Abstract: There is provided a crane control method whereby shaking of a load is suppressed when automatically transporting the load along a set transport path using a crane; and a crane that is controllable by this control method. The control method includes: calculating a target transport time (Ti) of a load (W), transported by a crane (1), in a section defined by two passing points adjacent in a passing order; calculating, from a distance between the passing points and the target transport time (Ti), a target speed signal of the load (W) in the section; converting a stepped target speed signal, which connects the target speed signal of the section and a target speed signal of another section adjacent to the section, to a non-stepped target speed signal using a target value filter (F); and carrying out control on the basis of the non-stepped target speed signal.

Abstract: Arrangement of a ground drilling device for the pushing or pulling introduction of a drill string into the ground, wherein the arrangement has a frame and a carriage which can be moved back and forth relative to the frame with a translatory movement, wherein at least one rolling element is provided, which is configured to roll during the translatory movement of the carriage, and a conversion device is provided, which is connected to the rolling element and is configured to convert the rotary movement of the rolling element into a rotary movement of the drill string.

Abstract: An assembly for driving excavating equipment for an excavating machine includes a drive assembly sliding along a mast of a machine, for driving the drilling equipment; and an actuator. The drive assembly includes a first structure with guide members for sliding along the mast; and a second support structure to support the drilling equipment. The first and second support structures are mutually movable. The drive assembly has at least two operating configurations, for setting at least two excavation center-to-center distances. In the operating configurations of the drive assembly, the first and second support structures are mutually rigidly and directly constrained. While switching between operating configurations, the first and second support structures are always directly mechanically constrained to each other.

Abstract: A soil sample collection apparatus is comprised of an extension member, a soil sample collection container, and a collection panel. The extension member includes first and second ends. The soil sample collection container includes first and second ends, the first end of the soil sample collection container being coupled to the second end of the extension member. The collection panel is proximate to the first end of the soil sample collection container, the collection panel moveable to an open position during collection of a soil sample and a closed position during extraction of the soil sample.

Abstract: A side saddle slingshot drilling rig includes a right substructure and a left substructure, the substructures positioned generally parallel and spaced apart from each other. The right substructure includes a right lower box and a first strut, the first strut pivotably coupled to the drill rig floor and pivotably coupled to the right lower box. The left substructure includes a left lower box and a second strut, the second strut pivotably coupled to the drill rig floor and pivotably coupled to the left lower box. The side saddle slingshot drilling rig also includes a drill rig floor, the drill rig floor including a V-door. The side of the drill rig floor has the V-door defining the V-door side of the drill rig floor, the V-door side of the drill rig floor parallel to the right substructure. The side saddle slingshot drilling rig further includes a mast, the mast including an open side defining a mast V-door side. The open side is oriented to face perpendicular to the right substructure.

Abstract: A method for connecting a tong cassette and a positioning device includes moving a positioning arm of the positioning device toward a predetermined position on the rig; identifying a position of the tong cassette relative to the positioning arm; and connecting the positioning arm to the tong cassette. A system includes a tong cassette; and a positioning device having a first sensor configured to measure a distance between the tong cassette and the positioning device; and a second sensor configured to measure a stick-up height of a tubular string.

Abstract: A set of alarm criteria for a drilling tool may be obtained. Individual alarm criterion of the set of alarm criteria may be satisfied based on the drilling tool operating with a set of operating characteristics corresponding to the individual alarm criterion. The set of alarm criteria may include two or more of a tight-hole alarm criterion, a washout alarm criterion, a packoff alarm criterion, a weight-stacking alarm criterion, a delta-torque alarm criterion, a torque alarm criterion, a rate-of-penetration alarm criterion, a reamer-tension-compression alarm criterion, a running-speed alarm criterion, a drag alarm criterion, and/or a pipe-movement alarm criterion. An alarm event corresponding to an alarm criterion may be detected based on the operating characteristic(s) of the drilling tool matching the set of operating characteristics corresponding to the alarm criterion. Responsive to detection of the alarm event, an alarm for the alarm event may be generated.

