Abstract: A high trip rate drilling rig has first handling equipment to transport stands in/out of setback, second handling equipment to deliver stands to/from well center, and a hand-off position to set down stands for exchange between first/second equipment. Second equipment can include a top drive and a delivery arm translatable along the mast past each other, and a clasp on the arm slidable on the stand for constraint below the upper end, which can allow the top drive to engage/disengage the constrained stand above the arm. A high trip rate method transports stands in/out of setback, delivers stands to/from well center, and sets down and hands off stands at hand-off position between the setback transportation and well center delivery. The delivery can include engaging/disengaging the top drive and a stand constrained by the clasp.

Abstract: A tubular delivery arm that travels vertically along a rail on the front of a drilling mast in generally parallel orientation to the travel of a top drive. The tubular delivery arm has a dolly vertically translatably connected to a mast of the drilling rig. An arm is rotatably and pivotally connected to the dolly at its upper end. A tubular clasp is pivotally connected to the arm at its lower end.

Abstract: A retractable top drive for use with a drilling rig and process for operating a drilling rig. The retractable top drive comprises a dolly having a pair of mast rails in translatable relation to a mast, such as sliding. A yoke pivotally connects a torque tube to the dolly and the top drive is connected to the torque tube, so that a substantial portion of the top drive is positioned lower than a substantial portion of the dolly. An extendable actuator is connected between the dolly and the yoke to translate the top drive to/from the dolly. Torque is transferred from the top drive through the torque tube, yoke and dolly into the mast of the drill rig.

Abstract: A high trip rate drilling rig has first handling equipment to transport stands in/out of setback, second handling equipment to deliver stands to/from well center, and a hand-off position to set down stands for exchange between first/second equipment. Second equipment can include a top drive and a delivery arm translatable along the mast past each other, and a clasp on the arm slidable on the stand for constraint below the upper end, which can allow the top drive to engage/disengage the constrained stand above the arm. A high trip rate method transports stands in/out of setback, delivers stands to/from well center, and sets down and hands off stands at hand-off position between the setback transportation and well center delivery. The delivery can include engaging/dis engaging the top drive and a stand constrained by the clasp.

Abstract: A high trip rate drilling rig has first handling equipment to transport stands in/out of setback, second handling equipment to deliver stands to/from well center, and a hand-off position to set down stands for exchange between first/second equipment. Second equipment can include a top drive and a delivery arm translatable along the mast past each other, and a clasp on the arm slidable on the stand for constraint below the upper end, which can allow the top drive to engage/disengage the constrained stand above the arm. A high trip rate method transports stands in/out of setback, delivers stands to/from well center, and sets down and hands off stands at hand-off position between the setback transportation and well center delivery. The delivery can include engaging/disengaging the top drive and a stand constrained by the clasp.

Abstract: A mast for a drilling rig and a method for operation thereof, in which the mast includes a first leg, a second leg, and a mast leg actuator coupled to the first leg and the second leg. The mast leg actuator is configured to expand so as to pivot the first and second legs apart, and the mast leg actuator is configured to collapse so as to pivot the first and second legs together.

Abstract: A workstation system for monitoring and controlling subsystems on a drilling rig, the system comprising: first and second workstation alcoves positioned near a drill rig floor so as to provide operators with direct lines of sight while sitting or standing in the alcoves to control drill rig subsystems, wherein each of the first and second workstation alcoves comprise: an operator chair; a plurality of controls for controlling the at least one first drill rig subsystem; at least one display of a graphical representation of the at least one first drill rig subsystem.

Abstract: A tubular racking system has a racking module connected to a drilling rig mast. The racking module has a frame, a fingerboard assembly, and a clasp extendable to a stand hand-off position for securing a tubular stand in position. An upper racking mechanism (upper racking mechanism) has a bridge translatably connected to the frame. An arm is rotatably and translatably connected to the bridge. A gripper is translatably connected to the arm. A setback platform module has a platform and an alleyway adjacent the platform. A lower racking mechanism (lower racking mechanism) is translatably connected to the alleyway. The lower racking mechanism is rotatably and extendable with a clasp operable to secure a tubular stand from horizontal movement. Movements of the lower racking mechanism are controlled by movements of the upper racking mechanism.

Abstract: A tubular delivery arm that travels vertically along a rail on the front of a drilling mast in generally parallel orientation to the travel of a top drive. The tubular delivery arm has a dolly vertically translatably connected to a mast of the drilling rig. An arm is rotatably and pivotally connected to the dolly at its upper end. A tubular clasp is pivotally connected to the arm at its lower end. The dolly vertically translates the front side of the mast in response to actuation of a hoist at the crown of the mast. The tubular delivery arm translates the mast in non-conflicting passage of a top drive connected to the same mast, for positioning a tubular stand over the centerline of the wellbore, a mousehole, or a stand hand-off position.

Abstract: A high trip rate drilling rig has first handling equipment to transport stands in/out of setback, second handling equipment to deliver stands to/from well center, and a hand-off position to set down stands for exchange between first/second equipment. Second equipment can include a top drive and a delivery arm translatable along the mast past each other, and a clasp on the arm slidable on the stand for constraint below the upper end, which can allow the top drive to engage/disengage the constrained stand above the arm. A high trip rate method transports stands in/out of setback, delivers stands to/from well center, and sets down and hands off stands at hand-off position between the setback transportation and well center delivery. The delivery can include engaging/dis-engaging the top drive and a stand constrained by the clasp.

