Abstract: A pipe handling method to move the tubulars used from a horizontal position on a piperack adjacent the well bore to a vertical position over the wall centre or a mousehole which utilizes bicep and forearm assemblies and a gripper head for attachment to a tubular. The path of the tubular being moved is close to the conventional path of the tubular utilizing known cable transfer techniques so as to allow access to the drill floor through the V-door of the drill rig.

Abstract: A wellbore operation in which a downhole tool is given rotary motion without rotating the tubing string to which it is attached. A "Yankee screwdriver" type of connecting element is used to connect a downhole tool to a tubing string so that compressive forces acting on the connector as a result of relative linear movement between the connector and the tool cause the tool to rotate. A number of various types of downhole operations are possible, such as rotating a tool away from an obstruction and retrieving the upper section of a lost tubing string.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement in a pipe handling system, especially for handling pipes (4P) in connection with a derrick 1A, wherein the arrangement comprises a tower (1) and two preferably individually controlled operating arms (2a, 2b). The pipe handling system operates favorably in connection with a finger board (4) in which all fingers (4a, 4n) are pointing towards the center of the pipe handling system and especially towards a disc-shaped locking unit (4R) mounted on the top of the tower (1), and in connection with a side-step retraction system designed for use with a top drive drilling system.

Abstract: The pipe racker assembly includes a mast, a dolly assembly vertically slidably secured to the mast for vertical movement, a handling arms assembly rotatably secured to the dolly assembly and having an upper handling arm extensible to accommodate pipes of varying length and as long as 45 feet and lower arms capable of gripping pipe either from a horizontal pipe rack or from a carousel pipe rack turntable when the handling arms are rotated 90.degree. on the dolly assembly. A stabilizer is secured to the ends of the handling arms in order to allow the handling arms assembly to be supported remote from the pipe racker assembly to reduce the structural strength requirements of the assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus on a drilling tower platform for gripping a vertically extending drill casing includes a drill bushing having a pair of casing gripping assemblies mounted thereon, one assembly of the pair including a first and second gripping jaw, with a common actuator therebetween, and the other assembly of the pair including a third and fourth gripping jaw, with a common actuator therebetween, the pair of gripping assemblies being positioned around the bushing so that the first and fourth gripping jaws grip the casing at approximately diametrically opposed locations and so that the second and third gripping jaws grip the casing at approximately diametrically opposed locations approximately 90 degrees from the first and fourth gripping jaws, as measured around the bushing.

Abstract: A torque break-out system for a top drive drilling unit in a drilling rig. The torque break-out system includes a splined sub which is connected to a tubular member of the top drive drilling unit. A collar is positioned circumferentially around the splined sub. The collar has a plurality of interrupted splines in reciprocal relationship to interrupted splines on the splined sub. The collar is positioned by a pivot member having a pair of arms rotatably connected to the collar and a lift cylinder connected to the pivot member. The lift cylinder positions the pivot member between a first position in which the interrupted splines of the splined sub and the collar are not in substantial horizontal alignment and a second position in which the interrupted splines of the splined sub and the collar are in substantial horizontal alignment. The system includes a back-up wrench assembly having a vertical opening through which the drill string is received.

Abstract: An improved top drive torque track system and method of installation. The apparatus includes a plurality of elongated segments having male and female ends and a mechanism for drawing up and securing adjacent members together. The installation process includes suspending adjacent segments from the top drive unit and threadably engaging the sections using a securing system which sequentially mates adjacent elongated housings until a torque track system the length of the mast is assembled.

Abstract: A system for stowing and handling rods (50) for use in drilling rigs (110) comprising a drilling tower (122) with a driving head (130) movable between a borehole and a service well (151) for taking up and depositing the drilling rods. The system comprises:a rigid base (62) provided with a plurality of hinging seats (78);a plurality of rod containers (61), each provided at its foot (73) with hinge pins (73,79) for its rapid hinging to the base (62);a jib crane (63), a cable (80) and a coupling device (81) for rotating the containers (61) in a vertical plane between a substantially vertical operating position and a lying-down position (61') for their assembly and disassembly. The crane (63), cable (80) and coupling device (81) are mounted on the drilling rig (110), for withdrawing the rods (50) from the containers (61).