Abstract: A control system for an offboard fluid supply system. The fluid supply system has mud supply pump which may be controlled by a local control system disposed at the fluid supply system. The mud supply pump may also be controlled by a remote control system disposed on a drilling rig. The mud supply pump provides fluid through a conduit to a drill string on the drilling rig. The local control system and the remote control system are paired such that only one of each is connected at one time. While paired, information from both the fluid supply system and drilling rig may be displayed by either control system.

Abstract: The tool assembly vibrates a casing string or drill string in a wellbore. The tool assembly includes a housing, an insert mounted in the housing as a fluidic agitator, and a cover fitted over the insert. The insert includes an inlet chamber, a vortex chamber, and a feedback chamber, and the fluid flow through the insert has a pressure profile with a plurality of levels determined by the feedback chamber. The strength and frequency of the pressure profile can be regulated by the feedback chamber according to position, size and asymmetry of the transition channels connected to the feedback chamber. The high strength and low frequency pressure pulses can be achieved in the limited space of the housing for placement of the inlet and outlet.

Abstract: An assembly for hoisting and lowering a drill string of a drilling rig includes a multiple displacement hydraulic cylinder having a blind end, a rod end, and a single piston rod configured for slidable extension and retraction movement within the interior space of the cylinder. The interior space is defined by three chambers, each chamber having a port allowing switchable flow of hydraulic fluid into and out from the cylinder. The assembly also includes a pumping and switching system with hydraulic fluid connections to each port of the cylinder. The pumping and switching system is configured to switch the direction of hydraulic fluid flow through each of the ports of the three chambers, thereby providing the assembly with a plurality of hydraulic fluid flow path combinations. Each flow path combination provides a different speed-to-force ratio for extending or retracting the piston rod, thereby hoisting or lowering the drill string.

Abstract: An acid tunneling system for forming lateral tunnels from a central wellbore. The acid tunneling system includes an acid tunneling tool having an acid injection nozzle which can be steered and oriented in response to downhole parameters that are detected and sent to surface in real time.

Abstract: A compact, portable, hydraulically controlled and operated drill for both soil augering and rock drilling includes a trailer type drill carrier. A mast is attached to the rear of trailer which is hydraulic controlled, lightweight and provides an adjustable drilling angle. A motor box housing unit is mounted for sliding movement on the mast with quick change capability for hydraulic drive motors specific for the soil augering drilling application requiring higher torque, lower rotation speeds for soil augering or lower torque, high rotation speed for rock coring. The motor housing carries a thrust bearing and a coupling to the drill string and is driven along a drive axis by a fully adjustable drilling penetration rate hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods and apparatus to inhibit rotation within a drilling rig. The apparatus may include a first member connected to a first component of the drilling rig, and a second member connected to the first member and connected to a second component of the drilling rig, the second component configured to move vertically with respect to the first component. The first member is configured to move vertically with respect to the second member and the first member and the second member substantially inhibit rotation between each other. The apparatus may include a rotational adjustment system, in which the rotational adjustment system is used to connect with one of the components of the drilling rig.

Abstract: An electric horizontal directional drilling machine. An electric horizontal directional drilling machine is powered by an electric power assembly. The power assembly is made up of a fuel cell and inverter, or multiple fuel cells with synchronized inverters. The electric motor operates hydraulic pumps or works independently to rotate, advance and retract a drill string and downhole tool through the earth and operate various machine functions. Mechanical functions of the drilling machine may also be satisfied through the use of electric rotary actuators (e.g., motors) and linear actuators (e.g., linear motors and solenoids).

Abstract: A system and method for locating a bottom hole assembly during liner drilling. The system and method employ a liner and a drill string. The liner may include a stop sub. The drill string may include a bottom hole assembly position indicator. In one or more embodiments, the bottom hole assembly position indicator is configured to engage the stop sub and arrest further advancement of the drill string.

Abstract: An automatic drilling system includes a top drive comprising a proximity sensor disposed in a housing thereof. A portion of the top drive is coupled to elevators through load transfer springs such that axial loading applied to the elevators results in relative movement between a link load collar and a load ring. A proximity sensor is mounted such that the relative movement results in a change in signal output thereof. A processor is in signal communication with the proximity sensor and is configured to operate a drive shaft motor. The processor is configured to disable rotation of the motor when the relative movement is indicative of axial loading on the elevators.

