With Above-ground Guide For Relatively Advancing Tool Patents (Class 175/220)
  • Patent number: 11225854
    Abstract: A modular top drive system for construction of a wellbore includes a motor unit. The motor unit includes: a drive body; a drive motor having a stator connected to the drive body; a trolley for connecting the drive body to a rail of a drilling rig; and a drive ring torsionally connected to a rotor of the drive motor and having a latch profile for selectively connecting one of: a drilling unit, a casing unit, and a cementing unit to the motor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Helms, Martin Liess
  • Patent number: 10626683
    Abstract: A modular top drive system for construction of a wellbore includes an identification reader for automatically identifying tools during operation for rig up and tool exchange. The identification reader may be disposed in one of a tool storage unit, a tool change unit or a top drive unit. Drilling tools, cementing tools and casing tools with one or more identification devices may be used with the modular top drive system. The one or more identification devices may be radio frequency identification devices, barcodes, text tags, micro-controllers, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Christina Karin Hebebrand, Bjoern Thiemann, Martin Liess, Frank Wern, Aicam Zouhair, John Fielding Ownby
  • Patent number: 10023268
    Abstract: A moonpool work table able to provide an opening to a moonpool including a first set of opposing table doors having opposing vertical faces and moveable between an open position and one or more closed positions, and a second set of opposing table doors moveable between an open position and one or more closed positions in a transverse direction to that of the first set of table doors. In this way, the first and second set of table doors are able to define a “box” that can more closely and tightly define the area or envelope through which a conduit or the like can pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: TECHNIP FRANCE
    Inventor: Andrew Green
  • Patent number: 9791025
    Abstract: A mechanical linear actuator in an aircraft brake may include a ball nut, a ball screw, and an actuator drive unit housing. The ball screw may rotate to drive the ball nut axially. The ball screw and the actuator drive unit housing may form a series of annular raceways. The ball screw may have a first window corresponding to a first raceway and a second window corresponding to a second raceway. Balls may be inserted into the first raceway through the first window and into the second raceway through the second window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATIOLN
    Inventors: David Drennen, Kevin Rehfus, Satinder Mann, Robert French, Harald Klode
  • Patent number: 8985201
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods and apparatus to inhibit rotation within a drilling rig. The apparatus may include a first member connected to a first component of the drilling rig, and a second member connected to the first member and connected to a second component of the drilling rig, the second component configured to move vertically with respect to the first component. The first member is configured to move vertically with respect to the second member and the first member and the second member substantially inhibit rotation between each other. The apparatus may include a rotational adjustment system, in which the rotational adjustment system is used to connect with one of the components of the drilling rig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Frank's International, LLC
    Inventors: Brian David Begnaud, Charles Michael Webre, Adam Gerard Pelletier, Dougal Hugo Brown, Tom Adrian Banger, Peter John Lovegrove
  • Patent number: 8960324
    Abstract: An automatic drilling system includes a top drive comprising a proximity sensor disposed in a housing thereof. A portion of the top drive is coupled to elevators through load transfer springs such that axial loading applied to the elevators results in relative movement between a link load collar and a load ring. A proximity sensor is mounted such that the relative movement results in a change in signal output thereof. A processor is in signal communication with the proximity sensor and is configured to operate a drive shaft motor. The processor is configured to disable rotation of the motor when the relative movement is indicative of axial loading on the elevators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: GDS International, LLC
    Inventors: Keith A. Holliday, Todd Mironuck, Paul Nicholson, Dan Flaherty
  • Patent number: 8955620
    Abstract: Implementations of the present invention include a drill rod guide configured to align a first drill rod and a second drill rod. The drill rod guide includes a cylindrical section and a tapered or frusta-conical section. The cylindrical section is sized and configured to concentrically surround a first drill rod. The tapered or frusta-conical section is sized and configured to guide a second drill rod into the cylindrical section and into alignment with the first drill rod. The drill rod guide may include first and second guide members that form symmetrical halves of the drill rod guide. The first and second guide members may be connected to first and second jaws of the clamp. The guide may include a window configured to allow a user to visually confirm that the first and second drill rods are aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Longyear TM, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith William Littlely, Andrew Frank Hay, Mathew C. Everett
  • Patent number: 8926226
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for manufacturing a foundation for a mass located at height, such as the jacket of a wind turbine or a jetty, wherein the foundation comprises a quantity of piles driven into an underwater bottom in a geometric pattern. The device comprises a positioning framework of a number of mutually connected guide tubes arranged in a geometric pattern and adapted to receive and guide a pile to be driven into the underwater bottom, wherein the guide tubes comprise a mechanism with which at least an internal wall part of the guide tubes is displaceable in the radial direction of the guide tubes from a radially inward support position for the pile to a radially more outward position in which the internal wall part substantially releases the pile. The invention also relates to a method and an assembly of a jack-up platform and the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: GeoSea N.V.
