Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus for drilling rig mobilization and demobilization. The rig is assembled or constructed at a remote site. It is later taken apart and transported to another remote site or back to a staging point. The rig itself comprises a rig floor which is supported on a set of vertical rig legs which support the rig floor for movement between raised and lowered positions. An equipment module is preferably installed on the rig floor. It goes above the rig floor while other modules are attached under the rig floor and provide additional equipment and service space. The method involves the transportation of the rig floor, the legs, equipment module and other modules to and from the rig site by hover craft while riding on a top deck on the hover craft for lateral transfer and installation.

Abstract: A retrofit switch actuator for a circuit breaker control switch in a power distribution network provides for remote control and automation of the control switch. A solenoid of the switch actuator is energized to move the output shaft of the solenoid. The movement of the solenoid output shaft is transferred by a connector mounted at one end to the solenoid output shaft and mounted at the other end to the control shaft of the circuit breaker to rotational movement of the control shaft. The motion of the control shaft mechanically engages the existing circuit breaker control switch.

Abstract: A remotely controlled actuator assembly is provided to switch a large power distribution switch used in an electrical utility power grid. The actuator of the assembly throws the switch between at least two positions to establish at least two power routing conditions. The actuator assembly includes a position-sensing device to repeatably and accurately indicate the position of the actuator. The position-sensing device generates a signal indicative of the extent of displacement of the actuator. The generated signal provides feed-back to a control system which control the extent of actuator travel.

Abstract: A switch automation system which activates poletop power line switches in response to signals received from a remote location. An actuator piston and cylinder assembly is mounted to a power pole in alignment with existing actuator linkage. The piston and cylinder actuator assembly is translatable in response to pressurized fluid delivered through fluid lines to the cylinder. A control unit also mounted to the power pole, and in operative association with the piston and cylinder actuator assembly, houses a source of pressurized fluid. Manual operation of the poletop switches is retained by an existing operating lever. Adjustment linkage is provided for proper positioning of the actuator assembly with the existing actuator linkage. Operating signals received by the control unit result in activation of solenoids to deliver the pressurized fluid to the cylinder. Simplicity of design and linear alignment with the existing actuator linkage allow for easy installation and operation.

Abstract: A load bearing housing provides environmental protection and submergibility to an actuator and associated control electronics housed within, and effectively carries the resultant stresses and moments produced by the actuator when actuated. The housing comprises a plastic enclosure which generally seals the actuator and control electronics within an internal cavity. A metal bracket supports the actuator within the enclosure. The enclosure is connected to a rigid, metal strong back which reinforces the bottom and lower sides of the enclosure. The bracket also attaches to the strong back such that when the actuator is actuated, the bracket and strong back carry the resultant stresses and moments. The plastic enclosure is substantially isolated from such stresses, and, thus, is less likely to fracture.