公开(公告)号：US07472761B2

公开(公告)日：2009-01-06

申请号：US11930483

申请日：2007-10-31

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，并且可以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：US07403013B2

公开(公告)日：2008-07-22

申请号：US11697969

申请日：2007-04-09

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

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

IPC: G01V3/08

CPC classification number: G01V3/08 ,  E21B7/04 ,  E21B47/024 ,  G01V3/081

Abstract: Tracking a boring tool is performed within an underground region using a locating signal. The boring tool is moved through the ground during a series of distance movements such that potential movement of the boring tool during any one of the distance movements is less than a maximum movement value. A current positional relationship is determined for a current one of the distance movements based on: a last-determined positional relationship established for an immediately preceding one of the distance movements, certain orientation parameters, the maximum movement value and the determined signal strength of the locating signal in the current positional relationship. Target coordinates are accepted and a target position, based on the target coordinates, is included as part of the current positional relationship. The position of the target is unconstrained with respect to system geometry. Steering command features are provided along with steering warnings.

Abstract translation: 使用定位信号在地下区域内执行钻孔工具的跟踪。 钻孔工具在一系列距离移动期间移动通过地面，使得镗孔工具在任何一个距离移动期间的潜在运动小于最大移动值。 基于以下方式确定当前位置关系：对于距离移动之前的一个建立的最终确定的位置关系，确定方向参数，最大移动值和确定的定位信号强度 信号处于当前位置关系。 目标坐标被接受，并且基于目标坐标的目标位置被包括在当前位置关系的一部分中。 目标的位置相对于系统几何是不受约束的。 提供转向指令功能以及转向警告。

公开(公告)号：US07397249B2

公开(公告)日：2008-07-08

申请号：US11557432

申请日：2006-11-07

Applicant: John E. Mercer ,  Albert W. Chau

Inventor： John E. Mercer ,  Albert W. Chau

IPC: G01V3/11

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：US07306053B2

公开(公告)日：2007-12-11

申请号：US11609786

申请日：2006-12-12

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：US07151376B2

公开(公告)日：2006-12-19

申请号：US11341789

申请日：2006-01-27

Applicant: Morio Mizuno

Inventor： Morio Mizuno

IPC: G01V3/08

CPC classification number: E21B7/046 ,  E21B47/02224 ,  G01V3/081 ,  G01V3/15

Abstract: A system and method for locating a horizontal bore below a ground surface includes a transmitting source configured to radiate from the bore a dipole magnetic field aligned with the bore. A receiver is located remote from the transmitting source and has a first coil and a second coil. Each coil defines an axis, wherein the axes of the first coil and the second coil are orthogonal to each other. A measurement device is in communication with the coils and configured to measure the phase of signals induced on the coils by the magnetic field when the axis of the first coil is horizontally perpendicular to the axis of the magnetic field and the axis of the second coil is vertically perpendicular to the axis of the magnetic field. The measurement device is also configured to determine the lateral position of the transmitting source relative to the coils responsively to the phase of the signals on the first coil and the second coil.

公开(公告)号：US07049820B2

公开(公告)日：2006-05-23

申请号：US11215540

申请日：2005-08-30

Applicant: John E. Mercer

Inventor： John E. Mercer

IPC: G01V3/11

CPC classification number: G01V3/12 ,  E21B47/02224 ,  G01V3/15 ,  G01V3/165 ,  G01V3/26

Abstract: A method is disclosed as part of an overall process in which a boring tool is moved through the ground within a given region along a particular path in an orientation which includes pitch. A locating signal is transmitted from the boring tool which signal exhibits a field defined forward point within a reference surface which field defined forward point is vertically above an inground forward point on the particular path through which the boring tool is likely to pass. The method establishes a predicted depth of the boring tool at the inground forward point by first identifying the field defined forward point. The signal strength of the locating signal is then measured at the field defined forward point as being representative of the depth of the boring tool at an inground upstream point which is the current location of the boring tool. With the boring tool at the upstream inground point, the pitch of the boring tool is determined. Using the measured signal strength and the determined pitch, the predicted depth of the boring tool is determined for the inground forward point based on the boring tool moving along an approximately straight path to the inground forward point.

公开(公告)号：US07028779B2

公开(公告)日：2006-04-18

申请号：US11014430

申请日：2004-12-16

Applicant: Albert W. Chau

Inventor： Albert W. Chau

IPC: E21B19/16

CPC classification number: E21B17/028 ,  E21B7/046 ,  E21B17/003 ,  E21B47/02224 ,  E21B47/024 ,  H01R13/533

Abstract: A system includes a drill string made up of a plurality of connectable pipe sections. An assembly is provided for use with each pipe section including contact arrangement for forming an isolated electrical connection between attached pipe sections at each end of each pipe section. An electrically conductive arrangement is located in the innermost passage of each pipe section and is in electrical communication with the contact arrangement to extend therebetween in a way which provides an electrically conductive path that is arranged against the inner wall of the innermost passage of each pipe section in cooperation with the contact arrangement to form an overall electrically isolated conductive path through the drill string. The electrically conductive arrangement resiliently biases the electrically conductive path against the inner wall, which path may take the form of a helix.

公开(公告)号：US06963201B2

公开(公告)日：2005-11-08

申请号：US10828391

申请日：2004-04-19

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

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

IPC: E21B47/024 ,  G01V3/08 ,  G01V3/10 ,  G01V3/15

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：US06935439B2

公开(公告)日：2005-08-30

申请号：US09898989

申请日：2001-07-03

Applicant: John E. Mercer

Inventor： John E. Mercer

IPC: E21B7/04 ,  E21B7/06 ,  E21B44/00 ,  E21B47/02 ,  E21B47/022 ,  E21B47/12 ,  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 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。 便携式设备形成用于接收与便携式设备使用的操作参数有关的数据信号的系统中的另一个。 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：US06917202B2

公开(公告)日：2005-07-12

申请号：US10971662

申请日：2004-10-22

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

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

IPC: E21B7/00 ,  E21B7/04 ,  E21B47/024 ,  G01V3/08 ,  G01V3/10

CPC classification number: G01V3/08 ,  E21B7/04 ,  E21B47/024 ,  G01V3/081

Abstract: Tracking a boring tool is performed within an underground region using a locating signal. The boring tool is moved through the ground during a series of distance movements such that potential movement of the boring tool during any one of the distance movements is less than a maximum movement value. A current positional relationship is determined for a current one of the distance movements based on: a last-determined positional relationship established for an immediately preceding one of the distance movements, certain orientation parameters, the maximum movement value and the determined signal strength of the locating signal in the current positional relationship. Target coordinates are accepted and a target position, based on the target coordinates, is included as part of the current positional relationship. The position of the target is unconstrained with respect to system geometry. Steering command features are provided along with steering warnings.