Lifting Arm Directly Engages Tower Patents (Class 52/119)
  • Patent number: 11339582
    Abstract: A drilling rig system includes a drilling rig that includes a mast, a pair of hydraulic pistons coupled to a pair of front legs of the mast and configured to apply a first force to the mast, the first force acting in a direction opposing a force generated by a weight of the mast, a plurality of raising lines coupled to a crown block of the mast and to a pair of rear legs of the mast opposite the front legs and configured to apply a second force to the mast, the second force acting in a direction opposing the force generated by the weight of the mast, and a drawworks assembly coupled to the plurality of raising lines and configured to apply a force acting away from the crown block of the mast to at least one of the plurality of raising lines to generate the second force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Fathalla Shalouf
  • Patent number: 11053777
    Abstract: A platform apparatus positionable close to a surface element to allow an operator to access production tubing being withdrawn from the surface element. The platform apparatus can be positioned in close proximity to a surface element of a well to permit an operator access to production tubing and cable secured to the production tubing. The cable can be separated from the production tubing and directed beneath a primary oil rig platform. The production tubing can be scanned with an electronic scanning device after the cable has been separated from the production tubing as the production tubing is being removed from the well. The platform apparatus can be positioned in close proximity to a surface element of a well being serviced by a pole unit to permit an operator access to production tubing. The production tubing can be scanned with an electronic scanning device as the production tubing is being removed from the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Brown, Trevor D. Willey, Justin C. Weaver
  • Patent number: 10894702
    Abstract: A vehicle lift system and vehicle dolly system are provided. The vehicle lift system includes a vertically extending portion, a stationary base portion extending horizontally from the vertically extending portion, a vertically movable vehicle support portion extending horizontally from the vertically extending portion and configured to support a vehicle dolly; and a lifting member coupled to the vehicle support portion and configured to elevate the vehicle support portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Inventor: Teffy R. Chamoun
  • Patent number: 10822883
    Abstract: A mobile well drilling apparatus for a drilling site with clustered wells includes a substructure. A mast includes hinging points and fixing points. The mast is hinged to the substructure via the hinging points, about which the mast rotates between a horizontal and a vertical position. A drill floor includes a first portion hinged to the mast, and a second portion fixed to the mast and moving integrally therewith; and a draw-works permanently installed on the substructure. The substructure includes first and second sub-bases. The sub-bases are parallel and spaced apart. The first portion of the drill floor includes a connection portion facing one of the sub-bases. The hinging points are connected to one of the sub-bases. In operation, the fixing points are connected to the opposite sub-base. Each sub-base includes hydraulic walking devices adapted to move the well drilling apparatus between the clustered wells on the drilling site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: DRILLMEC INC.
    Inventors: Adolfo Basile, Andrea Tiberi
  • Patent number: 10648436
    Abstract: A fuel supply device configured to supply fuel from an inside of a fuel tank to an internal combustion engine includes: a cover body that is installed to an upper wall of the fuel tank; a pump unit that is placed on a bottom wall of the fuel tank and is configured to discharge the fuel from the inside of the fuel tank toward the internal combustion engine; and a coupling stay that couples between the cover body and the pump unit. The coupling stay includes: an upper stay that extends on a lower side of the cover body; and a lower stay that is installed to the pump unit and is slidably fitted to the upper stay in a top-to-bottom direction. A stress concentrating portion, which reduces a section modulus to concentrate a stress around the stress concentrating portion, is formed at a specific location of the lower stay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Rui Adachi, Tadashi Hazama, Norihiro Hayashi, Takashi Akiba, Shingo Fukuoka
  • Patent number: 10125512
    Abstract: The present disclosure, in one or more embodiments, relates to a well servicing rig having a mast having a racking board, a base supporting the mast, and a stabilization system configured to secure the rig against wind loading. The stabilization system may include a pair of front outriggers, a pair of rear outriggers, a pair of racking board supports coupled to the rear outriggers, and a pair of internal guylines extending between the racking board and the racking board supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Blaine A. Allen, Jay D. Furnish, James R. Cirone, Michael R. Zemanek
  • Patent number: 9938777
    Abstract: A land drilling rig and associated methods are described that facilitate fast rig up of the drilling rig for drilling a well. In some embodiments, the drilling rig may include a rear trunk, a center trunk, and an alignment frame. The alignment frame may be coupled to an edge of the rear trunk and to an edge of the center trunk during unloading of one of the rear trunk and the center trunk from a trailer to align them during unloading. The drilling rig may be formed form a plurality of components, some of which may be dual purpose structures that store equipment during transit, testing, and rig up and that form a part of the support structure of the drilling rig. Further, base boxes may include moveable feet that can be controlled to walk the base boxes and the drilling rig to a selected location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventors: Axel Michael Sigmar, Richard Dwaine Souchek