Abstract: A powered hand tool is adapted to use a variety of interchangeable rotary tools to assist in outdoor activities. Either of two basic tool designs can be utilized for activities including garden tilling, brushing and cleaning, auguring or post hole digging, and auto finishing and polishing. In one embodiment, an adjustable shroud is utilized along with a tiller construction to change the viewing angle of the working tiller tines to facilitate use by operators of different heights, including a kneeling position. The ability to utilize tow torque and low speed assists in avoiding accidental damage to underground wires and, if encountered, the reversibility of the drive assists in untangling the wires.

Abstract: A drilling system includes a drillstring and a power section further including a stator having a stator axis and a rotor within the stator. The rotor rotates eccentrically within the stator in response to fluid flowing therebetween. Additionally, the system includes a coupling section including first, second, and third rotation members having a first, second, and third axes, respectively. The third rotation member is coupled to the first and second rotation members. The third rotation member is configured to move radially relative to the first and second rotation members as the first, second, and third rotation members rotate about the first, second, and third axes, respectively. Further, the system includes an input shaft coupled to the rotor and first rotation member. The input shaft and first rotation member rotate with the rotor eccentrically to the stator axis and the second rotation member rotates concentrically about the stator axis.

Abstract: A pipe clamp mechanism and method for use with a pipe arm retracts beneath two laterally positioned pipe guide surfaces in a retracted position to allow a pipe to roll laterally into a pipe receptacle on the pipe arm along either of the two pipe guide surfaces. After at least one pipe is positioned within the pipe receptacle, then the pipe clamp utilizes one or more pipe clamps which extend outwardly of the pipe guide surfaces to clamp the pipe into the pipe receptacle.

Abstract: A completion system and method adapted for use in wells having long lateral boreholes includes a mast assembly, a pipe handling mechanism, a pipe arm, a pipe tub, a pump/pit combination skid, a rig carrier, and a control system. The control system can be used to automate operations of the completion system to facilitate rapid and safe make-up and breaking of tubular connections.

Abstract: A device and a method for handling rod-shaped elements on drilling gear are disclosed. The device for handling rod-shaped elements on drilling gear includes a drill rod magazine on which the rod components are deposited between a center of a drill hole and a center of a drilling mast, an elevator with a guide that lifts the drill rods above a drill hole, and a drive for displacing the elevator, a gripper attached to the elevator for picking up the rod component from the drill rod magazine, and a plurality of monitors. The plurality of monitors automatically monitor the movement of the rod-shaped components amongst the magazine, the elevator, and the gripper.

Abstract: Embodiments provide safety features for a post hole digger, such as for attachment to a tractor or other utility device. The post hole digger has a boom and a yoke for pivotally connecting to the tractor or similar device, a driveline for transmitting rotational energy, and an auger for forming holes in a ground or floor surface. Rotating features of the post hole digger are isolated by various guard members, thereby enhancing the safety of the device.

Abstract: An improved top drive assembly for a telescoping derrick provides the telescoping derrick with two rectangular telescoping section each defining rear legs and front legs defining a longitudinal channel, each set of front legs further defining rails attached to inner facing surfaces upon which lateral guide tracks of the improved top drive assembly are led, each lateral guide tracks providing a set of parallel channel segments having a friction reducing inner lining and an upper and lower track wheel which travel upon the facing surface of each guide rail for smooth and secure travel up and down the derrick during drilling and completion operations.

Abstract: A top drive system with a plurality of top drive modules, which are configured to be quickly exchanged. The top drive modules may include any or all of the following: a main body module, a gearbox module, a drive motor module, a pipe handler module, an upper fluid module, a lower well control valve module, a block interface module, a retract system interface frame module, a cooling system module, a work platform guard module, and a quill saver sub module. Alternatively, the top drive may comprise a first top drive and a second top drive which are configured to be quickly exchanged.

