With Magazine For Successively Moving Unconnected, Oriented Tool Or Shaft Sections To Use Position Patents (Class 175/52)
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Patent number: 7735580Abstract: The invention relates to a device for charging a drilling device of an earth or rock drilling apparatus with a double rod. The device has a rotatable revolver magazine, which is designed with double receiving spaces for receiving two tube parts that are inserted into one another.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2007Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Klemm Bohrtechnik Zweigniederlassung der Bauer Maschinen GmbHInventors: Michael Kraus, Carl Hagemeyer, Albert Clemens
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Publication number: 20100108388Abstract: Apparatus for carousel drilling, which includes a drill tower having a rotatable drive motor at the top, and a carousel pivotably attached with respect to the drill tower and capable of supporting four elongated drilling devices, at least certain of which are drill extenders capable of attachment to, and detachment from, a drilling tool, such as a tricone drill tool for drilling soft earth materials, and a hammer drill tool for drilling hard earth materials. A retainer plate having four cutout openings is located at the upper end portion of the carousel to receive and retain the drilling devices in a generally vertical orientation when the drill tower and the carousel are raised to a generally vertical orientation for operative drilling.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2008Publication date: May 6, 2010Inventor: Oswaldo M. Pires
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Patent number: 7699122Abstract: A device for handling and storage of drill string sections, and assembly or disassembly of a drill string on an installation especially intended for exploratory and/or production drilling for hydrocarbons, where: at least one set of individual, separate cooperating means of transport is arranged to move a drill string section or a single drill pipe length in synchronized motion; where a) a primary means of transport is provided with a first gripping device for releasably holding a lower end portion of the drill string section or drill pipe length; b) a secondary means of transport is provided with a first means of lateral support for releasably enclosing an upper end portion of the drill string section or drill pipe length; and c) each means of transport is displaceable along a substantially horizontal or vertical guideway.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2006Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Inventor: Morten Eriksen
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Patent number: 7699121Abstract: A system for coupling a pipe segment to a pipe string is provided that includes a top drive assembly having a threaded output shaft; and a pipe running tool threadingly coupled to the threaded output shaft of the top drive assembly such that the primary load of the pipe running tool is supported by the threads of the output shaft of the top drive assembly, and wherein the pipe running tool is rotatable by the output shaft and further includes a pipe engaging portion for grippingly engaging the pipe segment sufficient to transmit a torque from the top drive output shaft to the pipe segment.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2005Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Varco I/P, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Juhasz, George Boyadjieff, Brian L. Eidem, Pamela Eidem, legal representative, Hans van Rijzingen, Herman M. Kamphorst, Hans Joachim Dietrich Böttger, Gustaaf Louis van Wechem, David Mason, Anton Krijnen
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Patent number: 7694751Abstract: A biased door member is provided in an external wall of a drill rod supply magazine mounted on a horizontal directional drilling (HDD) machine. The door member swings inwardly from a first position parallel to the external wall to a second position within the distal column. At least one cut-out is formed in the external wall at the bottom of the retaining guides located at the longitudinal ends of the magazine. The cut-out creates a window through which the added drill rod is inserted. In operation, a drill rod is moved through the biased door member and window cut-outs into the distal column. The pocket of a rod transfer mechanism is positioned below the last column, and a rod lifter lowers the added drill rod into the pocket. The rod transfer mechanism then moves the added drill rod into alignment with the drill string.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2007Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Louis C. Hartke
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Patent number: 7677856Abstract: A drill floor device has two or more mouseholes for assembly and disassembly of pipe string sections. The mouseholes are arranged to be displaced underneath the drill floor by a drive system and positioned under a hole or an opening in the drill floor. At least one of the mouseholes is provided with an elevator arranged to raise and lower a pipe or a pipe string section located in the mousehole, between an upper working position in which the upper end of the pipe/pipe string section projects above the drill floor and a lower position of rest in which the upper end of the pipe/pipe string section is below the drill floor.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2006Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: National Oilwell Norway ASInventor: Trond Standal
