Patents Assigned to Merlin Technologies, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11629554
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are used in conjunction with a system for performing horizontal directional drilling, the system including a drill string extending from a drill rig to a boring tool such that the boring tool is steerable based on a roll orientation. The system also includes an arrangement for generating steering commands for guiding the boring tool to a target position. Responsive at least in part to the steering commands, a display is configured to selectively indicate each of a rotate command, a push command and a spin command. A steering indicator is described which indicates a current roll orientation of the boring tool. A 3-D grid can be animated and centered on either a steering or target indicator. Rounding of a steering command ratio can limit the display of target roll orientations to only those that a given boring tool transmitter is capable of sensing and indicating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Kolpack, David Bahr, Thomas J. Hall, Benjamin J. Medeiros
  • Patent number: 11613990
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudolf Zeller, Gary Garrabrant, Timothy Bayliss, Scott Phillips
  • Patent number: 11603754
    Abstract: A housing defines a through passage along its length and is configured to support a group of electrical isolators surrounding the through passage to form an electrically isolating break in a drill string such that each isolator of the group of isolators is subject to no more than a compressive force responsive to extension and retraction of the drill string. The housing defines a housing cavity to receive an electronics package having a signal port and is configured for electrical connection of the signal port across the electrically isolating break. A housing lid can cooperate with a main housing body to define elongated slots for purposes of enhancing the emanation of a locating signal. A housing arrangement can support electrical connections from an electronics package to bridge an electrically isolating gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert W. Chau, Kenneth J. Theimer
  • Patent number: 11598200
    Abstract: Generally, a sonde, associated components and methods are described which can be used in conjunction with an inground tool having an inground tool housing that defines an inground tool cavity such that the inground tool cavity is exposed to an ambient pressure environment which surrounds the inground tool during an inground operation. A sonde housing assembly includes an exterior configuration that is receivable within the inground tool cavity. The sonde housing assembly at least partially defines a sonde interior and is further configured for receiving the pressure sensor body of a pressure sensor in a pressure sealed engagement. A sonde electronics package is supported within the sonde interior and is at least configured to receive the pressure signal and transfer a corresponding pressure signal from the sonde.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert W. Chau, Dmitry Feldman, Benjamin John Medeiros
  • Patent number: 11598198
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Merlin Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Guenter W. Brune, John E. Mercer, Albert W. Chau
  • Patent number: 11591078
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Mercer, Nicholas Albion, Mark Bartel, Marc Feifel, Mark Marvin
  • Patent number: 11555352
    Abstract: A boring tool is movable through the ground. A transmitter supported by the boring tool transmits an electromagnetic homing signal. A portable device monitors the electromagnetic homing signal and receives the electromagnetic homing signal in a homing mode for guiding the boring tool to a target position. A processor generates steering commands for guiding the boring tool based on a bore plan in a steering mode such that at least some positional error is introduced without using the electromagnetic homing signal. Switching from the steering mode to the homing mode is based on monitoring of the electromagnetic homing signal as the boring tool approaches the portable device to then guide the boring tool to the target position location in compensation for the positional error. Intermediate target positions are described as well as guiding the boring tool based on the homing signal so long as the portable device receives the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Shaw, John E. Mercer, Albert W. Chau
  • Patent number: 11480446
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Merlin Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Rudolf Zeller, Guenter W. Brune, Albert W. Chau, John E. Mercer
  • Patent number: 11408273
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods are described for purposes of initiating a response to detection of an adverse operational condition involving a system including a drill rig and an inground tool. The response can be based on an uphole sensed parameter in combination with a downhole sensed parameter. The adverse operational condition can involve cross-bore detection, frac-out detection, excessive downhole pressure, a plugged jet indication and drill string key-holing detection. A communication system includes an inground communication link that allows bidirectional communication between a walkover detector and the drill rig via the inground tool. Monitoring of inground tool depth and/or lateral movement can be performed using techniques that approach integrated values. Bit force based auto-carving is described in the context of an automated procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert W. Chau, Benjamin John Medeiros, Craig Caswell
  • Patent number: 11352876
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudolf Zeller, Gary Garrabrant, Timothy Bayliss, Scott Phillips
  • Patent number: 11339645
    Abstract: Generally, a sonde, associated components and methods are described which can be used in conjunction with an inground tool having an inground tool housing that defines an inground tool cavity such that the inground tool cavity is exposed to an ambient pressure environment which surrounds the inground tool during an inground operation. A sonde housing assembly includes an exterior configuration that is receivable within the inground tool cavity. The sonde housing assembly at least partially defines a sonde interior and is further configured for receiving the pressure sensor body of a pressure sensor in a pressure sealed engagement. A sonde electronics package is supported within the sonde interior and is at least configured to receive the pressure signal and transfer a corresponding pressure signal from the sonde.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert W. Chau, Dmitry Feldman, Benjamin John Medeiros
  • Patent number: 11320474
    Abstract: A portable device is described for use with a system in which a transmitter signal is transmitted by a transmitter from within the ground during an operational procedure. The transmitter signal includes a transmission frequency that is selectable as one of a group of discrete transmission frequencies and the region includes electromagnetic noise that varies. The portable device includes a receiver that measures noise continuously along a path, with the transmitter inactive, to generate one or more indications for each discrete frequency at each location and continuously update the one or more indications for use in selecting one of the discrete frequencies as a selected transmission frequency to avoid local interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Merlin Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Loc Viet Lam, Albert W. Chau
  • Patent number: 11255185
    Abstract: A drill string communication system is described. An uphole transceiver can couple a signal onto the drill string at a power that is always greater that a selectable power for a downhole signal. Communication from a drill rig to an inground tool can be re-initiated using a maximum uphole transmit power of an uphole transceiver. A procedure can establish a new set of transmission parameters for a drill string signal to establish communication between the drill rig and the inground tool. The system can include a walkover locator that receives an active/inactive status-controlled electromagnetic locating signal. Responsive to a locating signal degradation, a reconfiguration command can modify the locating signal. The uphole transceiver and a downhole transceiver can automatically modify at least one parameter of a downhole signal. An uphole receiver can apply a compensation response to a transferred signal to compensate for a drill string channel transfer function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert W. Chau, Loc Viet Lam
  • Patent number: 11255186
    Abstract: A sonde is receivable in a housing of an inground tool for transmitting an electromagnetic locating signal. The sonde is configured for monitoring a cumulative active run-time of its operation and for external transfer of the cumulative active run-time. A receiver receives the cumulative active run-time and provides at least one indication based on the cumulative active run-time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Phillips, Timothy Bayliss, Thomas J. Hall
  • Patent number: 11230921
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudolf Zeller, Gary Garrabrant, Timothy Bayliss, John E. Mercer
  • Patent number: 11215635
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert W. Chau, John E. Mercer, Scott Phillips
  • Patent number: 11149539
    Abstract: A planning tool plans movement of a boring tool for an underground drilling operation. The planning tool includes one or more wheels for rolling on a surface of the ground along a path responsive to movement by an operator to characterize the surface contour and to generate guidance for the boring tool to reach a target position. Planning can additionally be based on waypoints. The planning tool can be rolled unidirectionally or bidirectionally to characterize the surface contour. Bidirectional movement cancels accelerometer fixed bias. Path stitching is used to plan around obstacles. The planning tool can facilitate tracker placement. The planning tool can collect noise information for frequency selection purposes. A described technique maximizes linear drilling in an underground plan. Compensation and/or warnings are provided for unsteady, fast and slow movement of the planning tool while measuring the surface contour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudolf Zeller, Timothy Shaw, Timothy Bayliss, Craig Caswell
  • Patent number: 11136881
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods are described for purposes of initiating a response to detection of an adverse operational condition involving a system including a drill rig and an inground tool. The response can be based on an uphole sensed parameter in combination with a downhole sensed parameter. The adverse operational condition can involve cross-bore detection, frac-out detection, excessive downhole pressure, a plugged jet indication and drill string key-holing detection. A communication system includes an inground communication link that allows bidirectional communication between a walkover detector and the drill rig via the inground tool. Monitoring of inground tool depth and/or lateral movement can be performed using techniques that approach integrated values. Bit force based auto-carving is described in the context of an automated procedure. Loss of locator to drill rig telemetry can trigger an automated switch to a different communication path within the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert W. Chau, Benjamin John Medeiros, Craig Caswell
  • Patent number: 11118447
    Abstract: A transmitter is carried proximate to an inground tool for sensing a plurality of operational parameters relating to the inground tool. The transmitter customizes a data signal to characterize one or more of the operational parameters for transmission from the inground tool based on the operational status of the inground tool. A receiver receives the data signal and recovers the operational parameters. Advanced data protocols are described. Pitch averaging and enhancement of dynamic pitch range for accelerometer readings are described based on monitoring mechanical shock and vibration of the inground tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert W. Chau, Loc Viet Lam, Scott Phillips
  • Patent number: 11118442
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Merlin Technology Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Burrows, Guenter W. Brune, John E. Mercer