Patents Assigned to Canrig Robotic Technologies AS
  • Patent number: 11982140
    Abstract: A system for conducting a subterranean operation with nozzle of a doping device rotationally fixed to a rig with the nozzle being directed radially toward a portion of a tubular when the portion of the tubular is positioned proximate the doping device, with the doping device, via the nozzle, configured to apply a dope to the portion of the tubular, where the nozzle deposits a layer of the dope on the portion of the tubular while the tubular is being rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Canrig Robotic Technologies AS
    Inventor: Kenneth Mikalsen
  • Patent number: 11913293
    Abstract: A system for conducting a subterranean operation can include a retention feature in a drill floor with the retention feature configured to suspend a tubular string from the drill floor via engagement of the retention feature with the tubular string, an imaging system configured to capture images of a visible feature on a portion of the tubular string that extends above the drill floor; and a processor configured to detect a change in a position of the visible feature while the tubular string is engaged with the retention feature, and the processor being configured to calculate a wear status of the retention feature based upon the change in the position of the tubular string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Canrig Robotic Technologies AS
    Inventors: Christopher Magnuson, Markus Buchholz
  • Patent number: 11836018
    Abstract: A robot, robotic systems, and methods for conducting a subterranean operation. In some embodiments, a robot may include a hazardous atmosphere controlled volume, such as an explosive (EX)-certified chamber, that is located within the body of the robot. In some embodiments, a robot may include a cooling system that is at least partially disposed to fully disposed within the body of the robot, such as partially to fully disposed within the EX-certified chamber located within the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Canrig Robotic Technologies AS
    Inventor: Ørjan Helgaland Larsen
  • Patent number: 11767719
    Abstract: A system including a pipe handler that can include a base, a support rotatably attached to the base at one end of the support, a first actuator configured to telescopically extend the support into engagement with a rig and telescopically retract the support to disengage from the rig, and a pipe handler mechanism rotatably attached to the support proximate an opposite end of the support, with the pipe handler mechanism being configured to grip and transport an object from a pick-up location to a delivery location and a system including a pipe handler that can be fixedly mounted to a rig floor with a pipe handler mechanism rotatably attached to the support, with the pipe handler mechanism being configured to grip and transport an object from a pick-up location to a delivery location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Canrig Robotic Technologies AS
    Inventors: Kjetil Naesgaard, Kenneth Mikalsen
  • Patent number: 11719044
    Abstract: A robot, robotic systems, and methods for conducting a subterranean operation. In some embodiments, a robot may include: a main body comprising a housing; a powered clamping system; a controlled atmosphere volume disposed within the housing or within the clamping system; and an electrical component disposed within the controlled atmosphere volume. In some embodiments, the controlled atmosphere volume may comprise an EX-certified volume and the electrical component may be disposed within the EX-certified volume, such that the electrical component may be disposed in the EX-certified volume that is disposed in the housing and/or an EX-certified volume that is disposed in the clamping system, such as in an electrically powered tong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Canrig Robotic Technologies AS
    Inventors: Kenneth Mikalsen, Erlend Halvorsen, Svein Søyland
  • Patent number: 11643887
    Abstract: A pipe handling system can include a bridge disposed in an inclined position, having first and second rails with a space therebetween, and an arm coupled to the first and second rails, the arm being configured to manipulate a tubular through the space between the first and second rails. A method that can include gripping a tubular at a well center on a rig floor via an arm coupled to a bridge, the bridge comprising first and second rails with a space therebetween, moving the tubular from the well center and through the space, and moving the tubular along the bridge via the arm, with the bridge being inclined from a horizontal storage area to the rig floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Canrig Robotic Technologies AS
    Inventors: Anthony G. Petrello, Padira P. Reddy, Kjetil Naesgaard, Kenneth Mikalsen
  • Patent number: 11643884
    Abstract: A system including an elevator to move a tubular, the elevator including two or more remotely operable latches that can configure the elevator to handle various tubular diameters. A portion of the latches can be laterally offset from each other and another portion can overlap adjacent latches. The elevator can be Atmosphere Explosible (ATEX) certified or International Electrotechnical Commission for Explosive Atmospheres (IECEx) certified according to explosive (EX) Zone 1 requirements with an electronics enclosure contained within a sealed chamber. The elevator can be rotated greater than 90 degrees relative to a pair of links that support the elevator. The elevator can use rotary actuators to operate the latches and rotate the housing of the elevator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Canrig Robotic Technologies AS
