Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus for a drilling rig is mounted on the rig floor. The drilling rig has a top drive with a power drive stem. Elevators are suspended below the drive stem. The lifting member has a supporting arm to receive the bottom of a stand of drill pipe lifted by the elevators. A stabilizing arm is mounted to the lifting member above the supporting arm to stabilize the stand. The lifting member telescopes upward to slide the stand of drill pipe upward through the elevators and into engagement with the drive stem.

Abstract: A well drilling apparatus of the type suspended from a travelling block in a derrick for movement upwardly and downwardly with a drill string. The apparatus includes an upper nonrotatable unit comprising a drive meter for rotation of a hollow drive shaft connectable to the drill string. The apparatus further includes a lower unit or pipe handler apparatus, the lower unit being rotatable relative to the upper unit, preferably by a motor. The apparatus also includes a swivel transferring compressed air and/or hydraulic fluid from the upper non-rotatable unit to the lower rotatable unit.

Abstract: A well pipe handling machine including a vertically extending column structure which carries means for engaging and holding a pipe in vertical condition and is movable with the pipe holding means between a first position in which a carried pipe can be connected to and disconnected from the upper end of a drill string and a laterally offset second position for storing pipe in a rack at a side of the well. The pipe holding means may include a parallelogram mechanism having two arms carrying two vertically spaced pipe holding units and adapted to swing in unison to move the units toward and away from the column structure. The column desirably also carries pipe rotating means including a torque wrench and a spinner for making and breaking a threaded connection between a section of pipe and the string.

Abstract: A drilling machine includes a drilling substructure skid which defines two spaced parallel skid runners and a platform. The platform supports a draw works mounted on a draw works skid, and a pipe boom is mounted on a pipe boom skid sized to fit between the skid runners of the drilling substructure skid. The drilling substructure skid supports four legs which in turn support a drilling platform on which is mounted a lower mast section. The legs are pivotably mounted both at the platform and at the drilling substructure skid and a pair of platform cylinders are provided to raise and lower the drilling platform. A pair of rigid, fixed length struts extend diagonally between the platform and the substructure skid away from the platform such that the struts do not extend under the platform and obstruct access to the region under the platform. Preferably, the pipe boom skid mounts a pipe boom as well as a boom linkage, a motor, and a hydraulic pump adapted to power the pipe boom linkage.

Abstract: An hydraulic top drive apparatus and tubular handling device mounted beneath a conventional crown block, traveling block, bail, and swivel, and including an hydraulically powered top drive pipe rotating device having a single hollow shaft with threads at each end for mating on one end with the drill string or tubular to be worked and on the other with a drilling swivel. The top drive rotating device is attached to a wheeled support frame which moves on guide rails which are mounted to a derrick. The top drive apparatus can be pivoted in a horizontal plane away from the vertical axis of the drill string or other tubulars. Motive force is applied directly to the drill string or other tubular being worked. A pivotable pipe lifting and positioning device is mounted beneath the top drive on the wheeled support frame for picking up pipe and positioning it so that the pipe threads can mate precisely with the threads of the top drive shaft.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and an installation for vertical racking of drill shafts on a drilling tower. The installation comprises mechanisms (34, 36, 38, 40) to grasp an upper intermediate portion of an assembly (26) of shaft sections removed from the well bore, and to incline this shaft assembly with respect to vertical below lifting mechanisms (16, 18). The installation further includes mechanisms (42, 44, 46, 48, 50) to receive and support the lower end of the shaft assembly and then displace the assembly in synchronization with the first mentioned mechanisms to transport the assembly to racks for vertical storage.

Abstract: Auger apparatus is disclosed adapted to utilize one or more augers each formed of a string of auger sections. The apparatus includes means for hoisting one or a plurality of auger sections simultaneously between a storage rack and a position for placement in an auger string. The hoist means includes bridge rails extending transversely of and above the machine, a trolley that travels on the bridge rails, lifting apparatus including a cable on the trolley and a carriage supported by the lifting apparatus and carrying a plurality of tongs for grasping auger sections. A safety connection is provided between the carriage and the lifting apparatus to prevent inadvertant release of a raised auger section. A collapsible and expandable assembly of multiple pairs of cross links pivotally joined at their midpoints is connected between the trolley and the tong carriage at two sides thereof to guide and stabilize the tong carriage and auger sections as they are moved.

