Abstract: A workstation system for monitoring and controlling subsystems on a drilling rig, the system comprising: first and second workstation alcoves positioned near a drill rig floor so as to provide operators with direct lines of sight while sitting or standing in the alcoves to control drill rig subsystems, wherein each of the first and second workstation alcoves comprise: an operator chair; a plurality of controls for controlling the at least one first drill rig subsystem; at least one display of a graphical representation of the at least one first drill rig subsystem.

Abstract: A horizontal directional drilling system with a removable operator station having a frame, a carriage, a base, and a removable cab. The carriage is moveable relative to the frame to provide thrust and rotation to a drill string. The base is located on the frame and has an attachment point and a fitting. The removable cab has a control system for controlling functions of the carriage and the frame and a bracket moveable between a first position and a second position. The bracket is connectable to the attachment point. The cab is moveable relative to the base when the bracket is disconnected from the attachment.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides drilling and tripping equipment packages and control schemes and methods using two or more lifting systems that operate simultaneously and continuously in a synchronized manner such that the feeding of tubular into or out of a well bore is achieved with continuous or near continuous movement, without the need for periodic interruptions. The drilling and tripping equipment packages and control schemes are also able to rotate the tubular in the well bore with continuous speed and torque sufficient for both drilling and back-reaming operations. The drilling and tripping equipment package and control scheme is additionally able to circulate drilling fluid into the internal bore of the tubular with sufficient pressure and flow to facilitate both drilling and back-reaming operations, with minimal interruption to circulation.

Abstract: A work-assist device includes a chest-support member configured to support a user's chest when the user is using the work-assist device. The work-assist device also includes a knee-support member configured to support the user's knees when the user is using the work-assist device. The knee-support member includes a pad having a curved lower surface and configured to cause the work-assist device to rock forward or backward in response to a weight shift by the user when the user is using the work-assist device. The work-assist device further includes an elongate frame member that includes a first end and a second end, where the first end is attached to the knee support member and the second end is attached to the chest support member. The work-assist device is configured to fully support the user in a forward-biased position when the user is using the work-assist device.

Abstract: A drilling rig with static resistant synthetic inter-connectable structural mat assembly. The assembly has a plurality of static resistant mats, wherein each mat engages another mat without tools or fasteners and each mat has a top layer, a middle layer, a bottom layer, a static charge conduction conduit through the mats, and an optional non-skid coating partially embedded in the mats to support drilling rigs. The mats are made from 100 percent recycled rust proof, non-absorbing post-consumer waste materials.

Abstract: A stabbing basket, for a rig and for supporting a worker while stabbing joints of tubular members together during running operations, comprises a frame member for mounting the stabbing basket to the rig, a platform to support the worker, a carriage to slidably mount the platform to the frame member, vertical power means for moving the carriage vertically with respect to the frame member, an articulating boom, interconnecting the platform with the carriage, said articulating boom comprising a first segment and a second segment, and at least one pivoting actuator positioned between the first segment and the second segment.

Abstract: A safety apparatus for personnel on an oil drilling rig includes a cylindrical quick disconnect switch having a receptacle and a plunger. The receptacle has an open circuit pair of electrical wires. The plunger is configured to attach to a derrick man. The plunger and the receptacle are configured to mate when the plunger is inserted into the receptacle and to remain frictionally mated until pulled apart. The mating results in closing the circuit between the pair of electrical wires.

Abstract: A seat module for an industrial machine. The industrial machine includes a base, a body, and a cab module supporting the seat module. The seat module includes a seat, a control panel mounted on the seat, one or more monitors attached to the control panel, and a plurality of controls positioned on the control panel. The seat module also includes a controller having a processor and connected to the control panel. The controller is configured to receive information from the plurality of controls and to control the operation of the industrial machine based on the received information.

Abstract: A stabbing basket, for a rig and for supporting a worker while stabbing joints of tubular members together during running operations, comprises a frame member for mounting the stabbing basket to the rig, a platform to support the worker, a carriage to slidably mount the platform to the frame member, vertical power means for moving the carriage vertically with respect to the frame member, an articulating boom, interconnecting the platform with the carriage, said articulating boom comprising a first segment and a second segment, and at least one pivoting actuator positioned between the first segment and the second segment.

