Abstract: A drilling assembly for drilling pipe into a drilling surface using a drill bit. The drilling assembly comprises a power unit, a thrust frame, a means for moving the thrust frame, a rotary and carriage assembly and a microprocessor adapted to control the load on the drill based upon the level of mud pressure in the assembly. The drilling assembly is adapted to drill pipe at any angle relative to the drilling surface between substantially parallel to the drilling surface and substantially perpendicular to the drilling surface. The method comprises providing a such drilling assembly, placing a drill pipe onto the drilling assembly, moving the thrust frame to a desired drilling angle, moving the rotary and carriage assembly into direct contact with the drill pipe, applying rotational, thrust and pull-back forces to the drill pipe, drilling the pipe into the drilling surface and controlling the load on the drill bit.

Abstract: Excavation apparatus are provided that can include a fixed portion configured to couple with a first conduit, a rotatable extendible portion movably coupled to the fixed portion, and a coiled conduit associated with extendible portion and in fluid communication with the first conduit. Excavation methods are provided that can include extending an excavating tool from an excavation apparatus to within an excavation site while rotating the excavating tool in relation to a fixed portion of the excavation apparatus, and maintaining fluid communication between the fixed portion and the excavating tool.

Abstract: A compression enlarging driller comprises a vehicle body; a pole; an outer drilling rod; an inner drilling rod disposed within the outer drilling rod and moveable in a longitudinal direction; a windlass; a connecting lever having an upper end connected with a lower end of the inner drilling rod; a rotary digging bucket connected with a lower end of the connecting lever; a rotary enlarging device; a driving device; and a first hydraulic cylinder. When the driller bores a hoe, it can bore and enlarge the hole without changing a drill bit. A pile constructed by the driller has a high bearing capacity, the number of required piles is decreased, costs lower, and efficiency is improved.

Abstract: A well drilling apparatus (10?) (top drive) designed to be suspended from a travelling block (6?) in a drawworks and laterally supported by a dolly (9?) running together with the well drilling apparatus along tracks or rails fixed to a derrick. The drilling apparatus (10?) comprises at least one driving motor (5?), one power transmission (4?) powered by the at least one driving motor (5?), a drive shaft (70) driven from the power transmission (4?) and designed to be connected to a drill string, load transferring means, and a torque arresting device (3?) fixed to and depending from the power transmission (4?). The load transferring means is in the form of a load frame module (1?) that relieves the drive shaft (70) and the power transmission (4?) at the same time as the load frame module (1?) forms a central component module that the other main components of the well drilling apparatus are releasable connected to.

Abstract: A method for using a top drive is disclosed herein. The method can include: actuating a motor to provide power to the top drive, thereby rotating a stem with a saver sub mounted to a top drive housing having a bearing disposed about the rotatable stem; grabbing, lifting, and positioning tubulars using an elevator; and suspending weight of the top drive to prevent damage to threads of the tubulars during threadable engagement and disengagement of the tubulars using an airbag of an airlift thread compensator. The method can further include: positioning a torque wrench assembly along the tubulars for connecting the tubulars using a hydraulic cylinder disposed inside a torque supporting telescoping tubes; and movably positioning a single hollow cylinder rod of the hydraulic cylinder to extend into a first and second protected area, thereby preventing axial movement of a flexible hose during operation of the torque wrench assembly.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a feed unit (105) to be used with a mining and/or construction machine (100), said feed unit (105) comprising a feeder holder (106) and a feed beam (111) able to move relative to the feeder holder (106), said feed unit (105) further comprising a supporting unit to bear a drilling machine (121), wherein said supporting unit is arranged to bear said drilling machine (121) moveably in relation to said feed beam (111), and said feed unit (105) furthermore comprises driving means to move said feed beam (111) relative to said feeder holder (106) in operation. Said supporting unit is attached to said feeder holder (106) such that, when said feed beam (111) moves relative to said feeder holder (106) thanks to said driving means, the supporting unit is automatically moved at the same time along the feed beam (111). The invention also pertains to a rock drilling assembly and a rock drilling rig.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a drilling device which is compact and has good sliding properties. The object is achieved by an upper beam for use with a lower beam in a telescopic feeder for a drilling device for rock drilling. The upper beam extends along a longitudinal axis and has a generally U-shaped cross section comprising a bottom wall and a first and a second side wall. Each side wall has an inward surface and an outward surface. The upper beam comprises a cooperating member intended for sliding cooperation with the lower beam. The cooperating member comprises an attachment structure extending outwardly from each outward surface of each side wall. Each attachment structure is intended for fixed mounting of a crank block bracket, which crank block bracket faces the outward surface of each side wall.

