公开(公告)号：US09798032B2

公开(公告)日：2017-10-24

申请号：US15350639

申请日：2016-11-14

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

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

IPC: G01V3/08 ,  G01V3/15 ,  G01V3/38 ,  E21B47/09 ,  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：US09789958B2

公开(公告)日：2017-10-17

申请号：US15345273

申请日：2016-11-07

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

Inventor： John E. Mercer ,  Mark H. Marvin

IPC: B64C27/57 ,  B64C27/59 ,  B64C27/04 ,  B64C27/00

CPC classification number: B64C27/57 ,  B64C27/006 ,  B64C27/04 ,  B64C27/59

Abstract: A helicopter includes a rotor system having a rotor with an adjustable pitch that is controlled at least in part by a pilot using a collective control and which helicopter generates a Low RPM signal that is indicative of a threshold low rotational speed of the rotor. An actuator arrangement can move the collective control by exerting a force on the collective control such that the pilot is able to overcome the actuator force but which otherwise can move the collective control from a current operational position toward a minimum pitch position. A clutch can co-rotate with a motor to serve in transferring the actuation force to reduce the adjustable pitch and can slip relative to the actuator shaft assembly responsive to an application of a counterforce applied by the pilot to the collective control such that the counterforce overcomes the actuation force.

公开(公告)号：US09739140B2

公开(公告)日：2017-08-22

申请号：US14845231

申请日：2015-09-03

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： Rudolf Zeller ,  Gary Garrabrant ,  Timothy Bayliss ,  John E. Mercer

IPC: E21B47/12

CPC classification number: E21B47/122 ,  E21B7/046 ,  G01S11/06

Abstract: A system includes a transmitter for use in conjunction with a horizontal directional drilling system that transmits a multi-bit symbol stream that characterizes sensor symbols for receipt by an aboveground portable device. The portable device receives the symbol stream for aboveground recovery of the sensor signals. The transmitter can precisely place the symbol frequencies at least to avoid a noise environment, as well as to avoid powerline harmonics, and can utilize wave shaping for transmitted symbols at least to provide for transmission power control, spectral content control and wideband antenna matching. The receiver can measure the noise environment to identify the symbol frequencies used by the transmitter. The noise can be scanned at an incremental resolution across a wide frequency bandwidth for display or automatic symbol frequency selection.

公开(公告)号：US20170160418A1

公开(公告)日：2017-06-08

申请号：US15435776

申请日：2017-02-17

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

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

IPC: G01V3/08 ,  H01Q9/28 ,  H01Q1/04 ,  H01Q7/00

CPC classification number: G01V3/08 ,  H01Q1/04 ,  H01Q7/00 ,  H01Q9/28

Abstract: Location determination is performed using a transmitter including an elongated generally planar loop antenna defining an elongation axis. The elongation axis is positioned along at least a portion of a path. A magnetic field is then generated which approximates a dipole field. Certain characteristics of the magnetic field are then determined at a receiving position radially displaced from the antenna elongation axis. Using the determined certain characteristics, at least one orientation parameter is established which characterizes a positional relationship between the receiving position and the antenna on the path. The magnetic field may be transmitted as a monotone single phase signal. The orientation parameter may be a radial offset and/or an angular orientation between the receiving position and the antenna on the path. The antenna of the transmitter may be inserted into a first borehole to transmit the magnetic field to a receiver inserted into a second borehole.

公开(公告)号：US09617797B2

公开(公告)日：2017-04-11

申请号：US14193280

申请日：2014-02-28

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

Inventor： Albert W. Chau ,  Benjamin John Medeiros

IPC: E21B7/04 ,  E21B17/00 ,  E21B47/022 ,  E21B7/30

CPC classification number: E21B17/028 ,  E21B7/046 ,  E21B7/30 ,  E21B17/003 ,  E21B17/042 ,  E21B47/02224

Abstract: A coupling adapter is insertable in at least one joint of a drill string as the drill string is extended from a drill rig. The coupling adapter includes an arrangement for receiving a data signal that is generated by an inground tool and for electromagnetically coupling the data signal onto at least a portion of the drill string that extends from the adapter to the drill rig such that at least some of the drill pipe sections cooperate as an electrical conductor for carrying the data signal to the drill rig. In another feature, a current transformer is resiliently supported to isolate the current transformer from mechanical shock and vibration that is produced by an inground operation that is performed using the drill string. In another feature, a drill string repeater is described.

公开(公告)号：US20170058663A1

公开(公告)日：2017-03-02

申请号：US15352363

申请日：2016-11-15

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

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

IPC: E21B47/09 ,  G01V3/08 ,  G01C9/02

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：US20160369618A1

公开(公告)日：2016-12-22

申请号：US15256535

申请日：2016-09-03

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

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

IPC: E21B47/06 ,  E21B47/01

CPC classification number: E21B47/06 ,  E21B47/011 ,  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.

Abstract translation: 通常，描述了一种探头，相关的部件和方法，其可以与具有嵌入式工具壳体的嵌入式工具结合使用，所述嵌入式工具限定了内部工具腔，使得所述内部工具腔暴露于围绕所述环形工具的环境压力环境 在地下作业期间。 探头壳体组件包括可接收在内部工具腔内的外部构造。 探头壳体组件至少部分地限定了探测器内部，并且还被构造成用于以压力密封接合的方式接收压力传感器的压力传感器主体。 探头电子组件支撑在探头内部，并且至少被配置成接收压力信号并且传送来自探头的相应的压力信号。

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：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.