Abstract: Radio-frequency identification-(RFID)-based systems and methods for collecting telecommunications information is disclosed. The methods include storing transceiver information in a transceiver and connector information in an optical fiber connector, and then operably connecting the connector to the transceiver. The connection results in an electrical connection that allows the transceiver information to be communicated to the connector. The connector has a RFID tag that generates a connector RFID-tag signal that includes the connector information and the transceiver information. When electronics equipment are connected to the transceiver, electronics-equipment information is passed through the transceiver to the connector so that the electronics-equipment information can be included in the connector RFID-tag signal.

Abstract: Radio-frequency identification—(RFID)-based systems and methods for collecting telecommunications information is disclosed. The methods include storing transceiver information in a transceiver and connector information in an optical fiber connector, and then operably connecting the connector to the transceiver. The connection results in an electrical connection that allows the transceiver information to be communicated to the connector. The connector has a RFID tag that generates a connector RFID-tag signal that includes the connector information and the transceiver information. When electronics equipment are connected to the transceiver, electronics-equipment information is passed through the transceiver to the connector so that the electronics-equipment information can be included in the connector RFID-tag signal.

Abstract: Radio-frequency identification-(RFID)-based systems and methods for collecting telecommunications information is disclosed. The methods include storing transceiver information in a transceiver and connector information in an optical fiber connector, and then operably connecting the connector to the transceiver. The connection results in an electrical connection that allows the transceiver information to be communicated to the connector. The connector has a RFID tag that generates a connector RFID-tag signal that includes the connector information and the transceiver information. When electronics equipment are connected to the transceiver, electronics-equipment information is passed through the transceiver to the connector so that the electronics-equipment information can be included in the connector RFID-tag signal.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes at least one optical fiber and two electrical conductors. A mid-span connection point in the fiber optic cable has a configuration for attaching an opto-electronic component to the optical fiber and electrical conductors. At least one RF antenna is also included and is electrically connected to the opto-electronic component. A fiber optic cable assembly includes a plurality of optical fibers and at least two electrical conductors. An opto-electrical transceiver is in optical and electrical communication with the optical fibers and electrical conductors. An RF antenna is also in electrical communication with the opto-electrical transceiver.

Abstract: A radio-frequency identification-(RFID)-based active labeling system for labeling components of a telecommunication system. The active labeling system includes an electronically addressable active label device that forms and displays indicia that remains static and visible when the device is unpowered. A RFID tag is operably connected to the device and is configured to receive a RF signal that contains component information, and to harvest power from the RF signal. The RFID tag then transfers the component information and power to active label device to enable it to form and display indicia representative of the component information. A database unit is operably connected or is contained directly in the RF reader and contains the component information on a computer-readable medium.

Abstract: Radio-frequency identification—(RFID)-based systems and methods for collecting telecommunications information is disclosed. The methods include storing transceiver information in a transceiver and connector information in an optical fiber connector, and then operably connecting the connector to the transceiver. The connection results in an electrical connection that allows the transceiver information to be communicated to the connector. The connector has a RFID tag that generates a connector RFID-tag signal that includes the connector information and the transceiver information. When electronics equipment are connected to the transceiver, electronics-equipment information is passed through the transceiver to the connector so that the electronics-equipment information can be included in the connector RFID-tag signal.

Abstract: A radio-frequency identification-(RFID)-based active labeling system for labeling components of a telecommunication system. The active labeling system includes an electronically addressable active label device that forms and displays indicia that remains static and visible when the device is unpowered. A RFID tag is operably connected to the device and is configured to receive a RF signal that contains component information, and to harvest power from the RF signal. The RFID tag then transfers the component information and power to active label device to enable it to form and display indicia representative of the component information. A database unit is operably connected or is contained directly in the RF reader and contains the component information on a computer-readable medium.

Abstract: A pipe handling machine having vertical tracks mounted on a rotatable base. A carriage is mounted on the vertical tracks for vertical movement. A multisection telescoping boom is mounted on the carriage, and a pipe-engaging head is mounted on the end of the boom. The base may be carried on a movable trolley, which engages a set of tracks. The tracks run across the rig floor, from well center to a setback area. A second set of tracks may run across the rig floor, transverse to the first set.

Abstract: A torque wrench for making and breaking connections between sections of drill pipe. The torque wrench has upper and lower wrench assemblies, each having a gate, a latch, and a clamp. Clamping cylinders apply clamping pressure to the clamps. Torque cylinders apply torque pressure to the upper wrench assembly, to cause rotation of the upper wrench assembly relative to the lower wrench assembly. When the torque pressure is adjusted, a valve causes the clamping pressure applied to the clamping cylinders to automatically vary linearly with the torque pressure.

Abstract: A power tong unit is shown which is operable as a closed head or open head unit. The jaws of the tong unit are rotatable to an extended pipe gripping position from either of opposite directions to make-up or break-out pipe from a single retracted position. An improved jaw for use in the tong unit has contoured gripping surfaces for gripping a wider variety of pipe diameters.