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Publication number: 20100012376Abstract: A monolithic well drilling rig for drilling either on-shore or off-shore new in-line arranged oil, gas, mineral and water wells or for servicing in-line not productive said wells with well heads emerging from ground by at least three meters, said rig including a drilling mast supporting a vertically upward and downward movable drilling rotary head, to said drilling mast being operatively associated a plurality of operating means including at least pipe and drilling bit and stabilizer container means, pipe gripping and loader means, drilling bit and stabilizer element gripping and loader means, motor driving means, a control operator cab and auxiliary servicing means, characterized in that said drilling mast/derrick and all said operating means associated with said drilling mast/derrick are operatively supported either on a ground movable substructure or on a water surface floating platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2009Publication date: January 21, 2010Inventor: WALTER BAGASSI
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Patent number: 7644784Abstract: A transport floor connected to the transport watercraft. An elevated drilling floor integrally connected to the transport floor; supporting a derrick comprising at least two rails for supporting a traveling top drive supported by a crown block. The crown block is connected to the derrick. The elevated drilling floor has a control panel comprising a power throttle for operating the top drive.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2007Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Eagle Rock Manufacturing, LLCInventor: Sammy Kent Flud
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Patent number: 7637329Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2008Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.Inventor: Randy Steven Stoik
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Patent number: 7631704Abstract: A drill frame or drill platform 1 is allocated to a ship caisson 6 in order to allow bore holes 12, 13 to be driven, for example, into the bottom of a lake 11. Since said bore holes 12, 13 must subsequently be filled with explosives, the use of several drill tools 25 of different design is necessary and possible because a rod magazine 20 comprising several different drill tools 25 is allocated to said drill frame 1. It enables simple and rapid replacement because a conventional clamping device 29 and clamping and crushing device 30 can be employed. The individual drill tools 25 are each equipped with adapters 31 of identical design so that they can be seized and actuated safely using the described clamping and drilling (sic) devices 29, 30.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2006Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: Kleum Bohrtechnik Zweigniederlassung der Bauer Maschinen GmbHInventors: Carl Hagemeyer, Thomas Wurm, Albert Clemens
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Patent number: 7628225Abstract: The present embodiments relate to systems for building and/or handling a tubular string of a drilling device. The drilling device comprises a drill floor and a drilling derrick extending from the drill floor. The drill floor has an extension in a first plane (P1) being substantially perpendicular to a first direction (N). The system comprises a suspension device being fixedly attached to the drilling derrick, wherein a projection of the suspension device, in the first direction, onto the first plane (P1), is situated outside the drill floor. The present embodiments also relate to drilling device trolleys arranged to transport a component to and from a drilling center of a drilling device. The present embodiments relate to a use of a drilling device having a drill floor, wherein the drilling device has a suspension device being situated outside the drill floor.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2008Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: GVA Consultants ABInventors: Inge Petersson, Robert Ludwigson
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Patent number: 7628226Abstract: A system and method of making up and breaking out a dual-member drill string. The system comprises a spindle, a spindle carriage and a drive frame. The drive frame provides thrust to the spindle, while the spindle carriage provides rotation. The spindle has an outer spindle and an inner spindle, and is adapted to connect to a pipe section having an outer pipe section and an inner pipe section. Inner joints are geometrically shaped, while outer joints are threaded. When making up dual, member drill string, the spindle is advanced, with the outer spindle rotating, and the inner spindle rotating in alternating directions, or “dithering.” A float sensor and a processor are used in tandem to cooperatively couple the inner spindle with the inner pipe sections and the outer spindle with the outer pipe sections.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2007Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.Inventors: Bradley E. Mitchell, Geoff D. Koch
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Patent number: 7600583Abstract: A module is for use in drilling a borehole in face of a mine passage using a drilling element and installing a bolt in the borehole once formed. The module may include a bolt holder for holding a plurality of bolts and a drilling element holder for holding a plurality of different drilling elements. A manipulator moves along an arcuate path between the bolt and drilling element holders to deliver the respective components to a drill head positioned along the arcuate path. The drill head may also slide relative to the mast in two different directions, and includes a drill guide for determining the location of the face to be worked. Related aspects of control of the module and methods are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2008Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: J.H. Fletcher & Co.Inventors: Gregory E. Hinshaw, Henry E. Wilson, Craig M. Collins, William A. Kyslinger, William B. Schwab
