Drive Structure Moved To Nonuse Position For Transport Patents (Class 173/28)
  • Patent number: 11965726
    Abstract: A rock drilling unit and method for charging drilled holes. The rock drilling unit includes a feed system for feeding initiators and rock breaking material into the drilled holes. The rock drilling unit is also provided with one or more communicating devices for communicating with the wireless initiators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Sandvik Mining and Construction Oy
    Inventors: Jerome Pourcenoux, Remy Barraud, Sylvain Chavand, Laurent Demia
  • Patent number: 11873655
    Abstract: A barbed wire installation apparatus for easily installing barbed wire includes a hitch bracket to selectively engage a hitch receiver of a vehicle. A horizontal cross member is coupled to the hitch bracket. A plurality of cradle arms is coupled to the cross member. A pair of spindles is coupled to the plurality of cradle arms to secure a roll of barbed wire. A pair of upright members is coupled to the cross member. A winch is coupled to the hitch bracket and has a cable in operational communication with a topmost pulley of a plurality of pulleys coupled to the pair of upright members. A control box is coupled to the pair of upright members. A wire gripper is coupled to the winch. The wire gripper is in operational communication with a distal end of the cable to secure the barbed wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Inventor: Eddie Brawner
  • Patent number: 11713591
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system comprising a frame, which comprises an outer mast and an inner mast. The outer mast slides along the inner mast. A motor is coupled to the frame. A hydraulic system is coupled to the motor. A jackhammer head is coupled to the outer mast, which outer mast allows the jackhammer head to float up and down on the inner mast as the jackhammer head reciprocates. Thereby vibrations from jackhammer motion substantially do not get transferred to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Inventor: William R. Tanner
  • Patent number: 11638404
    Abstract: Machine suitable for driving posts into the ground, in particular for a vineyard or orchard trellising structure, at predefined locations, with centimetric precision, the machine comprising: an electronic control unit, a GPS sensor, a driving column mounted on a vehicle chassis, via an articulated positioning adjustment system, the column comprising a pole and a slide mounted so as to be able to slide substantially vertically, a driving bell mounted on the slide, a post guiding device, which comprises a gripper mounted on the slide and a guide shoe mounted at the base of the pole, the guide shoe being able to move between a working position and a retracted position, the articulated positioning adjustment system allowing the driving bell and the guiding device to be positioned directly above one of the predefined locations and to drive the post in vertically there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: VITISAT
    Inventors: Olivier Augier, Hervé Colin
  • Patent number: 11555351
    Abstract: A spiral impact drilling machine applicable to rock and soil and a construction method are provided. The drilling machine includes a rock chiseling part, a soil drilling part, a gear, a drill rod, and a drill bit. The rock chiseling part includes an air cylinder. A piston is arranged in the air cylinder. The top of the piston is fixedly connected with to a turbine fan blade. The bottom of the piston is fixedly connected to a force transferring component. The soil drilling part includes a motor. The motor is arranged in the force transferring component. The inner part of the gear is in nested connection with the drill rod. The outer part of the gear is in engaged connection with each of the bottom of the force transferring component and the motor. The bottom of the gear is fixedly connected to the drill rod through a stress component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: DALIAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Jinqing Jia, Lihua Zhang, Xing Gao, Xiangsheng Chen, Xiaoping Liao, Xuchun Wang, Yanpeng Zhu, Tonghe Zhou
  • Patent number: 11519195
    Abstract: A fencing device 1 comprises installing means for driving the posts 5 of the fence into the ground. These posts are provided with a pointed lower end 9 so that they can easily be driven into the ground. The net with the posts attached thereto is wound on a reel 11. The installing means gradually guide the posts from the reel to the ground, while the lower ends of the posts are driven into the ground. For guiding the posts, the installing means are formed by a guide consisting of a top guide profile 13, two side guide profiles 15 and a bottom guide profile 17. When a temporary fence is erected, the first post is to be driven into the ground manually and supported with a cable or pole. Subsequently, the fence will be unwound from the reel while the trailer is moved on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Inventor: Wim Van Den Bos
  • Patent number: 11371291
    Abstract: A drilling rig includes a rig floor, first and second support structures, a mast, a lower drilling machine, a continuous drilling unit, an upper drilling machine, and an upper mast assembly. The rig floor includes a V-door defining a V-door axis extending perpendicularly from the side of the rig floor that includes the V-door. The first and second support structures define a traverse corridor having a traverse corridor axis, wherein the traverse corridor axis is perpendicular to the V-door axis. The drilling rig may be used for continuous drilling of a wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: NABORS DRILLING TECHNOLOGIES USA, INC.
