Abstract: A system and method for transferring pipe according to which a pipe joint is positioned in a pipe lift in a first position and moved to a second position before being transferred from the pipe lift to a pipe shuttle and moved to a third position.

Abstract: An offshore drilling rig contains a heavy-duty support cart that straddles the moonpool and rides on rails. A funnel-shaped hole extends through the support cart, and a cutout on one side of the cart provides lateral access to the hole. The cart can be moved to the region of the rotary assembly, where a length of tubulars can be suspended from the cart. For instance, when the BOP is pulled out for installation of the Xmas tree assembly, the BOP and attached riser can be pulled up above the seabed and hung from the support cart, then moved laterally out of the way while the Xmas tree assembly is installed. This lateral movement lowers the possibility of collision between the BOP and Xmas tree assembly. The BOP assembly can then be disassembled and at a later time, or hung until is needed for an adjacent borehole. In a preferred embodiment, the cart is included on multi-activity rigs with more than one load path, hoist, and rotary assembly.

Abstract: An automatic pipe handling system for automatically transporting pipe sections to and from a horizontal boring machine. The system comprises a pipe handling assembly, a pipe lubrication assembly, a makeup/breakout assembly, and an automatic control system. The pipe handling assembly stores pipe sections and transports the pipe sections to and from the drill string of a boring machine. As the pipe handling assembly transports a pipe section, the pipe lubrication assembly lubricates the appropriate pipe joints. The makeup/breakout assembly secures the drill string and pipe joints so that pipe sections can be added to or removed from the drill string. A programmed controller automatically operates the pipe handling system and its components by synchronizing the operations of the pipe handling system. The controller sequences and times the operation of each aspect of the pipe handling system during both the boring operation and the backreaming operation.

Abstract: A device for use in removing and installing an inline component from a drill string that is depending downward over a deck. The device has an elongate member with a flange adapted to abut the deck and support the elongate member in a substantially upright orientation, and an engagement member on the elongate member adapted to rotably engage the inline component.

Abstract: A drilling system and a method of using a drilling system that has a first rotatable tubular connector, a second non-rotatable tubular connector and a washpipe assembly having at least one dynamic seal and defining a fluid conduit having at one end a first mating connector and at another end a second mating connector designed to interconnect with the first and second tubular connectors. A controllable torque driver is arranged to mechanically engage the washpipe assembly such that fluid connections are made between the first mating connector and the first tubular connector, and the second mating connector and the second tubular connector.

Abstract: Apparatus for positioning a power tong at a desired location with respect to the distance above the rig floor, and with respect to the center of the rig floor. A pedestal is secured to the structure of the rig. An upright member is mounted on the upper end of the pedestal, with a bearing disposed between the upright member and the pedestal, the bearing permitting the upright member to rotate around a vertical axis when moved by a powered ring gear assembly. A telescoping boom is rotatably mounted on the upright member, and one end thereof extends over the central part of the rig floor. Power tongs attached to the boom may thereby be positioned at desired positions with respect to the rig floor. Controls mounted on the power tongs and/or on the upright member permit control of the rotation of the boom, the upright member, and the power tong.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring tubular stands between a substantially horizontal position on the catwalk and a substantially vertical position at the rig floor entry. In one embodiment of the invention, this is accomplished by moving bundles of individual tubulars to the process area, where a stand make-up/break-out machine, also called a bucking machine, makes up the tubular stands. The bucking machine aligns and stabs the connections and makes up the connection to the correct torque. The tubular stand is then transferred from the bucking machine to a stand storage area or to a trolley pick-up area. When additional stands are needed by the drilling operation, a trolley is moved into position over the trolley pick-up area to retrieve the stands previously placed in the trolley pick-up area. The stands are clamped to the trolley and the trolley is moved from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position at the rig floor entry.

