Abstract: A load transporting apparatus includes a base structure that supports a load and a plurality of transport devices that move the base structure over a base surface. A first group of transport devices concurrently contact the base surface during a first movement step. Following the first movement step the first group of transport devices are disengaged from the base structure during a second movement step of the base structure. A second group of transport devices are disengaged from the base surface during the first movement step. Following the first movement step the second group of transport devices contact the base surface during the second movement step, and the weight of the load supported by the first group of transport devices is transferred from the first group of transport devices to the second group of transport devices.

Abstract: An axle assembly for transporting a load bearing frame includes a first axle operably coupled to an axle mount of the load bearing frame by a first articulation structure, and a second axle spaced a distance from the first axle and operably coupled to the axle mount by a second articulation structure. The first articulation structure is rotationally coupled to the axle mount by a first articulation connection, and the second articulation structure is rotationally coupled to the axle mount by a second articulation connection. A suspension system is operably coupled to both the first articulation structure and the second articulation structure. In a first mode of operation, the suspension system forms a substantially rigid connection between the first articulation structure and the second articulation structure.

Abstract: An axle assembly includes an axle, an axle mount configured to be attached to the axle, a positional locater that projects from an outer surface of the axle and is configured to locate an initial position of the axle relative to the axle mount, and an axle adjustment device comprising an inclined surface that contacts the positional locater. A compressive force is exerted between the axle mount and the axle adjustment device when the axle adjustment device is placed in contact with the positional locater to maintain the initial position of the axle.

Abstract: A removable axle assembly for transporting a load bearing frame includes an axle mounting structure configured to be removably attached to an axle mount. The axle mounting structure includes an inner surface that is aligned with a tapered surface of the axle mount. One or more fastening devices are attached to a clamping structure. In response to securing the one or more fastening devices, the clamping structure is configured to exert a compression force that maintains contact between the tapered surface of the frame support structure and the inner surface of the axle mounting structure.

Abstract: A pony substructure, for use in supporting substructures of drilling rig operations, which includes two parallel oriented frames and two outriggers attached to each frame. In preparation for transportation to and from drilling rig operations, the outriggers are adapted to rotate about a plurality of pivot points, which then enables each outrigger to fold over the top of each corresponding platform.

Abstract: A load transporting apparatus includes a base structure that supports a load and a plurality of transport devices that move the base structure over a base surface. A first group of transport devices concurrently contact the base surface during a first movement step. Following the first movement step the first group of transport devices are disengaged from the base structure during a second movement step of the base structure. A second group of transport devices are disengaged from the base surface during the first movement step. Following the first movement step the second group of transport devices contact the base surface during the second movement step, and the weight of the load supported by the first group of transport devices is transferred from the first group of transport devices to the second group of transport devices.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a load transporting apparatus that automatically aligns a support foot of the apparatus with a load-bearing frame connected to the load transporting apparatus during a recovery phase of an incremental walking movement. In particular, the load transporting apparatus includes a linking device attached to a support foot of the apparatus and a biasing device connected to the linking device that is deflected during non-linear load transporting movements, where the biasing device acts to automatically return the support foot to an aligned position relative to the load-bearing frame after a non-linear movement has been completed and the support foot is raised above a ground surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a load transporting apparatus that automatically aligns a support foot of the apparatus with a load-bearing frame connected to the load transporting apparatus during a recovery phase of an incremental walking movement. In particular, the load transporting apparatus includes a linking device attached to a support foot of the apparatus and a biasing device connected to the linking device that is deflected during non-linear load transporting movements, where the biasing device acts to automatically return the support foot to an aligned position relative to the load-bearing frame after a non-linear movement has been completed and the support foot is raised above a ground surface.

