Patents by Inventor Rudolf Zeller
Rudolf Zeller 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: 20080121431Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2008Publication date: May 29, 2008Inventors: Guenter W. Brune, Peter H. Hambling, John E. Mercer, Lloyd A. Moore, Shiu S. Ng, Rudolf Zeller
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Patent number: 7347280Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2006Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.Inventors: Guenter W. Brune, Peter H. Hambling, John E. Mercer, Lloyd A. Moore, Shiu S. Ng, Rudolf Zeller
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Patent number: 7343816Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.Inventors: Albert W. Chau, Rudolf Zeller, John E. Mercer, Charles Yu Yat Tsang
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Publication number: 20070176842Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2007Publication date: August 2, 2007Inventors: Guenter Brune, John Mercer, Albert Chau, Rudolf Zeller
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Patent number: 7209093Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2005Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.Inventors: Guenter W. Brune, John E. Mercer, Albert W. Chau, Rudolf Zeller
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Publication number: 20070074103Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system and method to convert multi-file database structures to Hypertext Markup Language (“HTML”). In particular, the disclosed embodiments convert multiple workbook files, generated by the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet program, into HTML including converting inter-file references to appropriate functional hyperlinks. The disclosed embodiments perform a two-pass conversion process, the first of which converts each of the workbook files to HTML and generates a list identifying all of the inter-file links/references which are not converted An HTML equivalent hyperlink is also generated which is stored in the list in association with the identified link/reference. On the second pass, each of the newly created HTML files is processed to replace the unconverted link/reference with the generated HTML equivalent hyperlink. The resulting HTML files are fully converted and properly linked.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2005Publication date: March 29, 2007Inventor: Rudolf Zeller
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Publication number: 20070061176Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to the modeling of complex workflows, such as the workflows found in a clinical medical environment. The disclosed embodiments model clinical medical workflows using Activities, Artifacts and Roles as the fundamental elements wherein the relationship among the elements defines the model. By use of the disclosed pattern (activity-role-artifact), a complex real problem may be copied on to an easily manipulated (in Excel) model. In this model, incomplete information as well as inconsistencies and procedures that are “unfavorable” (such as because they are nested) are identified. By using macros and by graphic processing, workflows that “require untangling”, or other optimization, are readily detected. This review process leads to an improvement of the model and finally of the procedures in the doctor's office. The thus-modeled and optimized procedures may then be converted and displayed using the HTML standard, such as in a standard browser (such as Microsoft Internet Explorer).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2005Publication date: March 15, 2007Inventors: Manfred Gress, Ralf Russ, Rudolf Zeller
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Patent number: 7159672Abstract: A portable mapping tool for use in a horizontal drilling system and associated methods use a boring tool configured for transmitting a locating signal. The mapping tool also includes at least one electromagnetic field detector which is configured for measuring the locating signal from a fixed position proximate to the surface of the ground in a drilling area. The mapping tool includes a housing and a transmitter arrangement supported by the housing for transmitting a setup locating signal for reception by the detector in the region for use in determining certain initial conditions at least prior to drilling. The associated methods include the step of configuring the mapping tool for transmitting a setup locating signal for reception by the detector in the region and using the received setup locating signal in determining certain initial conditions at least prior to drilling.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2006Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.Inventors: John E. Mercer, Peter H. Hambling, Rudolf Zeller, Shiu S. Ng, Guenter W. Brune, Lloyd A. Moore
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Publication number: 20060225921Abstract: A portable mapping tool for use in a horizontal drilling system and associated methods use a boring tool configured for transmitting a locating signal. The mapping tool also includes at least one electromagnetic field detector which is configured for measuring the locating signal from a fixed position proximate to the surface of the ground in a drilling area. The mapping tool includes a housing and a transmitter arrangement supported by the housing for transmitting a setup locating signal for reception by the detector in the region for use in determining certain initial conditions at least prior to drilling. The associated methods include the step of configuring the mapping tool for transmitting a setup locating signal for reception by the detector in the region and using the received setup locating signal in determining certain initial conditions at least prior to drilling.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2006Publication date: October 12, 2006Inventors: John Mercer, Peter Hambling, Rudolf Zeller, Shiu Ng, Guenter Brune, Lloyd Moore
