Abstract: Mobile base stations for use with one or more portable utility locators to aid in determining the location of a particular locator during operation and to receive information associated with the utility for storage and/or retransmission to other devices or systems are disclosed.

Abstract: A calibration method for calibrating an underground beacon and tracker system for use with horizontal directional drilling. The beacon emits a magnetic field, which is received at an above-ground receiving antenna. The antenna is used to locate front and rear null points in the emitted field. The vertical and horizontal offset between the null points is determined to locate the beacon. Then, the magnetic field strength is determined at one of the null points. This value may be used to calculate or update a calibration constant. The calibration constant is then used in subsequent locating step while the characteristics of the underground environment surrounding the beacon remain similar.

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.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, from a plurality of magnetic field receivers including magnetic sensors, data characterizing samples obtained by the plurality of magnetic field receivers, the samples of a combination of a first magnetic field and a second magnetic field resulting from interaction of the first magnetic field and an object; determining, using the received data, a polarizability index of the object, the polarizability index characterizing a magnetic polarizability property of the object; classifying, using the determined polarizability index, the object as threat or non-threat; and providing the classification. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.

Abstract: A system and a method for determining a location of an untethered drone in a wellbore are described herein. The system includes one or more markers to be placed within a wellbore casing where each of the one or more markers is configured to transmit a continuous or periodic signal. The system further includes a first sensor to be transported by the untethered drone where the first sensor is configured to sense an existence of the one or more markers.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, from a plurality of magnetic field receivers including magnetic sensors, data characterizing samples obtained by the plurality of magnetic field receivers, the samples of a combination of a first magnetic field and a second magnetic field resulting from interaction of the first magnetic field and an object; determining, using the received data, a polarizability index of the object, the polarizability index characterizing a magnetic polarizability property of the object; classifying, using the determined polarizability index, the object as threat or non-threat; and providing the classification. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for uniquely identifying buried utilities in a multi-utility region by sensing magnetic fields emitted from the buried utilities.

Abstract: Omnidirectional electromagnetic signal inducer (omni-inducer) devices are disclosed. The omni-inducer device may include a housing, which may include a conductive base for coupling signals to ground, and an omnidirectional antenna node including a plurality of antenna coil assemblies, where the node may be disposed on or within the housing. The omni-inducer device may further include one or more transmitter modules for generating ones of a plurality of output signals, which may be generated at ones of a plurality of different frequencies, and one or more control circuits configured to control the transmitters and/or other circuits to selectively switch the ones of the plurality of output signals between ones of the plurality of antenna coil assemblies.

Abstract: Tracked distance measuring device, systems, and methods for determining and mapping point of interest for use in utility locating operations and other mapping applications are disclosed. A tracked distance measuring device embodiment includes simultaneously triggered rangefinder and positioning elements to measure a distance and determine location and pose, optionally in conjunction with a utility locator.

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.

Abstract: A method and system for electromagnetic ranging of a target wellbore. A method may comprise disposing an electromagnetic ranging tool in a wellbore, energizing a conductive member disposed in the target wellbore to create an electromagnetic field, measuring at least one component of the electromagnetic field from the target wellbore, performing at least two non-axial magnetic field measurements, performing at least one axial magnetic field measurement, calculating a processed non-axial magnetic field measurement using the at least two non-axial magnetic field measurements, calculating an end-of-pipe ratio with the processed non-axial magnetic field measurement and the at least one axial magnetic field measurement, and altering a course of the electromagnetic ranging tool based at least in part from the end-of-pipe ratio. A well ranging system may comprise a downhole assembly, a sensor comprising a first component and a second component, a drill string, and an information handling system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for locating buried utilities in conjunction with associated electromagnetic marker devices are disclosed. A marker device may include a marker device antenna and an electronic circuit operatively coupled to the marker device antenna. The electronic circuit may include at least two resonant circuits, including a first resonant circuit formed in combination with the marker device antenna for receiving an excitation signal at a first frequency from a marker excitation device. The received excitation signal may be converted into a power supply by a power circuit for powering the electronic circuit. Responsive to the received excitation signal, a processing element provided in the electronic circuit may generate an output signal at a second frequency, which is substantially different from the first frequency. The generated output signal may be tuned by a second resonant circuit and provided to the marker device antenna.