Abstract: A drilling machine 1 with a drill pipe holder 10 to be operated automatically in boring as well as in pulling, disposes over a gripper 20, which is constructed rotatably about an axis 21 and beyond that also axially displaceably, and has a telescoping support arm 22. The pipes 8, 9 can be arranged, i.e. stored, inserted into one another in pipe depositories 11, 12, 13 forming a partial circle 15 and can also be pulled out of them and swiveled into the drilling axis 7 with the aid of the gripper 20. When pulling the drilling string, the pipes 8, 9 can then be individually fanned out into the pipe depositories 11, 12, 13 and then later on the outer pipes 8 can be slid over. The entire process is operated automatically with the gripper 20.

Abstract: A well casing system is disclosed for the handling and make-up of casing on a drilling rig in conjunction with a top drive is disclosed. The system comprises a top drive, a casing make-up assembly, links, link tilts, and transfer and lifting elevators. The operator can remotely manipulate the elevators to pick up and position a joint of casing above the casing already secured in the drilling hole. The operator can then engage the gripper head and use the rotational capability of the top drive to remotely couple the two joints of casing together.

Abstract: Drilling rig apparatus for connecting and disconnecting well pipe at a drilling rig. A remotely controlled power wrench assembly is mounted on a remotely controlled lifting mechanism attached to a base spaced about the well axis on the rig floor. The wrench assembly includes upper and lower wrenches carried by the lifting mechanism. The wrench assembly includes a lower wrench for gripping a lower box coupling of a drill pipe section at the well center. An upper wrench is provided for spinning an upper pin coupling into or out of threaded engagement with the lower box coupling. The upper wrench has two opposed spinner-roller pairs which translate between open and closed positions for spinning the upper pin coupling when in a closed position. The upper wrench also has two opposed jaw blocks which translate between open and closed positions for gripping the pin coupling in a closed position.

Abstract: A pipe running tool for use in an oil drilling system and the like comprises a lower drive shaft adapted to engage a drive shaft of a top drive assembly for rotation therewith. The pipe running tool further includes a lower pipe engagement assembly which is driven to rotate by the lower drive shaft, and is designed to releasably engage a pipe segment in such a manner to substantially prevent relative rotation between the two. Thus, when the lower pipe engagement assembly is actuated to securely hold a pipe segment, the top drive assembly may be actuated to rotate the top drive output shaft, which causes the lower drive shaft and lower pipe engagement assembly to rotate, which in turn rotates the pipe segment. The pipe running tool having a greater slip back offset such that drill pipe and drill pipe tool joints may be passed through the central passageway of the tool without interfering with the front of the slip.

Abstract: A pipe handling system comprising at least one pipe magazine, a pipe conveyor system, and a pipe arm for handling pipes in conjunction with a drill rig for drilling a well bore. The pipe handling system operates to transfer pipe joints from each pipe magazine to a pipe arm via the pipe conveyor system. The pipe arm then moves to transfer each pipe to the drilling rig for connection to drill string. The pipe handling system also operates to remove each pipe from the drill string. The arm engages the pipe to be removed and moves to transfer the pipe to the pipe conveyor system. The pipe conveyor system then transfers the pipes to each pipe magazine. The system is alternatively comprises electronic sensors that measure the location of pipe. The entire system is also alternatively operated with software and a general-purpose computer.

Abstract: The invention provides a drill rod handling device (14) which is adapted for attachment to a drill rig assembly (10) which includes a standard rotation unit (12) and a rod holder (13) mounted on top of a feed frame (11) and which are used to feed drill rods (25) in and out of the ground.

Abstract: Arrangement for replacing a drilling component in a rock drilling apparatus, which arrangement comprises a component magazine for storing replaceable components required in drilling and means for driving the drilling unit to a predefined position and location relative to the component magazine. The arrangement further comprises a changing unit for moving the components between the component magazine and the drilling unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring tubular stands between a substantially horizontal position on the catwalk and a substantially vertical position at the rig floor entry. In one embodiment of the invention, this is accomplished by moving bundles of individual tubulars to the process area, where a stand make-up/break-out machine, also called a bucking machine, makes up the tubular stands. The bucking machine aligns and stabs the connections and makes up the connection to the correct torque. The tubular stand is then transferred from the bucking machine to a stand storage area or to a trolley pick-up area. When additional stands are needed by the drilling operation, a trolley is moved into position over the trolley pick-up area to retrieve the stands previously placed in the trolley pick-up area. The stands are clamped to the trolley and the trolley is moved from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position at the rig floor entry.