    Inventors: Ashish Gupta, Padira Reddy, Denver Lee
  • Patent number: 11097929
    Abstract: Embodiments of a top-mounted hoisting system include a single-layer winch drum located at an uppermost end of a derrick or drilling mast, a drill string handling tool, and one or more drill lines extending from the single layer winch drum to the drill string handling tool. The drill string handling tool may be a top drive. When the drill line is connected directly to the lifted load, the drill line experiences far less load cycles than when the line runs through crown and travelling blocks. If the drum diameter is large enough, cut-and-slip operations may be eliminated, and the drill line may be replaced at longer time intervals. Embodiments provide for lower weight and may provide lower cost as a result. The top-mounted drum does not take up any space on the drill floor and less total length of drill line is also required than if the drum was floor-mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Dag Holen, Erling Tambs, Rolf Gullaksen
  • Patent number: 10940919
    Abstract: A variable geometry anchor for controlling drift of a watercraft including: a support structure; a mast support assembly pivotally mounted to the support structure, the mast support assembly including a pair of mast arms and a foldable or flexible structure attached to the mast arms, the mast arms being movable between a first storage geometry and an operation geometry; an open-close sub-system pivotally connected to the support structure and operatively connected to the mast support assembly at fixed pivot mounts on the mast arms; wherein the open-close subsystem controls the geometry of the mast support assembly such that in a storage orientation the open-close subsystem closes the mast arms substantially together whereby the foldable or flexible structure is received between the mast arms, and in an in use condition the open-close subsystem operatively urges the mast arms apart unfolding and fanning the foldable or flexible structure there between.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: WOMEN AT WORK GROUP PTY LTD
    Inventor: Greg Rooke
  • Patent number: 10731427
    Abstract: A system and method for moving directional drill pipe with vacuum power. The system is used with a vacuum beam mounted on a boom. It has a vacuum pad that is pivotally attached at one end by a hinge to the vacuum beam. The other end of the vacuum pad is attached to the vacuum beam via an actuatable cylinder. Operation of the cylinder causes the vacuum pad to rotate about the hinge and change the angle of the vacuum pad relative to the vacuum beam. Lateral movement of the vacuum pad relative to the vacuum beam is provided by one or more pinned connections located adjacent to the hinge. Vacuum pressure from the vacuum pad is used to grasp and release drill pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Vacuworx Global, LLC
    Inventors: William J. Solomon, Justin Hendricks
  • Patent number: 10273754
    Abstract: A mobile drilling rig is mountable on a separate drive chassis having running gear. A separate main frame may be having elongated members, each having outer end extensions and vertically adjustable support posts thereon. A slide chassis is slidable on one end of the main frame mounting a power plant, and a mast pivot support pivotally mounted on the other end of the main frame. An elongated mast has a drill head movable thereon, with the mast pivot support slidably mounting the mast thereon so that the mast may be pivoted between vertical and horizontal orientations thereon while being movable in lengthwise directions. The slide chassis, the mast and drill head are moved to positions improving the stability of the rig when traversing grades in an up or down hill direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventor: Andrew Niemczyk
  • Patent number: 10227835
    Abstract: A system and method for moving directional drill pipe with vacuum power. The system is used with a vacuum beam mounted on a boom. It has a vacuum pad that is pivotally attached at one end by a hinge to the vacuum beam. The other end of the vacuum pad is attached to the vacuum beam via an actuatable cylinder. Operation of the cylinder causes the vacuum pad to rotate about the hinge and change the angle of the vacuum pad relative to the vacuum beam. Lateral movement of the vacuum pad relative to the vacuum beam is provided by one or more pinned connections located adjacent to the hinge. Vacuum pressure from the vacuum pad is used to grasp and release drill pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Vacuworx Global, LLC
    Inventors: William J. Solomon, Justin Hendricks
  • Patent number: 10161202
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drill rod store having a first storage area and a second storage area, in which a plurality of drill rod elements are in each case stored in horizontal alignment. Between the two storage areas a trough-shaped receiving part for a single drill rod element is provided. The trough-shaped receiving part is designed to deliver a single drill rod element. For this purpose, a joint supply means is provided, through which drill rod elements are supplied both from the first storage area and from the second storage area to the trough-shaped receiving part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: BAUER Deep Drilling GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Koehler, Manuel Peter Ostermeier
