Abstract: The present invention relates to a drilling vessel with drilling tower or drilling mast for drilling in the earth's surface from said vessel, for example for oil or gas. The drilling vessel according to the present invention is characterized by an auxiliary tower or mast placed next to the drilling tower or drilling mast, and a clamp carriage which is fixed so that it is movable between a first position near the drilling tower or drilling mast and a second position near the auxiliary tower or auxiliary mast, said clamp carriage having at least one gripping clamp for clamping the drill string. The presence of an auxiliary tower or auxiliary mast next to the drilling tower or drilling mast means that a substantial time gain can be achieved during the construction and dismantling of the drilling string.

Abstract: A U-shaped elevator having no doors is provided with first and second latching mechanisms which when contacted by the tubular to be entrapped within the elevator move from a closed position to an open position and which then return to a closed position as soon as the tubular is entrapped within the elevator. The latching mechanisms have a safety catch which prevents the tubular from being inadvertently removed from the elevator. The safety latch mechanism can only be activated by a handle which is manipulated by hand by personnel working on the derrick utilizing the elevator. The elevator has an open throat to receive tubulars that have couplers or other features with a lower flange surface for lifting a pipe string. The throat access has blocking members that are movable to allow tubulars to move out of the gap unless the blocking members are locked to prevent such movement. The blocking members have latches biased toward a position to immobilize the members.

Abstract: A horizontal boring apparatus comprises a travelling framework (10) on which is arranged a boring ramp (18) for guiding a boring rod, a rod magazine (22) for receiving individual boring rod sections, a drive apparatus (24) for the travelling framework (10) and the boring rod, and an operating station (14, 16), and a mixing apparatus for the preparation of flushing fluid with a mixing unit (32) including a mixing pump, which mixing apparatus is arranged on the travelling framework (10) without a flushing fluid tank and has a first inlet port connectable with a flushing fluid source and at least one outlet port releasably connectable with a flushing fluid receiver.

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 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: To provide a drilling tool magazine and a horizontal boring machine having such a drilling tool magazine in which automatic and reliable handling and access to any of the drilling tools to be handled is ensured, the drilling tool magazine (10) which is particularly suitable for horizontal boring machines (5) is fitted with a plurality of tool bays (12) so as to receive tools (8) in an essentially horizontal position; these tool bays are each formed by at least one drive catch (14) movable along a conveyance path.

Abstract: A roller is designed for adaptation into a blasthole drill and is specifically designed for use in conjunction with a rotary carriage to allow the carriage to move up and down a blasthole drill mast as needed. The roller is made of a substantially non-deformable material combined with a deformable material. Under light loads, the deformable material contacts and supports the load to provide enhanced operation of the roller. Under heavy loads, the deformable material advantageously deforms to a point which allows the substantially non-deformable material and deformable material to contact and cooperatively support the load.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magazine and manipulation apparatus for drilling rod parts for a drill, having a rod magazine in which the drilling rod parts are received in a multi-layered arrangement in a store, and having a removal device for transferring the individual drilling rod parts from the rod magazine into a charging device which transports the drilling rod part to the drill and for returning the drilling rod parts from the charging device to the rod magazine.

Abstract: A bit breaker is formed of a U-shaped base and latchable gate which closes the U. When the gate is in a closed position, evenly spaced chocks on both the base and gate protrude into the central cavity of the bit breaker to engage slots formed in the bit. The bit breaker is designed to be used with either roller cone bits or drag bits.

Abstract: A pipe storage and handling system for storing and manipulating a plurality of drill pipes on a drilling rig. The drilling rig has a mast coupled thereto and a drill head coupled to the mast. A pipe rack is disposed on the drilling rig and includes a number of support members adapted to maintain the drill pipes in at least two pipe columns, with a first of the pipe columns being positioned along a vertical indexing axis. An indexing mechanism is coupled to the drilling rig and is adapted to incrementally index the first pipe column along the indexing axis to successively position the upper-most pipe to a predetermined selection location. A shifting mechanism is coupled between the drilling rig and one of the support members and is adapted to shift a second of the pipe columns in a horizontal direction to thereby position the second pipe column along the indexing axis.

