公开(公告)号：US6079506A

公开(公告)日：2000-06-27

申请号：US66964

申请日：1998-04-27

申请人： John E. Mercer

发明人： John E. Mercer

IPC分类号： E21B7/04 ,  E21B7/06 ,  E21B44/00 ,  E21B47/02 ,  E21B47/022 ,  E21B47/12 ,  G01V1/00

CPC分类号： E21B44/005 ,  E21B44/00 ,  E21B47/02224 ,  E21B47/024 ,  E21B47/122 ,  E21B7/046 ,  E21B7/06 ,  E21B7/068

摘要： A locator/control arrangement forms part of a drilling apparatus which also includes a boring tool that emits a locating signal. The locator/control arrangement is used for locating and controlling underground movement of a boring tool which is operated from a drill rig. The locator/control arrangement includes a portable device for generating certain information about the position of the boring tool in response to the locating signal. In addition, the portable device generates command signals based on operator input in view of the generated certain information and transmits the command signals to the drill rig. An arrangement located at the drill rig then receives the command signals so that the command signals can be used to control the boring tool. In one feature, the arrangement located at the drill rig for receiving the command signals may indicate the command signals to a drill rig operator. In another feature, the arrangement located at the drill rig for receiving the command signals may automatically execute the command signals at the drill rig in a way which eliminates the need for a drill rig operator. Drill rig monitoring may be provided for monitoring particular operational parameters of the drill rig.

摘要翻译： 定位器/控制装置构成钻孔装置的一部分，该装置还包括发出定位信号的钻孔工具。 定位器/控制装置用于定位和控制从钻机操作的钻孔工具的地下运动。 定位器/控制装置包括用于响应于定位信号产生关于钻孔工具的位置的某些信息的便携式装置。 此外，便携式装置根据所生成的特定信息，根据操作员的输入生成指令信号，并向钻机发送指令信号。 位于钻机处的布置然后接收命令信号，使得命令信号可用于控制钻孔工具。 在一个特征中，位于钻机处的用于接收命令信号的布置可以指示到钻机操作者的命令信号。 在另一个特征中，位于钻机上用于接收命令信号的布置可以以不需要钻机操作者的方式在钻机处自动执行命令信号。 可以提供钻机监控以监测钻机的特定操作参数。

公开(公告)号：US6057687A

公开(公告)日：2000-05-02

申请号：US58981

申请日：1998-04-13

申请人： John E. Mercer

发明人： John E. Mercer

IPC分类号： E21B47/022 ,  E21B47/024 ,  G01C9/06 ,  G01C9/20 ,  G01V3/11 ,  G01V3/15 ,  G01V3/165 ,  G01L3/11 ,  H04B13/02 ,  G01L3/165

CPC分类号： G01V3/08 ,  E21B47/02216 ,  E21B47/02224 ,  E21B47/024 ,  G01C9/06 ,  G01C9/20 ,  G01V3/15 ,  G01V3/165

摘要： A boring tool contains an arrangement for producing a dipole magnetic field. The boring tool is steered through the ground using a boring machine. The position of the boring tool, during its movement through the ground, is established by an above ground receiver in cooperation with and responsive to the magnetic field. The receiver is configured to operate alternatively in first and second modes. When operating the receiver in the first mode positioned above ground, the receiver includes an arrangement responsive to the magnetic field for determining the location of the boring tool as the boring tool moves along a path from a first point to a second point. When operating the receiver in the second mode positioned at a fixed point, the receiver includes an arrangement responsive to the magnetic field for establishing between the boring tool and the receiver a homing path along which the boring tool is steered toward the fixed point.

摘要翻译： 一种钻孔工具包含用于产生偶极磁场的装置。 使用镗孔机将钻孔工具转向地面。 钻孔工具在其通过地面的移动期间的位置由与地面接收器协调并响应于磁场建立。 接收器被配置为在第一和第二模式中交替地操作。 当处于位于地面上方的第一模式中操作接收机时，接收机包括响应于磁场的装置，用于在镗刀沿着从第一点到第二点的路径移动时确定钻孔工具的位置。 当接收机以位于固定点的第二模式操作时，接收机包括响应于磁场的装置，用于在钻孔工具和接收器之间建立钻孔工具朝着固定点转向的归位路径。

公开(公告)号：US6047783A

公开(公告)日：2000-04-11

申请号：US425319

申请日：1999-10-21

申请人： John E. Mercer ,  Peter H. Hambling ,  Rudolf Zeller ,  Shiu S. Ng ,  Guenter W. Brune ,  Lloyd A. Moore