Abstract: A tracking system for communicating a location of a beacon in order to drill a bore path. The beacon is carried by a drill string in a drilling operation. Above-ground trackers are arranged in a path to define an intended underground bore path. The trackers form a multi-node mesh network in communication with a display unit at a drilling rig. A drilling operator guides the drill string in response to tracking data sent from the tracking system.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to utility locators and associated antenna node support structure devices for allowing a utility locator to self-stand in an upright position without being held or otherwise supported by a user.

Abstract: Sonde devices for providing magnetic field signals for use with utility locators or other devices are disclosed. In one embodiment a sonde device includes a housing, a core comprising a plurality of core sections, and one or more support structures, which may include windings. Circuit and/or power supply elements may be disposed fully or partially within the core to control generation of predefined magnetic field frequencies and waveforms.

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.

Abstract: A method of cutting a microtrench in which the buried utility is exposed by opening an access hole in a roadway above the buried utility using a roadway access hole drill that is controlled by a computer system connected to an under-roadway detection unit that detects a buried utility and stops movement of the drill to avoid damaging the buried utility. Also provided is a method of drilling a substantially horizontal hole under a roadway using a horizontal drill that is controlled by a computer system connected to an under-roadway detection unit that detects a buried utility and stops movement or changes direction of the drill to avoid damaging the buried utility.

Abstract: Front end circuits and associated apparatus, systems, and methods for use in electronic devices such as buried utility locators are disclosed. The circuits include receivers and filters on input signals that are coupled to ground rather than differentially. A multiplexing circuit allows shared use of amplifiers, and analog-to-digital converters via a switching mechanism for selectively making or breaking electrical connection to the receiver channels for efficient sharing of electronics resources while minimizing crosstalk interference and advantageously reducing costs.

Abstract: Systems for locating buried or hidden utilities including a portable locator and associated portable transmitter are disclosed. The portable locator may include a magnetic field measurement module for determining a current signal in the buried utility based on a received magnetic field, and a receiver module for receiving data from the portable transmitter. The portable transmitter may include a data transmitter module for sending information associated with a current signal provided to the buried utility to the portable receiver module.

Abstract: A buried utility locator includes an antenna array for receiving magnetic field signals from a buried utility, a receiver operatively coupled to the antenna array for generating a receiver output signal including amplitude and/or phase information of two or more signal components in two or more simultaneously received signals of the frequency suite, a processing element operatively coupled to the receiver for receiving the receiver output signal and generating a first set of data associated with the two or more signal components of the frequency suite, and a non-transitory memory for storing the first set of data.

Abstract: Man-portable locator systems for locating buried or otherwise inaccessible pipes, conduits, cables, wires, and/or inserted transmitters using magnetic field antenna arrays and signal processing to analyze and display information about multiple buried utilities simultaneously are disclosed.

Abstract: A technique facilitates a drilling operation by providing a drill bit having limited magnetic influence. The drill bit comprises a bit head formed with a non-magnetic bit head material. Cutting elements may be attached to the bit head to facilitate cutting of rock and other formation material during drilling of a borehole. The drill bit also comprises a bit body formed with a non-magnetic body material. The bit head and the bit body are joined to construct a non-magnetic drill bit which has no or limited magnetic influences on, for example, sensors located proximate the drill bit.

Abstract: Portable pipe inspection video systems are disclosed. The system may include a camera head, a push-cable, a cable reel, and a camera controller having a built-in transmitter for energizing a pipe-inspection cable for magnetic field tracing applications.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate, generally, to beacon systems where a locator beacon is used as a marker for a location of interest, and improving false positive immunity in such beacon systems. Confiner beacons are included in such beacon systems to confine a triggering area for triggering a location indication for a location of interest marked by a locator beacon. In other embodiments, arbitrarily shaped triggering areas are defined using confiner beacons. In other embodiments, errant locator signals are identified and handled (e.g., ignored).

Abstract: A metal detector, includes a transmitter for transmitting a repeating sequence of transmit magnetic field, each of the sequence includes a period of changing or constant non-zero transmit magnetic field, immediately followed by period of rapid change of transmit magnetic field, immediately followed by a period of substantially constant or zero transmit magnetic field; a receive coil; and a damping resistor. An end of the receive coil is connected to one end of the damping resistor and the other end of the damping resistor is connectable to a circuit with a variable parameter. A signal is induced in the receive coil during the period of rapid change of transmit magnetic field, and the signal induced in the receive coil decays at least at a termination of the period of rapid change of transmit magnetic field.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enabling an augmented reality device to easily collect, analyze, transmit, and act on wireless information transmitted from various instruments on hydrocarbon production and pipeline skids. The augmented reality device preferentially presents and records available data streams from the various instruments on the hydrocarbon production and pipeline skids in an augmented reality user interface. The augmented reality user interface preferentially presents such data streams as readings from the various instruments in an easy-to-read, color-coded display, wherein the color coding relates to various in-tolerance and out-of-tolerance ranges related to each of the various instruments.

