公开(公告)号：US09519074B2

公开(公告)日：2016-12-13

申请号：US15056178

申请日：2016-02-29

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

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

IPC: G01V3/15 ,  G01V3/12 ,  G01V3/08 ,  G01V3/165 ,  E21B47/024 ,  G01V3/28

CPC classification number: E21B47/0905 ,  E21B47/024 ,  G01C9/02 ,  G01V3/08 ,  G01V3/15 ,  G01V3/165 ,  G01V3/28

Abstract: A portable locator and method for establishing the location of the cable line in a region which includes at least one generally straight electrically conductive cable line extending across the region from which cable line a locating signal includes a first arrangement for measuring a local flux intensity of the locating signal at a first above ground point within the region with the portable locator in a particular orientation at the first above ground point. A second arrangement uses the local flux intensity to establish a cable line angular orientation which limits the possible directions to the cable line relative to the particular orientation of the portable locator at the above ground point. A third arrangement uses the measured local flux intensity to establish an actual direction of the cable line that is selected from the possible directions based on certain characteristics of the locating signal.

公开(公告)号：US20160348496A1

公开(公告)日：2016-12-01

申请号：US15231764

申请日：2016-08-08

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

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

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

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.

公开(公告)号：US09507046B2

公开(公告)日：2016-11-29

申请号：US14991177

申请日：2016-01-08

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

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

IPC: G01V3/08 ,  G01V3/38 ,  G01V3/15 ,  G01V3/30

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：US20160252369A1

公开(公告)日：2016-09-01

申请号：US15090507

申请日：2016-04-04

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

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

IPC: G01D5/20 ,  G01V3/08

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：US20160178783A1

公开(公告)日：2016-06-23

申请号：US15056178

申请日：2016-02-29

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

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

IPC: G01V3/165 ,  G01V3/08

CPC classification number: E21B47/0905 ,  E21B47/024 ,  G01C9/02 ,  G01V3/08 ,  G01V3/15 ,  G01V3/165 ,  G01V3/28

Abstract: A portable locator and method for establishing the location of the cable line in a region which includes at least one generally straight electrically conductive cable line extending across the region from which cable line a locating signal includes a first arrangement for measuring a local flux intensity of the locating signal at a first above ground point within the region with the portable locator in a particular orientation at the first above ground point. A second arrangement uses the local flux intensity to establish a cable line angular orientation which limits the possible directions to the cable line relative to the particular orientation of the portable locator at the above ground point. A third arrangement uses the measured local flux intensity to establish an actual direction of the cable line that is selected from the possible directions based on certain characteristics of the locating signal.

Abstract translation: 一种便携式定位器和方法，用于在包括至少一个大致直的导电电缆线的区域中建立电缆线的位置，该电缆线延伸穿过电缆线的区域，定位信号包括用于测量电缆线的局部通量强度的第一布置 将定位信号放置在该区域内的第一个地上点，便携式定位器在第一个地面上处于特定取向。 第二种方案使用局部通量强度来建立电缆线角度取向，其限制相对于便携式定位器在上述地面点的特定取向的电缆线的可能方向。 第三布置使用测量的局部通量强度来建立从基于定位信号的某些特性的可能方向中选择的电缆线的实际方向。

公开(公告)号：US09310507B2

公开(公告)日：2016-04-12

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 ,  G01R33/00 ,  E21B47/022 ,  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.

公开(公告)号：US09244189B2

公开(公告)日：2016-01-26

申请号：US14821599

申请日：2015-08-07

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

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

IPC: G01V3/08 ,  E21B7/04 ,  G01V3/15

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：US20140138156A1

公开(公告)日：2014-05-22

申请号：US14163374

申请日：2014-01-24

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

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

IPC: E21B44/02 ,  E21B7/04

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.

Abstract translation: 转向工具可通过钻柱移动，以形成沿预定路径的地下孔。 转向工具的感测装置在沿着孔的一系列间隔位置处检测其俯仰和偏转方向，每个位置的特征在于测量的钻柱的延伸部。 转向工具还包括接收器。 至少一个标记位于预期路径附近，用于传送旋转偶极场以暴露到场的预期路径的一部分以供接收机接收。 结合来自接收器的磁信息来定位检测到的俯仰方向，检测到的偏航方向和测量的钻柱的延伸部分以定位转向工具。 转向工具可以自动使用磁信息。 可以沿着预期路径提供定制的总体位置确定精度。

公开(公告)号：US20130153299A1

公开(公告)日：2013-06-20

申请号：US13765544

申请日：2013-02-12

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

Inventor： Guenter W. Brune ,  Peter H. Hambling ,  John E. Mercer ,  Lloyd A. Moore ,  Shiu S. Ng ,  Rudolf Zeller

IPC: E21B47/022

CPC classification number: E21B47/02224 ,  B82Y25/00 ,  E21B7/046 ,  G01R33/093 ,  G01V3/081 ,  G01V3/165 ,  G01V3/38 ,  H01Q1/04 ,  H01Q1/36 ,  H01Q1/38 ,  H01Q7/00 ,  H01Q21/205 ,  H01Q21/28 ,  H01Q21/29

Abstract: Specific apparatus and associated methods are described for use in establishing the positions of locating field detectors and for path mapping within a region for the purpose of tracking and/or guiding the movement of an underground boring tool. In one aspect, an improvement is provided forming part of an arrangement for tracking the position and/or guiding the boring tool using an electromagnetic locating signal which is transmitted from the boring tool as the boring tool moves through the ground. At least two detectors are located at fixed positions within the region, each being operable in a transmit mode and in a receive mode such that each one of the detectors in the transmit mode is able to transmit a relative locating signal to the other detector for use in determining the relative position of one detector in relation to the other and such that both detectors receive the electromagnetic locating signal in the receive mode for use in determining the position of the boring tool within the region. Provisions are also described for extending drilling range by using additional detectors by moving a limited number of detectors. In another aspect, a system is provided including at least two above ground detectors for sensing the locating signal. The detectors are located at initial positions in the region. Electromagnetic data is generated by the detectors with the boring tool at multiple positions to generate electromagnetic data which is used to identify the positions of the detectors. A selected flux pathline steering technique is introduced.

Abstract translation: 描述了用于建立定位场检测器的位置和用于跟踪和/或引导地下钻孔工具的运动的区域内的路径映射的具体设备和相关方法。 在一个方面，提供了一种改进，其形成用于跟踪钻孔工具的位置和/或引导钻孔工具的一部分，该电磁定位信号是在钻孔工具移动通过地面时从钻孔工具传递的。 至少两个检测器位于区域内的固定位置，每个检测器可以在发射模式和接收模式下操作，使得发射模式中的每个检测器能够将相对定位信号传输到另一检测器以供使用 在确定一个检测器相对于另一检测器的相对位置时，两个检测器接收接收模式中的电磁定位信号，以用于确定钻孔工具在该区域内的位置。 还描述了通过移动有限数量的检测器通过使用附加检测器来延长钻孔范围的规定。 在另一方面，提供一种系统，其包括用于感测定位信号的至少两个上述地面探测器。 探测器位于该区域的初始位置。 电磁数据由具有钻孔工具的检测器在多个位置产生，以产生用于识别检测器的位置的电磁数据。 引入了选择的通量线路转向技术。

公开(公告)号：US20190249539A1

公开(公告)日：2019-08-15

申请号：US16396748

申请日：2019-04-28

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

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

IPC: E21B44/02 ,  E21B47/022 ,  E21B7/04 ,  G01V3/15

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.