  • Patent number: 9945092
    Abstract: A system and method for utility maintenance may include a robotic system having an articulating arm capable of utilizing a variety of tools and sensors for locating and accessing underground structures. The robotic system may be contained within a truck or other vehicle that provides access to the ground through the floor of the vehicle or truck bed. A curtain may be extended from a bottom of the vehicle to the ground to enclose a work site and inhibit visual and physical access to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: ULC Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, Robert E. Kodadek, III
  • Patent number: 9896887
    Abstract: A method includes coupling a plurality of outriggers to a drill rig structure, supporting the weight of the drill rig structure with the plurality of outriggers, and moving the drill rig structure while supporting the weight with the plurality of outriggers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Ron Sorokan, Kameron Wayne Konduc
  • Patent number: 9834950
    Abstract: Described herein is an earth auger and pole machine for automated installation of poles in earth banks of access roads to open-pit mines. The earth auger and pole machine is fitted with a mechanic boom comprised of a first link and a second link. The first link has an end attached to a base fixed to a conveyor vehicle, and the other end coupled to the second link. The second link comprises a magazine for loading the poles, an auger system to drill the ground, and an installer to place the poles into the hole. This document also describes a method for installing poles in sequence by using the earth auger and pole machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: VALE S.A.
    Inventors: Sebastião Carlos De Alvarenga, Magno Papa Vitalino, Airton De Souza, Áquila Capele Caldeira Pereira
  • Patent number: 9587450
    Abstract: A tilt mechanism for manipulating an injector head mounted on a tiltable platform attached at one end to a pivot mount on a base structure includes an articulated member attached between the tiltable platform and the base structure, the articulated member having a joint and a cylinder attached between the base structure and the articulated member, wherein an arm of the cylinder is extended to push the joint of the articulated member to an over-center position, thereby locking the articulated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Premier Coil Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall Dean Behrens
  • Patent number: 9140066
    Abstract: A drilling unit, with a carrier vehicle, a mast rotatably mounted on the carrier vehicle about a pivot axis, which mast can be pivoted between an erect operating position and an inclined transport position, and at least one erection cylinder for pivoting the mast between the operating position and the transport position. For pivoting the mast in addition to the at least one erection cylinder an erection cable is provided which is guided via a cable deflection pulley arranged on the mast, on the carrier vehicle or on a carriage which can be moved along the mast, and in that in order to apply a pulling force to the erection cable via the cable deflection pulley an erection force can be transferred to the mast in the direction of its operating position. The invention further relates to a method for erecting a mast of a construction work unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Bauer Maschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Lanzl, Manfred Angermeier, Josef Haas, Christoph Wittmann, Christian Miehling
  • Patent number: 9062433
    Abstract: A method for gradually introducing thin-walled pipes into the ground includes inserting a pipe clamp, which has been arranged horizontally on a mast, into a horizontal pipe, bracing the pipe clamp (pipe gripping jaw) with the rear part of the pipe, moving the pipe clamp back with the pipe braced thereon, erecting the mast, with the tools, the pipe clamp and the pipe, into a vertical position, introducing the pipe to the desired depth with the tools, unclamping the pipe clamp and pulling it out of the pipe, and repositioning the mast back into a horizontal position. A device has a carrier unit, a mast, which can be pivoted between vertical and horizontal, tools with a pipe clamp, arranged on the mast, and a magazine a pipe arranged substantially horizontally. The pipe clamp is inserted into the pipe coaxially in relation to the pipe and substantially horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: THYSSENKRUPP TIEFBAUTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventor: Johannes Köcher
  • Patent number: 8985238
    Abstract: A mobile drill rig includes a frame structure and a plurality of hinged outriggers that are adapted to be retractable to a substantially vertical position during a drilling operation and extendable to a substantially horizontal position during movement of the mobile drill rig. The frame structure is adapted to transfer a weight of the mobile drill rig through the plurality of hinged outriggers to a plurality of wheeled frame dollies during the rig movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Ron Sorokan, Kameron Wayne Konduc
  • Patent number: 8757251