Abstract: An excavator is provided, in which the excavator includes a head that is slidably mounted on a leader, and a position fixture assembly slidable along the leader via the head. The position fixture includes a support plate including a groove in it top surface, with a first rod slidable within the groove. The position fixture also including a locking unit that serves to engage a base member, allowing the base member to be elevated when the head is elevated.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides a multipurpose cantilever skidding frame having a first frame structure, a second frame structure and two connection beams integrally forming a rigid structure to provide longitudinal and lateral movement for an exemplary cantilever. The present subject matter also provides a drilling rig that enables a cantilever to be moved in both longitudinal and transverse directions.

Abstract: The present invention is a coring unit adapted to be engaged to an articulated arm, to reduce the labor necessary for on-site coring of sewage and water pipes. The coring unit includes a frame containing the components of the unit, which include a coring bit, a coring bit motor, a traverse mechanism, and a stabilizer for allowing ready orientation of the coring unit with respect to an object being cored. The unit may also be provided with a traverse motor for driving the coring bit into an object being cored, and for withdrawing the coring bit once a core has been formed. The coring unit may additionally be adapted to allow for remote operation of the coring unit.

Abstract: A method for deploying a tubular string into a wellbore includes: injecting fluid through a top drive and flow sub into a top of the tubular string and lowering the tubular string into the wellbore. The flow sub: connects the tubular string top to a quill of the top drive, is in a top injection mode, and has a closed port and an open bore. The method further includes halting injection of the fluid through the top drive and lowering of the tubular string. The method further includes, while injection and lowering are halted: disconnecting the flow sub from the tubular string top; adding one or more tubular joints to the tubular string and connecting the flow sub to a top of the added joints. The method further includes resuming injection of the fluid through the top drive and lowering of the tubular string.

Abstract: A feed rail for a rock drill is composed of two segments, a first beam defining a first rail segment and a second beam defining a second rail segment. The second beam may be detachably connected to the first beam so that the second beam can be removed altogether from the first beam. This invention enables the feed rail to be shortened, thereby making the feed rail much easier to manoeuvre in mines.

Abstract: A method for drilling a wellbore includes drilling the wellbore by injecting drilling fluid into a top of a tubular string disposed in the wellbore at a first flow rate and rotating a drill bit. The tubular string includes: the drill bit disposed on a bottom thereof, tubular joints connected together, a longitudinal bore therethrough, a port through a wall thereof, and a sleeve operable between an open position where the port is exposed to the bore and a closed position where a wall of the sleeve is disposed between the port and the bore. The method further includes moving the sleeve to the open position; and injecting drilling fluid into the port at a second flow rate while adding a tubular joint(s) to the tubular string. The injection of drilling fluid into the tubular string is continuously maintained between drilling and adding the joint(s).

Abstract: A derrick apparatus for a drilling machine (10), the apparatus comprising a fixed structure (48, 50) for supporting drill equipment (14, 16), wherein the fixed structure (48, 50) has a generally prismatic shape with a generally constant cross-section along the vertical extent of the fixed structure (48, 50), and wherein the fixed structure (48, 50) comprises supporting beams (48, 50) about outer parts of the fixed structure and a void extending across the internal width of the fixed structure (48, 50).

Abstract: A direct drive drawworks has a permanent magnet motor, a shaft extending from the permanent magnet motor so that the permanent magnet motor directly rotates the shaft, and a drum connected to the shaft away from the permanent magnet motor such that the rotation of the shaft causes a corresponding rotation of the drum. The permanent magnet motor has a housing, a stator positioned in the housing, and a rotor cooperative with the stator. The rotor has a drive plate affixed thereto. The shaft is directly connected to the drive plate. A bearing housing rotatably supports the shaft.

Abstract: There is provided a mobile high power laser system and conveyance structure for delivering high power laser energy to and for performing high power laser operations in remote and difficult to access locations. There is further provide such systems with high power laser, handling equipment and conveyance equipment that are configured to avoid exceeding the maximum bending radius of high power optical fibers used with the conveyance structures. There are also provided embodiments of the conveyance structures having channels, lines and passages for delivering materials such as fluids.

Abstract: A support structure for use on a rig floor and for supporting a unit used to manipulate tubular components through a wellhead comprises a support plate adapted to securely mount the support structure to said unit, a passage in the support plate of sufficient diameter to allow tubular components to pass therethrough, a plurality of rig engaging members and at least one tensile member mount. The unit used to manipulate tubular components through a wellhead may be a compact snubbing unit or may be a push/pull unit. The support structure may further comprise a worker platform to support a worker above the rig floor. Various push/pull system embodiments.