Abstract: Mobile base stations for use with one or more portable utility locators to aid in determining the location of a particular locator during operation and to receive information associated with the utility for storage and/or retransmission to other devices or systems are disclosed.

Abstract: Fault detection circuitry and a corresponding method are disclosed. A count value that is indicative of the switching period of a PWM signal is determined and it is determined whether this count value is between a first threshold and a second threshold. An error signal is generated when the switching period is not between the first and the second threshold. A count value that is indicative of the switch-on duration of the PWM signal is determined and compared with a switch-on threshold in order to determine whether the switch-on duration is greater than a maximum switch-on duration. A count value that is indicative of the switch-off duration of the PWM signal is determined and compared with a switch-off threshold in order to determine whether the switch-off duration is greater than a maximum switch-off duration. Error signals can be generated when the durations are greater than the maximum durations.

Abstract: A buried utility locating system includes a transmitter circuit including electronic circuits to generate keyed current signals for coupling to the buried utility including a signal generation module and an output current signal generation module, a direct or inductive coupling apparatus, and an associated utility locator for sensing magnetic field signals radiated from a buried utility and decode keying therein.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for processing images to identify Energy Infrastructure (EI) features within aerial images of global terrain is provided. The image processing method identifies information about EI features by applying an EI feature recognition model to aerial images of global terrain. The EI feature recognition model identifies the EI feature information according to image content of the aerial image. The method further provides updates to the identification of the EI feature information according to relationships between identified EI features.

Abstract: Self-standing attachment devices for use with utility locator systems are disclosed. In one embodiment a self-standing attachment device includes a top assembly, three extendable legs coupled to the top assembly with a movable joint, and a bottom assembly, with the self-standing attachment device detachably coupleable to a locator of the system. A formed coupler in the top assembly allows for readily attaching and detaching the self-standing attachment device and the locator.

Abstract: A hidden object sensor which detects objects behind a surface. The hidden object sensor includes a housing. A capacitive sensor is carried by the housing. The capacitive sensor includes two or more electrodes. The hidden object sensor also includes an inductive sensor disposed in the housing. The inductive sensor surrounds the capacitive sensor in a radial direction such that there is a gap between the inductive sensor and the capacitive sensor.

Abstract: Buried utility locator systems, including a locator including an integrated marker device excitation transmitter for generating and sending a marker device excitation signal to one or more marker devices, are disclosed. In operation, the marker device excitation signal is sent from the locator at least partially simultaneously to receiving and processing a buried utility signal.

Abstract: A method for detecting and locating a fault affecting an electrical cable includes the steps of (a) placing a first sensor and a second sensor along the cable, the second sensor being an acoustic sensor; (b) detecting the occurrence of the fault with the first sensor at a first time, and with the second sensor at a second time; (c) taking into account a propagation speed of an acoustic wave generated by the fault; (d) estimating a position of the fault depending on the first time and on the second time, on the basis of the propagation speed resulting from step (c); (e) determining a reference propagation speed depending on the position resulting from step (d) of the fault, and comparing said reference propagation speed with the propagation speed taken into account in step (c); and, (f) depending on the comparison, validating the position resulting from step (d) or reiterating steps (c) to (f) while adjusting, in step (c), the propagation speed taken into account.

Abstract: A system and method of for underground line location using a view-in-the-ground indicator includes a display. The display includes a view-in-the-ground indicator configured to indicate left-right position information and orientation information associated with a plurality of underground lines using a corresponding plurality of needles. The plurality of needles are concurrently displayed and are distinguishable from one another. Each of the plurality of needles has a variable horizontal position that indicates the left-right position information and a variable orientation that indicates the orientation information. In some embodiments, the plurality of needles are distinguishable from one another based on a color coding scheme. In some embodiments, the color coding scheme of the plurality of needles matches a color coding scheme of a plurality of feeder cables coupled to the plurality of underground lines.

