US4297790A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Survey apparatus and method employing rate-of-turn and free gyroscopes
Assignee: Applied Technology Associates Inc
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Filing: 1979-06-25
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Granted: 1981-11-03
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Expires: 1999-06-25
Abstract
Abstract Survey apparatus and method employs a free gyroscope for fast determination of azimuth, free gyroscope alignment being periodically corrected by a rate gyroscope which is periodically rotated for accurate azimuth determination. An accelerometer is also usable in conjunction with the gyroscopes for tilt determination. More generally, method and means is provided for calibrating (initially or periodically) an angle or position reference device.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald H. Van Steenwyk
- 👤 John R. Cash
- 👤 Paul W. Ott
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 03:27
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B47/00; E21B47/02; E21B47/022; G; G01; G01C; G01C19/00; G01C19/02; G01C19/34; G01C19/38
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 40
Claim 1
Independent Claim
181 words
In apparatus for determining azimuth, the combination that comprises (a) a rate-of-turn gyroscope including a first rotor having a spin axis, (b) support means to support the gyroscope for lengthwise travel along another axis and to rotate about said other axis, (c) said gyroscope having first means for producing an output which varies as a function of azimuth orientation of the gyroscope relative to the earth's spin axis, and (d) a free gyroscope operatively carried for movement along said other axis with said rate-of-turn gyroscope, said free gyroscope including a second rotor having a spin axis subject to re-orientation, (e) said free gyroscope also having means for producing an output which varies as a function of azimuth orientation of the free gyroscope, (f) other means responsive to the output of the rate-of-turn gyroscope to effect said re-orientation of the free gyroscope spin axis, (g) control means connected with said other means to periodically cause said other means to effect said alignment, while said travel is effectively interrupted, and (h) said support means supporting both gyroscopes for travel in a bore hole.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
181 words
In apparatus for determining azimuth, the combination that comprises (a) a rate-of-turn gyroscope including a first rotor having a spin axis, (b) support means to support the gyroscope for lengthwise travel along another axis and to rotate about said other axis, (c) said gyroscope having first means for producing an output which varies as a function of azimuth orientation of the gyroscope relative to the earth's spin axis, and (d) a free gyroscope operatively carried for movement along said other axis with said rate-of-turn gyroscope, said free gyroscope including a second rotor having a spin axis subject to re-orientation, (e) said free gyroscope also having means for producing an output which varies as a function of azimuth orientation of the free gyroscope, (f) other means responsive to the output of the rate-of-turn gyroscope to effect said re-orientation of the free gyroscope spin axis, (g) control means connected with said other means to periodically cause said other means to effect said alignment, while said travel is effectively interrupted, and (h) said support means supporting both gyroscopes for travel in a bore hole.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein said free gyroscope has a frame carried by said support means to rotate about said other axis.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The combination of claim 2 wherein said support means comprises well tubing operable to rotate said rate-of-turn gyroscope about said other axis in response to well tubing rotation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The combination of claim 2 wherein said support means includes a motor operatively connected with said gyroscopes to rotate them about said other axis.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The combination of claim 4 wherein said support means includes a housing supporting and containing said motor and said gyroscopes.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
The combination of claim 4 wherein the rate-of-turn gyroscope includes a carrier frame rotatable by the motor, and a sub-frame, the first rotor carried by the sub-frame, the free gyroscope also carried by the carrier frame.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The combination of claim 1 including an inclinometer operatively carried for movement along said other axis with said gyroscopes.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The combination of claim 6 including an inclinometer carried by said carrier frame.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein said support means includes a housing containing said gryoscopes.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
11 words
The combination of claim 7 wherein said inclinometer comprises an accelerometer.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
11 words
The combination of claim 8 wherein said inclinometer comprises an accelerometer.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
39 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein the free gyroscope has two sets of gimbals, and caging means to cage and uncage one set of said gimbals, at times during which the spin axis of the free gyroscope is re-oriented.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
