Abstract: The present invention relates to a positioning system for service lines. Generally, the invention relates to a mechanism for the deployment, retraction, and transportation of fixed-length service lines such as electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and communication resources necessary to the operation of a drilling rig used for subterranean exploration. More particularly, the invention provides an extendable cable positioning system for use with drilling rigs where pad drilling will require relatively short distance movements of the drilling rig, and it is desirable to leave the energy resource systems stationary.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new apparatus and method for use in subterranean exploration. The present invention provides a rapid rig-up and rig-down of a drill floor mounted device such as a pipe racking system. In particular, the present invention discloses a system and method for rapid deployment of a drill floor mounted pipe racking system that is capable of being retrofit to an existing drilling rig.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an automatic drill floor to substructure latching system that adds to the safety of drilling operations. In particular, the present invention is applicable for rapid and safe locked connection of a drilling rig side box to the drilling rig base box such that weight imbalances incurred when raising of the drilling rig mast will not result in unsecured and unsafe separation of the side box and base box.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a high-capacity drilling rig system that includes novel design features that alone and more particularly in combination facilitate a fast rig-up and rig-down with a single set of raising cylinders and maintains transportability features. In particular, a transport trailer is disclosed having a first support member and a drive member which align the lower mast portion with inclined rig floor ramps and translate the lower mast legs up the ramps and into alignment for connection. A pair of wing brackets is pivotally deployed from within the lower mast width for connection to the raising cylinder for raising the mast from a horizontal position into a vertical position. A cantilever is pivotally deployed from beneath the rig floor to a position above it for connection to the raising cylinder for raising the substructure from a collapsed position into the erect position.

Abstract: An extendable, service line positioning system is provided for the deployment, retraction, and transportation of service lines that provide necessary resources (e.g., electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and communication resources) to a drilling rig. The positioning system comprises a plurality of connected panels supportable of a service line coupled to a vertical post on a skid. The panels are movable between a retracted position above the skid or a deployed position beyond the skid. The positioning system thus advantageously enables a drilling rig to move short distances for pad drilling operations without having the need to move resource-providing equipment coupled to supply lines.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a high-capacity drilling rig system that includes novel design features that alone and more particularly in combination facilitate a fast rig-up and rig-down with a single set of raising cylinders and maintains transportability features. In particular, a transport trailer is disclosed having a first support member and a drive member which align the lower mast portion with inclined rig floor ramps and translate the lower mast legs up the ramps and into alignment for connection. A pair of wing brackets is pivotally deployed from within the lower mast width for connection to the raising cylinder for raising the mast from a horizontal position into a vertical position. A cantilever is pivotally deployed from beneath the rig floor to a position above it for connection to the raising cylinder for raising the substructure from a collapsed position into the erect position.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a high-capacity drilling rig system that includes novel design features that alone and more particularly in combination facilitate a fast rig-up and rig-down with a single set of raising cylinders and maintains transportability features. In particular, a transport trailer is disclosed having a first support member and a drive member which align the lower mast portion with inclined rig floor ramps and translate the lower mast legs up the ramps and into alignment for connection. A pair of wing brackets is pivotally deployed from within the lower mast width for connection to the raising cylinder for raising the mast from a horizontal position into a vertical position. A cantilever is pivotally deployed from beneath the rig floor to a position above it for connection to the raising cylinder for raising the substructure from a collapsed position into the erect position.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a high-capacity drilling rig system that includes novel design features that alone and more particularly in combination facilitate a fast rig-up and rig-down with a single set of raising cylinders and maintains transportability features. In particular, a transport trailer is disclosed having a first support member and a drive member which align the lower mast portion with inclined rig floor ramps and translate the lower mast legs up the ramps and into alignment for connection. A pair of wing brackets is pivotally deployed from within the lower mast width for connection to the raising cylinder for raising the mast from a horizontal position into a vertical position. A cantilever is pivotally deployed from beneath the rig floor to a position above it for connection to the raising cylinder for raising the substructure from a collapsed position into the erect position.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus has a boom pivotally movable between a first position and a second position, a riser assembly pivotally connected to the boom, an arm pivotally connected at one end to the first portion of the riser assembly and extending outwardly therefrom, a gripper affixed to an opposite end of the arm suitable for gripping a diameter of the pipe, a link pivotally connected to the riser assembly and pivotable so as to move relative to the movement of the boom between the first and second positions, and a brace having a one end pivotally connected to the boom and an opposite end pivotally connected to the arm between the ends of the arm. The riser assembly has a first portion extending outwardly at an obtuse angle with respect to the second portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tension link drill floor level connection system for use on a drilling rig, as may be used in subterranean exploration. The present invention provides a tension link assembly for resisting separating forces incurred between sections of the substructure. In particular, the tension link assembly may be located at the drill floor level for resisting the separating forces imparted by “splayed” or wide leg mast structures that tend to separate substructure side boxes from the substructure center section. The present invention may be comprised of a first link element and a second link element with a tension link being connectable over the first and second link elements to resist separation between sections of the substructure. A latch mechanism may be utilized to prevent upward movement of the tension side boxes or center section relative to the drill floor or to one another.