    Abstract: A multi-function machine for drilling, boring, driving and lifting comprising a translation system (2) which supports a turret (3) motorized and provided with driving cab. A lattice tower type arm is hinged to the frame of the turret and movable between substantially raised and inclined positions. In at least a first configuration the arm is used as a lifting arm. The free upper end of the arm has a head (9) having a system of pulleys and/or transmissions for rope (10). The arm (4) can rotate with respect to the turret (3) to acquire a second configuration of mounting/transport wherein its longitudinal axis is substantially horizontally arranged and turned over toward the front. Ropes and rods are provided (14,16) for bringing the arm from the first to the second configuration and vice-versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Soilmec S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alessandro Ditillo, Stefano Massari
  • Patent number: 8720128
    Abstract: A method to disassemble a mast assembly having a substructure including a first and second section, a first and a second cylinder, and a lower mast section. The method includes the steps of disengaging a pair of front mast legs of the lower mast section from a pair of front leg supports. The pair of front leg supports are moved from an operational to a transport position. The lower mast section is lowered from a vertical to a horizontal position by retracting the first cylinder and the second cylinder. A mast center spreader is thereafter removed from the lower mast section. A center drill floor section is removed from between the first substructure section and the second substructure section so that a combination of the first substructure section, the first cylinder and a portion of the lower mast and a combination of the second substructure section, the second cylinder and a portion of the lower mast may be transported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Woolslayer Companies, Inc.
    Inventor: Dewayne G. Vogt
  • Patent number: 8661743
    Abstract: A mast assembly for a transportable rig which accommodates the height of wellhead equipment such as BOP and/or valve stacks and permits orientation of a top drive rotor in the mast directly over the wellhead as the top drive moves up and down in the mast. In one embodiment, the mast contains a base portion that supports a moveable portion of the mast assembly. In one embodiment, angularly rearwardly oriented supports are utilized to provide an open space to accommodate the height of the wellhead equipment between upright rails on which the top drive moves so that the top drive rotor can be aligned with the bore of the wellhead equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Mark Flusche
  • Patent number: 8636083
    Abstract: A feeder holding device used with a rock drilling and/or rock bolting rig, in which the rock drilling and/or rock bolting rig has at least one boom with a first end and a second end, the first end is attached to a carrier, and the second end supports a feed beam by the feeder holding device, and in which the feed beam can be adjusted by the feeder holding device in a first drilling position in a first drilling direction and in a second position. The feeder holding device provides linear movement of the feed beam, in a direction different from the drilling direction, from the first drilling position to the second position, such that the feed beam in the second position is pointed in a direction parallel to the first drilling direction. A rock drilling and/or rock bolting rig is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB
    Inventor: Sven-Olov Nyström
  • Patent number: 8567519
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ground working device comprising a carrier implement, a mast that forms a mast sequence and has a lower mast part, which is linked to the carrier implement, an upper mast part and at least one mast extension piece, whereby for the purpose of increasing the mast length the mast extension piece is removably inserted into the mast sequence between lower mast part and upper mast part and removed from the mast sequence, and, with the mast extension piece removed, the upper mast part can be fixed directly on the lower mast part, a work sledge which is guided in a displaceable manner along the mast, and at least one feed rope for displacing the work sledge, which runs at least in some areas longitudinally of the mast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Bauer Maschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Rudolf Poeckl
  • Patent number: 8424616
    Abstract: A track guiding system includes a track comprising a linear beam and a linear plate operatively coupled to the linear beam. The linear plate has opposing first and second surfaces separated by a first distance and opposing first and second edges separated by a second distance. A first compound edge roller and a second compound edge roller are disposed adjacent to the first and second edges of the linear plate, respectively, for travel along the first and second edges of the linear plate. Each of the first and second compound edge rollers include a first roller element adjacent to the first surface of the linear plate and a second roller element adjacent to the second surface of the linear plate. A carriage is coupled to the first and second compound edge rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Adrian Marica, Ionescu Mihai
  • Patent number: 8408329