  • Patent number: 9677298
    Abstract: A drilling rig may include a pair of main beams supportable by a pair of rails, a substructure, an A-frame secured to the main beams, and a mast pivotably secured to the main beams and configured to lay down in a pre-erected stage. The substructure may include a plurality of pivoting legs, a drill floor having a plurality of spreaders pivotably supported by the plurality of pivoting legs, and a plurality of drill floor subassemblies supported by the plurality of spreaders. The plurality of pivoting legs supporting the spreaders may be configured to lay down in a pre-erected stage as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Dreco Energy Services ULC
    Inventors: Kameron Wayne Konduc, Randy Steven Stoik
  • Patent number: 9458675
    Abstract: A transportable drilling rig having a self-elevating drill floor includes a base structure comprising multiple base towers that can be transported to a wellsite and positioned around an intended wellbore location. A horizontal base frame is installed between lower regions of the towers to form a stable rig base structure, and a drill floor can then be constructed over the base frame and between the base towers. A suitable rig mast can then be erected on the drill floor. Floor-lifting cables are anchored to upper regions of the base towers and disposable around corresponding sheave assemblies associated with the drill floor. The free ends of the floor-lifting cables can be engaged by the traveling block in the rig mast, whereupon the rig's drawworks can be actuated to elevate the drill floor and mast as required and then locked to the base towers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: DRECO ENERGY SERVICES ULC
    Inventors: Kameron Wayne Konduc, Donald Leonard Burlet
  • Publication number: 20150135607
    Abstract: A well drilling apparatus (2) and method associated therewith is able to shift between a first assembly operating configuration and a second use operating configuration. The apparatus (2) includes a sub-structure (21), which supports the apparatus (2), a mast (23), which is pivoted to the sub-structure (21), around which it rotates to shift between the assembly operating configuration, which is substantially horizontal, and the use operating configuration. A drill floor (22) is liftable and connected to the mast (23). An actuating device (3) allows the drilling apparatus (2) to shift between the two operating configurations. The actuating device (3) is hydraulic and directly connected to the mast (23). The drill floor (22) includes a first portion (22a), projects with respect to the mast (23), and a second portion (22b) constrained to and rotating with the mast (23. A draw-works (58) is permanently installed on the sub-structure (21).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Stefano Ferrari
  • Patent number: 8959874
    Abstract: A portable drilling rig apparatus includes a rig floor having a pedestal structure thereon, the pedestal structure comprising a lower pivot point and a lower attachment point and wherein the pedestal structure is configured to be rotated to a vertical position about the lower pivot point. The drilling rig further includes a mast structure having a mast pivot point at a lower end of the mast structure wherein the mast pivot point is configured to be pinned to an upper pivot point of the pedestal structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: International Drilling Equipment Company, LLC
    Inventor: Philip Wasterval
  • Patent number: 8875447
    Abstract: A completion system and method adapted for use in wells having long lateral boreholes includes a mast assembly, a pipe handling mechanism, a pipe arm, a pipe tub, a pump/pit combination skid, a rig carrier, and a control system. The mast assembly can extend in a generally vertical direction, e.g., perpendicular to the rig carrier and/or the earth's surface, such that the rig can be placed directly adjacent to a wellbore, and the top drive or a similar drive system can be engaged with and move along the mast while remaining above the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Superior Energy Services-North America Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Flusche
  • Patent number: 8601748
    Abstract: A wind turbine system erection apparatus may include a body portion having a window, a section handler secured to the body portion and extending through the window, the section handler adapted to pick, lift, axis-align, and set a mast section, and a movement mechanism secured to the body portion, the movement mechanism adapted to moveably reposition the body portion along the length of the mast of the wind turbine system. A method is also disclosed and may include positioning an erection apparatus near a base of a mast of the wind turbine system, the positioning including locating the erection apparatus substantially concentrically with the mast. The method may also include picking a mast section from near the base of the system with the erection apparatus, lifting the mast section along the length of the mast, and translating the mast section into the erection apparatus and into alignment with the mast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Pierre Cornelius Delago, Wayne Robert Long
  • Patent number: 8555563
    Abstract: A pole installation system includes a pole base and pole member releasably connected to the pole base. Mover structure is connected to both the pole base and the pole member to raise or lower the pole member while it is pivotally connected to the pole base to install or disinstall the pole member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas K. Wong
  • Patent number: 8544237
