Abstract: An auxiliary rig is used in combination with a primary drilling or workover rig. The primary drilling rig typically includes an elongated upstanding drill tower, a base and a crown block. The auxiliary rig of the present invention includes a racking tower detachably mounted with the upper end of the drill tower to form an extension to the drill tower for receiving interconnected pairs of tubular members to reduce the tripping time of the tubular members into and out of the well. A movable slip and controller therefor of the auxiliary rig are operably guided by the racking tower for releasably supporting the pairs of tubular members.

Abstract: A new and improved crane adapted to be rotatably mounted about the guide tower of a vertically movable leg of an offshore jack-up platform. In one form, the crane is mounted for rotation about the leg tower section on a bearing tube having a thrust bearing interposed between a tower section flange and the lower end of the bearing tube. In a second form, the crane is mounted about the leg tower section utilizing upper rollers and hook rollers coacting with a support flange mounted with the tower section.

Abstract: An auxiliary rig is used in combination with a primary drilling or workover rig. The primary drilling rig typically includes an elongated upstanding drill tower, a base and a crown block. The auxiliary rig of the present invention includes a racking tower detachably mounted with the upper end of the drill tower to form an extension to the drill tower for receiving interconnected pairs of tubular members to reduce the tripping time of the tubular members into and out of the well. A movable slip and a controller therefor of the auxiliary rig are operably guided by the racking tower for releasably supporting the pairs of tubular members.

Abstract: A replaceable tubular threaded connector for interconnecting two tubular sections having an elongate tubular body formed having an axial inner bore therethrough, the tubular body having an upper threaded end and a lower threaded end, wherein the tubular body is adapted to be threadedly mounted between adjacent tubular sections.

Abstract: An umbilical conveyor system for a diving bell, including an umbilical conveyor, a pressure wheel, and hydraulic motors for the conveyor. The conveyor is designed to feed umbilical life support lines from a diving bell into or out of a storage location over a controlled radius of curvature, thereby preventing binding, kinking, or stretching of the umbilical. The hydraulic motors maintain the rate of feed of the umbilical equal to the rate at which the diving bell is raised or lowered, while the pressure wheel insures that the conveyor system will firmly grip the umbilical.

Abstract: A pressure control device is disclosed which forms a pressure containing enclosure around a tubing string coupling to contain therein any released pressure as the tubing is uncoupled. Means are provided to form a pressure seal against the outside surface of the tubing string above and below the pipe coupling. This means also includes a blowout preventor to seal off the open end of the tubing string in the presence of uncontrolled release of fluids and gases. Lifting means are provided to raise and lower the pressure containing enclosure, to permit exposing the open end of the tubing string above the device for the safe and rapid attachment of a safety valve. Slip sets are provided to grip the lower and upper joints of pipe to support the weight of the tubing string and to allow the upper joint to be rotated relative to the lower joint to thereby uncouple the joints.

Abstract: Cable-operated snubbing apparatus having a pre-set tension applied to the cables therein via connections to fluid-operated pistons. The pistons are connected to an accumulator for accumulating fluid from the piston cylinders when the draw works of the snubbing apparatus is retracted, thus allowing control by a single rig operator and minimizing horsepower requirements.