Patents by Inventor Michael F. Gard
Michael F. Gard has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20210131615Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a monitoring cable or other utility near an existing pipeline. An electromagnetic signal may be induced on the pipeline, either directly, or by transmitting a signal from a vehicle carrying a sensor array. The sensors disposed on the vehicle communicate with a processor to determine a distance and orientation of the vehicle relative to the pipeline. The signal may be electromagnetic, acoustic, capacitive, or the like. A plow or other digging tool may be on the vehicle or a secondary vehicle. Such a digging tool opens a trench and installs the cable along a path disposed next to the pipeline within an acceptable distance range from the pipeline. The vehicle may be remotely or automatically operated.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2020Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: Brian K. Bailey, Kelvin P. Self, Richard F. Sharp, Scott B. Cole, Michael F. Gard
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Patent number: 10677043Abstract: A beacon assembly located at a downhole end of a drill string proximate a boring tool. The beacon assembly transmits data to an above-ground receiver. The beacon has a housing with a housing wall located between its sensors, such as gradiometers, accelerometers, and other orientation sensors, and an antenna assembly. The antenna assembly has a protective covering made of electromagnetically transparent material.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2018Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.Inventors: Michael F. Gard, Brian K. Bailey, Richard F. Sharp
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Publication number: 20180306385Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a monitoring cable or other utility near an existing pipeline. An electromagnetic signal may be induced on the pipeline. Sensors disposed on an installation vehicle communicate with a processor to determine a distance and orientation of the vehicle relative to the pipeline. A plow or other digging tool opens a trench and installs the cable along a path disposed next to the pipeline within an acceptable distance range from the pipeline. The vehicle may be remotely or automatically operated.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2018Publication date: October 25, 2018Inventors: Kelvin P. Self, Scott B. Cole, Michael F. Gard, Richard F. Sharp
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Patent number: 10107931Abstract: A method for choosing a frequency to locate an underground object. A locating receiver is provided with a display. The locating receiver scans multiple pre-selected frequencies to determine a noise level, or a signal-to-noise ratio. The locating receiver transmits the chosen frequency to a transmitter, which places the chosen frequency on the underground object to provide an optimal locating frequency.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2015Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.Inventors: Brian K. Bailey, Michael F. Gard
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Publication number: 20180291724Abstract: A beacon assembly located at a downhole end of a drill string proximate a boring tool. The beacon assembly transmits data to an above-ground receiver. The beacon has a housing with a housing wall located between its sensors, such as gradiometers, accelerometers, and other orientation sensors, and an antenna assembly. The antenna assembly has a protective covering made of electromagnetically transparent material.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2018Publication date: October 11, 2018Inventors: Michael F. Gard, Brian K. Bailey, Richard F. Sharp
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Patent number: 10060807Abstract: A system and method for monitoring bend radius and torque force exerted on a drill string. A sensor system is supported within a pipe section of the drill string and has a light source supported within the pipe section to emit a light beam within the pipe section. An optical sensing device is supported within the pipe section and spaced apart from the light source. The optical sensing device transmits a detection signal indicative of the position of the light beam on a surface of the optical sensing device to a processor that determines the bend radius and torque force exerted on the pipe section.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2016Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.Inventors: Dustin L. Blessum, Michael F. Gard, Kendall C. Young
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Patent number: 9995132Abstract: A beacon assembly located at a downhole end of a drill string proximate a boring tool. The beacon assembly transmits data to an above-ground receiver. The beacon has a housing with a housing wall located between its sensors, such as gradiometers, accelerometers, and other orientation sensors, and an antenna assembly. The antenna assembly has a protective covering made of electromagnetically transparent material.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2015Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.Inventors: Michael F. Gard, Brian K. Bailey, Richard F. Sharp