Abstract: An apparatus is for use by an operator in forming boreholes in a mine passage including a rib and a roof. The apparatus includes a boom having a proximal end mounted to a base, such as a vehicle. A drill supported by the boom near a distal end thereof is adapted for drilling into the rib of the mine passage. An operator's station carried by the boom adjacent the drill includes a platform for supporting the operator arranged at least partially between a generally vertical plane aligned with the second lateral side and the rib. Accordingly, the operator can access the rib when positioned on the operator's station without interference from the boom.

Abstract: A stabbing basket, for a rig and for supporting a worker while stabbing joints of tubular members together during running operations, comprises a frame member for mounting the stabbing basket to the rig, a platform to support the worker, a carriage to slidably mount the platform to the frame member, vertical power means for moving the carriage vertically with respect to the frame member, an articulating boom, interconnecting the platform with the carriage, said articulating boom comprising a first segment and a second segment, and at least one pivoting actuator positioned between the first segment and the second segment.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a falling object protection system for use with a machine for forming underground bores and/or for installing product within underground bores. The falling object protection system includes a base forming a platform on which an operator can stand. The base includes an inner portion adapted to be positioned adjacent to the machine and an outer portion adapted to be positioned away from the machine. The falling object protection system also includes an outer barrier that extends upwardly from the outer portion of the base, and a top barrier that extends inwardly from the outer barrier and extends over the platform of the base. The falling object protection system further includes an upper frame that extends upwardly from an inner end portion of the top barrier. The upper frame includes a falling object deflection member spaced above the inner end portion of the top barrier.

Abstract: A technique enables improved performance of oilfield service operations. A protective shield is formed with a portable stand and at least one lightweight impact panel. The one or more lightweight impact panels enable easy movement of the safety shield from one location to another at a given well site or between different well sites, thus affording protection with a minimum of labor and set up time. The safety shield can be used to provide protection during individual operations and/or to segregate and protect independent operations from each other during multiple, simultaneous operations.

Abstract: A drill head for drilling machines having a protective screen for conveying the drilling slurry discharged from the drivers drill rods and related sleeves. A screen constructed according to the principles of the present invention reduces the slurry fallout area in the vicinity of the drilling zone. The screen panel has a generically U-shaped cross section, or in any case such a cross section as to cover wholly or partly at least three sides around the area where the slurry is discharged from the drivers of the drill rod (A) and related sleeve. In one embodiment, the screen panel is coupled to the structure of the drill head by connection supports and translation devices, so to translate the screen panel parallel to the rod and the sleeve.

Abstract: A safety net for a top drive including: a body having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end including fasteners for connecting the upper end of the safety net to the top drive and the lower end including an inwardly directed return for extending inwardly beneath the underside of the top drive; and an opening through the body for accessing the top drive from outside the net.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel safety shield for rotary drilling rigs. More particularly, the invention pertains to a portable, clam-shell style extendible leg safety shield which can be readily installed on the ground around the drill stem of an operational drilling rig, such as an oil well drilling rig. A safety shield for use in association with rotary drilling rigs comprising (a) a first protective shield; (b) a second protective shield hinged to the first shield; (c) a first leg assembly connected to the exterior of the first shield; (d) a second leg assembly secured to the exterior of the second shield; and (e) a securing mechanism for securing the first shield to the second shield.

Abstract: A rock drilling rig has a carrier (1) provided with a service platform (7) which is arranged on a boom (6). The carrier (1) is provided with a four link mechanism (8) which is swingable in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (2) of the carrier. The boom (6) is swingably arranged on one link (9) of the four link mechanism (8) and arranged at a distance from the carrier (1).

