Abstract: A drilling rig includes a base configured to support the drilling rig, and a rig floor configured to support a mast, the rig floor being pivotally coupled to the base. The rig floor has a lowered position in which the rig floor is proximal to the base, and a raised position in which at least a portion of the rig floor is raised away from the base. The drilling rig also includes a self-latching mechanism coupled to the base and the rig floor. The self-latching mechanism is configured to latch the rig floor to the base when the rig floor is moved to the lowered position and, when latched, to prevent the rig floor from being raised to the raised position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a positioning system for service lines. Generally, the invention relates to a mechanism for the deployment, retraction, and transportation of fixed-length service lines such as electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and communication resources necessary to the operation of a drilling rig used for subterranean exploration. More particularly, the invention provides an extendable cable positioning system for use with drilling rigs where pad drilling will require relatively short distance movements of the drilling rig, and it is desirable to leave the energy resource systems stationary.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for use in subterranean exploration, and provides a rapid rig-up and rig-down pipe racking system that is capable of being retrofit to an existing drilling rig. In particular, the invention relates to a pipe drill floor mounted pipe racking system that is capable of controlled movement of pipe in three dimensions, and most importantly, capable of rapid and precise movement of multiple connected sections of pipe. The invention is capable of moving stands of connected pipe from a racked position on the drill floor to an accurate stabbing position directly above a drill string component held in a rotary table.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a positioning system for service lines. Generally, the invention relates to a mechanism for the deployment, retraction, and transportation of fixed-length service lines such as electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and communication resources necessary to the operation of a drilling rig used for subterranean exploration. More particularly, the invention provides an extendable cable positioning system for use with drilling rigs where pad drilling will require relatively short distance movements of the drilling rig, and it is desirable to leave the energy resource systems stationary.

Abstract: An extendable, service line positioning system is provided for the deployment, retraction, and transportation of service lines that provide necessary resources (e.g., electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and communication resources) to a drilling rig. The positioning system comprises a plurality of connected panels supportable of a service line coupled to a vertical post on a skid. The panels are movable between a retracted position above the skid or a deployed position beyond the skid. The positioning system thus advantageously enables a drilling rig to move short distances for pad drilling operations without having the need to move resource-providing equipment coupled to supply lines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for use in subterranean exploration, and provides a rapid rig-up and rig-down pipe racking system that is capable of being retrofit to an existing drilling rig. In particular, the invention relates to a pipe drill floor mounted pipe racking system that is capable of controlled movement of pipe in three dimensions, and most importantly, capable of rapid and precise movement of multiple connected sections of pipe. The invention is capable of moving stands of connected pipe from a racked position on the drill floor to an accurate stabbing position directly above a drill string component held in a rotary table.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a positioning system for service lines. Generally, the invention relates to a mechanism for the deployment, retraction, and transportation of fixed-length service lines such as electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and communication resources necessary to the operation of a drilling rig used for subterranean exploration. More particularly, the invention provides an extendable cable positioning system for use with drilling rigs where pad drilling will require relatively short distance movements of the drilling rig, and it is desirable to leave the energy resource systems stationary.