    Abstract: A lifting assembly for a solar power tower includes a track, a cable, and a winch. The track extends longitudinally from the tower top to the tower base. The winch is located at the tower top and anchors the cable that extends toward the tower bottom adjacent the track. A component attached to the track and to the cable is guided along the track by the winch spooling or unspooling the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Aerojet Rocketdyne of DE, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Zillmer, Daniel P. Cap
  • Publication number: 20130180186
    Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure is directed to a collapsible substructure of a mobile drilling rig. In one illustrative embodiment, a drilling rig substructure is disclosed that includes a base having a fixed drill floor mounted thereon, wherein an upper surface of the fixed drill floor is positioned at an operating height above the base for performing drilling operations at a wellbore location of a drilling site. Furthermore, a raisable floor is also included that is adapted to be positioned in a lowered transportation position for transportation of the substructure to the drilling site and raised to an operating position adjacent to the fixed drill floor for performing drilling operations, wherein a height level of an upper surface of the raisable floor is lower than a height level of the upper surface of the fixed drill floor when the raisable floor is positioned in the lowered transportation position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO, L.P.
    Inventor: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
  • Patent number: 8371074
    Abstract: A mast assembly having a base, and a mast pivotally connected to the base for movement between a horizontal and an upright position. A linear actuator is connected between the base and the mast and is extensible to move mast about the pivot. A strut is selectively positioned between the mast and the base to inhibit pivotal movement toward the horizontal position during lifting of the mast. A plurality of abutments on the base permits selective connection between the actuator and the base. The strut position supports the mast while said actuator is moved between the abutments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: ReDriven Power Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Bernard Grant
  • Patent number: 8250816
    Abstract: A method for installing rig structure (e.g. cabin, house, a doghouse) on a drilling rig, the method including: connecting support apparatus to a substructure of a drilling rig, supporting a drilling floor; moving a movement apparatus supporting a rig structure to position it adjacent the support apparatus, by moving movement apparatus on ground adjacent the substructure, moving the support apparatus into a connecting orientation with respect to the structure; connecting raising apparatus to the structure, the raising apparatus connected to the support apparatus; raising the structure up to the drill floor with the raising apparatus; and securing the structure to the support apparatus. 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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Benjamin Donnally, Chunqiao Ren, Stuart Arthur Lyall McCurdy, Xi Lin Liui, Hui Chun Sheng, Yan Yu, He Hui Chen
  • Patent number: 8146794
    Abstract: The present invention provides a boom and arm member of a construction machine excellent in weld zone fatigue strength and a method of improvement of its fatigue strength, that is, a boom and arm member of a construction machine superior in weld zone fatigue strength, the boom and arm member of a construction machine characterized in that toes of full penetrated weld zones of the boom and arm member have vibration strike marks, and a method of improvement of its fatigue strength. Preferably, the residual stress of the bottom surface of the vibration strike marks is a 10 MPa or higher compressive residual stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Nippon Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuro Nose, Kiyotaka Nakashima
  • Patent number: 8046959
    Abstract: The invention relates to a construction apparatus comprising a base carrier, a mast which is arranged on the base carrier in a pivotable manner, a first hydraulic cylinder and a second hydraulic cylinder for erecting the mast, which are connected to each other in an articulated manner in a connecting section, the first hydraulic cylinder being linked to the base carrier and the second hydraulic cylinder being linked to the mast, and a coupling rocker-arm which is linked on one side to the mast and on another side to the connecting section. According to the invention in the part of the connecting section a spacer is arranged, through which the connecting section is supported on the mast in a detachable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Bauer Maschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Erwin Emil Stoetzer, Leonhard Weixler
  • Patent number: 7765749
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting and assembling a drilling rig is disclosed. The drilling rig of a preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes specialized positioning pads integral to the side boxes of the drilling rig to facilitate the connection of the center drill floor of the drilling rig to the side boxes of the rig. A preferred embodiment of the present invention may also utilize a specialized positioning dolly and an adjustable fifth-wheel truck connection for transporting the mast to the drill site, assembling the mast sections together, and positioning the mast for connection to the drill floor of the rig. The result is a unique drilling rig design and sequence for assembly that significantly reduces the time required to transport the rig from location to location and to assemble the rig at the drill site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: National Oilwell, L.P.
