Abstract: The rat hole assembly includes a rat hole comprised of a casing large enough to receive a kelly used in drilling of a well. The casing is perforated to permit passage of fluid when inserting or withdrawing the kelly, thus avoiding a piston effect. The rat hole is free at its upper end and includes a releasable pivot connection and support or anchor assembly at its lower end so that the upper portion of the rat hole can be swung adjacent to the rotary table used for drilling for insertion of the kelly into the rat hole and withdrawal of the kelly from the rat hole in normal drilling operations, and the rat hole, either with or without the kelly in it, can be swung over to an out of the way position when not in use.The releasable pivot connection and support or anchor assembly preferably includes a "J" slot assembly having a pair of protective outer plates connected to a structural member and includes inner "J" slot plates.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for manipulating pipe members in operating on a well, including a frame that is movable along the floor of the drilling derrick and which is equipped with a clamp for guiding pipe members toward and away from the well bore, guides for vertically orienting pipe members and aligning them with the well bore, and powered tongs for making and breaking threaded joints between pipe members and the drill string located in the well bore. In a method of manipulating pipe members in operating on a well with a mast-supported elevator, pipe members supported by the elevator are guided toward and away from the well bore area by a pipe manipulator movable along the working floor, aligned by the pipe manipulator, and threadedly joined to, or disengaged from, the drill string in the well bore by powered tongs carried by the pipe manipulator.

Abstract: A pipe delivery system and method in which pipe is fed to the drilling rig floor by carrying the pipe in a single elongated skate along a horizontal and then upwardly inclined ramp so that the end of the pipe can be hoisted upwardly off the skate. Pipe is kicked off the skate laterally onto pipe delivery ramp plates by pushing ejector plates carried by the skate upwardly into an angle to cause the pipe to roll off the skate and down the delivery ramp plates. The ejector plates are actuated by pistons and cylinders housed in a retracted position below the path of the skate and which are extended upwardly against the ejector plates. The pipe is delivered by gravity rolling the pipe either from or to the skate by selectively positioning ramp plates with the desired lateral inclination at each side of the skate and providing indexing fingers which are movable into the path of the pipe on the ramp for separating an endmost pipe for removal.

Abstract: A device for changing bore crowns on a drill rod including a bore crown magazine member and means for automatically stopping and locking the magazine member in a desired rotated position.

Abstract: A drilling rig mounted on a bore inclined to the vertical in which transfer of drill strings from a store to the bore is effected on the low side of the rig.

Abstract: Pipe handling apparatus for transporting pipe in a pipe carrier between a pipe rack and a derrick floor wherein the pipe carrier is supported by a first cable and is manipulated between the pipe rack and the derrick floor by a second cable which is operably connected to a lateral displacement means mounted with the pipe carrier for lateral displacement of the pipe carrier and the pipe therein as the pipe carrier nears the derrick floor thereby to position the pipe for unloading at the derrick floor without detrimental contact of the pipe with any object to accomplish such lateral displacement.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus for transporting pipe, drill collars, or similar elongate members between the elevated drilling floor of a well derrick and a lower storage area is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a pair of support cables forming a cable track extending between the rig floor and the storage area with a rear bucket that receives and holds the lower end of the pipe riding on the support cables. The rear bucket is movable along the cable track by a third cable which controls the transporting of the pipe from the rig to the storage area in a pipe lay-down operation. A series of support buckets is anchored proximate the rig floor and is extendable along the cable track as the pipe is being transported, providing support to the intermediate portion of the pipe.

Abstract: A drilling rig assembly mounted on a pile, the store for drill strings to be used in drilling being in the form of a carousel mounted concentric with the pile.

Abstract: A wheeled or crawler-type vehicle carries a support structure for a drilling apparatus such as used in rock drilling. The support structure includes a tower enclosing a rotary rack for drill rods which may be screwed together by cone threads to form a drill string. The tower is attached to a subtower that can be swivelled relative to the support structure for drilling in any desired angular position. Various devices greatly facilitate the storing and handling of each topmost drill rod. There are transverse drives as well as centering, gripping and retaining means, preferably operated by fluid cylinders, for moving the rotary rack and for transferring the respective drill rod from or to nesting seats in the rotary rack that can be revolved stepwise into accurate juxtaposition with a transfer aperture at the drilling center in line with the drilling head. The latter may be provided with an auxiliary motor to increase the effective torque for heavy duty, e.g.

