公开(公告)号：US09758244B2

公开(公告)日：2017-09-12

申请号：US15015689

申请日：2016-02-04

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： John E. Mercer ,  Nicolas Albion ,  Mark Bartel ,  Marc Feifel ,  Mark Marvin

IPC: B64C27/57 ,  B64C27/64 ,  B64C27/68 ,  G05D1/08 ,  B64C27/56 ,  G05D1/10 ,  B64C13/18 ,  B64C13/42 ,  B64C27/59 ,  G05D1/00

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.

公开(公告)号：US09650125B2

公开(公告)日：2017-05-16

申请号：US15231650

申请日：2016-08-08

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： Carlos E. Golborne ,  Ray E. Debs ,  Mark Marvin ,  John E. Mercer

IPC: B64C13/04 ,  G05G9/047 ,  B64C13/22 ,  B64C27/04 ,  B64C13/18 ,  B64C27/56 ,  B64D43/00 ,  G01C23/00

CPC classification number: B64C13/22 ,  B64C13/04 ,  B64C13/18 ,  B64C27/04 ,  B64C27/56 ,  B64C27/57 ,  B64D43/00 ,  G01C23/00 ,  G01C23/005 ,  G05G9/047 ,  G05G2009/04774

Abstract: A pilot control interface and method are described for selective control of an autopilot system by a pilot of an aircraft in which the autopilot system is installed. The pilot control interface includes a passive network that is selectively switchable between a plurality of states across an output interface that is made up of no more than two conductors that are in electrical communication with the autopilot system. Modification of a current autopilot flight mode can be performed incrementally or continuously based on respective momentary and continuous pilot input actuations.

公开(公告)号：US20170089140A1

公开(公告)日：2017-03-30

申请号：US14864800

申请日：2015-09-24

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： Tim Shaw ,  John E. Mercer ,  Albert W. Chau

IPC: E21B7/06 ,  E21B44/00 ,  E21B47/024 ,  E21B47/12 ,  G01V3/34 ,  G01V3/38

CPC classification number: E21B7/06 ,  E21B44/005 ,  E21B47/02224 ,  E21B47/024 ,  E21B47/122 ,  G01V3/081 ,  G01V3/15 ,  G01V3/18 ,  G01V3/34 ,  G01V3/38

Abstract: A boring tool is movable through the ground. A transmitter supported by the boring tool transmits an electromagnetic homing signal. A portable device monitors the electromagnetic homing signal and receives the electromagnetic homing signal in a homing mode for guiding the boring tool to a target position. A processor generates steering commands for guiding the boring tool based on a bore plan in a steering mode such that at least some positional error is introduced without using the electromagnetic homing signal. Switching from the steering mode to the homing mode is based on monitoring of the electromagnetic homing signal as the boring tool approaches the portable device to then guide the boring tool to the target position location in compensation for the positional error. Intermediate target positions are described as well as guiding the boring tool based on the homing signal so long as the portable device receives the signal.

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：US20160298440A1

公开(公告)日：2016-10-13

申请号：US15187917

申请日：2016-06-21

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

Inventor： John E. Mercer

IPC: E21B44/00 ,  E21B7/06 ,  E21B47/024 ,  E21B47/022 ,  E21B7/04 ,  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.

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：US20160231447A1

公开(公告)日：2016-08-11

申请号：US15130840

申请日：2016-04-15

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

Inventor： John E. Mercer ,  Albert W. Chau

IPC: G01V3/12 ,  G01V3/17

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.

公开(公告)号：US09309004B2

公开(公告)日：2016-04-12

申请号：US14032375

申请日：2013-09-20

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： John E. Mercer

IPC: B64D43/02 ,  G01P5/00 ,  G01P7/00

CPC classification number: G01S19/39 ,  B64D43/02 ,  G01P5/00 ,  G01P7/00 ,  G01P15/14

Abstract: The flight of an aircraft is characterized in terms of Earth-based reference system data for a first position and a second position of the aircraft that are separated by a time increment. A centripetal acceleration of the aircraft is determined based on the Earth-based reference system data for the positions in conjunction with the time increment. A rate of rotation is established corresponding to the time increment in an aircraft-based reference system. Aircraft airspeed is determined based on the centripetal acceleration and the rate of rotation. A turn can be detected as characterized by a change in track angle from a prior GPS packet compared to a new packet. Aircraft turns can be detected based on a change in track angle in GPS packets. Compensation can be applied to a gyro based on centripetal acceleration such that the gyro more accurately responds to the Earth gravity axis.

Abstract translation: 飞机的飞行的特征在于基于地面的参考系统数据，用于飞行器的第一位置和第二位置，其被时间增量分开。 基于地面参考系统数据确定飞机的向心加速度，并结合时间增量确定位置。 对应于基于飞机的参考系统中的时间增量来建立旋转速率。 基于向心加速度和旋转速度确定飞机空速。 与新分组相比，可以检测到与来自先前的GPS分组的轨道角度的变化相关的转弯。 可以根据GPS数据包中轨道角度的变化来检测飞机转弯。 可以基于向心加速度对陀螺仪进行补偿，使得陀螺仪更准确地响应于地球重力轴。

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。