With Above-ground Means To Advance Or Retract Boring Means Patents (Class 175/203)
  • Patent number: 12091969
    Abstract: A downhole sampling tool includes a tool body defining an opening therein for drawing a formation fluid into the downhole sampling tool. At least one sampling vessel is carried in the tool body and is operatively coupled to the opening to receive the formation fluid therein. A closure member is selectively engageable with the opening to prohibit flow of the formation fluid through the opening, and a biasing mechanism is operably coupled to the closure member. The biasing mechanism biases the closure member into engagement with the opening and is responsive to an increase in hydraulic pressure on the exterior of the sampling tool to a predetermined threshold pressure to permit movement of the closure member away from the opening and permit flow of the formation fluid through the opening and into the sampling vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Faisal Alissa, Khalid Alamari
  • Patent number: 12077250
    Abstract: A suction anchor and method of installing the suction anchor. The suction anchor including a suction chamber bounded by: a circumferential outer wall; an upper wall; and an internal housing wall. The internal housing defining a passage for receiving wellhead components that may be secured to the suction anchor. The suction chamber has a minor upper portion and a major lower portion. The minor upper portion having internal reinforcing members extending along the inside of the upper wall from the outer walls to the internal housing. The major portion is adapted to be embedded in a seabed and the minor portion is adapted to project from the seabed when the anchor is installed. The reinforcing members serve to reinforce the upper wall of the chamber against collapse and to rigidly support the internal housing to resist forces arising from bending moments applied to wellhead components received and secured therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: EQUINOR ENERGY AS
    Inventors: Lorents Reinås, Kjell Einar Ellingsen, Asle Eide, Bjørgulf Haukelidsæter Eidesen, Harald Sigurd Nesse, Roger Vangsnes, Morten Sæther
  • Patent number: 11970912
    Abstract: A tubular drive assembly including two or more polygonal tubes one inside the other. While being rotational loaded, to at least one direction, the tubular drive assembly delivers torque to that direction, maintains straightness, prevents lateral movements between the two said tubes, and allows longitudinal force as much as the friction between the tubes. The tubes may be provided with mutually cooperating coupling members for providing mutual fixation in longitudinal direction. Mutual rotation of two successive tubes in one direction will bring the coupling members into engagement to prevent relative longitudinal displacement. Mutual rotation in the opposite direction will disengage the coupling members to allow relative longitudinal displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Inventor: Shachar Magali
  • Patent number: 11879332
    Abstract: A horizontal directional drilling rig is described. The rig can be entirely electrically powered. The performance (or “health”) and/or the life cycle of individual components of the rig can be electronically monitored. This permits identification of specific individual components that are performing in a substandard manner or are not performing properly or have reached the end of their life cycle. Individual improperly performing components or components at the end of their life cycle can thus be specifically identified. The improperly performing component(s) or components at the end of their life cycle can then be replaced. In some embodiments, when a component is identified as performing improperly, the operation of other, properly functioning components of the rig can be modified accordingly to account for the improperly performing component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: LAVALLEY INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventor: Jason LaValley
  • Patent number: 11851973
    Abstract: What is provided is a method and apparatus wherein a rotating and reciprocating swivel of adjustable stroke length and shearable by ram blow out preventers can be detachably connected to an annular blowout preventer thereby separating the lower wellbore from the riser. In one embodiment the mandrel of the swivel extends through a sleeve/housing. The sleeve/housing has a wiping arrangement of improved configuration that wipes debris from the mandrel, preventing entry of the debris into the sleeve/housing. Ports enable discharge of the removed debris from the area of the sleeve/housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Mako Rentals, Inc.