Abstract: A vertically elongated container for drill pipe depends from and opens upwardly through the drilling platform of an offshore drilling rig in closely spaced relation to the rotary table. A power controlled pivotally mounted chute is associated with the container and selectively moves between a first position inclined toward the rotary table for the introduction and removal of pipe to and from the container by the derrick apparatus, and a substantially vertical position within the container for cooperation with handling apparatus utilized to manipulate the pipe within the container.

Abstract: In a hydraulically powered pipe handling system, a general purpose digital computer is used to control the operation of hydraulically powered racker arms as well as the various auxiliary functions involved in vertical piperacking operations. The manual pipe-racking system (that is, that which is hydraulically powered and under the control of one or more operators) is retained, the computer controlled mode of operation being an alternative system present in the overall design.There is provided to the operator, while the system is in its automatic mode of operation, visual indication of length of drill string, depth of hole, depth of drill bit and composition of the drill string, including number and type of pipe lengths making up the drill string.

Abstract: A pipe handling device for transporting pipe, drill collars, or like tubular members between the elevated drilling floor of a well derrick and a lower storage area has a pair of support cables extending between the rig floor and the storage area. A pipe trolley means rides the support cables and is movable along the support cables by a third cable to transport pipe from the storage area to the rig or to lay pipe down from the rig to storage. A cable draw works, typically in the vicinity of the storage area, anchors one end of the support cables and is provided with a take-up mechanism for the support cables to enable them to be slackened to enable a pipe to be loaded into or unloaded from the pipe trolley means in the storage area and thence tensioned to facilitate the travel of the trolley to the elevated rig floor.

Abstract: An improved shaft drill break-out system is disclosed that utilizes three separate out-put torques for the power swivel used to break-out, make-up and rotate the drill stem and attached drill bit for earth boring. When removing drill stem from the hole, the power swivel is tightened to the upper end of the drill stem with the largest torque. Thus, when the upper section of drill stem is lifted for breaking the bottom connection from the next lower section of drill stem, it is assured that this bottom connection will be broken since when going in the hole this connection was made-up with the intermediate torque. The lowest torque is used for drilling. As a consequence, sufficient torque for break-out is assured with proper selection of each of the three torques. Additionally disclosed are break-out arms and a slip assembly adapted for selected engagement with vertical slots in the drill stem to facilitate make-up and break-out.

Abstract: Apparatus for manipulating equipment by selectively holding it in a gripping device mounted on a movable closed-loop belt. In the particular embodiment shown, a swivel and elevator combination is mounted on a brace which runs along a track in the derrick of a well workover rig. A belt chain is joined to the brace to form a closed loop, and is motor-driven to raise or lower the swivel and elevator arrangement to move drill pipe or casing into or out of a well.

Abstract: A rotary drill rig includes an elongated mast, a pulldown head disposed for linear traversal along the mast and connected to mechanism for effecting pulldown and hoisting movements on a drill string, and a rotary drive unit adapted to be connected to the pulldown head for unitary movement therewith to form a rotary top drive drilling head. The rotary drive unit may be detached from the pulldown head and disposed at the lower end of the mast for performing joint breakout operations on the sectional drill string members and for performing drilling operations as a rotary table drive. A pair of parallel tracks are disposed on the mast for guiding the pulldown head and the rotary drive unit. The tracks are turned inward into the mast near the top end thereof to provide for parking the pulldown head out of the way of a block and tackle which may be used to raise relatively long drill strings from the drill hole.

Abstract: Racking apparatus and method for accomplishing racking of drilling pipes in a vertical position from the rig floor downward.A container located in the substructure area of the floating platform provides for the supporting of the pipes; while a triple-acting racking crane provides for the handling and racking operation of the pipes and, two racking frames provide for proper alignment of each stand inside the container.Auxiliary equipment is also provided for working in connection with the racking apparatus in order to fit all phases throughout the racking operation.

Abstract: An arrangement for the handling of drill string elements, such as tubes or rods, in drill rigs, comprising means for transferring the drill string elements between a magazine and the drill string axis, a drill string centralizer at the front end of an elongated support for guiding the drill string, a spinning device on said transferring means for gripping and rotating a drill string element, said means being adapted to axially displace the drill string element during rotation thereof, and a sleeve brake mounted on the drilling machine for non-rotatably holding a coupling sleeve when the adapter of the drilling machine is disconnected from the drill string.