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Patent number: 7600570Abstract: A drilling placed on the seabed and arranged for drilling of oil and gas wells is remote controlled from a light drilling vessel (2) through pipes and signal cables (3). The main structure of the drilling rig is made up of two cylindrical structures (1 and 10), in connection with which there is provided a number of cylindrical silos (8) for storing drill pipe magazines (23). A complete drilling module (17) can be lowered and retrieved through hatchways (11) at the top of the first cylindrical structure 10 The drilling rig is anchored to a foundation frame (7) by hydraulic legs (9). A cylindrical skirt (34) encloses the BOP (33) to prevent pollution of the environment.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2007Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: Seabed Rig ASInventor: Per Olav Haughom
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Patent number: 7600584Abstract: A pipe handling assembly for transporting pipe sections to and from the drill string of a horizontal boring machine. The system comprises a magazine, a cradle for supporting the magazine, a support member, a drive system, and a transfer assembly. The drive system may move the cradle and the magazine laterally on the support member or may pivot the magazine. The transfer assembly transfers pipe sections between the magazine and the spindle connection area. The magazine and the support frame are disposed above the spindle connection area such that only empty columns of the magazine are outside of the footprint of the boring machine. The magazine may be removed from the cradle when empty or full to continue with the boring operation.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2007Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.Inventors: Cody L. Sewell, Ricky G. Porter, Adam R. Hall
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Patent number: 7568533Abstract: A pipe handling system is disclosed with an elongated base that is dimensioned to receive and support a movable tray in a position parallel to the base with at least two degrees of freedom of movement. The movable tray is also dimensioned to receive at least one section of pipe, and one end of the movable tray is separable from the base with a pipe positioner slidably disposed in the movable tray for transporting pipe and with a loader disposed adjacent to the movable tray that receives and feeds a section of pipe into the tray. The pipe handling system may include a movable tray having at least three degrees of freedom of movement The pipe handling system may include loaders that are extendable from the base.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2007Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Inventor: Rodger Lawrence Felt
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Patent number: 7562724Abstract: A synchronizer device is used for coordinating drill rod transfer mechanisms utilized in connection with transferring the drill rod between a drill rod magazine and the drill string in a horizontal directional drilling rig. The synchronizer device may transfer the movement from a first transfer mechanism to a second transfer mechanism, wherein the first transfer mechanism is powered and the apparatus acts as the motive force to move a second non-powered transfer mechanism. Alternatively, the synchronizer device may coordinate and synchronize the movement between a first and a second powered transfer mechanism. The synchronizer shaft is rotationally supported by bearings mounted on the rack frame of an HDD rig. The synchronizer shaft includes a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end. First and second ears are mounted on or proximate the first end and the second end of the synchronizer shaft respectively.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2006Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Terry Allred, Matt Mills, Mickey Gragg, Jeff Vander Molen
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Publication number: 20090159294Abstract: A robotic system coupled to a racking platform of an oil well service or drilling rig comprising a base coupled to the racking platform at a fixed location, a mast pivotally coupled to the base by a mast pivot joint allowing rotation of the mast about a mast axis, a mast actuator for controllably rotating the mast about the mast pivot joint, an arm coupled to the mast and moveable along a radial direction with respect to the mast axis, an arm actuator for controllably moving the arm along the radial direction, an end effector pivotally coupled to an end of the arm by an end effector pivot joint allowing rotation of the end effector about an end effector axis oriented generally parallel to the mast axis, and an end effector actuator for controllably rotating the end effector about the end effector pivot joint. The end effector comprises at least one grabbing member operable to selectively grab an elongated object under control of a grabbing member actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2008Publication date: June 25, 2009Inventors: Abdolreza Abdollahi, Carl A. Heinrich
