公开(公告)号：US09551730B2

公开(公告)日：2017-01-24

申请号：US14789071

申请日：2015-07-01

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： Albert W. Chau ,  John E. Mercer ,  Scott Phillips

IPC: G01P15/18 ,  G01P15/03 ,  G01P1/02

CPC classification number: G01P15/18

Abstract: An accelerometer arrangement and method are described for determining accelerations of an inground tool. First and second triaxial accelerometers are supported such that a normal sensing axis of the first triaxial accelerometer is at least generally orthogonal to the normal sensing axis of the second triaxial accelerometer for determining the accelerations along the three orthogonal axes based on a combination of sensing axis outputs from one or both of the triaxial accelerometers. A weaker sensing axis of one triaxial accelerometer can be supported at least approximately normal to a weaker sensing axis of another triaxial accelerometer such that the weaker axes are not used. The triaxial accelerometers can be supported such that one axis of one accelerometer can be redundant with respect to another axis of another accelerometer. One triaxial accelerometer can be mounted on a tilted plane with respect to another triaxial accelerometer.

Abstract translation: 描述了用于确定地下工具的加速度的加速度计布置和方法。 支撑第一和第二三轴加速度计，使得第一三轴加速度计的正常感测轴至少大致垂直于第二三轴加速度计的法向感测轴，用于基于感测轴输出的组合来确定沿着三个正交轴的加速度 来自一个或两个三轴加速度计。 一个三轴加速度传感器的传感轴较弱，可以至少大致垂直于另一个三轴加速度传感器的较弱传感轴，从而不使用较弱的轴。 可以支持三轴加速度计，使得一个加速度计的一个轴相对于另一个加速度计的另一个轴可以是冗余的。 一个三轴加速度计可以相对于另一个三轴加速度计安装在倾斜的平面上。

公开(公告)号：US09519074B2

公开(公告)日：2016-12-13

申请号：US15056178

申请日：2016-02-29

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

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

IPC: G01V3/15 ,  G01V3/12 ,  G01V3/08 ,  G01V3/165 ,  E21B47/024 ,  G01V3/28

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.

公开(公告)号：US09511856B2

公开(公告)日：2016-12-06

申请号：US14562479

申请日：2014-12-05

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

Inventor： John E. Mercer ,  Mark H. Marvin

IPC: B64C27/57 ,  B64C27/00 ,  B64C27/04 ,  B64C27/59

CPC classification number: B64C27/57 ,  B64C27/006 ,  B64C27/04 ,  B64C27/59

Abstract: A helicopter includes a rotor system having a rotor with an adjustable pitch that is controlled at least in part by a pilot using a collective control and which helicopter generates a Low RPM signal that is indicative of a threshold low rotational speed of the rotor. An actuator arrangement can move the collective control by exerting a force on the collective control such that the pilot is able to overcome the actuator force but which otherwise can move the collective control from a current operational position toward a minimum pitch position. A clutch can co-rotate with a motor to serve in transferring the actuation force to reduce the adjustable pitch and can slip relative to the actuator shaft assembly responsive to an application of a counterforce applied by the pilot to the collective control such that the counterforce overcomes the actuation force.

Abstract translation: 直升机包括具有可调间距的转子的转子系统，其至少部分地由飞行员使用集体控制来控制，并且哪个直升机产生指示转子的阈值低转速的低RPM信号。 致动器装置可以通过在集体控制上施加力来移动集体控制，使得飞行员能够克服致动器力，但是否则可以将集体控制从当前操作位置向最小桨距位置移动。 离合器可以与电动机共同旋转以用于传递致动力以减小可调节节距并且响应于由飞行员施加到集体控制的反作用力的应用而相对于致动器轴组件滑动，使得反作用力克服 致动力。

公开(公告)号：US20160348496A1

公开(公告)日：2016-12-01

申请号：US15231764

申请日：2016-08-08

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

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

IPC: E21B47/024 ,  E21B44/00 ,  E21B7/04

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：US09507046B2

公开(公告)日：2016-11-29

申请号：US14991177

申请日：2016-01-08

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

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

IPC: G01V3/08 ,  G01V3/38 ,  G01V3/15 ,  G01V3/30

CPC classification number: G01V3/081 ,  E21B47/0905 ,  G01V3/15 ,  G01V3/30 ,  G01V3/38

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.

公开(公告)号：US20160252369A1

公开(公告)日：2016-09-01

申请号：US15090507

申请日：2016-04-04

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

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

IPC: G01D5/20 ,  G01V3/08

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：US09415862B2

公开(公告)日：2016-08-16

申请号：US14133601

申请日：2013-12-18

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

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

IPC: B64C13/18 ,  B64C13/22 ,  B64C27/04 ,  G05G9/047

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.

Abstract translation: 描述了一种飞行员控制接口和方法，用于通过其中安装了自动驾驶仪系统的飞机的飞行员选择性地控制自动驾驶仪系统。 导频控制接口包括无源网络，该无源网络可以跨越由不多于两个与自动驾驶仪系统电连通的导体组成的输出接口在多个状态之间切换。 可以基于相应的瞬时和连续的导频输入启动来逐步或连续地执行当前自动驾驶飞行模式的修改。

公开(公告)号：US20160178783A1

公开(公告)日：2016-06-23

申请号：US15056178

申请日：2016-02-29

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

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

IPC: G01V3/165 ,  G01V3/08

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：US20160152330A1

公开(公告)日：2016-06-02

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 ,  B64C27/68 ,  B64C27/64 ,  G05D1/08

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.

Abstract translation: 直升机自动驾驶系统包括用于直升机飞行的姿态保持的内循环，包括施加到内循环的给定水平的冗余。 外部环路被配置为提供关于直升机的飞行的导航功能，其包括与内部循环不同的冗余级别。 致动器在联动装置上提供制动力，用于在停电期间稳定直升机的飞行。 致动器是机电的并且接收电驱动信号以提供直升机的自动飞行控制，而不需要直升机中的液压辅助系统。 自动驾驶仪可以在液压辅助系统的故障模式下操作直升机。 使用相关的传感器输入描述了多个飞行模式，包括基于速率和真实姿态模式。

公开(公告)号：US20160146290A1

公开(公告)日：2016-05-26

申请号：US15010982

申请日：2016-01-29

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： John E. Mercer

IPC: F16H1/06

CPC classification number: F16H1/06 ,  F16D21/02 ,  F16D27/004 ,  F16D27/01 ,  F16H3/30 ,  Y10T74/19251 ,  Y10T74/19307 ,  Y10T74/19372 ,  Y10T74/19488 ,  Y10T74/19614

Abstract: A drive train is used at least including an input shaft and an output shaft. A clutch member is rotatable by a clutch shaft about an axis of rotation. The clutch shaft is supported for lateral movement along the axis of rotation to move the clutch member to cooperate with the drive train at a first lateral position to cause the output shaft to turn and to move the clutch member to a second lateral position to disengage the output shaft from rotation of the input shaft. A permanent magnet is supported by one end of the clutch shaft and arranged for receiving an external magnetic biasing force along the axis of rotation to selectively move the clutch member between the first and second lateral positions. A traveling shaft can be used to support a selected gear for movement by the permanent magnet to implement transmission and reversing configurations.