Abstract: A pipe handling system is designed for use on an offshore structure, particularly an offshore structure provided with a cantilevered drill floor. The pipe handling system allows to handle significantly longer sections of tubulars, up to 100 feet, if necessary. The pipe handling system transports the pipes from a horizontal pipe rack adjacent to a drill floor to a vertical orientation in a set-back area of the drill floor where the drill string or casing is made up for lowering down hole. The cantilevered drill floor allows to save valuable platform space, while not significantly increasing the cost of the drilling rig. The pipe handling system, while increasing the length of handled tubulars, reduces the number of joints for making of a drill string, thereby significantly reducing the cost of pipe handling operations.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for transferring pipe between a storage device for the pipe and a pipe string extending over a well.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods, for making and breaking connections in a horizontal boring drillstring, comprising a skid-mounted torque wrench and a spinning unit hydraulically operated from a remote control station, therefore allowing a coupling to be made or broken without manual intervention. One embodiment of a preferred torque wrench and spinning unit is horizontally mounted on a structural frame that is adapted to allow movement relative to a horizontal drill string. A preferred torque wrench comprises a gripping mechanism that serves to hold stationary one half of a coupling and a torquing mechanism that arcuately translates the adjoining half of the coupling to either make-up or break-out the coupling. A preferred spinning unit comprises a plurality of drive rollers that impart rotational motion into the pipe to engage or disengage the threads of a coupling.

Abstract: Equipment (1) for stowing and handling drill pipes (2), the equipment being provided with a device for transporting the drill pipes (2) from a service well (9) to a rack container (11); the transport device being defined by a central control tower (23) located in front of the container (11) and being able to rotate around an axis of vertical rotation (A) and by a grip device (24) supported by the central tower (23) and movable together with, and in relationship to, the central tower itself from a working grip position at the well (9) to a working release position at the bin (12) of the container (11).

Abstract: A drilling machine for a drilling rig and a drilling rig which can be used for exploratory drillings and producing wells, particularly in hydrocarbon deposits, both onshore and offshore. The drilling machine includes a base, on or in which a top drive is displaceable axially to the longitudinal axis of the base and a pipe-handling apparatus which is movable, especially by sliding, perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the base and which grips the drilling pipe. The base is pivotably and/or rotatably mounted in the region of the foot, and it is possible for a virtually continuous drilling process to be carried out using a combination of two drilling machines.

Abstract: A drilling system (10) for drilling holes into concrete includes a drilling tool (20) attached to a frame (22) that can be secured to a drilling surface (S) of any orientation and permits (1) manual, (2) manual-power-assisted, or (3) stand-mounted, hands-free operation of the drilling tool (20). The system (10) utilizes air pressure, vacuum, gas regulating system, or even magnetism, to secure the frame (22) of the drilling tool (20) to the surface (S) and to control the movement of a drill bit (34) with respect to the surface (S). A fluid delivery system (80) is used to facilitate certain actions of the drill bit (34) and to effectively remove debris resulting from drilling from the drilling site. Also disclosed are related methods of drilling holes into concrete that reduce noise, mess, and debris resulting from drilling.

