Abstract: A method of moving a tree, rootball and supporting platform up an inclined surface comprising the steps of supporting the platform using a plurality of inflatable airbags, progressively, from leading edge to trailing edge, inflating the airbags to elevate the supporting platform, tree and rootball and to tilt the platform, tree and rootball forward towards the incline to be surmounted, and rolling the platform, tree and rootball forward to unload a trailing airbag and to lower the platform onto the remaining airbags. This series of steps can be repeated after a replacement leading airbag is introduced beneath the leading edge of the platform and the inclined surface to move the platform, tree and rootball further up the incline.

Abstract: A method of moving a tree, rootball and supporting platform up an inclined surface comprising the steps of supporting the platform using a plurality of inflatable airbags, progressively, from leading edge to trailing edge, inflating the airbags to elevate the supporting platform, tree and rootball and to tilt the platform, tree and rootball forward towards the incline to be surmounted, and rolling the platform, tree and rootball forward to unload a trailing airbag and to lower the platform onto the remaining airbags. This series of steps can be repeated after a replacement leading airbag is introduced beneath the leading edge of the platform and the inclined surface to move the platform, tree and rootball further up the incline.

Abstract: A method of altering the pathway of movement of a tree, a root ball and a platform supporting the root ball that are together being moved using inflatable airbags includes the steps of positioning an additional airbag at partially within the pathway of movement of the root ball on the airbags, the additional airbag being placed at an acute angle to the leading airbag of the plurality of airbags supporting the root ball, and then by applying an off-center force to the root ball that both translates the airbag forward within the pathway of movement and also imparts a turning moment to the root ball to move the root ball in a new direction that enables the additional airbag to support the leading edge of the platform. The steps can be repeated to further turn the pathway of movement of the root ball, tree and platform.

Abstract: A method of removing a tree and rootball includes the steps of excavating around the rootball, driving a plurality of pipes through a lower portion of the rootball to expose first ends on one side of the rootball and second ends on the other side of the rootball, disposing a first slotted beam across the topsides of the first ends of the plurality of pipes, disposing a second slotted beam across the topsides of the second ends of the plurality of pipes, interlacing a first lacing member with the first ends of the plurality of pipes and a first plurality of cross members, interlacing a second lacing member with the second ends of the plurality of pipes and a second plurality of cross members, and pulling the first and second lacing members taut to secure the first and second slotted beams to the pipes to create a platform.

Abstract: A method of removing a tree and rootball includes the steps of excavating around the rootball, driving a plurality of pipes through a lower portion of the rootball to expose first ends on one side of the rootball and second ends on the other side of the rootball, disposing a first slotted beam across the topsides of the first ends of the plurality of pipes, disposing a second slotted beam across the topsides of the second ends of the plurality of pipes, interlacing a first lacing member with the first ends of the plurality of pipes and a first plurality of cross members, interlacing a second lacing member with the second ends of the plurality of pipes and a second plurality of cross members, and pulling the first and second lacing members taut to secure the first and second slotted beams to the pipes to create a platform.

Abstract: A large tree mover system includes a trench formed around the circumference of the tree, and a plurality of elongate supports beneath the root ball of the tree. Two or more connecting beams positioned over the plurality of supports connect the plurality of supports to form a substantially rigid frame. The plurality of inflatable airbags are positioned under the plurality of supports, and these or other airbags may be positioned under the supports to roll the root ball to a selected location. A method of moving large trees is also disclosed.

Abstract: A large tree mover system includes a trench formed around the circumference of the tree, and a plurality of elongate supports beneath the root ball of the tree. Two or more connecting beams positioned over the plurality of supports connect the plurality of supports to form a substantially rigid frame. The plurality of inflatable airbags are positioned under the plurality of supports, and these or other airbags may be positioned under the supports to roll the root ball to a selected location. A method of moving large trees is also disclosed.

Abstract: A transporter 16 is provided for moving a live tree which has a root ball B which is boxed or otherwise contained. A powered slide mechanism 22 is movable from an inclined position to engage the boxed tree to a horizontal transport position on the trailer or truck bed. A powered loading mechanism 26 attached to the slide mechanism engages the boxed tree to move up the inclined slide mechanism. A powered tilting mechanism 40 tilts the boxed tree to an inclined transport position.

Abstract: A transporter 16 is provided for moving a live tree which has a root ball B which is boxed or otherwise contained. A powered slide mechanism 22 is movable from an inclined position to engage the boxed tree to a horizontal transport position on the trailer or truck bed. A powered loading mechanism 26 attached to the slide mechanism engages the boxed tree to move up the inclined slide mechanism. A powered tilting mechanism 40 tilts the boxed tree to an inclined transport position.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for drilling a well bore 60 through a subterranean formation using a drilling rig 25 and a drill string 50, whereby the bottom hole pressure while circulating drilling fluid (“ECD”) may be substantially maintained when circulation is interrupted or altered, such as when adding a joint of drill pipe to or removing a joint of drill pipe from the drill string. The method includes controllably applying and maintaining a desired variable annulus fluid pressure in the well bore, and thereafter controllably releasing the pressure from the well bore 60. In addition, methods and systems are provided for rotating the drill string while trapping, maintaining and/or releasing the well bore pressure. A substantially constant ECD pressure may be maintained on a formation, thereby facilitating the use of a lower density drilling fluid than may otherwise be required to maintain well control.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for drilling a well bore 60 through a subterranean formation using a drilling rig 25 and a drill string 50, whereby the bottom hole pressure while circulating drilling fluid (“ECD”) may be substantially maintained when circulation is interrupted or altered, such as when adding a joint of drill pipe to or removing a joint of drill pipe from the drill string. The method includes controllably applying and maintaining a desired variable annulus fluid pressure in the well bore, and thereafter controllably releasing the pressure from the well bore 60. In addition, methods and systems are provided for rotating the drill string while trapping, maintaining and/or releasing the well bore pressure. A substantially constant ECD pressure may be maintained on a formation, thereby facilitating the use of a lower density drilling fluid than may otherwise be required to maintain well control.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for drilling a well bore 60 through a subterranean formation using a drilling rig 25 and a drill string 50, whereby the bottom hole pressure while circulating drilling fluid (“ECD”) may be substantially maintained when circulation is interrupted or altered, such as when adding a joint of drill pipe to or removing a joint of drill pipe from the drill string. The method includes controllably applying and maintaining a desired variable annulus fluid pressure in the well bore, and thereafter controllably releasing the pressure from the well bore 60. In addition, methods and systems are provided for rotating the drill string while trapping, maintaining and/or releasing the well bore pressure. A substantially constant ECD pressure may be maintained on a formation, thereby facilitating the use of a lower density drilling fluid than may otherwise be required to maintain well control.

Abstract: A subsea hydraulic control system 10 supplies hydraulic fluid to operate subsea equipment SE, which in exemplary application may be a blowout preventer having an opening port and a closing port. A hydraulic control system includes a fluid storage vessel 12 for storing a selected quantity of hydraulic fluid, and a separation member 16 separating subsea water from hydraulic fluid while pressurizing the hydraulic fluid in response to the hydrostatic head of the water. A fluid supply line 42 interconnects the fluid storage vessel and the subsea equipment, and a fluid exhaust line 44 interconnects the subsea equipment with a subsea hydraulic fluid reservoir vessel 14. A vent line 38 extends from the fluid reservoir vessel to the surface. A subsea pump periodically exhausts fluid from the fluid storage vessel to the water. The method of the invention provides reliable actuation of subsea equipment, and is particularly well suited for operating subsea equipment in deep water at depths in excess of 6,000 feet.