公开(公告)号：US20130153299A1

公开(公告)日：2013-06-20

申请号：US13765544

申请日：2013-02-12

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

Inventor： Guenter W. Brune ,  Peter H. Hambling ,  John E. Mercer ,  Lloyd A. Moore ,  Shiu S. Ng ,  Rudolf Zeller

IPC: E21B47/022

CPC classification number: E21B47/02224 ,  B82Y25/00 ,  E21B7/046 ,  G01R33/093 ,  G01V3/081 ,  G01V3/165 ,  G01V3/38 ,  H01Q1/04 ,  H01Q1/36 ,  H01Q1/38 ,  H01Q7/00 ,  H01Q21/205 ,  H01Q21/28 ,  H01Q21/29

Abstract: Specific apparatus and associated methods are described for use in establishing the positions of locating field detectors and for path mapping within a region for the purpose of tracking and/or guiding the movement of an underground boring tool. In one aspect, an improvement is provided forming part of an arrangement for tracking the position and/or guiding the boring tool using an electromagnetic locating signal which is transmitted from the boring tool as the boring tool moves through the ground. At least two detectors are located at fixed positions within the region, each being operable in a transmit mode and in a receive mode such that each one of the detectors in the transmit mode is able to transmit a relative locating signal to the other detector for use in determining the relative position of one detector in relation to the other and such that both detectors receive the electromagnetic locating signal in the receive mode for use in determining the position of the boring tool within the region. Provisions are also described for extending drilling range by using additional detectors by moving a limited number of detectors. In another aspect, a system is provided including at least two above ground detectors for sensing the locating signal. The detectors are located at initial positions in the region. Electromagnetic data is generated by the detectors with the boring tool at multiple positions to generate electromagnetic data which is used to identify the positions of the detectors. A selected flux pathline steering technique is introduced.

Abstract translation: 描述了用于建立定位场检测器的位置和用于跟踪和/或引导地下钻孔工具的运动的区域内的路径映射的具体设备和相关方法。 在一个方面，提供了一种改进，其形成用于跟踪钻孔工具的位置和/或引导钻孔工具的一部分，该电磁定位信号是在钻孔工具移动通过地面时从钻孔工具传递的。 至少两个检测器位于区域内的固定位置，每个检测器可以在发射模式和接收模式下操作，使得发射模式中的每个检测器能够将相对定位信号传输到另一检测器以供使用 在确定一个检测器相对于另一检测器的相对位置时，两个检测器接收接收模式中的电磁定位信号，以用于确定钻孔工具在该区域内的位置。 还描述了通过移动有限数量的检测器通过使用附加检测器来延长钻孔范围的规定。 在另一方面，提供一种系统，其包括用于感测定位信号的至少两个上述地面探测器。 探测器位于该区域的初始位置。 电磁数据由具有钻孔工具的检测器在多个位置产生，以产生用于识别检测器的位置的电磁数据。 引入了选择的通量线路转向技术。

公开(公告)号：US20240060416A1

公开(公告)日：2024-02-22

申请号：US18380971

申请日：2023-10-17

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： Rudolf Zeller ,  Gary Garrabrant ,  Timothy Bayliss ,  Scott Phillips

IPC: E21B47/13 ,  E21B7/04 ,  E21B47/024

CPC classification number: E21B47/13 ,  E21B7/046 ,  E21B47/024 ,  E21B47/107

Abstract: A transmitter for inground use controls a depth signal transmit power in relation to a data signal transmit power such that one reception range of the depth signal at least approximately matches another, different reception range of the data signal. A portable device can form a system with the transmitter in which the portable device scans a plurality of frequencies within at least one low frequency depth signal range to measure the electromagnetic noise at each one of the plurality of frequencies and identify at least one of the frequencies as a potential depth frequency for the transmitter. The portable device can include a dual mode filter having a rebar mode and a normal mode filter. The depth signal frequency is dynamically positionable in relation to low frequency noise.

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.

