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：US09422802B2

公开(公告)日：2016-08-23

申请号：US13827945

申请日：2013-03-14

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： Albert W. Chau ,  Kenneth J. Theimer

IPC: E21B47/01 ,  E21B17/00

CPC classification number: E21B47/01 ,  E21B7/046 ,  E21B17/003 ,  E21B47/011 ,  E21B47/024

Abstract: A housing defines a through passage along its length and is configured to support a group of electrical isolators surrounding the through passage to form an electrically isolating break in a drill string such that each isolator of the group of isolators is subject to no more than a compressive force responsive to extension and retraction of the drill string. The housing defines a housing cavity to receive an electronics package having a signal port and is configured for electrical connection of the signal port across the electrically isolating break. A housing lid can cooperate with a main housing body to define elongated slots for purposes of enhancing the emanation of a locating signal. A housing arrangement can support electrical connections from an electronics package to bridge an electrically isolating gap.

Abstract translation: 壳体沿着其长度限定通过通道，并且构造成支撑围绕通道的一组电隔离器，以在钻柱中形成电隔离断裂，使得该组隔离器中的每个隔离器不得超过压缩 响应于钻柱的延伸和缩回的力。 外壳限定了容纳腔，以容纳具有信号端口的电子封装，并且被配置用于电信号端口跨越电绝缘断开的电连接。 为了增强定位信号的发射，壳体盖可以与主壳体主体配合以限定细长槽。 壳体布置可以支持来自电子封装的电连接以桥接电隔离间隙。

公开(公告)号：US09274243B2

公开(公告)日：2016-03-01

申请号：US13733097

申请日：2013-01-02

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： Albert W. Chau ,  Loc Viet Lam

IPC: G01V3/00 ,  E21B7/04 ,  E21B44/00 ,  G01V3/30 ,  E21B47/09 ,  E21B47/12 ,  E21B7/30

CPC classification number: E21B47/12 ,  E21B7/046 ,  E21B7/30 ,  E21B47/091 ,  E21B47/121 ,  G01V3/30

Abstract: A drill string communication system is described. An uphole transceiver can couple a signal onto the drill string at a power that is always greater that a selectable power for a downhole signal. Communication from a drill rig to an inground tool can be re-initiated using a maximum uphole transmit power of an uphole transceiver. A procedure can establish a new set of transmission parameters for a drill string signal to establish communication between the drill rig and the inground tool. The system can include a walkover locator that receives an active/inactive status-controlled electromagnetic locating signal. Responsive to a locating signal degradation, a reconfiguration command can modify the locating signal. The uphole transceiver and a downhole transceiver can automatically modify at least one parameter of a downhole signal. An uphole receiver can apply a compensation response to a transferred signal to compensate for a drill string channel transfer function.

Abstract translation: 描述钻柱通信系统。 井下收发器可以将信号耦合到钻柱上，其功率总是大于用于井下信号的可选功率。 可以使用井下收发器的最大井上发射功率重新启动从钻机到地下工具的通信。 一个程序可以为钻柱信号建立一组新的传动参数，以建立钻机和地下工具之间的通讯。 该系统可以包括步态定位器，其接收主动/非活动状态控制的电磁定位信号。 响应于定位信号劣化，重新配置命令可以修改定位信号。 井下收发器和井下收发器可以自动修改井下信号的至少一个参数。 井上接收器可以对传送的信号应用补偿响应，以补偿钻柱通道传递功能。

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：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：US20140266771A1

公开(公告)日：2014-09-18

申请号：US14208470

申请日：2014-03-13

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

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

IPC: E21B47/12

CPC classification number: E21B47/122 ,  E21B7/046 ,  E21B47/024

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.

Abstract translation: 发射机靠近地下工具承载，用于感测与地下工具相关的多个操作参数。 变送器定制数据信号以表征基于地下工具的操作状态的来自地下工具的用于传输的一个或多个操作参数。 接收器接收数据信号并恢复运行参数。 描述高级数据协议。 基于监测地下工具的机械冲击和振动来描述用于加速度计读数的动态俯仰范围的间距平均和增强。

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：US20240360752A1

公开(公告)日：2024-10-31

申请号：US18766584

申请日：2024-07-08

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

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

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

CPC classification number: E21B47/024 ,  E21B7/046 ,  E21B21/08 ,  E21B44/00 ,  E21B47/02 ,  E21B47/06 ,  E21B47/10 ,  E21B47/12 ,  E21B47/13 ,  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.

公开(公告)号：US12012849B2

公开(公告)日：2024-06-18

申请号：US17571536

申请日：2022-01-10

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： Albert W. Chau ,  Loc Viet Lam

IPC: E21B47/12 ,  E21B7/04 ,  E21B7/30 ,  E21B47/095 ,  E21B47/125 ,  G01V3/30

CPC classification number: E21B47/12 ,  E21B7/046 ,  E21B7/30 ,  E21B47/095 ,  E21B47/125 ,  G01V3/30

Abstract: A drill string communication system is described. An uphole transceiver can couple a signal onto the drill string at a power that is always greater that a selectable power for a downhole signal. Communication from a drill rig to an inground tool can be re-initiated using a maximum uphole transmit power of an uphole transceiver. A procedure can establish a new set of transmission parameters for a drill string signal to establish communication between the drill rig and the inground tool. The system can include a walkover locator that receives an active/inactive status-controlled electromagnetic locating signal. Responsive to a locating signal degradation, a reconfiguration command can modify the locating signal. The uphole transceiver and a downhole transceiver can automatically modify at least one parameter of a downhole signal. An uphole receiver can apply a compensation response to a transferred signal to compensate for a drill string channel transfer function.

公开(公告)号：US12000265B2

公开(公告)日：2024-06-04

申请号：US18117967

申请日：2023-03-06

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： Albert W. Chau ,  Dmitry Feldman ,  Benjamin John Medeiros

IPC: E21B47/01 ,  E21B47/06 ,  E21B47/017

CPC classification number: E21B47/06 ,  E21B47/017 ,  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.