Rotary Drive For A Relatively Advancing Tool (e.g., Rotary Table) Patents (Class 175/195)
  • Patent number: 11125072
    Abstract: Disclosed are a synchronous movement apparatus of tracks in a wellbore inspection system and a control method thereof. The synchronous movement apparatus includes an upper moving track, a lower moving track, an upper wire rope moving device, a lower wire rope moving device, and a control device; the upper moving track and the lower moving track are correspondingly embedded into an inner wall of a wellbore, and the upper moving track is located above the lower moving track; the upper wire rope moving device is fitted in the upper moving track, and the lower wire rope moving device is fitted in the lower moving track; the upper moving track and the lower moving track have the same structure and each include a track body. A rolling face is arranged on the track body, and grooves are evenly distributed on the rolling face along the extending direction of the track body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: China University of Mining and Technology
    Inventors: Gongbo Zhou, Chaoquan Tang, Zhencai Zhu, Gang Zhang, Zhenzhi He, Hongwei Tang, Wei Li, Fan Jiang
  • Patent number: 10890033
    Abstract: A Kelly bar apparatus includes a plurality of concentric tubes in a telescoping arrangement having either a locking feature provided by a series of keys and notches that interlock selectively, or one or more blocking tabs that prevent complete telescopic extension of at least one of the tubes when the tubes and associated keys are in an unlocked position, or both. Related subterranean bore drilling systems and drilling methods are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Watson, Incorporated
    Inventors: Mark Allan Crosby, Douglas Allan Watson
  • Patent number: 10753159
    Abstract: A progressive cavity device including an articulated coupling for converting the complex motion of a rotor into simple rotation. The coupling may include two shafts coupled to one another by joint assemblies connected to opposite ends of an intermediate shaft. The joint assemblies may include interleaved male and female spline portions and an elastomer filling the spaces between the male and female splines. The elastomer may deflect under load to allow the male and female splines to move relative to each other to allow the assembly to react to shaft misalignments. To limit elastomer bulging from the ends of the joint in response to shaft movement, the bulge area may be capped so that the elastomer cannot bulge outward and become extremely stiff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Inventor: Russell D. Ide
  • Patent number: 10738553
    Abstract: Provided is a device for converting rotary motion into oscillatory axial motion, which device comprises: (a) a rotation element (1); (b) a base element (2); and (c) one or more bearings (3) for facilitating rotary motion of the rotation element relative to the base element; wherein the rotation element and/or the base element comprise one or more raised portions (4) and/or one or more lowered portions (5) over which portions the one or more bearings (3) pass in order to periodically increase and decrease axial distance between the rotation element (1) and the base element (2) as rotation occurs, thereby imparting an oscillatory axial motion to the rotation element (1) relative to the base element (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: ITI Scotland Limited
    Inventors: Marian Wiercigroch, Marcin Kapitaniak, Seyed Vahid Vaziri Hamaneh, Nina Yari
  • Patent number: 10626690
    Abstract: A fill up tool includes a mandrel; a primary sealing member disposed around the mandrel; and a selectively operable secondary sealing member activated by rotation of the mandrel. In another embodiment, the selectively operable secondary sealing member is activated using hydraulic pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Jimmy Duane Wiens, Yury P. Gutsu, Benson Thomas, Karsten Heidecke, Jim Hollingsworth, Doyle Fredric Boutwell, Jr., Rodney Stephens, Russell W. Thompson, Patrick James Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 10066664
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cooling and lubricating system (and method of use) for an RCD bearing/seal assembly comprising an internal conduit for directing fresh oil into the lower end of the bearing assembly where it can then progress upwardly through the bearing assembly and seals to provide cooling and lubrication to the internal bearings and rotary seals. The RCD system employs a small footprint oiler to deliver, via pressurized air, the oil to the RCD. Also disclosed is an RCD bearing assembly outfitted with the oil channel conduits for directing oil through the RCD bearing assembly to cool and lubricate the seals and bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Inventor: James Richard Cooper
  • Patent number: 9284811
    Abstract: A rotating flow head has a lubricated bearing pack for isolating bearing elements from wellbore fluids under pressure. The bearing pack, having a rotating cylindrical sleeve, bearing elements and two seal assemblies, is secured within an assembly bore of a stationary housing by a retainer plate accepting a plurality of lag bolts circumferentially spaced around a top portion of the stationary housing. Each of the seal assemblies have at least one sealing element having a body, an annular cavity, an inner sealing surface, and a flange that distends radially outwardly when axially compressed. A loading ring fit to the annular cavity urges the inner sealing surface radially inwardly to sealingly engage the rotating cylindrical sleeve. The inner sealing surface further comprises a first and second sealing surface and a debris channel therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: George James Michaud, Lawrence Gerald Cyr
  • Patent number: 9074421
    Abstract: A top drive guide system comprising first and second rail sections axially aligned to form a top drive guide rail. A locking member is coupled to the first rail section and is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. A locking surface is disposed on the second rail section and is operable to engage the locking member when the locking member is in the locked position. An actuator is coupled to the locking member and is operable to move the locking member from the locked position to the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO, L.P.