    Inventors: Kip M. Robichaux, Terry P. Robichaux
  • Patent number: 11851966
    Abstract: A horizontal sampling soil drilling rig and a control method are used to solve the problem that the soil sampling device in the prior art has difficulty in horizontal sampling. The horizontal sampling soil drilling rig includes a rack, a connection assembly, a drive mechanism, a spiral drill rod, and a sampler. The rack is provided with a spline shaft and a screw rod in parallel. The screw rod and the spline shaft are connected through a first transmission assembly in transmission connection. The drive mechanism includes a rotation driver, a second transmission assembly, and a spline shaft sleeve. The spline shaft sleeve is rotationally connected to the rack, and the spline shaft sleeve and the spline shaft mesh with each other. The rotation driver is connected with the spline shaft through the second transmission assembly in transmission connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Inventors: Maoyong He, Li Deng, Zhangdong Jin, Jun Xiao, Yuanyuan Cheng, Qing Zhou, Jiaxin Luo
  • Patent number: 11827484
    Abstract: A cured-in-place-pipe (CIPP) end cap internal roller apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus can include a housing having an opening, wherein the housing can further include an interior space. In addition, the apparatus can include a roller assembly, wherein the roller assembly is at least partially disposed within the interior space of the housing and at least partially disposed through the opening of the housing. Further, the apparatus may include a grommet seal coupled to an upper region or side region of the housing, wherein the seal includes an opening. Further, the opening of the grommet seal may be at least partially aligned with the roller assembly. The roller assembly may further include a plurality of rollers or rotatable members secured between a first bracket and a second bracket, wherein the first bracket and second bracket each include an at least partial arcuate configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Omega Liner Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Homrighaus
  • Patent number: 11697966
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to underground horizontal directional drills and, more particularly, to aspects of drill operation, ground anchoring, and operator assistance features. In some embodiments, a drill is provided that includes an anchor assembly and/or a rear stabilizer that may pivot relative to a carriage frame of the drill. In other embodiments, a roller bearing system that permits the carriage to translate along the carriage frame is provided. In still other embodiments, rests to support the drill rod during makeup and breakout are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: THE TORO COMPANY
    Inventors: Casey Lee Adkins, Benjamin Allan Street
  • Patent number: 11613932
    Abstract: A pipe racking system including two mechanical arms to move pipe stands to a dedicated position on a rig floor wherein at least one mechanical arm is connected to a mast of a drilling rig. A method to move a drilling rig comprising: providing a pipe racking system with two mechanical arms connected to the mast of the drilling rig; folding the pipe racking system onto the mast of the drilling rig; and transporting the drilling rig without disassembling the pipe racking system from the mast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Glenn Thore Saebo, Rune Skibsrud, Kristian Tindvik, Dag Holen
  • Patent number: 11603721
    Abstract: A method may comprise attaching a spool support frame to a forward bogie and an aft bogie, lifting the cargo, supported by a spool support frame with a forward hydraulic arm and an aft hydraulic arm. A transportation system may comprise a forward bogie, an aft bogie, and a spool support frame. The forward bogie may include a plurality of axel groups configured to operate independently of each other, a forward arm attached to the forward bogie through a swivel connection, and a forward hydraulic arm attached to the forward arm through a rod. The aft bogie may include a plurality of aft axel groups configured to operate independently of each other, an aft arm attached to the aft bogie through an aft swivel connection, and an aft hydraulic arm attached to the aft arm through an aft rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Philippe Herve Gaillard, Terence Patrick Toal
  • Patent number: 11598175
    Abstract: What is provided is a method and apparatus wherein a rotating and reciprocating swivel of adjustable stroke length and shearable by ram blow out preventers can be detachably connected to an annular blowout preventer thereby separating the lower wellbore from the riser. In one embodiment the mandrel of the swivel extends through a sleeve/housing. The sleeve/housing has a wiping arrangement of improved configuration that wipes debris from the mandrel, preventing entry of the debris into the sleeve/housing. Ports enable discharge of the removed debris from the area of the sleeve/housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Mako Rentals, Inc.