Abstract: A drilling rig system including a man-machine workstation interface located in proximity to the drilling rig for providing to a single operator at substantially one location simultaneous operational access to drilling rig processes. The workstation includes an adjustable base and an operator alcove formed on the base in which an operator is positioned allowing for a substantially unobstructed view of the drilling rig. Adjustable forearm support panels are formed on opposing sides of the operator alcove for supporting the forearms of the operator while positioned in the alcove. At least one display unit is adjustably connected to the base and has a touch access screen adapted to allow the operator to monitor and control drilling rig processes. A plurality of discrete hand controls are used for controlling predetermined drilling rig processes wherein at least one of the discrete hand controls is located on the forearm support panels.

Abstract: A method of enclosing an oil drilling rig. A first step involves providing a base and a flexible sheet-form covering having a first edge and second edge. A second step involves securing the base to the oil drilling rig and securing the first edge of the covering around a perimeter of the base. A third step involves securing the second edge of the covering to the drilling rig in spaced relation to the base, thereby maintaining the covering in a substantially taut condition forming a tubular enclosure.

Abstract: A directional drill for transport via rail tracks and railwheels associated with the directional drill to an operating location. The directional drill has a first frame associated with a set of pneumatic tires for movement of the directional drill onto and off of the tracks and, when removed from the tracks, for movement to the operating location. A second frame is rotatably attached to the first frame and allows the drilling configuration of the second frame to be more nearly horizontal relative to the first frame. Hydraulic lines move during drilling and are maintained in a predetermined configuration to reduce vibration and chaffing.

Abstract: A drill comprising a frame supported for movement over the ground in a forward propel direction and a rearward propel direction, a mast mounted on the frame in a generally vertical position, and a drill head moveable up and down the mast. The drill head is selectively engageable with the upper end of a drill pipe so that the drill pipe is raised and lowered out of and into the ground when the drill head moves up and down the mast. The drill further includes a crawler drive for moving the drill in the forward propel direction, a motor for moving the drill head to cause drilling, and an operator's cab positioned on the frame adjacent the mast. The cab includes a first console and a second console spaced from the first console, controls on the first console for operating the forward propel drive, and controls on the second console for operating the drill head motor.

Abstract: A viewport is located in the floor of a drill rig operator's cab to enable a rig operator to view drilling operations. As drilling commences, the operator may view the material underlying the rig and make a visual determination that the coal seam has been reached, by identifying that the material has the characteristic black color of the coal. When the coal seam is reached, the drilling operation is then altered accordingly to prevent overdrilling.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a movable load support used for supporting the roof in underground excavations. The load support includes a primary roof support carried on a base frame and an auxiliary roof support also carried on said base frame but laterally disposed from the primary roof support. The auxiliary roof support is longitudinally and laterally moveable with respect to the primary roof support to successively provide roof support to adjacent areas of the roof.

Abstract: An inflatable portable refuge structure includes at least one refuge chamber having a floor, ceiling and a peripheral sidewall and an inner resealable entrance in the peripheral sidewall of the refuge chamber. An airlock chamber having a floor, ceiling and peripheral sidewall is connected to the refuge chamber adjacent the inner resealable entrance such that exiting from the refuge chamber through the inner resealable opening proceeds into the airlock chamber. The airlock chamber further includes an outer resealable entrance in the peripheral sidewall thereof. The refuge chamber and airlock chamber each further include at least one one-way pressure valve, the pressure valves operative to release air from within the chambers in response to increased air pressure within the chambers. An external pressurized air supply source spaced from the refuge structure and connected thereto by an air supply hose supplies uncontaminated air to the refuge chamber thereby inflating the refuge structure.

Abstract: There is provided a portable drilling module that is preferably mounted onto a self-propelled carrier. Winterizing panels enclose equipment mounted aboard the module and provide an environmentally sheltered space for workmen. In particular, the panels fully surround a rear portion of the module that is adapted to be positioned over a well, and allow a full load of pipe to be temporarily stored within this portion of the module. Moreover, a number of the panels may be removed to reduce the weight of the module so that it can be transported and used for workover operations in warmer months.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is presented for facilitating the installation of electrical cables in sub-zero temperatures by heating the cables to make them more flexible and easier to work with. The cables and the workers thereon are sheltered from the elements to enhance the safety of the workers and improve the useful operating life of the equipment.