Abstract: Multi-joint stands 126, 127 of drill pipe are assembled and disassembled in a drilling rig 15 by use of a powered mousehole 11 concurrently with well drilling operations conducted by use of a drill string top drive system 23. The powered mousehole 11 has an upwardly open bowl 45 in a floor 17 of the drilling rig which can be rotated about a vertical axis 55. A pipe joint 110 held in the bowl, and depending from it, can be screwed, with controlled levels of torque, into connection with a second pipe joint 113 suspended vertically above the first joint 110 by a hoist system 13 which is separate from hoisting equipment 19 carrying the top drive system 23 over a well bore 21. The second pipe joint 113 is held from rotation by a tong assembly 12, but can move axially against a yieldable support 40 into threaded connection with the first joint 110.

Abstract: The rig has a base frame, with powered ground screw anchors, trunnion attached to a tiltable top frame equipped with pipe handling rollers, pipe clamp, power tongs, and crosshead mounted swivel arranged to slide along the frame to transfer axial forces to a drill string situated parallel to and centered above the top frame. The swivel is plumbed to deliver drilling fluids to the drill string. Remote power sources provide drilling fluid processing and hydraulic power to the various controls to operate; a tilt mechanism to tilt the top frame to align with a well bore, power tongs, to move the crosshead, rotate the ground screws, a pipe stabbing roller and a pipe cradle to move pipe sections into and out of the rig working center. Operator cab stations are positioned along the top frame and are bearing mounted to stay vertical when the top frame is tilted.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing drill rods, comprising two drill rod cartridges each comprising a rotating rotor provided with finger boards, guides for guiding the drill rods into gaps formed by the finger boards circumferentially around the axis of the rotor. The rotors are arranged to rotate in opposite directions in such a way that projections in the finger boards of one rotor are positioned in alignment with gaps in the other rotor, the drill rods being positioned therebetween and then passed alternately with the rotor of the two cartridges along spirals to a circumference about the rotors.

Abstract: A bridge coupling for connecting between a drill pipe and an upper tubular member, such as a kelly cock safety valve in a drill rig and an actuator mechanism for the coupling. The bridge coupling permits rapid and accurate coupling at lower torque levels than with prior couplings. The coupling basically includes a stem having a lower male threaded end adapted to connect with female threads on the upper end of a drill pipe and a threaded upper end adapted to connect with an upper member on a drill rig. A shoulder sleeve surrounds and is secured to the stem intermediate the ends thereof. A spacer sleeve surrounds the stem at the lower stem end, spaced from the shoulder sleeve. A shoulder on a spacer sleeve engages the upper edge of the drill pipe when the drill pipe is threaded onto the stem to low torque, typically by a kelly spinner.

Abstract: A floor drive drilling system comprising a pipe drive bushing having a frame and a rotor which is raised and movable to and from a master bushing by wheels and lowered and coupled to the master bushing for rotary drilling and reaming. The rotor is driven by the master bushing and has a plurality of gripper assemblies which selectively engage the drill string to transfer torque thereto and are movable upward and downward a selected distance for drilling and reaming. Each gripper assembly comprises actuating rings and jaws for gripping and ungripping the drill string. Frictional inserts with large surface areas and grooves are positioned on the jaws to allow mud and contaminants to escape and means are provided for cushioning the engagement of the inserts with the drill pipe to reduce surface damage. Sensing means indicate the grip and ungripped position of the jaws and are used to indicate when a joint or other obstacle prevents the pipe being fully gripped.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for the makeup and breakout of oil well drill pipe for a top drive drilling system. By using drill stock in units of 2 or 3 joints, top drive systems can significantly reduce the drill time. The apparatus comprises a lower housing placed over a rig mouse hole and an upper housing disposed on the lower housing. The housings have jaws to hold individual drill pipe joints and spring biased legs to permit play in the positioning of the lower housing with respect to the rig platform and the positioning of the upper housing with respect to the pipe. A rotatable jaw rotates one of the pipe sections to connect the pipe. The unit drill stock can then be released from the apparatus jaws and inserted into the drill string. Also disclosed is a tool joint box pipe clamp for hoisting of a drill pipe in the practice of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention discloses structures which enable the construction or conversion of drilling rigs in which the rotary table and kelly are replaced by a top drive rotating mechanism. Furthermore, torque guide is provided to control lateral movement of the top drive and resist reactionary rotational forces induced by the top drive, without applying additional forces to the mast of the rig.