Abstract: An automatic pipe handling system for automatically transporting pipe sections to and from a horizontal boring machine. The system comprises a pipe handling assembly, a pipe lubrication assembly, a makeup/breakout assembly, and an automatic control system. The pipe handling assembly stores pipe sections and transports the pipe sections to and from the drill string of a boring machine. As the pipe handling assembly transports a pipe section, the pipe lubrication assembly lubricates the appropriate pipe joints. The makeup/breakout assembly secures the drill string and pipe joints so that pipe sections can be added to or removed from the drill string. A programmed controller automatically operates the pipe handling system and its components by synchronizing the operations of the pipe handling system. The controller sequences and times the operation of each aspect of the pipe handling system during both the boring operation and the backreaming operation.

Abstract: An automatic loader (10) for drill rods (11) adapted to be associated with a boring machine having a guide and drive assembly (12) for the drill rods (11) includes at least a store (13) containing a plurality of drill rods (11) and a movement assembly (14) that is able to selectively remove, one at a time, the drill rods (11) from the store (13) to position them on the guide and drive assembly (12). The movement assembly (14) is arranged in an intermediate position between the store (13) and the guide and drive assembly (12), so as to not interfere with the latter during the removal of the drill rods (11) from the store (13).

Abstract: A drill rig assembly comprising a drill mast (3), a storage device (9) for storing a number of drill pipes (1) in a lying position near said drill mast, and a rotary head (5) mounted onto a rotary head trolley assembly (4) which is movable up and down along said drill mast (3). In order to enable a quick, easy and safe transfer of the drill pipes (1) from the storage device (9) to the rotary head (5), this rotary head itself is provided with a clamping assembly (15) arranged to hold a drill pipe with its extremity. The drill rig assembly further comprises means for moving the rotary head (5) with respect to said rotary head trolley assembly (4) to enable the rotary head to clamp with said clamping assembly (15) a drill pipe in the storage device (9) and to position the drill pipe on top of the drill string, substantially in axial alignment thereto. Since no separate drill pipe handling device is necessary, the system can be produced at a lower cost.

Abstract: The drilling machine includes a base member that is mounted on a deck for pivotal movement relative to an opening in the deck. A lower wrench is mounted on the base member for pivotal movement therewith relative to the deck and for movement relative to the base member such that the lower wrench is engageable with flat surfaces of a lower drill rod. An upper wrench is movable relative to the deck and engageable with flat surfaces of an upper drill rod such that pivotal movement of the base member relative to the deck when the upper wrench engages the upper drill rod and when the lower wrench engages the lower drill rod rotates the lower drill rod relative to the upper drill rod to break the joint between the upper and lower drill rods.

Abstract: An articulating derrick having a back face, a pair of opposed sides with each side having at least one leg, and an open face. The back face of the derrick includes a plurality of pairs of back face cross supports. Each cross support has a first and a second opposed end. Each first end is pivotally attached to one of the legs. A bushing pivotally connects the second ends of each pair of cross supports in order to permit movement of the back face between a folded, storage position and an open position.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus for transporting a joint of pipe between a position adjacent a pipe storage rack and a rig floor elevated above the pipe storage rack is provided. The pipe handling apparatus includes a support frame, substantially horizontally disposed platform supported by the support frame having a pipe receiving groove formed therein for receiving the joint of pipe, a carriage member, and a pusher member. The carriage member is movable from a lowered position wherein the joint of pipe which is positioned in the pipe receiving groove of the platform is supported in a substantially horizontal position and a raised position wherein the carriage member supports a first end of the joint of pipe at an elevated position relative to an opposed second end of the joint of pipe. The pusher member is movable along the pipe receiving groove between a retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: A portable drilling rig 20 for drilling water wells or installing geothermal pipe systems in the ground 22. The portable drilling rig 20 is removably mounted on a truck bed 24. The single I beam mast 30 of the rig 20 pivots to a horizontal position 32 on the truck bed 24 for transport and pivots to a vertical position 34 for drilling, or alternately, pivots to a slanted position 38 for drilling at an angle “A” into the ground 22. A swivel 78 that is normally parallel to the mast 30 is movable along the length of the mast 30. The swivel 78 can be pivoted to its non-parallel position 122 relative to the mast 30 in order to attach or remove pipe segments 126 from a drive shaft 136 provided on the swivel 78.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for handling pipes, such as rods and drilling strings, in drilling rigs and drilling installations for sinking boreholes, in particular on hydrocarbon reservoirs. The apparatus according to the invention for handling pipes and drilling strings in a drilling installation having a steelwork structure with a set-down platform, a working platform, a lifting device, a drill drive and a pipe connecting device is defined in particular by the fact that there is arranged on the drilling installation a wireline, a two-axis crane which is connected to the wireline and to the steelwork structure and an extension element, which is arranged on the outside of the racking platform and has a passage to the racking platform, and also by the fact that a set-down and make-up device, arranged beside or on the working platform, is provided for vertical pipes, it being possible for the set-down and make-up device to be accessed by the wireline.