Abstract: A modular drilling apparatus having three units, each of which is fully enclosed, transportable and positionable for workover and completion of wells on 30 foot well centers without interfering with the operation of adjacent wells. The first end of the drilling unit is positioned over a well with its central axis diagonal to the centerline of the wells and at a right angle to the pipe handler in the pipe shelter unit, the vertex of the right angle being at the well center. The mud unit is set back from the centerline of the wells, and is functionally connected to the second end of the drilling unit. The width of the drilling unit is greater than 50% of the clearance between adjacent well houses on each side of the well.

Abstract: Wellhead and welder protector comprising an easily erected, temporary shelter designed to envelope a wellhead and the immediate surrounding area of either a production platform, well bay area or jack up rig "texas deck", for providing an optimal environment for welding, heat treatment, and similar processes. The overhead protection means can be in the form of a horizontal, planar surface comprised of aluminum, galvanized sheet metal, thick fabric or the like, supported via telescopic support means above the wellhead for providing overhead protection for its occupants from overhead falling objects and liquids. Self contained ventilation means for the removal of any toxic fumes and gases associated with welding and related processes is also included.

Abstract: For narrow ore mining, shrinkage stopping is used with working equipment, such as a working platform or mining rig (30), which is suspended in guide sections (38) in the roof of the mining chamber, and from which drilling and charging is carried through, the mining chamber communicating with a raise. In the raise, which follows the inclination of the ore body, a transport lift is used designed for receiving the working platform or mining rig (30) in its lift cage (20). The lift cage (20) comprises a transport guide arranged for suspension of the working platform or the mining rig in the lift cage and connectable to a start guide in the roof of the mining chamber.

Abstract: A guard assembly for encasing drive rods during below ground horizontal drilling is illustrated as including a tube positionable by an adjustable tube guide, which remains stationary during drilling, an expandable tube having a smaller diameter for telescoping into the larger tube, means attaching the smaller tube to the rotary drill power source for substantial encasement of the drive rod during drilling.

Abstract: A mine roof support system includes a plurality of truss members each having first and second ends which are positioned in spaced relationships one behind another. There are vertically extensible props under each end of the truss member which include stabilizer sleeves to stabiize the truss members thereabove. The vertically extensible props can be extended and retracted to adjust a vertical height of the props for supporting the truss member and for moving it into and out of engagement with the mine roof. Each of the props is supported by a ground engaging means in the form of a selectively operable propulsion unit capable of being operated to produce horizontal movement of the respective props and ends of the truss members. Connecting elements beneath the ends of the truss members connect the props in tandem relationship to permit the horizontal movement of truss members and associated props relative to each other by the propulsion units.

Abstract: A vehicle adapted for transporting and manipulating objects within a confined space, such as a tunnel. The vehicle comprises a pair of side frames interconnected by vertically adjustable front and rear interconnecting members that include horizontal portions onto which a boom is slideably and pivotally connected. Raising and lowering of one or two of the interconnecting members and lateral traversing of one or two of the connected boom portions provides for manipulation of an object or tool attached to the boom.

Abstract: A suspension system for an operator's compartment of a mine vehicle. The mine vehicle is of the type having a body wherein the operator's compartment is floatingly supporting on the body adjacent one side thereof for riding on the mine floor as the vehicle moves in the mine. The suspension system includes a vertical guide secured to the body for supporting and guiding rollers which are mounted on the compartment. A chain and sheave arrangement is connected between the vehicle body and the operator's compartment and acts to simultaneously lift both ends of the vehicle compartment in response to vertical forces developed between the mine floor and any point on the operator's compartment. The chain sheave arrangement acts to lift each end of the operator's compartment the same vertical distance with respect to the body thereby keeping the compartment level with respect to the body at all times.

Abstract: A travelling mining appliance, particularly a travelling drilling and/or bolting appliance, having a protective roof. The appliance comprises a driving station used for controlling the movement of the appliance on the ground and a separate operating station, located on the side of the appliance, for controlling the drilling and/or bolting device. According to the invention, the roof is mounted to pivot on the appliance about a vertical axis. It is thus able to move in an angular manner between a first position in which it is located above and protects the driving station, without projecting beyond the width of the appliance and a second position in which projects beyond the side of the appliance and is located above the operating station thus protecting the operator who is standing opposite this station.

