Abstract: A solid state circuit interruption arrangement monitors a current path to provide protection to both a load and a solid state switch. The arrangement includes an energy absorber for absorbing energy from the current path in response to the solid state switch interrupting the current path, and a control circuit for periodically generating the interrupt signal to interrupt the current path for prescribed intervals and to control the current supplied to the load between a maximum current level and a minimum current level.

Abstract: A solid state circuit interruption arrangement in a distributed power network provides fast and reliable circuit interruption. A common power source provides power to a plurality of loads via respective current paths. A main circuit breaker and a plurality of solid state circuit breakers are arranged to interrupt the current paths in response to command signals sent from a central controller. Current sensors and voltage sensors are coupled to the current paths for monitoring purposes. An automatic controller responds to any of the current sensors detecting a fault condition by automatically generating a command signal, which forces the associated solid state breaker to interrupt the associated current path. Thereafter, the controller automatically generates a signal to the main circuit breaker to interrupt the power provided from the common power source in the event that the associated current path is not interrupted by the solid state breaker.

Abstract: Apparatus for horizontally plating one surface of conductive sheet with a metal or metal alloy. The apparatus includes an electrolyte holding tank, a horizontally disposed enclosed electrolyte conduit having extended inlet and outlet portions, a variable speed pump for passing electrolyte from the holding tank through the conduit and a rectifier for supplying electrical current. The holding tank includes means for dissipation of entrapped gas bubbles generated during metal deposition or caused by aeration. The conduit has a horizontal opening including an insoluble anode within the opening for defining a plating cell. The anode is positioned parallel to the axis of the conduit and in alignment with the opening. The plating cell includes means for supporting the sheet above the opening. The inlet and outlet portions of the conduit are positioned in-line with the plating cell.

Abstract: A submersible well pump has a system for monitoring parameters such as pressure and temperature in the vicinity of the motor. The system includes a downhole assembly in the well that has a transmitter for generating a carrier signal and superimposing that signal onto the power cable. Transducers in the downhole assembly sense physical parameters and provide a change in resistance corresponding to the physical parameters. These transducers are connected to a modulator which modulates the carrier signal according to the resistance. A shift register in the downhole assembly sequentially shifts a reference resistor and two or more transducers into the modulating circuit to provide envelopes on the carrier signal corresponding to a synchronizing signal and to data being sensed. The modulated carrier signal is demodulated at the surface into separate channels, where each can provide a readout proportional to the physical parameter sensed.

Abstract: A submersible well pump has a system for monitoring the pressure and temperature in the vicinity of the motor. The system includes a downhole assembly in the well that has a transmitter for generating a signal and superimposing the signal onto the power cable. Transducers in the downhole assembly sense physical parameters such as pressure and temperature and provide electrical responses corresponding to the physical parameters. The transducers are connected to a modulator which modulates the signal provided by the transmitter according to the electrical response of the transducers. The modulated carrier signal is converted at the surface into a readout signal proportional to the physical parameters.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling a tongs arrangement which includes a tongs lift and lift speed arrangement, a backup tong and a power driven tong, is characterized by means for generating electrical signals to lift the backup tong and power tong at a predetermined speed to a predetermined elevation, means for generating an electrical signal to close and lock the backup tong when lifted, and means for generating an electrical signal to drive the power driven tong when the backup tong is closed and locked.

Abstract: An oil drilling rig includes a racker, a power tongs, a drawworks having a motor and a brake, and a general purpose programmable digital computer associated with each to sequentially initiate the operation thereof. Closed-loop control systems for the drawworks motor and drawworks brake are included to provide control signals to a motor drive and to a brake actuator.

Abstract: A computer-controlled oil drilling derrick is characterized by apparatus for determining the load supported by a traveling block during motion thereof from a first to second position within an oil drilling rig. The apparatus is operative to output a signal functionally related to the net load on the traveling block. Further, the apparatus outputs an appropriately scaled signal functionally related to the load on the traveling block when in a substantially static condition.

Abstract: A computer - controlled oil drilling rig is characterized by apparatus for comparing signals representative of the actual velocity and direction of travel of a traveling block with signals representative of predetermined minimum and maximum velocities of the traveling block and a signal representative of a predetermined direction of travel of the traveling block. Output signals are generated if the actual velocity signals are greater than the maximum velocity signal or less than the minimum velocity signal and if the direction of the traveling block deviates from the predetermined direction.

Abstract: Interlocked channel section panels having an interlocking joint wherein the male and female members are provided with deformable hook portions. During field assembly the female member overlies the male member with the outer surface of the corresponding upstanding members and upper portions of the male and female members adapted to mate throughout their lengths, and the deformable flange hook portions of the male and female members are capable of being reformed so as to conform intimately to effect continuous, positive interlocking of male and female ribs. A clip connector, including a body portion tightly sandwiched between associated corresponding upstanding members, upper portions and deformable flange hook portions of the sidewalls of the coupled panels, and a foot at the other end of the body portion of the clip connector anchored to a supporting member and fastening the connector along with the coupled panels to the supporting member, is also provided.

Abstract: In a hydraulically powered pipe handling system, a general purpose digital computer is used to control the operation of hydraulically powered racker arms as well as the various auxiliary functions involved in vertical piperacking operations. The manual pipe-racking system (that is, that which is hydraulically powered and under the control of one or more operators) is retained, the computer controlled mode of operation being an alternative system present in the overall design.There is provided to the operator, while the system is in its automatic mode of operation, visual indication of length of drill string, depth of hole, depth of drill bit and composition of the drill string, including number and type of pipe lengths making up the drill string.

Abstract: A seam forming apparatus for forming standing seams to interconnect pairs of adjacent metallic panels.