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.

Abstract: A top drive apparatus for a well drilling head comprises a top drive structure, a seal body and a plurality of resilient members. The top drive structure is configured for being fixedly attached to an upper end portion of a bearing assembly and having a seal-carrying portion. The seal body has a mounting portion and a wiper portion extending from the mounting portion. The mounting portion is slideably disposed within a groove of the seal-carrying portion of the top drive structure. The plurality of resilient members are disposed within the groove between the mounting portion of the seal body and the top drive structure such that the entire seal body is resiliently displaceable with respect to the top drive structure.

Abstract: A device for an electromechanical hoisting machine (10) with driving gears (6) in engagement with rack rails (5) fixed to a steel structure (1). The hoisting machine is driven by electromotors (8) which transmit torque to the driving gears (6) through the gearing (11), the shaft (15) and further the bevel gear drives (14, 16, 17) and gears (18, 19) to the driving gears (6) in engagement with rack rails (5). To achieve flexible load distribution on the driving gears (6), differential gears (12) supported on projecting shaft journals (20) connected to the main shaft (15) are arranged between the bevel gear drives (16).

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: A guide track system for a tool that can be raised and lowered within a telescoping drilling rig tower is provided. The system includes parallel guide rails mounted on a fixed lower tower section and on a movable upper tower section of the drilling rig tower. The lower and upper guide rails are parallel to one another and overlap one another when the lower tower section is nested with the upper tower section. Guide wheels rotatably attached to the tool can have parallel grooves to roll on the guide rails. The grooves can have sidewalls that flare outward so that they do not scuff against the guide rails as the tool travels up and down within the tower.

Abstract: A well drilling apparatus includes multiple, transportable, modular, pre-assembled sections which include a substructure and multiple mast sections. These pre-assembled sections allow for a quicker complete rig-up of the well drilling apparatus at ground level in a horizontal direction, without the use of a crane. Once the assembly has been completed at ground level, the mast is raised to its vertical operating position via mechanisms for raising and lowering dog tails. During transport, the guide rails are built-in to the mast sections and the crown block is attached to the traveling block, thereby facilitating the rigging-up process. The mast may be lowered after the drilling operation has been accomplished without interfering with any blow-out preventer devices that may have been placed on the wellhead while the structure was at its raised operational level.

Abstract: A swing-out apparatus for a drill rig, typically for drilling water wells. It includes a sled which is formed to be driven vertically on a drill mast of a vehicle carrying the sled, a casing hammer, and a hinge securing the casing hammer on the sled. To provide for displacement of the casing hammer relative to the sled, a drive is provided for swinging the casing hammer on the hinge from a deployed position to an inactive position. The drive comprises a motor connected for driving one relative to another.

Abstract: A drill rig includes a carrier platform and a drilling unit. The drilling unit includes a support frame mounted on the carrier platform, a slider frame mounted upon and surrounding the support frame, a drilling support mechanism mounted on the slider frame, a drill portion rotatable relative to drilling support mechanism, and a means for effecting rotation of the drill portion. The support frame assumes a substantially vertical position, and the slider frame is moved along the support frame to an operative position for effecting a drilling operation. The support frame comprises two main tower beams partially covered in High-Density Polyethylene plastic, and the slider frame comprises plates positioned on the top and bottom of the tower beams, with inside and outside joiner plates encasing the sides of the support frame. These plates being covered with HDPE plastic on the surface which contacts the support frame to substantially reduce vibration.

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: A drilling rig for drilling an underground borehole (5) into a seam (4) uses coiled metal tubing (8) fed by a tractor unit (11) from a drum (7) to provide a thrust force to a drilling head. The drilling head has a bent-sub assembly giving an angle of deviation which is controlled by rotating the coiled metal tubing in the borehole by way of rotation of the drum (7) in the frame (12) about the axis of the tube in the borehole (5).

