Abstract: The present invention discloses a new landscape edging system in which multiple adjacent edging sections are interconnectable prior to inserting stakes. An edging section is provided. A first transition extends from one end and a second transition extends from the opposite end. A first slot extends to the midpoint of the first transition. A second slot extends to the midpoint of the second transition. A connector extends outwardly from each transition. Each connector has an upper and lower tab. The first slot receives the second transition of an adjacent edging section as the second slot receives the first transition of the adjacent edging section. This interlocks the edging sections together. As interlocked, the upper and lower tabs on the connectors form a rectangular structure for receiving a V-shaped stake. Stake tabs on the stake engage the upper tabs top secure the edging system to the soil.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a new landscape edging system in which multiple adjacent edging sections are interconnectable prior to inserting stakes. An edging section is provided. A first transition extends from one end and a second transition extends from the opposite end. A first slot extends to the midpoint of the first transition. A second slot extends to the midpoint of the second transition. A connector extends outwardly from each transition. Each connector has an upper and lower tab. The first slot receives the second transition of an adjacent edging section as the second slot receives the first transition of the adjacent edging section. This interlocks the edging sections together. As interlocked, the upper and lower tabs on the connectors form a rectangular structure for receiving a V-shaped stake. Stake tabs on the stake engage the upper tabs top secure the edging system to the soil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a positioning system for service lines. Generally, the invention relates to a mechanism for the deployment, retraction, and transportation of fixed-length service lines such as electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and communication resources necessary to the operation of a drilling rig used for subterranean exploration. More particularly, the invention provides an extendable cable positioning system for use with drilling rigs where pad drilling will require relatively short distance movements of the drilling rig, and it is desirable to leave the energy resource systems stationary.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for use in subterranean exploration, and provides a rapid rig-up and rig-down pipe racking system that is capable of being retrofit to an existing drilling rig. In particular, the invention relates to a pipe drill floor mounted pipe racking system that is capable of controlled movement of pipe in three dimensions, and most importantly, capable of rapid and precise movement of multiple connected sections of pipe. The invention is capable of moving stands of connected pipe from a racked position on the drill floor to an accurate stabbing position directly above a drill string component held in a rotary table.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a rotary misalignment-compensation bushing connection system that may be used in large-scale operations where several components are mounted in alignment on a single pin. For example, the misalignment-compensation system may be used in preloaded connection of a male lug rotatably mounted between a first lug and a second lug, on heavy equipment, for example, oil field exploration and production equipment. The misalignment-compensation system includes tapered cone bushings and surrounding counter-tapered cup bushings that expand in diameter and align the connection system as it is torqued together assembling the components to the pin.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus has a frame, a boom pivotally connected to the frame so as to be movable between a first position and a second position, an arm extending outwardly of the boom when the boom is in the second position, and a gripper affixed to the end of the arm opposite the boom. A pair of arm-tensioning mechanisms is connected to the arm and provide for tensioning of the arm. A pair of boom-lateral-adjustment mechanisms is connected to the upper portion of the boom and provide for lateral adjustment of the boom. A pair of rocker-arm-adjustment mechanisms is connected to the link and provide for adjustment of the link.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pipe handling apparatus that delivers and positions tubulars at a wellhead and a device for assisting pivotal movement of a boom relative to a base of the apparatus. A pneumatic spring assembly is pivotally connected between the boom and base. During operation, the pneumatic spring assembly urges the boom from a first position to a second position and resists movement of the boom from the second position to the first position. A pneumatic reservoir may be attached to the pipe handling apparatus. A gas-charging assembly fluidically connects the pneumatic spring assembly and pneumatic reservoir and allows the pneumatic reservoir to vary the pneumatic pressure within the pneumatic spring assembly. Sensors mounted in the pipe handling apparatus may provide feedback to a controller which may automatically adjust the amount of pneumatic pressure within the pneumatic springs for ideal performance of the springs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a positioning system for service lines. Generally, the invention relates to a mechanism for the deployment, retraction, and transportation of fixed-length service lines such as electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and communication resources necessary to the operation of a drilling rig used for subterranean exploration. More particularly, the invention provides an extendable cable positioning system for use with drilling rigs where pad drilling will require relatively short distance movements of the drilling rig, and it is desirable to leave the energy resource systems stationary.

Abstract: A tubular handling apparatus has a main rotating structural member pivotally movable between a first position and a second position, an arm interconnected to the main rotating structural member, and a gripper mechanism affixed to an end of the arm opposite the main rotating structural member. The gripper mechanism has a stab frame, a first gripper translatably attached to a side of the stab frame, and a second gripper translatably attached to the side of the stab frame below the first gripper. A connection bar is connected to the first and second grippers so as to translate the grippers for a substantially identical distance. A translating mechanism translates the grippers along the side of the stab frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new apparatus and method for use in subterranean exploration. The present invention provides a rapid rig-up and rig-down of a drill floor mounted device such as a pipe racking system. In particular, the present invention discloses a system and method for rapid deployment of a drill floor mounted pipe racking system that is capable of being retrofit to an existing drilling rig.

