Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120217023 | DRILL STRING ADAPTER AND METHOD FOR INGROUND SIGNAL COUPLING - A coupling adapter is insertable in at least one joint of a drill string as the drill string is extended from a drill rig. The coupling adapter includes an arrangement for receiving a data signal that is generated by an inground tool and for electromagnetically coupling the data signal onto at least a portion of the drill string that extends from the adapter to the drill rig such that at least some of the drill pipe sections cooperate as an electrical conductor for carrying the data signal to the drill rig. In another feature, a current transformer is resiliently supported to isolate the current transformer from mechanical shock and vibration that is produced by an inground operation that is performed using the drill string. In another feature, a drill string repeater is described. | 08-30-2012 |
20120218863 | INGROUND DRILL STRING HOUSING AND METHOD FOR SIGNAL COUPLING - An inground housing is insertable in at least one joint of a drill string extending from a drill rig. The inground housing supports an electronics assembly for processing a data signal relating to the inground operation and a signal coupling arrangement for transferring the data signal between the electronics assembly and the drill rig by electromagnetically coupling the data signal between the signal coupling arrangement and the drill string such that the data signal is electrically conducted as an electrical data signal along at least a portion of the drill string that extends from the inground housing. In another feature, a current transformer is resiliently supported to isolate the current transformer from mechanical shock and vibration that is produced by an inground operation that is performed using the drill string. In another feature, a drill string repeater is described. | 08-30-2012 |
20120241218 | SONDE WITH INTEGRAL PRESSURE SENSOR AND METHOD - 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. | 09-27-2012 |
20130239650 | ADVANCED DEVICE FOR INGROUND APPLICATIONS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A device is described for use in performing an inground operation. An accelerometer is supported by the device for generating accelerometer readings that characterize the inground operation subject to a native temperature drift of the accelerometer. A set of compensation data is developed and stored for use in compensating for the native temperature drift. The compensation data is applied to the accelerometer readings to produce compensated accelerometer readings that externally compensate for the native temperature drift to yield an enhanced thermal performance which is improved as compared to a native thermal performance of the accelerometer. A seven position calibration method for a triaxial accelerometer is described. An air module is described which isolates the accelerometer of the device at least from a potting compound that at least fills otherwise unoccupied volumes of the device interior. | 09-19-2013 |
20140020953 | ADVANCED INGROUND OPERATIONS, SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED APPARATUS - 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. | 01-23-2014 |
20140022088 | ADVANCED INGROUND OPERATIONS, SYSTEM, COMMUNICATIONS AND ASSOCIATED APPARATUS - 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. | 01-23-2014 |
20140150547 | SONDE WITH INTEGRAL PRESSURE SENSOR AND METHOD - 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. | 06-05-2014 |
20140174825 | DRILL STRING ADAPTER AND METHOD FOR INGROUND SIGNAL COUPLING - A coupling adapter is insertable in at least one joint of a drill string as the drill string is extended from a drill rig. The coupling adapter includes an arrangement for receiving a data signal that is generated by an inground tool and for electromagnetically coupling the data signal onto at least a portion of the drill string that extends from the adapter to the drill rig such that at least some of the drill pipe sections cooperate as an electrical conductor for carrying the data signal to the drill rig. In another feature, a current transformer is resiliently supported to isolate the current transformer from mechanical shock and vibration that is produced by an inground operation that is performed using the drill string. In another feature, a drill string repeater is described. | 06-26-2014 |