Abstract: A blasthole drill including a deck wrench for holding a drill pipe section to facilitate the unthreading of an adjoining drill pipe section from an overall drill pipe string. The deck wrench includes an engagement surface which is selectively engageable with an engagement surface of a drill pipe section to substantially prevent rotation of the drill pipe section in either direction about its longitudinal axis. The deck wrench is engageable with an upper drill pipe section so that a joint between the upper drill pipe section and a rotary head can be tightened when the rotary head is rotated in one direction. The deck wrench is engageable with a lower drill pipe section so that a joint between the lower drill pipe section and the upper drill pipe section can be broken when the rotary head is rotated in an opposite direction. The joint between the rotary head and the upper drill pipe section, once tightened, should be stronger than the joint between the upper drill pipe section and the lower drill pipe section.

Abstract: A multi-purpose drilling rig has a movable pipe support cradle which moves horizontally to transfer drill pipe from a storage area to the well being drilled, and vice versa. The cradle travels along a roof platform supported by load-bearing hydraulic lifting rams. Raising or lowering the lifting rams raises or lowers the roof platform, along with the drill pipe suspended from the cradle. Structural towers stabilize the lifting rams against buckling and lateral loads. Supplementary lifting capacity is provided cradle-mounted roof rams having pistons which may extend downward from the cradle, with the drill pipe suspended from a yoke interconnecting the roof ram pistons. For offshore drilling, a control system senses fluctuations in rig elevation due to wave action, and automatically adjusts extends or retracts the rams as required to maintain constant load on the drill bit. Also disclosed is a method of drilling which utilizes vertical and lateral movement of the cradle and top drive.

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

Abstract: An automated drill road loader particularly suited for thin walled drill rods. The loader, generally affixed to a drill, includes an open frame sufficiently wide to accommodate and store drill rods. A clamp rod gripper and a swing gripper consisting of two pendulums are affixed to a side of the frame. A lift first raises a stored rod from the open frame. The rod is then grasped by the clamp rod gripper and the swing gripper to index the rod in a drill mast. By sequentially manipulating and translating the clamp rod gripper and the swing gripper, the rod is carefully held for threading. The drill rod may be establishing a new drill string or it may be inserted into an existing drill string.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for rapid replacement of upper inside blowout preventers (IBOP) on a top drive system (TDS) utilizes a hydraulic pressure booster to increase the operating pressure of a pipe handler/torque wrench, an air amplifier to increase the air pressure to a main shaft brake of the TDS in order to provide torque back-up, a rotary table back-up structure (RTBS) for providing a torque back-up for removing the upper IBOP, and a drive ring for preventing relative rotation between the RTBS and upper IBOP. The saver sub and lower IBOP are first broken out, or loosened, with the pipe handler/torque wrench. The upper IBOP is then broken out by placing the RTBS over the rotary table with the rotary table and the TDS main shaft locked. The modified TDS and pipe handler/torque wrench are then used together with the RTBS and drive ring in order to rapidly and safely replace the upper IBOP.

Abstract: A top head rotary drive and mast assembly for drilling which is adapted to be readily mounted on a derrick of a conventional truck, crawler or other vehicle so as to be movable from a stored position adjacent the derrick to a deployed position spaced from the derrick for drilling. The mast is adapted to be pivotally connected by at least one upper support arm to the derrick of the vehicle. The deployment and retraction of the mast and the top head rotary drive relative to the derrick are accomplished utilizing either a control device for moving a holding plate which is movable along the mast and to which the top head rotary drive is mounted or by separate lifting device. The invention is also directed to a combination top head drive and mast assembly and drilling rig and method for their use.

Abstract: An apparatus for running a tubular. The apparatus is positioned in close proximity to a well center and comprises a base and a magazine. The magazine holds a plurality of tubulars and is rotatably mounted on the base. The magazine is reloaded in the proximity of the well center after a tubular has been dispensed therefrom.

Abstract: Pipe handling apparatus to move tubulars from a horizontal position on a piperack adjacent a well bore to a vertical position over the wall center or mousehole. A bicep arm assembly is pivotally connected to a base plate. A forearm assembly is pivotally attached to the distant end of the bicep arm assembly and a gripper head is pivotally connected to the distant end of the forearm assembly. The bicep arm assembly is mounted to the structure of the drill rig.