Abstract: An extendable, service line positioning system is provided for the deployment, retraction, and transportation of service lines that provide necessary resources (e.g., electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and communication resources) to a drilling rig. The positioning system comprises a plurality of connected panels supportable of a service line coupled to a vertical post on a skid. The panels are movable between a retracted position above the skid or a deployed position beyond the skid. The positioning system thus advantageously enables a drilling rig to move short distances for pad drilling operations without having the need to move resource-providing equipment coupled to supply lines.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus has a boom pivotally movable between a first position and a second position, a riser assembly pivotally connected to the boom, an arm pivotally connected at one end to the first portion of the riser assembly and extending outwardly therefrom, a gripper affixed to an opposite end of the arm suitable for gripping a diameter of the pipe, a link pivotally connected to the riser assembly and pivotable so as to move relative to the movement of the boom between the first and second positions, and a brace having a one end pivotally connected to the boom and an opposite end pivotally connected to the arm between the ends of the arm. The riser assembly has a first portion extending outwardly at an obtuse angle with respect to the second portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tension link drill floor level connection system for use on a drilling rig, as may be used in subterranean exploration. The present invention provides a tension link assembly for resisting separating forces incurred between sections of the substructure. In particular, the tension link assembly may be located at the drill floor level for resisting the separating forces imparted by “splayed” or wide leg mast structures that tend to separate substructure side boxes from the substructure center section. The present invention may be comprised of a first link element and a second link element with a tension link being connectable over the first and second link elements to resist separation between sections of the substructure. A latch mechanism may be utilized to prevent upward movement of the tension side boxes or center section relative to the drill floor or to one another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new apparatus and method for use in subterranean exploration. The present invention provides a rapid rig-up and rig-down of a drill floor mounted device such as a pipe racking system. In particular, the present invention discloses a system and method for rapid deployment of a drill floor mounted pipe racking system that is capable of being retrofit to an existing drilling rig.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a cable tray assembly for a drilling rig or other vertical structure. In one embodiment, an extendable cable tray assembly is provided for retractable attachment to a section of a mast of a drilling rig. The cable tray assembly includes an upper tray connected to the mast in a stationary relationship. A center tray has a pivot end pivotally connected to the mast, and an articulating end rotatable between a stowed position and a deployed position below, and offset to, the upper tray. A lower tray has an upper end and a lower end. The upper end is pivotally connected to the articulating end of the center tray. The lower tray is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position below, and offset to, the center tray. An actuator is provided such that extension and retraction of the actuator results in deployment and retraction of the cable tray assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rapid rig-up and rig-down pipe stand building and racking system that is capable of being retrofit to an existing drilling rig. In particular, the invention relates to a horizontal to vertical pipe delivery machine that is mountable to a drilling rig. The horizontal to vertical machine delivers sections of pipe to a pair of drilling rig mounted elevators. The elevators receive and vertically translate the sections of pipe. A power tong may be used to make connections between the sections of pipe to form a pipe stand, and may also break the connections of the pipe stand. A drill floor mounted pipe racking system receives the connected drill pipe from the elevators. A pipe racking system that may be used in conjunction with the stand building system is capable of controlled, rapid, and precise movement of multiple connected sections of pipe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for use in subterranean exploration, and provides a rapid rig-up and rig-down pipe racking system that is capable of being retrofit to an existing drilling rig. In particular, the invention relates to a pipe drill floor mounted pipe racking system that is capable of controlled movement of pipe in three dimensions, and most importantly, capable of rapid and precise movement of multiple connected sections of pipe. The invention is capable of moving stands of connected pipe from a racked position on the drill floor to an accurate stabbing position directly above a drill string component held in a rotary table.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus has a frame, a boom pivotally connected to the frame so as to be movable between a first position and a second position, an arm extending outwardly of the boom when the boom is in the second position, and a gripper affixed to the end of the arm opposite the boom. A pair of arm-tensioning mechanisms is connected to the arm and provide for tensioning of the arm. A pair of boom-lateral-adjustment mechanisms is connected to the upper portion of the boom and provide for lateral adjustment of the boom. A pair of rocker-arm-adjustment mechanisms is connected to the link and provide for adjustment of the link.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanically steered articulating dolly transport system for transporting large structures such as a drilling mast over the federal highway system. Generally, the invention relates to an articulating dolly system that utilizes a unique mechanical system for steering a first dolly with a path generated by the movement of the load held by the second dolly. More particularly, the invention provides a front dolly steered by a non-rotatable front steering frame, a rear dolly having a pivotally mounted turntable and a pair of steering links connected between the respective sides of the front steering frame and the turntable. The left steering link and the right steering link are located in a first plane. One or both of the turntable and the steering frame being located on a second plane that is not the first plane.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a high-capacity drilling rig system that includes novel design features that alone and more particularly in combination facilitate a fast rig-up and rig-down with a single set of raising cylinders and maintains transportability features. In particular, a transport trailer is disclosed having a first support member and a drive member which align the lower mast portion with inclined rig floor ramps and translate the lower mast legs up the ramps and into alignment for connection. A pair of wing brackets is pivotally deployed from within the lower mast width for connection to the raising cylinder for raising the mast from a horizontal position into a vertical position. A cantilever is pivotally deployed from beneath the rig floor to a position above it for connection to the raising cylinder for raising the substructure from a collapsed position into the erect position.