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a piling and drilling rig having a leader, a deflection apparatus for the deflection a rope which is pivotally connected to the head of the leader in a manner pivotable between at least one transport position and at least one working position, with the deflection apparatus being rotatable about an axis standing obliquely on the axis of extent of the leader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Liebherr-Werk Nenzing GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Koertge, Alfred Koller
  • Patent number: 8397833
    Abstract: A construction apparatus having an extendable mast with an upper mast element longitudinally displaceable relative to a lower mast element. A linear drive displaces the mast elements relative to each other, and has an upper drive part linearly actuable relative to a lower drive part of the linear drive, and a locking device for locking the two mast elements in an extended mast position. The upper drive part is fixable to the upper mast element, the lower drive part of the linear drive is displaceable longitudinally of the lower mast element and a securing device is provided on the lower mast element, with which the lower drive part is releasably securable to the lower mast element for displacement of the upper mast element. A method for operating a construction apparatus with an extendable mast can be carried out with a construction apparatus in accordance with the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Bauer Maschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Erwin Emil Stoetzer, Leonhard Weixler
  • Patent number: 8256529
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for employing a drill steel centralizer travelling on a feed beam of a rock drill machine. The drill steel centralizer has a pressure fluid-operated actuator for closing a transfer opening intended for a drill rod during drilling, whereby pressure fluid is fed into the actuator during drilling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Sandvik Mining and Construction Oy
    Inventor: Juha Piipponen
  • Patent number: 8251616
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pile driver with a lead that is capable of receiving and supporting a pile in a substantially horizontal orientation and subsequently rotating the lead and received pile from the substantially horizontal orientation to a substantially vertical orientation needed before the pile can be driven into the earth. In one embodiment of the pile driver, the chassis is of a relatively short length to be more maneuverable and the lead is capable of supporting a long and/or quite massive pile. To prevent the chassis, lead, and pile from tipping or being placed in an unstable condition, the pile driver further comprises a movable counterweight system. The method is also directed to methods of using such a pile driver to accomplish the driving of a pile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Flatiron Constructors, Inc.
    Inventor: Elie H. Homsi
  • Patent number: 8096367
    Abstract: A system and method of cutting for replacement a replaceable coupon out of a paved surface for keyhole excavation provides a truck with a turret to which a support arm supporting a cutter assembly is mounted, and a stabilizing member remote from the turret, which allows the turret to be rotated while stabilizing the support arm at any desired position about the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Enbridge Technology Inc.
    Inventor: John W. McGivery
  • Patent number: 8087473
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for horizontal drilling are provided. The apparatus has: (A) a thrust frame; (B) a carriage on the thrust frame; (C) a wheel truck, wherein a rearward portion of the thrust frame can be supported in a lowered position on the wheel truck; (D) a king pin for operatively connecting a forward portion of the thrust frame to a tractor; (E) a trailer-leg assembly that can be connected operatively between: (i) the forward portion of the thrust frame; and (ii) the ground; and wherein the trailer-leg assembly is capable of assisting in supporting the forward portion of the thrust frame: (a) in a raised position so a tractor can be connected for towing; and (b) in a lowered position where the forward portion of the thrust frame is in a lowered position adjacent the ground to assist in positioning the thrust frame in a position for drilling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Southeast Directional Drilling, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Osadchuk, John Heieie
  • Patent number: 7765749
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting and assembling a drilling rig is disclosed. The drilling rig of a preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes specialized positioning pads integral to the side boxes of the drilling rig to facilitate the connection of the center drill floor of the drilling rig to the side boxes of the rig. A preferred embodiment of the present invention may also utilize a specialized positioning dolly and an adjustable fifth-wheel truck connection for transporting the mast to the drill site, assembling the mast sections together, and positioning the mast for connection to the drill floor of the rig. The result is a unique drilling rig design and sequence for assembly that significantly reduces the time required to transport the rig from location to location and to assemble the rig at the drill site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: National Oilwell, L.P.