Abstract: Pipe handling systems are generally somewhat bulky, relying on a plurality of hydraulic cylinders and complicated linkages. A relatively simple, compact pipe handling apparatus for use on a derrick of the type which can be rotated between the horizontal and the vertical includes an elongated track for mounting on one side of the derrick, a carriage slidably mounted on the track, three swing arms connected end-to-end, the first arm being connected to a rotary actuator mounted on the carriage, rotation around an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the derrick, a second rotary actuator between the first and second swing arms for rotating the second and third swing arms around an axis parallel to and spaced apart from the longitudinal axis of the derrick, a third rotary actuator for rotating the third swing arm, which carries a pair of jaw assemblies.

Abstract: A pipe handling machine having vertical tracks mounted on a rotatable base. A carriage is mounted on the vertical tracks for vertical movement. A multisection telescoping boom is mounted on the carriage, and a pipe-engaging head is mounted on the end of the boom. The base may be carried on a movable trolley, which engages a set of tracks. The tracks run across the rig floor, from well center to a setback area. A second set of tracks may run across the rig floor, transverse to the first set.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus of the type having a drilling mast and a transfer arm mounted at a first axis adjacent the mast to move between a lower position near ground level and an upper position aligned with the mast is provided with a reaction point anchor fixed with respect to the drilling mast and spaced from the first axis. A fixed length link is pivotably mounted to the transfer arm at a second axis, spaced from the first axis, and a first single stage cylinder is pivotably mounted at one end to the distal end of the link and at the other end to the transfer arm. A second single stage hydraulic cylinder is pivotably mounted at one end to the distal end of the link and at the other end to the reaction point.

Abstract: This invention relates to a drilling and/or lifting machine, in particular a track-mounted drilling and lifting rig. The machine comprises a movable carriage, a first lifting and/or tool carrying device (A), a support (2, 4, 5) mounting the first lifting and/or tool carrying device (A) on the carriage to enable the first lifting and/or tool carrying device to be positioned in a selected one of a variety of different positions and a second lifting and/or tool carrying device (B) mounted on the carriage so as to be movable either with or independently of the first lifting and/or tool carrying device (A). The support is rotatably connected by a bearing member (3) to the first lifting and/or tool carrying device and connecting mechanism (6, HH', PP') connects the support to the first lifting and/or tool carrying device (A), the connecting mechanism being movable to rotate the first lifting and/or tool carrying device (A) relative to the support.

Abstract: A pipe positioner for holding an end of a drill pipe in an earth drilling machine which is especially suited for use during blast hole drilling. The pipe positioner is connected to the mast of the earth drilling machine in a tubular guide frame arrangement which will allow movement of the pipe positioner inwardly and outwardly with respect to the mast. The pipe positioner includes jaws provided by slide bar members positioned in the guide frame of the pipe positioner. A double acting hydraulic cylinder connected to a pivoted linkage moves the slide bars to engage or disengage the pipe. In a preferred manner, the frame member for the jaws is provided by telescoping tubular members and the mast is of the tilting type for angle drilling.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus is adapted for transferring oil well pipe to and from a drilling rig. The apparatus includes a transportable chassis having tracks for supporting and guiding a reciprocable and rotatable table. A first scissors lift mounted to the table provides vertical motion to a platform to which is mounted a second scissors lift. The second scissors lift is designed to impart vertical and horizontal motion to a conveyor. The conveyor comprises three axially spaced endless belts for moving the pipe longitudinally to the conveyor takeoff point. Tapered spades protrude into the spaces during the pipe return operation to eject the pipe from the conveyor. The conveyor and platform are reciprocable with respect to the second and first scissors lifts, respectively. The chassis includes pivotable arms for raising a pipe to the top of the collapsed scissors lifts so that a pipe rolls onto the conveyor belts prior to lifting.

Abstract: An auxiliary rig is used in combination with a primary drilling or workover rig. The primary drilling rig typically includes an elongated upstanding drill tower, a base and a crown block. The auxiliary rig of the present invention includes a racking tower detachably mounted with the upper end of the drill tower to form an extension to the drill tower for receiving interconnected pairs of tubular members to reduce the tripping time of the tubular members into and out of the well. A movable slip and controller therefor of the auxiliary rig are operably guided by the racking tower for releasably supporting the pairs of tubular members.

