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：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：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：US08025109B2

公开(公告)日：2011-09-27

申请号：US12487325

申请日：2009-06-18

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

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

IPC: E21B47/02

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: A method is described for tracking the position, orientation and/or guiding a transmitter as it moves through the ground in a region. The transmitter transmits an electromagnetic locating signal received by a detector. The detector, with the transmitter at a start position, receives the signal to produce a first set of electromagnetic data. The transmitter moves to a second position. The detector receives the signal with the transmitter at the second position to produce a second set of electromagnetic data. Absolute positions of the detector and the transmitter are determined within the region using certain information including the first and second sets of electromagnetic data.

Abstract translation: 描述了一种用于跟踪当发射器在区域中移动通过地面时的位置，方向和/或引导的方法。 发射机发送由检测器接收的电磁定位信号。 在发射机处于起始位置的检测器接收信号以产生第一组电磁数据。 变送器移动到第二位置。 检测器在第二位置处接收具有发射机的信号以产生第二组电磁数据。 使用包括第一组和第二组电磁数据的某些信息在区域内确定检测器和发射器的绝对位置。

公开(公告)号：US07990150B2

公开(公告)日：2011-08-02

申请号：US12761851

申请日：2010-04-16

Applicant: Guenter W. Brune ,  John E. Mercer

Inventor： Guenter W. Brune ,  John E. Mercer

IPC: G01V3/08

CPC classification number: G01V3/081 ,  E21B47/02 ,  E21B47/02224 ,  E21B47/024 ,  E21B47/0905 ,  E21B47/12 ,  G01V3/08

Abstract: In a system in which a transmitter is moved through the ground in a region, the system including a locating arrangement for tracking the position of and/or guiding the transmitter as the transmitter moves through the ground, a locating arrangement includes a configuration, forming part of the transmitter, for transmitting a locating signal at a current one of at least two locating frequencies and for transmitting a frequency designation identifying one of the frequencies of the locating signal. A locator receives the frequency designation and the locating signal for use in tracking the transmitter and a frequency tracking arrangement switches the locator between different ones of the locating frequencies, as the current locating frequency, based on said frequency designation. In one feature, the locating arrangement is configured for automatically switching between the frequencies based on the frequency designation.

Abstract translation: 在其中发射机在区域中移动通过地面的系统中，该系统包括用于在发射器移动通过地面时跟踪发射器的位置和/或引导发射器的定位装置，定位装置包括构造，形成部分 用于在至少两个定位频率中的当前位置处发送定位信号，并用于发送识别定位信号的频率之一的频率指定。 定位器接收频率指定和用于跟踪发射机的定位信号，并且频率跟踪装置基于所述频率指定，将定位器在不同的定位频率之间切换为当前定位频率。 在一个特征中，定位装置被配置为基于频率指定在频率之间自动切换。

公开(公告)号：US07926589B2

公开(公告)日：2011-04-19

申请号：US11742668

申请日：2007-05-01

Applicant: John E. Mercer

Inventor： John E. Mercer

IPC: G01V1/00

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：US07743848B2

公开(公告)日：2010-06-29

申请号：US12325182

申请日：2008-11-29

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

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

IPC: E21B7/08 ,  E21B44/00

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：US07728595B2

公开(公告)日：2010-06-01

申请号：US12463189

申请日：2009-05-08

Applicant: Guenter W. Brune ,  John E. Mercer

Inventor： Guenter W. Brune ,  John E. Mercer

IPC: G01V3/08

CPC classification number: G01V3/081 ,  E21B47/02 ,  E21B47/02224 ,  E21B47/024 ,  E21B47/0905 ,  E21B47/12 ,  G01V3/08

Abstract: In a system in which a transmitter is moved through the ground in a region, the system including a locator for tracking the position of and/or guiding the transmitter as the transmitter moves through the ground, a locating signal is transmitted from the transmitter that is selectively operable at a current one of at least two frequencies for use in tracking the transmitter by receiving the locating signal at the frequency using the locator. A selected one of the frequencies of the locating signal is indicated to the locator using a frequency code that is produced by a locating signal frequency control arrangement which forms part of the transmitter, which frequency code can individually identify each of the frequencies. An associated transmitter is also described.

Abstract translation: 在其中发射机在区域中移动通过地面的系统中，系统包括定位器，用于在发射机移动通过地面时跟踪发射机的位置和/或引导发射机，定位信号从发射机发射 可选择性地以至少两个频率中的一个频率工作，用于通过使用定位器接收频率的定位信号来跟踪发射机。 使用由构成发射机的一部分的定位信号频率控制装置产生的频率码向定位器指示定位信号的所选频率之一，该频率码可以单独识别每个频率。 还描述了相关联的发射机。