    Inventors: Kip M. Robichaux, Terry P. Robichaux
  • Patent number: 11597435
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drilling rig with a drilling tower, a base structure, on which the drilling tower is arranged, and at least three support units being part of the base structure, each support unit having at least one wheel rotatable around a horizontal wheel axis, wherein at least one of the support units comprises a vertical steering axis, around which the at least one wheel can be turned by a steering drive. The invention further relates to a method for moving such a mobile drilling rig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: BAUER Maschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Hartl
  • Patent number: 11549337
    Abstract: A drilling rig may include a detachable, modular cellar arranged beneath a drill floor of the drilling rig. The cellar may be or include a cellar trailer and it may also be configured to house drilling equipment, such as well head equipment and/or one or more blowout preventers. The cellar trailer may provide work areas, such that the well head equipment may be prepared, tested, or generally operated within the cellar trailer. The cellar trailer may additionally be configured to provide stiffening support to the drill floor in order to mitigate deflection of the drill floor during drilling operations. The stiffening support may be provided by a shear wall extending from the cellar trailer. The cellar trailer may be towable. The cellar trailer may additionally be skiddable and/or walkable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: NOV CANADA ULC
    Inventors: Kameron Wayne Konduc, Randy Steven Stoik, Roman Konowalec, Jonathon Douglas Callaghan, Li Liu, David Frederick Chalus
  • Patent number: 11440575
    Abstract: A motorized cart assembly for use in gardening and other outdoor chores includes a first motor that is operationally coupled to a rear axle of a rolling chassis. The first motor is configured to selectively rotate the rear axle to locomote the rolling chassis. A lift module that is coupled to the rolling chassis is configured to selectively raise and lower an item that is positioned upon an upper plate of the lift module. A handle, which is coupled to at least one of the rolling chassis and the upper plate, is configured to be grasped in at least one hand of a user to steer the rolling chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Inventor: Michelle Baldridge
  • Patent number: 11199080
    Abstract: A sand bypass separator is provided for separating particulate matter from a fluid mixture in a production well and directing the separated particulate matter away from a pump intake. The separator includes an outer tube, an inner tube positioned within the outer tube, and a bypass. The outer tube has a plurality of slots to allow the fluid mixture to enter the separator between the outer tube and the inner tube. As the fluid mixture moves downward, the fluid mixture reaches a downward velocity sufficient to allow the particulate matter in the fluid mixture to continue downward as the fluid is drawn into the inner tube through the pump intake. The bypass extends from above the pump intake to below the pump intake to collect and direct the separated particulate matter separated below the pump intake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: WellWorx Energy Solutions LLC
    Inventor: John M. Raglin
  • Patent number: 11035183
    Abstract: Systems and methods for clearing a top drive from an operational area of the mast such that operations may be performed along the rail without interference from the top drive. Systems and methods of the present disclosure provide for arranging the top drive in a parked configuration outside of, or generally behind, the mast. A guide rail may be arranged within an operational area of a mast and may have a pair of interchangeable rail sections, each of which may be configured for arrangement in either an operating configuration, where the rail section may be positioned within the operational area of the mast to form part of the rail, or a parked configuration, where the rail section may be positioned outside of the operational area. Each interchangeable rail section may be pivotable about an axis and may be arranged on a pivotable gate of the mast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Benjamin Donnally, Xi Lin Liu, Jay John Thiessen
  • Patent number: 10760417
    Abstract: A system and method to reduce a whirl effect on a rotation of a drill string with an AC induction motor mechanically coupled to a rotary drilling system and configured to drive the rotary drilling system and the drill string attached thereto. Additionally, the system includes an electronic inverter to generate supplied power for the AC induction motor and a controller configured to drive the operation of the electronic inverter to impose a virtual drive characteristic relating a torque output of the motor with speed of the motor, determine a desired nominal operating point, and determine presence of whirl in the drill string from torque of the rotary drilling system and speed of the drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Jacques Orban
  • Patent number: 10718162
    Abstract: A method for servicing a top drive device of a wellbore drilling installation. The installation comprises a drilling tower, a drill floor having a well center through which a drilling tubulars string can pass along a firing line. A trolley is guided along a vertical trolley rail. A top drive device is attached to the trolley and comprises one or more top drive. A motion arm assembly comprises a base and an extensible and retractable motion arm, wherein the base is guided by a vertical motion arm rail. The motion arm has an operative reach that encompasses the firing line. The motion arm assembly is adapted to support at least one of a well center tool, e.g. an iron roughneck tool and a tubular gripper member, and allowing to bring said well center tool or tubular gripper member in the firing line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: ITREC B.V.