    Inventors: Luc Vandenbulcke, Koen Vanderbeke
  • 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: 8834079
    Abstract: The present invention is a coring unit adapted to be engaged to an articulated arm, to reduce the labor necessary for on-site coring of sewage and water pipes. The coring unit includes a frame containing the components of the unit, which include a coring bit, a coring bit motor, a traverse mechanism, and a stabilizer for allowing ready orientation of the coring unit with respect to an object being cored. The unit may also be provided with a traverse motor for driving the coring bit into an object being cored, and for withdrawing the coring bit once a core has been formed. The coring unit may additionally be adapted to allow for remote operation of the coring unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Exco, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew R. Ebert, Peter Ebert, Frederick Engel, Jr., Edward Lounsberry
  • Publication number: 20140231137
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in connection using a drill having a drilling element for forming a borehole in a face of a mine passage includes a drill guide for engaging the drilling element while permitting the drilling element to move toward the face for forming the borehole. The drill guide includes a keeper for keeping the drilling element in a desired position, which keeper is biased for pivoting movement upon the application of a manual force between an active position for capturing the drilling element and a retracted position for releasing the drilling element. A low profile drill guide is also disclosed, as is a guard for a drill guide, and also related methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: J.H. FLETCHER & CO
    Inventors: Henry E. WILSON, Sean Casey FARRELL, Robert Sherwood ANDERSON, Sean Joseph MCQUERREY
  • Publication number: 20140097027
    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: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO LLP
    Inventors: Adrian MARICA, Ionescu MIHAI
  • Patent number: 8602123
    Abstract: The disclosure describes, in part, apparatuses and methods for installing structures (e.g., foundations, footings, anchors, abutments, etc.) at work sites, such as difficult-access work sites. In some instances, a rotating drill assembly is assembled over a target location in order to excavate a radial array of batter-angled shafts associated with the target location in preparation for the installation of a radial array of micropiles. An operator utilizes the rotating drill in combination with a foundation pile schedule/decision matrix to design and install the radial array of batter-angled micropiles. This disclosure also describes techniques for designing, fabricating and installing structural caps to be coupled to the installed radial array batter angled micropiles. These structural caps are lightweight and, thus, more portable to difficult-access sites where they are coupled to the micropiles forming a foundation for structure to be installed at the difficult-access site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Crux Subsurface, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Edmonds, Nickolas G. Salisbury
  • Publication number: 20130319771
    Abstract: Control equipment for guiding a drill rod. The control equipment including a frame and two guide jaws provided with guide surfaces and mounted movably in relation to the frame. The drill rod is set between the guide jaws during drilling. Actuators move the guide jaws in relation to the drill rod. Synchronization means are coupled between the guide jaws, such that the guide jaws always move in opposite directions to one another and at the same speed. A detector detects that the guide surfaces of the guide jaws are in contact with the drill rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: Ossi Tienari
  • Patent number: 8584774
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining Equipment LLC
    Inventor: Stuart A. Connell
  • Patent number: 8573329
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods and apparatus to inhibit rotation within a drilling rig. The apparatus may include a first member connected to a first component of the drilling rig, and a second member connected to the first member and connected to a second component of the drilling rig, the second component configured to move vertically with respect to the first component. The first member is configured to move vertically with respect to the second member and the first member and the second member substantially inhibit rotation between each other. The apparatus may include a rotational adjustment system, in which the rotational adjustment system is used to connect with one of the components of the drilling rig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Frank's Casing Crew and Rental Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian David Begnaud, Charles Michael Webre, Adam Gerard Pelletier, Dougal Hugo Brown, Tom Adrian Banger, Peter John Lovegrove
  • Publication number: 20130220703