Abstract: There is provided a portable drilling module that is preferably mounted onto a self-propelled carrier. Winterizing panels enclose equipment mounted aboard the module and provide an environmentally sheltered space for workmen. In particular, the panels fully surround a rear portion of the module that is adapted to be positioned over a well, and allow a full load of pipe to be temporarily stored within this portion of the module. Moreover, a number of the panels may be removed to reduce the weight of the module so that it can be transported and used for workover operations in warmer months.

Abstract: Rock drilling device comprising a drilling tool with a set of tubes (7) and a set of rods (9) arranged therein. The drilling tool comprises a number of sections which each comprises a tube (7), a rod (9) and an end piece (11). The rod is provided with projections (10) at least near one of its ends for cooperation with parts (13,14) with reduced diameter in the tube and end piece respectively. The part (13) in the tube limits the movement of the rod in a direction away from the end piece. The part (14) in the end piece limits the movement of the rod in a direction towards the end piece. All thread connections (12) between different sections of the drilling tool and between tube and end piece within each section are made in the same way and thus equally easy to break.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement in a pipe handling system, especially for handling pipes (4P) in connection with a derrick 1A, wherein the arrangement comprises a tower (1) and two preferably individually controlled operating arms (2a, 2b). The pipe handling system operates favorably in connection with a finger board (4) in which all fingers (4a, 4n) are pointing towards the center of the pipe handling system and especially towards a disc-shaped locking unit (4R) mounted on the top of the tower (1), and in connection with a side-step retraction system designed for use with a top drive drilling system.

Abstract: The present invention is a combination carrier truck and umbilical drilling rig (10) which can reach into confined locations has sufficient power and can drill without any undue noise and fumes. Its preferred embodiment comprises a carrier truck (14), which carries a power plant, a control system and a self propelled drill rig (54) which is designed to drill in confined locations and is carried on the truck bed to a place desired for drilling. The drill rig has all the necessary mechanisms for locomotion over rough terrain and for actuating drill tools (86). The drill rig (54) is connected to the truck (14) by a hose (24) through which power and control signals are transmitted which may be bypassed for direct connection between the carrier truck (14) and the drilling rig (54). While being transported the drill rig (54) is secured to the bed (16) of the carrier truck (14). The rig (54) can drill holes while secured to the bed (16) of the truck (14).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for moving the top drive of a top drive subterranean drilling system from the drilling track extending along the length of the derrick includes a movable working track, a secondary track pivotably connected to the working track, and a power assembly. The working track is connected to the derrick and is transversely movable between a first position in which the working track is aligned with the drilling track and a second position in which the working track is transversely displaced from alignment with the drilling track. The secondary track is pivotable between a skewed position in which the secondary track is not transversely coplanar with the drilling track and working track and an in-line position in which the secondary track is about transversely coplanar with the drilling track and the working track. The secondary track is transversely movable with the working track so that the secondary track is aligned with the drilling track when the working track is in the second position.

Abstract: A derrick assembly capable of conveying pipe sections between a drill string and a rack for storing the pipe sections. The assembly includes a frame having lateral sidewalls and a base together defining an elongated channel having an open outer side opposite to the base. A rack for housing pipe sections is positioned within the channel adjacent to one lateral sidewall leaving part of the channel clear for manipulating the drill string. The rack is formed by a number of elements extending between the base and the open outer side for housing pipe sections oriented generally longitudinally within the channel. A gantry extends across the open outer side of the channel and is movable longitudinally of the channel. The gantry supports a pipe gripping unit for selectively gripping or releasing pipe sections capable of moving towards or away from the base and laterally between the sidewalls.

