公开(公告)号：US20160352157A1

公开(公告)日：2016-12-01

申请号：US15231782

申请日：2016-08-09

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

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

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

CPC classification number: E21B44/005 ,  E21B7/046 ,  E21B41/00 ,  E21B47/01 ,  E21B47/024 ,  E21B47/09 ,  E21B47/121 ,  E21B47/122 ,  H02J1/00 ,  H02J17/00 ,  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.

Abstract translation: 发射机由调节的电池电压供电并且可安装在多个不同的壳体中的一个中，每个壳体的特征在于不同的设计，并且每个壳体可以形成用于进行钻孔工具的一部分，其中钻柱从 一个钻机到地下工具。 天线驱动器基于调节电压驱动天线，发出用于远程接收的电磁信号。 控制器限制来自调节电压的功率消耗，以便不超过功率消耗阈值，而不管发射机在任何一个外壳中的安装，否则当发射机对于每个外壳设计将表现出不同的功耗时。 描述相应的方法。 描述了基于温度的功耗阈值修改以及机械冲击和振动的特征。

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：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：US09310507B2

公开(公告)日：2016-04-12

申请号：US14702694

申请日：2015-05-02

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

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

IPC: G01V3/08 ,  G01R33/00 ,  E21B47/022 ,  G01V3/38

CPC classification number: G01D5/2006 ,  E21B47/02224 ,  G01V3/08 ,  G01V3/081 ,  G01V3/38

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：US09274013B2

公开(公告)日：2016-03-01

申请号：US13957929

申请日：2013-08-02

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

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

IPC: G01N3/08 ,  G01L1/26 ,  B66C13/16 ,  B66C23/90 ,  B66D1/54 ,  G01L5/10

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：US09244189B2

公开(公告)日：2016-01-26

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: G01V3/08 ,  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：US20160003863A1

公开(公告)日：2016-01-07

申请号：US14789071

申请日：2015-07-01

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

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

IPC: G01P15/03 ,  G01P15/18

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：US20140247059A1

公开(公告)日：2014-09-04

申请号：US14277873

申请日：2014-05-15

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

Inventor： Loc Viet Lam ,  Albert W. Chau

IPC: G01R29/26

Abstract: A portable device and associated method are described for use with a system in which a locating signal is transmitted from within the ground during an operational procedure. The locating signal includes a transmission frequency that is selectable from a group of discrete transmission frequencies in a frequency range and the region includes electromagnetic noise that can vary. The portable device includes a receiver having a bandwidth that includes the transmission frequency range and is operable for measuring the electromagnetic noise in the transmission frequency range to establish a frequency content of the electromagnetic noise for use in selecting one of the discrete transmission frequencies that is subsequently transmitted as the locating signal during the operational procedure. The locating signal can be transmitted from a boring tool, a pullback arrangement or an inground cable. A predicted maximum operational depth for a transmitter can be determined prior to the operational procedure.

Abstract translation: 描述了便携式设备和相关联的方法，用于在操作过程期间从地面内发送定位信号的系统。 定位信号包括可从频率范围内的一组离散传输频率中选择的传输频率，并且该区域包括可变化的电磁噪声。 便携式设备包括具有包括传输频率范围的带宽的接收机，并且可操作用于测量传输频率范围内的电磁噪声，以建立用于选择随后的离散传输频率之一的电磁噪声的频率内容 在操作过程中作为定位信号发送。 定位信号可以从钻孔工具，拉回装置或地下电缆传输。 可以在操作过程之前确定发射机的预测的最大操作深度。