    Inventors: Adrian Marica, Mihai Ionescu
  • Patent number: 8988030
    Abstract: This disclosure is drawn to methods, systems, devices and/or apparatus related to power control in applications over long cables. Specifically, the disclosed methods, systems, devices and/or apparatus relate to power control that considers the maximum power available at the end of a long cable (or from a battery) to a load over a broad range of load conditions. Some example systems may include a power supply located at the Earth's surface and a power converter coupled to the power supply via a cable having a first end coupled to the power supply and a second end coupled to the power converter. Some example power converters may be configured to measure the power being consumed by the electrical load in the well, and adjust operating parameter(s) of the electrical load based, at least in part, on the maximum power available at the second end of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ramon Hernandez Marti, John Parry, Dudi Rendusara
  • Publication number: 20150048705
    Abstract: A magnetic drive device may comprise a stator comprising a plurality of windings for generating a first number of magnetic pole pairs and a rotor comprising a plurality of permanent magnets for generating a second number of magnetic pole pairs that differs from the first number of magnetic pole pairs. The magnetic drive device may further comprise a plurality of free-spinning interpole elements disposed within an air gap between the stator and the rotor. The interpole elements may produce a magnetomotive force and harmonically couple the magnetic pole pairs of the stator with the magnet pole pairs of the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Kent R. Davey, David Cardellini, Cliff A. Swiontek
  • Publication number: 20150027782
    Abstract: A top drive includes a hydraulic motor in fluid communication with first inlet for a supply of pressurized drilling fluid. A drill string adapter is mechanically coupled to the hydraulic motor and is in fluid communication with the first inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: James William WEIR, Dean A. Bennett
  • Publication number: 20150027688
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for a low profile rotating control device (LP-RCD) and its housing mounted on or integral with an annular blowout preventer seal, casing, or other housing. The LP-RCD and LP-RCD housing can fit within a limited space available on drilling rigs. An embodiment allows a LP-RCD to be removably disposed with a LP-RCD housing by rotating a bearing assembly rotating plate. A sealing element may be removably disposed with the LP-RCD bearing assembly by rotating a seal retainer ring. Alternatively, a sealing element may be removably disposed with the LP-RCD bearing assembly with a seal support member threadedly attached with the LP-RCD bearing assembly. The seal support member may be locked in position with a seal locking ring removably attached with threads with the LP-RCD bearing assembly over the seal support member. Spaced apart accumulators may be disposed radially outward of the bearings in the bearing assembly to provide self lubrication to the bearings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Sokol, Danny W. Wagoner, Thomas F. Bailey, Aristeo Rios, III, James W. Chambers, Don M. Hannegan
  • Patent number: 8931579
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus and systems, as well as methods, may operate to couple a stator to a borehole, and to move a rotor relative to the stator to generate electrical current to power a borehole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Billy Bankston, Clive Menezes
  • Publication number: 20140262521
    Abstract: A top drive system is provided. In one embodiment, a top drive includes a drive stem and a load nut with mating threaded surfaces that enable the drive stem to be threaded through the load nut and to support weight of a connected drill string via the load nut. One or both of the mating threaded surfaces may have a threadform with one or more undercut thread roots. Additionally, a portion of the mating threaded surfaces, such as thread roots of the drive stem, can be shot-peened. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: CAMERON RIG SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Richard O. Bradley, Michael R. Netecke
  • Publication number: 20140238749
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drilling tool for earth drilling with a drill rod element which can be connected to a rotary drive and can be driven in a rotating manner about a drilling axis, a frame-like housing and at least one removal tooth which is supported in a radially adjustable manner in the housing between a retracted position in the housing and an operating position, in which the at least one removal tooth projects radially from the housing. Furthermore, on the drill rod element in the housing a transmission mechanism is arranged, through which a stroke and/or rotational movement of the drill rod element can be translated into a radial movement for radial adjustment of the at least one removal tooth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: BAUER SPEZIALTIEFBAU GMBH
