Abstract: A rig movement, rotation and alignment assembly. A plurality of lifting jack assemblies are provided, each of the lifting jack assemblies attached to a rig substructure. Each of the lifting jack assemblies has a cylinder housing and a rod movable axially within the cylinder housing. Each rod is engaged with a screw drive in order to rotate the rod with respect to the cylinder housing. Each rod includes a circumferential recess wherein the circumferential recess includes at least one flat segment. A retainer plate attached to each bearing pad is received in and engaged with the circumferential recess and with the flat segment, so that rotation of the rod results in rotation of the bearing pad.

Abstract: A retention, transportation and positioning cradle for a blowout preventer. The cradle includes a frame surrounding a circumference of the blowout preventer, with the frame having an opening for receipt or removal of the blowout preventer. A lift connecter mechanism on the frame connects to a lift mechanism. A pivoting gate encloses the opening on the frame. A plurality of rollers on an upper support surface of the frame engages the blowout preventer permitting rotation of the blowout preventer with respect to the cradle.

Abstract: A cylinder alignment monitoring system for a mast or derrick hingedly connected to a substructure wherein at least a pair of extending cylinders move the mast or derrick between a storage position and an upright use position. The monitoring system includes a distance measurement device to determine the extension distance of each of the extending cylinders. A comparison device compares the extension distances measured for each of the extending cylinders.

Abstract: A blowout preventer transport and handling system for a blowout preventer on a well rig. The system includes a skid for a receipt of a blowout preventer. A pair of trolley beams parallel to the skid are moveable between a lowered storage position and a raised use position. A trolley hoist mechanism is provided on each of the trolley beams. At least one cylinder moves the pair of trolley beams between the lowered storage position and the raised use position.

Abstract: A storage, transport and lift skid assembly for a blowout preventer. The assembly includes a base frame and a mounting frame movable between a storage and transport position parallel to the base frame and an installation position perpendicular to the base frame. An adjustable blowout preventer cradle retains the blowout preventer in the mounting frame. At least one pivot pin permits rotation of the mounting frame with respect to the base frame. A plurality of flange locks are adjustably connected to the mounting frame to secure to the blowout preventer. At least one actuator mechanism moves the mounting frame between the storage and transport position and the installation position.

Abstract: A method of folding a mast or derrick and a folding mast apparatus having a back face and a pair of opposed sides with each of the opposed sides having a front leg and a back leg. The apparatus includes at least one spreader beam assembly extending across the back face and connecting the back legs of the pair of opposed sides. At least one pair of telescoping braces extends between the at least one spreader beam assembly and the back legs. A pair of mast folding cylinders, each of the cylinders extending between one back leg and the back face, moves the pair of opposed sides between an open, use position and a closed, transportation position.

Abstract: A blowout preventer transport and handling system for a blowout preventer on a well rig. The system includes a skid for a receipt of a blowout preventer. A pair of trolley beams parallel to the skid are moveable between a lowered storage position and a raised use position. A trolley hoist mechanism is provided on each of the trolley beams. At least one cylinder moves the pair of trolley beams between the lowered storage position and the raised use position.

Abstract: A method of folding a mast or derrick and a folding mast apparatus having a back face and a pair of opposed sides with each of the opposed sides having a front leg and a back leg. The apparatus includes at least one spreader beam assembly extending across the back face and connecting the back legs of the pair of opposed sides. At least one pair of telescoping braces extends between the at least one spreader beam assembly and the back legs. A pair of mast folding cylinders, each of the cylinders extending between one back leg and the back face, moves the pair of opposed sides between an open, use position and a closed, transportation position.

Abstract: A method to disassemble a mast assembly having a substructure including a first and second section, a first and a second cylinder, and a lower mast section. The method includes the steps of disengaging a pair of front mast legs of the lower mast section from a pair of front leg supports. The pair of front leg supports are moved from an operational to a transport position. The lower mast section is lowered from a vertical to a horizontal position by retracting the first cylinder and the second cylinder. A mast center spreader is thereafter removed from the lower mast section. A center drill floor section is removed from between the first substructure section and the second substructure section so that a combination of the first substructure section, the first cylinder and a portion of the lower mast and a combination of the second substructure section, the second cylinder and a portion of the lower mast may be transported.

