Abstract: A helicopter includes a rotor system having a rotor with an adjustable pitch that is controlled at least in part by a pilot using a collective control and which helicopter generates a Low RPM signal that is indicative of a threshold low rotational speed of the rotor. An actuator arrangement can move the collective control by exerting a force on the collective control such that the pilot is able to overcome the actuator force but which otherwise can move the collective control from a current operational position toward a minimum pitch position. A clutch can co-rotate with a motor to serve in transferring the actuation force to reduce the adjustable pitch and can slip relative to the actuator shaft assembly responsive to an application of a counterforce applied by the pilot to the collective control such that the counterforce overcomes the actuation force.

Abstract: A helicopter includes a rotor system having a rotor with an adjustable pitch that is controlled at least in part by a pilot using a collective control and which helicopter generates a Low RPM signal that is indicative of a threshold low rotational speed of the rotor. An actuator arrangement can move the collective control by exerting a force on the collective control such that the pilot is able to overcome the actuator force but which otherwise can move the collective control from a current operational position toward a minimum pitch position. A clutch can co-rotate with a motor to serve in transferring the actuation force to reduce the adjustable pitch and can slip relative to the actuator shaft assembly responsive to an application of a counterforce applied by the pilot to the collective control such that the counterforce overcomes the actuation force.

Abstract: A helicopter includes a rotor system having a rotor with an adjustable pitch that is controlled at least in part by a pilot using a collective control and which helicopter generates a Low RPM signal that is indicative of a threshold low rotational speed of the rotor. An actuator arrangement can move the collective control by exerting a force on the collective control such that the pilot is able to overcome the actuator force but which otherwise can move the collective control from a current operational position toward a minimum pitch position. A clutch can co-rotate with a motor to serve in transferring the actuation force to reduce the adjustable pitch and can slip relative to the actuator shaft assembly responsive to an application of a counterforce applied by the pilot to the collective control such that the counterforce overcomes the actuation force.

Abstract: A helicopter includes a rotor system having a rotor with an adjustable pitch that is controlled at least in part by a pilot using a collective control and which helicopter generates a Low RPM signal that is indicative of a threshold low rotational speed of the rotor. An actuator arrangement can move the collective control by exerting a force on the collective control such that the pilot is able to overcome the actuator force but which otherwise can move the collective control from a current operational position toward a minimum pitch position. A clutch can co-rotate with a motor to serve in transferring the actuation force to reduce the adjustable pitch and can slip relative to the actuator shaft assembly responsive to an application of a counterforce applied by the pilot to the collective control such that the counterforce overcomes the actuation force.

Abstract: A helicopter includes a rotor system having a rotor with an adjustable pitch that is controlled at least in part by a pilot using a collective control and which helicopter generates a Low RPM signal that is indicative of a threshold low rotational speed of the rotor. An actuator arrangement can move the collective control by exerting a force on the collective control such that the pilot is able to overcome the actuator force but which otherwise can move the collective control from a current operational position toward a minimum pitch position. A clutch can co-rotate with a motor to serve in transferring the actuation force to reduce the adjustable pitch and can slip relative to the actuator shaft assembly responsive to an application of a counterforce applied by the pilot to the collective control such that the counterforce overcomes the actuation force.

Abstract: A helicopter includes a rotor system having a rotor with an adjustable pitch that is controlled at least in part by a pilot using a collective control and which helicopter generates a Low RPM signal that is indicative of a threshold low rotational speed of the rotor. An actuator arrangement can move the collective control by exerting a force on the collective control such that the pilot is able to overcome the actuator force but which otherwise can move the collective control from a current operational position toward a minimum pitch position. A clutch can co-rotate with a motor to serve in transferring the actuation force to reduce the adjustable pitch and can slip relative to the actuator shaft assembly responsive to an application of a counterforce applied by the pilot to the collective control such that the counterforce overcomes the actuation force.

Abstract: A helicopter includes a rotor system having a rotor with an adjustable pitch that is controlled at least in part by a pilot using a collective control and which helicopter generates a Low RPM signal that is indicative of a threshold low rotational speed of the rotor. An actuator arrangement can move the collective control by exerting a force on the collective control such that the pilot is able to overcome the actuator force but which otherwise can move the collective control from a current operational position toward a minimum pitch position. A clutch can co-rotate with a motor to serve in transferring the actuation force to reduce the adjustable pitch and can slip relative to the actuator shaft assembly responsive to an application of a counterforce applied by the pilot to the collective control such that the counterforce overcomes the actuation force.