    Inventor: Anastasios Palidis
  • Patent number: 7621077
    Abstract: A hinged pole having a base plate secured to the lower end thereof with the base plate having a plurality of upstanding brackets secured thereto. A cart is provided which is mounted on the foundation of the pole and is secured thereto and which is connected to the pole. The cart includes a power cylinder which is connected to the pole and which is used to lower the pole from its upstanding position to a horizontal position. The pole may be serviced when the pole is in its horizontal position. When the servicing of the pole has been completed, the pole is raised to its upright position and re-secured to the foundation therefore. The cart is then removed from the pole for use at a different location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Valmont Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Perina, Carl J. Macchietto
  • Patent number: 7308953
    Abstract: An embodied mobile drilling rig is made of three sections, two substructures and a mast section, which are easily transported and installed at a drilling site. Each substructure includes a mast starting section; a floor side box connected to the mast starting section; a subbase side box; elevating legs connected to the floor side box and the subbase side box; and a raising cylinder. The mast section connects to the mast starting sections. The raising cylinders engage the mast in order to raise the mast into a vertical orientation and then raise the floor side boxes into an operating position. The embodied mobile drilling rigs are configurable to be transported by road with as little as three major loads, all within legal or permitable load and dimensional limits for most regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Inventor: R. Michael Barnes
  • Patent number: 7306055
    Abstract: A method for installing a mobile drilling rig at a drilling site entails transporting the mobile drilling rig to the drilling site, wherein the mobile drilling rig is made three sections: two substructures and a mast section. The substructures are placed parallel to one another at the drilling site. The mast section is connected to the mast starting sections located on each substructure. Raising cylinders on the substructures engage the mast and raise the mast into a substantially vertical orientation, wherein the mast is locked in place. The raising cylinders are retraced and then re-extended into a drillfloor raising position. The method ends by extending the raising cylinders to raise the driller's floor side box and the off-driller's floor side box into an operating elevation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Inventor: R. Michael Barnes
  • Patent number: 7231741
    Abstract: A mobile cellular telephone tower comprises a self-propelled base and a tower connected to the base. The tower includes a base segment and at least a first extendable segment operatively connected to a second extendable segment. A winch is connected to the base, and a first cable is connected between the base segment and the first extendable segment to extend the first extendable segment. A second cable is connected between the winch and the second extendable segment to retract the second extendable segment. Cellular telephone network testing equipment mounted on the tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: SBC Technology Resources, Inc.