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Patent number: 7544036Abstract: A handling assembly for pipe sections for a horizontal directional drill includes a thrust frame and a pipe handler assembly track that is attached to the thrust frame so as to define a pipe section transfer location. The handling assembly also includes a pipe handler carrier that is mounted on the pipe handler assembly track and a magazine that is mounted adjacent to the pipe handler carrier and adapted to discharge a pipe section from the bottom of a selected column to the pipe section transfer location. The pipe handler carrier may be moved along the pipe handler assembly track to a plurality of positions in each of which a pipe section at the bottom of a column of the magazine is aligned with the transfer location, and a column selector rod is mounted with respect to the thrust frame so as to selectively locate the pipe handler carrier along the pipe handler assembly track at a position to align a column of the magazine with the pipe section transfer location.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2006Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Astec Industries, Inc.Inventors: Guy Randall, Christopher A. Huck
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Patent number: 7540338Abstract: A pipe handling system comprises a pipe erector that is operable to move a pipe from a horizontal storage position to an inclined position. In the inclined position, an upper end of the pipe is adjacent to an elevated drill floor of a drilling rig and the pipe is at an angle between horizontal and vertical. The pipe handling system also comprises a guide system that is operable to engage the pipe and control lateral movement of the pipe as it is moved from being supported in the inclined position by the pipe erector to a vertical position supported by the drilling rig.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2006Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.Inventor: Jaroslav Belik
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Patent number: 7537059Abstract: A magazine for greasing drill rods includes a magazine assembly couplable with a drill assembly, for instance, a directional drill. The magazine assembly includes a magazine coupled with the drilling assembly. The magazine is sized and shaped to house a plurality of drill rods. The magazine further arranges the plurality of drill rods so a fitting of each drill rod is in a predetermined pattern relative to other drill rod fittings. A cover is moveably coupled with magazine and sized and shaped to conceal the fittings of the plurality of drill rods when in a closed position. A method for greasing drill rods includes positioning a plurality of drill rods within the magazine. The magazine is sized and shaped to arrange the plurality of drill rods so a fitting of each drill rod is in a predetermined pattern relative to other fittings. The method further includes pre-greasing two or more of the fittings of the plurality of drill rods at one time.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2006Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: TT Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Michael Tjader
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Publication number: 20090114446Abstract: The invention is a new well drilling machine, in particular for drilling with single pipes, with supporting mast (M) provided with at least one drill head? (R) for the rotation-translation movement of the drill pipe (A), a loader (C) for said pipes (A), hinged to the relative supporting frame (T), integral with the machine body, and wherein said loader (C) can be slanted from the non-operating position (1) to the operating position (2), in which said pipes (A) are further slanted with respect to ground level, and vice versa.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2006Publication date: May 7, 2009Applicant: COMACCHIO S.R.L.Inventors: Renzo Comacchio, Pasqualino Comacchio, Patrizio Comacchio
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Publication number: 20090107726Abstract: Drilling assemblies and methods of drilling are disclosed. In one implementation, a drilling assembly includes a rotary drive apparatus configured to rotate a string of drill pipe having a cutting head at a drilling end thereof. A longitudinally elongated torque transfer tube apparatus is mounted to and extends downwardly from the rotary drive apparatus and is configured to longitudinally receive the string of drill pipe rotatably there-through. The torque transfer tube apparatus is isolated from rotation relative to the rotary drive apparatus and the string of drill pipe during drilling with the drilling assembly. A torque receiving structure is provided, and through which the torque transfer tube apparatus is upwardly and downwardly slidably received. The torque transfer tube apparatus and the torque receiving structure are isolated from rotation relative one another and the string of drill pipe during drilling with the drilling assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2007Publication date: April 30, 2009Inventor: John Zeni
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Patent number: 7510028Abstract: Lower pipe stand racking combs are arranged to fold down from a side of the derrick at selected locations above the rig floor. In each racking comb an array of parallel fingers extend in a spaced array from a pivotable spine. The spine rotates to raise the fingers to a near vertical position to clear the rig floor activity area. A suspended pipe stand can pass laterally from the well center line past the ends of the fingers. The fingers, each, have a retractable extension that, when extended, will prevent the suspended pipe stand from passing the extended finger. The stopped pipe stand can then move transversely into the selected space between two fingers. Each finger extension has independent fluid power supply and control lines, the collection of the lines may extend to a control and power source selectively positioned on the rig floor or derrick. Raising of each comb assembly is, preferably, done by a fluid power cylinder attached to the derrick structure and to each comb assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2006Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Inventor: Walter Thomas Welsh