    Inventor: Anastasios Palidis
  • Patent number: 7748471
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for horizontal drilling are provided. The apparatus has: (A) a thrust frame; (B) a carriage on the thrust frame; (C) a wheel truck, wherein a rearward portion of the thrust frame can be supported in a lowered position on the wheel truck; (D) a king pin for operatively connecting a forward portion of the thrust frame to a tractor; (E) a trailer-leg assembly that can be connected operatively between: (i) the forward portion of the thrust frame; and (ii) the ground; and wherein the trailer-leg assembly is capable of assisting in supporting the forward portion of the thrust frame: (a) in a raised position so a tractor can be connected for towing; and (b) in a lowered position where the forward portion of the thrust frame is in a lowered position adjacent the ground to assist in positioning the thrust frame in a position for drilling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Southeast Directional Drilling, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Osadchuk, John Heieie
  • Patent number: 7640998
    Abstract: An excavation apparatus having a mast, a sled slidably mounted thereon, a sled driving system for downcrowding and upcrowding the sled along the mast, and non-rotatable but extendable kelly sections that prevent slippage of the sled on the mast. An outer kelly section is attached to the sled, and an inner kelly section is extendable therefrom and retractable therein. A bushing maintains slidable alignment of the kelly sections on the mast. The inner kelly section is automatically powered into and out of the outer kelly section a distance proportional to the distance that the sled is downcrowded or upcrowded along the mast while preventing slippage. A rotary motor, attached to the sled, rotates a telescopic shaft housed within the kelly sections. A transmission secured to the lower end of the inner kelly section increases downhole torque. A boom connector downcrowds and upcrowds the mast for additional drilling depth capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Richard L. Howell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7624831
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to move a modular drilling rig in formation wherein the drilling rig includes a plurality of self-propelled modules to facilitate the movement of the rig while all systems are intact and fully operational. The apparatus includes a plurality of wheel assemblies which are steerable to guide the modules during movement. The apparatus also includes a propulsion system for each of the modules to drive each of the modules during movement. A steering control and position feedback system is also provided for determining the relative position of each module with respect to the master module. This control and feedback system provides feedback to the steering control and feedback systems of other modules in order to move the modules in a formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Helmerich & Payne, Inc.
    Inventors: Melvin Alan Orr, Mark Trevithick, Christopher Alan Major, Robert Lee Stauder
  • Patent number: 7625165
    Abstract: A tracked vehicle with a front blade for clearing roads and a rear mounted crane to set and rig a utility pole in remote locations. The front blade is configured with mounts to carry an auger. A cradle on the front blade and on an outrigger of the crane is used to transport a pole. The vehicle is configured to carry all necessary accessories to the site including a pole grapple, a collapsible personnel bucket, and a water supply for cutting and/or compacting the hole. The crane folds to a compact configuration behind the cab of the tracked vehicle and, when extended, can access poles up to 85 feet tall. The crane can be operated by remote control for safe operation near energized lines or when positioned on steep terrain. The crane can be removed from the vehicle in the field for unencumbered use of the tracked vehicle and blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Linecat, Inc.