    Inventors: Manfred SCHWEIGER, Sandor MAJOR, Andreas STIMPFLE-ZIEGLER
  • Publication number: 20140216820
    Abstract: A drilling table for a drilling rig has an accommodation sleeve that can be rotated via a rotational drive for accommodation of a Kelly rod provided with driving contours. Coupling elements are disposed on the inside wall of the accommodation sleeve for engagement into the driving contours of the Kelly rod for transfer of torque and bias forces. Broken-out areas are introduced into the accommodation sleeve, through which areas the coupling elements that can be inserted from the outside are passed, to project into the sleeve interior. A drilling rig has such a drilling table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: ABI Anlagentechnik-Baumaschinen-Industriebedarf Maschinenfabrik und Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH
    Inventors: Christian HEICHEL, Holger BUBE
  • Publication number: 20140174829
    Abstract: A device for a top drive drilling machine, in which a drive shaft, which is arranged for releasable connection to a drive and to a first end portion of a drill pipe, is provided with a centre bore extending therethrough and arranged for fluid communication between the drilling mud plant and a fluid bore in the drill pipe. First and second releasable, drive-shaft-surrounding, respectively drill-string-surrounding, pressure seals and a valve which is arranged to provide, in an open position, a passage for the drill pipe or drive shaft, form a first and a second chamber. A drilling mud inlet is arranged for the second chamber and is arranged for fluid communication between the drilling mud plant and connection housing. A method for the continuous supply of drilling mud to a drill string by the use of the drilling machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventor: Per A. Vatne
  • Patent number: 8726984
    Abstract: A rotary table device is provided with means arranged for suspension of a pipe string. The rotary table comprises a rotary ring arranged rotatably about the central axis of the rotary table. The rotary ring is formed by two or more ring sections, each connected to a system comprising a bearing housing section rotatable relative to a base section, a bearing housing groove being formed in a base contact surface on the bearing housing section and a corresponding base groove being formed in an opposing bearing housing surface in the base section. The grooves form a curve-shaped track for a roller body and the groove has a curvature center coinciding with the central axis of the rotary table. The rolling diameter of the roller body exceeds the collective depth of said grooves, and a channel connecting the end portions of the bearing housing groove is formed in the bearing housing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: West Drilling Products AS
    Inventors: Helge Krohn, Ove Kalvatn, Mads Grinrød, Odd B. Skjaerseth
  • Patent number: 8660760
    Abstract: A method for using a mining vehicle, arrangement in a mine, rock drilling rig, and mining vehicle. Tasks according to a work cycle are performed at work sites with a mining work device in a mining vehicle. At the work site, the vehicle is connected to an external electrical network. An energy storage of the vehicle is charged during the work cycle defined by a excavation plan, when the vehicle is at a work site. After the work cycle is done, electricity obtained from the energy storage is used in a transfer drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Sandvik Mining and Construction Oy
    Inventors: Juha Piipponen, Jukka Osara, Jarno Kuittinen, Mikko Kouvo
  • Publication number: 20140034385
    Abstract: A drilling bucket for drilling a bore hole in the ground including a hollow cylindrical body and at least one cutting tool arranged at a lower side of the hollow cylindrical body for cutting soil material. The hollow cylindrical body has a lower opening for receiving soil material cut by the at least one cutting tool. For guiding the hollow cylindrical body in the bore hole an upper guiding device is provided which is arranged above the hollow cylindrical body and fixed to the hollow cylindrical body. The upper guiding device is configured to abut on a side wall of the bore hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: BAUER SPEZIALTIEFBAU GMBH
    Inventor: Karl van der WAAL
  • Publication number: 20140027184