Abstract: An extendable boom assembly is mounted on a platform or a base for longitudinally pivotally moving a drill rod between a rod rack and a drill rig in a position in alignment with the drill string axis regardless of whether the drilling direction is vertical or is angularly positioned relative to the vertical direction. The boom assembly is mounted for pivotal movement with the track assembly and transverse movement relative thereto, the track assembly being mounted on a drill rig platform. The upper end of the boom assembly mounts a jaw assembly for releaseably gripping a drill rod, the jaw assembly being mounted for limited pivotal movement about a horizontal axis and is of a design not requiring the rods being in a particular spaced relationship relative to one another. The gripping assembly jaws and the limited pivotal movement results in the rod to be transferred being pivoted to a position parallel to the main boom arm central axis as the rod is being clampingly engaged and moved away from the rod stack.

Abstract: A well work-over drilling rig uses a single cylindrical column forming a mast for assembly and disassembly of a casing, pipe or rod forming a well string in a well bore.The mast supports a hydraulic ram for elevating a crown block having arms radially extending equal distances from the axis of the ram. Cables are supported by sheaves at the outer ends of the arms to permit equal and opposite forces (moments) to be applied to the column by the weight of pipe sections or the complete well string. The column is stabilized by racking pipe sections, including up to the full length of a well string, annularly around the column mast on a rotatable fingerboard, with substantially the full weight of pipe sections on the lower annular support. This avoids the need for lateral guy wires to stabilize the column mast.

Abstract: A torque coupling for connecting between upper and lower tubular members of a drill rig allows make up and break out at lower torques than normally required. The coupling has a body which has an upper end that connects to the upper tubular member and lower end which connects to the lower tubular member. The lower tubular member has an upward facing torque shoulder. A torque shoulder sleeve mounts slideably to the body. The torque shoulder sleeve has a downward facing shoulder that engages the torque shoulder of the lower tubular member. The body and the torque shoulder sleeve have opposed load shoulders, at least one of which is conical. A wedge member locates between these load shoulders. When the wedge member slides outward, it decreases the distance between the load shoulders and reduces the pressure of the lower end of the torque shoulder sleeve against the upper end of the lower tubular member.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a clamp assembly that is tightened around a pipe to handle the same includes linked, circumferentially spaced gripping members open on one side to provide a gate region, a pressure operated piston and cylinder assembly that cooperates with a latch to close and open the gate region, and line connections to apply selected pressures to the opposite sides of the piston. A low level pneumatic pressure is applied to the outer side of the piston at all times and tends to open the clamp, and a high level of pressure is selectively applied to the opposite side of the piston to close the gate region. As the high pressure is bled off, the low pressure level automatically opens the gate region.

Abstract: A fully articulating ramp extension provides a quick and efficient means of coupling a drilling module with a pipe shelter.

Abstract: A modular drilling apparatus having three units, each of which is fully enclosed, transportable and positionable for workover and completion of wells on 30 foot well centers without interfering with the operation of adjacent wells. The first end of the drilling unit is positioned over a well with its central axis diagonal to the centerline of the wells and at a right angle to the pipe handler in the pipe shelter unit, the vertex of the right angle being at the well center. The mud unit is set back from the centerline of the wells, and is functionally connected to the second end of the drilling unit. The width of the drilling unit is greater than 50% of the clearance between adjacent well houses on each side of the well.

Abstract: A torque restraint system for a top drive unit in a drilling rig, in which rigid torque arms rotate about a horizontal axis to transmit reactive force from the power swivel to the mast to prevent rotation of the power swivel about a vertical axis. The rotatability of the torque arms also allows lateral displacement of the motor from an operating position to a parked position behind the vertical axis of the well bore. The torque restraint system can be utilized in conjunction with an inclined mast.