Abstract: An oil well casing alignment tool is disclosed wherein a casing section that has been elevated to an upright position, aligns the upright casing and locks it in a vertical position while permitting the casing to be axially rotated until it locks it into the sealing point of the previous casing section.

Abstract: A top head drive well drilling apparatus having a drive unit for rotating a drill string about the longitudinal axis of the drill string. The drive unit is mounted on a carriage, which is guided along a guide track. A stem extends downward from the drive unit to transmit torque from the drive unit to the drill string. A wrench assembly is mounted on the drive unit for making and breaking connections between the stem and the drill string. The wrench assembly can be moved vertically and horizontally in relation to the stem. A stabbing guide is mounted on the wrench assembly for aligning the stem and the drill string. The stabbing guide can be moved vertically relative to the wrench assembly, and has a gripping head having a pair of pivotal latch arms for closing around the drill string. A trigger and a limit switch automatically close the latch arms around the drill string when the stabbing guide is moved onto the drill string.

Abstract: A casing stabbing apparatus which includes a derrick bracket subassembly for attachment to a brace of 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.

Abstract: A guide means is removably affixed to the derrick of a workover rig or the like for capturing and stabilizing a medial part of a pipe section as a pipe string is being made up and run into a wellbore. The guide apparatus is pivotally mounted to the derrick so that it can be extended into operative relationship respective to the pipe section, and is retracted clear of the string by remote control. The apparatus includes a yoke which is pivoted from a substantially vertical into a substantially horizontal position. The yoke is adjusted so that the apex thereof coincides with the central axis of the pipe, and as the yoke is moved from the retracted to the operation position, the pipe section is forced to move into the yoke apex, thereby properly aligning the pipe section with the pipe string and with the borehole. Adjustment means enables precise orientation of the yoke respective to the axial centerline of the pipe string.

Abstract: Apparatus for use during connection of a length of pipe to the upper end of a drill string, preferably in a top drive drilling arrangement, and including a back-up tool for retaining the upper end of the drill string against rotation as the added length of pipe is connected threadedly thereto. This back-up tool is mounted for movement between an active position for engaging and holding the upper end of the drill string and a laterally retracted position.

Abstract: In order to improve the working conditions for the staff on drilling rigs, the work area for handling of pipes and tubes is arranged on a main deck covered by a drill deck, which has openings closable by hatch cover panels. The derrick is enclosed in a cover, from which tunnels extend out over the drill deck and comprises lifting means for handling of pipes and tubes between the decks. The tunnels are connected to the cover of the derrick by way of raised enclosures permitting the swinging of pipes from a horizontal position in the tunnel to a vertical position in the derrick, and vice versa. There is a door, at least at one of the enclosures permitting handling of especially long objects, and basically the handling of pipes and tubes can be performed within areas fully protected from the weather.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pipe handling apparatus for oil drilling operations, which is designed so as to handle simply without errors the pipes used for oil drilling operations, and which is provided with a pipe transfer unit for transferring a pipe mechanically between a pipe storage space and the oil well center, a pipe lift unit capable of lowering a pipe, which has been carried to the oil well center by the pipe transfer unit, thereinto and withdrawing a pipe from the oil well center, and a pipe transfer unit for transferring a pipe, which has been withdrawn from the oil well center by the pipe lift unit, to a pipe rack unit automatically so as to store the pipe therein.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for facilitating the drilling of a well with a top drive unit having a motor which is connected to the upper end of the drill string and moves upwardly and downwardly therewith. The methods and apparatus of the invention enable the drill string to be pulled upwardly off of the bottom of the well each time an additional length of drill pipe is added to the string, with the connection between that added length and the upper end of the string being made at an elevated location spaced above the rig floor. In one form of the invention, an elevated platform is provided on which a person may move to a location near the raised upper end of the string for assisting in making the connection, with that platform preferably being mounted to swing between a retracted position in which it remains during the drilling operation and an active position in which it projects to a point near the top of the string during the connecting process.