Abstract: A portable boring machine for cutting holes in a cutting surface is provided. The portable boring machine includes a vacuum system to secure a front end of the portable boring machine to a cutting surface, a hydraulic boring sub-assembly, which includes a hole saw to cut holes in the cutting surface, a water cooling/lubrication system to provide cooling and/or lubrication to the hole saw during the cutting process, and a control system to control the operation of the portable boring machine. The portable boring machine also includes multiple power-driven wheels. The wheels are attached to a bottom portion of a frame and are powered by an engine, which is mounted within the frame.

Abstract: In an angle drilling device for introducing or expanding wellbores that are inclined in relation to the horizontal, an angle-adjustable bore rig for a movable feed drive is arranged on a base frame that is movable for example. The bore rig is pivotally connected with the base frame while a connection, for example a link bar, extends between the feed drive and the base frame and has a constant length to effect during travel of the feed drive a change in incline of the bore rig as a consequence of the distance between both pivot points for the bore rig and the point of articulation of the connection.

Abstract: An auger stabilizer includes a rigid elongated body having a first end and a second end. The length of the body is adjustable between a retracted transport position and an extended drilling position. A pair of spaced apart wheels are attached at the second end of the body. A split body with two halves connected by fasteners is used to pivotally attach the first end of the body to a handle of an auger. When the body is in the extended drilling position, the pair of spaced apart wheels roll along a ground surface away from the auger as the handle of the auger descends and the pair of spaced apart wheels act to stabilize the handle of the auger against reactive torque.

Abstract: A telescopic feed beam for a rock drill includes a lower beam and an upper beam arranged to move with respect to each other in the longitudinal direction. The cross section of the lower beam is such that there is a groove-like open space at the bottom of the lower beam and a transfer cylinder between the lower beam and the upper beam is mounted in the groove.

Abstract: A technique facilitates combined drilling and coiled tubing operations from a single bed of a rig. A mast is mounted to the bed, and a coiled tubing injector is connected to the mast. The coiled tubing injector is able to move coiled tubing into and out of a wellbore. A starter head also is mounted to the mast. The starter head is rotatable to make and break connections of tool string components. However, the starter head generally is rotationally stationary during drilling operations.

Abstract: A well drilling apparatus includes multiple, transportable, modular, pre-assembled sections which include a substructure and multiple mast sections. These pre-assembled sections allow for a quicker complete rig-up of the well drilling apparatus at ground level in a horizontal direction, without the use of a crane. Once the assembly has been completed at ground level, the mast is raised to its vertical operating position via mechanisms for raising and lowering dog tails. During transport, the guide rails are built-in to the mast sections and the crown block is attached to the traveling block, thereby facilitating the rigging-up process. The mast may be lowered after the drilling operation has been accomplished without interfering with any blow-out preventer devices that may have been placed on the wellhead while the structure was at its raised operational level.

Abstract: A rock drilling apparatus with several actuator units, a user interface control unit, and at least one control means connected to the user interface control unit for controlling the functions of the rock drilling apparatus, and for each actuator unit, a control element connected under the control of the user interface control unit for controlling the operation of the actuator unit in accordance with control signals provided by the user interface control unit, and a method for controlling the rock drilling apparatus. When the control element of an actuator unit of the rock drilling apparatus turns faulty, the control element of another actuator unit is connected to control the first actuator unit when the other actuator unit need not be controlled.

Abstract: Systems and methods for drilling auxiliary holes such as conductor holes, ratholes, and mouseholes useful in drilling operations. The systems and methods include the use of a portable drilling apparatus that is selectively mountable on a rig's drill floor and is removable after an auxiliary hole has been drilled. A movable drive unit is pulled down by a cable system forcing the drive unit down and thereby facilitating drilling of the auxiliary hole.

Abstract: A top drive apparatus for a well drilling head comprises a top drive structure, a seal body and a plurality of resilient members. The top drive structure is configured for being fixedly attached to an upper end portion of a bearing assembly and having a seal-carrying portion. The seal body has a mounting portion and a wiper portion extending from the mounting portion. The mounting portion is slideably disposed within a groove of the seal-carrying portion of the top drive structure. The plurality of resilient members are disposed within the groove between the mounting portion of the seal body and the top drive structure such that the entire seal body is resiliently displaceable with respect to the top drive structure.