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the configuration of an elongate inner member of a dual-member pipe. The elongate inner member of the dual-member pipe is disposed within an outer member and rotatable independent of the outer member. The inner member comprises a geometrically-shaped pin end and a box end having a geometrically-shaped opening. The geometrically-shaped opening of the box end has at least one internal angle greater than 180 degrees. The pin end of the inner member may be inserted into the box end of an adjacent similarly formed inner member to form an inner member pipe joint. The configuration of the pin end and the box end allows the pin end and the box end to be in connector free torque-transmitting engagement but also provides clearance for potential misalignment of the pin end and the box during make-up of an inner member drill string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Lowell Slaughter, JR., Cody L. Sewell
  • Patent number: 8622151
    Abstract: A drilling machine includes a feed cable system which operatively couples a rotary head to a tower. The feed cable system includes first and second pull up cables and an equalizer bar, wherein the equalizer bar is coupled to the first and second pull up cables. The equalizer bar drives the rotary head to be held in a level position so that it is restricted from tilting. The drilling machine includes a slack take up device which couples the equalizer bar to the tower. The slack take up device is repeatably moveable between extended and retracted conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Drilling Solutions LLC
    Inventor: Timothy W. Ledbetter
  • Patent number: 8607898
    Abstract: A force compensator for a top drive assembly includes a carrier block, a pair of top drive link assemblies, a mandrel, and a shock absorber assembly. The top drive link assemblies being positionable on either side of a power swivel and having a lower end connectable to the power swivel, an upper end connected to the carrier block, and being slidably positionable on a derrick of a drilling rig. The mandrel is slidably disposed through the carrier block and has an upper end connectable to a mover assembly of the drilling rig. The shock absorber assembly is interposed between the carrier block and a lower end of the mandrel in such a way that the shock absorber assembly is movable between an expanded condition and a compressed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Rodgers Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Troy A. Rodgers
  • Patent number: 8534382
    Abstract: Disclosed are hydrocarbon recovery drill string apparatus, subterranean hydrocarbon recovery drilling methods, and subterranean hydrocarbon recovery methods. In one embodiment, a hydrocarbon recovery drill string apparatus includes an elongated assembly within which a rotatable drill rod is received. The assembly comprises a longitudinal axis, a drill rod entrance end, and a drill rod exit end. The assembly comprises a tailcuttings diverter pipe proximate the drill rod exit end, with the tailcuttings diverter pipe defining an initial fluid flow path of the tailcuttings from the longitudinal axis which is acute from the longitudinal axis. Other apparatus and method aspects are contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: NEP IP, LLC
    Inventors: Robb Vanpelt, Brian Landry, Greg Vandersnick
  • Patent number: 8505652
    Abstract: A well drilling head comprises a well drilling head housing, a bearing assembly, a first lubricant manifold and a second lubricant manifold. The well drilling head housing has a sidewall structure defining a central bore. The bearing assembly is configured for being removably seated within the well drilling head housing and for having a stripper rubber assembly attached to a lower end portion thereof. The bearing assembly includes a plurality of bearings and a bearing lubricant flow path configured for allowing bearing lubricant to be circulated through the bearings. The first lubricant manifold has a bearing lubricant passage coupled to the first end portion of the bearing lubricant flow path. The second lubricant manifold has a bearing lubricant passage coupled to a second end portion of the bearing lubricant flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Hampton IP Holding Co., LLC
    Inventor: Theresa J. Williams
  • Publication number: 20130192895
    Abstract: A device is for a drilling rig for forming of a bore hole in a subterranean structure. The drilling rig comprises a first, top driven drilling machine arranged vertically displaceable along a guide track, where a second drilling machine is arranged between the first drilling machine and the bore hole, vertically displaceable along a guide track and provided with a rotary table arranged to be able to take the weight of a pipe string. A rotary drive unit is arranged for continuous rotation of the pipe string. A fluid chamber is arranged to, in a fluid communicating way, be able to connect a pipe string end portion with a drilling liquid plant. As the fluid chamber is provided with pipe string ports comprising means arranged to, in a fluid sealing way, be able to close the pipe string ports. A power tong is arranged for continuous rotation of an element connected to the pipe string, as the power tong is arranged in the fluid chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: West Drilling Products AS
