Patents by Inventor Darcy Ludwig
Darcy Ludwig has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 10436376Abstract: A thread protector for use with a threaded end of a tubular member comprises a first end having an opening with an inside diameter, a second end, and an interior having an inside diameter that is substantially the same as the inside diameter of the opening. The interior is adapted to accept and surround the threaded end. The thread protector may be actuated between a locked and an unlocked configuration. When the thread protector is in the locked configuration, a portion of the inside diameter is reduced, as compared to when the thread protector is in the unlocked configuration, so as to securely mount the thread protector to the threaded end.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2017Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: Texas International Oilfield Tools, Ltd.Inventor: Darcy Ludwig
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Patent number: 10139032Abstract: This tubular member thread protector generally comprises an outer member capable of rotation in a first direction about an axis and an inner member coaxially integrated within the first member and capable of rotation in an opposite direction. The inner member comprises a flexible annular sleeve having an outer surface and an interior surface defining an interior annular space capable of receiving the tubular threaded end. One or more camming surfaces are disposed about the inner sleeve outer surface. The outer member comprises a generally annular structure having a closed end, an open end, an outer surface and an inner surface. One or more raised camming members are disposed about the outer member inner surface and are aligned with sleeve camming members during rotation, the outer member camming members press against the inner sleeve camming members to radially compress the sleeve inner surface against the threaded member.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2017Date of Patent: November 27, 2018Assignee: Texas International Oilfield Tools, Ltd.Inventor: Darcy Ludwig
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Publication number: 20180023748Abstract: A thread protector for use with a threaded end of a tubular member comprises a first end having an opening with an inside diameter, a second end, and an interior having an inside diameter that is substantially the same as the inside diameter of the opening. The interior is adapted to accept and surround the threaded end. The thread protector may be actuated between a locked and an unlocked configuration. When the thread protector is in the locked configuration, a portion of the inside diameter is reduced, as compared to when the thread protector is in the unlocked configuration, so as to securely mount the tread protector to the threaded end.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2017Publication date: January 25, 2018Inventor: Darcy LUDWIG
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Publication number: 20180023749Abstract: This tubular member thread protector generally comprises an outer member capable of rotation in a first direction about an axis and an inner member coaxially integrated within the first member and capable of rotation in an opposite direction. The inner member comprises a flexible annular sleeve having an outer surface and an interior surface defining an interior annular space capable of receiving the tubular threaded end. One or more camming surfaces are disposed about the inner sleeve outer surface. The outer member comprises a generally annular structure having a closed end, an open end, an outer surface and an inner surface. One or more raised camming members are disposed about the outer member inner surface and are aligned with sleeve camming members during rotation, the outer member camming members press against the inner sleeve camming members to radially compress the sleeve inner surface against the threaded member.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2017Publication date: January 25, 2018Applicant: Texas International Oilfield Tools, Ltd.Inventor: Darcy Ludwig
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Patent number: 9482063Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides a tubular handling system for use with a catwalk and a plurality of tubulars arranged in at least one tier and positioned substantially parallel adjacent the catwalk. The system comprises a tiering assembly positioned between said at least one tier and the catwalk and pipe rolling means adapted to move one or more of said tubular between said at least one tier and the tiering assembly in a sequential bi-directional manner. Preferably, the pipe rolling means comprises an auger, auger drive means and an auger positioning assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2011Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Inventors: Vince Morelli, Darcy Ludwig
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Patent number: 9080397Abstract: The invention relates in general to pipe handling apparatus to position pipe through a range of horizontal and vertical positions. In one embodiment a pipe handling apparatus comprises a longitudinal base having a longitudinal axis, a boom carrying member slidably mounted to the longitudinal base for axial movement there-along, member actuating means operable to move the boom carrying member axially relative to the longitudinal base, a boom supported by the boom carrying member, the boom having a trough adapted for receiving at least one section of pipe therein and boom actuating means operable to raise and lower the boom.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2012Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Inventor: Darcy Ludwig
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Publication number: 20130251491Abstract: The invention relates in general to pipe handling apparatus to position pipe through a range of horizontal and vertical positions. In one embodiment a pipe handling apparatus comprises a longitudinal base having a longitudinal axis, a boom carrying member slidably mounted to the longitudinal base for axial movement there-along, member actuating means operable to move the boom carrying member axially relative to the longitudinal base, a boom supported by the boom carrying member, the boom having a trough adapted for receiving at least one section of pipe therein and boom actuating means operable to raise and lower the boom.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2012Publication date: September 26, 2013Inventor: Darcy Ludwig
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Publication number: 20130008720Abstract: A stabbing basket, for a rig and for supporting a worker while stabbing joints of tubular members together during running operations, comprises a frame member for mounting the stabbing basket to the rig, a platform to support the worker, a carriage to slidably mount the platform to the frame member, vertical power means for moving the carriage vertically with respect to the frame member, an articulating boom, interconnecting the platform with the carriage, said articulating boom comprising a first segment and a second segment, and at least one pivoting actuator positioned between the first segment and the second segment.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2012Publication date: January 10, 2013Applicant: SUPERIOR RIG SOLUTIONS, INC.Inventors: Vince MORELLI, Darcy LUDWIG
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Patent number: 8297405Abstract: A stabbing basket, for a rig and for supporting a worker while stabbing joints of tubular members together during running operations, comprises a frame member for mounting the stabbing basket to the rig, a platform to support the worker, a carriage to slidably mount the platform to the frame member, vertical power means for moving the carriage vertically with respect to the frame member, an articulating boom, interconnecting the platform with the carriage, said articulating boom comprising a first segment and a second segment, and at least one pivoting actuator positioned between the first segment and the second segment.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2009Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Superior Rig Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Vince Morelli, Darcy Ludwig
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Publication number: 20120039688Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides a tubular handling system for use with a catwalk and a plurality of tubulars arranged in at least one tier and positioned substantially parallel adjacent the catwalk. The system comprises a tiering assembly positioned between said at least one tier and the catwalk and pipe rolling means adapted to move one or more of said tubular between said at least one tier and the tiering assembly in a sequential bi-directional manner. Preferably, the pipe rolling means comprises an auger, auger drive means and an auger positioning assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2011Publication date: February 16, 2012Inventors: Morelli Vince, Darcy LUDWIG
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Publication number: 20100175950Abstract: A stabbing basket, for a rig and for supporting a worker while stabbing joints of tubular members together during running operations, comprises a frame member for mounting the stabbing basket to the rig, a platform to support the worker, a carriage to slidably mount the platform to the frame member, vertical power means for moving the carriage vertically with respect to the frame member, an articulating boom, interconnecting the platform with the carriage, said articulating boom comprising a first segment and a second segment, and at least one pivoting actuator positioned between the first segment and the second segment.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2009Publication date: July 15, 2010Inventors: Vince MORELLI, Darcy LUDWIG
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Publication number: 20100108441Abstract: A stabbing board, for a rig and for supporting a worker while stabbing joints of tubular members, comprises a frame member, a platform to support the worker, a carriage, vertical power means for moving the carriage vertically with respect to the frame member, a linkage to connect the platform to the carriage and to facilitate horizontal movement of the platform relative to the carriage and the frame member and horizontal power means for moving the platform horizontally with respect to the frame member. Preferably, the linkage is a scissors linkage.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2008Publication date: May 6, 2010Inventors: Vince MORELLI, Darcy LUDWIG