Abstract: A spinner apparatus for installing a pipe segment into a well pipe having a frame with a reach area formed therein, a first arm pivotally connected to the frame, a first roller rotatably mounted on the first arm, a second arm pivotally connected to the frame, a second roller rotatably mounted on the second arm, a third arm pivotally connected to the frame, a third roller rotatably mounted on the third arm, and an actuator linked to at least one of the arms so as to pivot one of the arms such that the respective rollers on the arms move into the reach area. Each of the arms is linked together such that a movement of one of the arms causes a concomitant movement of another arm so as to position the rollers around an outer surface of the pipe segment such that the pipe segment will have a central longitudinal axis in an identical position regardless of the diameter of the pipe segment.

Abstract: This invention relates to an earth borer system with a frame (48) incorporating a moveable rotary drive (50, 54) for a drill rod assembly consisting of at least two drill rods which can be detachably connected with one another along a bore axis (58); with a drill rod magazine (44) attached to the frame (48); with a release mechanism positioned on the frame provided with a clamping unit (102, 104, 106, 108, 110) that engages in a first drill rod and a breakaway unit that engages in one section of the rotary drive (50, 54) or in a second drill rod; and with at least one transport arm (66) that is attached to the frame and which can move a drill rod released from the drill rod assembly into a standby position in the drill rod magazine (44) or retrieve a drill rod from its standby position and place it on the drill rod assembly. According to this invention, at least one component unit of the release mechanism is mounted on the transport arm (66).

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 pipe handling system comprises a rig floor supported frame adapted to be positioned above the rotary table and in alignment with the hole in the rotary table. It incorporates a centrally located bowl lined with the frame to enable a string of pipe to extend through the rotary table. Appropriate releasable slips are moved into and out engagement. The frame supports an overhead mounting plate, and one version thereof it incorporates hydraulic jacks to raise and lower the mounting plate. The mounting plate supports a horizontally directed hydraulic ram which moves the two end lengths of a long multi length chain looped into a bight to go around a pipe passing near the end of the mounting plate. The bight in the chain grips the coupling of the pipe to hold it fast. This mechanism cooperated with an overhead power tong assembly to enable threading or unthreading of pipe casing and tubing.

Abstract: Description of a manoeuvre equipment for rods (20) used in drilling plants, operating between an equipment for rod stowage (22, 23), where lines of rods are stowed vertically, and a service well (24) from which each single rod (20) can be taken out, and in which each single rod can be placed in, by means of a mobile motive head of the drilling head of the plant. The manoeuvre equipment includes a column (1). rotating on its vertical axis (a); the column supports, rotating rigid with it: pliers (7) to lock a single rod (20); one saddle (6) to translate the pliers (7) according to a vertical axis parallel to the (a) axis; one horizontal arm, sliding inside the saddle (6), that translates the pliers (7) according to a horizontal axis perpendicular to the (a) axis; means (9, 10, 21) to adjust the verticality of the rod (20) locked by the pliers (7).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for storing pipes, especially in vertical position, and for the purpose of providing an improved structure wherein a better utilization of the storage area is achieved, the pipe handling can be effected in a faster and safer manner, and wherein the device can more easily be adjusted for various pipe dimensions, it is according to the present invention suggested that the device comprises an upper supporting means (11; 111) having one or more curved fingers (13a; 113a) for providing arch-shaped storage paths (17x, 17y; 117x, 117y) for pipes (7; 7').

Abstract: An automatic pipe handling device (10) is disclosed which includes a support frame (12) mounted on a boring device (14). Removable pipe racks (16, 80, 130, 140) can be placed in position on the support frame (12) to deliver pipe to the spindle axis or to remove pipe therefrom as required. The pipe sections are removed from the pipe rack and positioned on the spindle axis by pipe grippers (32) mounted on hydraulic cylinders (28, 30) mounted on a rotating longitudinal shaft (20). The grippers and shaft similarly return the used pipe sections for storage to the pipe rack. In one pipe rack (16) an S-shaped guide path (72) is used. In another pipe rack (80) a plurality of rows (88, 90, 92) of pipe sections are used.In another embodiment, pipe is stored in an arcuate path.

Abstract: A drill rod feeding device which stores drilling rods and sorts them before placing them into hands with a hydraulic lock. These hands, when loaded and locked, pivot and position the rods into the axis of a drilling head, maintaining them in position to screw them. When this operation is completed, the hands unlock and continue their course toward a waiting position located at 180.degree. from their starting point upward to allow the movement of the drilling head. The opposite takes place when the rods have to be withdrawn, that is waiting at +180.degree., movement to the drilling axis, locking, unscrewing of the rod of the drilling head, downward to less 180.degree., unlocking, capture by a sorter-positioner and storage.