Abstract: A mine roof support system having sets of laterally spaced pairs of elongated support members adapted to be moved into and out of abutting relation with a mine roof. Wheel supported frames extend between and connect adjacent end portions of each pair of support members with adjacent wheel supported frames at the ends of the support members being in spaced tandem relation and connected to each other by connector members. Extensible prop members are connected to and move the wheel supported frames and the elongated support members connected thereto selectively toward and away from the mine roof.

Abstract: The invention is an improvement for a combination mining machine and roof bolting apparatus in which the roof bolting mechanism is pivotable and can be used to install roof bolts in more than one location without moving the mining machine. The improvement is a pivotable canopy which pivots independently of, but in association with, the bolting apparatus. It comprises a canopy shield pivotably and cantileveredly mounted on the upper section of a telescopically-extensible mast. The telescopic mast absorbs all the moment loads, while the hydraulic extension cylinder disposed interiorily of the mast incurs only axial compressive loading.

Abstract: A roof drilling and bolting device comprising a mobile chassis and two cabs mounted to the front of the chassis for independent transverse (outward to the side) movement. The cabs have floors and protective canopies. Extensible hydraulic devices position the cabs outwardly of the chassis. Other extensible hydraulic devices raise and lower the cabs relative to the chassis. Mounted to the front of each cab is a drilling assembly including a rectilinear positioning device for drill pods which provides up-down and side-to-side movement of the drill pod in front of the cab. An extensible standard is positioned by a boom which extends forward of the chassis to provide a temporary roof support.

Abstract: A kelly bushing guard which encapsulates the rotating parts of a rotary table of a rotary drilling rig. The guard includes a shoe which rests on the fixed floor area of the table. The rotating center is located inwardly of the shoe. A bearing member has a fixed housing and a rotating center member. The fixed housing is attached to the shoe by a circumferentially extending wall member while the center member rotates with and slidably receives the kelly therethrough.The kelly can be lifted from the kelly bushing carrying the guard therewith so that the floor is unobstructed and the inner slip bowl is free to receive a set of slips or the like.

Abstract: A vehicle typified by a front-end loader is provided with a driver's cab that pivots up and down along a long pivot arm. This gives both high elevation for better visibility and low profile, e.g. for travelling or getting into low overhead places. The long pivot arm provides a lot of vertical adjustability for the cab, with relatively little tilting. The tilting that does occur may be accommodated by also adjusting the back rest of the operator. A system for pivotally attaching the cab roof is also shown. In one variation shown, the cab is mounted transversally, i.e. sideways to the normal travel direction of the vehicle; in another, the cab is oriented longitudinally. Preferably most or all of the shell of the cab is stationary and only the operator's station part thereof is vertically adjusted.

Abstract: An operator cab and drilling assembly for a roof drilling and bolting device. The cab comprises a floor and a canopy having extensible hydraulic means for adjusting the distance between the cab floor and at least the front edge of the canopy. A horizontal rail extends along the entire length of the front edge of the floor and is spaced therefrom. A roof bolting and drilling apparatus slidably engages the horizontal rail. The rail is mounted by swinging arms to always be parallel to the cab floor.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for gaining access to an underground chamber is disclosed to utilize a pressurized pipe casing which defines a conduit for introducing compressed air to a drill, which drill is utilized to bore a rescue hole to an area of entrapped miners. Thereafter, access is gained to the area of entrapment and the drill pipe is utilized as casing defining a rescue shaft for providing ingress of rescue personnel and egress of entrapped miners.

Abstract: A temporary roof support for mounting to a mining vehicle comprising a boom pivotally mounted to the vehicle and positioned in front thereof for rotation in a vertical plane and an extensible standard pivotally mounted to the front of said boom. An extensible hydraulic device secured at one end to the standard and at the other end to the boom adjusts the angular relationship therebetween. A transverse beam is mounted to the top of the standard for restricted angular movement.