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Patent number: 9850715Abstract: A modular compaction boring device. The boring device comprises a compaction boring head which creates a borehole through a subsurface by operation of a thruster and a rear and forward anchor. Extension of the thruster while the rear anchors are engaged move the boring head forward. Retraction of the thruster while the forward anchors are engaged brings the rear anchors forward for an addition stroke. A steering geometry in the boring head and rotation of the boring head allow steering of the boring device. Steering, thrust, and anchors may be controlled remotely through an umbilical cable pulled through the borehole by the boring device.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2015Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.Inventors: Jerry W. Beckwith, Dustin Blessum, Michael F. Gard, Tony D. Kukuk, Jason N. MacDonald, Monika E. B. Salas, F. Loyd Sands, Wally E. Shaffer, Richard F. Sharp, Brent G. Stephenson, Damon C. Webb, Kendall C. Young
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Patent number: 9752384Abstract: An electric horizontal directional drilling machine. An electric horizontal directional drilling machine is powered by an electric power assembly. The power assembly is made up of a fuel cell and inverter, or multiple fuel cells with synchronized inverters. The electric motor operates hydraulic pumps or works independently to rotate, advance and retract a drill string and downhole tool through the earth and operate various machine functions. Mechanical functions of the drilling machine may also be satisfied through the use of electric rotary actuators (e.g., motors) and linear actuators (e.g., linear motors and solenoids).Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2014Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.Inventor: Michael F. Gard
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Publication number: 20170023421Abstract: A system and method for monitoring bend radius and torque force exerted on a drill string. A sensor system is supported within a pipe section of the drill string and has a light source supported within the pipe section to emit a light beam within the pipe section. An optical sensing device is supported within the pipe section and spaced apart from the light source. The optical sensing device transmits a detection signal indicative of the position of the light beam on a surface of the optical sensing device to a processor that determines the bend radius and torque force exerted on the pipe section.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2016Publication date: January 26, 2017Inventors: Dustin L. Blessum, Michael F. Gard, Kendall C. Young
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Publication number: 20160356146Abstract: A beacon assembly located at a downhole end of a drill string proximate a boring tool. The beacon assembly transmits data to an above-ground receiver. The beacon has a housing with a housing wall located between its sensors, such as gradiometers, accelerometers, and other orientation sensors, and an antenna assembly. The antenna assembly has a protective covering made of electromagnetically transparent material.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2015Publication date: December 8, 2016Inventors: Michael F. Gard, Brian K. Bailey, Richard F. Sharp
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Publication number: 20150369953Abstract: A method for choosing a frequency to locate an underground object. A locating receiver is provided with a display. The locating receiver scans multiple pre-selected frequencies to determine a noise level, or a signal-to-noise ratio. The locating receiver transmits the chosen frequency to a transmitter, which places the chosen frequency on the underground object to provide an optimal locating frequency.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2015Publication date: December 24, 2015Inventors: Brian K. Bailey, Michael F. Gard
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Patent number: 9182513Abstract: A method and system for identifying a location of a magnetic field source. A total magnetic field is measured during a calibration routine prior to a drilling procedure. During the drilling procedure, a magnetic field measurement is obtained. Using the measured magnetic field and the calibrated field, a set of possible angles and distances is calculated. After the source is advanced a known distance, a second magnetic field measurement is obtained. A second set of possible angles and distances is calculated. The relative location of the source is then determined using the first set and second set of values, along with the known distance and a pitch angle of the source.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2012Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.Inventors: Michael F. Gard, Kody D. Mason, Floyd R. Gunsaulis
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Publication number: 20150211302Abstract: A modular compaction boring device. The boring device comprises a compaction boring head which creates a borehole through a subsurface by operation of a thruster and a rear and forward anchor. Extension of the thruster while the rear anchors are engaged move the boring head forward. Retraction of the thruster while the forward anchors are engaged brings the rear anchors forward for an addition stroke. A steering geometry in the boring head and rotation of the boring head allow steering of the boring device. Steering, thrust, and anchors may be controlled remotely through an umbilical cable pulled through the borehole by the boring device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2015Publication date: July 30, 2015Inventors: Jerry W. Beckwith, Dustin Blessum, Michael F. Gard, Tony D. Kukuk, Jason N. MacDonald, Monika E.B. Salas, F. Loyd Sands, Wally E. Shaffer, Richard F. Sharp, Brent G. Sephenson, Damon C. Webb, Kendall C. Young