    Inventors: Helge Krohn, Mads Grinrød, Odd B. Skjaerseth
  • Patent number: 8474551
    Abstract: Disclosed are hydrocarbon recovery drill string apparatus, subterranean hydrocarbon recovery drilling methods, and subterranean hydrocarbon recovery methods. In one embodiment, a hydrocarbon recovery drill string apparatus includes an elongated assembly within which a rotatable drill rod is received. The assembly comprises a longitudinal axis, a drill rod entrance end, and a drill rod exit end. The assembly comprises a tailcuttings diverter pipe proximate the drill rod exit end, with the tailcuttings diverter pipe defining an initial fluid flow path of the tailcuttings from the longitudinal axis which is acute from the longitudinal axis. Other apparatus and method aspects are contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: NEP IP, LLC
    Inventors: Greg Vandersnick, Brian Landry, Robb Vanpelt
  • Publication number: 20130081877
    Abstract: A system and method for boring a hole in rock with a digger derrick; which utilizes a hollow stem auger, a kelly bar, and a core barrel with a top support member with a hole therein for receiving the kelly bar with a detachable central pilot bit thereon which is translatable up and down with respect to the core barrel as the kelly bar and auger are manipulated. The kelly bar is selectively positionable with respect to the auger so as to allow the ability to retract the pilot bit inward into the core barrel and to shorten the separation between the pilot bit and the auger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: TEREX USA, LLC
    Inventor: TEREX USA, LLC
  • Patent number: 8381816
    Abstract: A method of flushing a wellbore fluid from a downhole tool containing a bearing package includes pumping hydraulic oil through at least one of a hydraulic inlet line and at least one of a pneumatic inlet line connected to the main housing and into an annulus formed between the bearing package and a main housing of the downhole tool, wherein the hydraulic oil replaces the wellbore fluid in the annulus, removing the wellbore fluid from the annulus through at least one hydraulic outlet line and at least one pneumatic outlet line connected to the main housing, pumping air through the at least one pneumatic inlet line connected to the main housing and removing the hydraulic oil from the at least one pneumatic inlet line connected to the main housing, and removing the hydraulic oil through at least one pneumatic outlet line connected to the main housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Trung Leduc, Huward Paul Fontenot, Alberto Zubia, Robert James Costo
  • Patent number: 8336614
    Abstract: A movable well drilling rig for drilling either on-shore or off-shore new in-line arranged oil, gas, mineral and water wells or for servicing in-line non-productive wells with well heads emerging from ground by at least three meters where the rig has a drilling mast supporting a vertically upward and downward movable drilling rotary head, where the drilling mast is operatively associated at least a pipe and drilling bit and stabilizer container, pipe and drilling bit and stabilizer element gripping and loader devices as well as driving motors, and a control operator, cab and auxiliary servicing devices, wherein all the above components are operatively supported either on a ground movable substructure or on a floating platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventor: Walter Bagassi
  • Publication number: 20120298004
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mining vehicle and method for its energy supply. The mining vehicle has a carriage, driving equipment for moving the carriage, and at least one mining work device. Further, the mining vehicle has at least one electric motor for operating a main function of the mining vehicle, and at least one electric motor for operating an auxiliary function of the mining vehicle. The mining vehicle further has a power-generating auxiliary unit. When necessary, the power-generating auxiliary unit supplies at least part of the power required by the electric motor operating the auxiliary function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Jukka Osara, Mikko Kouvo, Juha Piipponen
  • Patent number: 8307918
    Abstract: Disclosed are hydrocarbon recovery drill string apparatus, subterranean hydrocarbon recovery drilling methods, and subterranean hydrocarbon recovery methods. In one embodiment, a hydrocarbon recovery drill string apparatus includes an elongated assembly within which a rotatable drill rod is received. The assembly comprises a longitudinal axis, a drill rod entrance end, and a drill rod exit end. The assembly comprises a tailcuttings diverter pipe proximate the drill rod exit end, with the tailcuttings diverter pipe defining an initial fluid flow path of the tailcuttings from the longitudinal axis which is acute from the longitudinal axis. Other apparatus and method aspects are contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: New Era Petroleum, LLC
