Advanced inground device power control and associated methods
US10072489B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 9, 2016 |
| Grant date | Sep 11, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 10, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B47/01
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A transmitter is powered by a regulated battery voltage and is installable in one of a plurality of different housings, each housing is characterized by a different design and each can form part of an inground tool for performing an inground operation in which a drill string extends from a drill rig to the inground tool. An antenna driver drives an antenna based on the regulated voltage to emanate an electromagnetic signal for remote reception. A controller limits power consumption from the regulated voltage so as not to exceed a power consumption threshold, irrespective of installation of the transmitter in any one of the housings when the transmitter would otherwise exhibit a different power consumption for each housing design. A corresponding method is described. Features relating to power consumption threshold modification based on temperature as well as mechanical shock and vibration are described.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.