Abstract: A casing stabbing apparatus which includes a derrick bracket subassembly for attachment to a derrick, and a boom having an end pivotally connected to the bracket assembly for pivotation about a vertical axis and about a horizontal axis. A pair of arcuate casing gripping jaws is pivotally connected to the second end of the boom. A piston and cylinder assembly extends between the jaws to selectively converge and diverge the jaws. A second piston and cylinder assembly extends between the bracket assembly and the boom to elevate the boom by pivotation about a horizontal pivotal axis. A third piston and cylinder assembly extends between the bracket assembly and the boom to swing the boom laterally in pivotation about a vertical axis. A remote automatic control subassembly enables the casing stabbing operation to be carried out from a remote location by the use of a hand held wand.

Abstract: Drilling equipment including apparatus for laterally moving a direct drive drilling unit to a position offset from the centerline of a well. The drilling equipment includes a traveling block suspended for generally vertical travel within a derrick during drilling of a well, a direct drive drilling unit suspendable from the traveling block, means for guiding the drilling unit during drilling and apparatus connected to the derrick for moving the drilling unit laterally relative to the axis of the well to an offset position. The drilling unit includes a drill motor and a drive sleeve for threadably connecting the drill motor to a drill string in the well. The guide means includes a first pair of rails connected to the derrick and extending parallel to the axis of the well. The apparatus includes a second pair of rails and means for supporting the drilling unit. The second pair of rails is positionable below and in alignment with the first pair of rails when the support means is in the offset position.

Abstract: An anchor drilling implement for producing soil anchors is described, which is provided with a drill carriage and a pivotable and vertically adjustable drilling mount. The drill carriage comprises a caterpillar gear and an implement upper part rotatable by means of a turntable and carrying a support for the mount. The implement upper part also carries a driving cab in the immediate vicinity of the support, so that said cab performs all the support movements and an unrestricted view of the drill hole or shaft is ensured in any position of the mount. The drilling mount is preferably also provided with a tool magazine, which can be controlled from the driving cab.

Abstract: A vibratory core drill apparatus for the recovery of soil or sediment core samples. The samples are collected within a rapidly vibrating sample tube which is driven into the ground by the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a drill stand, vibratory drive for imparting a vibratory motion to the sample tubes, coupling for coupling the sample tubes to the vibratory drive, support for supporting and restraining the coupling and vibratory drive, a carriage assembly for mounting the support to the drill stand in sliding up and down fashion, and carriage drive for lifting or lowering the carriage assembly. The invention permits the rapid recovery of representative soil or sediment samples at depths of up to 20 meters without the periodic disassembly of the invention during the drilling operation.

Abstract: This invention provides an oil well drilling or service rig having inclined capability with pipe handling means which will automatically retrieve pipe from a horizontal pipe rack, tilt it into a position parallel to the mast, and transpose it into the center line of the mast in line with the drill string and stab the pipe into the drill string for make-up while the elevators are being moved into position to lower the string. The pipe handler can also be used to withdraw pipe from the string in the reverse operation.

Abstract: A pallet comprising a protective body of elastomeric material defining an array of recesses, each temporarily and protectively receiving the lower end of a pipe section, drainage structure being provided to accommodate removal of undesired liquid from recesses.

Abstract: The unit for borehole running and pulling operations with drill pipes or rods has its centralizer mounted for vertical reciprocation along guides and horizontal displacement along guideways in the opening of the racking platform in its cooperation with the traveling block. The guides for vertical reciprocation of the centralizer are rigid and provided with stops, and each guideway for horizontal displacement of the centralizer is in the form of either a plate with a slot, or a beam mounted for its introduction into and withdrawal from the opening of the racking platform.