    Abstract: A track guiding system includes a first track segment having a first end and a second end, the first track segment including a first linear beam segment operatively coupled to a first linear plate segment. The track guiding system further includes and a second track segment having a first end and a second end, the second track segment including a second linear beam segment operatively coupled to a second linear plate segment, wherein the first end of the first track segment is adapted to be operatively coupled to the second end of the second track segment, a first end of the first linear beam segment proximate the first end of the first track segment being adapted to overlap a second end of the second linear plate segment proximate the second end of said second track segment when the second track segment is operatively coupled to the first track segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventor: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
  • Publication number: 20130146364
    Abstract: A centraliser for use in a rock drill rig is disclosed. The centraliser includes a clamping member which moves generally tangentially to a bush, in order to clamp the bush in place within the centraliser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Teek Mining Solutions Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Peter Sidney Rowling
  • Publication number: 20130105226
    Abstract: A bushing of the type used to limit wobble in drill pipe, the improvement comprising a bushing defined by two halves, each half having two ends adapted to buttingly engage corresponding ends of the other, and each further defining a receiver section along one of its ends; a flexible hinge piece matingly joined to the receiver sections with the opposite ends of the halves remaining free to move relative to one another, whereby the halves are rotatably affixed together at one end, but the opposite ends remain free to open. The bushing may be comprised of a first polymeric material, and the hinge piece comprised of a second, more flexible, polymeric material. Each half of the bushing may have mounted thereto a handle projecting upwardly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: ELASTECH TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Les Banta, Tim Coil, Daniel Webb, Suljo Haskic
  • 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: 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: 20120261195
    Abstract: A device is for vertical tool guiding for a drill floor. On the drill floor is arranged at least one rig. Each rig is arranged on a rig foundation supported on the drill floor rotatably about a first, vertical axis (A) and arranged to be able to displace a tool in a horizontal working sector (Sa, Sb, Sc) that in a vertical projection at least touches or cuts through the central axis (C) in a through drill floor opening. Each rig is provided with a vertical guide track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: WEST DRILLING PRODUCTS AS
    Inventors: Helge Krohn, Mads Grinrød, Odd B. Skjaerseth, Ove Kalvatn, Jarle Veshovde
  • Publication number: 20120211281
    Abstract: A low headroom confined space drilling system is disclosed, comprising a low headroom drilling apparatus, a drilling fluid supply system, a drilling fluid collection system, and a drilling fluid recycling apparatus for supplying a recycled drilling fluid to the drilling apparatus. A method of installing a geoexchange borehole in an interior space of a building is also disclosed, comprising installing a borehole access chamber in a floor slab of a building, positioning a low headroom floor mounted rotary drilling apparatus over the borehole access chamber, providing a pressurized drilling fluid to the drill rod string and powering a rotary downhole drilling device attached to the drill rod string to advance the borehole to a desired depth, recovering a drilling fluid and drill cuttings from the borehole, removing drill cuttings from the recovered drilling fluid using the drilling fluid recycling apparatus and returning a recycled drilling fluid to the drilling apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas Ross KING
  • Publication number: 20120186882
    Abstract: A machine for the drilling of the ground includes a guide tower (2) along which slides a group (3) for the handling of a battery of drilling rods (5) which moves along guides (21) of the tower. The group includes a sleeve (31) which gives rotation to a tube (4) to the lower part of which can be constrained at least a drilling rod (5) with a digging tool (6) or directly a digging tool (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: Soilmec S.p.A
    Inventor: Ezio BISERNA
  • Publication number: 20120168227
    Abstract: Implementations of the present invention include a drill rod guide configured to align a first drill rod and a second drill rod. The drill rod guide includes a cylindrical section and a tapered or frusta-conical section. The cylindrical section is sized and configured to concentrically surround a first drill rod. The tapered or frusta-conical section is sized and configured to guide a second drill rod into the cylindrical section and into alignment with the first drill rod. The drill rod guide may include first and second guide members that form symmetrical halves of the drill rod guide. The first and second guide members may be connected to first and second jaws of the clamp. The guide may include a window configured to allow a user to visually confirm that the first and second drill rods are aligned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: LONGYEAR TM, INC.