    Inventor: Nathan Bunting
  • Patent number: 7617884
    Abstract: A drill slide (1) for a drilling apparatus, the slide (1) adapted to slidably support a drifter (6), the slide (1) comprising a telescopic shaft (2) having a first elongate member (3) telescopically slidable with respect to a second elongate hollow member (4); a first rail mounted to or integral with the second elongate hollow member (4) upon which the drifter (6) travels along; and wherein a second removable rail (7) is adapted to be fitted adjacent to the first elongate member (3) in an extended configuration, where the second rail (7) is end to end with the first rail (5) thereby allowing the drifter (6) to slide along the first (5) and second rails (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: RME Underground Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Peter John Rubie
  • Publication number: 20090084558
    Abstract: A mobile land rig for use in wellbore operations. The mobile land rig, in certain aspects, has a vehicle; an erectable mast; winch apparatus (e.g., one or two winches); and electric motor apparatus for powering the winch apparatus. In one aspect there are two winches and one electric motor powers both winches. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 CFR 1.72(b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: Robert Lewis Bloom
  • Patent number: 7448838
    Abstract: A tracked vehicle with a front blade for clearing roads and a rear mounted crane to set and rig a utility pole in remote locations. The front blade is configured with mounts to carry an auger. A cradle on the front blade and on an outrigger of the crane is used to transport a pole. The vehicle is configured to carry all necessary accessories to the site including a pole grapple, a collapsible personnel bucket, and a water supply for cutting and/or compacting the hole. The crane folds to a compact configuration behind the cab of the tracked vehicle and, when extended, can access poles up to 85 feet tall. The crane can be operated by remote control for safe operation near energized lines or when positioned on steep terrain. The crane can be removed from the vehicle in the field for unencumbered use of the tracked vehicle and blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Linecat, Inc.
    Inventor: Nathan Bunting
  • Publication number: 20080251267
    Abstract: A Rig (1) for drilling or maintaining oil wells includes a base structure (2) which is provided with a support platform (3) on the ground and a raised work platform (5). A deck (6) is co-planar to and integral with the support platform (3) and is suitable for housing a trailer (7). A telescopic antenna (8) is provided with two fixing eyelets (9) which are arranged at the lower end of the telescopic antenna (8) in order to be hinged to the work platform (5). A lifting device (10) is suitable for lifting the telescopic antenna (8) from a transport position, in which it reposes on a transporter (7) with the two fixing eyelets (9) at a lower level than the level of the work platform (5), to a working position, in which it is vertically arranged on the work platform (5) with the fixing eyelets (9) hinged to the work platform (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: DRILLMEC S.p.A.
    Inventor: Claudio Cicognani
  • Publication number: 20080217037
    Abstract: An excavation apparatus, for mounting on track type excavator, having a mast, a sled slidably mounted on the mast, a sled driving system supported by the mast for downcrowding and upcrowding the sled along the mast, and an extendable kelly section system that prevents slippage of the sled relative to the mast. The extendable kelly section system has a non-rotating outer kelly section attached to the sled, and a non-rotating inner kelly section that is extendable from and retractable into the outer kelly section. A bushing assembly maintains the outer kelly section slidable on the mast. The inner kelly section is automatically powered into and out of the outer kelly section a distance proportional to the distance that the sled is downcrowded or upcrowded along the mast while preventing slippage of the inner kelly section relative to the outer kelly section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Richard L. Howell
  • Patent number: 7393156
    Abstract: A construction apparatus having an arrangement for controlling guidance of a frame thereof along a predetermined path, e.g., a slip-form paving apparatus, has an arrangement for selectively digging vertical bores in the ground surface at spacings along the predetermined path for planting of vertical posts to be secured by the paving material upon setting thereof. In operation, as the construction apparatus is guided over the ground surface along the predetermined path, the bore-digging arrangement is periodically actuated to form vertical bores at spacings along the predetermined path, after which a settable paving material is formed along the predetermined path including filling the vertical bores with the paving material, and posts are placed vertically in the holes for securement therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Power Curbers, Inc.