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a drill rig relocation system. Lift frames are provided as add-ons to existing drill rigs, or as integral openings within the length of the base boxes. A lift cylinder and bearing mat assembly is connected beneath the lift frame or base boxes. Each bearing mat assembly has a slew drive for controlled directional rotation. A torque arrest system allows vertical movement of the torque reaction point as the substructure is elevated to control the orientation and magnitude of forces. In one embodiment, the drill rig is supported on linear sleeve bearings slideably mounted in the bearing mat assemblies. Translation cylinders on the bearing mats expand to move the drill rig by translating the linear sleeve bearings along the shafts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new apparatus and method for use in subterranean exploration. The present invention provides a rapid rig-up and rig-down of a drill floor mounted device such as a pipe racking system. In particular, the present invention discloses a system and method for rapid deployment of a drill floor mounted pipe racking system that is capable of being retrofit to an existing drilling rig.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a cable tray assembly for a drilling rig or other vertical structure. In one embodiment, an extendable cable tray assembly is provided for retractable attachment to a section of a mast of a drilling rig. The cable tray assembly includes an upper tray connected to the mast in a stationary relationship. A center tray has a pivot end pivotally connected to the mast, and an articulating end rotatable between a stowed position and a deployed position below, and offset to, the upper tray. A lower tray has an upper end and a lower end. The upper end is pivotally connected to the articulating end of the center tray. The lower tray is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position below, and offset to, the center tray. An actuator is provided such that extension and retraction of the actuator results in deployment and retraction of the cable tray assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rapid rig-up and rig-down pipe stand building and racking system that is capable of being retrofit to an existing drilling rig. In particular, the invention relates to a horizontal to vertical pipe delivery machine that is mountable to a drilling rig. The horizontal to vertical machine delivers sections of pipe to a pair of drilling rig mounted elevators. The elevators receive and vertically translate the sections of pipe. A power tong may be used to make connections between the sections of pipe to form a pipe stand, and may also break the connections of the pipe stand. A drill floor mounted pipe racking system receives the connected drill pipe from the elevators. A pipe racking system that may be used in conjunction with the stand building system is capable of controlled, rapid, and precise movement of multiple connected sections of pipe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for use in subterranean exploration, and provides a rapid rig-up and rig-down pipe racking system that is capable of being retrofit to an existing drilling rig. In particular, the invention relates to a pipe drill floor mounted pipe racking system that is capable of controlled movement of pipe in three dimensions, and most importantly, capable of rapid and precise movement of multiple connected sections of pipe. The invention is capable of moving stands of connected pipe from a racked position on the drill floor to an accurate stabbing position directly above a drill string component held in a rotary table.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a drill rig relocation system. Lift frames are provided as add-ons to existing drill rigs, or as integral openings within the length of the base boxes. A lift cylinder and bearing mat assembly is connected beneath the lift frame or base boxes. Each bearing mat assembly has a slew drive for controlled directional rotation. A torque arrest system allows vertical movement of the torque reaction point as the substructure is elevated to control the orientation and magnitude of forces. In one embodiment, the drill rig is supported on linear sleeve bearings slideably mounted in the bearing mat assemblies. Translation cylinders on the bearing mats expand to move the drill rig by translating the linear sleeve bearings along the shafts.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus has a frame, a boom pivotally connected to the frame so as to be movable between a first position and a second position, an arm extending outwardly of the boom when the boom is in the second position, and a gripper affixed to the end of the arm opposite the boom. A pair of arm-tensioning mechanisms is connected to the arm and provide for tensioning of the arm. A pair of boom-lateral-adjustment mechanisms is connected to the upper portion of the boom and provide for lateral adjustment of the boom. A pair of rocker-arm-adjustment mechanisms is connected to the link and provide for adjustment of the link.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanically steered articulating dolly transport system for transporting large structures such as a drilling mast over the federal highway system. Generally, the invention relates to an articulating dolly system that utilizes a unique mechanical system for steering a first dolly with a path generated by the movement of the load held by the second dolly. More particularly, the invention provides a front dolly steered by a non-rotatable front steering frame, a rear dolly having a pivotally mounted turntable and a pair of steering links connected between the respective sides of the front steering frame and the turntable. The left steering link and the right steering link are located in a first plane. One or both of the turntable and the steering frame being located on a second plane that is not the first plane.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a high-capacity drilling rig system that includes novel design features that alone and more particularly in combination facilitate a fast rig-up and rig-down with a single set of raising cylinders and maintains transportability features. In particular, a transport trailer is disclosed having a first support member and a drive member which align the lower mast portion with inclined rig floor ramps and translate the lower mast legs up the ramps and into alignment for connection. A pair of wing brackets is pivotally deployed from within the lower mast width for connection to the raising cylinder for raising the mast from a horizontal position into a vertical position. A cantilever is pivotally deployed from beneath the rig floor to a position above it for connection to the raising cylinder for raising the substructure from a collapsed position into the erect position.

Abstract: A blowout preventer (BOP) lifting apparatus has a reinforced frame and a gate for securing a BOP stack. The frame has a central U-shaped recess for securing a collared portion of the BOP stack. The gate pivotally swings between a closed position on the frame and an open position for installation and removal of the lifting apparatus from the BOP stack. An actuator has a first end connected to a top surface of the frame and a second end connected to the gate for actuating the opening and closing of the gate to the frame. When the gate is in the closed position, three locking pins are inserted into three vertical pinning holes located on the frame, which are aligned with three pinning holes located on the gate. The apparatus may be lifted via cables or other lifting mechanisms attached via lifting eyelets located on each corner of the frame.