Abstract: A rotating cone drill bit includes a plurality of mud nozzles extending from the bit body, which are thermally fitted by controlling the temperature differential of 300° F.-900° F. depending on the corresponding materials of the elements to be fitted, the amount of fit desired, and the diameters of the elements to be fitted and which provide substantially obstruction-free mud paths toward the wellbore bottom. The bit has a plurality of reduced diameter cutter assemblies, each having a journal projecting from a corresponding leg. The journal has at least two cylindrical bearing surfaces and an annular groove formed therebetween and a spindle. An annular retention segment is rotatably mounted in the groove. The retention segment has an outer radial surface engaging a portion of one of the bearing surfaces of the cone, and an energy beam welding area fusing substantially the entire engaging surfaces of the retention segment and the cone.

Abstract: A sea vessel exploration and production system is provided, wherein the system includes a drilling station formed from at least one section of a first sea vessel hull; and a docking station, which is also formed from at least one section of a second sea vessel hull. A mooring system suitable for connecting the drilling station to the docking station is also provided. Means for anchoring the vessels to the seafloor, and for attaching them to turret buoys, are also considered. Various exploration and production packages, as well as equipment required to deploy and control a self-standing riser system in either deep or shallow waters, are also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for carousel drilling, which includes a drill tower having a rotatable drive motor at the top, and a carousel pivotably attached with respect to the drill tower and capable of supporting four elongated drilling devices, at least certain of which are drill extenders capable of attachment to, and detachment from, a drilling tool. A retainer plate is located at the upper end portion of the carousel to receive and retain the drilling devices in a generally vertical orientation when the drill tower and the carousel are raised to a generally vertical orientation for operative drilling. A primary breaker plate is provided for individually receiving and engaging each drilling device at the lower end portion of the carousel. A secondary breaker plate is located above the primary breaker plate for individually receiving the four drilling devices.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for improving top drive operations. A method of ensuring safe operation of a top drive includes operating a top drive, thereby exerting torque on a first tubular to makeup or breakout a first threaded connection between the first tubular and a second tubular. The method further includes monitoring for break-out of a second connection between a quill of the top drive and the first tubular; and stopping operation of the top drive and/or notifying an operator of the top drive if break-out of the second connection is detected.

Abstract: Extension systems for iron roughnecks are provided. These systems are equipment apparatuses and extendable/retractable supports for devices used for connecting and disconnecting tubular members (e.g. casing, tubing, pipe, or drill pipe) on drill rigs. The systems in particular relate to iron roughnecks, and methods of moving them on a drilling rig.

Abstract: A pipe positioner having an arm including a lower jaw and an upper jaw mounted thereon is provided. The pipe positioner includes at least one of the lower jaw and the upper jaw with at least one shear pin disposed in location to provide protection of the pipe positioner from mechanical overload. A method for retrofit of a pipe positioner and a blasthole drilling rig are disclosed.

Abstract: A mobile oil, gas and geothermal well drilling rig provides for the rapid placement, assembly, disassembly, and repositioning of various rig components of the drilling rig. The drilling rig includes a support base and working floor which is trailerable and which can be rapidly erected to a working height at the well site. A drawworks trailer transports both the drawworks and the rig derrick. Hydraulic cylinders on the drawworks trailer are used to move the derrick from a horizontal, transport position to a vertical, working position while the weight of the derrick is off-loaded from the drawworks trailer to the base support structure.

Abstract: A module is for use in drilling a borehole in a face of a mine passage using a drilling element and installing a bolt in the borehole once formed. The module may include a bolt holder for holding a plurality of bolts and a drilling element holder for holding a plurality of different drilling elements. A manipulator moves along an arcuate path between the bolt and drilling element holders to deliver the respective components to a drill head positioned along the arcuate path. The drill head may also slide relative to the mast in two different directions, and includes a drill guide for determining the location of the face to be worked. Related aspects of control of the module and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing tubulars on a floating semi-submersible drilling or production vessel. The apparatus comprises a storage device for storing tubulars in a submerged position, essentially below a splash zone. The storage device is generally open to the surroundings so that the tubulars are externally exposed to surrounding water. It is also described an apparatus for transporting tubulars between a storage and a derrick on an offshore drilling and/or production platform having a platform deck. The apparatus is situated below the platform deck and is adapted for movement under the platform deck. A method for disassembling a pipe string is also described.

