Abstract: Aspects of the present invention pertain to a method of power control for an electrical motor using a control bypass feature that allows for the delivery of full supply voltage to a motor when it is operating at or above a certain load threshold level. Advantages of the present invention include the ability to provide power savings at low loads while still a motor to operate at full rated capacity under high load conditions. Also, a load sensor and an override unit that are independent of the phase lag compensation portion of power control allows for faster response to rapid load changes.

Abstract: The apparatus consists of a self contained lighting and identification device (10) having a strap (104) for attachment to a SCBA tank. A back plate (58) and a front shield (62) are spaced apart forming a cavity for LED back-lighting, with the front shield incorporates identification indicia (68) which provides recognition of a specific firefighter. Battery containing tubes (72) act as structural pillars and are located between an upper end cap assembly (20) and a lower end cap assembly (86), utilizing tie rods (96) for attachment therebetween. Diffused light distribution tubes (78) energized by LED's are positioned adjacent to the battery tubes evenly dispersing light on each side of the apparatus, effectively penetrating a smoke environment. The upper end cap assembly incorporates a printed circuit board (46) which includes the necessary control and lighting devices, and the lower end cap has a removable bottom cover (90) allowing batteries to be replaced.

Abstract: A method of power control for an electrical motor using open-loop principles is disclosed. The method employs a desired control line function that determines hold-off time based on a detected phase lag of a motor drive signal. The motor to be controlled is driven with a motor drive signal at a given load for a first number of cycles to detect the phase lag of the motor drive signal. Controlling for phase lag for a second number of cycles is then accomplished by firing a thyristor according to the phase lag of the motor drive signal. Advantages include reduced power consumption of a motor controlled by an embodiment of the method or controller, and faster response time between the detection of load changes on the motor and the issuance of power control signals.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention pertain to a method of power control for an electrical motor using a control bypass feature that allows for the delivery of full supply voltage to a motor when it is operating at or above a certain load threshold level. Advantages of the present invention include the ability to provide power savings at low loads while still a motor to operate at full rated capacity under high load conditions. Also, a load sensor and an override unit that are independent of the phase lag compensation portion of power control allows for faster response to rapid load changes.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for power factor control of a motor. A phase detector uses a line voltage of a power supply and a motor terminal voltage of a motor. The output of the phase detector is synchronized to a zero crossing of the motor current of the motor and a zero crossing of the line voltage. A digital microprocessor connected between the output of the phase detector and a rectifier driver senses a first time at which a phase of the motor voltage is crossing zero volts and a second time at which a phase of the motor current is crossing zero current. The digital microprocessor calculates the difference in time between the first and second times and uses the difference in time to calculate a phase lag of the motor. The digital microprocessor uses the phase lag to calculate a firing time of a rectifier to command power efficiently to the motor.

Abstract: The apparatus consists of a self contained lighting and identification device (10) having a strap (104) for attachment to a SCBA tank. A back plate (58) and a front shield (62) are spaced apart forming a cavity for LED back-lighting, with the front shield incorporates identification indicia (68) which provides recognition of a specific firefighter. Battery containing tubes (72) act as structural pillars and are located between an upper end cap assembly (20) and a lower end cap assembly (86), utilizing tie rods (96) for attachment therebetween. Diffused light distribution tubes (78) energized by LED's are positioned adjacent to the battery tubes evenly dispersing light on each side of the apparatus, effectively penetrating a smoke environment. The upper end cap assembly incorporates a printed circuit board (46) which includes the necessary control and lighting devices, and the lower end cap has a removable bottom cover (90) allowing batteries to be replaced.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention pertain to a method of power control for an electrical motor using open-loop principles. The method employs a desired control line function that determines hold-off time based on a detected phase lag of a motor drive signal. The motor to be controlled is driven with a motor drive signal at a given load for a first number of cycles to detect the phase lag of the motor drive signal. Controlling for phase lag for a second number of cycles is then accomplished by firing a thyristor according to the phase lag of the motor drive signal. Advantages of the present invention include reduced power consumption of a motor controlled by an embodiment of the inventive method or inventive controller, and faster response time between the detection of load changes on the motor and the issuance of power control signals.

Abstract: A pavement cutting and vacuum system is provided that includes a transport vehicle having a holding tank carried thereby; a pavement surface cutting machine having a blade for cutting a pavement surface during a cutting operation; and a vacuum system including a vacuum head connected to the cutting machine and a vacuum hose connecting the vacuum head to the holding tank, such that cuttings created during the cutting operation are transported from the vacuum head to the holding tank by the vacuum system.

Abstract: A pipe handling machine for moving well pipes arranged essentially horizontally and essentially parallel to one another on a deck, and including a carriage which may contain an operator's control cabin and is mounted by tracks for movement transversely of the pipes, with an arm projecting from the carriage and adapted to support a pipe from one of its ends as a cantilever, and with the arm being power actuable upwardly and downwardly to raise and lower a pipe and in its elevated position shift the pipe laterally with the carriage. The arm may deliver the pipe to or receive it from an inclined conveyor leading to the rig floor. Preferably, two such machines are provided for shifting pipes on two storage decks at different levels, and for delivering pipes to or from an intermediate conveyor system extending between the two decks.

