公开(公告)号：US20190257707A1

公开(公告)日：2019-08-22

申请号：US16400771

申请日：2019-05-01

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

Inventor： Albert W. Chau ,  Rudolf Zeller ,  John E. Mercer ,  Charles Yu Yat Tsang

IPC: G01L5/10 ,  G01L1/26 ,  B66C13/16 ,  B66C23/90 ,  B66D1/54

Abstract: Tension monitoring is described using a sensor which may exhibit an offset for which compensation may be provided to produce a zero voltage amplified output or to increase dynamic range. An arrangement determines whether a power reset is responsive to a battery bounce such that an initially-measured system start-up parameter can be retained. The start-up parameter is automatically saved at start-up if the power reset is responsive to a start-up from a shut-down condition. The start-up parameter may be a zero tension amplified output responsive to the sensor offset at zero tension. Protection of a tension data set is provided such that no opportunity for altering the data set is presented prior to transfer of the data set. A housing configuration forms part of an electrical power circuit for providing electrical power to an electronics package from a battery.

公开(公告)号：US20190249539A1

公开(公告)日：2019-08-15

申请号：US16396748

申请日：2019-04-28

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

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

IPC: E21B44/02 ,  E21B47/022 ,  E21B7/04 ,  G01V3/15

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：US20190211670A1

公开(公告)日：2019-07-11

申请号：US16297634

申请日：2019-03-09

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： Albert W. Chau ,  Jason Pothier

IPC: E21B47/12 ,  E21B7/04

CPC classification number: E21B47/122 ,  E21B7/046

Abstract: An inground housing supports a transmitter for receiving electrical power from a battery. The transmitter transmits at least one signal using at least two different transmit power levels for at least one of locating the transmitter and characterizing an orientation of the transmitter. Based on detecting the battery voltage, the transmitter selects one of the transmit power levels. Transmitter output power can be controlled based on one or both of signal gain and duty cycle.

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：US20190010797A1

公开(公告)日：2019-01-10

申请号：US16119855

申请日：2018-08-31

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： Albert W. Chau ,  Scott Phillips ,  Benjamin J. Medeiros

IPC: E21B44/00 ,  E21B47/12 ,  E21B47/024 ,  E21B41/00 ,  E21B7/04 ,  E21B47/09 ,  E21B47/01 ,  H02J1/00 ,  H02J50/80

Abstract: A transmitter is powered by a regulated battery voltage and is installable in one of a plurality of different housings, each housing is characterized by a different design and each can form part of an inground tool for performing an inground operation in which a drill string extends from a drill rig to the inground tool. An antenna driver drives an antenna based on the regulated voltage to emanate an electromagnetic signal for remote reception. A controller limits power consumption from the regulated voltage so as not to exceed a power consumption threshold, irrespective of installation of the transmitter in any one of the housings when the transmitter would otherwise exhibit a different power consumption for each housing design. A corresponding method is described. Features relating to power consumption threshold modification based on temperature as well as mechanical shock and vibration are described.

公开(公告)号：US10101487B2

公开(公告)日：2018-10-16

申请号：US15785986

申请日：2017-10-17

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

Inventor： John E. Mercer ,  Albert W. Chau

IPC: G01V3/08 ,  G01V3/165 ,  G01V3/12 ,  G01V3/17

Abstract: A transmitter is part of a cable locating system for use in a region which contains at least first and second in-ground cables such that, when the first cable is driven at a locating signal frequency to emit a locating signal, the locating signal is coupled to the second cable to cause the second cable to generate a false locating signal. A frequency generator produces the locating signal frequency for coupling onto the first cable and a reference signal, which includes the locating signal frequency, such that the reference signal includes a modulation envelope for distinguishing the locating signal from the false locating signal. A switch selectively couples the locating signal frequency to the first cable in a selected coupling configuration such that the locating signal is subject to a coupling phase shift that varies based on the coupling configuration. A phase shifter phase shifts the locating signal frequency responsive to the selected coupling configuration such that the locating signal frequency at least approximately matches the phase of the locating signal to compensate for the coupling phase shift.

公开(公告)号：US20180202240A1

公开(公告)日：2018-07-19

申请号：US15920344

申请日：2018-03-13

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： Albert W. Chau ,  Kenneth J. Theimer

IPC: E21B17/02 ,  E21B17/00 ,  G01V3/34 ,  E21B7/02 ,  E21B47/00 ,  E21B47/12 ,  E21B47/024

CPC classification number: E21B17/028 ,  E21B7/028 ,  E21B17/003 ,  E21B47/00 ,  E21B47/024 ,  E21B47/122 ,  G01V3/34

Abstract: An inground isolator and associated method can provide an electrically isolated break in a drill string using electrical insulating members/isolators that are supported by a housing. During drill string operations, the isolators are subject only compressive forces responsive to both extension (pushing) and retraction (pulling) by the drill string. The isolators can be formed from an electrically insulating material such as a ceramic material. An interchangeable inground tool system is described which integrally serves to provide an electrically isolating gap in the drill string.

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：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：US20160348495A1

公开(公告)日：2016-12-01

申请号：US15231750

申请日：2016-08-08

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： Albert W. Chau ,  Kenneth J. Theimer

IPC: E21B47/01 ,  E21B47/024 ,  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。