    Inventor: Rodney Earl Norwood
  • Patent number: 6951082
    Abstract: A telescoping rig with an upper mast telescopingly received within a lower mast. A torque carrier is formed of an upper part suspended within the upper mast and a lower part attached to the lower mast. The lower part may be secured to the upper part when the rig is in operational position, and is movable to allow the upper mast to move into a telescoped position within the lower mast. The rig is readied for transport by disconnecting upper and lower parts of a torque carrier, moving the lower torque carrier laterally within the lower mast to allow the upper mast to telescope within the lower mast; and telescoping the upper mast within the lower mast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Allan R. Nelson Engineering (1977)
    Inventors: Allan R. Nelson, Mark E. Mattock
  • Patent number: 6290377
    Abstract: An improved pneumatically telescoping mast supported for pivotal movement in opposite directions is provided. The mast includes adjacent telescoping sections slidable relative to one another between retracted and extended positions. A pneumatic control system for displacing the mast sections between the retracted and extended positions is also provided, as is a mechanical arrangement for pivoting the mast between generally horizontal and vertical positions. The mechanical arrangement includes a drive mechanism operable independently from the pneumatic control system which is capable of securely maintaining the mast at any desired angle between the horizontal and vertical positions. The mast includes an AC powered light source mounted at the upper end of the mast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: The Will-Burt Company
    Inventor: John A. Hulse
  • Patent number: 5572836
    Abstract: Disclosed is a rotational flagpole pivotally mounted to a rigidly affixed base with a tongue and slot combination that enables the flagpoles to rotate around the pivot. The flagpole can also be locked in place to prevent rotation. The rotational flagpole thereby permits rotation of the top end of the flagpole to within a few feet of the ground in order to provide improved access to the top end for maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Inventor: Alton B. Parker
  • Patent number: 5570546
    Abstract: A system for lowering and raising telecommunications equipment along a mast pole. The system comprises a mast pole, a platform means, a frame means, a plurality of lift cables, a hoisting means and a transition means. The platform means surrounds the external surface of the mast pole and is moveable along the length thereof. The platform means is arranged for mounting of telecommunications equipment thereon. The frame means is attached at the open upper end of the mast pole shaft and comprises pulley means, means for guiding at least one lift cable and means for guiding at least one telecommunications cable, i.e., signal cable or power cable. Each lift cable has a first end connected to the platform means and extends through the guiding means and through the passageway of the mast pole. The hoisting means is secured to the lower end of the mast pole and is provided for selectively raising and lowering the platform means. The pulley means includes a winch cable having a free end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: American High Mast Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Butterworth, David O'Brien
  • Patent number: 5524398
    Abstract: A portable collapsible tower including a frame, at least one stationary tower member fixed to the frame and at least one movable tower member movable along the exterior portion of the stationary tower member relative to the stationary member. A coupling, movably couples the stationary and movable tower members for movement along the exterior portions. At least one cable located along the exterior portions of the tower members, is used to extend and retract the tower members and a light or tool support bar. As the tension in the one or more cables is altered by a tension altering device, the support bar and tower members are moved between fully extended and fully retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventors: David B. Miller, William R. Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 5058336
    Abstract: A column is attached at a base flange to a plate of a base member by way of an offset horizontal pivot, and can be pivotally raised and lowered by means of a ram. The pivot lies in the general plane of the flange and the plate so that, when the column is fully lowered, the overall height of the unit in the region of the base member is little more than the length of the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Abacus Holdings Ltd.
    Inventor: Alan J. Jenvey
  • Patent number: 4634335
    Abstract: An elongate, transportable unit (1) standing upright during use and being intended for transport with the aid of a vehicle (7) provided with a loading bridge (8) which can be turned about a pivot axis located near the rear end of the chassis of the vehicle (7) and extending horizontally and transversely of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. An element (10) is provided with the aid of which a hook-like coupling member can be moved along the loading bridge (8). The transportable uint (1) is provided with an arm (5) which is pivotable about an at least substantially horizontal axis of rotation (6). The arm (5) is provided near its free end (11) with a coupling element for connecting the hook-like coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1987
    Assignee: Multilift B.V.