Abstract: A multi-activity drillship, or the like, method and apparatus having a single derrick and multiple tubular activity stations within the derrick wherein primary drilling activity may be conducted from the derrick and simultaneously auxiliary drilling activity may be conducted from the same derrick to reduce the length of the primary drilling activity critical path.

Abstract: A new joint compensator and systems with it and methods of their use have been invented which, in one aspect, includes a compensator system for compensating for the weight of at least one joint, which is a wellbore tubular member, the compensating system for use below a wellbore apparatus, the wellbore apparatus for supporting the at least one joint, the compensation system having a joint compensator suspended below the wellbore apparatus and connected thereto for selectively compensating for the weight of the at least one joint, a lower elevator suspended below and interconnected with the joint compensator for releasably holding the at least one joint, and a wellbore elevator connected to the wellbore apparatus for selectively supporting the joint compensator and the at least one joint.

Abstract: A multi-activity drillship, or the like, method and apparatus having a single derrick and multiple tubular activity stations within the derrick wherein primary drilling activity may be conducted from the derrick and simultaneously auxiliary drilling activity may be conducted from the same derrick to reduce the length of the primary drilling activity critical path.

Abstract: New joint compensator and systems and methods of their use have been invented which, in one aspect are useful for compensating for the weight of a first joint and at least one subsequent joint, the first joint to be supported above the at least one subsequent joint, the joint compensator in one aspect having a body interconnectible between the first joint and moving apparatus, the body including supporting apparatus for supporting the first joint above the at least one subsequent joints and for providing support of the first joint as it moves with respect to the at least one subsequent joint, the supporting apparatus compensating for weight of the first joint as it moves, the support apparatus for alternately supporting the first joint and then the at least one subsequent joint, the support apparatus initially adjustable to compensate for the weight of the first joint so that the support apparatus is also thereby adjusted to compensate for weight of the at least one subsequent joint.

Abstract: A drilling device has a frame (1) with a feed device (2) for carrying a drilling device (3) movable to-and-fro for rotating a drill string (4). The drilling device includes a sensor (6) for sensing an end (7) of a drill string element (8) in the drill string (4), and a register for the position of the end (7) along the feed device (2) and for the displacement of the drilling device (3) along the feed device (2).

Abstract: An automated well servicing system comprised of computer controlled tong assemblies, a remote controlled robotic racking system and unique slips and backup clamps. The system has a pair of tong assemblies for automatically disconnecting or connecting rods or tubes. Each tong assembly is pivotally mounted on the frame of a vehicle for deployment once the vehicle is parked at a well head and includes power tongs, backup clamps and slips mounted on hydraulically operated carriers for positioning over a well head. A robotic rod tubular handler controlled by a joy stick mounted on the waist of a floor man permits remote racking of rods and tubes. A slip assembly is provided comprised of a pair of housings forming a conical cavity and a conical mandrel having pins or slugs that clamp a tubular string when the two housings are pressed together.

Abstract: Apparatus for positively retaining drill pipe tongs at a desired position horizontally displaced from a center of a rig floor. The apparatus includes a latch connected to a removable stand which places the latch at a desired height above the rig floor and a desired horizontal displacement from the center of the rig floor. The latch includes a jaw having an elongated channel. A retainer arm is rotatably attached to the jaw and is spring biased between a first closed position, where the retainer arm obstructs the channel, and a second open position, where the retainer arm does not obstruct the channel. A catch piece, including a generally vertically disposed tubular member sized to fit in the retainer arm, is attached to a set of tongs. The tongs are pushed away from the center of the rig floor, and the catch piece is guided into the channel of the jaw, displacing the retainer arm from the first closed position and permitting the catch piece to move toward the terminus of the channel.

Abstract: A boring-rod magazine which can be moved into the drilling axis of a boring machine. The boring-rod magazine may contain a plurality of boring rods, and holds a boring rod to position it in the drilling axis, and then releases the boring rod when boring-rod magazine is removed. The boring-rod magazine may include a carousel closed by a cover with a transfer opening for the boring rods. The magazine may include compartments for the boring rods, and spring mechanisms for holding and releasing the rods. The magazine may be rotated by a drive and kept in position by a rotary stop.