Abstract: A carousel-type drill rod rack handles a plurality of drill rods having normal diameter holding portions, flats below the holding portions, and reduced necks below the flats. The upper support plate has collars that receive the holding portions and have openings sized to allow removal only when the rods are raised to bring the necks in line with the plate. Cutouts in the upper support plate define two pairs of parallel straight surfaces that engage the flats to limit rotation in either direction but allow limited rotation to provide a breakout impact, and lugs that supportingly engage the shoulders above the flats. A travel lock means includes a rotatable ring with lobes movable into and out of alignment with the shoulders at the bottoms of the necks to prevent forward axial movement when the rack is horizontal and means to lock the ring in normal and lock positions.

Abstract: Auger apparatus, such as a coal mining machine, adapted to utilize one or more augers each formed of a string of auger sections, and comprising means for transferring auger sections into the string in the proper axial, transverse and rotational position for coupling into the string. The disclosed machine comprises hoist apparatus for hoisting one or more auger sections to lift them from a storage rack at a side of the machine and place each in an auger string in the machine or to remove each from the auger string and place it in the storage rack. The hoist apparatus comprises rails extending transversely of and above the augers in the machine, a bridge that travels on the rails, a trolley that travels transversely of and on the bridge, and a lift member on the trolley movable in an upright path fixed relative to the trolley.

Abstract: An offshore drilling rig that embodies a means for vertical stacking of riser pipe sections and blowout preventors below a derrick floor and includes riser pipe manipulating mechanisms for transporting units in a vertical condition between a storage area and the operational area. In the operational area, the cellar floor is provided with a sliding door mechanism which is selectively capable of supporting either the blowout preventor and riser weight, or the blowout preventor. The transportation system includes means for lifting and supporting a riser pipe section vertically and movable in transverse and longitudinal, horizontal directions for transporting pipe sections in a vertical condition.

Abstract: Apparatus for holding and supporting a string of connected drill pipe sections which are suspended in a bore hole and for assisting in separating one drill pipe section from the string when the string is being disassembled.

Abstract: A multi-stage, well-drilling mast assembly, particularly adapted to mobile drilling platforms, such as drilling vessels, the assembly having a main stage mast and an auxiliary mast, both pivoted to the platform for swinging movements between horizontal and vertical positions. The main stage carries well pipe hoisting equipment, and the auxiliary stage carries rack equipment for vertically storing well pipe, and racker equipment for moving the well pipe between the rack and the center line of the mast assembly. The racker equipment includes an upper racker arm and a lower racker arm, the lower racker arm being vertically adjustable and having a vertically moveable head.

Abstract: In a drill rig, a device for exchanging a drill bit is mounted on a feed bar and is arranged movably to and from the drill axis. The bit exchanging device comprises means for holding a bit being brought thereinto non-rotatively during rotation of the drill string. Furthermore, there are means for providing an anvil to the bit when delivering impacts against the drill string.

Abstract: Apparatus for stabbing casing pipe as the casing is being run into a well bore. It includes a casing handling head arranged for grasping a generally upright section of casing pipe near the upper end thereof. The head is controllable for movement in a horizontal plane extending over the well bore and is movable vertically also. An operator platform is attached to the head for movement therewith. The platform has control means mounted thereon for operating the head, whereby an operator supported on the platform can visually observe and guide stabbing of a section of casing pipe and release the same by operating the control means. The position of the platform is such that an operator supported thereon can carry out other manipulative steps associated with the casing stabbing operation, as for example, the operation of the elevators, the pipe slings, and the like.

Abstract: At a rock drill, preferably most forwardly on its frame, a magazine with drill bits is arranged. When a drill bit has been worn such that it must be exchanged, the drill rod is retracted so much that the worn drill bit arrives at the magazine. By special means at the magazine the worn bit is unscrewed from the rod and replaced by a new bit from the magazine.

Abstract: A lever-operated latching device for securing in endwise coupled relation a socket and mating shank of axially aligned auger sections of an auger mining machine, and a mechanism for automatically releasing essentially simultaneously a plurality of lever-operated latching devices of auger sections located in generally coplanar parallel adjacent alignment, the operating levels of the levers of which latching devices are subject to displacement from an intended coplanar relationship. The latching device is designed to be of minimum radial dimension so as to fit in a limited radial cross section of hole bored by the auger machine, and includes a latch pin that reciprocates in a passage formed in the socket between an extended position in latching engagement with the shank and a retracted unlatching position.

