Abstract: A drilling rig system for obtaining high trip rates separates the transport of tubular stands in and out of their setback position into a first function, delivery and retrieval of tubular stands in well center position as a second function; and the functions intersect at a stand hand-off position where tubular stands are set down for exchange between tubular handling equipment. A drilling rig has a tubular delivery arm that vertically translates the mast in a non-conflicting path with a top drive. The tubular delivery arm is operable to deliver tubular stands between a catwalk, stand hand-off, mousehole, and/or well center positions. An upper racking arm moves tubular stands between a racked position in the racking module and a stand hand-off position between the mast and racking module. An upper support constraint stabilizes tubular stands at the stand hand-off position.

Abstract: A tubular racking system has a racking module connected to a drilling rig mast. The racking module has a frame, a fingerboard assembly, and a clasp extendable to a stand hand-off position for securing a tubular stand in position. An upper racking mechanism (upper racking mechanism) has a bridge translatably connected to the frame. An arm is rotatably and translatably connected to the bridge. A gripper is translatably connected to the arm. A setback platform module has a platform and an alleyway adjacent the platform. A lower racking mechanism (lower racking mechanism) is translatably connected to the alleyway. The lower racking mechanism is rotatably and extendable with a clasp operable to secure a tubular stand from horizontal movement. Movements of the lower racking mechanism are controlled by movements of the upper racking mechanism.

Abstract: A tubular delivery arm that travels vertically along a rail on the front of a drilling mast in generally parallel orientation to the travel of a top drive. The tubular delivery arm has a dolly vertically translatably connected to a mast of the drilling rig. An arm is rotatably and pivotally connected to the dolly at its upper end. A tubular clasp is pivotally connected to the arm at its lower end. The dolly vertically translates the front side of the mast in response to actuation of a hoist at the crown of the mast. The tubular delivery arm translates the mast in non-conflicting passage of a top drive connected to the same mast, for positioning a tubular stand over the centerline of the wellbore, a mousehole, or a stand hand-off position.

Abstract: A lower stabilizing arm for stabilizing tubulars for stabbing to the threaded connections of a drill string on drilling rigs. The lower stabilizing arm comprises a bracket and an upper arm having an upper end and a lower end. An upper pair of axially opposed rotary actuators connects the upper end of the upper arm to the bracket. A lower arm is provided having an upper end and a lower end. A central rotary actuator is connected between the lower end of the upper arm and the upper end of the lower arm. A roller bracket is provided having a pair of v-shaped rollers mounted on the roller bracket. A lower pair of axially opposed rotary actuators connects the second end of the lower arm to the roller bracket.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a drilling rig having a tubular delivery arm that vertically translates the mast in a non-conflicting path with a retractable top drive. The retractable top drive translates a well center path and a rearward retracted path. The tubular delivery arm is operable to deliver tubular stands between a catwalk, stand hand-off, mousehole, and well center positions. An upper racking mechanism moves tubular stands between a racked position of the racking module and a stand hand-off position between the mast and racking module. A lower racking mechanism controls the movement of the lower end of the tubular stand being moved coincident to the movements of the upper racking mechanism. An upper support constraint stabilizes tubular stands at the stand hand-off position. A lower stabilizing arm guides the lower end of tubular stands between the catwalk, stand hand-off, mousehole, and well center positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to move a modular drilling rig in formation wherein the drilling rig includes a plurality of self-propelled modules to facilitate the movement of the rig while all systems are intact and fully operational. The apparatus includes a plurality of wheel assemblies which are steerable to guide the modules during movement. The apparatus also includes a propulsion system for each of the modules to drive each of the modules during movement. A steering control and position feedback system is also provided for determining the relative position of each module with respect to the master module. This control and feedback system provides feedback to the steering control and feedback systems of other modules in order to move the modules in a formation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to move a modular drilling rig in formation wherein the drilling rig includes a plurality of self-propelled modules to facilitate the movement of the rig while all systems are intact and fully operational. The apparatus includes a plurality of wheel assemblies which are steerable to guide the modules during movement. The apparatus also includes a propulsion system for each of the modules to drive each of the modules during movement. A steering control and position feedback system is also provided for determining the relative position of each module with respect to the master module. This control and feedback system provides feedback to the steering control and feedback systems of other modules in order to move the modules in a formation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to assemble and disassemble a valve cover locking screw assembly for a reciprocating pump module block. The module block has a bore, a removable valve cover closing the bore, and a valve cover locking ring securable to the block and surrounding the bore with internal threads. A valve cover locking screw has cylindrical walls with external threads, a closed top, and an open bottom. A plurality of threaded bolts engage a plurality of threaded openings through the cylindrical walls of the locking screw so that the bolts force the valve cover against the module block thereby creating a fluid tight seal.

Abstract: A process to lower or raise a drilling rig for transportation wherein the drilling rig includes a mast and a top drive. The process to lower includes the steps of moving the top drive within the mast with a vertical guide and torque reaction mechanism to a locked position and locking the top drive to the mast with a locking mechanism. The mast and the top drive are lowered together from a vertical position to a horizontal position. The combined mast and top drive may then be transported in the horizontal position without disconnecting electrical, mud line or other services.

Abstract: A liner retention system for a reciprocating pump having a piston and a piston rod operating in a cavity of a frame. The system includes a cylindrical liner for the piston and piston rod, the liner having a radially extending external shoulder. A liner clamp plate has a central opening receivable over the liner and a plurality of stud apertures. A plurality of studs extends from the frame, each stud terminating in a threaded end spaced from a module block. At least one compression sleeve has an inside diameter larger than an external diameter of the stud. Tensioner mechanism secures each stud to the liner clamp plate to thereby secure the cylindrical liner to the module block.