Abstract: A wireless power transmitter for wirelessly transmitting power to a wireless power receiver is provided. A wireless power transmitter according to various embodiments may include: a driving unit that provides power; and a power transmission unit that wirelessly transmits power to the wireless power receiver based on the power received from the driving unit, wherein the power transmission unit may include at least one capacitor; a first coil connected to the at least one capacitor, and a second coil connected to the at least one capacitor and disposed parallel to the first coil.

Abstract: Utility locators for providing information about hidden or buried pipes or other cavities are disclosed. A locator may be configured to provide positional information associated with the buried utility based on signals received from a line trace signal and a sonde signal and present the positional information on a visual display or other output device.

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.

Abstract: In accordance with aspects of the current invention, a method of determining a location of a utility line includes driving one or more transmitters with a continuous wave signal; either adjusting for effects of direct coupling between the transmitters and one or more sensors mounted on the same rigid platform or different platforms or maintaining sufficient separation between a transmitter platform and a sensor platform to minimize such effects; and deriving a position of the line relative to the sensors from the measurements.

Abstract: A system for performing buried asset locate procedures with quality control and quality assurance processes is provided.

Abstract: A mobile transformer test device (10) for testing a power transformer (40) has connectors (12) for the detachable connection of the transformer test device (10) to the power transformer (40). The transformer test device (10) has a source (5) for generating a test signal. The mobile transformer test device (10) has an evaluation circuit (6) for determining, based on the test signal and a test response of the power transformer (40), information regarding a B-H curve (50, 60) of the power transformer (40).

Abstract: Systems and methods for active ranging-while-drilling (ARWD) for collision avoidance and/or well interception. A method for ranging while drilling may comprise employing a rotating magnet assembly to induce a changing magnetization and/or electric current in a conductive member disposed in a target wellbore, wherein the rotating magnet assembly may be employed in a second wellbore; measuring at least one component of a magnetic gradient tensor using receivers; and calculating a relative location of the conductive member based at least in part on the measurements of the at least one component of the magnetic gradient tensor.

Abstract: Portable locators for detecting buried objects and determining information therefrom based on sensing electromagnetic emissions are disclosed. In one implementation, a portable locator may include a magnetic field sensor array and associated signal processing circuitry to detect and determine information associated with the buried object, as well as a camera and image or video processing circuitry to process images or video received from the camera in conjunction with the buried object detection.

Abstract: Sondes and sonde arrays for use with portable buried object locating systems are disclosed.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A light emitting load driving device includes a plurality of constant current sources structured to be serially connected to a plurality of light emitting loads connected in parallel respectively, and structured to control a current flowing through the plurality of light emitting loads connected in parallel; a plurality of load connection terminals structured to be connected to the plurality of light emitting loads connected in parallel and the plurality of constant current sources respectively; a control circuit structured to be controlled based on a plurality of terminal voltage applied to the plurality of load connection terminals and a reference voltage, and structured to control a voltage output portion generating an output voltage provided to the plurality of light emitting loads connected in parallel so that both of a lowest terminal voltage applied to the plurality of load connection terminals and the reference voltage are equalized with respect to each other.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for processing images to identify Energy Infrastructure (EI) features within aerial images of global terrain is provided. The image processing method identifies information about EI features by applying an EI feature recognition model to aerial images of global terrain. The EI feature recognition model identifies the EI feature information according to image content of the aerial image and according to supplemental information about EI features in the global terrain. The method further uses the results of the identification to update the EI feature recognition model.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for processing images to determine EI site status is provided. The method includes image processing of an aerial image by two EI feature recognition models. A first EI feature recognition model recognizes a first EI feature and a second EI feature recognition model recognizes a second EI feature. The results of each model are further used to determine a composite indication of EI site status.

Abstract: A mobile detection device for an evaluation of a location information of one or more occluded utility lines. The device comprises at least two magnetic detector units with detection coils for an alternating magnetic field. An electronic signal evaluation unit derives the location information of the utility line according to a difference in the electrical signals from the detector units. A spectral analyzing unit derives a spectral signature of a detected signal and a data link is established to a server, at which an identification of a type or class of one or more utility lines is derived by comparing the spectral signature to a database of signatures of known utility lines. A resulting utility line identification information is provided to the detection device. A visualisation unit of the device charting the one or more utility lines with the utility line location information and providing the utility line identification information.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to utility locating systems, devices, and methods using frequency suites of simultaneously processed signals emitted from buried utilities to locate the buried utilities or other hidden or buried conductors.