JOHN ERNEST MERCER
Pilots at 107 St Ct Kp, Gig Harbor, WA
License number
Washington A1276954
Issued Date
Oct 2015
Expiration Date
Oct 2017
Category
Airmen
Type
Authorized Aircraft Instructor
Address
Address
18906 107Th Street Court Kp N, Gig Harbor, WA 98329
Professional information
Establishing Positions Of Locating Field Detectors And Path Mapping In Underground Boring Tool Applications
US Patent:
2013015, Jun 20, 2013
Filed:
Feb 12, 2013
Appl. No.:
13/765544
Inventors:
Merlin Technology Inc. - Kent WA, US
Peter H. Hambling - Bellevue WA, US
John E. Mercer - Gig Harbor WA, US
Lloyd A. Moore - Renton WA, US
Shiu S. Ng - Kirkland WA, US
Rudolf Zeller - Seattle WA, US
Peter H. Hambling - Bellevue WA, US
John E. Mercer - Gig Harbor WA, US
Lloyd A. Moore - Renton WA, US
Shiu S. Ng - Kirkland WA, US
Rudolf Zeller - Seattle WA, US
Assignee:
Merlin Technology Inc. - Kent WA
International Classification:
E21B 47/022
US Classification:
175 45
Abstract:
Specific apparatus and associated methods are described for use in establishing the positions of locating field detectors and for path mapping within a region for the purpose of tracking and/or guiding the movement of an underground boring tool. In one aspect, an improvement is provided forming part of an arrangement for tracking the position and/or guiding the boring tool using an electromagnetic locating signal which is transmitted from the boring tool as the boring tool moves through the ground. At least two detectors are located at fixed positions within the region, each being operable in a transmit mode and in a receive mode such that each one of the detectors in the transmit mode is able to transmit a relative locating signal to the other detector for use in determining the relative position of one detector in relation to the other and such that both detectors receive the electromagnetic locating signal in the receive mode for use in determining the position of the boring tool within the region. Provisions are also described for extending drilling range by using additional detectors by moving a limited number of detectors. In another aspect, a system is provided including at least two above ground detectors for sensing the locating signal. The detectors are located at initial positions in the region. Electromagnetic data is generated by the detectors with the boring tool at multiple positions to generate electromagnetic data which is used to identify the positions of the detectors. A selected flux pathline steering technique is introduced.
Boring Tool Tracking Fundamentally Based On Drill String Length, Pitch And Roll
US Patent:
8622150, Jan 7, 2014
Filed:
Nov 29, 2012
Appl. No.:
13/688314
Inventors:
Guenter W. Brune - Bellevue WA, US
John E. Mercer - Gig Harbor WA, US
John E. Mercer - Gig Harbor WA, US
Assignee:
Merlin Technology, Inc. - Kent WA
International Classification:
E21B 7/08, E21B 44/00
US Classification:
175 26, 175 45
Abstract:
A boring tool moves having a pitch orientation, a yaw orientation and a roll orientation and is steerable underground using the roll orientation. A maximum drill string curvature is established for steering. The boring tool is advanced over a path segment. An averaged roll characteristic is determined for movement of the boring tool along the path segment. A path segment pitch orientation is established based on at least one measured pitch orientation along the path segment. Using the maximum drill string curvature in combination with the averaged roll characteristic and the path segment pitch orientation, the yaw orientation is determined. The averaged roll characteristic is determined based on a series of incremental roll measurements that are spaced across the path segment. A set of coupled ordinary differential equations is used to characterize movement of the boring tool.
Tracking Positions Of Personnel, Vehicles, And Inanimate Objects
US Patent:
7570060, Aug 4, 2009
Filed:
Aug 21, 2008
Appl. No.:
12/195860
Inventors:
Rudolf Zeller - Seattle WA, US
Guenter W. Brune - Bellevue WA, US
Albert W. Chau - Woodinville WA, US
John E. Mercer - Gig Harbor WA, US
Guenter W. Brune - Bellevue WA, US
Albert W. Chau - Woodinville WA, US
John E. Mercer - Gig Harbor WA, US
Assignee:
Merlin Technology, Inc. - Kent WA
International Classification:
G01V 3/08, G01R 33/00, G01R 33/02
US Classification:
324326, 324329, 324334, 702 9
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.
Tracking Positions Of Personnel, Vehicles, And Inanimate Objects
US Patent:
7772849, Aug 10, 2010
Filed:
Jun 24, 2009
Appl. No.:
12/490897
Inventors:
Rudolf Zeller - Seattle WA, US
Guenter W. Brune - Bellevue WA, US
Albert W. Chau - Woodinville WA, US
John E. Mercer - Gig Harbor WA, US
Guenter W. Brune - Bellevue WA, US
Albert W. Chau - Woodinville WA, US
John E. Mercer - Gig Harbor WA, US
Assignee:
Merlin Technology, Inc - Kent WA
International Classification:
G01V 3/08, G01R 33/00, G01R 33/02
US Classification:
324326, 324329, 324334
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.