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Publication number: 20090044982Abstract: A top drive system for wellbore operations, the top drive system including motor apparatus, a main shaft driven by the motor apparatus, the main shaft having a top end and a bottom end, a quill connected to the main shaft, a gear system interconnected with the quill and the motor apparatus, and a multi-seal system for sealing against the quill. 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: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2008Publication date: February 19, 2009Inventors: Lawrence E. Wells, Preston Fox, Cliff Swiontek, Svein Stubstad, Howard L. Ervin, James D. Brugman, Paul Conover
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Publication number: 20090025980Abstract: A drilling rig for use in both coiled tubing injection and rigid threaded pipe operations, and consisting of a number of separably transportable modules which are assembled on site for carrying out the operations. Included in the modules are a substructure component, a mast component and an injector component. In setting up for operation, the mast component is combined on site with the substructure component which supports the assembled rig over the borehole. The mast component in location provides a loading area to support the injector component in a position for ready loading of an injector included in the injector component into the mast when required for a coiled tubing operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2007Publication date: January 29, 2009Applicant: Foremost Industries Ltd.Inventors: Gary R. Callander, Allan J. Pleskie, Voytek Niemczewski
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Publication number: 20090014215Abstract: A biased door member is provided in an external wall of a drill rod supply magazine mounted on a horizontal directional drilling (HDD) machine. The door member swings inwardly from a first position parallel to the external wall to a second position within the distal column. At least one cut-out is formed in the external wall at the bottom of the retaining guides located at the longitudinal ends of the magazine. The cut-out creates a window through which the added drill rod is inserted. In operation, a drill rod is moved through the biased door member and window cut-outs into the distal column. The pocket of a rod transfer mechanism is positioned below the last column, and a rod lifter lowers the added drill rod into the pocket. The rod transfer mechanism then moves the added drill rod into alignment with the drill string.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2007Publication date: January 15, 2009Applicant: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Louis C. Hartke
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Patent number: 7467670Abstract: Mechanical stops are utilized on a rod transfer mechanism, with the stops being offset vertically from one another, to index the rod transfer mechanism of an HDD machine under the appropriate column of a drill rod storage magazine. The stops engage a moveable block which is moved by the operator using a block position selector device. The stops are arranged such that each stop corresponds to a respective column of the magazine. Accordingly, the rod transfer mechanism moves transversely away from the longitudinal axis of the drill string until the selected stop engages the block. The block position selector device is preferably located at the HDD machine operator's station. A cable slidably received within a jacket is employed between the position selector and the block to raise and lower the block.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2006Date of Patent: December 23, 2008Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Louis Carl Hartke, Eric Steinhart
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Publication number: 20080296065Abstract: A drill floor device has two or more mouseholes for assembly and disassembly of pipe string sections. The mouseholes are arranged to be displaced underneath the drill floor by a drive system and positioned under a hole or an opening in the drill floor. At least one of the mouseholes is provided with an elevator arranged to raise and lower a pipe or a pipe string section located in the mousehole, between an upper working position in which the upper end of the pipe/pipe string section projects above the drill floor and a lower position of rest in which the upper end of the pipe/pipe string section is below the drill floor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2006Publication date: December 4, 2008Inventor: Trond Standal
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Patent number: 7438141Abstract: A module and related methods of use in drilling a borehole in a face of a mine passage using a drilling element and installing a bolt in the borehole once formed. The module may include a bolt holder for holding a plurality of bolts and a drilling element holder for holding a plurality of different drilling elements. A manipulator moves along an arcuate path between the bolt and drilling element holders to deliver the respective components to a drill head positioned along the arcuate path. The drill head may also slide relative to the mast in two different directions, and includes a drill guide for determining the location of the face to be worked.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2006Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: J.H. Fletcher & Co.Inventors: Gregory E. Hinshaw, Henry E. Wilson, Craig M. Collins, William A. Kyslinger, William B. Schwab