发明人： John E. Mercer ,  Peter H. Hambling ,  Rudolf Zeller ,  Shiu S. Ng ,  Guenter W. Brune ,  Lloyd A. Moore

IPC分类号： E21B25/16 ,  E21B44/00 ,  E21B47/02 ,  E21B47/022 ,  E21B47/024 ,  E21B47/04 ,  H01Q1/04 ,  H01Q1/36 ,  H01Q1/38 ,  H01Q7/00 ,  H01Q21/20 ,  H01Q21/28 ,  H01Q21/29

CPC分类号： E21B47/02216 ,  E21B47/02224 ,  E21B47/04 ,  H01Q1/04 ,  H01Q1/36 ,  H01Q1/38 ,  H01Q21/205 ,  H01Q21/28 ,  H01Q21/29 ,  H01Q7/00

摘要： Systems and associated methods for tracking and/or guiding an underground boring tool are disclosed. Each system or arrangement uses one or more detectors to measure the intensity of an electromagnetic field which is transmitted from an underground boring tool. The measured intensities may then be used to determine the location of the boring tool. In a dead reckoning embodiment of the invention, one detector may be employed while, in a position determination embodiment, two or more detectors may be employed. In any embodiment, physically measurable parameters may be used in addition to measured magnetic intensities. A highly advantageous mapping tool instrument and a cubic antenna are disclosed. The former for use in the position determination embodiment and the latter for use in any magnetic field detector employed herein. A highly advantageous apparatus and associated method for determining the movement of the boring tool underground by monitoring the motion of a drill string, which is attached to the boring tool and extends to a drill rig, are also disclosed wherein measurements are performed relating to movement of the drill string at the drill rig.

摘要翻译： 公开了用于跟踪和/或引导地下钻孔工具的系统和相关方法。 每个系统或装置使用一个或多个检测器来测量从地下钻孔工具传送的电磁场的强度。 测量的强度可用于确定钻孔工具的位置。 在本发明的推算实施例中，可以使用一个检测器，而在位置确定实施例中可以采用两个或更多个检测器。 在任何实施例中，除了测量的磁强度之外，还可以使用物理上可测量的参数。 公开了一种非常有利的测绘仪器和立方天线。 用于位置确定实施例的前者，后者用于本文中使用的任何磁场检测器中。 还公开了一种用于通过监测连接到钻孔工具并延伸到钻机上的钻柱的运动来确定地下钻孔工具的运动的非常有利的装置和相关联的方法，其中进行与 在钻机上的钻柱。

公开(公告)号：US6014026A

公开(公告)日：2000-01-11

申请号：US47874

申请日：1998-03-25

申请人： John E. Mercer

发明人： John E. Mercer

IPC分类号： E21B47/022 ,  G01V3/08 ,  G01V3/10 ,  G01V3/11 ,  G01V3/15 ,  G01V3/165 ,  G01V3/26

CPC分类号： G01V3/12 ,  E21B47/02224 ,  G01V3/15 ,  G01V3/165 ,  G01V3/26

摘要： A method is disclosed as part of an overall process in which a boring tool is moved through the ground within a given region along a particular path in an orientation which includes pitch. A locating signal is transmitted from the boring tool which signal exhibits a field defined forward point within a reference surface which field defined forward point is vertically above an inground forward point on the particular path through which the boring tool is likely to pass. The method establishes a predicted depth of the boring tool at the inground forward point by first identifying the field defined forward point. The signal strength of the locating signal is then measured at the field defined forward point as being representative of the depth of the boring tool at an inground upstream point which is the current location of the boring tool. With the boring tool at the upstream inground point, the pitch of the boring tool is determined. Using the measured signal strength and the determined pitch, the predicted depth of the boring tool is determined for the inground forward point based on the boring tool moving along an approximately straight path to the inground forward point.