Emergency Collective Actuator And Method For A Helicopter
US Patent:
2012028, Nov 15, 2012
Filed:
May 23, 2012
Appl. No.:
13/479130
Inventors:
John E. Mercer - Gig Harbor WA, US
Mark H. Marvin - Tacoma WA, US
Mark H. Marvin - Tacoma WA, US
International Classification:
B64C 27/57
US Classification:
244 1713
Abstract:
A helicopter includes a rotor system having a rotor with an adjustable pitch that is controlled at least in part by a pilot using a collective control and which helicopter generates a Low RPM signal that is indicative of a threshold low rotational speed of the rotor. An actuator arrangement can move the collective control by exerting a force on the collective control such that the pilot is able to overcome the actuator force but which otherwise can move the collective control from a current operational position toward a minimum pitch position. A clutch can co-rotate with a motor to serve in transferring the actuation force to reduce the adjustable pitch and can slip relative to the actuator shaft assembly responsive to an application of a counterforce applied by the pilot to the collective control such that the counterforce overcomes the actuation force.
Drive Mechanism And Method
US Patent:
2013014, Jun 13, 2013
Filed:
Feb 7, 2013
Appl. No.:
13/761980
Inventors:
Merlin Technology, Inc. - Kent WA, US
John E. Mercer - Gig Harbor WA, US
John E. Mercer - Gig Harbor WA, US
Assignee:
Merlin Technology, Inc. - Kent WA
International Classification:
F16D 27/01
US Classification:
192 843
Abstract:
A drive train is used at least including an input shaft and an output shaft. A clutch member is rotatable by a clutch shaft about an axis of rotation. The clutch shaft is supported for lateral movement along the axis of rotation to move the clutch member to cooperate with the drive train at a first lateral position to cause the output shaft to turn and to move the clutch member to a second lateral position to disengage the output shaft from rotation of the input shaft. A permanent magnet is supported by one end of the clutch shaft and arranged for receiving an external magnetic biasing force along the axis of rotation to selectively move the clutch member between the first and second lateral positions. A traveling shaft can be used to support a selected gear for movement by the permanent magnet to implement transmission and reversing configurations.
Apparatus For Distinguishing False Signals In Cable Locating
US Patent:
7397249, Jul 8, 2008
Filed:
Nov 7, 2006
Appl. No.:
11/557432
Inventors:
John E. Mercer - Gig Harbor WA, US
Albert W. Chau - Woodinville WA, US
Albert W. Chau - Woodinville WA, US
Assignee:
Merlin Technology, Inc. - Kent WA
International Classification:
G01V 3/11
US Classification:
324326, 324 67
Abstract:
Discriminating between a cable locating signal and a false cable locating signal is described. A reference signal, which contains a locating signal frequency impressed on it, is transmitted in a way which provides for detection of a phase shift between the locating signal and the false locating signal. Based on the phase shift, a receiver is used to distinguish the locating signal from the false locating signal.
Distinguishing False Signals In Cable Locating
US Patent:
7884610, Feb 8, 2011
Filed:
Jul 30, 2009
Appl. No.:
12/512853
Inventors:
John E. Mercer - Gig Harbor WA, US
Albert W. Chau - Woodinville WA, US
Albert W. Chau - Woodinville WA, US
Assignee:
Merlin Technology, Inc. - Kent WA
International Classification:
G01V 3/11
US Classification:
324326, 324 67
Abstract:
Discriminating between a cable locating signal and a false cable locating signal is described. A reference signal, which contains a locating signal frequency impressed on it, is transmitted in a way which provides for detection of a phase shift between the locating signal and the false locating signal. Based on the phase shift, a receiver is used to distinguish the locating signal from the false locating signal.
Distinguishing False Signals In Cable Locating
US Patent:
2012006, Mar 15, 2012
Filed:
Nov 21, 2011
Appl. No.:
13/301487
Inventors:
John E. Mercer - Gig Harbor WA, US
Albert W. Chau - Woodinville WA, US
Albert W. Chau - Woodinville WA, US
International Classification:
G01V 3/08
US Classification:
324326
Abstract:
Discriminating between a cable locating signal and a false cable locating signal is described. A reference signal, which contains a locating signal frequency impressed on it, is transmitted in a way which provides for detection of a phase shift between the locating signal and the false locating signal. Based on the phase shift, a receiver is used to distinguish the locating signal from the false locating signal.
Tension Monitoring Arrangement And Method
US Patent:
2013031, Dec 5, 2013
Filed:
Aug 2, 2013
Appl. No.:
13/957929
Inventors:
Rudolf Zeller - Seattle WA, US
John E. Mercer - Gig Harbor WA, US
Charles Yu Yat Tsang - Renton WA, US
John E. Mercer - Gig Harbor WA, US
Charles Yu Yat Tsang - Renton WA, US
Assignee:
Merlin Technology Inc. - Kent WA
International Classification:
G01L 1/26
US Classification:
7386251
Abstract:
Tension monitoring is described using a sensor which may exhibit an offset for which compensation may be provided to produce a zero voltage amplified output or to increase dynamic range. An arrangement determines whether a power reset is responsive to a battery bounce such that an initially-measured system start-up parameter can be retained. The start-up parameter is automatically saved at start-up if the power reset is responsive to a start-up from a shut-down condition. The start-up parameter may be a zero tension amplified output responsive to the sensor offset at zero tension. Protection of a tension data set is provided such that no opportunity for altering the data set is presented prior to transfer of the data set. A housing configuration forms part of an electrical power circuit for providing electrical power to an electronics package from a battery.