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Patent number: 8981780Abstract: A receiver and tracking system for identifying a location of a magnetic field source. In a preferred embodiment a plurality of tri-axial antennas are positioned at three distinct points on a receiver frame. Each antenna detects a magnetic field from a source and a processor is used to determine a location of the source relative to the frame using the antenna signals. Each tri-axial antenna comprises three windings in each of three channels defined by a support structure. The windings each define an aperture area. The windings have substantially identical aperture areas and have a common center point. The receiver may to display to the operator the relative location of the field source or may direct the operator to a spot directly above the field source.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2013Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.Inventors: Scott B. Cole, Michael F. Gard, David R. Brown, Bradley S. Marshall
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Publication number: 20150068808Abstract: An electric horizontal directional drilling machine. An electric horizontal directional drilling machine is powered by an electric power assembly. The power assembly is made up of a fuel cell and inverter, or multiple fuel cells with synchronized inverters. The electric motor operates hydraulic pumps or works independently to rotate, advance and retract a drill string and downhole tool through the earth and operate various machine functions. Mechanical functions of the drilling machine may also be satisfied through the use of electric rotary actuators (e.g., motors) and linear actuators (e.g., linear motors and solenoids).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2014Publication date: March 12, 2015Inventor: Michael F. Gard
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Publication number: 20150000424Abstract: A system and method for monitoring bend radius and torque force exerted on a drill string. A sensor system is supported within a pipe section of the drill string and has a light source supported within the pipe section to emit a light beam within the pipe section. An optical sensing device is supported within the pipe section and spaced apart from the light source. The optical sensing device transmits a detection signal indicative of the position of the light beam on a surface of the optical sensing device to a processor that determines the bend radius and torque force exerted on the pipe section.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2014Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventors: Dustin L. Blessum, Michael F. Gard, Kendall C. Young
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Patent number: 8890361Abstract: An electric horizontal directional drilling machine. An electric horizontal directional drilling machine is powered by an electric power assembly. The power assembly is made up of a fuel cell and inverter, or multiple fuel cells with synchronized inverters. The electric motor operates hydraulic pumps or works independently to rotate, advance and retract a drill string and downhole tool through the earth and operate various machine functions. Mechanical functions of the drilling machine may also be satisfied through the use of electric rotary actuators (e.g., motors) and linear actuators (e.g., linear motors and solenoids).Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2011Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.Inventor: Michael F. Gard
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Patent number: 8833183Abstract: A system and method for monitoring bend radius and torque force exerted on a drill string. A sensor system is supported within a pipe section of the drill string and has a light source supported within the pipe section to emit a light beam within the pipe section. An optical sensing device is supported within the pipe section and spaced apart from the light source. The optical sensing device transmits a detection signal indicative of the position of the light beam on a surface of the optical sensing device to a processor that determines the bend radius and torque force exerted on the pipe section.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2011Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.Inventors: Dustin L. Blessum, Michael F. Gard, Kendall C. Young
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Patent number: 8829906Abstract: A method for noise signal analysis and communication with an underground transmitter. The method comprises the steps of measuring a noise floor when no signal is transmitted from a transmitter, detecting a signal when the transmitter is transmitting, and estimating the noise free component of the signal by removing the noise floor measurement. The measurement of the noise floor and detecting the signal from the transmitter may be done using a root mean square technique. The noise floor measurement can be removed from the measured signal by subtracting the noise floor measurement from the measured signal or alternatively by calculating the square root of the difference between the square of the measured signal and the square of the noise floor measurement. The noise estimation technique may be used in connection with a differential phased shift keying communication scheme or other modulation techniques.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2011Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.Inventors: Michael F. Gard, Scott Bryan Cole