    Inventors: Jan Friestad, Kenneth Mikalsen, Ørjan H. Larsen, Bjørnar Lingjerde
  • Patent number: 11578565
    Abstract: A robotic system with a robot and enclosure, the robotic system configured for explosive (EX) Zone 1 certification. Fasteners attaching a panel to a housing of the enclosure can be positioned away from a seal of the panel, with the seal sealingly engaging the panel and housing when the panel is attached to the housing. The panel overlapping a portion of the housing when attached to the housing, with at least the overlapped portion having a metallized layer and the metallized layer being electrically coupled to the panel when the panel is attached. The panel can be rotationally attached to the housing by one or more hinges. The panel can be configured to assist operators with manual manipulation of the panel by attaching detachable handles to the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Canrig Robotic Technologies AS
    Inventors: Jan Friestad, Kenneth Mikalsen, Kjetil Naesgaard
  • Patent number: 11549319
    Abstract: A pipe storage system can include a plurality of pipe storage bays established between adjacent pipe storage arms, a plurality of protrusions extending from the pipe storage arms into each pipe storage bay, the plurality of protrusions establishing a plurality of channels, wherein each channel is established between a pair of adjacent protrusions, and a plurality of latches, wherein the latches are movable from between a retracted position in which the latches are retracted to establish series of first pipe storage openings between opposing channels and an extended position in which the latches extend into the pipe storage bay to establish a series of second pipe storage openings between opposing protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Canrig Robotic Technologies AS
    Inventor: Kenneth Mikalsen
  • Patent number: 11536097
    Abstract: A system including an elevator to move a tubular, the elevator including two or more remotely operable latches that can configure the elevator to handle various tubular diameters. A portion of the latches can be laterally offset from each other and another portion can overlap adjacent latches. The elevator can be Atmosphere Explosible (ATEX) certified or International Electrotechnical Commission for Explosive Atmospheres (IECEx) certified according to explosive (EX) Zone 1 requirements with an electronics enclosure contained within a sealed chamber. The elevator can be rotated greater than 90 degrees relative to a pair of links that support the elevator. The elevator can use rotary actuators to operate the latches and rotate the housing of the elevator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Canrig Robotic Technologies AS
    Inventors: Jan Friestad, Kenneth Mikalsen, Ørjan H. Larsen, Bjørnar Lingjerde
  • Patent number: 11506003
    Abstract: A tubular handling system for conducting subterranean operations is disclosed and can include a first tubular handling system and a second tubular handling system. The first tubular handling system can include a bridge disposed within a tubular storage area, an arm pivotally coupled to the bridge, and a gripper coupled to the arm and adapted to engage with a tubular in the tubular storage area. The second tubular handling system can include a support structure, a first tubular handler coupled to the support structure, and a second tubular handler coupled to the support structure and distinct from the first tubular handling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Canrig Robotic Technologies AS
    Inventors: Kenneth Mikalsen, Kjetil Naesgaard
  • Patent number: 11499382
    Abstract: A system including an elevator to move a tubular, the elevator including two or more remotely operable latches that can configure the elevator to handle various tubular diameters. Each jaw can include a locking mechanism that engages a portion of the housing adjacent a spacer ring in the elevator when the first jaw is in the engaged position and configured to transfer a closing force to the housing. A portion of the latches can be laterally offset from each other and another portion can overlap adjacent latches. The elevator can be explosive (EX) Zone 1 certified with an electronics enclosure contained within a sealed chamber. The elevator can use rotary actuators to operate the latches and rotate the housing of the elevator. The elevator can use a circular pressure sensor to determine weight of a tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Canrig Robotic Technologies AS
    Inventors: Jan Friestad, Kenneth Mikalsen, Ørjan H. Larsen, Bjørnar Lingjerde
  • Patent number: 11492856
    Abstract: A method and system for conducting a subterranean operation that can include storing, via a rig controller, pre-determined characteristics of a piece of equipment, for supporting the subterranean operation, in a unique data record associated with the piece of equipment; scanning, via one or more sensors, the piece of equipment on a rig; determining, via the rig controller, actual characteristics of the piece of equipment in response to the scanning via the one or more sensors; comparing, via the rig controller, the actual characteristics to the pre-determined characteristics; and verifying whether or not the piece of equipment is an expected piece of equipment needed to support the subterranean operation based on the comparing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Canrig Robotic Technologies AS
    Inventors: Roald Valen, Stian Lode, Markus Buchholz
  • Patent number: 11473380