Abstract: A method to disassemble a mast assembly having a substructure including a first and second section, a first and a second cylinder, and a lower mast section. The method includes the steps of disengaging a pair of front mast legs of the lower mast section from a pair of front leg supports. The pair of front leg supports are moved from an operational to a transport position. The lower mast section is lowered from a vertical to a horizontal position by retracting the first cylinder and the second cylinder. A mast center spreader is thereafter removed from the lower mast section. A center drill floor section is removed from between the first substructure section and the second substructure section so that a combination of the first substructure section, the first cylinder and a portion of the lower mast and a combination of the second substructure section, the second cylinder and a portion of the lower mast may be transported.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for a sectional mast assembly for erection and disassembly of a rig. The sectional mast assembly includes a bottom section having at least a back and a pair of opposed sides with each of the opposed sides having at least one pivoting ratchet support. A scoping dog assembly is moveable on a track on the bottom section. The scoping clog assembly includes wheels which engage the track and a pivoting ratchet support. A cylinder extends between the bottom section and the scoping dog assembly to move the scoping dog assembly on the track. The pivoting ratchet support of the scoping dog assembly engages each of the mast sections in sequence to raise the entire mast assembly.

Abstract: A hingeable derrick, comprising an upper structure with a first face and a second face opposite the first face; a lower structure with a first face and a second face opposite the first face; a hinge connecting the second face of the upper structure to the second face of the lower structure; and at least one hydraulic cylinder, where each hydraulic cylinder has an upper end attached to the upper structure. The upper structure is located directly above the lower structure in an upright position when the hydraulic cylinder is retracted, and the upper structure may pivot at the hinge in the direction of the second face into a folded position, with the descent controlled by winch lines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an articulating mast having sections that may be moved between an open, in-use position and a more compact reduced width configuration for storage and transportation.

Abstract: An oil derrick comprising a derrick tower, where the derrick tower is asymmetrical about its z axis in both x and y directions. The dual offset derrick tower structure allows for a unique drill floor arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an articulating mast having sections that may be moved between an open, in-use position and a more compact reduced width configuration for storage and transportation.

Abstract: An offshore oil derrick having a derrick tower, a derrick substructure, and a drilling floor. The derrick substructure is cantileverly supported by a hull, the derrick tower is supported by the derrick substructure, and the drilling floor is located on top of the derrick substructure below the derrick tower. The drilling floor comprises a v-door on the fore end; a well center approximately 40-50% of the floor length from the aft end; a plurality of setback areas; drawworks on the starboard side; a dynamic brake on the aft end of the drawworks; and a driller's station. The derrick may further include a spare line spool connected to the derrick substructure on the forward end of the derrick.

Abstract: A guide device for a wireline spooler having an axis. A carriage is spaced from the spooler with the carriage including an upstanding fairlead to receive a wireline. A first mechanism reciprocates the carriage laterally parallel to the spooler axis. A second mechanism raises and lowers the carriage in a direction vertical to the first mechanism. The first and second mechanisms operate independently of each other and operate independently of a drive mechanism for winding the wireline.

Abstract: An automated pipe racking apparatus for a drilling rig having an elevator suspended over a well bore. An arm support member is rotatable about an axis parallel to the well bore. A gripper arm extends from the arm support member along an axis normal to the axis of rotation of the arm support member. A gripper head assembly extends from the gripper arm, the gripper head assembly having a pair of opposed, arcuate gripper fingers, each said finger rotatable by a motor.

Abstract: An articulating derrick having a back face, a pair of opposed sides with each side having at least one leg, and an open face. The back face of the derrick includes a plurality of pairs of back face cross supports. Each cross support has a first and a second opposed end. Each first end is pivotally attached to one of the legs. A bushing pivotally connects the second ends of each pair of cross supports in order to permit movement of the back face between a folded, storage position and an open position.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for moving the top drive of a top drive subterranean drilling system from the drilling track extending along the length of the derrick includes a movable working track, a secondary track pivotably connected to the working track, and a power assembly. The working track is connected to the derrick and is transversely movable between a first position in which the working track is aligned with the drilling track and a second position in which the working track is transversely displaced from alignment with the drilling track. The secondary track is pivotable between a skewed position in which the secondary track is not transversely coplanar with the drilling track and working track and an in-line position in which the secondary track is about transversely coplanar with the drilling track and the working track. The secondary track is transversely movable with the working track so that the secondary track is aligned with the drilling track when the working track is in the second position.