Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to an apparatus having a travel height truss including a frame suitable for transporting an item. The apparatus includes a boom which may be raised from the frame. The boom is raised and lowered by a hydraulic system comprising a travel height truss. The travel height truss may comprise two portions, telescopically connected to each other, one portion pivotably connected to the frame and the other pivotably connected to the boom. The travel height truss provides greater leverage than would otherwise be available for the maximum size and weight of the load available for a given (fixed) maximum length of trailer. In this manner, the boom frame can be raised to greater heights, while maintaining horizontal distance, than otherwise.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handling apparatus and a method for supplying drill rods or casings to a drilling rig, comprising a track for receiving and supplying a drill rod or casing, a rear sledge, on which a rear end portion of the drill rod to be supplied is mounted and which can be moved along the track by means of a sledge drive arrangement, and a front sledge, on which a front end portion of the drill rod or casing to be supplied is mounted and which can be moved along the track, wherein the rear sledge and the front sledge can be releasably connected to each other by means of a linking device.

Abstract: A system configured to predict and optimize operating life of a piece of drilling equipment includes a plurality of operating sensors coupled to a piece of drilling equipment, wherein each of the operating sensors is configured to measure an operating condition of the piece of drilling equipment. A control system in communication with the operating sensors is configured to calculate an operating life of the piece of equipment based on the operating conditions.

Abstract: An adaptable pipe transitioning system and method that can easily be used with drilling platforms varying in height is provided. The adjustable pipe handler includes a base having a surface forming a track for receiving at least one pipe, a lift arm having a first end being pivotally mounted to the front section of the base and a second end resting against the elevated platform, the lift arm being positionable at an incline from the base, and forming a channel operably corresponding to the track of the base for receiving the at least one pipe therefrom, and a transitioning arm, movably connected to both the base and the lift arm, for positioning the lift arm, the transitioning arm also forming a channel operably corresponding to the track of the base for receiving at least one pipe therefrom and guiding the pipe along the lift arm to the elevated platform.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering drill pipe has a support frame, a catwalk platform, and a slide platform that are pivotally connected together. A drill pipe rack, a chain drive, and a kicker direct the drill pipe to and from the catwalk platform. A hydraulically actuated piston lifts the catwalk platform and slide platform into alignment to create a single inclined delivery platform extending from the ground to the rig floor. A powered means lifts or lowers the drill pipe along the delivery platform.

Abstract: A wellbore equipment handling device is disclosed. The wellbore equipment handling device can comprise a catwalk to facilitate movement of a tubular. The catwalk can include a trough to receive the tubular. The trough can extend longitudinally along the catwalk. The catwalk can also include a base to support the trough and an indexer for moving the tubular about the catwalk. The wellbore equipment handling device can also comprise a bucking unit coupled to the base. The bucking unit can be configured to couple and uncouple joints of tubulars and downhole tools. The indexer can be operable to move the tubulars to and from the bucking unit.

Abstract: A trailer mounted system for delivering a section of pipe or other tubular from a rack or staging area to a rig floor, or vice versa. A central beam is pivotally mounted to a trailer assembly and can be selectively raised or lowered relative the underlying trailer assembly. An extender beam, telescopically mounted to the central beam, can be selectively extended or retracted, while a trough member attached to the beams can be selectively partially rotated. Lateral pipe support rails can provide a base for selectively directing a pipe section towards or away from the trough. A safety system prevents inadvertent rotation of the trough when loaded with a section of pipe or other tubular, as well as inadvertent extension of the trough when rotated.

Abstract: A pipe handling system control apparatus is disclosed which includes a remote control that outputs a throttle signal to control speed of movement of a trough of the pipe handling apparatus. A position sensor outputs a position of the trough of the pipe handling apparatus, and a controller receives the output of the position sensor and limits the throttle signal from the remote control based on the output of the position sensor. The controller may receive the signal from the position sensor indicating the trough is within a predefined pocket and limit the throttle signal when the trough is within the pocket. The controller may limit the throttle signal, for example, to 18 percent of full throttle when the trough is within the pocket. The position sensor may include a cable pull sensor having an encoder that outputs a signal representative of a position of the trough.

Abstract: Equipment for moving tubular members from a storage rack to an elevated platform floor is disclosed. A base-mounted articulated support structure has an arcuate trough mounted on top thereof. Loading arms are secured to a side of the pivotal trough for picking up one tubular member from the rack and moving to the platform floor. Unloading arms detachably securable to the trough facilitate movement of the tubular members from the platform floor onto the rack.

Abstract: A drive system for a catwalk skate that uses a hydraulic skate-cable drive system. The system includes two counteracting hydraulic cylinders, each with a sheave connected to the cylinder rods, and a cable that winds around each of the sheaves and connects to both ends of the skate.