Abstract: A helicopter includes a rotor system having a rotor with an adjustable pitch that is controlled at least in part by a pilot using a collective control and which helicopter generates a Low RPM signal that is indicative of a threshold low rotational speed of the rotor. An actuator arrangement can move the collective control by exerting a force on the collective control such that the pilot is able to overcome the actuator force but which otherwise can move the collective control from a current operational position toward a minimum pitch position. A clutch can co-rotate with a motor to serve in transferring the actuation force to reduce the adjustable pitch and can slip relative to the actuator shaft assembly responsive to an application of a counterforce applied by the pilot to the collective control such that the counterforce overcomes the actuation force.

Abstract: A flexible milling assembly for milling an orifice through a well casing. The milling assembly can include a drive yoke, and a plurality of straight and split yoke assemblies—all linked together and to a cutter head with universal blocks that enable the components to pivot relative to each other. A string of joint tubing connected to a prime mover on the surface is used to lower the milling assembly into a well and supply the driving torque. A split shoe coupled to a guide tube is positioned within the well casing where the orifice is to be milled. The milling assembly is guided through a curved passage within the split shoe to bring the cutter head into contact with the well casing. A protector assembly can be provided to enclose and protect the milling assembly when it is tripping into and out of the well casing.

Abstract: A flexible milling assembly for milling an orifice through a well casing. The milling assembly can include a drive yoke, and a plurality of straight and split yoke assemblies—all linked together and to a cutter head with universal blocks that enable the components to pivot relative to each other. A string of joint tubing connected to a prime mover on the surface is used to lower the milling assembly into a well and supply the driving torque. A split shoe coupled to a guide tube is positioned within the well casing where the orifice is to be milled. The milling assembly is guided through a curved passage within the split shoe to bring the cutter head into contact with the well casing. A protector assembly can be provided to enclose and protect the milling assembly when it is tripping into and out of the well casing.

Abstract: A flexible milling assembly for milling an orifice through a well casing. The milling assembly can include a drive yoke, and a plurality of straight and split yoke assemblies—all linked together and to a cutter head with universal blocks that enable the components to pivot relative to each other. A string of joint tubing connected to a prime mover on the surface is used to lower the milling assembly into a well and supply the driving torque. A split shoe coupled to a guide tube is positioned within the well casing where the orifice is to be milled. The milling assembly is guided through a curved passage within the split shoe to bring the cutter head into contact with the well casing. A protector assembly can be provided to enclose and protect the milling assembly when it is tripping into and out of the well casing.

Abstract: A jet drill coupled to a distal end of a flexible jet lance is lowered into a well casing and advanced through a curved passage formed in a deflection shoe oriented to direct the jet drill through an orifice milled in the well casing. The jet drill is actuated with a pressurized fluid produced by a pump on the surface that is conveyed through a high pressure hose that runs through the flexible jet lance. Force transmitted through a thrust liner of the jet lance advances the jet drill while the lateral bore is being drilled. The thrust liner comprises helical coils of steel wire providing a high elastic modulus and buckling resistance, even while passing through the curved passage. Tension cables in the jet lance maintain tension on the thrust liner and enable the assembly to be pulled from the lateral bore and well.

Abstract: A helicopter includes a rotor system having a rotor with an adjustable pitch that is controlled at least in part by a pilot using a collective control and which helicopter generates a Low RPM signal that is indicative of a threshold low rotational speed of the rotor. An actuator arrangement can move the collective control by exerting a force on the collective control such that the pilot is able to overcome the actuator force but which otherwise can move the collective control from a current operational position toward a minimum pitch position. A clutch can co-rotate with a motor to serve in transferring the actuation force to reduce the adjustable pitch and can slip relative to the actuator shaft assembly responsive to an application of a counterforce applied by the pilot to the collective control such that the counterforce overcomes the actuation force.