    Inventors: Keith William Littlely, Andrew Frank Hay, Mathew C. Everett
  • Publication number: 20120152537
    Abstract: A resource recovery system includes a capture container located at a desired surface defining a capture volume between the surface and an interior of the capture container. One or more hole-making devices are located in the capture container to excavate soil from at least one hole in the surface. A heater located in the hole making device heats the excavated soil, releasing one or more compounds from the excavated soil. The capture container is configured to capture gas and/or liquid compounds released from the excavated soil. A method of resource extraction from soil includes covering a desired surface with a capture container defining a capture volume between the desired surface and an interior of the capture container. Soil is excavated from a hole in the desired surface into the capture volume with an auger. The auger heats the excavated soil thereby releasing one or more compounds into the capture volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrew J. Zillmer, Cheng-Yi Lu
  • Patent number: 8167519
    Abstract: The present invention is a coring unit adapted to be engaged to an articulated arm, to reduce the labor necessary for on-site coring of sewage and water pipes. The coring unit includes a frame containing the components of the unit, which include a coring bit, a coring bit motor, a traverse mechanism, and a stabilizer for allowing ready orientation of the coring unit with respect to an object being cored. The unit may also he provided with a traverse motor for driving the coring bit into an object being cored, and for withdrawing the coring bit once a core has been formed. The coring unit may additionally be adapted to allow for remote operation of the coring unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: MECO Constructors, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew R. Ebert, Peter Ebert, Frederick Engel, Jr., Edward Lounsberry
  • Patent number: 8113299
    Abstract: A jib assembly for use with a drill rig includes a jib boom having a first end and a second end. The jib boom is to rotate about the first end and the second end is configured to be coupled to a mast assembly mount. The jib assembly also includes an articulation assembly having at least one variable length link having a first end and a second end. The first end of the variable length link is offset from the jib boom and the second end is configured to be pivotingly coupled to the mast assembly mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Longyear TM, Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan Wrede, Christof Kruse
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110240371
    Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a drilling station or drilling rig, respectively, is provided for use on a drilling platform with a drilling mast, characterized in that the drilling mast and/or the energy supply and/or the generating device for hydraulic energy is/are composed of individual elements, the respective masses of which do not exceed a mass limit value of less than or equal to 25 t. A joining process requiring no welding, preferably by means of quick connectors, is preferred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Murr, Georg Streicher, Andreas Beck, Rupert Koeckeis, Christian Kersehl
  • Patent number: 8002048
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drilling implement with a derrick, a drill drive for driving a drill rod guided on the derrick and a gear, which is placed between the drill drive and drill rod for transmission purposes. According to the invention, for inverting the gear ratio, the gear is placed in disengageable and reversible manner on the drill drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Bauer Maschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Saehn, Karl Johannes Krollmann, Matthias Jais
  • Patent number: 7921939
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventors: Larry G. Keast, James Strickland, Alan Shem
  • Publication number: 20110079432
    Abstract: A method in core drilling, wherein a tubular drill bit (8) being arranged at the end of a tubular drill string (6) is driven under rotation against a material intended for drilling, and wherein for the purpose of core retrieving, a tool (17, 20) is brought inside the drill string to an operative position in the area of the drill bit. Acoustic vibrations (24, 25) from the drill string are sensed when the tool is brought to its operative position, sensed acoustic vibrations are analysed for detecting the occurrence of acoustic vibrations characteristic for when the tool has reached its operative position, and an output signal is emitted when the occurrence of vibrations characteristic of when the tool has reached its operative position has been detected. The invention also concerns a device and a drill rig.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventor: Johan Brostöm
  • Patent number: 7905299
    Abstract: A jib assembly for use with a drill rig includes a jib boom having a first end and a second end. The jib boom is to rotate about the first end and the second end is configured to be coupled to a mast assembly mount. The jib assembly also includes an articulation assembly having at least one variable length link having a first end and a second end. The first end of the variable length link is offset from the jib boom and the second end is configured to be pivotingly coupled to the mast assembly mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Longyear TM, Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan Wrede, Christof Kruse
  • Patent number: 7896099
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB
    Inventor: Fredrik Saf
  • Publication number: 20110011647
    Abstract: A method for handling lubricant mist used in mist lubrication, a separation conduit and a rock drilling rig having a mist lubrication system provided with a separation conduit. The return flow of the lubrication mist is conveyed in the separation conduit from the lubrication target to a collection container. The separation conduit is an elongated conduit having an elongated separation member arranged therein, the separation member comprising a plural number of successive and inclined barrier surfaces. Lubricant droplets contained in the lubricant mist hit the barrier surfaces and accumulate thereon. The separated lubricant is collected into the collection container at the outermost end of the separation conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: Sandvik Mining and Construction Oy
    Inventors: Miikka Mäntyniemi, Esa Riihioja
  • Publication number: 20100326734
    Abstract: A method to assemble a drilling rig includes providing a base structure of the drilling rig, stacking a rig floor including a derrick on the base structure, actuating lifting cylinders to lift the rig floor above the base structure, inserting at least one first upper box between the base structure and the rig floor, and retracting the lifting cylinders to set the rig floor atop the at least one first upper box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Philip Wasterval
  • Patent number: 7841415
    Abstract: Extension systems for iron roughnecks are provided. These systems are equipment apparatuses and extendable/retractable supports for devices used for connecting and disconnecting tubular members (e.g. casing, tubing, pipe, or drill pipe) on drill rigs. The systems in particular relate to iron roughnecks, and methods of moving them on a drilling rig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventor: Brian Daniel Winter
  • Patent number: 7832496
    Abstract: A deep-hole boring machine (100) includes a base (11) to be fitted to an upper face of a floor, a pillar (14), a fixing mechanism (40), a guide member (15), a rotary tool (17), a tool rotation driving section (16), a rising/descending mechanism (50), a guide base (60) and a tool guide mechanism (30). The deep-hole boring machine 100 can be used to bore a vertical hole or an inclined hole in a concrete in a construction site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Goei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomomi Nakayabu
  • Patent number: 7828086
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventor: Gerald Lesko
  • Patent number: 7828087
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventor: Theodore Chen Vora
  • Publication number: 20100270082
    Abstract: A pipe positioner having an arm including a lower jaw and an upper jaw mounted thereon is provided. The pipe positioner includes at least one of the lower jaw and the upper jaw with at least one shear pin disposed in location to provide protection of the pipe positioner from mechanical overload. A method for retrofit of a pipe positioner and a blasthole drilling rig are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: TEREX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bruce Crawford, Steven M. Precopia
  • Patent number: 7814994
    Abstract: Drill rod support (10) comprising means capable of moving two opposing drill rod support halves (20), each half (20) comprising a surface (21) for direct contact with the drill string (30), and the half being provided with a recess (23) capable of forming a drill string opening (22) with an opposing drill rod support half (20), the recess (23) being generally V-shaped, for enabling guiding of drill strings (30) of different shape and dimension. The invention is characterized in that the drill rod support halves (20) are movable to and from each other, for enabling contact with the drill string (30). The invention also relates to a drill rod support half (20) for use in such drill rod support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB
    Inventor: H{dot over (a)}kan Franzén
  • Patent number: 7779904
    Abstract: A guide rail plate for top drive of a drilling system, including a guide rail plate consisting of 5-7 guide rail sections, characterized in that there is a boss and a mated recess on a surface of an upper guide rail section and an opposite surface of a lower guide rail section interconnected with the upper guide rail section. A hydraulic cylinder is centrally and longitudinally fixed at the lower end of the upper guide rail section. A cone plate is connected to the lower end of a piston of the hydraulic cylinder. The right and left sides of the cone plate are connected with lock shafts. The lock shafts are placed in corresponding transverse lock shaft holes of the upper and lower guide rail sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: Baoyou Zhang
  • Patent number: 7748477
    Abstract: A boring system and method for same, relating to the boring system and method therefor, in particular to the boring system and method therefor for forming boring holes on the ground, which includes a bit unit for boring the ground, a connecting rod connected with a driving device for transmitting driving force to the bit unit, and a guide unit connected with the connecting rod in a longitudinal direction, the guide unit guiding movement of the bit unit along a guide groove which is formed in a casing inserted into an adjacent boring hole in a longitudinal direction, is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Kolon Construction Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eun-Jung Youn
  • Patent number: 7743853
    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 well 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 (7) 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). At least a number of the above referred components of the well drilling apparatus (10) are designed and arranged as component modules, which by means of quick releasable connecting means connect the individual components/modules together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Aker Kvaerner MH AS
    Inventors: Bjørn Rudshaug, Dag Håverstad
  • Patent number: 7717196
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: TRACTO-TECHNIK GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gerhard Völkel, Daniel Schmelter
  • Patent number: 7712545
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Sandvik Mining and Construction Oy
    Inventors: Janne Voimanen, Juha Piipponen
  • Publication number: 20100065336
    Abstract: A top drive system for wellbore operations, the top drive system including motor apparatus, a main shaft driven by the motor apparatus, and sensing apparatus for sensing bending of the main shaft; and, in certain aspects, the system providing information regarding the extent of main shaft bending and/or for warning an operator of an undesirable amount of main shaft bending. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventors: Lawrence E. Wells, Robert Brian Luher
  • Publication number: 20100065335
    Abstract: A jib assembly for use with a drill rig includes a jib boom having a first end and a second end. The jib boom is to rotate about the first end and the second end is configured to be coupled to a mast assembly mount. The jib assembly also includes an articulation assembly having at least one variable length link having a first end and a second end. The first end of the variable length link is offset from the jib boom and the second end is configured to be pivotingly coupled to the mast assembly mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: Longyear TM, Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan Wrede, Christof Kruse