    Inventors: Greg Vandersnick, Brian Landry, Robb Vanpelt
  • Patent number: 8246474
    Abstract: A Kelly bar arrangement includes an inner bar and at least one outer bar, whereby the inner bar is arranged with respect to the at least one outer bar in an axially movable but rotationally fixed manner, and a spring means which is arranged in a lower area of the inner bar for cushioning an axial movement of the inner bar with respect to the at least one outer bar. In accordance with the invention provision is made for the spring means to be designed as an elastomer spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Bauer Maschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Karl Johannes Krollmann, Melchior Jais
  • Publication number: 20120199396
    Abstract: A drill rig 10 comprises a drill tower 12, rotation head 14 and drill table 16. Drill tower 12 is in the form of a rectangular box frame 18 and is of fixed length. Rotation head 14 provides torque to a drill string used for drilling a hole and is supported on and linearly traversable along drill tower 12. Drill rig traverse system 20 provides pull back and pull down force to the rotation head 14 enabling the rotation head 14 to traverse along drill tower 12 and controlling contact force between the drill bit and toe of a hole being drilled. Traverse system 20 comprises the combination of a hydraulic ram traverse system 22 which provides both pull back and pull down force; and a winch pull back system 24 which provides pull back only. A winch 60 of winch pull back system 24 is supported on the tower 12. Both hydraulic ram traverse system 22 and winch pull back system 24 can traverse the rotation head for the full length of the tower 12 when simultaneously applying pull back to the rotation head 14.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Warren STRANGE
  • Publication number: 20120160570
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Beat KUTTEL, Randall S. Pyrch, Faisal J. Yousef, Alan S. Richardson, Greg Kostiuk
  • Publication number: 20120125692
    Abstract: A force compensator for a top drive assembly includes a carrier block, a pair of top drive link assemblies, a mandrel, and a shock absorber assembly. The top drive link assemblies being positionable on either side of a power swivel and having a lower end connectable to the power swivel, an upper end connected to the carrier block, and being slidably positionable on a derrick of a drilling rig. The mandrel is slidably disposed through the carrier block and has an upper end connectable to a mover assembly of the drilling rig. The shock absorber assembly is interposed between the carrier block and a lower end of the mandrel in such a way that the shock absorber assembly is movable between an expanded condition and a compressed condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventor: Troy A. Rodgers
  • Patent number: 8182353
    Abstract: A bottom roller drive mechanism for a subterranean soil processing tool is provided. The tool is connected to a string of Kelly bar sections. Each Kelly bar section has a preferably square, or other polygonal, cross-section. A plurality of roller wheels is mounted in a drive assembly connected to the bottom rotary drive plate. The roller wheel assembly engages the faces of each Kelly bar section and rotates the Kelly bar around a vertical axis A-A. The upper and lower ends of each Kelly bar section are tapered to form a reduced cross-section at each joint. The roller drive assembly is free to rotate at each joint without rotating the Kelly bar. This allows misaligned Kelly bar sections to pass through the drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: Verne L. Schellhorn
  • Patent number: 8181721
    Abstract: A top drive track and slide assembly for use in drilling wells having a torque track slide assembly configured to connect to a top drive, and a modular torque track assembly configured to engage the torque track slide assembly. The modular torque track assembly can connect on a drilling rig. The modular torque track assembly can have a top track, one or more middle tracks, and a bottom track. One of the middle tracks can connect to the top track, and one of the middle tracks can connect to the bottom track using locking devices and connecting pins. The modular torque track assembly can be configured to be various lengths for various applications. The torque track slide assembly can have inserts retained therein without fasteners, allowing the inserts to be completely worn down before requiring replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: Larry G. Keast
  • Publication number: 20120031679