Abstract: A tubular delivery arm that travels vertically along a rail on the front of a drilling mast in generally parallel orientation to the travel of a top drive. The tubular delivery arm has a dolly vertically translatably connected to a mast of the drilling rig. An arm is rotatably and pivotally connected to the dolly at its upper end. A tubular clasp is pivotally connected to the arm at its lower end. The dolly vertically translates the front side of the mast in response to actuation of a hoist at the crown of the mast. The tubular delivery arm translates the mast in non-conflicting passage of a top drive connected to the same mast, for positioning a tubular stand over the centerline of the wellbore, a mousehole, or a stand hand-off position.

Abstract: A casing racking module is located on a set-back platform at a forward edge of a drilling rig. The casing racking module has a casing frame forming rows for casing. Paddle assemblies are mounted on the casing frame. The paddle assemblies have a shaft, an arm pivotally located on the shaft, and a bumper pivotally located on the shaft. A rotary exit spring is located between the arm and the bumper. An arm stop limits rotation of the arm relative to the bumper. A rotary return spring is located between the bumper and the casing frame. A bumper stop aligns the bumper with the casing frame. An extendable gate opens from the end of each row.

Abstract: A casing racking module is located on a set-back platform at a forward edge of a drilling rig. The casing racking module has a casing frame forming rows for casing. Paddle assemblies are mounted on the casing frame. The paddle assemblies have a shaft, an arm pivotally located on the shaft, and a bumper pivotally located on the shaft. A rotary exit spring is located between the arm and the bumper. An arm stop limits rotation of the arm relative to the bumper. A rotary return spring is located between the bumper and the casing frame. A bumper stop aligns the bumper with the casing frame. An extendable gate opens from the end of each row.

Abstract: An actuator assembly for a drilling rig includes a cradle actuator coupled to a substructure of a rig, and an actuator bracket having a first end pivotally coupled to the substructure. The actuator bracket is coupled to the cradle actuator. The assembly also includes a cradle having a first end that is pivotally coupled to the actuator bracket and to a first end of a rig-up actuator. The rig-up actuator is receivable at least partially in the cradle. The assembly further includes a front bracket pivotally coupled to the cradle and to the substructure. Extension of the cradle actuator pivots the actuator bracket, the cradle, and the front bracket so as to raise a second end of the rig-up actuator, thereby moving the rig-up actuator from a stowed position to raised position.

Abstract: A tubular racking system has a racking module connected to a drilling rig mast. The racking module has a frame, a fingerboard assembly, and a clasp extendable to a stand hand-off position for securing a tubular stand in position. An upper racking mechanism (upper racking mechanism) has a bridge translatably connected to the frame. An arm is rotatably and translatably connected to the bridge. A gripper is translatably connected to the arm. A setback platform module has a platform and an alleyway adjacent the platform. A lower racking mechanism (lower racking mechanism) is translatably connected to the alleyway. The lower racking mechanism is rotatably and extendable with a clasp operable to secure a tubular stand from horizontal movement. Movements of the lower racking mechanism are controlled by movements of the upper racking mechanism.

Abstract: A lower stabilizing arm for stabilizing tubulars for stabbing to the threaded connections of a drill string on drilling rigs. The lower stabilizing arm comprises a bracket and an upper arm having an upper end and a lower end. An upper pair of axially opposed rotary actuators connects the upper end of the upper arm to the bracket. A lower arm is provided having an upper end and a lower end. A central rotary actuator is connected between the lower end of the upper arm and the upper end of the lower arm. A roller bracket is provided having a pair of v-shaped rollers mounted on the roller bracket. A lower pair of axially opposed rotary actuators connects the second end of the lower arm to the roller bracket.

Abstract: A retractable top drive for use with a drilling rig and process for operating a drilling rig. The retractable top drive comprises a dolly having a pair of mast rails in translatable relation to a mast, such as sliding. A yoke pivotally connects a torque tube to the dolly and the top drive is connected to the torque tube, so that a substantial portion of the top drive is positioned lower than a substantial portion of the dolly. An extendable actuator is connected between the dolly and the yoke to translate the top drive to/from the dolly. Torque is transferred from the top drive through the torque tube, yoke and dolly into the mast of the drill rig.

Abstract: A workstation system for monitoring and controlling subsystems on a drilling rig, the system comprising: first and second workstation alcoves positioned near a drill rig floor so as to provide operators with direct lines of sight while sitting or standing in the alcoves to control drill rig subsystems, wherein each of the first and second workstation alcoves comprise: an operator chair; a plurality of controls for controlling the at least one first drill rig subsystem; at least one display of a graphical representation of the at least one first drill rig subsystem.

Abstract: A tubular delivery arm that travels vertically along a rail on the front of a drilling mast in generally parallel orientation to the travel of a top drive. The tubular delivery arm has a dolly vertically translatably connected to a mast of the drilling rig. An arm is rotatably and pivotally connected to the dolly at its upper end. A tubular clasp is pivotally connected to the arm at its lower end.

Abstract: A high trip rate drilling rig has first handling equipment to transport stands in/out of setback, second handling equipment to deliver stands to/from well center, and a hand-off position to set down stands for exchange between first/second equipment. Second equipment can include a top drive and a delivery arm translatable along the mast past each other, and a clasp on the arm slidable on the stand for constraint below the upper end, which can allow the top drive to engage/disengage the constrained stand above the arm. A high trip rate method transports stands in/out of setback, delivers stands to/from well center, and sets down and hands off stands at hand-off position between the setback transportation and well center delivery. The delivery can include engaging/dis engaging the top drive and a stand constrained by the clasp.