公开(公告)号：US11352876B2

公开(公告)日：2022-06-07

申请号：US17322530

申请日：2021-05-17

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： Rudolf Zeller ,  Gary Garrabrant ,  Timothy Bayliss ,  Scott Phillips

IPC: E21B47/13 ,  E21B47/024 ,  E21B7/04 ,  E21B47/107 ,  E21B47/0228

Abstract: A transmitter for inground use controls a depth signal transmit power in relation to a data signal transmit power such that one reception range of the depth signal at least approximately matches another, different reception range of the data signal. A portable device can form a system with the transmitter in which the portable device scans a plurality of frequencies within at least one low frequency depth signal range to measure the electromagnetic noise at each one of the plurality of frequencies and identify at least one of the frequencies as a potential depth frequency for the transmitter. The portable device can include a dual mode filter having a rebar mode and a normal mode filter. The depth signal frequency is dynamically positionable in relation to low frequency noise.

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.

公开(公告)号：US20190360328A1

公开(公告)日：2019-11-28

申请号：US16538038

申请日：2019-08-12

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： Rudolf Zeller ,  Gary Garrabrant ,  Timothy Bayliss ,  Scott Phillips

IPC: E21B47/12 ,  E21B7/04 ,  E21B47/024

Abstract: A transmitter for inground use controls a depth signal transmit power in relation to a data signal transmit power such that one reception range of the depth signal at least approximately matches another, different reception range of the data signal. A portable device can form a system with the transmitter in which the portable device scans a plurality of frequencies within at least one low frequency depth signal range to measure the electromagnetic noise at each one of the plurality of frequencies and identify at least one of the frequencies as a potential depth frequency for the transmitter. The portable device can include a dual mode filter having a rebar mode and a normal mode filter. The depth signal frequency is dynamically positionable in relation to low frequency noise.

公开(公告)号：US10378338B2

公开(公告)日：2019-08-13

申请号：US15635884

申请日：2017-06-28

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： Rudolf Zeller ,  Gary Garrabrant ,  Timothy Bayliss ,  Scott Phillips

IPC: E21B47/024 ,  E21B47/12 ,  E21B7/04 ,  E21B47/022 ,  E21B47/10

Abstract: A transmitter for inground use controls a depth signal transmit power in relation to a data signal transmit power such that one reception range of the depth signal at least approximately matches another, different reception range of the data signal. A portable device can form a system with the transmitter in which the portable device scans a plurality of frequencies within at least one low frequency depth signal range to measure the electromagnetic noise at each one of the plurality of frequencies and identify at least one of the frequencies as a potential depth frequency for the transmitter. The portable device can include a dual mode filter having a rebar mode and a normal mode filter. The depth signal frequency is dynamically positionable in relation to low frequency noise.

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

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

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：US20180017454A1

公开(公告)日：2018-01-18

申请号：US15719239

申请日：2017-09-28

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

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

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

CPC classification number: G01L5/10 ,  B66C13/16 ,  B66C23/905 ,  B66D1/54 ,  G01L1/26 ,  G01L5/103

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：US20180010447A1

公开(公告)日：2018-01-11

申请号：US15676057

申请日：2017-08-14

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： Rudolf Zeller ,  Gary Garrabrant ,  Timothy Bayliss ,  John E. Mercer

IPC: E21B47/12

CPC classification number: E21B47/122 ,  E21B7/046 ,  G01S11/06

Abstract: A system includes a transmitter for use in conjunction with a horizontal directional drilling system that transmits a multi-bit symbol stream that characterizes sensor symbols for receipt by an aboveground portable device. The portable device receives the symbol stream for aboveground recovery of the sensor signals. The transmitter can precisely place the symbol frequencies at least to avoid a noise environment, as well as to avoid powerline harmonics, and can utilize wave shaping for transmitted symbols at least to provide for transmission power control, spectral content control and wideband antenna matching. The receiver can measure the noise environment to identify the symbol frequencies used by the transmitter. The noise can be scanned at an incremental resolution across a wide frequency bandwidth for display or automatic symbol frequency selection.