    Inventors: Pieter Dirk Melis Van Duivendijk, Diederick Bernardus Wijning, Nicolaas Thijs Pieter Max, Jasper Hendrik Frank Bakker, Adriaan Van Swieten, Joop Roodenburg
  • Patent number: 10605064
    Abstract: A sand bypass separator is provided for separating particulate matter from a fluid mixture in a production well and directing the separated particulate matter away from a pump intake. The separator includes an outer tube, an inner tube positioned within the outer tube, and a bypass. The outer tube has a plurality of slots to allow the fluid mixture to enter the separator between the outer tube and the inner tube. As the fluid mixture moves downward, the fluid mixture reaches a downward velocity sufficient to allow the particulate matter in the fluid mixture to continue downward as the fluid is drawn into the inner tube through the pump intake. The bypass extends from above the pump intake to below the pump intake to collect and direct the separated particulate matter separated below the pump intake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: WellWorx Energy Solutions LLC
    Inventor: John M. Raglin
  • Patent number: 10400523
    Abstract: A drill coil includes a drill tube, a fluid conduit, a power or communication line, and at least one of a communication wire or a power line. The drill tube defines a longitudinal axis and includes a tubular wall forming a drill tube lumen along the longitudinal axis. The tubular wall defines at least one utility lumen along the longitudinal axis. The power or communication line is disposed in the at least one utility lumen. The fluid conduit is housed in the drill tube lumen and extends along the longitudinal axis and configured to convey a fluid therethrough. The at least one of the communication wire or the power line is housed in the drill tube lumen adjacent the fluid conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Hunt
  • Patent number: 9169702
    Abstract: Certain embodiments include a system having a first grip configured to couple to a first tubular, a second grip configured to couple to a second tubular, where the first and second tubulars are connected by a threaded connection, and a gear assembly coupling the first and second grips, wherein the gear assembly has a speed ratio greater than 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: TESCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryan Thomas Bowley, Edgar Fernando Yajure
  • Publication number: 20150114717
    Abstract: An improved walking drilling rig is disclosed. The walking drilling rig includes a preassembled substructure that includes a first skid beam disposed parallel and spaced apart from a second skid beam. A plurality of crossbeams couple the first skid beam to the second skid beam, and a plurality of extendable legs are supported by the first and second skid beams. An elevateable drill floor is coupled to the plurality of extendable legs and includes a rotary table disposed between a pair of lateral platforms. Each lateral platform has a retracted position and an extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: INDEPENDENCE CONTRACT DRILLING, INC.
    Inventors: Fred Fortson, David Brown
  • Patent number: 8997893
    Abstract: A drill rig (10) comprises a tower (12) and a drill head (14) that is able to travel linearly up and down the tower (12). The drill head (14) provides torque to a drill string (16) attached to the drill head (14) ad thus to a drill bit (18) coupled to a distal end of the drill string (16). The drill head (14) is traversed along the tower (12) by a plurality of rams (22a, 22b) and (22c) (hereinafter referred to in general as “rams 22”). The rams (22) provided hold back and pull down for the drill bit (18) via the drill head (14). The rams (22) are selectively operable to enable the hold back and pull down applied to the drill bit to be selectively varied. Thus for example a first of the rams (22a) is selected to operate when drilling to a first depth, then the rams (22b) and (22c) are selected to operate when drilling to a second greater depth; and finally all three rams (22a, 22b) and (22c) are selected to operate when drilling to a third greater depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Strada Design Limited
    Inventor: Warren Strange
  • Patent number: 8997892
    Abstract: A drill rig 10 has a drill tower 12, rotation head 14 and drill table 16. The rotation head 14 is supported on and linearly traversable along drill tower 12. A 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 a drill bit and toe of a hole being drilled. The system 20 is formed as a combination of a hydraulic ram traverse system 22 providing both pull back and pull down force; and a winch pull back system 24 providing pull back only. 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: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Strada Design Limited
    Inventor: Warren Strange
  • Patent number: 8910400
    Abstract: A horizontal auger garden tilling apparatus and method of use having an outer frame, an inner frame which pivots with said outer frame, and a rotating auger capable of tilling soil to depth which conventional tillers cannot begin to reach. The apparatus is moved and the method of use is performed via attachment with a tractor or other movable carriage which provides enough horizontal force to move the auger through the soil and provides auger rotational power. A trencher attachment prevents auger soil refilling and allows the apparatus and method of use to be utilized and performed in conjunction with trenching operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventor: Wynn Provines
  • Patent number: 8905160