Abstract: A shaft drilling rig with which a shaft is drilled into the earth with a turning force and thrust of drilling imparted to at least the drill bit of a drill string, down to a predetermined depth, and then a new drill string component is added to the drill string, for further drilling.The subject of the present invention lies in enabling the work of adding a new drill string component to the drill string safely and in a reduced time.To solve the above problem, the shaft drilling rig according to the present invention comprises a means of receiving an additional drill string component at least at the bottom end thereof, means of supporting said receiving means so as to be stably movable between a position where a drill string component is to be added and a parking position, and a means of holding the additional drill string component.

Abstract: An elongated pipe carrier in a blast hole drilling vehicle allows a drill pipe to be more easily connected and disconnected to a drill string in a hole being drilled at an angle. At the lower end of the carrier a receptacle with hydraulically operated doors is secured by a hydraulically operated lock. Near the upper end a gate is pneumatically operated in response to the hydraulic operation of the receptacle lock. Also disclosed are two methods, one for connecting the upper end of the pipe to a drill head, then unlocking and opening the doors of the receptacle, and then connecting a lower end of the pipe to the drill string while supporting the pipe at an angle on the open carrier. In the second method, the receptacle is closed, and is then locked around the lower end of the drill pipe, so that pawls inside the receptacle can block rotation of the pipe in one direction. The pipe is then disconnected from the drill head.

Abstract: A well drilling assembly of the type in which a rotary device is attached to a drawworks, for example to the hoisting hook on a derrick, to which rotary device a hollow shaft is coupled, having a threaded end which is adapted for connection to a complementary threaded end on the drill string, and wherein a clamping/lifting means known as an elevator is suspended below the rotary device by two hanger struts. The shaft connected to the rotary device is telescopic. Outside the shaft a lifting means is provided for the lower part of the telescopic shaft. The two hanger struts which carry the elevator for one end of the pipe are means of a sliding holder known as a link hanger. The link hanger is axially movable by means of hydraulic cylinders.The lifting means for the lower part of the telescopic shaft consists of hydraulic cylinders which are constructed as a unit together with the hydraulic cylinders, the cylinders constituting piston rods for the hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: A drill rod opening device for sectional-rod drilling equipment, which opening device (5) comprises a coupling frame (9), which can be coupled to a drilling machine (1) of the drilling equipment and which is provided with a through hole (10) for a drill rod to be threaded into a drill rod shank of the drilling machine, and grasping device (13) mounted in the coupling frame. The grasping device are displaceable to a locking position, in which the grasping device extend into the hole in the coupling frame and, lock the rod to the coupling frame, and to a detaching position, in which the grasping device permit movement of the rod in relation to the coupling frame. The coupling frame is provided to be coupled to a front cover (4) of the drilling machine rotably but substantially axially undisplaceably in relation to the drill rod shank. The grasping device are provided to lock the drill rod in the locking position axially undisplaceably to the coupling frame.

Abstract: A fully mobil and totally contained well servicing and drilling rig is disclosed having equipment on the rig for automatically handling well elements (pipe, tubing and rods) going into and coming out of a well. The rig provides well element storage racks, cranes for moving well elements onto and off the tracks, transfer means for moving well elements from horizontal to vertical position, well element conveying means for moving elements to and from the transfer means, an automatic manipulator for moving elements into alignment with the well being serviced, automatic hoisting means, means for connecting and disconnecting elements from the element string within the well, driving means for all of the equipment, and control means for sequencing and operating all of the means so that the entire well servicing or drilling can be accomplished without human handling of well elements in the vicinity of the well head and rig.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a mast, an elevator and a tubing spider for suspending a string of well tubes or rods, a rack for storing well tubes or rods, a manipulator and a swivel head for screwing and unscrewing the string carried by the manipulator boom. To axially align the last tube or rod with the string the apparatus is provided with centering guides for centering the upper and the lower ends of the tube or rod and a gripping device for gripping the upper end of the string. The centering guide for centering the upper end of a well rod or tube forms part of a lifting frame, which in turn is a constituent of the elevator for suspending a string of well tubes or rods. The centering guide for centering the lower end of the rod or tube forms part of an automatic tong assembly for making up and breaking out joints of rods, which assembly is used with the claimed apparatus and also comprises the swivel head and the means for gripping the upper end of the string of well tubes or rods.

