Abstract: Various hoisting systems with heave compensation are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a winch having a rotatable drum and a heave compensation system with both active and passive drive input devices. The heave compensation system can be coupled to the rotatable drum so that the active and passive drive input devices can each be used to drive rotation of the rotatable drum in response to heaving motion of the winch. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Various hoisting systems using multiple hoisting lines in shared block-and-tackle arrangements are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a hoisting system with multiple hoisting lines wound on a rotatable drum of a drawworks. The hoisting lines are continuous wire ropes that are reeved over a shared crown block and around a shared traveling block in a block-and-tackle arrangement to provide a mechanical advantage. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Various hoisting systems using multiple hoisting lines in shared block-and-tackle arrangements are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a hoisting system with multiple hoisting lines wound on a rotatable drum of a drawworks. The hoisting lines are continuous wire ropes that are reeved over a shared crown block and around a shared traveling block in a block-and-tackle arrangement to provide a mechanical advantage. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Various hoisting systems with heave compensation are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a winch having a rotatable drum and a heave compensation system with both active and passive drive input devices. The heave compensation system can be coupled to the rotatable drum so that the active and passive drive input devices can each be used to drive rotation of the rotatable drum in response to heaving motion of the winch. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displacing the lower end of a torque track used to support a top drive drilling unit. The top drive drilling unit is suspended from the lower end of the torque track and then displaced in a first direction away from the location of the drill string. Sequentially, or concurrently, the lower end of the torque track and top drive unit are displaced in a second direction substantially normal to the first direction, resulting in the full displacement of the top drive unit and the lower end of the torque track sufficiently to enable the removal of multiple sections of drill pipe without interference by the torque track or the top drive drilling unit.

Abstract: A torque break-out system for a top drive drilling unit in a drilling rig. The torque break-out system includes a splined sub which is connected to a tubular member of the top drive drilling unit. A collar is positioned circumferentially around the splined sub. The collar has a plurality of interrupted splines in reciprocal relationship to interrupted splines on the splined sub. The collar is positioned by a pivot member having a pair of arms rotatably connected to the collar and a lift cylinder connected to the pivot member. The lift cylinder positions the pivot member between a first position in which the interrupted splines of the splined sub and the collar are not in substantial horizontal alignment and a second position in which the interrupted splines of the splined sub and the collar are in substantial horizontal alignment. The system includes a back-up wrench assembly having a vertical opening through which the drill string is received.

Abstract: An improved top drive torque track system and method of installation. The apparatus includes a plurality of elongated segments having male and female ends and a mechanism for drawing up and securing adjacent members together. The installation process includes suspending adjacent segments from the top drive unit and threadably engaging the sections using a securing system which sequentially mates adjacent elongated housings until a torque track system the length of the mast is assembled.

Abstract: A torque restraint system for a top drive unit in a drilling rig, in which rigid torque arms rotate about a horizontal axis to transmit reactive force from the power swivel to the mast to prevent rotation of the power swivel about a vertical axis. The rotatability of the torque arms also allows lateral displacement of the motor from an operating position to a parked position behind the vertical axis of the well bore. The torque restraint system can be utilized in conjunction with an inclined mast.

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: A top head drive well drilling apparatus having a drive unit for rotating a drill string about the longitudinal axis of the drill string. The drive unit is mounted on a carriage, which is guided along a guide track. A stem extends downward from the drive unit to transmit torque from the drive unit to the drill string. A wrench assembly is mounted on the drive unit for making and breaking connections between the stem and the drill string. The wrench assembly can be moved vertically and horizontally in relation to the stem. A stabbing guide is mounted on the wrench assembly for aligning the stem and the drill string. The stabbing guide can be moved vertically relative to the wrench assembly, and has a gripping head having a pair of pivotal latch arms for closing around the drill string. A trigger and a limit switch automatically close the latch arms around the drill string when the stabbing guide is moved onto the drill string.

Abstract: A lifting head having a gate arm, and a latch arm, pivotally secured to a frame. A clamping block, also mounted on the frame, is movable between a retracted position away from the drill collar and an extended position against the drill collar. A plurality of gripping inserts are located on the clamping block and on the gate arm. Each insert has a body and a plurality of teeth. The bodies of the inserts may be vertical or angled, but the teeth of the inserts are mounted in a spiral. This allows the inserts to grip the drill collar, even if the lifting head grips the collar at a place having a spiral groove.

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.