Abstract: A highly automated well drilling apparatus that is transportable in modular units to a well site where the units are rapidly assembled into an integrated operational assembly. The apparatus includes a drilling unit and two raising units that are locked to the respective opposite sides thereof. After base structures on the raising units are lowered to the ground to provide a support, the towers of the raising units and the mast of the drilling unit are simultaneously elevated to the vertical. The same raising units then are employed to erect pipe supply frames that are connected to the front of each tower. The drilling unit includes a top rotary drive, an automated power tong, and a pipe handling system that are remotely operated from a control center. Power supply, mud return, mud supply and mud pump units also are located in a unique array adjacent the drilling unit to provide an integrated and efficient drilling system.

Abstract: Drill pipe handling apparatus including a magazine for holding a plurality of lengths of drill pipe and delivering each pipe into position for its removal by drilling apparatus which is operable to drill the pipe into the ground at an angle off vertical, having a brake for preventing rotation of the magazine such as might otherwise occur due to the magazine being in an unbalanced condition.

Abstract: A drill pipe transfer arm supports the bottom portion of a drill pipe and positions it in relationship to the drill string to permit angle drilling with a tilted drill tower. The transfer arm is uniquely suited to circular carousels and features a drill pipe conforming saddle which permits close-quarter operation with a packed carousel.

Abstract: The power drive system of the present invention provides a rotary drive swivel unit which can be tilted along its horizontal pivotal axis until its output shaft is substantially horizontal. A drill pipe provided in a substantially horizontal bed adjacent to the drilling rig is aligned with the output shaft of the rotary drive swivel unit and this joint is made up. The rotary drive swivel unit is raised and the suspended drill pipe reoriented to a vertical position and is aligned over the drill string and added thereto substantially at platform level. The power drive system turns the drill string and advances the drilling downhole. The rotary drive swivel unit disengages from the drill string and the foregoing steps are repeated.

Abstract: A self-aligning top drive device and gimballing apparatus therefor. The gimballing apparatus provides horizontal and tilting movement to maintain alignment between a top drive and a tubular or tubulars suspended in a derrick, the gimballing provided by pivot pins extending from the sides of the top drive into a portion of a gimbal frame and by a pivot pin extending from the gimbal frame into a gimbal frame support. The gimbal frame support can be movably mounted on a top drive dolly to provide displacement of the top drive with respect to the dolly.

Abstract: A drilling derrick device for handling drill-pipe stands has at least one movable racking platform with pipe-stand receiving compartments, supported above the working deck of the derrick, at least one racking carriage associated with the racking platform and movable on the working deck and a pivotable drill-pipe robot having gripping arms to load and unload the racking platform and the racking carriage. The racking platform and the racking carriage are moved in synchronism relative to the drill-pipe robot which has a fixed position on the working deck in order to perform drill string dismantling and assembly operations.

Abstract: A drill rig installation has, for handling the elongate tubular well elements, a handling boom provided with grabs to lift the tubulars from the strongbacks and present them at the drilling axis. For this purpose the boom has pivot mountings for movements about a vertical axis and a horizontal axis respectively, and the grabs are displaceable transversely of the boom. A support pad for the tubular elements is transversely displaceable on the boom jointly with the grabs. The installation further comprises a grid-form base providing a fixed platform on which a drilling derrick can be slid to different grid positions to drill a series of bore holes. The base grid also carries the store of tubular elements and trolleys that register the elements with the handling boom, and other ancillary equipment such as slips and torque wrench machines for assembling and dismantling drill strings.

Abstract: Drilling equipment, especially for offshore use, comprises a drill floor or platform (11) with a derrick (10) extending upwards therefrom. A first hoist (12) connected to the upper part of the derrick is used for passing a length of a tubular body (19), such as a drill string or a well casing, through a drilling opening (18) defined in and extending through the drill floor. The tubular length is connected to or disconnected from the drill string or well casing during the drilling operation, and such tubular lengths are strored in a storage area (31, 32) of the drill floor. The tubular lengths may be transported from the storage area to the first hoist (12) and vice versa by means of first transporting means (22). The drill floor or platform (11) also defines a preparation opening (21) extending therethrough at a location spaced from the drilling opening and from the storage area, and a second hoist or a preparation hoist (20) is connected to the upper part of the derrick above the preparation opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for making and breaking threaded well pipe connections has a stationary support mountable on a rig floor and positioning arms mounted on the stationary support. The positioning arms selectively support and position a movable frame which carries power tongs for clamping pipes. By operation of the positioning arms, the power tongs can be operatively disposed to act on a pipe at the well center, positioned in a stowed position or disposed in a mousehole position to act on a pipe in the mousehole.