Abstract: A top drive well drilling apparatus, having a drive unit for rotating a drill string. The drive unit is connected to a carriage, which guides the drive unit along a vertical guide track. A wrench assembly, for making and breaking connections between the stem of the drive unit and the drill string, can be moved between a working position along the stem and a retracted position away from the stem. The wrench assembly can also be moved vertically, and is mounted on the carriage.

Abstract: There is disclosed well drilling apparatus which includes a mast pivotally mounted on a base so that it may be tilted about a horizontal axis in order to drill a well at a slant with respect to the vertical, a laydown device at the front side of the mast for use in moving joints of drill pipe to and from the mast, during drilling of the well or on completion of the drilling, and a tower and setback in which stands of drill pipe may be racked, together with a frame extending between the mast and tower to facilitate transfer of the stands of drill pipe between the tower and the mast during tripping of the drill string--i.e., as it is raised from the well, to permit repair or replacement of the drill bit, and then lowered back into the well to resume drilling.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the locking and releasing of a train of drilling shafts having an essentially vertical axis employ wedges adapted to penetrate an opening in a rotation table of a wellhole in order to lock upon a shaft projecting from the opening while another shaft is screwed to or unscrewed from the upper end of the first-mentioned shaft. The wedges have a tapered external shape complementary to the shape of the opening and an internal shape complementary to the external shape of the shafts. Each wedge is individually attached to an associated arm connected to a vertically movable plate by means of an articulation and a jack that applies the wedge to a shaft. The attachment of the wedges to the arms has sufficient freedom to permit the wedges to engage a shaft and center the shaft between the wedges automatically before the wedges are lowered into the opening of the rotation table to lock the engaged shaft therebetween.

Abstract: A cylindrical goods lifting and placement apparatus comprises a platform, an angularly disposable frame pivotably connected to the platform and having a drill pipe holding system for holding a length of drill pipe. An angularly displaceable member is pivotably connected to the platform and has a cylinder and piston assembly for angularly displacing the member from a first position substantially adjacent the holding system. Drill pipe grippers are connected to the member and the grippers are rotatable on an axis from a first position to a second position substantially aligned with the holding system. A drive system for rotating the pipe grippers is provided. Similarly, a drive system for operating the grippers is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for picking up and laying down pipe is arranged so that pipe movement is directed toward the hole axis or rotary table. When the pipe carrier stops movement toward the hole axis, the end of the pipe joint being delivered toward the hole is positioned above the rotary table and beyond an upstanding support carried by the rig which carries the load of the pipe joint and pipe carrier.

Abstract: Well apparatus including elevator links connected to a hook or other unit suspended in a derrick and hanging therefrom at opposite sides of the well axis to support an elevator or the like, with power actuated means provided for swinging the lower ends of the links laterally outwardly relative to the upper ends of the links and essentially about those upper ends, to shift the suspended elevator to a side of the well axis.

Abstract: A ground supported mobile machine appropriate for subterranean installation of piping and the like has a tractor vehicle carrying a trencher driven from the tractor power source, a power operated backfill blade operated from such source to facilitate transporting a tool and drill rod holder, and a vertical drilling attachment powered from the tractor power source; this drilling attachment including a vertical mast providing guide rails for the carriage of a rotary drill head that is reciprocated by a hydraulic actuator along such rails to (1) raise the vehicle to enable positioning stabilizing feet for a vertical drilling operation, (2) manipulate the drill rod and drill bit thereon in performing such a drilling operation, and (3) push piping into the drilled hole upon completion of such drilling operation.

Abstract: A drill pipe loader is disclosed having the capability of positioning and locking in place the top holder plate from a remote position therefrom independent of the lower cup plate.

Abstract: A device in rock or earth drilling apparatus for rotary drilling including an axially stationary chuck (21) and an axially movable chuck (27) which is rotated by a reversible pressure fluid driven rotary motor (32) having a pressure fluid supply conduit for each direction and which is moved forwards and backwards by a reversible pressure fluid driven feed motor (17) having a pressure fluid supply conduit (18, 19) for each direction, the chucks being actuated to withdraw from or insert in a drill hole a drill string (23) composed by a number of threaded string elements and (are also actuated) to make or break the joints between the string elements.