    Inventor: Aart A. van den Pol
  • Patent number: 4616454
    Abstract: A guide mat for a slant service or drill rig. The guide mat comprises rearward and forward portions and an open area in the rearward portion which is used to allow access to a wellhead. Adjustable pedestals are provided which move in orthogonal planes to the plane of the guide mat and thereby allow for convenient pinning of the mast of the rig to the mat such that the mast is maintained in its correct operating position while the drilling and/or service operations are underway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1986
    Assignee: Suncor Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Ballachey, Leon V. Jankowski, C. W. Johnson, George S. Ward, John R. Ward
  • Patent number: 4602462
    Abstract: In a truck mounted overcenter aerial device having an articulating boom assembly, a mechanism for articulating the upper boom relative to the lower boom. A star wheel on the upper boom is acted upon by a pair of linkages powered by hydraulic cylinders mounted on the lower boom. The linkages are pinned at their outer ends to the star wheel so that the upper boom is pivoted in opposite directions when the cylinders are extended and retracted. Each linkage includes pivotally connected links which fold up on the star wheel against stop surfaces as the linkage is extended. The stop surfaces are arranged to control the angular speed of the upper boom and the torque applied to it by the linkages as desired during each angular segment of articulation. The hydraulic control circuit for the cylinders includes counterbalance holding valves which maintain both linkages under tension at all times to avoid any slack or jerkiness when the boom goes overcenter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1986
    Assignee: Altec Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl M. Anderson
  • Patent number: 4598509
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for raising and lowering a telescoping mast. A telescoping mast having an upper section slidably received within a lower section is pivotally connected to a base in a horizontal position. A line is connected to the lower end of the upper section and is placed over a pulley mounted on the upper end of the lower section and secured to the base. Upward pivoting of the lower section moves the mast to a vertical position while the upper section is extended by action of the line. Lowering the mast from the vertical position causes contraction of the upper section into the lower section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1986
    Assignee: Lee C. Moore Corporation
    Inventors: Homer J. Woolslayer, Cecil Jenkins, Dewayne G. Vogt
  • Patent number: 4592177
    Abstract: An upper part of a column can be pivotally lowered and raised relative to a lower part thereof for servicing of an appliance mounted thereon. However, before the column part can be lowered it must be raised through a limited vertical displacement relative to the column part. A releasable locking device is provided to hold the column part at the upper end of this displacement, and comprises configurated slots which receive a rotatable pivot shaft. Each slot has relatively wide portions and a relatively narrow portion and the shaft is so shaped that it can pass into the narrow portion (and thereby permit said limited vertical displacement of the column part) only when it occupies a predetermined angular orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1986
    Assignee: Abacus Municipal Limited
    Inventor: John W. Pratt
  • Patent number: 4581862
    Abstract: A raising mechanism for drilling equipment towers mounted on a platform and having two pairs of linkage members, one shorter than the other one, each pair having its members connected on one end to each other and to the underside of the tower at spaced apart points. A cylinder is designed to vary the angle between the tower and the linkage members thereby causing the tower to move from a substantially horizontal position to a vertical position, or if desired, to a forward inclined position by the use of removable wedge elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1986
    Inventor: Richard S. Adams
  • Patent number: 4575976
    Abstract: An extension and retraction system for a multiple section, telescoping boom apparatus of the type utilized for raising and lowering a work platform or basket. The innermost longitudinally movable section is carried by a longitudinally inextensible or base section, and is extensible and retractable relative to the base section by a dual cylinder assembly. Extension chains trained about sprockets carried by certain of the sections automatically extend the other extensible sections upon extension by the cylinder assembly of the innermost longitudinally movable section. Automatic and positive retraction of such sections is accomplished by retraction chains operating in response to retraction of the innermost section. The cylinders of the dual cylinder assembly are pivotally coupled at a pivot mount longitudinally slidable along a guideway carried by the base section to thereby accommodate deflections of the boom sections located between the opposite extremities of the dual cylinder assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1986
    Assignee: Machine Products Corporation
    Inventors: Charles McDermott, Magbool A. Zafar
  • Patent number: 4492501
    Abstract: A platform positioning system for a drilling device of the type which includes a support structure and a transfer arm pivotally connected to the support structure to rotate about a first axis is disclosed. This platform positioning system includes a platform which is pivotally connected to the support structure to rotate about a second axis, and a rod which is mounted between the transfer arm and the platform. The position of the arm and platform axes and the length of the rod are selected such that the transfer arm automatically and progressively raises the platform to the raised position by means of the rod as the transfer arm moves to the raised position, and the transfer arm automatically and progressively lowers the platform to the lowered position by means of the rod as the transfer arm moves to the lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1985
    Assignee: Walker-Neer Manufacturing Company Inc.
