公开(公告)号：US20190011590A1

公开(公告)日：2019-01-10

申请号：US16131432

申请日：2018-09-14

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

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

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

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：US20180023380A1

公开(公告)日：2018-01-25

申请号：US15720865

申请日：2017-09-29

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

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

IPC: E21B44/02 ,  G01V3/15 ,  E21B47/022 ,  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.

公开(公告)号：US20170075018A1

公开(公告)日：2017-03-16

申请号：US15359762

申请日：2016-11-23

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

Inventor： Guenter W. Brune ,  John E. Mercer

IPC: G01V3/08 ,  E21B47/022 ,  E21B47/09

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

Abstract: Arrangements, apparatus and associated methods are described for use in a multi-frequency boring tool locating system. The boring tool includes a transmitter for transmitting a locating signal at two or more selectable frequencies. One set of above ground procedures may be applied to the transmitter in order to change the frequency of the boring tool transmitter. Another set of procedures is applicable for changing the frequency during below ground drilling operations, for example, by subjecting the boring tool to a predetermined roll orientation sequence. An enhanced portable locator operates in a manual or automatic mode to receive locating frequency information transmitted from the boring tool transmitter including frequency updates. Boring tool transmitter, as well as above ground locator shutdown/restart procedures are described relating to multi-frequency operation. A tone detector is described which implements one or more digital match filters.

Abstract translation: 描述了用于多频钻孔定位系统中的布置，装置和相关方法。 无聊工具包括用于以两个或多个可选频率发送定位信号的发射器。 可以将一组以上的地面程序应用于变送器，以便改变镗刀发送器的频率。 另一组程序适用于在地下钻孔作业中改变频率，例如通过使钻孔工具进行预定的辊定向顺序。 增强的便携式定位器以手动或自动模式操作以接收从钻孔工具发射器发送的定位频率信息，包括频率更新。 镗刀工具变送器以及地面定位器停机/重启程序都涉及多频操作。 描述了实现一个或多个数字匹配滤波器的音调检测器。

公开(公告)号：US09513397B2

公开(公告)日：2016-12-06

申请号：US14288159

申请日：2014-05-27

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

Inventor： Guenter W. Brune ,  John E. Mercer

IPC: G01V3/08 ,  E21B47/02 ,  E21B47/022 ,  E21B47/024

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

Abstract: A tone detection arrangement and method decodes an incoming data stream that is received in sequential bit times and which contains at least one tone that is selectively present for the duration each bit time. Each one of a plurality of digital filters is tuned for detecting the tone over a filter interval. The filters are operable in timed relation to one another.

Abstract translation: 音调检测装置和方法解码以连续位时间接收的输入数据流，并且其包含在每个比特时间的持续时间内选择性地存在的至少一个音调。 调整多个数字滤波器中的每一个以在滤波器间隔上检测音调。 过滤器可以以彼此的定时关系操作。

公开(公告)号：US09422804B2

公开(公告)日：2016-08-23

申请号：US13761632

申请日：2013-02-07

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

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

IPC: E21B47/022

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：US20150345284A1

公开(公告)日：2015-12-03

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: E21B47/024 ,  G05B19/402 ,  E21B7/06

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航方向，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：US20140266212A1

公开(公告)日：2014-09-18

申请号：US14288159

申请日：2014-05-27

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

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: Arrangements, apparatus and associated methods are described for use in a multi-frequency boring tool locating system. The boring tool includes a transmitter for transmitting a locating signal at two or more selectable frequencies. One set of above ground procedures may be applied to the transmitter in order to change the frequency of the boring tool transmitter. Another set of procedures is applicable for changing the frequency during below ground drilling operations, for example, by subjecting the boring tool to a predetermined roll orientation sequence. An enhanced portable locator operates in a manual or automatic mode to receive locating frequency information transmitted from the boring tool transmitter including frequency updates. Boring tool transmitter, as well as above ground locator shutdown/restart procedures are described relating to multi-frequency operation. A tone detector is described which implements one or more digital match filters.

Abstract translation: 描述了用于多频钻孔定位系统中的布置，装置和相关方法。 无聊工具包括用于以两个或多个可选频率发送定位信号的发射器。 可以将一组以上的地面程序应用于变送器，以便改变镗刀发送器的频率。 另一组程序适用于在地下钻孔作业中改变频率，例如通过使钻孔工具进行预定的辊定向顺序。 增强的便携式定位器以手动或自动模式操作以接收从钻孔工具发射器发送的定位频率信息，包括频率更新。 镗刀工具变送器以及地面定位器停机/重启程序都涉及多频操作。 描述了实现一个或多个数字匹配滤波器的音调检测器。

公开(公告)号：US20140163886A1

公开(公告)日：2014-06-12

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: G01V3/38

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.

Abstract translation: 描述了一种布置和相关方法，其中镗孔工具沿着沿着其中埋入电缆的区域的路径在给定区域内移动通过地面。 钻孔工具和电缆分别传输钻孔定位信号和电缆定位信号。 镗刀定位信号和电缆定位信号的强度随钻孔工具的俯仰方向一起测量。 使用所测量的强度和建立的俯仰方向，确定位置关系至至少包括该钻孔工具和该区域中的电缆的相对标度。 位置关系在一个视图中以比例显示。 可以确定和显示位置关系，包括与镗孔工具和电缆成比例关系的前向定位点。 描述了电缆深度确定技术，其包括两点地面深度确定方法。

公开(公告)号：US20230203938A1

公开(公告)日：2023-06-29

申请号：US18117419

申请日：2023-03-04

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

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

IPC: E21B47/024 ,  E21B47/0232 ,  E21B7/04 ,  E21B44/00

CPC classification number: E21B47/024 ,  E21B47/0232 ,  E21B7/046 ,  E21B44/005

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：US11480446B2

公开(公告)日：2022-10-25

申请号：US17015680

申请日：2020-09-09

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

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

IPC: G01D5/20 ,  G01V3/08 ,  G01V3/38 ,  E21B47/0232

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.