42 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein said other means includes a drive operatively connected between the rate-of-turn gyroscope and the free gyroscope to be responsive to the output of the rate-of-turn gyroscope for periodically re-orienting the spin axis of the free gyroscope.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
The combination of claim 1 including a housing independently supporting both the free gyroscope and the rate-of-turn gyroscope.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
18 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein said support means includes a cable suspending a housing for said gyroscopes.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
15 words
The combination of claim 5 including structure suspending said housing for running in a well.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
104 words
In a survey method which employs instrumentation embodying both rate-of-turn and free gyroscopes, the steps that include (a) traveling both said gyroscopes together along a travel direction, (b) operating the free gyroscope to produce an output indicative of azimuth orientation of the instrumentation, and (c) operating the rate-of-turn gyroscope to produce an output which is indicative of azimuth orientation of the instrumentation, (d) periodically using the output of the rate-of-turn gyroscope to re-orient the free gyroscope, while said traveling of both gyroscopes along said direction is substantially interrupted. (e) and employing a cable to suspend said gyroscopes for said travel in a bore hole.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
104 words
In a survey method which employs instrumentation embodying both rate-of-turn and free gyroscopes, the steps that include (a) traveling both said gyroscopes together along a travel direction, (b) operating the free gyroscope to produce an output indicative of azimuth orientation of the instrumentation, and (c) operating the rate-of-turn gyroscope to produce an output which is indicative of azimuth orientation of the instrumentation, (d) periodically using the output of the rate-of-turn gyroscope to re-orient the free gyroscope, while said traveling of both gyroscopes along said direction is substantially interrupted. (e) and employing a cable to suspend said gyroscopes for said travel in a bore hole.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 17 wherein said free gyroscope has a spin axis, and wherein said (d) step includes re-orienting the spin axis of the free gyroscope relative to North.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 17 including the step of caging the free gyroscope during said (d) step.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
69 words
In apparatus for determining azimuth, the combination comprising (a) an angle reference device carried for movement along a travel axis in a bore hole, said device having a calibratable component, (b) first means for measuring angular rate and having output for effecting calibration of said component, and (c) control means operatively connected with said first means to cause said first means to periodically effect said callibration of said component.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
69 words
In apparatus for determining azimuth, the combination comprising (a) an angle reference device carried for movement along a travel axis in a bore hole, said device having a calibratable component, (b) first means for measuring angular rate and having output for effecting calibration of said component, and (c) control means operatively connected with said first means to cause said first means to periodically effect said callibration of said component.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 20 wherein said first means comprises a rate-of-turn gyroscope.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 20 wherein said device comprises a free gyroscope.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 20 wherein said device comprises a rate gyroscope.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 20 wherein said device comprises a rate integrating gyroscope.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 20 wherein said device comprises an inertial reference system.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 20 wherein said device comprises an angular accelerometer.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 20 wherein said device comprises a linear accelerometer.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 20 wherein said device comprises an inclinometer.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 20 wherein said device comprises a magnetometer.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
80 words
In a survey method which employs an angle reference device and first means for measuring angular rate and having an output for effecting calibration of said device, the steps that include (a) traveling both said device and first means together along a travel direction in a bore hole; (b) operating said device to produce an output indicative of azimuth orientation; and (c) periodically using said output of said first means to calibrate said device, while said traveling is substantially interrupted.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
80 words
In a survey method which employs an angle reference device and first means for measuring angular rate and having an output for effecting calibration of said device, the steps that include (a) traveling both said device and first means together along a travel direction in a bore hole; (b) operating said device to produce an output indicative of azimuth orientation; and (c) periodically using said output of said first means to calibrate said device, while said traveling is substantially interrupted.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
153 words