Abstract: Mobile drilling rig 10 includes a carrier frame 14 and a mast 12 supported on the frame. A top drive 16 is supported on the mast when in an operative position, and a coil tubing injector 20 is supported on the mast when in an operative position. A first dolly assembly 22 and a second dolly assembly 60 are provided each for supporting a portion of the carrier frame, and include a first plurality of wheels on a first plurality of axles. Each dolly assembly is adaptive for selective attachment to and detachment from the carrier frame, so that the dolly assemblies may be changed out for compliance with regulations and road conditions.

Abstract: A hydraulic head clamp assembly is integral with a drill head mounted on a mobile drill rig. A side-shift carriage is provided for shifting the drill head from side-to-side relative to a centerline of a drill rod string. The clamp assembly includes a rigid jaw mounted on the side of the drill head, and a movable jaw mounted adjacent to said rigid jaw with a space between the jaws for receiving the drill rod string. The movable jaw is connected to a pair of hydraulic cylinder actuators that are actuated via a hydraulic circuit to control the clamp action between the rigid jaw and the movable jaw. The clamp assembly can be used to retract a drill rod string from the ground without limiting access to the inner diameter of the drill rod, and can also be used to advance the drill rod into the ground via a static push.

Abstract: A method for casing drilling, a drilling unit and an adapter device. The adapter device to be used in extension drill equipment drilling comprises an inner piece which can be rotated by the rotation device of the rock drilling machine. Around the inner piece, there is an outer piece which can be moved in the axial direction with respect to the inner piece. By changing the axial position of the outer piece, it can be selected whether the rotation force is directed from the rotation device to the inner rod or to the outer tube used in casing drilling during threading.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rig capable of both coiled tubing and conventional drilling. The rig comprises a mast unit having a drilling mast and a catwalk. The mast unit is adapted for rotary drilling and casing operations. The rig further comprises a drill floor unit adapted to house a drilling cabin and hold a drilling BOP stack while in transport. The rig additionally comprises a coiled tubing unit that is controllable from the drilling cabin.

Abstract: A bearing for a wellbore tool includes a flow device. The flow device may be a pump such as a positive displacement pump or a hydrodynamic pump. In arrangements, a pump stator connects to a wellbore wall. A pump rotor rotates with a drilling motor, and/or a drill string. Rotation of the pump rotor may generate a pressure differential to displace the fluid. The pump may be configured to flow fluid across a gap between a rotating section and a non-rotating section of the bearing. The fluid may be drawn from a wellbore annulus and also returned into the wellbore annulus. The bearing may support thrust loadings and/or a radial loadings. In embodiments, inserts in the bearing may be used to filter the fluid.

Abstract: A transport rig having at least one duel axel, with a single point suspension. The transport rig has at least two pneumatic independently and vertically adjustable load supporting axels. A rig floor is mounted above the axels. The rig floor can have a drawworks assembly, a drive engine operatively connected to the drawworks assembly, and a second engine for providing hydraulic power.

Abstract: A drilling rig includes a mast to be placed above or close to a well and a device connected to the mast for carrying drill pipes to be lowered into the well, which carrying device includes at least three carriers which are connected at different heights to the mast and displaceable in height direction therealong and which are adapted to exert a pulling force or a pressing force as required on the drill pipes. The upper carrier can have a device for rotatingly driving the drill pipes, while the lower carrier, which can be connected releasably to the mast, can have a flexible device for connecting thereof to a blowout preventer placed on the well. A method for introducing one or more drill pipes into an underbalanced well while making use of such a drilling rig includes suspending the drill pipe(s) from the carrying device and urging the pipe(s) downward into the well while exerting a pressing force.

Abstract: A top drive unit guiding system for aligning a power swivel and for dissipating torque created by the power swivel. The guiding system has a first guide frame and a second guide frame, where the first and second guide frames are located on opposite sides of the power swivel. Each guide frame includes at least two wheels. Each wheel is adapted to dissipate torque created by the power swivel and align the power swivel to support guide. Each wheel is made from a hard segmented rubber, a non-segmented rubber, a rubber composite, a synthetic rubber, or combinations thereof. The wheels are mounted to at least two adjustable brackets, where one bracket is associated with each wheel, and where each bracket positions the wheel in relation to the support guide.

