Abstract: Apparatus and methods for operating a winch system comprising a wire spooled onto a drum rotatably mounted to a shaft. A permanent magnet is mounted to the drum such that, when an electric current is applied to a coiled winding mounted to the shaft, the drum rotates about the shaft. The winch comprises a first braking system that controls the rotation of the drum about the shaft by controlling the application of the electric current to the coiled winding. The winch also comprises a second braking system that mechanically engages the drum so as to prevent the rotation of the drum about the shaft. The winch is used in conjunction with a control system that facilitates the use of the winch with lifting and supporting personnel working in elevated environments.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for constructing a valve assembly comprising an anti-friction ring. The anti-friction ring allows a closure member in the valve assembly to more freely rotate during operation of the valve assembly. Consequently, the closure member strikes a sealing member in different rotational positions during repetitive cycling of the valve assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for moving an Iron Roughneck into position to allow making-up or breaking-out of threaded joints in a drill string. The apparatus may also be used to move other drilling equipment into position on the centerline of the well or at mouse holes. A self-balanced, dual synchronized parallelogram arm is utilized to accomplish the movement of the devices. Hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders are used for extension and retraction of the arm rather than to support the tool. The arm may hold the tool in any position without cylinder assistance. The linkage in the synchronized parallelogram may be accomplished by gears, links, slots, or rollers.

Abstract: A pipe handling system comprises a pipe rack moveably coupled to a stationary frame. The pipe rack is configured to support a plurality of pipes between a loading end and a storage end. The pipe rack is moveable between a loading position where the loading end is positioned at a higher elevation than the storage end and an unloading position wherein the storage end is positioned at a higher elevation than the loading end. An am is rotatably coupled to the loading end of the rack and is configured to engage a single pipe and move the single pipe onto or off of the pipe rack.

Abstract: A pipe handling system comprises a pipe erector that is operable to move a pipe from a horizontal storage position to an inclined position. In the inclined position, an upper end of the pipe is adjacent to an elevated drill floor of a drilling rig and the pipe is at an angle between horizontal and vertical. The pipe handling system also comprises a guide system that is operable to engage the pipe and control lateral movement of the pipe as it is moved from being supported in the inclined position by the pipe erector to a vertical position supported by the drilling rig.

Abstract: A pipe handling system comprising a pipe erector operable to move a pipe from a horizontal storage position to a substantially vertical position wherein an upper end of the pipe is disposed above an elevated drill floor of a drilling rig and the pipe is offset from well center The pipe handling system also comprises an upper vertical support configured to support the pipe in the vertical position independently of said pipe erector

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting sections of a drilling rig substructure is disclosed. The disclosed invention is a unique structural connector in which sections of a drilling rig substructure can be connected together without the use of pins or pin-type connectors. The structural connector of the present invention utilizes specially-shaped fixed members connected to, and extending through, support plates that are attached to sections of a drilling rig substructure that mate with specially-shaped mating lugs that are mounted on mating lug plates that are attached to separate sections of the drilling rig substructure. When the sections of the drilling rig substructure to be connected are positioned together, the specially-shaped mating lugs engage the specially-shaped fixed members and form a high strength structural connection between the sections of the drilling rig substructure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting sections of a drilling rig substructure is disclosed. The disclosed invention is a unique structural connector in which sections of a drilling rig substructure can be connected together without the use of pins or pin-type connectors. The structural connector of the present invention utilizes specially-shaped fixed members connected to, and extending through, support plates that are attached to sections of a drilling rig substructure that mate with specially-shaped mating lugs that are mounted on mating lug plates that are attached to separate sections of the drilling rig substructure. When the sections of the drilling rig substructure to be connected are positioned together, the specially-shaped mating lugs engage the specially-shaped fixed members and form a high strength structural connection between the sections of the drilling rig substructure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for spooling a flexible member onto a drum with a spooler assembly. In certain embodiments, a spooler assembly comprises a spooler arm operable to guide a flexible member onto a drum rotating about a drum axis. A first actuator moves the spooler arm in a first direction that is parallel to the drum axis. The first actuator operates in a first mode wherein the flexible member is allowed to free movement in the first direction and a second mode wherein the first actuator controls the movement of the flexible member in the first direction. The spooler assembly may also comprise a second actuator that moves the spooler arm in a second direction that is perpendicular to the drum axis.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for applying a uniform application of an appropriate quantity of pipe dope to the internal threads of a pipe. In general, the preferred apparatus includes a supply of pipe dope and a centrifugal applicator for evenly applying the pipe dope to internal threads. The system also includes a dosing system to regulate the distribution of pipe dope by dispensing a consistent volume of pipe dope at each application. Potential advantages of the preferred embodiments include the repeatability and consistency of amount of pipe dope on pipe threads (e.g. thickness).

