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公开(公告)号：US11118442B2
公开(公告)日：2021-09-14
申请号：US16988671
申请日：2020-08-09
Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.
Inventor： James W. Burrows , Guenter W. Brune , John E. Mercer
IPC: E21B44/00 , E21B7/04 , E21B47/024 , E21B47/0232 , E21B7/10 , G01V3/08 , 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.
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公开(公告)号：US20200018621A1
公开(公告)日：2020-01-16
申请号：US16579795
申请日：2019-09-23
Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.
Inventor： Rudolf Zeller , Guenter W. Brune , Albert W. Chau , John E. Mercer
IPC: G01D5/20 , G01V3/38 , G01V3/08 , E21B47/022
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.
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公开(公告)号：US10254425B2
公开(公告)日：2019-04-09
申请号：US15783939
申请日：2017-10-13
Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.
Inventor： Guenter W. Brune , Albert W. Chau , John E. Mercer
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.
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公开(公告)号：US20190024502A1
公开(公告)日：2019-01-24
申请号：US16139100
申请日：2018-09-24
Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.
Inventor： Guenter W. Brune , Albert W. Chau , John E. Mercer
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.
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公开(公告)号：US10094946B2
公开(公告)日：2018-10-09
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
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.
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Patent Agency Ranking
公开(公告)号：US09915747B2
公开(公告)日：2018-03-13
申请号：US15359762
申请日：2016-11-23
Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.
Inventor： Guenter W. Brune , John E. Mercer
IPC: G01V3/08 , E21B47/02 , E21B47/022 , E21B47/024 , E21B47/09 , E21B47/12
CPC classification number: G01V3/081 , E21B47/02 , E21B47/02224 , E21B47/024 , E21B47/0905 , E21B47/12 , G01V3/08
Abstract: A transmitter for use in an inground tool transmits a locating signal for tracking an underground position of the inground tool. The locating signal is characterized by a transmission frequency which changes responsive to detecting a roll orientation pattern in which the transmitter is held stationary for a predetermined period of time.
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公开(公告)号：US09777567B2
公开(公告)日：2017-10-03
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
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.
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公开(公告)号：US09683436B2
公开(公告)日：2017-06-20
申请号：US15352363
申请日：2016-11-15
Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.
Inventor： Guenter W. Brune , Albert W. Chau , John E. Mercer
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.
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公开(公告)号：US20160281491A1
公开(公告)日：2016-09-29
申请号：US15177297
申请日：2016-06-08
Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.
Inventor： James W. Burrows , Guenter W. Brune , John E. Mercer
IPC: E21B44/00 , E21B7/04 , E21B47/022 , E21B47/024 , E21B7/10
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.
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公开(公告)号：US09360579B1
公开(公告)日：2016-06-07
申请号：US15004783
申请日：2016-01-22
Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.
Inventor： Guenter W. Brune , Albert W. Chau , Rudolf Zeller , John E. Mercer
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.
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