    Abstract: An assembly for handling drill pipes includes a basket for drill pipes arranged in rows and columns, and a support table that has a drill pipe receiver. The support table moves laterally with respect to the drill pipe basket between a plurality of column alignment positions and an external position which locates the drill pipe receiver laterally outside of the basket. The support table also moves between the plurality of column alignment positions and the external position. The drill pipe handling assembly also includes a drill pipe elevator assembly and a loader arm assembly comprising a loader arm having a pipe gripper. The loader arm moves between a table alignment position in which the pipe gripper may grab or release a drill pipe when the support table is in the external position and a drilling alignment position in which the pipe gripper may grab or release a drill pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Astec Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Claudio Verzilli, Justin Wheeler, Tim Smith
  • Patent number: 8899353
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Blount, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Banjo, Chad Vernon Franke
  • Patent number: 8893800
    Abstract: An apparatus for, and method of, lowering items from a drilling rig to a well located below it through the use of a landing string comprised of drill pipe having an enlarged diameter section with a shoulder, in combination with upper and lower holders having wedge members with shoulders that engage and support the drill pipe at the shoulder of the enlarged diameter section, the shoulder of the drill pipe and the shoulders of the wedge members being rotatable with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Archer Rental Services, LLC
    Inventors: Burt A. Adams, Norman A. Henry
  • Publication number: 20140291030
    Abstract: Cable guides for overhead support of drill line on a drilling rig during a slip and cut operation feature replaceable liners of wear material supported by a re-usable base. A tensioning roller added to the draw-works resides outward from the periphery of the draw-works drum and is spring-biased toward same into order to force the incoming drill line against the periphery of the drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventor: Jesse Urquhart
  • Patent number: 8839884
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Beat Küttel, Randall S. Pyrch, Faisal J. Yousef, Alan S. Richardson, Greg Kostiuk
  • Patent number: 8839852
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventor: Suk-Shin In
  • Patent number: 8727039
    Abstract: A torque measuring device for top drives, which includes plates mounted to a top drive. A torque measuring pin and a hinge pin can be engaged with the plates and a torque slide assembly. Bosses can be connected to the top drive, and can have the torque measuring pin engaged therethrough to restrain vertical and axial movement between the plates. A boss can be connected to the top drive and engaged with the torque measuring pin to bend the torque measuring pin when torque is applied to the top drive. One or more bosses can be connected to the top drive, and can have the hinge pin engaged therethrough to hinge the plates to the top drive. A strain gauge sensor can be engaged with the torque measuring pin. A controller can be in communication with the strain gauge sensor to receive signals therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Larry G. Keast
  • Patent number: 8640767
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Team Snubbing Services Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Tucken
  • Patent number: 8631882
    Abstract: A drilling rig with a top drive having a torque measuring load cell made from a strain gauged bending pin. When the unit torques up, the bending pin can be arranged to bend slightly in proportion to torque, and a strain gauge on the bending pin provides measurement that can be calibrated electronically in foot-lbs of torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: Larry G. Keast
  • Publication number: 20130341096
    Abstract: A transportable rig apparatus provides single operator control for moving pipe into and out of a wellbore. A transportable control van houses the operator. A rig carrier is utilized to transport the mast. A pipe tong is mounted in the mast and is remotely operable from the control van. Rig blocks which move up and down in the mast are remotely operable from control van. A skid mounted pipe moving member moves pipe to the mast assembly and away from the mast assembly. The pipe moving member remotely is operable from the control van. A pipe tub stores pipe and a pipe tub transfer system is operable for moving pipe from the pipe tub to the pipe moving member and for moving pipe from the pipe moving member to the pipe tub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Complete Production Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark J. Flusche
  • Patent number: 8584773
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignees: Atwood Oceanics, Inc., Friede Goldman United, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Alan Childers, Brendan William Larkin, Harvey Mark Rich, Barry M. Smith
  • Patent number: 8567529
    Abstract: A drive system (40) for a drilling has a housing (42) with an interior chamber (60), a stator (62) positioned within the interior chamber (60), a rotor (64) positioned in interior of the stator (62) and within in the interior chamber (60) of the housing (42), and a drive plate (66) affixed to the rotor (64). The rotor (64) has a plurality of permanent magnets in spaced relation around a periphery of the rotor. The stator (62) has a plurality of windings extending in spaced relation around an interior diameter of the stator so as to as be cooperative with the plurality of permanent magnets. The drive plate (66) has an interior passageway suitable for joining to a stem of the drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Kevin R. Williams
  • Patent number: 8556003
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventor: Richard Dwaine Souchek
  • Patent number: 8534387
    Abstract: A drawworks device on a drill floor includes an upper pulley assembly connected to a heave-compensated or fixed mounting. In addition, the drawworks device includes a main block connected to a pipe mount. The pipe mount is laterally movable in at least one direction relative to the drilling center of the drill floor. The pulley assembly is pivotal about a horizontal first axis oriented perpendicular to the direction of lateral movement of the pipe mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: National Oilwell Norway AS