Abstract: An elevator comprising a body having a longitudinal axis therethrough. The body is operable to at least partially surround and support a tubular member aligned with the longitudinal axis. The body also has a longitudinal opening that is sized so as to allow the tubular member to pass therethrough. A door is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the body and has a closed position wherein the tubular member is retained within the body and an opened position wherein the tubular member can pass through the longitudinal opening.

Abstract: A tong assembly comprises a body and a center member slidable relative to the body. A pair of clamping arms is rotatably connected to the body. The clamping arms are connected to the center member such that as the center member slides relative to said body, the clamping arms rotate relative to the body. The assembly also comprises a plurality of die assemblies, wherein at least one die assembly is mounted to each clamping arm and at least one die assembly is mounted to the center member.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment includes methods and apparatus for locating a member within an aperture. One preferred apparatus generally includes a housing containing at least one rotatably connected ring, and a plurality of tie members spaced evenly about the ring's perimeter. The tie members are connected to the rotating ring and the housing such that rotation of the ring pulls the tie members taut across the inside of the ring. Rotating the ring in the opposite direction returns the tie members to their initial orientation. When the tie members are taut they urge elements passing through an opening towards the center. When the apparatus is installed in a drilling rig floor, it results in a simpler and more effective pipe centering technology than currently exists allowing pipe strings to be centered in the slip bowl or power slips so that the slips are easily and securely installed about the pipe string.

Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed comprising a valve member with an elastomeric upper stem guide and a lower valve guide comprising lateral support members including an angled surface. During operation, fluid impacting the angled surface imparts a rotational force on the lower valve guide and valve member. Consequently, the valve member strikes a sealing member in different rotational positions during repetitive cycling of the valve assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for constructing a valve comprising a sealing member and a hollow ball operable to sealingly engage the sealing member. A guide housing disposed about said hollow ball and does not constrain rotation of said hollow ball. A spring is disposed between the hollow ball and the guide housing so as to bias the hollow ball into sealing engagement with the sealing member. The hollow ball is constructed from two unequal sized portions and may comprise a hollow, spherical body having an aperture and a plug sized so as to closely fit within the aperture.

Abstract: A connector assembly comprising a housing and a tensile member disposed within the housing. The tensile member comprises first and second end portions. Each end portion sealingly engages the housing to form a hydraulic chamber therebetween. A first connector pivotally coupled to the first end portion. The axial position of the first connector relative to the housing is controlled by pressure within the hydraulic chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for spooling a flexible member onto a drum with a spooler assembly. In certain embodiments, a spooler assembly comprises a spooler arm operable to guide a flexible member onto a drum rotating about a drum axis. A first actuator moves the spooler arm in a first direction that is parallel to the drum axis. The first actuator operates in a first mode wherein the flexible member is allowed to free movement in the first direction and a second mode wherein the first actuator controls the movement of the flexible member in the first direction. The spooler assembly may also comprise a second actuator that moves the spooler arm in a second direction that is perpendicular to the drum axis.

Abstract: An internal, positive engagement lock that locks a tool, such as a hydraulic drilling jar, in the fully open position when the tool is racked back and when tripping in and out of the hole close to the surface. The lock mechanism is spring biased into a locked position that provides a positive engagement between two axially translatable components, thus preventing any actuation of the tool. As the tool is run in the hole, increasing hydrostatic pressure within the tool will cause the locking mechanism to shift to a disengaged position and the tool will operate normally. The spring-biased locking mechanism will return to the locked position as hydrostatic pressure decreases as the tool is retrieved to the surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying radial compressive stress pre-loading to a cylinder liner. A cylinder housing is attached to a pump, and a cylinder liner is disposed within the cylinder housing. A fluid inlet in fluid communication with the annular space between the cylinder housing and cylinder liner is disposed on the cylinder housing. The annular space is filled with pressurizing fluid through the fluid inlet, which creates radial compressive stress pre-loading on the cylinder liner.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for moving an Iron Roughneck into position to allow making-up or breaking-out of threaded joints in a drill string. The apparatus may also be used to move other drilling equipment into position on the centerline of the well or at mouse holes. A self-balanced, dual synchronized parallelogram arm is utilized to accomplish the movement of the devices. Hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders are used for extension and retraction of the arm rather than to support the tool. The arm may hold the tool in any position without cylinder assistance. The linkage in the synchronized parallelogram may be accomplished by gears, links, slots, or rollers.