Abstract: A well pipe handling machine including a vertically extending column structure which carries means for engaging and holding a pipe in vertical condition and is movable with the pipe holding means between a first position in which a carried pipe can be connected to and disconnected from the upper end of a drill string and a laterally offset second position for storing pipe in a rack at a side of the well. The pipe holding means may include a parallelogram mechanism having two arms carrying two vertically spaced pipe holding units and adapted to swing in unison to move the units toward and away from the column structure. The column desirably also carries pipe rotating means including a torque wrench and a spinner for making and breaking a threaded connection between a section of pipe and the string.

Abstract: A well pipe handling machine for removing a series of stands of pipe from the upper end of a well pipe string and storing the stands in a rack offset to a side of the well axis and/or returning the stands sequentially from the rack for reconnection to the string. The machine includes a support which carries units for holding a pipe in vertical condition and is movable between a position in which the pipe is in alignment with the well axis and a location near the storage rack, and which preferably takes the form of a vertically extending column structure movable horizontally by two synchronized drive mechanisms at the top and bottom of the column structure. The pipe holding units are desirably shiftable upwardly and downwardly relative to the support and also generally horizontally toward and away from the support for placement of the pipe stands in the rack and removal therefrom.

Abstract: A well pipe handling machine for removing a series of stands of pipe from the upper end of a well pipe string and storing the stands in a rack offset to a side of the well axis and/or returning the stands sequentially from the rack for reconnection to the string. The machine includes a support which carries means for holding a pipe in vertical condition and is movable between a position in which the pipe is in alignment with the well axis and a location near the storage rack, and which preferably takes the form of a vertically extending column structure movable horizontally by two synchronized drive mechanisms at the top and bottom of the column structure. The pipe holding means are desirably shiftable upwardly and downwardly relative to the support and also generally horizontally toward and away from the support for placement of the pipe stands in the rack and removal therefrom.

Abstract: Apparatus for use during connection of a length of pipe to the upper end of a drill string, preferably in a top drive drilling arrangement, and including a back-up tool for retaining the upper end of the drill string against rotation as the added length of pipe is connected threadedly thereto. This back-up tool is mounted for movement between an active position for engaging and holding the upper end of the drill string and a laterally retracted position.

Abstract: A rigid connection for joining together two successive sections of a string of piling or the like includes a tubular box member, a pin member having a portion which projects into the box member, a locking member operable to releasably hold the pin and box members against separation, and a retaining element for holding the locking member in its active locking position. The locking member may take the form of a split ring having an interruption within which the retaining element is receivable to hold the locking member in an expanded locking condition. The locking member is preferably initially actuated to its locking condition by fluid pressure actuated means.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for facilitating the drilling of a well with a top drive unit having a motor which is connected to the upper end of the drill string and moves upwardly and downwardly therewith. The methods and apparatus of the invention enable the drill string to be pulled upwardly off of the bottom of the well each time an additional length of drill pipe is added to the string, with the connection between that added length and the upper end of the string being made at an elevated location spaced above the rig floor. In one form of the invention, an elevated platform is provided on which a person may move to a location near the raised upper end of the string for assisting in making the connection, with that platform preferably being mounted to swing between a retracted position in which it remains during the drilling operation and an active position in which it projects to a point near the top of the string during the connecting process.

Abstract: A casing jacking mechanism is positionable in the rotary table opening of a well drilling rig to lower casing into the well, and is preferably formed sectionally of a number of components adapted to be assembled temporarily on the rig and subsequently dismantled after the casing has been lowered. The jacking machanism may include a first support structure to be located above the upper end of the well, two piston and cylinder mechanisms adapted to be lowered at different sides of the axis of the well to positions in which their cylinders are connected by the support structure, a second support structure connectable to and actuable vertically by the pistons of the piston and cylinder mechanisms a spider unit adapted to be placed on the first support structure and releasably engageable with the well pipe, and an elevator to be positioned on the second support structure for movement vertically therewith and also releasably engageable with the well pipe.

Abstract: An actuator for opening and closing a valve connected into a tubular element at the upper end of a drill string, to close off the flow of fluid through the element, and including a sleeve about the tubular element movable upwardly and downwardly relative thereto and mechanism carried by the sleeve for pivoting a valve actuating member to open and close the valve upon upward and downward movement of the sleeve. The specified mechanism preferably includes a part which interfits with the valve actuating member in a manner pivoting it upon upward and downward movement of the sleeve, but which desirably moves out of that interfitting relation in the extreme upper and lower positions of the sleeve to enable manual actuation of the valve in those positions without interference by the actuating mechanism.

Abstract: A top drive well drilling unit which is connected to the upper end of a drill string to drive it rotatively in drilling a well and is movable upwardly and downwardly with the string along a guide structure, and which is provided with pipe handling mechanism beneath the drilling unit for making and breaking a threaded connection between the drilling unit and the string and including an elevator which can suspend a section of drill pipe or the entire string when disconnected from the drilling unit.

Abstract: Well apparatus including elevator links connected to a hook or other unit suspended in a derrick and hanging therefrom at opposite sides of the well axis to support an elevator or the like, with power actuated means provided for swinging the lower ends of the links laterally outwardly relative to the upper ends of the links and essentially about those upper ends, to shift the suspended elevator to a side of the well axis.

Abstract: A jack for lowering casing from a drilling rig into a well, including a plurality of piston and cylinder mechanisms extending vertically at different sides of the well axis and supported at their lower ends from a base, a first structure extending between upper ends of the cylinders of those mechanisms and supported from the base through the cylinders, a second structure supported by and movable with the pistons, and gripping units carried by the two structures and releasably engageable with the casing to lower it in steps by relative vertical actuation of the two structures by the piston and cylinder mechanisms.