    Inventor: Shane Andrew James Dunstan
  • Patent number: 7387172
    Abstract: An articulated, modular, track-mounted, self-propelled, remote-controlled drilling apparatus is demountable into several heli-transportable components, including a drilling module and a drill support module, plus separate hydraulically-driven track carriages on which they are removably mountable. The track carriages are demountably coupled in tandem by a tri-axially articulated hitch mechanism incorporating a track steering mechanism. The drilling module carries a rotary drill, a hydraulic pump operatively connected to the track drive mechanisms, and a primary motor, which selectively drives either the drill or the pump. The use of multiple demountable modules reduces the weight of the components to be heli-transported, thus allowing the use of smaller and more economical helicopters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Inventors: Gerald J. Vandeligt, Gerald J. Richard
  • Patent number: 7380611
    Abstract: A rock drilling machine (1) having, on a machine housing (2), a first attachment element on a first attachment side (13) for its fastening to a slide member which is movable back and forth along a feed beam, the attachment element having a contacting surface (17) for co-operation with a contacting element supported by the slide and a fastening element (18, 19) for the engagement with fasteners co-operating with the slide. The machine is distinguished by the rock drilling machine (1) being provided also with a second attachment element on a second attachment side (15), the second attachment element being configured similarly to the first attachment element, having a contacting surface (17) and fastening element (18, 19), to allow the rock drilling machine (1) to be fastened to the slide member also with the second attachment element. A rock drilling system has the rock drilling machine as one of its components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB
    Inventor: Thomas Östling
  • Patent number: 7290621
    Abstract: A process to lower or raise a drilling rig for transportation wherein the drilling rig includes a mast and a top drive. The process to lower includes the steps of moving the top drive within the mast with a vertical guide and torque reaction mechanism to a locked position and locking the top drive to the mast with a locking mechanism. The mast and the top drive are lowered together from a vertical position to a horizontal position. The combined mast and top drive may then be transported in the horizontal position without disconnecting electrical, mud line or other services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Helmerich & Payne, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Orr, George Dotson
  • Patent number: 7278498
    Abstract: The rotatable support for inclinable masts of drilling machines includes a connecting element connected to the lifting mechanism of a drilling machine, and including two essentially parallel planar elements having an essentially triangular or trapezoidal shape, on the vertex of which a coupling element configured for bearing the mast is connected. The coupling element is rotated by two pistons, and is coupled to the connecting element by two hinges having a common rotational axis and spaced one from the other, in order to allow the passage of the piston rods between the hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Comacchio USA Corp.
    Inventors: Renzo Comacchio, Paqualino Comacchio, Patrizio Comacchio, Mohamad Ajami
  • Patent number: 7255180
    Abstract: A modular transfigurable drilling rig comprises one or more transfigurable containers with drilling equipment to form an operational drilling rig. The transfigurable containers include a first and second load bearing support and a load bearing bottom disposed between the first and second load bearing supports, thereby forming a space. The container includes drilling equipment rotatably attached to the load bearing supports or the load bearing bottom. The drilling equipment is disposed within the space. The drilling rig further includes one or more connectors adapted to engage at least two transfigurable containers together. The drilling rig further includes piping adapted to connect the drilling equipment together, cabling adapted to provide communication between the drilling equipment, and a power source connected to the drilling equipment, wherein the power source is adapted to provide power to the drilling equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignees: Drillmar, Inc., Itrec B.V.
    Inventors: Christopher Louis Beato, Joop Roodenburg
  • Patent number: 7111689
    Abstract: An apparatus for transporting an injector assembly, such as an injector and a BOP, for coiled tubing to a wellhead may have a platform, such as a trailer, having a shaft attached thereto by at least one bracket. Pivotally on the bracket may be a boom, which may have telescopic sections, and at least one member, which may have a substantially boomerang shape. The member may be attachable to the bracket by an extendable boom fold actuator, and may be attachable to the boom via an extendable boom operating actuator. By selectively extending and contracting the boom fold actuators and the boom operating actuators, the boom may be selectively positioned between a transport mode, a vertical mode, and an operating mode. In this way, one assembly may be used to transport the coiled tubing and the injector assembly for connection to the wellhead, thus minimizing rig-up or set up time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventors: Leslie Wise, Phil Houck, Jerry Provencher
  • Patent number: 7055630
    Abstract: A truck mounted crane is equipped with an earth boring bit apparatus which can be attached to the end of a crane boom to excavate holes prior to the erection of signs or other elevated pole mounted structures. The earth boring bit apparatus includes a earth boring bit attachable to a gearbox which may include an extension shaft to permit its use on the crane. The crane also includes high capacity hydraulic lines suitable for actuating the earth boring bit, which also includes a drum for collecting earth as the hole is bored so that the crane can be used to remove the debris as part of the same operation in which the hole is bored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Inventor: Jones Wayne Burton