Abstract: An excavation machine including —a mast having a longitudinal direction, —a bar presenting a first end provided with an excavation tool, and —a carriage movable along the longitudinal direction of the mast and including a first holder member for holding the bar relative to the carriage, the carriage being suitable for moving the bar along the longitudinal direction of the mast. The first holder member is pivotable relative to the carriage and by the fact that the first holder member presents a locked state in which the bar is prevented from moving in translation relative to the carriage, and an unlocked state in which the bar is free to move in translation relative to the carriage.

Abstract: A method for attaching a protective structure to a feed beam of a rock drilling rig, and a protective structure for a rock drilling rig. The protective structure is at least partly arranged around the feed beam so that as the feed beam bends in a bending direction of its longitudinal axis and/or twists about its longitudinal axis in a twisting direction, the protective structure substantially maintains its original shape.

Abstract: A system and method for building and handling oilfield tubular stands while drilling operations are simultaneously and independently occurring with one drilling deck, one derrick, and one rotary system. An offline guided path horizontal to vertical arm lifts and moves in the same plane tubulars stored horizontally on the catwalk and positions the tubulars vertically directly into a preparation hole for assembling and disassembling tubular stands while online drilling operations are simultaneously being conducted. A stand arm lifts and lowers the tubulars into and out of the adjustable preparation hole, and transports the tubulars for storage to an auxiliary tubular racking station in the upper part of the derrick. A bridge racker crane moves tubular stands from the auxiliary tubular racking station to the top drive or another tubular racking station.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a carriage movable along a drilling tower, a linking member pivotally coupled to the carriage, at least one actuator extending between the carriage and the linking member to pivot the linking member between first and second pivot positions, and a top drive pivotally coupled to the linking member. According to another aspect, an apparatus includes a drilling tower, a carriage movably coupled to the drilling tower, a linking member pivotally coupled to the carriage to permit the linking member to pivot between first and second pivot positions, and a top drive extending longitudinally in a parallel relation to the drilling tower, the top drive being pivotally coupled to the linking member to permit the top drive to continue to extend longitudinally in a parallel relation to the drilling tower when the linking member pivots between the first and second pivot positions.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods and apparatus to inhibit rotation within a drilling rig. The apparatus may include a first member connected to a first component of the drilling rig, and a second member connected to the first member and connected to a second component of the drilling rig, the second component configured to move vertically with respect to the first component. The first member is configured to move vertically with respect to the second member and the first member and the second member substantially inhibit rotation between each other. The apparatus may include a rotational adjustment system, in which the rotational adjustment system is used to connect with one of the components of the drilling rig.

Abstract: A substructure of a drill rig includes, among other things, a base and an intermediate section that is adapted to be raised above the base, wherein the intermediate section is further adapted to be laterally moved in a first lateral direction relative to the base and maintained substantially parallel to the base during the raising of the intermediate section above the base. The substructure further includes a rig floor section that is adapted to be raised above the intermediate section, wherein the rig floor section is further adapted to be laterally moved in a second lateral direction relative to the base and maintained substantially parallel to the base during the raising of the rig floor section above the intermediate section, the second lateral direction being opposite to the first lateral direction.

Abstract: An articulated apparatus for handling a drilling to has a base, a first set of arms pivotally connected at one end to the base and extending outwardly therefrom, a joint member pivotally connected to an opposite end of the first set of arms, a second set of arms pivotally connected at one end of to the joint member and extending outwardly therefrom, and a carrier assembly pivotally connected to an opposite end of the second set of arms. The carrier assembly is suitable for carrying the drilling tool so as to allow the drilling tool to move upwardly and downwardly. A drive system is cooperative with the first and second sets of arms so as to move the drilling tool between a stowed position and a deployed position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rock drilling rig, a method for transfer drive of the rock drilling rig, and a speed controller. The rock drilling rig includes combustion-engine-free drive equipment which includes a plurality of electric components for implementation of the transfer drive. The control unit of the rock drilling rig includes load monitoring which monitors the load of the components during the transfer drive. Load monitoring allows the electric driving system to be intentionally overloaded for a period of time limited in advance. A user interface of the control unit comprises a speed controller whose control element has a first control range, where operation takes place in the rated load range, and a second control range, where operation takes place in the overload range.

