Patents by Inventor Robert L. Tribodeaux, Jr.

Robert L. Tribodeaux, Jr. has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Method and apparatus for positioning the proximal end of a tubular string above a spider
    Patent number: 8051909
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for handling a supported tubular string with a string elevator and a spider on a rig to prevent damaging contact between the string elevator and spider while facilitating further connections of add-on tubular segments. The string elevator and supported tubular string descend toward the spider until reaching a predetermined position. The process of setting the spider into engagement of the tubular string is automatically initiated in response to detecting the predetermined position of the string elevator. With the spider set, the string elevator can be unloaded. Optionally, the method may also automatically terminate the string elevator descent in response to detecting that the spider has been set. A preferred apparatus for detecting the position of the elevator includes a tilt switch secured to a fixed position along the length of the Kelly hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Frank's Casing Crew & Rental Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy R. Angelle, Robert L. Tribodeaux, Jr., Donald E. Mosing, Vernon J. Bouligny, Jr., Hans W. Schmidt, Richard Wiggins