Abstract: A system for mounting two operator cabs to a vehicle chassis for transverse extension. At least one large tube is mounted to the vehicle with its axis pointed in the direction of the operator cab movement. Two smaller tubes of different diameters telescopically engage the large tube and each other and project at opposite ends of the large tube. A bushing is fixed in the opening of the large tube from which the smallest tube extends. Two cab brackets slidably engage the outer surface of the large tube. An outer edge of each cab bracket is fixed relative to one of the smaller tubes which is a cantilever support therefor when the cab is extended outwardly of the length of the large tube. The cabs are slidably mounted to the cab brackets for vertical movement relative thereto.

Abstract: A Kelly Bushing Guard is comprised of an outer protective guarding shell which coverably mounts on the kelly bushing portion of a drilling apparatus. The outer shell is comprised of an upper smaller shell section which is mountable on the kelly bushing itself, there being provided an upper opening through the upper shell portion allowing the passage of the kelly therethrough. A lower shell section is integrally attached to the upper shell section, the lower shell section coverably registering with and guarding the rotary table portion of a well drilling apparatus. An improved cushioned mounting is provided which can be in the form of a plurality of pliable rubberized rings. The larger lower shell section provides a free space under the upper shell section which free space allows the kelly bushing to freely rotate therewithin.

Abstract: An upright hydraulic jack with a mine roof-engaging pad on its upper end and a skid shoe on its lower end is connected to one side of an elevatable canopy over an operator station.

Abstract: In a cutting machine having a cutter arm which is mounted at one end for universal pivotal movement and which carries at its free end a cutting tool: a walk-on platform covering at least part of the cutter arm, said platform being box-shaped in cross-section and having a width greater than the width of the cutter arm so as to protrude beyond the sides of the cutter arm and said platform having a generally planar top wall and a bottom wall which conforms to and rests on the exterior surface of the cutter arm; and at least one walk-on plate hinged to the platform at a side edge thereof for swinging movement about an axis which is approximately parallel to the axis of the cutter arm, said plate having a width less than the width of the upper wall of the platform movable from a position in which it lies on the top wall of the platform to an extended position in which it is approximately co-planar with the top wall of the platform.

Abstract: A portable vehicle-carried emergency breathing system including a plurality of bottles containing pressurized breathing gas and associated interconnected piping. An easily disconnectable line leads from the trailer to a manifold secured beneath the platform of the rig and from there to a plurality of multiple outlet manifolds at different locations on the rig. Lines from these manifolds are attached to face masks easily accessible to workers on or near the rig.

Abstract: An operator's station on a sub-chassis is supported for vertical movement on a mine car chassis. A vertically adjustable canopy is supported on the sub-chassis.

Abstract: A well drilling assembly including a platform adapted to support a person while drilling a well therebeneath through an opening in the platform includes a clamp assembly carried by the platform and mounted for rotation with respect thereto. The clamp assembly includes a pair of open jaws disposed in confronting relatively movable relation and with respect to each other for engaging and for readily releasing a drilling stem so as to be able to support a column of drilling sections as new sections are added and also to permit the clamp to rotate while the drilling sections are rotated at a position supported by the clamp to hold the sections in spaced relation from the bottom of the hole being drilled. The method of drilling includes manipulations involved in supporting the sections of pipe spaced from the bottom of the drilled hole while flooding water through the pipe to flush out the opening and also to permit the pipe to be rotatably driven while so held without exerting manual lifting force on the pipe.

Abstract: A drill boom is connected at its rear end portion to a mobile body and supports at its front end portion a drill pot for rotating a drill steel. The drill boom raises the drill pot along a predetermined straight-line path to advance the rotating drill steel into the mine roof to form a bore hole for insertion of a roof bolt assembly. An operator's compartment is slidably mounted on the front end of the mobile body laterally of the drill boom. A hydraulic cylinder positioned on the mobile body raises the operator's compartment along a plane aligned with the plane of movement of the drill pot. A protective canopy overlies and is movable with the operator's compartment. A drill steel guide is secured to the canopy and includes movable guide portions that extend into surrounding relation with the drill steel. The drill steel guide is elevated with the canopy to a position adjacent the mine roof.