Abstract: A magazine, adapted for use in a rock drilling rig, comprises means for spacing two adjacent drill rods. The spacing means includes turnstiles which are journalled rotatably in the magazine. The turnstiles are arranged to be rotated by the drill rods when the latter are moved into or out of the magazine.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus and more particularly a drilling apparatus having improved drill pipe storage and handling means therefor.

Abstract: A drill string is mounted on a mast which is angularly adjustable relative to a frame. A support is connected to the frame so as to be angularly adjustable and has an open aperture for the drill string. The support is to be mounted on and secured upon a stationary member, such as a pipe, disposed at the operating location of the drilling apparatus.

Abstract: A system utilizing linear hydraulic cylinders for continuously raising or lowering a pipe string. Two sets of cylinders are spaced along the length of the pipe string. The cylinders are driven reciprocally with the cylinders in one set moving out of phase with the cylinders of the second set. Each set of cylinders includes means for releasably supporting the pipe string. The supporting means are operated out of phase so that one is released while the other is supporting the pipe. Control is such that the cylinder sets alternately raise or lower the pipe by incremental amounts, providing a continuous constant motion to the pipe string.

Abstract: A two-ram hydraulic drilling rig is provided with a lateral support frame. The rams have rods connected through a tension structure with a power swivel. The power swivel has a removable swivel stem assembly for allowing through-swivel positioning of drill pipe, particularly for tripping.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for monitoring the speed at which a pipe string is lowered into or pulled out of a well bore during a well drilling operation. The system includes a unit which derives an electrical signal as a function of instantaneous pipe speed and a monitoring system which compares signals representative of instantaneous velocities with respect to predetermined velocity limits and provides physiological indications whenever such limits are transgressed. Also included are visual indicator means and recorder means, as well as a loop control system for automatic regulation of the speed.

Abstract: A system for use in the make-up or break-out of drill stem members of earth boring machines having a hydraulically operated power swivel to rotate the drill stem and hydraulic cylinders to raise and lower the swivel. A first, variable volume pump supplies fluid to the hydraulic cylinder through a four-way valve. A servo pump controller, connected with this valve and operable by variable resistors, establishes the linear make-up and break-out speeds for the power swivel. A second, variable volume and reversible pump supplies fluid to the power swivel means. A second servo pump controller, connected with the second pump and operable by variable resistors, establishes selected linear rotational travel speeds for the power swivel. Make-up torque is controlled by an electrical solenoid activated pressure compensator connected with the second pump, and linear speed is similarly controlled.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a mobile well drilling rig apparatus adapted for rapid assembly and disassembly thereof. The drilling rigs of the invention comprise a trailerable telescoping mast assembly and a separate sectionable substructure assembly therefor comprising a rig base, a working floor mounted in spaced relation above the base and a rig base extension extending outwardly from the drawworks side of the rig base. In a preferred embodiment, rail means defining a mastway are provided between the erected working floor and the rig base extension. The base mast section of the telescoping mast assembly is provided with cooperative mast roller means whereby the base of the mast structure is readily conveyed to the working floor and whereby the drawworks side mast legs are engaged into a trunnion arrangement therefor. Means are also provided for raising of the mast structure to the vertical from the drawworks side of the rig.

Abstract: A slant-type drilling rig assembly is disclosed having a pipe handling device which requires one operator during the transfer of conduit sections between an inclined drilling mast and a generally vertical conduit storage structure. The pipe handling device, or transfer apparatus, includes a pair of support columns having a horizontal structure connecting the upper end portion thereof. Freely suspended below the horizontal structure are an operator control station and an elevator. The elevator is connected to a fluid pressure operated means for raising and lowering which means is in turn connected to a fluid pressure actuated slidably mounted carriage. The transfer apparatus is pivotally mounted at its lower end for arcuate movement in a plane between the drilling mast and the pipe storage structure.

Abstract: .[.A carriage movable by a power unit along a track carrying a drive shaft connected sequentially to a plurality of drill rods. The drill rods are supplied by spaced apart transversely movable rack assemblies having upwardly opening spaced recesses therein. Transverse, spaced apart support arms are mounted for pivotal movement in vertical planes about a common axis selectively to an upper position in alignment with the drive shaft and to a lower position beneath the drill rods carried by the rack assembly. The rack assemblies are moved to position drill rods sequentially in alignment with the path of movement of the support arms..]..Iadd.A drilling apparatus and more particularly a drilling apparatus adapted for drilling holes into the side of a mass of earth and including thereon improved drill rod carrying and transfer means.