract translation: 自动驾驶执行器包括第一和第二电动机，每个电动机包括可旋转的电动机输出轴，使得电动机中的一个或两个可以驱动致动器输出轴。 自动驾驶仪主机壳体可拆卸地安装在靠近循环控制的直升机上，并且通常容纳自动驾驶执行器以及主要的自动驾驶仪电子装置。 循环式隔振器由致动器轴可拆卸地支撑，用于共同旋转并且耦合到循环控制器，以在致动器轴处衰减循环振动频率，同时致动器轴的低于谐振频率的转速耦合到循环控制。 力限制连杆包括第一和第二端以及两者之间的可变长度。 当施加小于放开力的力时，力限制连杆具有松弛的长度，并且当施加的力超过转动力以允许引导超驰时，可变长度改变。

公开(公告)号：US20150234074A1

公开(公告)日：2015-08-20

申请号：US14702694

申请日：2015-05-02

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

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

IPC: G01V3/08 ,  G01V3/38

CPC classification number: G01D5/2006 ,  E21B47/02224 ,  G01V3/08 ,  G01V3/081 ,  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.

Abstract translation: 设备围绕轴旋转至少一个静态磁场，产生旋转的磁偶极场，并且可相对于地面移动。 使用接收器周期性地感测该场以响应于场产生接收机输出。 使用输出监视接收机和设备之间的位置关系。 一方面，通过使设备更靠近支撑接收器的钻孔工具来改变位置关系，导致深度确定的精度的提高。 在另一方面，描述了钻孔工具的实际开销位置的确定及其应用。 公开了在每个磁体的至少半圈上使用多个测量。 描述了朝向钻孔工具的表面径向方向和多值参数的分辨率。 还描述了校准技术以及三个发射机配置。

公开(公告)号：US08997890B2

公开(公告)日：2015-04-07

申请号：US13733398

申请日：2013-01-03

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： John E. Mercer

IPC: G01V1/00 ,  E21B47/024 ,  E21B7/04 ,  E21B7/06 ,  E21B44/00 ,  E21B47/022 ,  E21B47/12

CPC classification number: E21B44/005 ,  E21B7/046 ,  E21B7/06 ,  E21B7/068 ,  E21B44/00 ,  E21B47/02224 ,  E21B47/024 ,  E21B47/122

Abstract: A drilling system performs underground boring using a drill rig and a boring tool which is configured for moving through the ground under control of the drill rig to form an underground bore. A monitoring arrangement, forming part of the system, includes a detection arrangement at the drill rig for monitoring at least one operational parameter to produce a data signal relating to at least one of a utility to be installed in the underground bore, the drill rig and the boring tool. A portable device forms another part of the system for receiving the data signal relating to the operational parameter for use by the portable device. A communication arrangement, for example using telemetry, transfers the data signal from the drill rig to the portable device. The operational parameter may be monitored for the purpose of preventing equipment failure.

Abstract translation: 钻井系统使用钻机和钻孔工具进行地下钻孔，所述钻机和钻孔工具构造成在钻机的控制下移动通过地面以形成井下孔。 构成系统的一部分的监测装置包括在钻机处的检测装置，用于监测至少一个操作参数，以产生与要安装在地下钻孔中的至少一个工具相关的数据信号，钻机和 无聊的工具。 便携式设备形成系统的另一部分，用于接收与便携式设备使用的操作参数有关的数据信号。 通信布置，例如使用遥测，将数据信号从钻机传送到便携式设备。 为了防止设备故障，可以监视操作参数。

公开(公告)号：US20140210477A1

公开(公告)日：2014-07-31

申请号：US14231603

申请日：2014-03-31

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： John E. Mercer ,  Albert W. Chau

IPC: G01V3/12

CPC classification number: G01V3/12 ,  G01V3/08 ,  G01V3/165 ,  G01V3/17

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.

Abstract translation: 描述电缆定位信号和假电缆定位信号之间的区别。 包含其上施加的定位信号频率的参考信号以提供定位信号和假定位信号之间的相移的检测的方式传输。 基于相移，使用接收机来区分定位信号与伪定位信号。

公开(公告)号：US20140027564A1

公开(公告)日：2014-01-30

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

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：US20130092440A1

公开(公告)日：2013-04-18

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: E21B7/04

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：US11709179B2

公开(公告)日：2023-07-25

申请号：US17546850

申请日：2021-12-09

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： Albert W. Chau ,  John E. Mercer ,  Scott Phillips

IPC: G01P15/18 ,  G01P3/00 ,  G01P15/00 ,  G01P15/08

CPC classification number: G01P15/18 ,  G01P3/00 ,  G01P15/00 ,  G01P15/0888 ,  B81B2201/0235

Abstract: An accelerometer arrangement and method are described for determining accelerations of an inground tool. First and second triaxial accelerometers are supported such that a normal sensing axis of the first triaxial accelerometer is at least generally orthogonal to the normal sensing axis of the second triaxial accelerometer for determining the accelerations along the three orthogonal axes based on a combination of sensing axis outputs from one or both of the triaxial accelerometers. A weaker sensing axis of one triaxial accelerometer can be supported at least approximately normal to a weaker sensing axis of another triaxial accelerometer such that the weaker axes are not used. The triaxial accelerometers can be supported such that one axis of one accelerometer can be redundant with respect to another axis of another accelerometer. One triaxial accelerometer can be mounted on a tilted plane with respect to another triaxial accelerometer.