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Publication number: 20080236892Abstract: In a method for multistage manufacture of a borehole between two earth shafts, a drilling device drills in a first direction a pilot bore between a starting shaft and an end shaft and lines the pilot bore with pipes. Subsequently, the pilot bore is expanded in a second direction opposite to the first direction to form an expansion bore which is simultaneously lined with pipes, while accumulating soil is transported into the end shaft in opposition to the second direction with the aid of a screw conveyor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2008Publication date: October 2, 2008Applicant: TRACTO-TECHNIK GmbH & Co. KGInventor: ANDREA JULIA EWALD
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Patent number: 7428937Abstract: A module and related methods of use in drilling a borehole in a face of a mine passage using a drilling element and installing a bolt in the borehole once formed. The module may include a bolt holder for holding a plurality of bolts and a drilling element holder for holding a plurality of different drilling elements. A manipulator moves along an arcuate path between the bolt and drilling element holders to deliver the respective components to a drill head positioned along the arcuate path. The drill head may also slide relative to the mast in two different directions, and includes a drill guide for determining the location of the face to be worked.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2006Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignee: J.H. Fletcher & Co.Inventors: Gregory E. Hinshaw, Henry E. Wilson, Craig M. Collins, William A. Kyslinger, William B. Schwab
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Patent number: 7428935Abstract: A module and related methods of use in drilling a borehole in a face of a mine passage using a drilling element and installing a bolt in the borehole once formed. The module may include a bolt holder for holding a plurality of bolts and a drilling element holder for holding a plurality of different drilling elements. A manipulator moves along an arcuate path between the bolt and drilling element holders to deliver the respective components to a drill head positioned along the arcuate path. The drill head may also slide relative to the mast in two different directions, and includes a drill guide for determining the location of the face to be worked.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2006Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignee: J.H. Fletcher & Co.Inventors: Gregory E. Hinshaw, Henry E. Wilson, Craig M. Collins, William A. Kyslinger, William B. Schwab
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Patent number: 7428936Abstract: A module and related methods of use in drilling a borehole in a face of a mine passage using a drilling element and installing a bolt in the borehole once formed. The module may include a bolt holder for holding a plurality of bolts and a drilling element holder for holding a plurality of different drilling elements. A manipulator moves along an arcuate path between the bolt and drilling element holders to deliver the respective components to a drill head positioned along the arcuate path. The drill head may also slide relative to the mast in two different directions, and includes a drill guide for determining the location of the face to be worked.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2006Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignee: J.H. Fletcher & Co.Inventors: Gregory E. Hinshaw, Henry E. Wilson, Craig M. Collins, William A. Kyslinger, William B. Schwab
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Publication number: 20080202813Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2008Publication date: August 28, 2008Inventor: Paul Anthony
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Publication number: 20080202812Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2007Publication date: August 28, 2008Applicants: Atwood Oceanics, Inc., OHS Group Limited, Friede & Goldman, LLCInventors: Mark Alan Childers, Brendan William Larkin, Harvey Mark Rich, Barry M. Smith
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Patent number: 7407344Abstract: A module and related methods of use in drilling a borehole in a face of a mine passage using a drilling element and installing a bolt in the borehole once formed. The module may include a bolt holder for holding a plurality of bolts and a drilling element holder for holding a plurality of different drilling elements. A manipulator moves along an arcuate path between the bolt and drilling element holders to deliver the respective components to a drill head positioned along the arcuate path. The drill head may also slide relative to the mast in two different directions, and includes a drill guide for determining the location of the face to be worked.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2006Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: J. H. Fletcher & Co.Inventors: Gregory E. Hinshaw, Henry E. Wilson, Craig M. Collins, William A. Kyslinger, William B. Schwab
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Patent number: 7401664Abstract: A top drive system for wellbore operations, the top drive system including motor apparatus, a main shaft driven by the motor apparatus, the main shaft having a top end and a bottom end, a quill connected to the main shaft, and a gear system interconnected with the quill and the motor apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2006Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Varco I/PInventors: Lawrence E. Wells, Preston Fox, Cliff Swiontek, Svein Stubstad
