Abstract: A system and method for installing bird flight diverters on wires, such as power lines and guy wires, is described. The system and method include the use of a robotic line crawler onto wires where the line crawler is configured to place bird flight diverters on the wire as the line crawler travels along the wire.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for stringing spans of cable, in particular, electric power transmission lines between utility poles using a robotic device suspended from an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”). In some aspects, a thrust assembly suspended by a UAV pulls the cable from pole to pole whereas in other aspects, an aerial robot integrating the functions of the thrust assembly and the UAV pulls the cable from pole to pole.

Abstract: A rotor system for aerial vehicles where two or more rotor systems are used in a coaxial or tandem arrangement on the aerial vehicle.

Abstract: For wellbore operations, a pipe handler moves pipe up to a rig floor. A pipe loader moves pipe from a presented position into alignment with well center. The pipe handler moves pipe up to a slanted presented position. The slanted presented position can be adjusted by manipulating the drive system.

Abstract: A slips positioning apparatus for a wellhead installation is installed in a fixed position relative to the blow out preventer and allows releasable locking of the slips relative to well center and driving movement of the slips relative to well center. The slips positioning apparatus includes a slips-mounting structure for accepting connection of the slips; an installation structure for mounting the apparatus rigidly above the blow out preventer and relative to well center. The installation structure is a plate that defines a first plane. The apparatus further includes a first and a second linear guides configured for movement of the slips-mounting structure relative to the installation structure along respective first and second directions in planes substantially parallel with the first plane; and first and second linear actuators for moving the slips-mounting structure respectively along the first and second linear guides.

Abstract: For wellbore operations, a pipe handler moves pipe up to a rig floor. A pipe loader moves pipe from a presented position into alignment with well center. The pipe handler moves pipe up to a slanted presented position. The slanted presented position can be adjusted by manipulating the drive system.

Abstract: A tool carrier, which is also known as a top drive or a power swivel, for a well operation rig includes link arms coupled between the rotating hook assembly and the lower pipe gripping structure, the link arms each secured to the rotating hook assembly by a first rigid connection and secured to the lower pipe gripping structure by a second rigid connection such that the link arms can extend along well center even when operating in slant. Another tool carrier includes a hinge between the mast and the main housing. The hinge permits the tool carrier to be moved into a more central position when folded onto the rig chassis for transport.

Abstract: A tool carrier, which is also known as a top drive or a power swivel, for a well operation rig includes link arms coupled between the rotating hook assembly and the lower pipe gripping structure, the link arms each secured to the rotating hook assembly by a first rigid connection and secured to the lower pipe gripping structure by a second rigid connection such that the link arms can extend along well center even when operating in slant. Another tool carrier includes a hinge between the mast and the main housing. The hinge permits the tool carrier to be moved into a more central position when folded onto the rig chassis for transport.

Abstract: A tool carrier, which is also known as a top drive or a power swivel, for a well operation rig includes link arms coupled between the rotating hook assembly and the lower pipe gripping structure, the link arms each secured to the rotating hook assembly by a first rigid connection and secured to the lower pipe gripping structure by a second rigid connection such that the link arms can extend along well center even when operating in slant. Another tool carrier includes a hinge between the mast and the main housing. The hinge permits the tool carrier to be moved into a more central position when folded onto the rig chassis for transport.

Abstract: A slips positioning apparatus for a wellhead installation is installed in a fixed position relative to the blow out preventer and allows releasable locking of the slips relative to well center and driving movement of the slips relative to well center. The slips positioning apparatus includes a slips-mounting structure for accepting connection of the slips; an installation structure for mounting the apparatus rigidly above the blow out preventer and relative to well center. The installation structure is a plate that defines a first plane. The apparatus further includes a first and a second linear guides configured for movement of the slips-mounting structure relative to the installation structure along respective first and second directions in planes substantially parallel with the first plane; and first and second linear actuators for moving the slips-mounting structure respectively along the first and second linear guides.

Abstract: A tool carrier, which is also known as a top drive or a power swivel, for a well operation rig includes link arms coupled between the rotating hook assembly and the lower pipe gripping structure, the link arms each secured to the rotating hook assembly by a first rigid connection and secured to the lower pipe gripping structure by a second rigid connection such that the link arms can extend along well center even when operating in slant. Another tool carrier includes a hinge between the mast and the main housing. The hinge permits the tool carrier to be moved into a more central position when folded onto the rig chassis for transport.

Abstract: A slips positioning apparatus for a wellhead installation is installed in a fixed position relative to the blow out preventer and allows releasable locking of the slips relative to well center and driving movement of the slips relative to well center. The slips positioning apparatus includes a slips-mounting structure for accepting connection of the slips; an installation structure for mounting the apparatus rigidly above the blow out preventer and relative to well center. The installation structure is a plate that defines a first plane. The apparatus further includes a first and a second linear guides configured for movement of the slips-mounting structure relative to the installation structure along respective first and second directions in planes substantially parallel with the first plane; and first and second linear actuators for moving the slips-mounting structure respectively along the first and second linear guides.

Abstract: A slips positioning apparatus for a wellhead installation is installed in a fixed position relative to the blow out preventer and allows releasable locking of the slips relative to well center and driving movement of the slips relative to well center. The slips positioning apparatus includes a slips-mounting structure for accepting connection of the slips; an installation structure for mounting the apparatus rigidly above the blow out preventer and relative to well center. The installation structure is a plate that defines a first plane. The apparatus further includes a first and a second linear guides configured for movement of the slips-mounting structure relative to the installation structure along respective first and second directions in planes substantially parallel with the first plane; and first and second linear actuators for moving the slips-mounting structure respectively along the first and second linear guides.

Abstract: A tool carrier, which is also known as a top drive or a power swivel, for a well operation rig includes link arms coupled between the rotating hook assembly and the lower pipe gripping structure, the link arms each secured to the rotating hook assembly by a first rigid connection and secured to the lower pipe gripping structure by a second rigid connection such that the link arms can extend along well center even when operating in slant. Another tool carrier includes a hinge between the mast and the main housing. The hinge permits the tool carrier to be moved into a more central position when folded onto the rig chassis for transport.