Abstract: A mobile rig for angle drilling comprises a tiltable drilling mast and a drill pipe storage rack both mounted on a land vehicle, with a carriage movable lengthwise on a track extending alongside the mast. When the mast is in an oblique position for angle drilling, an articulating arm on the carriage retrieves drill pipes individually from the pipe storage rack, swings them to a position above the mast and lowers them into alignment with a drilling head. The storage rack is moved longitudinally as the drill pipe supply is depleted so that the arm can grasp each drill pipes close to its center of gravity. In an alternative embodiment, one of the elements of the articulating arm is extensible.

Abstract: A blast hole drill with a drill head mounted on a mast has a pipe carousel on the drill deck which holds drill pipe along the length of the deck. A pipe handling arm mechanism has a lower arm portion pivotally mounted on the deck and an upper arm portion pivotally mounted to the lower arm portion. The upper arm portion has jaws that grasp a drill pipe. A ram connected to the upper arm portion pivots the arm mechanism until the lower arm portion engages a stop adjacent the mast. The ram thereafter continues to pivot the upper arm portion until a drill pipe carried thereby is aligned on the mast.

Abstract: New joint compensator and systems and methods of their use have been invented which, in one aspect are useful for compensating for the weight of a first joint and at least one subsequent joint, the first joint to be supported above the at least one subsequent joint, the joint compensator in one aspect having a body interconnectible between the first joint and moving apparatus, the body including supporting apparatus for supporting the first joint above the at least one subsequent joints and for providing support of the first joint as it moves with respect to the at least one subsequent joint, the supporting apparatus compensating for weight of the first joint as it moves, the support apparatus for alternately supporting the first joint and then the at least one subsequent joint, the support apparatus initially adjustable to compensate for the weight of the first joint so that the support apparatus is also thereby adjusted to compensate for weight of the at least one subsequent joint.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for lifting and lowering pipe, including means for storing energy during the lowering of a first pipe and means for releasing the stored energy during the lifting of a second pipe.

Abstract: An improved drilling rig having a drillhead assembly positioned onto a mast for vertical movement therewith. The drillhead assembly is hung by cables threaded from a hoist assembly positioned at the top end of the mast. One or more cable return assemblies are positioned at the bottom end of the mast. The cables are counter-wound on the hoist assembly such that the cables roll off of the hoist assembly in the direction towards the drillhead assembly at the same rate the cables are pulled onto the hoist assembly from the direction towards the cable return assemblies. The drillhead assembly has a drive motor assembly rotatably mounted within a frame. A break-out tool assembly is mounted at the lower end of the mast. The break-out tool assembly has means for grasping rotating a length of string so as to separate the lengths of string.

Abstract: A drill rod changer assembly for a drill rig includes an elongated support shaft having a housing at each end for retaining ends of drill rods, the support shaft being adapted for removable attachment to a drill rig structure, a carousel-type drill rod spacer on the shaft and a pair of gripper arms adapted for removable attachment to a drill rig structure at spaced apart positions adjacent each end of the support shaft. A hydraulic actuation device rotates the support shaft and carousel drill rod spacer between a rod storage position and a rod usage position. Each gripper arm is moved between the drill rod storage and usage positions by hydraulic actuation devices on each arm. Each gripper arm carries a sliding gate member that opens and closes the housings in response to movement of the gripper arm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for lifting and lowering pipe, including means for storing energy during the lowering of a first pipe and means for releasing the stored energy during the lifting of a second pipe.

Abstract: An automated well servicing system comprised of computer controlled tong assemblies, a remote controlled robotic racking system and unique slips and backup clamps. The system has a pair of tong assemblies for automatically disconnecting or connecting rods or tubes. Each tong assembly is pivotally mounted on the frame of a vehicle for deployment once the vehicle is parked at a well head and includes power tongs, backup clamps and slips mounted on hydraulically operated carriers for positioning over a well head. A robotic rod tubular handler controlled by a joy stick mounted on the waist of a floor man permits remote racking of rods and tubes. A slip assembly is provided comprised of a pair of housings forming a conical cavity and a conical mandrel having pins or slugs that clamp a tubular string when the two housings are pressed together.