Abstract: A helicopter includes a rotor system having a rotor with an adjustable pitch that is controlled at least in part by a pilot using a collective control and which helicopter generates a Low RPM signal that is indicative of a threshold low rotational speed of the rotor. An actuator arrangement can move the collective control by exerting a force on the collective control such that the pilot is able to overcome the actuator force but which otherwise can move the collective control from a current operational position toward a minimum pitch position. A clutch can co-rotate with a motor to serve in transferring the actuation force to reduce the adjustable pitch and can slip relative to the actuator shaft assembly responsive to an application of a counterforce applied by the pilot to the collective control such that the counterforce overcomes the actuation force.

Abstract: A helicopter includes a rotor system having a rotor with an adjustable pitch that is controlled at least in part by a pilot using a collective control and which helicopter generates a Low RPM signal that is indicative of a threshold low rotational speed of the rotor. An actuator arrangement can move the collective control by exerting a force on the collective control such that the pilot is able to overcome the actuator force but which otherwise can move the collective control from a current operational position toward a minimum pitch position. A clutch can co-rotate with a motor to serve in transferring the actuation force to reduce the adjustable pitch and can slip relative to the actuator shaft assembly responsive to an application of a counterforce applied by the pilot to the collective control such that the counterforce overcomes the actuation force.

Abstract: A helicopter includes a rotor system having a rotor with an adjustable pitch that is controlled at least in part by a pilot using a collective control and which helicopter generates a Low RPM signal that is indicative of a threshold low rotational speed of the rotor. An actuator arrangement configured to move the collective control by exerting a force on the collective control such that the pilot is able to overcome the force but which otherwise moves the collective control from a current operational position toward a minimum pitch position. A control arrangement is configured for receiving the Low RPM signal and for responding to the Low RPM signal by activating the actuator arrangement for at least a predetermined period of time to apply the force to move the collective control from the current operational position to the minimum pitch position.

Abstract: A helicopter includes a rotor system having a rotor with an adjustable pitch that is controlled at least in part by a pilot using a collective control and which helicopter generates a Low RPM signal that is indicative of a threshold low rotational speed of the rotor. An actuator arrangement can move the collective control by exerting a force on the collective control such that the pilot is able to overcome the actuator force but which otherwise can move the collective control from a current operational position toward a minimum pitch position. A clutch can co-rotate with a motor to serve in transferring the actuation force to reduce the adjustable pitch and can slip relative to the actuator shaft assembly responsive to an application of a counterforce applied by the pilot to the collective control such that the counterforce overcomes the actuation force.

Abstract: A hostile environment electrical housing, associated endcap and method are described. A housing body is electrically conductive and defines a housing opening that leads into a housing cavity. An elongated electrically conductive member can be resiliently captured between the housing to form a plurality of electrical contacts between the housing body and the endcap as part of an electrical circuit. A spring can be fixedly engaged to the endcap by a crimping arrangement that is integrally formed with the endcap. An endcap assembly including the endcap and the elongated electrically conductive member can be provided for installation on a pre-existing housing body.

Abstract: A jet drill coupled to a distal end of a flexible jet lance is lowered into a well casing and advanced through a curved passage formed in a deflection shoe oriented to direct the jet drill through an orifice milled in the well casing. The jet drill is actuated with a pressurized fluid produced by a pump on the surface that is conveyed through a high pressure hose that runs through the flexible jet lance. Force transmitted through a thrust liner of the jet lance advances the jet drill while the lateral bore is being drilled. The thrust liner comprises helical coils of steel wire providing a high elastic modulus and buckling resistance, even while passing through the curved passage. Tension cables in the jet lance maintain tension on the thrust liner and enable the assembly to be pulled from the lateral bore and well.

Abstract: A flexible milling assembly for milling an orifice through a well casing. One embodiment includes a drive yoke, and a plurality of straight and split yoke assemblies—all linked together and to a cutter head with universal blocks that enable the components to pivot relative to each other. A string of joint tubing connected to a prime mover on the surface is used to lower the milling assembly into a well and supply the driving torque. A split shoe coupled to a guide tube is positioned within the well casing where the orifice is to be milled. The milling assembly is guided through a curved passage within the split shoe to bring the cutter head into contact with the well casing. A protector assembly can be provided to enclose and protect the milling assembly when it is tripping into and out of the well casing.