Abstract: A rig includes a base structure in contact with an operating surface and configured to support the rig on the operating surface. A transportation system is operatively coupled to the base structure and is configured to position the rig over an extraction point. A raised platform is connected to the base structure by a plurality of support beams. A hoisting device is connected to the raised platform. A drawworks is supported on the base structure and is operatively connected to the hoisting device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a load transporting apparatus that is capable of being steered while transporting a load across a base surface. In particular, the load transporting apparatus includes a roller track configured to support movement of a roller assembly, and a support foot that is connected to the roller track with a pin connector. During load transport, the support foot can be maintained in a substantially similar position relative to a frame structure supporting the load even when the transport movement is not in a parallel direction to the orientation of the support foot.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a load transporting apparatus that automatically aligns a support foot of the apparatus with a load-bearing frame connected to the load transporting apparatus during a recovery phase of an incremental walking movement. In particular, the load transporting apparatus includes a linking device attached to a support foot of the apparatus and a biasing device connected to the linking device that is deflected during non-linear load transporting movements, where the biasing device acts to automatically return the support foot to an aligned position relative to the load-bearing frame after a non-linear movement has been completed and the support foot is raised above a ground surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a load transporting apparatus that automatically centers a support foot of the apparatus about a roller assembly during a recovery phase of an incremental walking movement. In particular, the load transporting apparatus includes guide devices positioned adjacent to a roller assembly that deflect a biasing device during non-linear load transporting movements, where the biasing device acts to automatically return the support foot to a centered position relative to the roller assembly after a non-linear movement has been completed and the support foot is raised above a ground surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a load transporting apparatus that is capable of being steered while transporting a load across a base surface. In particular, the load transporting apparatus includes a roller track configured to support movement of a roller assembly, and a support foot that is connected to the roller track with a pin connector. During load transport, the support foot can be maintained in a substantially similar position relative to a frame structure supporting the load even when the transport movement is not in a parallel direction to the orientation of the support foot.

Abstract: A rig includes a base structure in contact with an operating surface and configured to support the rig on the operating surface. A transportation system is operatively coupled to the base structure and is configured to position the rig over an extraction point. A raised platform is connected to the base structure by a plurality of support beams. A hoisting device is connected to the raised platform. A drawworks is supported on the base structure and is operatively connected to the hoisting device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a load transporting apparatus that automatically aligns a support foot of the apparatus with a load-bearing frame connected to the load transporting apparatus during a recovery phase of an incremental walking movement. In particular, the load transporting apparatus includes a linking device attached to a support foot of the apparatus and a biasing device connected to the linking device that is deflected during non-linear load transporting movements, where the biasing device acts to automatically return the support foot to an aligned position relative to the load-bearing frame after a non-linear movement has been completed and the support foot is raised above a ground surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a load transporting apparatus that is capable of being steered while transporting a load across a base surface. In particular, the load transporting apparatus includes a roller track configured to support movement of a roller assembly, and a support foot that is connected to the roller track with a pin connector. During load transport, the support foot can be maintained in a substantially similar position relative to a frame structure supporting the load even when the transport movement is not in a parallel direction to the orientation of the support foot.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a load transporting apparatus that automatically centers a support foot of the apparatus about a roller assembly during a recovery phase of an incremental walking movement. In particular, the load transporting apparatus includes guide devices positioned adjacent to a roller assembly that deflect a biasing device during non-linear load transporting movements, where the biasing device acts to automatically return the support foot to a centered position relative to the roller assembly after a non-linear movement has been completed and the support foot is raised above a ground surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a load transporting apparatus that automatically aligns a support foot of the apparatus with a load-bearing frame connected to the load transporting apparatus during a recovery phase of an incremental walking movement. In particular, the load transporting apparatus includes a linking device attached to a support foot of the apparatus and a biasing device connected to the linking device that is deflected during non-linear load transporting movements, where the biasing device acts to automatically return the support foot to an aligned position relative to the load-bearing frame after a non-linear movement has been completed and the support foot is raised above a ground surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a load transporting apparatus that automatically centers a support foot of the apparatus about a roller assembly during a recovery phase of an incremental walking movement. In particular, the load transporting apparatus includes guide devices positioned adjacent to a roller assembly that deflect a biasing device during non-linear load transporting movements, where the biasing device acts to automatically return the support foot to a centered position relative to the roller assembly after a non-linear movement has been completed and the support foot is raised above a ground surface.