Abstract: A system and method for building and handling oilfield tubular stands while drilling operations are simultaneously and independently occurring with one drilling deck, one derrick, and one rotary system. An offline guided path horizontal to vertical arm lifts and moves in the same plane tubulars stored horizontally on the catwalk and positions the tubulars vertically directly into a preparation hole for assembling and disassembling tubular stands while online drilling operations are simultaneously being conducted. A stand arm lifts and lowers the tubulars into and out of the adjustable preparation hole, and transports the tubulars for storage to an auxiliary tubular racking station in the upper part of the derrick. A bridge racker crane moves tubular stands from the auxiliary tubular racking station to the top drive or another tubular racking station.

Abstract: A derrickless system for servicing tubulars at a wellhead has a first tubular handling apparatus with a gripper positioned adjacent the wellhead where the gripper grips a surface of one of the tubulars, a second tubular handling apparatus with a gripper positioned adjacent the wellhead where the gripper grips a surface of another of the tubulars, and a slip assembly positioned in the wellhead. The slip assembly has a wedge bowl positioned at the wellhead that is suitable for receiving the tubular therein, and wedges positioned in the wedge bowl that are suitable for positioning between the wedge bowl and the tubular. Each of the grippers of the first and second tubular handling apparatus has a stab frame and three grippers attached to the stab frame.

Abstract: A system for coupling a pipe segment to a pipe string is provided that includes a top drive assembly having an output shaft; and a pipe running tool coupled to the top drive assembly and rotatable by the output shaft of the top drive assembly. The pipe running tool includes an internal gripper for insertion within an internal diameter of the pipe segment and a tapered slip cone section, which slidably receives corresponding tapered surfaces of a plurality of slips, such that a vertical force on the slips causes the slips to move radially outwardly into gripping engagement with the internal diameter of the pipe segment, and wherein the vertical force applied to the slips is sufficient to allow the gripping engagement of the slips with the internal diameter of the pipe segment to transmit a torque from the top drive output shaft to the pipe segment.

Abstract: A top drive system for wellbore operations, the top drive system including motor apparatus, a main shaft driven by the motor apparatus, the main shaft having a top end and a bottom end, a quill connected to the main shaft, a gear system interconnected with the quill and the motor apparatus, and a multi-seal system for sealing against the quill. 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 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: A horizontal offline stand building system includes a substantially horizontal, elongate catwalk having a frame and a stand lifting arm. The catwalk has a top surface adapted to receive at least two tubluars aligned coaxially along a linear path in a make-up channel on said top surface. The tubulars are threaded together to form preferably at least a triple pipe stand in the make-up channel. The completed stand is then transferred laterally to a delivery channel containing the stand lifting arm. The stand lifting arm is selectively actuable lifting arm for selectively elevating a rig end of a pipe stand from said top surface of the catwalk to the deck of a drilling rig, and then for supporting the mid and rear sections as the stand is hoisted from the delivery channel up the derrick of the drilling rig.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for charging a drilling device of an earth or rock drilling apparatus with a double rod. The device has a rotatable revolver magazine, which is designed with double receiving spaces for receiving two tube parts that are inserted into one another.

Abstract: A system for forming a subsurface wellbore includes a rack and pinion system including a chuck drive system. The chuck drive system operates a drilling string. An automatic position control system includes at least one measurement sensor coupled to the rack and pinion system. The automatic position control system controls the rack and pinion system to determine a position of the drilling string.

Abstract: A device for handling and storage of drill string sections, and assembly or disassembly of a drill string on an installation especially intended for exploratory and/or production drilling for hydrocarbons, where: at least one set of individual, separate cooperating means of transport is arranged to move a drill string section or a single drill pipe length in synchronized motion; where a) a primary means of transport is provided with a first gripping device for releasably holding a lower end portion of the drill string section or drill pipe length; b) a secondary means of transport is provided with a first means of lateral support for releasably enclosing an upper end portion of the drill string section or drill pipe length; and c) each means of transport is displaceable along a substantially horizontal or vertical guideway.