Abstract: A kicker/indexer is provided for a pipe handler for moving pipe to and from the drill floor of a drilling rig. The kicker/indexer includes a frame that is configured to attach to a catwalk, a push block drive assembly for receiving and pushing pipe towards a trough located on the catwalk, and a kicker drive assembly for pushing pipe out of the trough. A pipe handler is provided that includes a catwalk attached to a lower frame with a pair of scissor-legs and a trough nested therein, the trough having an end that can be raised and moved towards the drill floor. The trough can further have a skate slidably disposed thereon to pushing pipe on the trough towards to the drill floor.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus includes a support base extending longitudinally and disposable proximate a pipe handling rig. A lifting base is movably attached to the support base. The apparatus has means for moving the lifting base longitudinally along the support base, an intermediate support frame coupled to the lifting base and a vertical lifting device coupled between the intermediate support frame and the lifting base. The vertical lifting device is configured such that through an entire lift motion thereof, the intermediate support frame remains in a same plane as the lifting base. A pipe handling channel is pivotally coupled at one end to the intermediate support frame. Means for elevating the other end of the pipe handling channel are coupled to the intermediate support frame and the pipe handling channel.

Abstract: Equipment for moving tubular members from a storage rack to an elevated platform floor is disclosed. A base-mounted articulated support structure has an arcuate trough mounted on top thereof. Loading arms are secured to a side of the pivotal trough for picking up one tubular member from the rack and moving to the platform floor. Unloading arms detachably securable to the trough facilitate movement of the tubular members from the platform floor onto the rack.

Abstract: Pipe handling apparatus and methods intended to facilitate the transportation of pipe between a rig floor and a rack of pipe. The pipe handling apparatus comprise in general a loading mechanism, which transports pipe between the pipe handler and a rig, and a racking mechanism, which transport pipe between a rack and the loader. The racking mechanism is adapted to selectively transport pipe from and deliver it to various levels in a rack of pipe. The racker comprises a pair of elevators, each of which has a pipe rest which is moveable between a hold position, in which pipe may be received therein and is restricted from rolling out of the pipe rest, and a release position, in which release position pipe may roll out of the pipe rest.

Abstract: A system for delivering a downhole tubular from a rack at an oilfield surface to a rig floor thereat. The system includes a trough for accommodating the tubular that is slidably engaged with a lift frame in a sledded fashion. Thus, for delivery of the tubular, the trough may be sleddingly extended from the lift frame. That is, as opposed to a roller type of coupling between the trough and tubular, a sledded coupling is utilized that may require comparatively less maintenance and mobilization time. This may be particularly the case where lighter weight tubulars of less than about 1,000 lbs., preferably under about 500 lbs., are being delivered.

Abstract: A cartridge of tubulars may be removably positioned with a carriage, and the carriage may move the cartridge transversely, vertically, and/or rotationally to roll tubulars on an adjacent tubular receiving member using only gravity from a selected tier of tubulars without human contact. A single trolley disposed with the tubular receiving member both pushes and pulls tubulars toward or away from the drilling deck.

Abstract: A pipe handling catwalk is provided for moving tubulars or pipe to and from a work floor of well drilling or service rigs. The catwalk includes a variable height V-door for guiding pipe to the work floor. The V-door is made of a series of sequential pivotally attached segments that can extend from, and retract into, the catwalk at an angle relative to the catwalk along a guide track disposed at an end of the catwalk.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for moving a tubular member to and from an elevated drilling rig floor. A support structure has an elongate indentation in its upper surface. A ramp assembly comprises telescoping assemblies having nested tubular elements extendable between retracted and deployed positions, thus forming a guide extending from the elongate indentation towards the drilling rig floor. Indexers may urge the tubular member towards or away from the elongate indentation. Kickers may urge the tubular member into or out of the elongate indentation, and may be operable via actuators which also operate the indexers.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for moving a tubular member to and from an elevated drilling rig floor. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a support structure configured to be positioned adjacent a pipe rack. A carrier is moveably coupled to the support structure, and a carriage is moveably coupled to the carrier. A trough extends longitudinally over the support structure and is moveably coupled to the carriage, the trough being configured to receive a tubular member. The trough is operable to tilt relative to the support structure. A lift arm is operable to move the carriage relative to the support structure thereby also moving the tubular member received in the trough. Indexers may urge the tubular member toward or away from the trough. Pick up arms are operable to retrieve a tubular member from an adjacent pipe rack, or to place the tubular there for storage.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in delivering tubulars to an elevated work area is described. A slideway for receiving a tubular is mounted on the leading end of an extendable carriage. The opposing end of the carriage is pivotally fixed to a frame assembly. Extension of the carriage drives the leading end towards a work area. A carriage support ramp receives the leading end of the carriage as it is extended, and guides the leading end towards the elevated work area for discharge of the tubular from the slideway.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for handling pipe includes an elongate frame structure for mounting on a ground surface, in which a carriage unit is mounted on the frame structure and is operable for selective and reciprocal shifting along the frame structure. A boom member mounted on the carriage unit is operable for selected pivotal movement relative to the carriage unit, and a plane generally parallel to the boom member's longitudinal axis, about a generally horizontal pivot axis oriented transverse to the direction of shifting of the carriage unit along the frame structure. An elongate pipe carrier mounted on the boom member as dimensioned for receiving pipe so that the pipe's longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the boom member and the pipe member, wherein the pipe carrier is operable for selective pivotal movement about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A pipe handling catwalk comprising: a deck including an upper surface, a first end, an opposite end and a tubular support surface on the upper surface, the tubular support surface being elongate and extending between the first end and the opposite end; a deck guide including a wall extending up from the deck upper surface and drivable along tubular support surface of the deck; a ramp mounted on the deck adjacent its first end and positionable extending at an angle from the deck; a carrier connected to the ramp to remain on the ramp and being moveable such that an end thereof can be lifted away from the ramp to reduce the inclination of the carrier relative to the angle of the ramp, the carrier including an upper surface and a tubular retaining surface thereon extending along the carrier substantially in line with the tubular support surface of the deck; and a carrier guide including an upstanding tubular engaging surface extending up from the carrier upper surface and drivable along tubular retaining surface