Abstract: Well drilling apparatus including a powered drilling unit connectable to the upper end of a drill string and adapted to rotate it to drill a well, and a vertically extending guide track structure which guides the drilling unit for movement along the axis of the well, with a portion of the guide track structure being mounted for swinging movement between a drilling position in which the drilling unit is aligned with the axis of the well and a slightly inclined position in which the track structure guides the drilling unit for movement along an inclined axis in alignment with a mousehole, and with the drilling unit also preferably being mounted for movement to a laterally retracted position at a side of the well in which it leaves an area along the axis of the well unobstructed for use of conventional hoisting equipment in making a `round trip` of the drill string out of and then back into the well.

Abstract: Well drilling apparatus including a top drive drilling assembly having a motor driven stem adapted to be attached to the upper end of a drill string and drive it during a drilling operation, a torque wrench carried by the top drive assembly and movable upwardly and downwardly therewith and operable to break a threaded connection between the drill string and the stem, and an elevator carried by and suspended from the top drive assembly and adapted to engage a section of drill pipe beneath the torque wrench in suspending relation. The torque wrench and elevator are preferably retained against rotation with the rotary element which drives the drill string, but may be movable vertically relative to that rotary element and relative to one another in a manner actuating the apparatus between various different operating conditions.

Abstract: A mobile rock drill unit (10) is disclosed which automatically adds and removes drill string sections (26) from the drill string (24) of the drill unit. The drill unit includes a conventional drill motor (20) and a centralizer (40). A cylindrical storage rack (34) is both rotatably and pivotally mounted to the mast (14) of the drill unit and has upper and lower rack members (62,64) with aligned fingers (116,118,176,178) to define a number of drill string section storage positions to store drill string sections therebetween. A roller clamp assembly (36) is provided which clamps the coupling (28). The coupling is clamped between rotatably mounted driven and idler rollers (296,322) and the axis of rotation of each of the rollers is canted relative to the drill string axis so that rotation of the driven rollers in a first direction will rotate the coupling and move it downwardly at a rate synchronized with the threads interconnecting the coupling and adjacent drill string section.

Abstract: A drill pipe carousel comprises a circular pipe rack mounted for rotation about a vertical axis in a drilling mast, a rotational drive train and a push-pull mechanism for moving the rack to and from the drill string. The rack includes upper and lower support plates mounted on a hollow central support tube. The tube and plates are slotted on one side to provide an entry for the drill string into the center of the tube when the rack is moved toward the drill string. A pair of parallel flanges are mounted inside the tube in alignment with the entry for gripping the flattened gripping surfaces of the drill pipe. The rack rests on a large, slotted driven gear. The gear rotatably supported on a bearing plate connected to the push-pull mechanism. The tube is journaled in the bearing plate. A high torque, reversible hydraulic motor is mounted on the bearing plate. The motor is drivably connected to the driven gear through a train of drive gears arranged to bridge the slot as the rack is rotated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a delayed deployment platform or racking board for use on oil well derricks or the like. The automatic system for delayed deployment allows the derrick rack to be utilized with very tall pump jacks or the like. The delayed deployment system does not lower the racking board until the derrick has extended sufficiently for the board to clear tall pump jacks and the like.

Abstract: Apparatus for stabbing well casing to join casing sections to each other, including a rotary table assembly for supporting a casing section in a well bore, a derrick over the rotary table assembly, a crown block at the top of the derrick, a first piston and cylinder subassembly pivotally mounted on one side of the derrick over the rotary table assembly and below the crown block for pivotation about a horizontal axis, a second piston and cylinder subassembly pivotally mounted on a second side of the derrick for pivotation about a horizontal axis, with said second piston and cylinder subassembly located over the rotary table assembly and below the crown block and extending substantially normal to the direction of extension of the first piston and cylinder subassembly, cooperating casing clamping elements carried on the piston rods of the first and second piston and cylinder subassemblies, and counter balancing subassemblies connected to the first and second piston and cylinder subassemblies for pivoting the fir

Abstract: A method and device for positioning and guiding pipe, including coupling and uncoupling pipe, in a drilling derrick having a work table for securing pipe extending into the well. The upper end of a first pipe section is received and horizontally secured by a mechanical arm attached to the derrick pipe so that the upper end of the first section is disposed above a second pipe section secured in the work table. In uncoupling the first pipe section is unthreaded and raised prior to releasing it from the mechanical arm. In coupling, the first pipe section is lowered and coupled to the second pipe section prior to releasing it from the mechanical arm. The mechanical arm is movable from a horizontal to a vertical position to avoid obstructing the work area. A lock and a remote fluid operating system are preferrably provided for the arm.