Abstract: A system for coupling a pipe segment to a pipe string is provided that includes a top drive assembly having a threaded output shaft; and a pipe running tool threadingly coupled to the threaded output shaft of the top drive assembly such that the primary load of the pipe running tool is supported by the threads of the output shaft of the top drive assembly, and wherein the pipe running tool is rotatable by the output shaft and further includes a pipe engaging portion for grippingly engaging the pipe segment sufficient to transmit a torque from the top drive output shaft to the pipe segment.

Abstract: A drill bit carousel for use on a blast hole drill includes a base structure that movably supports a plurality of drill receptacles. The drill bit carousel is movable between a storage position and at least one exchange position. In the exchange position, one of the drill receptacles is aligned with a centerline of a drill pipe string. In the storage position, the drill bit carousel is clear of the centerline of the drill pipe string.

Abstract: A drill floor device has two or more mouseholes for assembly and disassembly of pipe string sections. The mouseholes are arranged to be displaced underneath the drill floor by a drive system and positioned under a hole or an opening in the drill floor. At least one of the mouseholes is provided with an elevator arranged to raise and lower a pipe or a pipe string section located in the mousehole, between an upper working position in which the upper end of the pipe/pipe string section projects above the drill floor and a lower position of rest in which the upper end of the pipe/pipe string section is below the drill floor.

Abstract: A apparatus for a pipe handling apparatus has a main rotating structural member rotating about a pivot axis relative to a skid and moving from a first position to a second position. A tensioning mechanism is affixed to the main rotating structural member. The tensioning mechanism applies a tension to the main rotating structural member when the main rotating structural member is in the second position. The tensioning mechanism has a first cable having an end attached adjacent a top of the main rotating structural member, and a second cable having an end attached adjacent the top of the main rotating structural member. The first and second cables have opposite ends attached to a fixed surface. The first and second cables extend angularly outwardly from a front of the main rotating structural member. The first and second cable extend angularly outwardly from the sides of the main rotating structural member.

Abstract: A monolithic well drilling rig for drilling either on-shore or off-shore new in-line arranged oil, gas, mineral and water wells or for servicing in-line not productive said wells with well heads emerging from ground by at least three meters, said rig including a drilling mast supporting a vertically upward and downward movable drilling rotary head, to said drilling mast being operatively associated a plurality of operating means including at least pipe and drilling bit and stabilizer container means, pipe gripping and loader means, drilling bit and stabilizer element gripping and loader means, motor driving means, a control operator cab and auxiliary servicing means, characterized in that said drilling mast/derrick and all said operating means associated with said drilling mast/derrick are operatively supported either on a ground movable substructure or on a water surface floating platform.

Abstract: A transport floor connected to the transport watercraft. An elevated drilling floor integrally connected to the transport floor; supporting a derrick comprising at least two rails for supporting a traveling top drive supported by a crown block. The crown block is connected to the derrick. The elevated drilling floor has a control panel comprising a power throttle for operating the top drive.

Abstract: Systems and methods for drilling auxiliary holes such as conductor holes, ratholes, and mouseholes useful in drilling operations. The systems and methods include the use of a portable drilling apparatus that is selectively mountable on a rig's drill floor and is removable after an auxiliary hole has been drilled. A movable drive unit is pulled down by a cable system forcing the drive unit down and thereby facilitating drilling of the auxiliary hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a construction apparatus having an extendable mast with an upper mast element and a lower mast element, whereby the upper mast element is longitudinally displaceable relative to the lower mast element. The apparatus according to the invention is designed with a linear drive for displacement of the two mast elements relative to each other, whereby the linear drive has an upper drive part which can be actuated in a linear manner relative to a lower drive part of the linear drive, and with a locking device for locking the two mast elements in an extended mast position.