    Abstract: An excavation apparatus includes a base structure mountable to a vehicle, and a first supporting member pivotally coupled to the base structure. The first supporting member is pivotable about a pivot axis that is generally parallel to a lateral direction between a retracted position and an advanced position. A second supporting member is rotatably coupled to the first supporting member. A rotary spindle is supported by the second supporting member and extends lengthwise along a cutting axis and is rotatable thereabout for driving a cutting element. When the first supporting member is in the advanced position, the second supporting member is rotatable about a rotation axis that is generally parallel to a longitudinal direction between a stowed position in which the cutting axis is generally parallel to the lateral direction and a deployed position in which the cutting axis is generally parallel to a vertical direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: EDWARD MARSHALL POLLOCK, ANDREW LESLIE POLLOCK
  • Publication number: 20110308863
    Abstract: A bottom roller drive mechanism for a subterranean soil processing tool is provided. The tool is connected to a string of Kelly bar sections. Each Kelly bar section has a preferably square, or other polygonal, cross-section. A plurality of roller wheels is mounted in a drive assembly connected to the bottom rotary drive plate. The roller wheel assembly engages the faces of each Kelly bar section and rotates the Kelly bar around a vertical axis A-A. The upper and lower ends of each Kelly bar section are tapered to form a reduced cross-section at each joint. The roller drive assembly is free to rotate at each joint without rotating the Kelly bar. This allows misaligned Kelly bar sections to pass through the drive mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Verne L. Schellhorn
  • Publication number: 20110297446
    Abstract: A drill system for use with a drill rod includes a support member, and a drill assembly movably associated with the support member and configured to be connected to the drill rod. The system further includes a centralizing device movably associated with the support member and configured to receive the drill rod. The centralizing device includes a movable jaw and a latch arm connected to the jaw and configured to move the jaw between an open position and a closed position for retaining the drill rod. Furthermore, the latch arm has a locking feature configured to hold the latch arm in a locked position to thereby hold the jaw in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: BUCYRUS MINING EQUIPMENT
    Inventor: Stuart A. Connell
  • Patent number: 8047306
    Abstract: A low speed alternating current motor having motor shaft speeds of about 300 is provided, and such motor has application in numerous industries and devices, such as, for example, in top drive drilling systems. Because of the low shaft speed, mechanical speed reduction equipment may not be necessary. In addition, the motor shaft may be hollow to facilitate the flow of fluid, such as, for example, drilling mud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: LeTourneau Technologies Drilling Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin R Williams, Alvie E. Howard, Jr., Daniel F. McNease, Rudy Harris, Richard Bradley
  • Publication number: 20110224859
    Abstract: A method for using a mining vehicle, arrangement in a mine, rock drilling rig, and mining vehicle. Tasks according to a work cycle are performed at work sites with a mining work device in a mining vehicle. At the work site, the vehicle is connected to an external electrical network. An energy storage of the vehicle is charged during the work cycle defined by a excavation plan, when the vehicle is at a work site. After the work cycle is done, electricity obtained from the energy storage is used in a transfer drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: SANDVIK MINING AND CONSTRUCTION OY
    Inventors: Juha Pipponen, Jukka Osara, Jarno Kuittinen, Mikko Kouvo
  • Publication number: 20110214919
    Abstract: Systems and methods for wellbore operations using a dual top drive system with two top drives; the top drives positioned with one above the other; the two top drives in certain aspects movable separately or in unison; in one aspect the top drives operational to counter each other's reactive torque; and in other aspects the wellbore operation being one of drilling, casing, casing while drilling, casing drilling, reaming, underreaming, joint make-up, joint breakout, milling, managed pressure drilling, underbalanced drilling, tubular running, tubular running with continuous circulation, controlling bit face orientation during operations with a bit, conducting well operations based on mechanical specific energy considerations, and automatic drilling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventor: Guy L. McClung, III
  • Publication number: 20110180326
    Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a wellbore includes a motor with a stator and a rotor. The rotor includes an output shaft connected to a cutting structure to drive the cutting structure in use. The stator and rotor are spaced radially outwardly of the axis of the rotor such that at least one of the stator and the rotor has an access bore that extends through the motor to a position adjacent the cutting structure and through which a further object can pass without obstruction from the stator and rotor. The further object includes a further cutting structure. The motor workings are radially outward of the output shaft and the further cutting structure so as not to obstruct passage of the further cutting structure toward the cutting structure, such that the motor workings do not require drilling or removal to allow the further cutting structure access to the cutting structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventors: Edward D. Scott, Lance S. Davis
  • Patent number: 7975781
    Abstract: A kelly driver has a top ring and a plurality of split bushings. The a top ring has a top surface, a bottom surface, a drive lug extending from the bottom surface, and a central passage extending through the top and bottom surfaces. The drive lug has a notch within an end face thereof. A first one of the split bushings has a drive lug extending outwardly from a side surface thereof. Adjacent pairs of the split bushings have end portions thereof pivotably connected to each other through a respective hinge structure. Each hinge structure includes a respective connection pin about which adjacent pair of the split bushings are pivotably connected. An upper surface of each one of the split bushings is engaged with the bottom surface of the top ring with the drive lug of the first one of the split bushings positioned within the drive lug of the top ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Hampton IP Holdings Co., LLC
    Inventors: John R. Williams, Theresa J. Williams, legal representative
  • Patent number: 7950668
    Abstract: An air swivel ring includes a non-rotating member having an air inlet, a rotating member having an air outlet, and a split seal having a first sealing surface and coupled to one of the non-rotating member and the rotating member so that the first sealing surface on the seal is disposed proximate a second sealing surface on the other of the non-rotating member and the rotating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Hydril USA Manufacturing LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Gustafson, Jonathan Bowen
  • Publication number: 20110091285
    Abstract: An apparatus for placing foundation devices and/or pipes and/or augers in the ground, as an attachment to be attached to the boom of a construction vehicle, including a mounting hinged to a coupling point of the boom, and a drive head, which is rigidly connected to the mounting and configured as a rotational driving and/or drilling and/or impact drilling and/or pile-driving drive and to which the foundation device/pipe/auger for placement in the ground can be coupled. The coupling point can be displaced with respect to the drive head in at least one first direction which is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the foundation device/pipe/auger, and optionally in a second direction, which is transverse to the first direction. The mounting can be a universal joint in which a first joint axis extends so that a first and a second joint part can be displaced thereon, relative to each other, in the first direction, so as to displace the coupling point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: Guenther Thurner, Martin Thurner
  • Patent number: 7926594
    Abstract: A well drilling head comprises a housing having a sidewall structure defining a central bore and a bearing assembly removably seated within the central bore of the housing. The bearing assembly includes an outer barrel having a central bore, an inner barrel at least partially disposed within the central bore of the outer barrel and bearing units coupled between the barrels for providing concentric alignment of the barrels and allowing rotation therebetween. The inner barrel includes a central bore and a plurality of cooling structures protruding from a surface thereof within the central bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Hampton IP Holdings Co., LLC
    Inventors: John R. Williams, Theresa J. Williams, legal representative
  • Patent number: 7918291
    Abstract: A well drilling head comprises a housing and a bearing assembly. The housing has a sidewall structure defining a central bore. The bearing assembly includes an outer barrel, an inner barrel, bearing units and a preload force exerting member. The outer barrel has a central bore and the inner barrel is removably seated within the housing central bore. The bearing units are coupled between the barrels for providing concentric alignment of the barrels and allowing rotation therebetween. A first one of the bearing units is configured for carrying loads exerted radially between the barrels and a second one of the bearing units is configured for carrying loads exerted longitudinally between the barrels. The preload force exerting member maintains force on the longitudinal load carrying bearing unit and said barrels thereby preloading the longitudinal load carrying bearing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventors: John R. Williams, Theresa J. Williams, legal representative