In apparatus for determining azimuth, the combination that comprises (a) a rate-of-turn sensor, (b) support means to support the sensor for lengthwise travel along a travel axis, (c) said sensor having first means for producing an output which varies as a function of azimuth orientation of the sensor relative to the earth's spin axis, and (d) a free gyroscope operatively carried for movement along said travel axis with said sensor, said free gyroscope including a calibratable component, (e) said free gyroscope also having means for producing an output which varies as a function of azimuth orientation of the free gyroscope, (f) other means responsive to the output of the sensor to effect said calibration of the free gyroscope, (g) control means connected with said other means to periodically cause said other means to effect said calibration, (h) said support means supporting said sensor and said free gyroscope for travel in a bore hole.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
153 words
In apparatus for determining azimuth, the combination that comprises (a) a rate-of-turn sensor, (b) support means to support the sensor for lengthwise travel along a travel axis, (c) said sensor having first means for producing an output which varies as a function of azimuth orientation of the sensor relative to the earth's spin axis, and (d) a free gyroscope operatively carried for movement along said travel axis with said sensor, said free gyroscope including a calibratable component, (e) said free gyroscope also having means for producing an output which varies as a function of azimuth orientation of the free gyroscope, (f) other means responsive to the output of the sensor to effect said calibration of the free gyroscope, (g) control means connected with said other means to periodically cause said other means to effect said calibration, (h) said support means supporting said sensor and said free gyroscope for travel in a bore hole.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
166 words
In apparatus for determining azimuth, the combination that comprises (a) a rate-of-turn gyroscope including a first rotor having a spin axis, (b) support means to support the gyroscope for lengthwise travel along another axis and to rotate about said other axis, (c) said gyroscope having first means for producing an output which varies as a function of azimuth orientation of the gyroscope relative to the earth's spin axis, and (d) a free gyroscope operatively carried for movement along said other axis with said rate-of-turn gyroscope, said free gyroscope including a calibratable component, (e) said free gyroscope also having means for producing an output which varies as a function of azimuth orientation of the free gyroscope, (f) other means responsive to the output of the rate-of-turn gyroscope to effect said calibration of the free gyroscope, (g) control means connected with said other means to periodically cause said other means to effect said calibration, and (h) said support means supporting both gyroscopes for travel in a bore hole.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
166 words
In apparatus for determining azimuth, the combination that comprises (a) a rate-of-turn gyroscope including a first rotor having a spin axis, (b) support means to support the gyroscope for lengthwise travel along another axis and to rotate about said other axis, (c) said gyroscope having first means for producing an output which varies as a function of azimuth orientation of the gyroscope relative to the earth's spin axis, and (d) a free gyroscope operatively carried for movement along said other axis with said rate-of-turn gyroscope, said free gyroscope including a calibratable component, (e) said free gyroscope also having means for producing an output which varies as a function of azimuth orientation of the free gyroscope, (f) other means responsive to the output of the rate-of-turn gyroscope to effect said calibration of the free gyroscope, (g) control means connected with said other means to periodically cause said other means to effect said calibration, and (h) said support means supporting both gyroscopes for travel in a bore hole.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
106 words
In a survey method which employs instrumentation including a rate-of-turn sensor and a calibratable free gyroscope, the steps that include (a) traveling said sensor and said gyroscope together along a travel direction, (b) operating the free gyroscope to produce an output indicative of azimuth orientation of the instrumentation, and (c) operating the sensor to produce an output which is indicative of azimuth orientation of the instrumentation, and (d) periodically using the output of the sensor to calibrate the free gyroscope, at different locations along said travel direction, (e) and employing a cable to suspend said sensor and said gyroscope for said travel in a bore hole.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
106 words
In a survey method which employs instrumentation including a rate-of-turn sensor and a calibratable free gyroscope, the steps that include (a) traveling said sensor and said gyroscope together along a travel direction, (b) operating the free gyroscope to produce an output indicative of azimuth orientation of the instrumentation, and (c) operating the sensor to produce an output which is indicative of azimuth orientation of the instrumentation, and (d) periodically using the output of the sensor to calibrate the free gyroscope, at different locations along said travel direction, (e) and employing a cable to suspend said sensor and said gyroscope for said travel in a bore hole.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-11-02 | 1985-05-04 | 1985-11-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-11-02 | 1989-05-04 | 1989-11-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-11-02 | 1993-05-04 | 1993-11-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |