| The Charles Machine Works Inc. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20110308332 | Method And System For Monitoring Bend And Torque Forces On A Drill Pipe - A system and method for monitoring bend radius and torque force exerted on a drill string. A sensor system is supported within a pipe section of the drill string and has a light source supported within the pipe section to emit a light beam within the pipe section. An optical sensing device is supported within the pipe section and spaced apart from the light source. The optical sensing device transmits a detection signal indicative of the position of the light beam on a surface of the optical sensing device to a processor that determines the bend radius and torque force exerted on the pipe section. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110298460 | Method For Detection Of Signal Source Using Estimation Of Noise Statistics - A method for noise signal analysis and communication with an underground transmitter. The method comprises the steps of measuring a noise floor when no signal is transmitted from a transmitter, detecting a signal when the transmitter is transmitting, and estimating the noise free component of the signal by removing the noise floor measurement. The measurement of the noise floor and detecting the signal from the transmitter may be done using a root mean square technique. The noise floor measurement can be removed from the measured signal by subtracting the noise floor measurement from the measured signal or alternatively by calculating the square root of the difference between the square of the measured signal and the square of the noise floor measurement. The noise estimation technique may be used in connection with a differential phased shift keying communication scheme or other modulation techniques. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110278065 | Automatic Control System For Connecting A Dual-Member Pipe - A system and method of making up and breaking out a dual-member drill string. The system comprises a spindle, a spindle carriage and a drive frame. The drive frame provides thrust to the spindle, while the spindle carriage provides rotation. The spindle has an outer spindle and an inner spindle, and is adapted to connect to a pipe section having an outer pipe section and an inner pipe section. Inner joints are geometrically shaped, while outer joints are threaded. When making up dual member drill string, the spindle is advanced, with the outer spindle rotating, and the inner spindle rotating in alternating directions, or “dithering.” A float sensor and a processor are used in tandem to cooperatively couple the inner spindle with the inner pipe sections and the outer spindle with the outer pipe sections. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110227575 | Receiver System For Determining The Location Of A Magnetic Field Source - A method and receiver system for identifying a location of a magnetic field source using two horizontally displaced tri-axial antennas. In a preferred embodiment two tri-axial antennas are positioned at opposite ends of a receiver frame. Each antenna detects in three dimensions a magnetic field from a source or transmitter. The receiver is maintained in a horizontal plane and the receiver is moved in the horizontal plane until a flux angle measured at each of the two points is zero so that the receiver is in the vertical plane perpendicular to the axis of the source. The depth and location of the source in three dimensions relative to the receiver is determined using the detected field values. The receiver is moved in a direction defined by a line containing the two points of the receiver until a magnitude of the magnetic field detected at each of the two points is substantially the same so that the receiver is positioned above the source. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110147082 | System For Tracking And Maintaining An On-Grade Horizontal Borehole - A tracking receiver system is used to track the progress of a downhole tool along a subsurface path having a desired grade. The tracking receiver system is adapted to detect a reference line originating from a reference line receiver and to determine the position of the downhole tool along a desired subsurface path relative to the reference line. In an alternative embodiment the tracking receiver system may comprise a global positioning satellite system to provide information used to determine the position of the downhole tool relative to the desired subsurface path. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110137491 | Determination Of Remote Control Operator Position - A system and method for controlling a work machine system having a work machine and work tool. Operational characteristics of both the work machine and work tool are configured by a machine controller based upon the type of work tool attached to the work machine, the operating environment of the work machine, and the location of work site personnel or other observers relative to the machine or work tool. The operational characteristics of both the work machine and work tool may then be automatically altered during operation of the work machine system to limit or expand functions of the work machine system in response to changes in the operational environment or movement of personnel or observers relative to the work machine system. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110132665 | Electric Horizontal Directional Drilling Machine System - An electric horizontal directional drilling machine. An electric horizontal directional drilling machine is powered by an electric power assembly. The power assembly is made up of a fuel cell and inverter, or multiple fuel cells with synchronized inverters. The electric motor operates hydraulic pumps or works independently to rotate, advance and retract a drill string and downhole tool through the earth and operate various machine functions. Mechanical functions of the drilling machine may also be satisfied through the use of electric rotary actuators (e.g., motors) and linear actuators (e.g., linear motors and solenoids). | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110108350 | Multiple Function Control System For Work Machine - A control system for a work machine. The control system allows an operator to selectively maintain control of a ground drive, a work tool, or both the ground drive and the work tool. The system provides a foot pedal movable between multiple positions. The foot pedal allows an operator to selectively hold the position of one or both of the ground drive control and work tool control. When the foot pedal is in a first position, the work tool control and ground drive control are not affected. When the foot pedal is in a second position, the position of the work tool control is maintained, while the ground drive control is not affected. When the foot pedal is in a third position, the position of the work tool control is maintained and the position of the ground drive control is maintained. A work tool control lock is used to prevent the work tool control from engaging when the foot pedal is in the second position or the third position. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20100307824 | Automatic Control System For Connecting A Dual-Member Pipe - A system and method of making up and breaking out a dual-member drill string. The system comprises a spindle, a spindle carriage and a drive frame. The drive frame provides thrust to the spindle, while the spindle carriage provides rotation. The spindle has an outer spindle and an inner spindle, and is adapted to connect to a pipe section having an outer pipe section and an inner pipe section. Inner joints are geometrically shaped, while outer joints are threaded. When making up dual member drill string, the spindle is advanced, with the outer spindle rotating, and the inner spindle rotating in alternating directions, or “dithering.” A float sensor and a processor are used in tandem to cooperatively couple the inner spindle with the inner pipe sections and the outer spindle with the outer pipe sections. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100301866 | Capacitive Detection System - An apparatus for detecting and avoiding an underground object during a horizontal directional drilling operation. The apparatus comprises a boring tool with a capacitive detection system. The boring tool is operatively connected to a drill string and advanced through the earth to create a borehole. The capacitive detection system includes a capacitive assembly and a processor. The capacitive assembly has first and second capacitive plates separated a known distance from an excitation plate. The capacitive plates detect a change in capacitance when the underground object is approached by the boring tool. The processor determines the distance to or location of the underground object from capacitance information sensed by the capacitive detection system. The distance and location information is transmitted to a machine operator. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100289496 | Dipole Locator Using Multiple Measurement Points - A receiver and tracking system for identifying a location of a magnetic field source. In a preferred embodiment a plurality of tri-axial antennas are positioned at three distinct points on a receiver frame. Each antenna detects a magnetic field from a source and a processor is used to determine a location of the source relative to the frame using the antenna signals. Each tri-axial antenna comprises three windings in each of three channels defined by a support structure. The windings each define an aperture area. The windings have substantially identical aperture areas and have a common center point. The receiver may to display to the operator the relative location of the field source or may direct the operator to a spot directly above the field source. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100194188 | Track Tensioning System - A tensioning system for a tracked vehicle. The present invention provides for adjusting tension of a track by moving the sprocket relative to the rollers in a substantially vertical direction. The system comprises a sprocket assembly, a roller assembly, a track, and a tension adjustment assembly. The tension adjustment assembly includes a tension bolt threaded through a tension nut that is secured to the sprocket assembly. The bolt threads through the nut and contacts the roller assembly. As the bolt is threaded or unthreaded, the sprocket assembly is moved relative to the roller assembly in a substantially vertical direction. As the assemblies move relative to each other, tension in the track is resultantly adjusted. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100168933 | TURRET MOUNTED COMPACT TOOL CARRIER - A turret mounted compact tool carrier. The tool carrier is a small, ride-on machine. The tracked substructure is connected to the upper section of the machine by a 360 degree turret, which allows the upper section of the machine to face any direction, independent of the direction of the tracks. The distance between the tracks is adjustable, depending on particular application. An operator rides on a platform at the back of the upper section, while a work tool is connected to the front of the upper section. Thus, the operator always maintains a line-of-sight parallel to the direction of operation of the work tool, resulting in a greater degree of safety. The machine has lift arms that are extendable, allowing the work tool to be pushed without operating the tracks. These features give the tool carrier the ability to fully operate in narrow spaces and with limited operation of the tracks, resulting in more efficient use and less ground damage than traditional skid loaders. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100089684 | Multiple Function Control System For Work Machine - A control system for a work machine. The control system allows an operator to selectively maintain control of a ground drive, a work tool, or both the ground drive and the work tool. The system provides a foot pedal movable between multiple positions. The foot pedal allows an operator to selectively hold the position of one or both of the ground drive control and work tool control. When the foot pedal is in a first position, the work tool control and ground drive control are not affected. When the foot pedal is in a second position, the position of the work tool control is maintained, while the ground drive control is not affected. When the foot pedal is in a third position, the position of the work tool control is maintained and the position of the ground drive control is maintained. A work tool control lock is used to prevent the work tool control from engaging when the foot pedal is in the second position or the third position. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100013728 | Antenna Design - An antenna core design. An antenna assembly is provided for use in tracking and locating equipment used to track and locate tools with underground drilling systems. The antenna assembly comprises an elongate core, a plurality of metal strips supported on an external surface of the core, an insulating material adapted to insulate each of the plurality of metal strips from the other metal strips and the core, and a wire disposed around the external surface of the strips. Alternatively the antenna assembly comprises an elongate core, an insulating material disposed around a perimeter of the core, and a wire disposed around the insulating material. The core has a plurality of slots cut from one end of the core so that the core defines a plurality of metal strips. A support ring is disposed on the internal surface of the core to support the metal strips. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100012377 | System And Apparatus For Locating And Avoiding An Underground Obstacle - A method and apparatus for detecting and avoiding an underground object during a horizontal directional drilling operation. The apparatus comprises a boring tool with a ground penetrating radar detection system. The boring tool is operatively connected to a drill string and advanced through the earth to create a borehole. The radar detection system includes at least one transmitter, at least one detector, and a processor. The transmitter is located on a surface of the boring tool and is adapted to transmit electromagnetic waves. At least one detector is located on the surface of the boring tool, and detects the electromagnetic waves reflected by underground objects. The processor determines the location of the underground object from characteristics of the reflected waves. Using this information, the drill string may be pulled back up the borehole or redirected to avoid the object. The boring tool may be caused to breakout of the existing borehole using a pivoting boring tool. Alternatively, a shoe protruding from the boring tool may be engaged to push the boring tool into an opposite wall of the borehole. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20090278542 | Method For Detection Of Signal Source Using Estimation Of Noise Statistics - A method for noise signal analysis and communication with an underground transmitter. The method comprises the steps of measuring a noise floor when no signal is transmitted from a transmitter, detecting a signal when the transmitter is transmitting, and estimating the noise free component of the signal by removing the noise floor measurement. The measurement of the noise floor and detecting the signal from the transmitter may be done using a root mean square technique. The noise floor measurement can be removed from the measured signal by subtracting the noise floor measurement from the measured signal or alternatively by calculating the square root of the difference between the square of the measured signal and the square of the noise floor measurement. The noise estimation technique may be used in connection with, a differential phased shift keying communication scheme or other modulation techniques. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090211815 | Dual Pipe for Increased Fluid Flow - A dual pipe drill string system having increased fluid flow. The dual pipe system comprises a plurality of pipe sections, each pipe section having an inner rod and an outer pipe. The inner rod and the outer pipe of each pipe section may be coupled to the inner rod and outer pipe of an adjacent pipe section. An annulus between the inner rod and the outer pipe defines a fluid flow path through the dual pipe system. The outer pipe defines a shoulder at each end of an individual pipe section. The inner rod defies at least one stop for maintaining the inner rod within the outer pipe. A spacing assembly disposed around the circumference of the inner rod defines paths for fluid flow and maintains a minimum distance between the stop and the shoulder at one end of outer pipe of the pipe section. An additional spacing assembly disposed around the circumference of the inner rod defines paths for fluid flow and maintains a minimum distance between a second stop on the inner rod and the shoulder at a second end of the outer pipe of the pipe section. Alternatively, the stops on the inner rod may define a feature of the stop defining fluid paths for when the stop contacts the shoulder. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090192715 | System for Tracking and Maintaining on On-Grade Horizontal Borehole - A tracking receiver system is used to track the progress of a downhole tool along a subsurface path having a desired grade. The tracking receiver system is adapted to detect a reference line originating from a reference line receiver and to determine the position of the downhole tool along a desired subsurface path relative to the reference line. In an alternative embodiment the tracking receiver system may comprise a global positioning satellite system to provide information used to determine the position of the downhole tool relative to the desired subsurface path. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090185865 | SOFT EXCAVATION POTHOLING METHOD AND APPARATUS - A method and apparatus for locating an underground object. The apparatus comprises an excavation head, a wave emitter, a receiver, and a processor. The excavation head is adapted for soft excavation of soil. The excavation head may use mechanical means to dislodge soil, pressurized air or water, or a combination of methods. The wave emitter, located proximate the excavation head, transmits waves into the soil. The receiver receives waves reflected by underground objects. Information about the reflected waves is processed by the processor to determine the location of the underground object. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090183917 | SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR LOCATING AND AVOIDING AN UNDERGROUND OBSTACLE - A method and apparatus for detecting and avoiding an underground object during a horizontal directional drilling operation. The apparatus comprises a boring tool with a ground penetrating radar detection system. The boring tool is operatively connected to a drill string and advanced through the earth to create a borehole. The radar detection system includes at least one transmitter, at least one detector, and a processor. The transmitter is located on a surface of the boring tool and is adapted to transmit electromagnetic waves. At least one detector is located on the surface of the boring tool, and detects the electromagnetic waves reflected by underground objects. The processor determines the location of the underground object from characteristics of the reflected waves. Using this information, the drill string may be pulled back up the borehole or redirected to avoid the object. The boring tool may be caused to breakout of the existing borehole using a pivoting boring tool. Alternatively, a shoe protruding from the boring tool may be engaged to push the boring tool into an opposite wall of the borehole. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090110493 | Silt Fence Installation System And Method - An assembly for installation of a silt fence. The assembly comprises a cutting member, a silt fence guide, and a spool of silt fence material. The cutting member may be a plow blade, a trenching assembly, or another cutting means. A vibrator may be utilized to enhance the effectiveness of a plow blade. The silt fence guide may be a grab wheel adapted to place the silt fence material into an opened trench or other means. The spool of silt fence material is preferably adjustable to change a position at which the silt fence material contacts the silt fence guide. Preferably, a roller or similar means is used to compact the soil proximate installed fence. Alternatively, a second cutting member and a second silt fence guide may be utilized to cut another trench. A second spool of silt fence material allows simultaneous installation of two fences. The assembly may be adapted to cut a curved path behind a work vehicle traveling in a generally straight direction. An alternative embodiment includes a stake driving apparatus. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090095946 | Silt Fence System And Method Of Manufacture - A silt fence with configurable barrier sections. The silt fence comprises a plurality of posts mounted on or in the ground, a fence panel, an apron panel, and a plurality of configurable barrier sections. The fence panel is secured in a vertical position to the posts and has a fence toe adapted to be buried in the ground. The apron panel is attached to the fence panel and extends from the fence panel to rest on the ground. An apron toe is also adapted to be buried in the ground to prevent erosion. Each of the plurality of configurable barrier sections has a panel edge and an apron edge, with the panel edge attachable to the fence panel perpendicular to the length of the fence panel and the apron edge attachable to the apron panel perpendicular to the length of the apron panel. The configurable barrier sections may be flexible or removable, and may be positioned in a barrier position or a cleaning position. In the cleaning position, accumulated silt or runoff is easily cleaned from the apron panel of the fence. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090085568 | Locator Using Two Horizontally Displaced Measrement Points - A method and receiver system for identifying a location of a magnetic field source using two horizontally displaced tri-axial antennas. In a preferred embodiment two tri-axial antennas are positioned at opposite ends of a receiver frame. Each antenna detects in three dimensions a magnetic field from a source or transmitter. The receiver is maintained in a horizontal plane and the receiver is moved in the horizontal plane until a flux angle measured at each of the two points is zero so that the receiver is in the vertical plane perpendicular to the axis of the source. The depth and location of the source in three dimensions relative to the receiver is determined using the detected field values. The receiver is moved in a direction defined by a line containing the two points of the receiver until a magnitude of the magnetic field detected at each of the two points is substantially the same so that the receiver is positioned above the source. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090085406 | Electric Horizontal Directional Drilling Machine System - An electric horizontal directional drilling machine. An electric horizontal directional drilling machine is powered by an electric power assembly. The power assembly is made up of a fuel cell and inverter, or multiple fuel cells with synchronized inverters, are used to power an electric motor controller and electric motor. The electric motor operates hydraulic pumps used to advance a drill string and downhole tool through the earth and operate various machine functions. Mechanical functions of the drilling machine may also be satisfied through the use of electric rotary actuators (e.g., motors) and linear actuators (e.g., linear motors and solenoids). | 04-02-2009 |
| 20080208395 | Remote Control Machine With Partial Or Total Autonomous Control - A system for controlling a tool carrier and work tool from either a first remote control or a second remote control. The first remote control and the second remote control both transmit respective first and second control signals to a controller system supported on the tool carrier. The controller system is programmed to select either the first control signal or the second control signal to control operation of the tool carrier. The system may include programming to allow autonomous movement of the tool carrier between a first work zone and a second work zone. Further, the controller system may be programmed to avoid obstacles within its path and to reroute its path between the first work zone and the second work zone to avoid such obstacles. | 08-28-2008 |
