Abstract: Within a display system that has pixel arrays displayed during first and second intervals, visible noise reduction occurs by confining the noise to one interval by combining the fractional part of each first interval pixel with the fractional part of at least one second interval pixel. If the combined fractional parts has a value of at least unity, the integer part of the at least one second interval pixel increases by unity while its fractional part becomes zero. The combination of the fractional parts less unity replaces the fractional part of the first interval pixel. While the combined value of fractional parts remains below unity, the combined value replaces the fractional part of the second interval pixel and the fractional part of the first interval pixel becomes zero. In this way, light intensity shifting occurs between intervals so that no noticeable brightness variation occurs across the overall scene.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in the off-line make-up of drill pipe stands on drilling rigs used in the exploration and production of oil and gas reserves are disclosed. The disclosed invention is a pipe handling system in which a section of the V-door ramp attached to a drilling rig structure pivots to allow one or more joints of drill pipe to be placed in a vertical position. Through use of an off-line roughneck in conjunction with an off-line drill pipe elevator, the joints of drill pipe held in the vertical position via the pivoting pipe handler of the present invention can be connected together, connected to additional joints of drill pipe, and placed in a racking board to be stored until they are subsequently connected to the drill string. The use of the pivoting pipe handler of the present invention allows stands of drill pipe to be “made-up” without the need to interrupt drilling operations and, thus, significantly reduces the amount of time required to drill a borehole.

Abstract: A method (300) for controlling a display function of an apparatus such as a television signal receiver is capable of remedying a display locked in an extinguished state to thereby ensure that a usable display is provided. According to an exemplary embodiment, the method (300) includes steps of detecting a power on condition of the apparatus (330), determining whether at least one predetermined display parameter associated with the display function exhibits at least one predetermined value responsive to the power on condition (340), and adjusting the at least one predetermined display parameter if the at least one predetermined display parameter exhibits the at least one predetermined value (360).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in the off-line make-up of drill pipe stands on drilling rigs used in the exploration and production of oil and gas reserves are disclosed. The disclosed invention is a pipe handling system in which a section of the V-door ramp attached to a drilling rig structure pivots to allow one or more joints of drill pipe to be placed in a vertical position. Through use of an off-line roughneck in conjunction with an off-line drill pipe elevator, the joints of drill pipe held in the vertical position via the pivoting pipe handler of the present invention can be connected together, connected to additional joints of drill pipe, and placed in a racking board to be stored until they are subsequently connected to the drill string. The use of the pivoting pipe handler of the present invention allows stands of drill pipe to be “made-up” without the need to interrupt drilling operations and, thus, significantly reduces the amount of time required to drill a borehole.

Abstract: An apparatus such as a television signal receiver, radio or other device provides an emergency alert function. According to an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a tuner for tuning a channel frequency that provides emergency alert signals indicating an emergency event. A processor enables an alert output responsive to the emergency alert signals. A single user input button receives tactile user inputs to control the emergency alert function. The single user input button is the only tactile user input means integral with the apparatus that is capable of controlling the emergency alert function.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in the off-line make-up of drill pipe stands on drilling rigs used in the exploration and production of oil and gas reserves are disclosed. The disclosed invention is a pipe handling system in which a section of the V-door ramp attached to a drilling rig structure pivots to allow one or more joints of drill pipe to be placed in a vertical position. Through use of an off-line roughneck in conjunction with an off-line drill pipe elevator, the joints of drill pipe held in the vertical position via the pivoting pipe handler of the present invention can be connected together, connected to additional joints of drill pipe, and placed in a racking board to be stored until they are subsequently connected to the drill string. The use of the pivoting pipe handler of the present invention allows stands of drill pipe to be “made-up” without the need to interrupt drilling operations and, thus, significantly reduces the amount of time required to drill a borehole.