Abstract: A pipe running tool for use in an oil drilling system and the like comprises a lower drive shaft adapted to engage a drive shaft of a top drive assembly for rotation therewith. The pipe running tool further includes a lower pipe engagement assembly which is driven to rotate by the lower drive shaft, and is designed to releasably engage a pipe segment in such a manner to substantially prevent relative rotation between the two. Thus, when the lower pipe engagement assembly is actuated to securely hold a pipe segment, the top drive assembly may be actuated to rotate the top drive output shaft, which causes the lower drive shaft and lower pipe engagement assembly to rotate, which in turn rotates the pipe segment. The pipe running tool having a greater slip back offset such that drill pipe and drill pipe tool joints may be passed through the central passageway of the tool without interfering with the front of the slip.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus and methods to prevent an operator from inadvertently dropping a string into a wellbore during assembling and disassembling of tubulars. Additionally, the apparatus and methods can be used to for running in casing, running in wellbore components or for a drill string.

Abstract: A directional drill for transport via rail tracks and railwheels associated with the directional drill to an operating location. The directional drill has a first frame associated with a set of pneumatic tires for movement of the directional drill onto and off of the tracks and, when removed from the tracks, for movement to the operating location. A second frame is rotatably attached to the first frame and allows the drilling configuration of the second frame to be more nearly horizontal relative to the first frame. Hydraulic lines move during drilling and are maintained in a predetermined configuration to reduce vibration and chaffing.

Abstract: A semisubmersible multipurpose unit (MPU) having a deck, a multipurpose tower secured to the deck, supports, pontoons connected to the supports with each pontoon adapted for ballast transfer, at least two hawsers connected to the MPU for connecting the MPU to an object at sea having a mooring system, a hawser guidance system to direct each hawser to the object at sea, a crane secured to the deck of a semisubmersible MPU, and at least an 6-point mooring system, wherein the combination of the semisubmersible MPU, hawsers and 6-point mooring system create a global equilibrium between the mooring system of an object at sea and the at least 6-point mooring system and the hawsers have both an elasticity sufficient to accommodate the wave frequency between the object at sea and the MPU and a stiffness adequate to synchronize the average and low frequency movements during a 10-year storm.

Abstract: A control system for a drilling machine is disclosed. The drilling machine includes a rod driver for driving a string of rods into the ground, and for removing the string of rods from the ground. The drilling machine also includes a magazine for storing rods near the rod driver. A rod transfer mechanism moves rods between the magazine and the rod driver. Vices are used to make and break joints between the rods of the drill string. The control system includes joysticks equipped with switches for controlling operational sequences of the vices and the rod transfer mechanism.

Abstract: A pipe handling device for use with a horizontal directional drilling machine. A pipe handling device includes a magazine for storing pipe sections and a pipe handling assembly to transport pipe sections between the magazine and the drilling machine. In one embodiment, pipe sections are stored in the magazine randomly. Pipe sections are positioned in the magazine using a vertical lift positioned beneath the magazine and having a plurality of notches. As the vertical lift is raised, the lift contacts the pipe sections in the magazine and positions the pipe sections for release through a discharge opening.

