Abstract: A system for communicating with a drill rig includes a data acquisition board on the drill rig. A plurality of sensors are on the drill rig, and each sensor transmits data associated with the drill rig to the data acquisition board. A processor on the data acquisition board is configured to execute first logic stored in a first memory that causes the processor to format the data, store the data, and transfer the data to a mobile communications device. A method for communicating with a drill rig includes sensing an operating parameter on the drill rig and transmitting data reflective of the operating parameter to a data acquisition board on the drill rig. The method further includes formatting the data with the data acquisition board and transferring the formatted data from the data acquisition board to a mobile communications device.

Abstract: A system for operating a brake lever includes a handle and a lock having a first position that prevents pivotal movement of the handle with respect to the lever and a second position that allows pivotal movement of the handle with respect to the lever. A method for operating a brake lever includes locking a handle to the lever to prevent pivotal movement between the handle and the lever and manually positioning the lever to apply and release the brake. The method further includes unlocking the handle from the lever to permit pivotal movement between the handle and the lever and automatically positioning the lever to apply the brake.

Abstract: A system for communicating with a drill rig includes a data acquisition board on the drill rig. A plurality of sensors are on the drill rig, and each sensor transmits data associated with the drill rig to the data acquisition board. A processor on the data acquisition board is configured to execute first logic stored in a first memory that causes the processor to format the data, store the data, and transfer the data to a mobile communications device. A method for communicating with a drill rig includes sensing an operating parameter on the drill rig and transmitting data reflective of the operating parameter to a data acquisition board on the drill rig. The method further includes formatting the data with the data acquisition board and transferring the formatted data from the data acquisition board to a mobile communications device.

Abstract: A system for operating a brake lever includes a handle and a lock having a first position that prevents pivotal movement of the handle with respect to the lever and a second position that allows pivotal movement of the handle with respect to the lever. A method for operating a brake lever includes locking a handle to the lever to prevent pivotal movement between the handle and the lever and manually positioning the lever to apply and release the brake. The method further includes unlocking the handle from the lever to permit pivotal movement between the handle and the lever and automatically positioning the lever to apply the brake.

Abstract: The present multi-function cable hoist system controller monitors a variety of drilling rig hoist system functions, including: positioning of the hoist block of the hoist system, speed/momentum of the hoist block, and hoist block loading. The controller can also monitor: cable ton-mile parameters, weight on the drill bit, and drill bit penetration rate. The controller automatically controls operation of the hoist system's drawworks when the system's operation exceeds certain preset and user specified parameters. The controller has a housing containing a microprocessor, supporting circuitry, and input and output systems. An instruction set digitally stored on the microprocessor codes for the functional features of the controller and enables it to process inputs and to generate outputs to accomplish the controller's functions. Device input means and display/alarm means are mounted on the front panel of the housing. A drawworks output communicates drawworks control signals to the hoist system.

Abstract: Access to the interior of a vessel during fabrication and assembly of the vessel is provided by a channel structure formed around the circumference of the vessel. The channel structure comprises an outer surface that is radially inwardly offset from the exterior surface of the vessel around the circumference of the vessel. The outer surface of the channel structure is bounded by upper and lower circumferential transition areas which join the outer surface of the channel structure to the surface of the vessel. The channel structure is arranged such that when an upper portion of the vessel is separated from a base portion of the vessel by removing the material comprising the upper transition area, the upper portion of the vessel will receive within its inner diameter the outer surface of the channel structure.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a double walled vessel is herein disclosed. The method involves the steps of forming an outer vessel having at least one reassembly channel formed therearound and forming an inner vessel having at least one element fitting formed integral thereto. At least one control housing is secured to the outer surface of the inner shell in registration with the element fitting. Heating elements and other control apparatus are installed in the element fittings within the control boxes. The outer vessel is sectioned at the reassembly channel, thereby allowing the inner vessel to be inserted into the outer vessel. The outer vessel is reassembled to enclose the inner vessel therein and a curable foam material is injected into the space between the inner and outer vessels to maintain a constant spatial relationship therebetween and to ensure the structural integrity of the outer vessel.