Abstract: A self-contained, freestanding, modular, portable pipe pick-up and laydown apparatus. The apparatus includes a movable carriage and carriage rail supported on base frame. The base frame includes means for moving the carriage along the length of base frame. The apparatus also includes a pipe trough supported on first and second telescoping pipe trough lifting assemblies pivotally mounted on the carriage. The pipe trough is semicircular in configuration which serves to cradle and manipulate a joint of pipe. Jacks are used to lift and tilt upward the telescoping pipe trough lifting assembles to raise the pipe trough and any supported pipe. The pipe trough may be leveled and otherwise manipulated by extension and retraction of the trough lifting assemblies. A hydraulic lift and detachable hinges are used to pivot the pipe trough on its edges as desired. The invention also provides a movable pipe jack and reversible pipe guides to facilitate the loading and unloading of pipe to and from the pipe trough.

Abstract: Methods and systems of handling pipe. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods of handling pipe comprising placing a pipe on a conveyor when the conveyor is below a floor of a drilling rig (the pipe originating selectively from a first side of the conveyor or a second side of the conveyor, the second side opposite the first side), and raising the conveyor to be in operational relationship to the floor of the drilling rig.

Abstract: An apparatus for paring tubular articles (R), especially for plastic tubes, has at least one support unit (10) for supporting the article (R) to be pared, a paring unit (40) which has a paring head (44) with at least one blade assembly (46) and at least one guide assembly (48), and a carrier unit (70) to which the support unit (10) and the paring head unit (40) are held in mutually spaced relationship. The paring head (44) is pivotable about a pivot axis (50) which extends at least approximately perpendicularly to the plane defined by the support unit (10) and the paring unit (40).

Abstract: A teeter beam assembly is provided for attachment to a pipe launcher that can be tilted towards or away from the pipe launcher to move joints of drilling pipe on to or off of the pipe launcher by rolling pipes with the assistance of gravity. The teeter beams assembly can consist of a frame, a pair of vertical guide assemblies on each of the outer and inner ends of the frame, a longitudinal beam glidably coupled to the guide assemblies and a pair of rams coupling the beam to the frame for raising and lowering either end of the beam with respect to the frame.