Abstract: A pipe clamp for use in oil field operations is provided. The pipe clamp is particularly useful where pipe, casing or tubing must be grasped firmly. The pipe clamp is designed to be safer than existing technology by incorporating a lighter weight design that is self aligning and can be controlled from a relatively remote location. The pipe clamp is comprises a gripping head which wraps around the pipe, an actuator extending radially from the gripping head, and a chain wrapped around the gripping head and connected to a mount located at the radially distant end of the actuator. As the actuator extends, it increases the distance between the gripping head and the mount, thus the chain tightens the friction surfaces of the gripping head about the pipe.

Abstract: A tong as may be used for a continuous circulation system in a wellbore. The tong has a housing with a hollow interior. A plurality of spaced apart jaw assemblies reside within the housing's hollow interior for engaging a portion of a tubular to be gripped and rotated by the tong. A gear wheel is secured to the housing for rotating the housing and the jaw assemblies. The gear wheel includes a toothed outer circumference for mating with teeth of a drive shaft of a driving motor. A gear flange is movably mounted on the gear wheel such that rotation of the gear wheel does not rotate the gear flange.

Abstract: A pipe running tool for use in an oil drilling system and the like comprises a lower drive shaft adapted to engage a drive shaft of a top drive assembly for rotation therewith. The pipe running tool further includes a lower pipe engagement assembly which is driven to rotate by the lower drive shaft, and is designed to releasably engage a pipe segment in such a manner to substantially prevent relative rotation between the two. Thus, when the lower pipe engagement assembly is actuated to securely hold a pipe segment, the top drive assembly may be actuated to rotate the top drive output shaft, which causes the lower drive shaft and lower pipe engagement assembly to rotate, which in turn rotates the pipe segment.

Abstract: A drilling machine 1 with a drill pipe holder 10 to be operated automatically in boring as well as in pulling, disposes over a gripper 20, which is constructed rotatably about an axis 21 and beyond that also axially displaceably, and has a telescoping support arm 22. The pipes 8, 9 can be arranged, i.e. stored, inserted into one another in pipe depositories 11, 12, 13 forming a partial circle 15 and can also be pulled out of them and swiveled into the drilling axis 7 with the aid of the gripper 20. When pulling the drilling string, the pipes 8, 9 can then be individually fanned out into the pipe depositories 11, 12, 13 and then later on the outer pipes 8 can be slid over. The entire process is operated automatically with the gripper 20.

Abstract: For making of breaking a coupling between a pipe section (1) and a pipe string (2) projecting from a rotary drilling rig into a bore in the lithosphere, the pipe section (1) is rotated relative to the pipe string (2) by applying a torque up to a make-up or breaking torque. Exertion of said torque generates a reactive torque in an opposite sense of rotation. Rotation induced by a motor (17; 50) is transferred to the pipe string (2) so that said pipe string (2) is rotated as well. The reactive torque is transferred to the pipe string (2) along a path bypassing the motor (17; 50). Thus, the make-up or breaking torque can be exerted without requiring a substantial change of the torque exerted to rotate the pipe string (2) at a constant rotational velocity in order to avoid changes of the rotational velocity of the pipe string (2). A pipe coupling device and a pipe handler for carrying out this method are described as well.