摘要翻译： 作为整个过程的一部分公开了一种方法，其中镗孔工具沿着包括沥青在内的定向的特定路径在给定区域内移动通过地面。 定位信号从钻孔工具发送，该信号在参考表面内呈现场定义的前进点，该场定义的前进点垂直地位于钻孔工具可能通过的特定路径上的内置前进点上方。 该方法通过首先识别场定义的前进点来建立钻孔工具在地下前进点处的预测深度。 然后，定位信号的信号强度在现场定义的前进点处被测量，以代表钻孔工具在作为钻孔工具的当前位置的上游上游点处的深度。 通过钻孔工具在上游边缘点，确定钻孔工具的间距。 使用所测量的信号强度和所确定的间距，基于钻孔工具沿着大致直线的路径移动到地下前进点，确定钻孔工具的预测深度用于地下前进点。

公开(公告)号：US6008651A

公开(公告)日：1999-12-28

申请号：US157203

申请日：1998-09-18

申请人： John E. Mercer

发明人： John E. Mercer

IPC分类号： E21B47/022 ,  G01C9/06 ,  G01C9/20 ,  G01V3/11 ,  G01V3/15 ,  G01V3/165 ,  H04B13/02

CPC分类号： G01C9/20 ,  E21B47/02224 ,  G01C9/06 ,  G01V3/15

摘要： The present invention provides a locator/monitor capable of locating a boring tool and monitoring the progress of the tool for control purposes. The locator/monitor may be used in expedited locating methodology and straightforward calibration techniques of the present invention. A durable and cost effective pitch sensor is also provided by the present invention. In addition, the present invention provides a slotted transmitter housing formed of an electrically conductive material, where the magnetic field generated by the transmitter is capable of penetrating to the surface.

公开(公告)号：US5990682A

公开(公告)日：1999-11-23

申请号：US59246

申请日：1998-04-13

申请人： John E. Mercer

发明人： John E. Mercer

IPC分类号： E21B47/022 ,  E21B47/024 ,  G01C9/06 ,  G01C9/20 ,  G01V3/11 ,  G01V3/15 ,  G01V3/165 ,  H04B13/02

CPC分类号： G01V3/08 ,  E21B47/02216 ,  E21B47/02224 ,  E21B47/024 ,  G01C9/06 ,  G01C9/20 ,  G01V3/15 ,  G01V3/165

摘要： The present invention provides a locator/monitor capable of locating a boring tool and monitoring the progress of the tool for control purposes. The locator/monitor may be used in expedited locating methodology and straightforward calibration techniques of the present invention. A durable and cost effective pitch sensor is also provided by the present invention. In addition, the present invention provides a slotted transmitter housing formed of an electrically conductive material, where the magnetic field generated by the transmitter is capable of penetrating to the surface.

摘要翻译： 本发明提供了一种定位器/监视器，其能够定位钻孔工具并监视工具的进度以用于控制目的。 定位器/监视器可以用于本发明的快速定位方法和简单的校准技术。 本发明还提供了耐用和成本有效的俯仰传感器。 此外，本发明提供了一种由导电材料形成的开槽发射机壳体，其中由发射机产生的磁场能够穿透到表面。

公开(公告)号：US5961252A

公开(公告)日：1999-10-05

申请号：US953923

申请日：1997-10-20

申请人： John E. Mercer ,  Peter H. Hambling

发明人： John E. Mercer ,  Peter H. Hambling

IPC分类号： E21B7/28 ,  E21B47/00 ,  E21B47/12 ,  F16L1/00

CPC分类号： E21B7/28 ,  E21B47/0006 ,  E21B47/122

摘要： An improved method of operating a drilling system for purposes of installing an underground line and associated apparatus are disclosed. The drilling system includes a drill rig which is positionable at a drilling site and a drill string which is configured for extension by the drill rig such that the drill string is extendable to a predetermined location in a way which forms a pilot bore and which is further configured for retraction, such that one end of a line may be attached to the drill string at the predetermined location and pulled through the pilot bore from the predetermined location to the drill rig as the drill string is retracted. The improvement comprises monitoring tension levels in the line during retraction which tension levels are caused by the force of retraction on the line and transmitting the tension levels to an above ground location for use in establishing the condition of the line as it is installed underground. The associated apparatus includes means for monitoring tension levels in the line caused by the force of retraction on the line and means for transmitting the tension levels to the above ground location.

摘要翻译： 公开了一种用于操作钻井系统以用于安装地下管线和相关设备的改进方法。 钻井系统包括可钻取位置的钻机和钻柱，其构造成用于由钻机延伸，使得钻柱可以以形成导向孔的方式延伸到预定位置，并且进一步 被配置为用于缩回，使得线的一端可以在预定位置处附接到钻柱，并且当钻柱缩回时从管道孔从预定位置拉到钻机。 改进措施包括在退缩期间监测线路中的张力水平，其中张力水平是由线路上的收缩力引起的，并且将张力水平传递到地面位置，以用于在地下安装线路时建立线路的状况。 相关联的装置包括用于监测由线路上的收缩力引起的线中的张力水平的装置和用于将张力水平传递到上述地面位置的装置。

