Abstract: The invention relates to systems and method for inhibiting or causing automated actions based on estimated person locations comprising multiple video sources configured to detect the location of one or more persons wherein at least one video source is calibrated for a known location and pose. The invention further comprises at least one processor operably connected to a calibrated video source wherein said processor aggregates possible person locations. These systems and method may be useful for initiating or interrupting the automated activity of equipment in the presence of personnel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method of for measuring the characteristics and volume of drill cuttings. The system comprises at least one camera operably connected to a processor for recording characteristics of drill cutting particles wherein said processor is configured to perform particle detection, extract features of said particles, or both. The processor is typically configured to initiate, interrupt or inhibit an automated activity based on the particle characteristics. The method comprises acquiring visual data from at least one camera, performing particle detection using said data, extracting feature data of any detected particles, alerting an operator and/or initiating, interrupting, or inhibiting automated activity.

Abstract: A system for active noise blocking of top drive acoustical waves includes a first accelerometer for detecting a first acoustical wave generated by the top drive of a drilling rig. A second accelerometer detects a second acoustical wave after the first acoustical wave has interacted with an anti-wave. An active noise blocking generator generates the anti-wave responsive to the detected first acoustical wave and the detected second acoustical wave and applies the anti-wave to the first acoustical wave. The anti-wave is generated to drive the second acoustical wave to zero responsive to application of the anti-wave to the first acoustical wave.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling movement of a laterally translating component includes a first fixed housing in a fixed position with respect to a central axis and a second housing that moves linearly along the central axis. The first fixed housing and the second housing define a first and second fluid chambers interconnected by a fluid channel. The second housing moves linearly between a first position along the central axis to define a first size for the first and second fluid chambers and a second position along the central axis to define a second size for the first and second fluid chambers to control flow of the fluid through the channel. The first size is larger than the second size. The second position of the second housing limits lateral movement of the second housing more than the first position of the second housing limits the lateral movement of the second housing.