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Publication number: 20080169129Abstract: A drill stem centralizer and/or breakout wrench includes a frame with opposed hydraulic cylinder actuators mounted on the frame and engaged in with jaw support members for movement toward and away from each other for centralizing or breakout of drill stem sections. The hydraulic actuators are mounted on trunnions which are supported by bearing caps which may be indexed to change the spacing of the opposed actuators to accommodate a wide range of drill stem diameters or cross-sectional shapes. The jaw support members are provided with laterally spaced guide parts which are moveable in slots in the frame to guide the jaw support members for linear reciprocal movement in response to actuation by the hydraulic actuators. The frame may be mounted for limited rotation on a feed beam to effect drill stem breakout operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2007Publication date: July 17, 2008Inventor: William N. Patterson
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Publication number: 20080164064Abstract: A pipe handling system includes a frame removably coupled to a drilling mast, a gripping arm moveably coupled to the frame, and a grip jaw extending from the gripping arm to engage a drill pipe, wherein the gripping arm and the grip jaw are operable to move a drill pipe from within the drilling mast to a pipe storage area adjacent the drilling mast. Other embodiments include a pipe racker and a setback handling system disposed below the pipe racker to engage a lower end of the drill pipe, the setback handling system including a moveable pipe guide and a rotating table supporting the pipe guide. In some embodiments, the rotating table also supports a pipe mover for moving the drill pipe to desired storage positions in a setback rack. Pipe handling methods are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2008Publication date: July 10, 2008Applicant: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO, L.P.Inventors: Jaroslav Belik, Richard D. Souchek
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Publication number: 20080128167Abstract: A device for handling and storage of drill string sections, and assembly or disassembly of a drill string on an installation especially intended for exploratory and/or production drilling for hydrocarbons, where: at least one set of individual, separate cooperating means of transport is arranged to move a drill string section or a single drill pipe length in synchronized motion; where a) a primary means of transport is provided with a first gripping device for releasably holding a lower end portion of the drill string section or drill pipe length; b) a secondary means of transport is provided with a first means of lateral support for releasably enclosing an upper end portion of the drill string section or drill pipe length; and c) each means of transport is displaceable along a substantially horizontal or vertical guideway.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2006Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventor: Morten Eriksen
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Patent number: 7381012Abstract: A module and related methods of use in drilling a borehole in a face of a mine passage using a drilling element and installing a bolt in the borehole once formed. The module may include a bolt holder for holding a plurality of bolts and a drilling element holder for holding a plurality of different drilling elements. A manipulator moves along an arcuate path between the bolt and drilling element holders to deliver the respective components to a drill head positioned along the arcuate path. The drill head may also slide relative to the mast in two different directions, and includes a drill guide for determining the location of the face to be worked.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2006Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: J.H. Fletcher & Co.Inventors: Gregory E. Hinshaw, Henry E. Wilson, Craig M. Collins, William A. Kyslinger, William B. Schwab
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Publication number: 20080066964Abstract: Mechanical stops are utilized on a rod transfer mechanism, with the stops being offset vertically from one another, to index the rod transfer mechanism of an HDD machine under the appropriate column of a drill rod storage magazine. The stops engage a moveable block which is moved by the operator using a block position selector device. The stops are arranged such that each stop corresponds to a respective column of the magazine. Accordingly, the rod transfer mechanism moves transversely away from the longitudinal axis of the drill string until the selected stop engages the block. The block position selector device is preferably located at the HDD machine operator's station. A cable slidably received within a jacket is employed between the position selector and the block to raise and lower the block.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2006Publication date: March 20, 2008Inventors: Louis Carl Hartke, Eric Steinhart
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Patent number: 7337853Abstract: Method and apparatus for installing control lines and pipe into a well. The pipe-holding spider that is normally mounted on the rig floor is supportably retained in a vertically movable retainer. The retainer is adapted for controllably elevating the spider above the rig floor when the pipe slips within the spider are not engaged with the outer surface of the pipe string, thereby providing personnel access to a portion of the length of the pipe string below the elevated spider and above the rig floor. Personnel are provided with access to the pipe string for applying a fastener to secure the control line to the pipe string. The control line is supplied from above the spider and is positioned by a control line guide supported on the spider or retainer to pass through the spider outside the path of pipe gripping members within the spider.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2006Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Frank's International, Inc.Inventors: Jean Buytaert, Luciano Spadoni, Edward Sinclair, Brian David Begnaud, Charles Michael Webre