公开(公告)号：US5926025A

公开(公告)日：1999-07-20

申请号：US59240

申请日：1998-04-13

申请人： John E. Mercer

发明人： John E. Mercer

IPC分类号： E21B47/022 ,  E21B47/024 ,  G01C9/06 ,  G01C9/20 ,  G01V3/11 ,  G01V3/15 ,  G01V3/165 ,  H04B13/02

CPC分类号： G01V3/08 ,  E21B47/02216 ,  E21B47/02224 ,  E21B47/024 ,  G01C9/06 ,  G01C9/20 ,  G01V3/15 ,  G01V3/165

摘要： The present invention provides a locator/monitor capable of locating a boring tool and monitoring the progress of the tool for control purposes. The locator/monitor may be used in expedited locating methodology and straightforward calibration techniques of the present invention. A durable and cost effective pitch sensor is also provided by the present invention. In addition, the present invention provides a slotted transmitter housing formed of an electrically conductive material, where the magnetic field generated by the transmitter is capable of penetrating to the surface.

摘要翻译： 本发明提供了一种定位器/监视器，其能够定位钻孔工具并监视工具的进度以用于控制目的。 定位器/监视器可以用于本发明的快速定位方法和简单的校准技术。 本发明还提供了耐用和成本有效的俯仰传感器。 此外，本发明提供了一种由导电材料形成的开槽发射机壳体，其中由发射机产生的磁场能够穿透到表面。

公开(公告)号：US5878824A

公开(公告)日：1999-03-09

申请号：US757831

申请日：1996-11-27

申请人： John E. Mercer ,  Rudolf Zeller ,  Shiu Sang Ng

发明人： John E. Mercer ,  Rudolf Zeller ,  Shiu Sang Ng

IPC分类号： E21B7/06 ,  E21B47/01 ,  E21B44/00 ,  E21B47/00

CPC分类号： E21B7/06 ,  E21B47/01

摘要： An arrangement and associated method for thermally protecting an electronic component assembly from heat at least to a limited extent is disclosed herein. The electronic component assembly includes a plurality of thermally sensitive electronic devices, each of which is constructed such that when the device is in a powered state there is a maximum operating temperature to which it may be subjected without causing thermal damage and such that when the device is in a non-powered state there is a higher maximum non-operating temperature to which the device may be subjected without causing thermal damage. During powered operation of the assembly, the temperature is sensed at a predetermined position in close proximity to the devices. When the sensed temperature reaches the maximum operating temperature, operational power is disconnected from the electronic component assembly such that the temperature of the electronic component assembly may rise in an unpowered state to a maximum overall non-operating temperature without thermally damaging the devices. While the invention has specific application to a boring tool, it is adaptable for use in other high temperature environments.

摘要翻译： 本文公开了一种用于至少在有限程度上热保护电子部件组件免受热的布置和相关方法。 电子部件组件包括多个热敏电子器件，每个电子器件被构造成使得当器件处于供电状态时，存在可能经受的最大工作温度而不引起热损伤，并且使得当器件 处于非供电状态时，器件可能经受的最大非工作温度较高，而不会引起热损伤。 在组件的动力操作期间，在紧邻装置的预定位置处感测温度。 当感测到的温度达到最大工作温度时，操作功率与电子部件组件断开，使得电子部件组件的温度可以在无动力状态下升至最大总体非工作温度，而不会对器件造成热损害。 虽然本发明具体应用于镗孔工具，但是它适用于其它高温环境。

公开(公告)号：US5764062A

公开(公告)日：1998-06-09

申请号：US712325

申请日：1996-09-11

申请人： John E. Mercer

发明人： John E. Mercer

IPC分类号： E21B47/022 ,  G01V3/11 ,  G01V3/165 ,  G01V3/26

CPC分类号： G01V3/26 ,  E21B47/02224 ,  G01V3/165

摘要： An overall process in which a boring tool is moved through the ground within a given region along a particular path from a specific starting point is disclosed herein. A method of establishing and graphically recording the location of at least a portion of the particular path taken by the boring tool within the given region is also disclosed herein along with and with respect to a reference path which may change with time and vertical survey reference path which will remain unchanged with time.

摘要翻译： 本文公开了一种整体工艺，其中镗孔工具沿着从特定起始点的特定路径在给定区域内移动通过地面。 本文还公开了一种建立和图形地记录由给定区域内的钻孔工具所采取的特定路径的至少一部分的位置的方法，并且相对于可随时间和垂直测量参考路径而变化的参考路径 这将随时间保持不变。