Abstract: Machine for moving casing or pipe from a horizontal position adjacent a well to a vertical position over the well bore. The machine includes a boom movable between a lowered position and a raised position by a hydraulic ram. A strongback grips the pipe and holds the same until the pipe is vertically positioned. Thereafter, an hydraulic ram on the strongback is actuated thereby lowering the pipe or casing onto the string suspended in the well bore and the additional pipe or casing joint is threaded thereto.

Abstract: An improved drill rod magazine for storing and moving them sequentially into a dispensing position is comprised of a pair of spaced arms each with an open jaw in which the drill rods are positioned in parellel, side by side relationship. The arms are moveable from a storing position into at least two dispensing positions, in a first of which one of the rods in the jaws is aligned with the hammer of the drilling machine and in the second of which another rod (the adjacent rod) is aligned with the hammer. Each of the jaws is provided with a clamp to clamp the rods contained therein to prevent rotation of each rod for threading of the hammer into an adjacent coupling on the rod. The rod is released for rotation while retaining same within the jaws so that the rod coupled to the hammer may be rotated and advanced by the hammer to thread same into an aligned coupling, after which the arms are retracted to their storage position. For uncoupling the procedure is reversed.

Abstract: A cantilevered drilling structure including a base unit having a side positionable generally adjacent a well head, and a drilling rig mast assembly positioned generally above and supported by the base unit. The base unit has a cantilever member extending out from its side, spaced from the ground, and having an outer portion spaced from the side. A telescoping leg extends down from the outer portion and is spaced from the side such that the side and the leg are positionable on opposite sides of a well head. The telescoping leg is movable between a lower support position and a higher raised position high enough to pass over flow lines when the drilling structure is moved along the well row. A skidding floor mechanism moves the drilling rig mast assembly along the base unit between a drilling position over the cantilever member when the telescoping leg has been extended and a moving position closer to the center of gravity of the base unit.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus is disclosed, which is adapted for automated drilling operations. Drill pipes are manipulated between substantially horizontal and vertical positions, and the apparatus is used with a top mounted drilling device which is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis. The apparatus comprises a strongback provided with clamps to hold and manipulate pipes. The strongback is at one end portion rotatably connected to the same axis as the drilling device. The strongback moves up or down with the drilling device. A brace unit is attached to the strongback to be rotatable about a second axis spaced apart from said first axis. The brace unit has one end portion rotatable about a third axis.

Abstract: An elevator bail with elongated slots, an elevator tilting assembly and indexing apparatus, and a top drive drilling unit in combination with such devices that are connected to the upper end of a drill string and movable upwardly and downwardly with the drill string along a guide apparatus and that can be provided with a pipe handling mechanism for lifting and positioning the drill string which can can be swung about a vertical axis to a more advantageous attitude for loading or unloading drill pipe. Movement about the vertical axis can be achieved through the use of an air or hydraulic cylinder. Fitted about the top drive central shaft can be a rotable air conducting sealing gland and about its perimeter an annular ring containing a target material that is sensitive to a proximity switching device. The annular ring is rotable through an infinite angular travel and is able to be secured against unwanted rotation.

Abstract: An apparatus for a top drive drill rig lifts a stand of the drill pipe into engagement with the drive stem in the derrick. The apparatus includes a set of elevators mounted between the drive head by a link assembly. The link assembly includes two link sections connected together by a swivel joint. An upper hydraulic cylinder is connected between the drive head and the upper link section. A lower hydraulic cylinder is connected between the upper and lower link sections. These cylinders may be retracted to pull the stand of drill pipe upward into contact with the drive stem.