Abstract: A method of drilling a well and installing a liner includes assembling concentric inner and outer strings of tubulars. A drill bit is located at the lower end of the inner string and a liner with a liner hanger makes up part of the outer string. The inner and outer strings may be rotated in unison to drill the well. At a selected depth, the operator sets the liner hanger and retrieves the inner string. The operator lowers a packer and a cement retainer on a string of conduit. The packer engages the liner hanger and the cement retainer is conveyed to the lower end of the liner. The cement retainer prevents cement in the outer annulus from flowing back up the string of conduit. The operator manipulates the conduit to set the packer.

Abstract: A liner drilling system employs a bottom hole assembly that may be retrieved before reaching the total liner depth. The system includes an outer string made up of a liner and a profile nipple. An inner string including a running tool, drill pipe, and a drill lock tool are lowered into the outer string and rotationally and axially locked to the outer string. Drilling may be performed by rotating the inner string, which also rotates the outer string. The operator may retrieve the inner string by pulling the inner string and the liner upward until the upper end of the liner is located at the drilling rig floor. While supporting the liner at the drilling rig floor, the operator retrieves the inner string, then re-runs it back into the outer string.

Abstract: A portable boring machine for cutting holes in a cutting surface is provided. The portable boring machine includes a vacuum system to secure a front end of the portable boring machine to a cutting surface, a hydraulic boring sub-assembly, which includes a hole saw to cut holes in the cutting surface, a water cooling/lubrication system to provide cooling and/or lubrication to the hole saw during the cutting process, and a control system to control the operation of the portable boring machine. The portable boring machine also includes multiple power-driven wheels. The wheels are attached to a bottom portion of a frame and are powered by an engine, which is mounted within the frame.

Abstract: A drilling rig for drilling an underground borehole (5) into a seam (4) uses coiled metal tubing (8) fed by a tractor unit (11) from a drum (7) to provide a thrust force to a drilling head. The drilling head has a bent-sub assembly giving an angle of deviation which is controlled by rotating the coiled metal tubing in the borehole by way of rotation of the drum (7) in the frame (12) about the axis of the tube in the borehole (5).

Abstract: A drill rig includes a carrier platform and a drilling unit carried by the carrier platform. The drilling unit includes a support frame pivotally mounted on the carrier platform, a slider frame slidably mounted upon and surrounding the support frame, a drilling support mechanism mounted on the slider frame, a drill portion rotatable relative to said drilling support mechanism, and a power means for effecting rotation of the drill portion. When a drilling operation is to be effected, the support frame is pivotally moved to assume a substantially vertical position, and the slider frame is slidably moved along the support frame to an operative position for effecting a drilling operation. The support frame comprises two main tower beams partially covered in High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) plastic, and the slider frame which surrounds the support frame comprises plates positioned on the top and bottom of the tower beams, with inside and outside joiner plates encasing the sides of the support frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods and apparatus for supporting and engaging drill pipe in a mouse hole that allows for multiple drill pipe sections to be attached together before being attached to an existing drill string. The present invention is designed to allow for engagement and disengagement of drill pipe sections of various diameters without the need for manually inserting or removing support shims or slips. Embodiments of the invention provide for rotation of the engaged drill pipe sections to assist in connection to another drill pipe section. These features allow for speedy set up and attachment of drill pipe sections during drilling operations. The support unit of the present invention is also portable, and may be retrofitted into an existing drill rig platform.

Abstract: A recoil auger enables holes to be drilled by using only straight line motions of a person's hand, arm, and shoulder. The recoil auger is comprised of a recoil drive system connected to an output shaft, which in turn is connected to an auger. The recoil drive system has a recoil mechanism that imparts unidirectional rotation to the auger in response to bidirectional rotation of the recoil mechanism. The recoil mechanism includes a clutch bearing to unidirectionally rotate the auger. The recoil drive system has a handle that the person grasps during operation. Operation is achieved by pulling a rope wound around a rope wheel. A recoil spring rewinds the rope after a pulling motion. Multiple recoil mechanisms assembled to the output shaft and one or more suitable handles enable more than one person to operate the recoil auger at the same time.