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Publication number: 20080047752Abstract: Lower pipe stand racking combs are arranged to fold down from a side of the derrick at selected locations above the rig floor. In each racking comb an array of parallel fingers extend in a spaced array from a pivotable spine. The spine rotates to raise the fingers to a near vertical position to clear the rig floor activity area. A suspended pipe stand can pass laterally from the well center line past the ends of the fingers. The fingers, each, have a retractable extension that, when extended, will prevent the suspended pipe stand from passing the extended finger. The stopped pipe stand can then move transversely into the selected space between two fingers. Each finger extension has independent fluid power supply and control lines, the collection of the lines may extend to a control and power source selectively positioned on the rig floor or derrick. Raising of each comb assembly is, preferably, done by a fluid power cylinder attached to the derrick structure and to each comb assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2006Publication date: February 28, 2008Inventor: Walter Thomas Welsh
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Patent number: 7278498Abstract: The rotatable support for inclinable masts of drilling machines includes a connecting element connected to the lifting mechanism of a drilling machine, and including two essentially parallel planar elements having an essentially triangular or trapezoidal shape, on the vertex of which a coupling element configured for bearing the mast is connected. The coupling element is rotated by two pistons, and is coupled to the connecting element by two hinges having a common rotational axis and spaced one from the other, in order to allow the passage of the piston rods between the hinges.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2005Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: Comacchio USA Corp.Inventors: Renzo Comacchio, Paqualino Comacchio, Patrizio Comacchio, Mohamad Ajami
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Publication number: 20070209838Abstract: The invention relates to a device for charging a drilling device of an earth or rock drilling apparatus with a double rod. The device has a rotatable revolver magazine, which is designed with double receiving spaces for receiving two tube parts that are inserted into one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2007Publication date: September 13, 2007Inventors: Michael Kraus, Carl Hagemeyer, Albert Clemens
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Publication number: 20070158110Abstract: A synchronizer device is used for coordinating drill rod transfer mechanisms utilized in connection with transferring the drill rod between a drill rod magazine and the drill string in a horizontal directional drilling rig. The synchronizer device may transfer the movement from a first transfer mechanism to a second transfer mechanism, wherein the first transfer mechanism is powered and the apparatus acts as the motive force to move a second non-powered transfer mechanism. Alternatively, the synchronizer device may coordinate and synchronize the movement between a first and a second powered transfer mechanism. The synchronizer shaft is rotationally supported by bearings mounted on the rack frame of an HDD rig. The synchronizer shaft includes a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end. First and second ears are mounted on or proximate the first end and the second end of the synchronizer shaft respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2006Publication date: July 12, 2007Applicant: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Terry Allred, Matt Mills, Mickey Gragg, Jeff Vander Molen
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Patent number: 7240742Abstract: An pipe handling assembly for transporting pipe sections to and from a horizontal boring machine. The system comprises a movable magazine, a support member, a drive system, and a transfer assembly. The drive system may move the magazine laterally on the support member or may pivot the magazine. The transfer assembly transfers pipe sections between the magazine and the spindle connection area. The magazine and the support frame are disposed above the spindle connection area such that only empty columns of the magazine are outside of the footprint of the boring machine.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2004Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.Inventors: Cody L. Sewell, Ricky G. Porter
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Patent number: 7140453Abstract: An apparatus for moving and handling tubulars has a stinger (21) slidably mounted on a frame which stinger comprises a rod or tube the end of which is adapted to fit within the pipe (20) to be moved, a gripping means (23) on the end of the stinger which is inserted into the pipe end which gripping means is adapted to grip the pipe, a drive means (25) which drives a sc threaded sub (24) which drive means is adapted to slide along said stinger so that the screw threads on the sub can engage the screw threads on the end of the pipe and moving means adapted to move the sub and a pipe attached to the sub along the frame so that a tubular can be automatically removed from a container (10) or an ISO container transferred to a mast (13) the mast moved vertically above a drill head or well head and the tubular connected to the drill string in such a way that the cross section area of the stinger takes the majority of the well head pressure while the tubular is snubbed into the well using relatively little force.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2002Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: Maris International LimitedInventor: Laurence John Ayling