Abstract: A drill frame or drill platform 1 is allocated to a ship caisson 6 in order to allow bore holes 12, 13 to be driven, for example, into the bottom of a lake 11. Since said bore holes 12, 13 must subsequently be filled with explosives, the use of several drill tools 25 of different design is necessary and possible because a rod magazine 20 comprising several different drill tools 25 is allocated to said drill frame 1. It enables simple and rapid replacement because a conventional clamping device 29 and clamping and crushing device 30 can be employed. The individual drill tools 25 are each equipped with adapters 31 of identical design so that they can be seized and actuated safely using the described clamping and drilling (sic) devices 29, 30.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to systems for building and/or handling a tubular string of a drilling device. The drilling device comprises a drill floor and a drilling derrick extending from the drill floor. The drill floor has an extension in a first plane (P1) being substantially perpendicular to a first direction (N). The system comprises a suspension device being fixedly attached to the drilling derrick, wherein a projection of the suspension device, in the first direction, onto the first plane (P1), is situated outside the drill floor. The present embodiments also relate to drilling device trolleys arranged to transport a component to and from a drilling center of a drilling device. The present embodiments relate to a use of a drilling device having a drill floor, wherein the drilling device has a suspension device being situated outside the drill floor.

Abstract: An automated tubular running tool for use in drilling systems and the like allows for the picking up, positioning, stabbing and threadedly connecting a tubular segment to a tubular string being held by the rig by a spider. The tool comprises a pivoting arm, which can pickup, position, stab and threadedly connect the tubular segment. The tool further features an integral elevator, which then lowers the piping string tubing string into the well bore. This tubular running tool allows for the connection of tubular segments to a tubular string without the need of personnel.

Abstract: A portable hydraulic rig for workover, drilling or other operations on existing wells in which the rig has a derrick elevated on a base structure comprised of containers for equipment used in association with drilling or workover activities, a work platform including pipe rack sections for storing a plurality of pipes, the derrick being open-sided with a power cylinder at its upper end for lifting and lowering pipe sections away from and into each well, and hydraulic drive cylinders for advancing the rig between wells without telescoping or pivoting the derrick into a travel position, all of the hydraulic components being controlled from a central control panel on the work platform.

Abstract: A module is for use in drilling a borehole in face of a mine passage using a drilling element and installing a bolt in the borehole once formed. The module may include a bolt holder for holding a plurality of bolts and a drilling element holder for holding a plurality of different drilling elements. A manipulator moves along an arcuate path between the bolt and drilling element holders to deliver the respective components to a drill head positioned along the arcuate path. The drill head may also slide relative to the mast in two different directions, and includes a drill guide for determining the location of the face to be worked. Related aspects of control of the module and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A drilling placed on the seabed and arranged for drilling of oil and gas wells is remote controlled from a light drilling vessel (2) through pipes and signal cables (3). The main structure of the drilling rig is made up of two cylindrical structures (1 and 10), in connection with which there is provided a number of cylindrical silos (8) for storing drill pipe magazines (23). A complete drilling module (17) can be lowered and retrieved through hatchways (11) at the top of the first cylindrical structure 10 The drilling rig is anchored to a foundation frame (7) by hydraulic legs (9). A cylindrical skirt (34) encloses the BOP (33) to prevent pollution of the environment.

Abstract: A pipe handling assembly for transporting pipe sections to and from the drill string of a horizontal boring machine. The system comprises a magazine, a cradle for supporting the magazine, a support member, a drive system, and a transfer assembly. The drive system may move the cradle and the magazine laterally on the support member or may pivot the magazine. The transfer assembly transfers pipe sections between the magazine and the spindle connection area. The magazine and the support frame are disposed above the spindle connection area such that only empty columns of the magazine are outside of the footprint of the boring machine. The magazine may be removed from the cradle when empty or full to continue with the boring operation.

Abstract: A transport rig having at least one duel axel, with a single point suspension. The transport rig has at least two pneumatic independently and vertically adjustable load supporting axels. A rig floor is mounted above the axels. The rig floor can have a drawworks assembly, a drive engine operatively connected to the drawworks assembly, and a second engine for providing hydraulic power.

Abstract: A drilling rig includes a mast to be placed above or close to a well and a device connected to the mast for carrying drill pipes to be lowered into the well, which carrying device includes at least three carriers which are connected at different heights to the mast and displaceable in height direction therealong and which are adapted to exert a pulling force or a pressing force as required on the drill pipes. The upper carrier can have a device for rotatingly driving the drill pipes, while the lower carrier, which can be connected releasably to the mast, can have a flexible device for connecting thereof to a blowout preventer placed on the well. A method for introducing one or more drill pipes into an underbalanced well while making use of such a drilling rig includes suspending the drill pipe(s) from the carrying device and urging the pipe(s) downward into the well while exerting a pressing force.