Abstract: A pipe feeder for automatically moving pipe off of or onto the top row of a stack of pipe. A pair of stanchions are provided with a system for supporting a plurality of rows of pipe next to the stanchions such that the length of pipe is generally parallel to the plane of the stanchions. A pair of upright guides are coupled to the pair of stanchions respectively and a frame is coupled to the pair of guides for movement to different levels along the pair of guides. The frame comprises a pair of endless chains adapted to rest across the top row of pipe. Each chain has a plurality of feet attached thereto for engaging the pipe on which the pair of endless chains rest for moving pipe when the chains are driven. A driving system is provided for driving the pair of endless chains in unison in first or second directions for moving the pipe toward or away from the pair of stanchions.

Abstract: A drill steel guiding and centralizing mechanism comprising a body (14) and a first and second jaw (1 and 6) connected to other ends of two-armed angled levers (2,3 and 7,8). The angled levers are turnably connected to the body (14) by joints (4 and 9) at the corner points between the arms (2 and 3; 7 and 8). The ends of the free arms (3 and 8) of the angled levers are connected to each other by a connecting road (11), the ends of which are connected to the ends of the arms (3 and 8) by swivel joints (12 and 13). The second angled lever (2,3) has an extension (16) which is affected by the power mechanism (15) substantially parallelly to the connecting rod (11). Thereby the jaws (1 and 6) can be opened and closed by the power mechanism (15) exactly centralized in relation to the drill steel.

Abstract: This invention relates to drilling rigs, and more particularly to novel apparatus for supporting a plurality of pairs of block and tackle systems with the tackle systems of each pair operable sequentially and alternately, the one being used to support a main drilling or tubing string while the other is being used to rack stands of tubing therefrom.

Abstract: Well drilling apparatus including a powered drilling unit connectable to the upper end of a drill string and adapted to rotate it to drill a well, and a vertically extending guide track structure which guides the drilling unit for movement along the axis of the well, with a portion of the guide track structure being mounted for swinging movement between a drilling position in which the drilling unit is aligned with the axis of the well and a slightly inclined position in which the track structure guides the drilling unit for movement along an inclined axis in alignment with a mousehole, and with the drilling unit also preferably being mounted for movement to a laterally retracted position at a side of the well in which it leaves an area along the axis of the well unobstructed for use of conventional hoisting equipment in making a `round trip` of the drill string out of and then back into the well.

Abstract: An apparatus for bolting the roof of an underground mine is disclosed comprising a mobile frame, a boom extending from the frame and a housing provided at the end of the frame. The housing supports an upwardly extending stinger, a drilling mechanism including a drill centralizer having a central bore therethrough and a passageway in communication with the central bore, a device for delivering a container of roof bolting anchoring media through the passageway and through the drill centralizer and into a drilled hole, a device for indexing a roof bolt into alignment with the drilled hole and a spinner for driving the roof bolt into the drilled hole. The present invention also provides a method for bolting the roof of an underground mine comprising the steps of stinging a housing against the roof of the mine, moving a drill centralizer into communication with the roof and drilling a hole in the roof.

Abstract: An improved boom for a drill rig is described which includes two rotatably mounted clamps which are rotatable between a side loading position, to facilitate loading and unloading in the horizontal position, and a central position, in which a clamped tubular is aligned with the drilling axis when the boom is in the vertical position. An automatic hydraulic sequencing circuit is provided to automatically rotate the clamps into the side loading position whenever the boom is pivoted with a down-hole tubular positioned in the clamp. In this position, the clamped tubular is aligned with a safety plate mounted on the boom to prevent a clamped tubular from slipping from the clamps. A safety frame is formed between the tower of the drill rig and the vertical boom by a slidable bolt mounted on the tower and an annular receiving member mounted on the boom to receive the end of the bolt. This boom also includes an improved pivoting linkage which facilitates the transport of the rig.