    Inventor: Paal Taraldrud
  • Publication number: 20130233625
    Abstract: A powered auger support device is provided having connection to a vehicle, a trailer hitch receiver on a vehicle, or the bed of a trailer, whereby a powered auger is slideably supported along an upright rail by way of a winch controlled by an operator. The device comprises a support structure having an upright rail, an auger support frame, and a pulley and winch system for raising and lowering the auger support frame. The auger support frame supports the handles of a stand-along auger and is pivotably supported along the rail, permitting the support frame to rotate with respect to the frame for placing the auger working end at different angles or in a horizontally stowed position. An embodiment of the upright rail contemplates a rotational hinge that places the auger support frame outside of the vehicle wheel tracks or outside of the bed of a trailer during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: James Allen Robinson, Dawn Marie Robinson
  • Publication number: 20130206480
    Abstract: A human-powered borehole drill bridges the gap between large drilling rigs and the other less-effective manual methods. Intended mainly for developing countries, the design is affordable and also extremely simple, as very little product support or spare parts will be needed. The drill uses conventional drill pipe and drill bits allowing the drill system to mimic more conventional methods of drilling and existing hardware to maintain uniformity in drilling and easier access to more drilling products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: John Renouard, Sabin Gautam, Eric Alli Janmohamed, Kenneth Roy Langley, Devin Donald LeBaron, James Edward Stacey, Nathan Curtis Toone
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8499858
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Beat Küttel, Randall S. Pyrch, Faisal J. Yousef, Alan S. Richardson, Greg Kostiuk
  • Patent number: 8393416
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Max Streicher GmbH & Co. KG aA
    Inventors: Andreas Beck, Christian Kerschl
  • Patent number: 8381818
    Abstract: An apparatus for, and method of, lowering items from a drilling rig to a well located below it through the use of a landing string comprised of drill pipe having an enlarged diameter section with a shoulder, in combination with upper and lower holders having wedge members with shoulders that engage and support the drill pipe at the shoulder of the enlarged diameter section, the shoulder of the drill pipe and the shoulders of the wedge members being rotatable with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Archer Rental Services, LLC
    Inventors: Burt A. Adams, Norman A. Henry
  • Patent number: 8347446
    Abstract: A tool for cleaning a drainage structure comprises a rod having a center longitudinal axis, a barrel housing having a proximal opening and a distal opening, the barrel housing having a center longitudinal axis and coupled coaxially to the rod, the barrel housing having an outside dimension that can be accommodated within the drainage structure, the distal opening of the barrel housing having a sinusoidal tearing contour. The tool further comprises a plurality of cutting implements radially coupled to and between the rod and the barrel housing, the cutting implements having a distal cutting edge and being angularly oriented to facilitate sweeping debris in a selected direction, and the barrel housing and cutting implements operable to rotate about the center longitudinal axis of the rod to dislodge and loosen debris inside the drainage structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Harr Technologies, Inc
    Inventor: Robert E. Harr
  • Publication number: 20120305316
    Abstract: Well drilling and well casing placement are carried out by a process in which a drill string and surrounding casing are advanced while being rotated, preferably in opposite directions. The process is preferably carried out using a drill rig having a mast that is movable along its direction of elongation and a casing rotation table fixed to the mast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: SCHRAMM, INC.
    Inventors: David Y. Sim, Brian David Brookover
  • Patent number: 8305229
    Abstract: A wireless communication and drill string telemetry system. The communication system is used for communicating information along a drill string between a boring tool and a boring machine. An insulator assembly provides an electrically insulated gap between the drill string communication path and a soil engaging electrode for the electrical return path. A transmitter assembly includes a data transmitter for encoding and transmitting a data signal. A signal coupler couples the data signal to the drill string and provides a controlled electrical connection between the drill string communication path and the soil engaging electrode. The signal coupler comprises a transformer and a current regulating circuit to adjust a voltage across the transformer's primary winding. A receiver assembly is disposed proximate the drilling machine and includes a toroidal pickup coil and a signal processing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael F. Gard
  • Publication number: 20120247836
    Abstract: An apparatus for use by an operator in forming boreholes in an underground mine passage including ribs and a roof. The apparatus includes a base and first and second booms pivotally mounted to the base for swinging toward and away from the adjacent lib. A drill is mounted to the base independent of the first and second booms. An actuator including first and second independently movable rods may be used to move the drill relative to the boom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Henry E. Wilson, Steven E. Payne, Robert Sherwood Anderson
  • Patent number: 8186455
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignees: Atwood Oceanics, Inc., Friede Goldman United, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Alan Childers, Brendan William Larkin, Harvey Mark Rich, Barry M. Smith