Abstract: A novel antenna system that uses tuned components in different unique combinations in order to tune an antenna system to frequency bands of interest. Compared to using unique components for each tuned frequency band this approach requires fewer components and consequently reduces cost for the antenna system, minimizes space requirements for the antenna system and greatly improves the number of tuned frequency bands possible. In addition, the resulting system can provide the tuned frequencies or bands through discrete means, such as push button, versus commonly used analog methods as employed in antenna tuners/systems (known to those skilled in the art). Furthermore, this antenna system provides the basis for a specific antenna system solution when connected to a handie talkie, HT or handheld scanner suitable for handheld use in the frequency bands between 3 MHz and 30 MHz, although easily extended by a person skilled in the art.

Abstract: A method of self-aligning connections for a two section mast. The method includes the steps of transporting the elongated bottom mast section to a guide frame adjacent to a well site, the bottom mast section having a pair of front legs and a pair of rear legs. An elongated top mast section is transported to the well site, the top mast section having a pair of front legs and a pair of rear legs. The legs of the bottom mast section are positioned slightly below a level of the legs of the top mast section. Thereafter, the bottom mast section is raised slightly to order to engage the top mast section while simultaneously aligning the mast sections together. The sections are thereafter pinned together.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for smoothing melting curve data to help identify a specific sequence of double stranded DNA sample after performing a polymerase chain reaction. The system comprises a plurality of measurements of a fluorescence and a temperature of a dye over a temperature range to create a raw array; calculating a collapse number using a temperature resolution that facilitates the smoothing of the melting curve data, a number of data points in the raw array, and a temperature data range from the raw array; calculating a plurality of fluorescence averages and a plurality of temperature averages from the collapse number and the raw array; and generating a smooth array from the plurality of fluorescence averages and the plurality of temperature averages wherein the smooth array decreases a variability in the raw array.

Abstract: A process to transport a blow out preventer for a drilling rig having a drawworks wherein the blow out preventer is transported between a storage area and a use position over a wellbore. The process includes the steps of connecting an upper connector end of an elongated running tool to the drawworks of the drilling rig. The elongated running tool is moved in position parallel to the wellbore using the drawworks of the drilling rig. The running tool is lowered so that a stab connection is made between a lower connector end of the running tool and the blow out preventer. The blow out preventer is thereafter moved over and in alignment with the wellbore.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to assemble and disassemble a valve cover locking screw assembly for a reciprocating pump module block. The module block has a bore, a removable valve cover closing the bore, and a valve cover locking ring securable to the block and surrounding the bore with internal threads. A valve cover locking screw has cylindrical walls with external threads, a closed top, and an open bottom. A plurality of threaded bolts engage a plurality of threaded openings through the cylindrical walls of the locking screw so that the bolts force the valve cover against the module block thereby creating a fluid tight seal.

Abstract: A liner retention system for a reciprocating pump having a piston and a piston rod operating in a cavity of a frame. The system includes a cylindrical liner for the piston and piston rod, the liner having a radially extending external shoulder. A liner clamp plate has a central opening receivable over the liner and a plurality of stud apertures. A plurality of studs extends from the frame, each stud terminating in a threaded end spaced from a module block. At least one compression sleeve has an inside diameter larger than an external diameter of the stud. Tensioner mechanism secures each stud to the liner clamp plate to thereby secure the cylindrical liner to the module block.

Abstract: A method of self-aligning connections for a two section mast. The method includes the steps of transporting the elongated bottom mast section to a guide frame adjacent to a well site, the bottom mast section having a pair of front legs and a pair of rear legs. An elongated top mast section is transported to the well site, the top mast section having a pair of front legs and a pair of rear legs. The legs of the bottom mast section are positioned slightly below a level of the legs of the top mast section. Thereafter, the bottom mast section is raised slightly to order to engage the top mast section while simultaneously aligning the mast sections together. The sections are thereafter pinned together.

Abstract: A transportation, storage and installation device for rig utilities. The device includes a telescoping bridge having an outer frame assembly with an opening therethrough supporting a plurality of cables. The telescoping bridge also includes an inner beam assembly receivable within the outer frame assembly opening supporting a plurality of cables, wherein the inner beam assembly may be extended from or retracted into the opening. The device also includes a utility boom having an elongated post terminating in a rotatable boom base, and a boom pivotally connected to the boom base wherein the pivotal connection has an axis transverse to the post. At least one cylinder moves the boom from a storage position substantially perpendicular to the post to a position wherein the boom is at an obtuse angle to the storage position. The device also includes a service arm supporting a plurality of electrical cables.

Abstract: A process to lower or raise a drilling rig for transportation wherein the drilling rig includes a mast and a top drive. The process to lower includes the steps of moving the top drive within the mast with a vertical guide and torque reaction mechanism to a locked position and locking the top drive to the mast with a locking mechanism. The mast and the top drive are lowered together from a vertical position to a horizontal position. The combined mast and top drive may then be transported in the horizontal position without disconnecting electrical, mud line or other services.

Abstract: A blowout preventer transportation and installation system. The system includes a transportation skid assembly having a transport carriage to raise the blowout preventer between a horizontal transport position and a vertical position. The transport carriage on the skid assembly moves the blowout preventer with respect to the skid assembly. A boomer assembly having a crane mounted on a carriage frame on a boomer assembly frame raises and lowers the blowout preventer. The carriage frame moves with respect to the boomer assembly frame to move the blowout preventer over a wellhead. A control line support assembly supports hose lines extending between the blowout preventer and a hydraulic power unit.