    Abstract: A system including a mud bucket with a clam shell enclosure and a storage tank. The clam shell enclosure can have a first portion and a second portion, with the second portion being rotationally coupled to the first portion, where the first portion and the second portion are configured to form a sealed chamber around a joint of a tubular string when the second portion is rotated into engagement with the first portion, where the sealed chamber is configured to receive expelled fluid from the tubular string when the joint is unthreaded, and the storage tank is configured to receive and store the expelled fluid from the sealed chamber while the mud bucket is located at the well center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: CANRIG ROBOTIC TECHNOLOGIES AS
    Inventor: Kenneth Mikalsen
  • Patent number: 11457538
    Abstract: A robotic system with a robot and enclosure, the robotic system configured for explosive (EX) Zone 1 certification. Fasteners attaching a panel to a housing of the enclosure can be positioned away from a seal of the panel, with the seal sealingly engaging the panel and housing when the panel is attached to the housing. The panel overlapping a portion of the housing when attached to the housing, with at least the overlapped portion having a metallized layer and the metallized layer being electrically coupled to the panel when the panel is attached. The panel can be rotationally attached to the housing by one or more hinges. The panel can be configured to assist operators with manual manipulation of the panel by attaching detachable handles to the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: CANRIG ROBOTIC TECHNOLOGIES AS
    Inventors: Jan Friestad, Kenneth Mikalsen, Kjetil Naesgaard
  • Patent number: 11414936
    Abstract: A system including a pipe handler that can include a base, a support rotatably attached to the base at one end of the support, a first actuator configured to telescopically extend the support into engagement with a rig and telescopically retract the support to disengage from the rig, and a pipe handler mechanism rotatably attached to the support proximate an opposite end of the support, with the pipe handler mechanism being configured to grip and transport an object from a pick-up location to a delivery location and a system including a pipe handler that can be fixedly mounted to a rig floor with a pipe handler mechanism rotatably attached to the support, with the pipe handler mechanism being configured to grip and transport an object from a pick-up location to a delivery location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: CANRIG ROBOTIC TECHNOLOGIES AS
    Inventors: Kjetil Naesgaard, Kenneth Mikalsen
  • Patent number: 11408236
    Abstract: An equipment handling system that can include a bridge disposed above a horizontal storage area and coupled to a guide rail, an equipment basket, a crane configured to transport the equipment basket to an elevated location, and a pipe handler coupled to the bridge and configured to move along the bridge. A catwalk system can include a guide rail, a portion of a bridge disposed over a horizontal storage area and coupled to the guide rail, with the bridge configured to move with the rig floor when the rig floor moves relative to the horizontal storage area, and a pipe handler coupled to the bridge and configured to move along the bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: CANRIG ROBOTIC TECHNOLOGIES AS
    Inventors: Kenneth Mikalsen, Kjetil Naesgaard
  • Patent number: 11377914
    Abstract: A system for conducting subterranean operations is disclosed and can include a support structure, a first tubular handler coupled to the support structure, and a second tubular handler coupled to the support structure and distinct from the first tubular handler. The system can further include a tool system coupled to the support structure and adapted to perform an operation on a first tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: CANRIG ROBOTIC TECHNOLOGIES AS
    Inventors: Kenneth Mikalsen, Kjetil Naesgaard
  • Patent number: 11371299
    Abstract: A horizontal pipe handling system that can include a base with a center longitudinal axis, an intermediate storage location comprising a cradle configured to support a first tubular in a horizontal orientation, a first horizontal pipe handler with a first feeder arm rotationally attached to the base at a first axis on a first side of the center longitudinal axis, wherein the first feeder arm extends from the first axis, past the cradle, and to a second side of the center longitudinal axis, and a second horizontal pipe handler with a first ramp arm rotationally attached to the base at a second axis which is disposed on the second side of the center longitudinal axis, wherein the first ramp arm is configured to support one or more tubulars in the horizontal orientation which is substantially parallel to the center longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: CANRIG ROBOTIC TECHNOLOGIES AS
    Inventors: Kjetil Naesgaard, Kenneth Mikalsen
  • Patent number: 11346163
    Abstract: A tubular handling system for conducting subterranean operations is disclosed and can include a first tubular handling system and a second tubular handling system. The first tubular handling system can include a bridge disposed within a tubular storage area, an arm pivotally coupled to the bridge, and a gripper coupled to the arm and adapted to engage with a tubular in the tubular storage area. The second tubular handling system can include a support structure, a first tubular handler coupled to the support structure, and a second tubular handler coupled to the support structure and distinct from the first tubular handling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: CANRIG ROBOTIC TECHNOLOGIES AS
    Inventors: Kenneth Mikalsen, Kjetil Naesgaard