Abstract: A cylindrical goods lifting and placement apparatus comprises a platform, an angularly disposable frame pivotably connected to the platform and having a drill pipe holding system for holding a length of drill pipe. An angularly displaceable member is pivotably connected to the platform and has a cylinder and piston assembly for angularly displacing the member from a first position substantially adjacent the holding system. Drill pipe grippers are connected to the member and the grippers are rotatable on an axis from a first position to a second position substantially aligned with the holding system. A drive system for rotating the pipe grippers is provided. Similarly, a drive system for operating the grippers is provided.

Abstract: Drilling apparatus includes an inclined mast, a drive carriage slidably mounted on the mast for rotating a tubular drilling member, and at least two positioning units secured to the mast at spaced positions therealong for positioning tubular drilling members. Each positioning unit has a frame which can be raised a preset distance above the mast and lowered from the preset distance. Grippers adjacent opposite sides of the frame can be raised a preset distance above the frame and lowered from the preset distance. The grippers can be moved towards one another to grip a tubular drilling member therebetween and moved away from one another to release the tubular drilling member. Locators adjacent opposite sides of the frame can be raised to cause the locators to engage and position lower parts of the tubular member, with the tubular member being movable away from the mast out of contact with the locators without moving the locators. The drive carriage is movable along the mast past at least one positioning unit.