Abstract: A subsoil automatic rotary drilling system for drilling oil, mineral and water wells, characterized in that said system comprises, on a single system substructure, at least a triple-transmission hydraulic arrangement for lowering and raising a plurality of pipe elements to be introduced into and removed from a wellbore, said arrangement including a plurality of operating cables, each said cable having a dead end fixed to a cylinder carriage also supporting a plurality of transmission pulleys to handle together, while providing a triple stroke of pulling and pushing cylinders, two, three, four drilling pipe elements, having each a length of about 9.20 m (range 2).

Abstract: A pipe handling system is disclosed with an elongated base that is dimensioned to receive and support a movable tray in a position parallel to the base with at least two degrees of freedom of movement. The movable tray is also dimensioned to receive at least one section of pipe, and one end of the movable tray is separable from the base with a pipe positioner slidably disposed in the movable tray for transporting pipe and with a loader disposed adjacent to the movable tray that receives and feeds a section of pipe into the tray. The pipe handling system may include a movable tray having at least three degrees of freedom of movement The pipe handling system may include loaders that are extendable from the base.

Abstract: A synchronizer device is used for coordinating drill rod transfer mechanisms utilized in connection with transferring the drill rod between a drill rod magazine and the drill string in a horizontal directional drilling rig. The synchronizer device may transfer the movement from a first transfer mechanism to a second transfer mechanism, wherein the first transfer mechanism is powered and the apparatus acts as the motive force to move a second non-powered transfer mechanism. Alternatively, the synchronizer device may coordinate and synchronize the movement between a first and a second powered transfer mechanism. The synchronizer shaft is rotationally supported by bearings mounted on the rack frame of an HDD rig. The synchronizer shaft includes a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end. First and second ears are mounted on or proximate the first end and the second end of the synchronizer shaft respectively.

Abstract: A well drilling apparatus (10) (top drive) designed to be suspended from a travelling block (6) in a drawworks and laterally supported by a dolly (9) running together with the well drilling apparatus along tracks or rails fixed to a derrick. The well drilling apparatus (10) comprises at least one driving motor (5), one power transmission (4) powered by the at least one driving motor (5), a drive shaft (7) driven from the power transmission (4) and designed to be connected to a drill string, load transferring means, and a torque arresting device (3) fixed to and depending from the power transmission (4). At least a number of the above referred components of the well drilling apparatus (10) are designed and arranged as component modules, which by means of quick releasable connecting means connect the individual components/modules together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drilling device and a related drilling method, in which provision is made for a mast, a drilling carriage that is guided along the mast in a displaceable manner and a drive unit for moving the drilling carriage on the mast. In accordance with the invention the drive unit has both a hydraulic cylinder drive and a rope winch drive. The drilling carriage can be coupled with the hydraulic cylinder drive and with the rope winch drive.

Abstract: A pipe handling system comprises a pipe erector that is operable to move a pipe from a horizontal storage position to an inclined position. In the inclined position, an upper end of the pipe is adjacent to an elevated drill floor of a drilling rig and the pipe is at an angle between horizontal and vertical. The pipe handling system also comprises a guide system that is operable to engage the pipe and control lateral movement of the pipe as it is moved from being supported in the inclined position by the pipe erector to a vertical position supported by the drilling rig.

Abstract: A cableway transport system for moving tubulars between a supply of tubulars and a rig mast implements a gondola suspended and movable along load cables. The gondola is fit with grippers for carrying tubulars between the rack and mast. The gondola has a first landing coupler which is received and releasably couples to a second landing coupler on the mast for forming a landing connection. The landing connection enables rotation of the gondola to align the carried tubular with the wellhead. The grippers can be individually actuable to allow finer alignment of the tubular above the wellhead.

Abstract: A magazine for greasing drill rods includes a magazine assembly couplable with a drill assembly, for instance, a directional drill. The magazine assembly includes a magazine coupled with the drilling assembly. The magazine is sized and shaped to house a plurality of drill rods. The magazine further arranges the plurality of drill rods so a fitting of each drill rod is in a predetermined pattern relative to other drill rod fittings. A cover is moveably coupled with magazine and sized and shaped to conceal the fittings of the plurality of drill rods when in a closed position. A method for greasing drill rods includes positioning a plurality of drill rods within the magazine. The magazine is sized and shaped to arrange the plurality of drill rods so a fitting of each drill rod is in a predetermined pattern relative to other fittings. The method further includes pre-greasing two or more of the fittings of the plurality of drill rods at one time.

