According to the US Patent and Trademark Office: “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.”
It explained that the controller can also monitor cable ton-mile parameters, weight on the drill bit, and drill bit penetration rate. It added: “The controller automatically controls operation of the hoist system’s draw-works when the system’s operation exceeds certain preset and user specified parameters.”
An abstract of the invention, released by the Patent Office, said: “The controller has a housing containing a microprocessor, supporting circuitry, and input and output systems. An instruction set digitally stored on the microprocessor codes the functional features of the controller and enables it to process inputs and to generate outputs to accomplish the controller’s functions.”
It added: “Device input means and display/alarm means are mounted on the front panel of the housing. A draw-works output communicates draw-works control signals to the hoist system.”
The inventor was issued US Patent Number 7,138,925 on November 21 2006.
The original application was filed on August 4 2004.