Abstract: A telescoping hoist assembly and holding fork mechanism for an augering apparatus comprising a telescoping hoist arm with independently operating lift capability to lift auger flights to add them to or remove them from a string driving a cutting head for augering operations and a fork ram mechanism moveable horizontally and vertically within the augering apparatus to assist in the positioning of auger flights in their addition to or removal from the string.

Abstract: Equipment for handling drill rods, comprising a slot-like storage space for storing drill rods side by side, a gripping jaw for gripping the drill rod, and a linearly movable displacing arm for displacing the drill rod from the outlet opening of the storage space by a linear movement to the drilling center of the drilling equipment and back. The equipment comprises a closing device positioned in the outlet opening of the storage space and movable in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the displacing arm. The closing device has two inclined support surfaces facing away from the storage space, and the displacing arm similarly has an outwardly inclined guide surface at its end close to the storage space. On picking up a drill rod from the storage space, the gripping jaw presses the closing device at its support surface inwards so that the drill rod to be picked up is able to push the closing device inwards when the displacing arm is moved.

Abstract: An automatic breakout wrench with: the clamping jaw located on the inside of the pipe so that the clamping grip is not reduced by the force of the breakout cylinder; the orientation of the breakout cylinder resulting in the breakout cylinder creating a moment that forces the wrench toward the pipe rather than away from the pipe; pivotal movement of the wrench member guided by three pins; the wrench member pivoting twenty-four degrees; the clamping jaw pivotally mounted on one of the pins guiding movement of the wrench member; and shims secured in a manner so as to be easily inserted and removed.

Abstract: In a method and device for drilling for oil or gas in an underwater bed by means of a drilling rig with a drilling derrick disposed on a floating drilling platform or on an underwater bed, prior to the placing of a casing string, the placing of a riser string or the drilling of a hole, one or more parts of the casing string, the riser string or the drill string are pre-assembled on the drilling rig at one or more pre-assembly points which are in a position which is different from the position of the drilling derrick.

Abstract: A blasthole drill comprising a frame supported for movement over the ground, a mast supported by the frame for movement relative thereto between a substantially vertical position and a non-vertical position, the mast defining a drill hole axis, a drill-through pipe rack mounted on the mast, the pipe rack including a rack member, a gate mounted on the rack member, the gate having open and closed modes and being adapted to support the lower end of a drill pipe when the gate is in the closed mode, the gate permitting the drill pipe to move downwardly relative to the gate when the gate switches to the open mode, and the gate allowing movement of the rack member away from a drill pipe previously supported by the gate when the gate is in the open mode, a mechanism for moving the rack member horizontally relative to the mast and between an extended position wherein a drill pipe supported by the gate is on the drill hole axis and a retracted position wherein the gate is spaced from a drill pipe on the drill hole axis

Abstract: An alignment apparatus for use on a well derrick or drilling rig for engagement with a pipe section either being connected to or disengaged from the upper end of pipe string within a well bore hole. The apparatus includes a supporting frame for connection to the framework of the derrick and carrying a head assembly for engaging an upper pipe section in a manner to align the pipe section with a pipe section within the bore hole and yet allowing rotation of the upper pipe section. The head assembly includes a fixed pipe engaging member and movable arms pivotable to a closed position, the pipe engaging member and the arms all having pipe engaging surfaces.

Abstract: A drill rod changing apparatus is disclosed including a support assembly connected to a drilling rig for supporting a plurality of drill rods. Connected to the support assembly is a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering a drill rod along the longitudinal axis of a drill string. Movement of the drill rod along the longitudinal axis of the drill string is assisted by a gripping assembly which engages a drill rod integrated with the lifting mechanism. The gripping assembly further assists in threading or unthreading adjacent coupling connections to the drill rod by preventing rotation of the drill rod while an adjacent connection is unthreaded. The apparatus further enables rotation of a gripped drill rod from a first position at the drill string to a second storage position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displacing the lower end of a torque track used to support a top drive drilling unit. The top drive drilling unit is suspended from the lower end of the torque track and then displaced in a first direction away from the location of the drill string. Sequentially, or concurrently, the lower end of the torque track and top drive unit are displaced in a second direction substantially normal to the first direction, resulting in the full displacement of the top drive unit and the lower end of the torque track sufficiently to enable the removal of multiple sections of drill pipe without interference by the torque track or the top drive drilling unit.