Abstract: A pipe handling system is disclosed with an elongated base that is dimensioned to receive and support a movable tray in a position parallel to the base with at least two degrees of freedom of movement. The movable tray is also dimensioned to receive at least one section of pipe, and one end of the movable tray is separable from the base with a pipe positioner slidably disposed in the movable tray for transporting pipe and with a loader disposed adjacent to the movable tray that receives and feeds a section of pipe into the tray. The pipe handling system may include a movable tray having at least three degrees of freedom of movement The pipe handling system may include loaders that are extendable from the base.

Abstract: A control apparatus to receive a tubular member includes a contact member configured to engage the tubular member, and a control mechanism operably coupled to the contact member, wherein the control mechanism is configured to dampen movement of at least one of the tubular member and the contact member as the tubular member engages the contact member.

Abstract: A tubular running system including a running tool system for running wellbore tubulars, a tubular handling system connected to the running tool system, a drive system connected to the running tool system, and the tubular handling system having two spaced-apart extensible arms movable toward and away from the running tool system, in one aspect with an elevator connected to the arms for releasably engaging a tubular to be moved with respect to the running tool system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for drilling with a top drive system are provided. In one aspect, the present invention provides for a top drive system having includes a top drive, top drive adapter, and a tubular positioning apparatus. In one another aspect, the system includes a telescopic link system connected to a lower portion of the top drive adapter to move the casing string into engagement with the top drive adapter. In another aspect, the top drive adapter includes a housing operatively connected to the top drive and a plurality of retaining members disposed in the housing for gripping the tubular. In another aspect, the tubular positioning apparatus includes a gripping member for engaging a tubular and a conveying member for positioning the gripping member. A spinner may be provided to rotate the tubular.

Abstract: A downhole tubular gripping and suspending apparatus adapted for gripping a downhole tubular and suspending said downhole tubular from said apparatus. The apparatus has a housing (2) and a bottom opening (6) for introducing said top end of said tubular into a reception chamber (5) via said bottom opening (6). External coupler gripping members (20) are mounted on said housing (2) and adapted to grip an exterior of the enlarged diameter part of the coupler Shoulder support members (30) are mounted on said housing (2) and adapted to engage under said shoulder (103) of a tubular top end received in said reception chamber (5).

Abstract: Lower pipe stand racking combs are arranged to fold down from a side of the derrick at selected locations above the rig floor. In each racking comb an array of parallel fingers extend in a spaced array from a pivotable spine. The spine rotates to raise the fingers to a near vertical position to clear the rig floor activity area. A suspended pipe stand can pass laterally from the well center line past the ends of the fingers. The fingers, each, have a retractable extension that, when extended, will prevent the suspended pipe stand from passing the extended finger. The stopped pipe stand can then move transversely into the selected space between two fingers. Each finger extension has independent fluid power supply and control lines, the collection of the lines may extend to a control and power source selectively positioned on the rig floor or derrick. Raising of each comb assembly is, preferably, done by a fluid power cylinder attached to the derrick structure and to each comb assembly.

Abstract: A grapple attachment for use with a drill pipe having a diameter, that may include first and second gripping members disposed on a rigid lateral member tiltable up to 40 degrees from the horizontal and preferably continuously rotatable, wherein each of the first and second gripping members has a first and second claw and a bracket having a concave contact surface, each claw having a concave gripping surface, wherein the surface of the bracket and the gripping surfaces of the first and second claws come in contact with the drill pipe when the gripping member is in the closed position.

Abstract: Drilling apparatus for receiving, moving and aligning pipe sections as they are added to a string of pipe on a drilling rig when using an iron roughneck. After the iron roughneck is moved to well centerline and engaged with the box connection of the pipe suspended in the well bore, a hydraulically controlled pipe engagement mechanism is extended radially away from the iron roughneck and in the general direction of the pipe rack. Said pipe engaging mechanism receives the lower end of the next stand of pipe to be added and is the hydraulically retracted to lock around said pipe stand and bring said pipe stand into alignment with the pipe string suspended in the well bore.