Abstract: For wellbore operations, a pipe handler moves pipe up to a rig floor. A pipe loader moves pipe from a presented position into alignment with well center. The pipe handler moves pipe up to a slanted presented position. The slanted presented position can be adjusted by manipulating the drive system.

Abstract: A method for automatic handling of drilling rods includes a step of handling at least one drilling rod (30) by a handler (40) designed for simultaneously clamping and moving the drilling rod (30), and wherein the handler (40) moves the drilling rod (30) from an auxiliary retainer (200) to a main well (100). The handling step takes place automatically and is controlled by a data processing unit, and includes automatic handling of a drill head (20) fitted with a chuck susceptible to being screwed to the drilling rod (30); the automatic handling occurring among a plurality of heights (q1-q6) stored in the data processing unit.

Abstract: A method for moving tubulars from a horizontal position to a vertical position to perform one or more drilling operations, production operations, workover operations, or combinations thereof can include using a catwalk positioned adjacent to a drilling rig and a top drive connected to the drilling rig to hoist tubulars from the horizontal position to the vertical position.

Abstract: A pipe handling unit particularly adaptable for use in association with slant wells includes a pipe manipulation mechanism mounted to a mobile pipe storage rack, which when sited adjacent to a drilling rig or service rig can transport pipe sections to or from the rig mast regardless of the angular orientation of the rig mast. The pipe manipulation mechanism includes a boom rotatably mounted to the storage rack, with two or more swivel arms mounted to the mast, with pipe grapple means connected to the outboard end of the swivel arms may be swivelled outward, about axes parallel to the boom, to a position in which the grapple means can grasp a pipe section held in the rig mast. The swivel arms may then be swivelled in the opposite rotation to rotate the pipe away from the mast. The boom and swivel arms are then manipulated in coordinated fashion to deposit the pipe section in the storage rack.

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 pipe handling device with an auxiliary pipe loading device for use with a horizontal boring machine is disclosed. The auxiliary pipe loading device includes an auxiliary pipe receiving member that is connected to a pipe handling assembly at a location remote from the boring machine. The pipe receiving member is adapted to receive and support a pipe section when the pipe handling assembly is retracted such that the auxiliary pipe receiving member is positioned beyond the magazine of the pipe handling device. The auxiliary pipe receiving member is pivotally connected to a lockout assembly that is operable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the lockout assembly prevents a pipe section from entering the auxiliary pipe receiving member. Whereas in the open position, the lockout assembly permits a pipe section to be manually placed in the auxiliary pipe receiving member.

Abstract: A ground drilling machine comprises a machine body, a rod propelling device having a frame structure mounted to the machine body, a rod exchanging device mounted to the frame structure of the rod propelling device, and a support unit provided for the machine body for supporting the rod exchanging device. According to such structure, the ground drilling machine can be made light and compact.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magazine and manipulation apparatus for drilling rod parts for a drill, having a rod magazine in which the drilling rod parts are received in a multi-layered arrangement in a store, and having a removal device for transferring the individual drilling rod parts from the rod magazine into a charging device which transports the drilling rod part to the drill and for returning the drilling rod parts from the charging device to the rod magazine.