Abstract: The apparatus for an automated drill pipe casing stabbing arm includes a telescopic tube assembly, a movable roller bracket assembly, a movable arm assembly, a mounting assembly, an apparatus actuator, and a PLC portable remote control device. An actuator mechanism positions the gripping arm assembly and the roller bracket assemble relative to one another in order to capture and grip the casing therebetween to support and grip the casing on the circumference thereof from opposing diametric sides. The automated stabbing arm is installed on a rig's mast or derrick. In a working position, the apparatus is oriented horizontally to provide radial support and guidance to the casing. A rig worker on the rig floor controls the apparatus by means of the portable remote control device.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus transfers successive lengths of drill pipe that are stored in a generally horizontal position on a pipe rack, to an elevated position on the rig deck of an oil and gas well drill rig. An elongated frame includes a base section with a folding section that can be inclined. Both the base and folding sections provide toothed racks. A trestle section travels from the base section toward the inclined section. Pinion gears at opposed end portions of the trestle section engage the toothed racks of the base and folding sections. The trestle section gradually increases in inclination as its front end portion travels toward and up hoisting rails of the inclined folding section. While the rear end of the trestle section remains on the base section, the front end portion of the trestle section climbs the toothed racks of the inclined rails.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for handling a tubular above a wellbore. In one aspect, the present invention provides a pipe handling apparatus operable with a pipe pick-up and lay-down machine. The pipe handling apparatus includes at least one arm having a first end and a second end and at least one stop member coupled to the second end of the arm. Preferably, the first end is pivotally coupled to the pipe pick-up and lay-down machine. The pipe handling apparatus may be actuated to limit movement of the tubular as it is moved toward the wellbore.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus for raising and lowering pipe to and from a raised derrick work floor. The apparatus comprises a longitudinally-extending base, with a longitudinally-extending cavity therein. An elongate, longitudinally-extending boom member is provided, which is adapted for raising out of and nestable positioning in such cavity. The boom member has a longitudinally-extending trough therein on an upperside surface thereof, adapted to receive at least one section of pipe. At least one arm member is coupled to the boom member for raising a proximal end of such boom member. A pipe ejection assembly, integrated into said boom, is operable as the boom lowers into the cavity for the purpose of laterally ejecting pipe from the trough. The ejection assembly is adaptable for uni-directional or bi-directional ejection. Motive means are provided to permit powered movement of the ejector members when the boom is nested.

Abstract: The trailer is operative to carry tubulars (drill collars or drill pipe) to a service rig and raise them to the level of the rig floor so that the rig elevators can latch onto them and stand them up in the derrick. The trailer has a roller-equipped carriage operative to move along tracks supported by and extending lengthwise of the trailer frame. An elongate flat bed is pivotally mounted at its front end to the trailer frame. The bed's rear end can be raised by a scissor hoist connected between the carriage and the rear end of the bed. The bed has grooves extending lengthwise thereof in which the tubulars sit. Thus the trailer can be backed up to within a few feet from the well. The rear end of the bed can be raised and the carriage and bed can be advanced rearwardly to bring the rear ends of the tubulars within reach of the rig elevators.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring tubular stands between a substantially horizontal position on the catwalk and a substantially vertical position at the rig floor entry. In one embodiment of the invention, this is accomplished by moving bundles of individual tubulars to the process area, where a stand make-up/break-out machine, also called a bucking machine, makes up the tubular stands. The bucking machine aligns and stabs the connections and makes up the connection to the correct torque. The tubular stand is then transferred from the bucking machine to a stand storage area or to a trolley pick-up area. When additional stands are needed by the drilling operation, a trolley is moved into position over the trolley pick-up area to retrieve the stands previously placed in the trolley pick-up area. The stands are clamped to the trolley and the trolley is moved from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position at the rig floor entry.

Abstract: A drilling machine 1 with a drill pipe holder 10 to be operated automatically in boring as well as in pulling, disposes over a gripper 20, which is constructed rotatably about an axis 21 and beyond that also axially displaceably, and has a telescoping support arm 22. The pipes 8, 9 can be arranged, i.e. stored, inserted into one another in pipe depositories 11, 12, 13 forming a partial circle 15 and can also be pulled out of them and swiveled into the drilling axis 7 with the aid of the gripper 20. When pulling the drilling string, the pipes 8, 9 can then be individually fanned out into the pipe depositories 11, 12, 13 and then later on the outer pipes 8 can be slid over. The entire process is operated automatically with the gripper 20.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a tubular (9) to a well centre, which apparatus comprises means (13, 14) which, in use, inhibit swinging motion of the tubular (9) whilst it is suspended from an elevator.

Abstract: Device for handling pipes or stands, comprising a transportation carriage (2) for transport of pipes or stands (33) between a pipe storage (1, 101) and a place for use. The carriage comprises picking columns (12, 13), each having a first picking arm (19) arranged to move substantially vertical. The arms (19) are capable of lifting at least one horizontal pipe or stand (33) from the pipe storage (1, 101). The picking columns are also equipped with a respective second picking arm (18), capable of motion substantially vertically on the opposite side of the picking column (12, 13), to hold the pipe or stand (33) between the first and second picking arms (18, 19). Also described are a storage device (1) and a pipe erecting device (201) to be used together with the transportation carriage.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus for transporting a joint of pipe between a position adjacent a pipe storage rack and a rig floor elevated above the pipe storage rack is provided. The pipe handling apparatus includes a support frame, substantially horizontally disposed platform supported by the support frame having a pipe receiving groove formed therein for receiving the joint of pipe, a carriage member, and a pusher member. The carriage member is movable from a lowered position wherein the joint of pipe which is positioned in the pipe receiving groove of the platform is supported in a substantially horizontal position and a raised position wherein the carriage member supports a first end of the joint of pipe at an elevated position relative to an opposed second end of the joint of pipe. The pusher member is movable along the pipe receiving groove between a retracted position and an extended position.