Abstract: A tubular handling device. The device includes a plurality of slips, and wherein the slips have an arcuate inner face that has a longitudinally disposed slot and a ledge therein. The device further comprises an insert having a shoulder that is configured to fit within the ledge, and wherein the insert is capable of transferring a load from the shoulder to the ledge. In one preferred embodiment, the outer portion of the slips have a taper of greater than 11 degrees and a complementary bowl insert is provided that has a matching taper. A method of handling tubular members on a drilling rig is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely controlling a machine. A remote operator controls a tracking device including a signal system for selectively emitting a remote enable signal. The remote enable signal is relayed to a control system for the machine. The control system is proximate to the machine and is adapted to enable at least one action of the machine upon detecting the remote enable signal. The machine is also adapted to disable the same action of the drilling machine upon detecting an absence of the remote enable signal for a predetermined number of intervals, each interval being of a preselected duration.

Abstract: A construction apparatus having an arrangement for controlling guidance of a frame thereof along a predetermined path, e.g., a slip-form paving apparatus, has an arrangement for selectively digging vertical bores in the ground surface at spacings along the predetermined path for planting of vertical posts to be secured by the paving material upon setting thereof. In operation, as the construction apparatus is guided over the ground surface along the predetermined path, the bore-digging arrangement is periodically actuated to form vertical bores at spacings along the predetermined path, after which a settable paving material is formed along the predetermined path including filling the vertical bores with the paving material, and posts are placed vertically in the holes for securement therein.

Abstract: An electronic control, for automated earth drilling using a pneumatic hammer-operated bit, preliminarily weighs a drill string, and, during drilling, automatically maintains a desired weight on the bit, and also maintains a constant rate of drilling progress by regulating drill string rotation speed. The weight on the bit is automatically maintained at a fraction of the pre-established desired weight as the air pressure in the supply to the pneumatic hammer builds up to an operating level. The control detects voids and broken formations by monitoring air pressure and torque respectively, and responds by reducing the weight on the bit. The control automatically raises the drill bit though a short distance as the drill head reaches the lower limit of its travel, pauses until the air pressure drops, and then raises the drill string to a position for insertion of a new length of pipe.

Abstract: A drilling machine including a frame, a tower, a rotary head, and a rod handling device. The frame is supported for movement over the ground and the tower is mounted on the frame. The rotary head is movable along the tower and is engageable with the drill string for rotating the drill string. The rod handling device is movable along the tower and operable to selectively support the drill string. The rod handling device is biased to a first position along the tower.

Abstract: A technique facilitates combined drilling and coiled tubing operations from a single bed of a rig. A mast is mounted to the bed, and a coiled tubing injector is connected to the mast. The coiled tubing injector is able to move coiled tubing into and out of a wellbore. A starter head also is mounted to the mast. The starter head is rotatable to make and break connections of tool string components. However, the starter head generally is rotationally stationary during drilling operations.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a modified horizontal directional drilling assembly for drilling pipe into a drilling surface. The drilling assembly comprises a power unit for supplying power to the assembly, a thrust frame adapted to be moved between a position substantially parallel to the drilling surface and a position substantially perpendicular to the drilling surface and a means for moving the thrust frame. The drilling assembly further comprises a rotary and carriage assembly mounted on the thrust frame. The rotary and carriage assembly is adapted to apply rotational, thrust and pull-back forces to the drill pipe. The drilling assembly is adapted to drill pipe into the drilling surface at any angle relative to the drilling surface between substantially parallel to the drilling surface and substantially perpendicular to the drilling surface.

Abstract: An embodied mobile drilling rig is made of three sections, two substructures and a mast section, which are easily transported and installed at a drilling site. Each substructure includes a mast starting section; a floor side box connected to the mast starting section; a subbase side box; elevating legs connected to the floor side box and the subbase side box; and a raising cylinder. The mast section connects to the mast starting sections. The raising cylinders engage the mast in order to raise the mast into a vertical orientation and then raise the floor side boxes into an operating position. The embodied mobile drilling rigs are configurable to be transported by road with as little as three major loads, all within legal or permitable load and dimensional limits for most regions.

Abstract: A method for installing a mobile drilling rig at a drilling site entails transporting the mobile drilling rig to the drilling site, wherein the mobile drilling rig is made three sections: two substructures and a mast section. The substructures are placed parallel to one another at the drilling site. The mast section is connected to the mast starting sections located on each substructure. Raising cylinders on the substructures engage the mast and raise the mast into a substantially vertical orientation, wherein the mast is locked in place. The raising cylinders are retraced and then re-extended into a drillfloor raising position. The method ends by extending the raising cylinders to raise the driller's floor side box and the off-driller's floor side box into an operating elevation.