Abstract: A cleat anchoring system is disclosed for anchoring a mobile equipment rig using the dead weight of the mobile equipment rig to assist with anchoring. In one embodiment, an anchoring method generally comprises providing front and rear cleat pad assemblies. The rear cleat pad assembly is laid on a ground surface at a first desired position so that cleats on the rear cleat assembly engage the ground surface. The mobile equipment rig is moved to stand on the rear cleat pad assembly. The front cleat pad assembly is then laid on the ground surface at a second desired position so that cleats on the front cleat assembly engage the ground surface. A thrust plate associated with the rig is positioned to stand on the front cleat assembly. The front and rear cleat pad assembles are then rigidly connected.

Abstract: A cleat anchoring system is disclosed for anchoring a mobile equipment rig using the dead weight of the mobile equipment rig to assist with anchoring. In one embodiment, an anchoring method generally comprises providing front and rear cleat pad assemblies. The rear cleat pad assembly is laid on a ground surface at a first desired position so that cleats on the rear cleat assembly engage the ground surface. The mobile equipment rig is moved to stand on the rear cleat pad assembly. The front cleat pad assembly is then laid on the ground surface at a second desired position so that cleats on the front cleat assembly engage the ground surface. A thrust plate associated with the rig is positioned to stand on the front cleat assembly. The front and rear cleat pad assembles are then rigidly connected.

Abstract: An instrument housing for a drill string, comprising: a cylindrical housing having a cavity for receiving an instrument assembly such as a transmitter sonde; an elongated side load opening disposed parallel with and toward one end of the cavity and formed through a side of the cylindrical housing into the cavity. The side load opening is substantially shorter than the length of the instrument assembly; and an elongated side load door assembly is configured to fit within the side load opening, to enclose and secure the instrument assembly within the cylindrical housing such that the instrument is protected from loss or damage due to loss or damage to the side load door during operation.