    Inventor: Keith M. Haney
  • Patent number: 4465420
    Abstract: A self-erecting silo assembly comprises a horizontally elongated trailer frame and a cylindrical paving mix bin that overlies the frame when in a horizontal transport position, with its front side lowermost and its top end near a front end of the frame. Rear legs on which the bin is supported when erected are rigidly connected to the bin; front legs have their upper ends pivoted to the bottom of the bin. A detachable bin connection between the bin and the frame defines a horizontal axis about which the bin is swung up from transport position to an inclined intermediate position at which detachable leg connections are made between the rear legs and the frame. The bin connection is then disconnected, the bin is swung up to upright position about the leg connections, and the bottom ends of the front legs are connected to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1984
    Assignee: Bituma-Stor, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce A. Dillman
  • Patent number: 4406098
    Abstract: A drilling ramp for a mobile drilling rig of the type having a wheeled vehicle and a mast substructure, wherein the substructure includes four legs, two of which serve to mount power hydraulic jacks and two of which serve to mount leg locating sockets. The ramp includes a substantially planar foundation structure adapted to support the drilling rig. Longitudinal guide bars and transverse chocks are mounted on the foundation structure to guide and position wheels of the drilling rig. Two jack locating members are mounted on the foundation structure, each of which defines a respective socket sized and positioned to interlock with respective ones of the two jacks included in the substructure. In addition, two manually operated jack screws are mounted on the foundation structure in alignment with the sockets on the rear legs of the substructure. Once the jacks have been engaged in the sockets of the ramp, the jack screws can be raised in order to provide support for the rear legs of the substructure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1983
    Assignee: Walker-Neer Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Pete E. Deaver, Jerry K. Lingafelter, Odis F. Hamill
  • Patent number: 4245441
    Abstract: An aerial lift is described which has a pivotable boom with a load end and a pivot end. The boom is constructed such that, as the pivot end of the boom pivots upwardly, the load end is raised substantially vertically. In one embodiment, the boom is mounted on a telescoping scaffold to provide the boom with a greater reaching range. In another embodiment, the boom itself is provided with telescoping members to extend its vertical reach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1981
    Inventor: Raymond E. Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4188757
    Abstract: An aerial lift is described which has a pivotable boom with a load end and a pivot end. The boom is constructed such that, as the pivot end of the boom pivots upwardly, the load end is raised substantially vertically. In one embodiment, the boom is mounted on a telescoping scaffold to provide the boom with a greater reaching range. In another embodiment, the boom itself is provided with telescoping members to extend its vertical reach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1980
    Inventor: Raymond E. Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4146998
    Abstract: In an articulated boom having a platform and comprised of upper and lower booms respectively, there are hydraulic actuators controlling the movements of the upper and lower booms. Control means are necessary in association with the lower boom to control its rate of movement, slowing such rate of movement as the lower boom approaches its retracted, or full rest, position. A position responsive valve permits unimpeded fluid pressure access to the actuator for lowering the lower boom at its regular rate until the lower boom reaches a critical angle as it approaches horizontal position, at which time the valve prevents further fluid access to its associated hydraulic actuator. Thereafter, a position responsive valve and a pressure reducing valve reduce the rate of descent of the lower boom until the lower boom is fully retracted to its rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1979
    Assignee: TECO, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4084359
    Abstract: A survey system employs a ground-based extendible mast so that survey instruments, such as cameras, mounted at the top of the mast can attain heights comparable to those of low-level aerial photography. The mast is mounted on a base structure that houses a self-contained power plant, including an internal combustion engine, electric batteries and means for compressing fluid and storing it in a pressurized state. The mast may be telescopic and also tiltable, and the instrument pack at the top may be controlled from ground level to move to selected attitudes, e.g. to pan and tilt.Simpler versions are described, omitting the power plant and adjustable entirely manually, and one system is carried by an operator rather than being ground based.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1975
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1978
    Inventor: Thomas Bartlett Snell
  • Patent number: 4070807
    Abstract: An aerial lift including a pivotable boom with a pivot end that moves horizontally as the load end of the boom is raised and lowered, allowing the load end to move along a substantially vertical line. The boom is mounted on a vertically adjustable, substantially horizontal mounting table which cooperates with the boom to provide a lift with a greater reaching range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1978
    Inventor: Raymond E. Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4069637
    Abstract: A boom for an excavator or the like is constructed to have a generally L-shape when viewed in side elevation and have a circular cross section tapering downward from a maximum diameter at the apex of the boom to each end. The boom is made up of a central body portion consisting of a cast-form elbow and a pair of tapered tubular members formed of rolled plate welded along a longitudinal seam extending from the elbow outward to the outer ends of the boom. A pair of cast-formed connecting members are then welded to the end of the boom. The method of fabrication includes the cast-forming of the elbow and the respective end connecting means and forming the tapered body members by rolling and connecting the entire assembly by welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1978
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Arthur Bevan Midgley Braithwaite