Abstract: A pipe handling machine having vertical tracks mounted on a rotatable base. A carriage is mounted on the vertical tracks for vertical movement. A multisection telescoping boom is mounted on the carriage, and a pipe-engaging head is mounted on the end of the boom. The base may be carried on a movable trolley, which engages a set of tracks. The tracks run across the rig floor, from well center to a setback area. A second set of tracks may run across the rig floor, transverse to the first set.

Abstract: An interference warning device for an oil well drilling rig having a derrick, traveling equipment, a racker arm, and a block retractor. Fluid activated sensors provide electric signals when the traveling equipment is within a selected vertical distance from the racker arm, when the racker arm is within a selected horizontal distance from the vertical axis of the derrick, or when the block retractor has extended the traveling equipment to within a selected distance from the fully extended position. The operator is informed when any one of the sensors is activated, cautioned when any two of the sensors are activated, and warned when all three sensors are activated. The drawworks may be braked when all three sensors are activated.

Abstract: A pipe racking system is shown of the type having a vertical track, a lifting assembly adapted for vertical movement along the track, a horizontal beam for supporting the vertical track, and a movable carriage connecting the vertical track to the horizontal beam. The lifting assembly is supported by a wire rope running from the lifting assembly inside the vertical track and outside the carriage to a source of lifting power. A fixed guide sheave mounted in the carriage serves as a first point of contact for the wire rope running from the lifting head to the carriage. A rotatable guide sheave mounted in the carriage serves as a second point of contact for the wire rope. The rotatable guide sheave is rotatable by the wire rope in response to movement of the carriage, vertical track, and horizontal beam to center the wire rope in the guide wheel grooves of the guide sheaves during racking operations.

Abstract: Apparatus for moving stands of pipe in a derrick having a powered turret mounted in a selected position relative to the derrick and a vertical leg supported and rotated by the turret. A powered dolly is mounted on the vertical leg and moves one end of a power arm to selected positions along the vertical leg. A pipe gripping head is mounted to the opposite end of the power arm. A scissor arm is rotatably connected at one end in mid-region of the power arm and at the other end to the vertical leg. As a consequence, the pipe gripping head moves reciprocally in a straight line to engage, move, and disengage stands of pipe.

Abstract: A pipe gripping head especially suitable for use with pipe handling apparatus in earth drilling operations. The pipe gripping head includes a pair of jaws operably pivotable between an open and a closed locked position which does not rely on pneumatic or hydraulic pressure to maintain the jaws in the closed position.

Abstract: A pipe guide head for well pipe racking apparatus has plural slides defining different sizes of pipe receiving guide openings, extensible from retracted positions within the body to extended positions for receiving pipe, each slide being connected with a lever arm pivoted on the body to close the lever arm across the pipe opening upon extension of the slide and open the lever upon retraction of the slide. Fluid pressure operated actuators are connected with the slides to extend and retract them.

Abstract: A head for use in a well pipe racking system has a support plate for drill collars and a slide shiftable to and from positions for supporting drill pipe. A retaining lever is pivoted for movement between a position for retaining the drill collars and drill pipe in the head and an open position. The lever is reversible to swing to opposite sides of the head.