Merlin Technology, Inc.

Jason Pothier

Albert W Chau

Kenneth J Theimer

An accelerometer module is supported within an interior passage of a transmitter housing of a transmitter that is itself receivable within an inground housing of an inground tool to perform an inground operation which subjects the transmitter to mechanical shock and vibration. An accelerometer housing of the module includes an exterior periphery that is receivable in the interior passage of the transmitter. A resilient damping foam can be supported to dispose the foam between the accelerometer housing and the transmitter housing such that the foam cooperates with the accelerometer housing to form a complex mass-spring-damper system that exhibits a resonant frequency which is controllable. An accelerometer cartridge of the module can include a mass that is at least five times the mass of an original accelerometer cartridge. In one feature, the accelerometer cartridge can include a mass of at least 20 grams for a one inch diameter transmitter housing.

Advanced mechanical shock resistance for an accelerometer in an inground device and associated methods

An inground housing supports a transmitter for receiving electrical power from a battery. The transmitter transmits at least one signal using at least two different transmit power levels for at least one of locating the transmitter and characterizing an orientation of the transmitter. Based on detecting the battery voltage, the transmitter selects one of the transmit power levels. Transmitter output power can be controlled based on one or both of signal gain and duty cycle.

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Auburn, WA, United States of America

Jason Pothier