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Patent number: 7080698Abstract: A portable mapping tool for use in a horizontal drilling system and associated methods use a boring tool configured for transmitting a locating signal. The mapping tool also includes at least one electromagnetic field detector which is configured for measuring the locating signal from a fixed position proximate to the surface of the ground in a drilling area. The mapping tool includes a housing and a transmitter arrangement supported by the housing for transmitting a setup locating signal for reception by the detector in the region for use in determining certain initial conditions at least prior to drilling. The associated methods include the step of configuring the mapping tool for transmitting a setup locating signal for reception by the detector in the region and using the received setup locating signal in determining certain initial conditions at least prior to drilling.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2005Date of Patent: July 25, 2006Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.Inventors: John E. Mercer, Peter H. Hambling, Rudolf Zeller, Shiu S. Ng, Guenter W. Brune, Lloyd A. Moore
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Patent number: 7068053Abstract: An orientation sensor especially suitable for use in an underground device is disclosed herein. This orientation sensor includes a sensor housing defining a closed internal chamber, an arrangement of electrically conductive members in a predetermined positional relationship to one another within the chamber and a flowable material contained within the housing chamber and through which electrical connections between the electrically conductive members are made such that a comparison between an electrical property, specifically voltage, of a first combination of conductive members to the corresponding electrical property of a second combination of conductive members can be used to determine a particular orientation parameter, specifically pitch or roll of the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2005Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: Merlin Technology IncInventors: Rudolf Zeller, John E. Mercer
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Publication number: 20060124355Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2006Publication date: June 15, 2006Inventors: Guenter Brune, Peter Hambling, John Mercer, Lloyd Moore, Shiu Ng, Rudolf Zeller
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Publication number: 20060075828Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2005Publication date: April 13, 2006Inventors: Albert Chau, Rudolf Zeller, John Mercer, Charles Tsang
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Patent number: 7021403Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2003Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.Inventors: Guenter W. Brune, Peter H. Hambling, John E. Mercer, Lloyd A. Moore, Shiu S. Ng, Rudolf Zeller
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Patent number: 6993981Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2003Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.Inventors: Albert W. Chau, Rudolf Zeller, John E. Mercer, Charles Yu Yat Tsang
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Publication number: 20050247484Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2005Publication date: November 10, 2005Inventors: Guenter Brune, John Mercer, Albert Chau, Rudolf Zeller
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Publication number: 20050236185Abstract: A portable mapping tool for use in a horizontal drilling system and associated methods use a boring tool configured for transmitting a locating signal. The mapping tool also includes at least one electromagnetic field detector which is configured for measuring the locating signal from a fixed position proximate to the surface of the ground in a drilling area. The mapping tool includes a housing and a transmitter arrangement supported by the housing for transmitting a setup locating signal for reception by the detector in the region for use in determining certain initial conditions at least prior to drilling. The associated methods include the step of configuring the mapping tool for transmitting a setup locating signal for reception by the detector in the region and using the received setup locating signal in determining certain initial conditions at least prior to drilling.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2005Publication date: October 27, 2005Inventors: John Mercer, Peter Hambling, Rudolf Zeller, Shiu Ng, Guenter Brune, Lloyd Moore
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Publication number: 20050212536Abstract: An orientation sensor especially suitable for use in an underground device is disclosed herein. This orientation sensor includes a sensor housing defining a closed internal chamber, an arrangement of electrically conductive members in a predetermined positional relationship to one another within the chamber and a flowable material contained within the housing chamber and through which electrical connections between the electrically conductive members are made such that a comparison between an electrical property, specifically voltage, of a first combination of conductive members to the corresponding electrical property of a second combination of conductive members can be used to determine a particular orientation parameter, specifically pitch or roll of the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2005Publication date: September 29, 2005Inventors: Rudolf Zeller, John Mercer
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Patent number: 6927741Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2002Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.Inventors: Guenter W. Brune, John E. Mercer, Albert W. Chau, Rudolf Zeller
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Patent number: 6920943Abstract: A portable mapping tool for use in a horizontal drilling system and associated methods use a boring tool configured for transmitting a locating signal. The mapping tool also includes at least one electromagnetic field detector which is configured for measuring the locating signal from a fixed position proximate to the surface of the ground in a drilling area. The mapping tool includes a housing and a transmitter arrangement supported by the housing for transmitting a setup locating signal for reception by the detector in the region for use in determining certain initial conditions at least prior to drilling. The associated methods include the step of configuring the mapping tool for transmitting a setup locating signal for reception by the detector in the region and using the received setup locating signal in determining certain initial conditions at least prior to drilling.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2003Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.Inventors: John E. Mercer, Peter H. Hambling, Rudolf Zeller, Shiu S. Ng, Guenter W. Brune, Lloyd A. Moore