Apparatus and methods for wireless emergency stop of automated machines. A method may include inputting into an electrical control system association information indicative of which one or more of a plurality of electronically controlled automated machines at a worksite are to be associated with a wireless communicator, and operating the wireless communicator to cause the one or more associated machines to stop operating.

An apparatus having a skid, a boom having a first end attached to the skid and pivotable around an axis proximate the first end such that a second end of the boom raises and lowers relative to the skid, and a room mounted on the skid. The apparatus may further include a raisable apparatus supported by the second end of the boom and having one or more plug panels configured to connect to one or more first cables. The apparatus may also include second cables routed from the raisable apparatus and attached to and supported at least in part by the boom, wherein the second cables may be configured to provide electrical power to the raisable apparatus.

An apparatus having a skid, a boom having a first end attached to the skid and pivotable around an axis proximate the first end such that a second end of the boom raises and lowers relative to the skid, and a room mounted on the skid. The apparatus may further include a raisable apparatus supported by the second end of the boom and having one or more plug panels configured to connect to one or more first cables. The apparatus may also include second cables routed from the raisable apparatus and attached to and supported at least in part by the boom, wherein the second cables may be configured to provide electrical power to the raisable apparatus.

Apparatus and methods for automating well construction operations based on detected abnormal events. A method may comprise commencing operation of an equipment controller of a control system for monitoring and controlling a well construction system. The well construction system may comprise well construction equipment operable to perform well construction operations. Commencing operation of the equipment controller may cause the equipment controller to receive sensor data from a sensor, detect an abnormal downhole event based on the sensor data, select an operational sequence to be performed by the well construction equipment based on the abnormal downhole event, and output control data to cause the well construction equipment to perform the operational sequence thereby mitigating the abnormal downhole event.

Apparatus and methods for automating well construction operations based on detected abnormal events. A method may comprise commencing operation of an equipment controller of a control system for monitoring and controlling a well construction system. The well construction system may comprise well construction equipment operable to perform well construction operations. Commencing operation of the equipment controller may cause the equipment controller to receive sensor data from a sensor, detect an abnormal downhole event based on the sensor data, select an operational sequence to be performed by the well construction equipment based on the abnormal downhole event, and output control data to cause the well construction equipment to perform the operational sequence thereby mitigating the abnormal downhole event.

A brake system for maintaining an angular position of a spindle assembly. A pump-powered motor drives rotation of a spindle on the machine. When no rotation is desired, the spindle will slow, then stop at a desired angular orientation. A rotational sensor will determine the clock position, and a controller compares that to a desired angular orientation. If an error tolerance is exceeded, the motor will rotate the spindle back to the desired orientation.

A brake system for maintaining an angular position of a spindle assembly. A pump-powered motor drives rotation of a spindle on the machine. When no rotation is desired, the spindle will slow, then stop at a desired angular orientation. A rotational sensor will determine the clock position, and a controller compares that to a desired angular orientation. If an error tolerance is exceeded, the motor will rotate the spindle back to the desired orientation.

A brake system for maintaining an angular position of a spindle assembly. A pump-powered motor drives rotation of a spindle on the machine. When no rotation is desired, the spindle will slow, then stop at a desired angular orientation. A rotational sensor will determine the clock position, and a controller compares that to a desired angular orientation. If an error tolerance is exceeded, the motor will rotate the spindle back to the desired orientation.

A brake system for maintaining an angular position of a spindle assembly. A pump-powered motor drives rotation of a spindle on the machine. When no rotation is desired, the spindle will slow, then stop at a desired angular orientation. A rotational sensor will determine the clock position, and a controller compares that to a desired angular orientation. If an error tolerance is exceeded, the motor will rotate the spindle back to the desired orientation.

A system for assuring that a rotation brake has engaged on a directional drilling machine. A pump-powered motor drives rotation of a spindle on the machine. The spindle is in turn attached to the above-ground end of a drill string. After the rotation brake is actuated, a controller causes the motor to transmit oppositely-directed rotational pulses to the spindle. If the brake is properly engaged, the pulses will produce spikes in pressure within the hydraulic circuit that powers the pump. When a pressure sensor detects such spikes, it signals the controller and confirms that the brake is engaged.