Abstract: An underground augering system comprising a drill unit adjustably connected to a retrieving unit by interchangeable and adjustable connectors to provide for simultaneous drilling of one hole and the removal of auger flights from a previous drilled hole, a crowd mechanism within each unit to move the drill and retrieval carriages to and from holes, a transfer arm to move auger flights to and from a staging rack within the retrieval unit and belly pan within the drill unit, and belly pan within the retrieval unit, a mechanism and staging rack for the storage of auger flights, and a delatch mechanism within the drill unit and retrieval unit to disengage the latch lever in an auger flight for removal of the auger flight from a string of auger flights.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a tong comprises a piston and cylinder assembly (101) and a mounting assembly (102) therefor. The mounting assembly (102) is mounted on a support beam in the drilling derrick and the piston and cylinder assembly (101) is pivotally mounted on the mounting assembly. The piston and cylinder assembly (101) can be pivoted between an operative position in which it can be extended and retracted to move a tong towards and away from a string of tubulars, and an inoperative position in which the piston and cylinder assembly (101) extends along an upwardly extending axis with part of the piston and cylinder assembly (101) disposed to either side of the mounting assembly (102).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a top drive unit for drilling of hydrocarbon wells, with the top drive including a channel or passage allowing for passage of drill pipe through the top drive to provide ease of operation during drilling operations. With this passage, drill pipe may be passed through the top drive instead of moving the unit aside as is required with conventional top drives.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a drilling apparatus including a magazine for holding a plurality of pipes, and a drive head including a drive member adapted to be coupled to a pipe. The drive member is aligned along a drive axis. The drilling apparatus includes a first drive mechanism for rotating the drive member about the drive axis, and a second drive mechanism for moving the drive member axially along the drive axis. The drilling apparatus also includes a pipe transfer member for transferring pipes between the magazine and the drive head. The pipe transfer member defines a pipe receiving region for receiving a pipe. The pipe transfer member is movable between a first orientation in which the pipe receiving region is located adjacent to the magazine, and a second orientation in which the pipe receiving region is located adjacent to the drive axis of the drive head.

Abstract: A horizontal directional drilling machine including a rod transfer member having a rod retainer that is movable between a first position and a second position. When the rod retainer is in the first position, the rod retainer is adapted to retain a pipe on the transfer member. By contrast, when the rod retainer is in the second position, a rod can be moved from the transfer member without being obstructed by the rod retainer. A sensor is provided for detecting when a pipe is positioned on the pipe transfer member, and for causing the rod retainer to automatically move from the second position to the first position when a rod is detected.

Abstract: A ground drilling machine comprises a machine body, a rod propelling device having a frame structure mounted to the machine body, a rod exchanging device mounted to the frame structure of the rod propelling device, and a support unit provided for the machine body for supporting the rod exchanging device. According to such structure, the ground drilling machine can be made light and compact.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning a tong comprises a piston and cylinder assembly and a mounting assembly therefor. The mounting assembly is mounted on a support beam in the drilling derrick and the piston and cylinder assembly is pivotally mounted on the mounting assembly. The piston and cylinder assembly can be pivoted between an operative position in which it can be extended and retracted to move a tong towards and away from a string of tubulars, and an inoperative position in which the piston and cylinder assembly extends along an upwardly extending axis with part of the piston and cylinder assembly disposed to either side of the mounting assembly.

Abstract: A method for blocking a pocket of a multi-pocket feed structure used to feed rods to and from a magazine of a directional drilling machine. The method includes providing a blocker at a non-blocking position, engaging the blocker with the feed structure, and extending the feed structure from beneath the magazine while the blocker engages and moves in concert with the feed structure. The method also includes disengaging the blocker from the feed structure after the feed structure has been extended, retracting the feed structure relative to the blocker until the blocker is positioned in a first blocking position in which at least one of the pockets of the feed structure is blocked, and re-engaging the blocker with the feed structure once the blocker is oriented in the first blocking position.

Abstract: Arrangement for replacing a drilling component in a rock drilling apparatus, which arrangement comprises a component magazine for storing replaceable components required in drilling and means for driving the drilling unit to a predefined position and location relative to the component magazine. The arrangement further comprises a changing unit for moving the components between the component magazine and the drilling unit.

Abstract: A horizontal directional drilling machine including a magazine for holding a plurality of rods. The magazine includes a plurality of columns in which the rods are held. Each of the columns has a separate bottom opening. A feed structure is positioned beneath the magazine. The feed structure includes a plurality of upwardly opening pockets sized for receiving the rods from the columns. The horizontal directional drilling machine further includes a blocking arrangement that automatically blocks one or more of the pockets of the feed structure.