Abstract: A top drive system with a plurality of top drive modules, which are configured to be quickly exchanged. The top drive modules may include any or all of the following: a main body module, a gearbox module, a drive motor module, a pipe handler module, an upper fluid module, a lower well control valve module, a block interface module, a retract system interface frame module, a cooling system module, a work platform guard module, and a quill saver sub module. Alternatively, the top drive may comprise a first top drive and a second top drive which are configured to be quickly exchanged.

Abstract: Methods and systems for storing kinetic energy in a fluid-base power circuit. A regenerative control valve manifold diverts fluid flow from a hydraulic device performing a first operation into an accumulator. The accumulator stores a fluid volume sufficient to perform a second operation. The regenerative control valve manifold connects the accumulator to the power circuit providing a fluid flow and charge pressure sufficient to perform the second operation.

Abstract: A rock drill system may include a support arrangement including a feed channel, a rock drill assembly movably associated with the feed channel, and a fluid conductor having a first end connected to the rock drill assembly and a second end associated with the support arrangement. The system may further include a tensioning arm pivotally coupled to the support arrangement, wherein the tensioning arm is engageable with the fluid conductor to tension the fluid conductor.

Abstract: Equipment for intercepting and diverting liquid circulation flow includes three chambers and a series of valves. The chambers are equipped with a connection device with arrival or supply lines, communicating with each other, of which only a first chamber communicates with second and third chambers. Communication between the first and second chambers and between the first and third chambers each is obtained by at least two valves, one is a flow-rate valve and at least one is an equalizer valve. An upstream or downstream of each equalizer valve is coupled with a fixed or adjustable flow-blocking device. The second and third chambers do not communicate and include a three-way valve in common with each other, or include two one-way valves in counterposition. One one-way valve is open when the other is closed and vice versa, and the three-way valve or the two one-way valves are coupled with a discharge valve.

Abstract: A system for conducting earth borehole operations comprising a CT carrier, a reel of CT rotatably mounted on the CT carrier, a mast carrier, separate from the CT carrier, a mast mounted on the mast carrier and movable between a lowered position for transport and a position transverse to the horizontal, a top drive carried by the mast, the top drive being longitudinally movable along the mast and a CT injector on the mast carrier.

Abstract: A compact, portable, hydraulically controlled and operated drill for both soil augering and rock drilling includes a trailer type drill carrier. A mast is attached to the rear of trailer which is hydraulic controlled, lightweight and provides an adjustable drilling angle. A motor box housing unit is mounted for sliding movement on the mast with quick change capability for hydraulic drive motors specific for the soil augering drilling application requiring higher torque, lower rotation speeds for soil augering or lower torque, high rotation speed for rock coring. The motor housing carries a thrust bearing and a coupling to the drill string and is driven along a drive axis by a fully adjustable drilling penetration rate hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: There is provided a drilling rig for use on a drilling platform, comprising a drilling mast having at least two segments and a feed carriage, said drilling mast being adapted to be constructed in such a manner that at least one segment is displaced upwardly by means of the feed carriage. A mounting method in accordance with the invention for a drilling mast having at least two segments comprises the following steps: fixing of a feed carriage, providing of a mast segment below the feed carriage, and displacing the mast segment upwardly by means of the feed carriage. Due to this, additional auxiliary devices for constructing the drilling mast are not required, and space may be saved.

Abstract: A drilling rig having a top drive has a pipe gripper with a mandrel having an upper end for connection to and rotation with a drive string extending downward from the top drive. The pipe gripper has gripping elements that move radially into engagement with a string of pipe. A pull-down mechanism is mounted to the rig and secured to a non-rotating portion of the pipe gripper for exerting a downward force on the mandrel. A sensor is operatively coupled to the top drive to sense weight being supported by the top drive. A controller is linked to the sensor and the pull-down mechanism for controlling the downward force exerted on the mandrel by the pull-down mechanism in response to the weight sensed by the sensor.