Abstract: A system for controlling operation of a winch assembly having an electric motor, a drum, and a cable. A controller is configured to access a winch load threshold, with the winch load threshold defining a hold zone and a reel zone, and one of the hold zone and the reel zone including loads greater than the winch load threshold and another of the hold zone and the reel zone including loads less than the winch load threshold. The controller is further configured to determine whether the drum is rotating, determine whether the winch assembly is operating within the hold zone or the reel zone, generate a hold current while the winch assembly is operating within the hold zone preventing rotation of the electric motor, and generate a reel current while the drum is operating within the reel zone permitting rotation of the electric motor.

Abstract: A suspension system may comprise a flexible member, a mount, a reel and an equipment support member. The equipment support members are supported by the flexible member and the flexible member is in turn supported by the reel and at least one of an attachment point and a common point on the equipment support member. By extending and retracting the flexible member, the reel is capable of controlling the distances between the equipment support members so that any attached equipment can be supported and moved. In another embodiment there is a first and a second reel so that the distance between the mount and the first row can be controlled separately from the distances between the equipment support members.

Abstract: A cableway transport system for moving tubulars between a supply of tubulars and a rig mast implements a gondola suspended and movable along load cables. The gondola is fit with grippers for carrying tubulars between the rack and mast. The gondola has a first landing coupler which is received and releasably couples to a second landing coupler on the mast for forming a landing connection. The landing connection enables rotation of the gondola to align the carried tubular with the wellhead. The grippers can be individually actuable to allow finer alignment of the tubular above the wellhead.

Abstract: Pipe handling apparatus for transporting pipe between a derrick floor and a pipe rack by a cable-way. A portion of the cable overhangs the derrick floor and the pipe rack. Spaced apart pipe receiving carriages are supported by the cable and are provided with means for being moved from a location adjacent to the derrick floor to a location which overhangs the pipe rack. The tension of the cable is controlled in a manner which enables the pipe receiving carriages to be vertically positioned with respect to the pipe rack.

Abstract: A pipe lay down machine which incorporates a main cable adapted to be rigged from the rig floor to a winch overlying a pipe rack where the winch is bidirectionally operable to slack the main line. Wheeled carriages travel up and down the main line. The carriages support releasable pipe connective mechanisms which have a flexible cable extending around the pipe connected to a quick release mechanism. The quick release mechanism includes a transverse bar having protruding ears or tabs which interlock with a rolled lip, thereby anchoring the lever and the end of the cable. Pipe is picked up or laid down by placing slack in the main cable. The carriages traverse the main cable by means of separate winches which apply power to auxiliary lines rigged from winches which are bidirectionally operable to the carriages.Alternative quick release mechanisms are disclosed. In one form, a cable is looped about the pipe and beneath a spring load pin. The pin is pushed to close and cable tension holds it closed.

Abstract: Pipe handling apparatus for transporting pipe in a pipe carrier between a pipe rack and a derrick floor wherein the pipe carrier is supported by a first cable and is manipulated between the pipe rack and the derrick floor by a second cable which is operably connected to a lateral displacement means mounted with the pipe carrier for lateral displacement of the pipe carrier and the pipe therein as the pipe carrier nears the derrick floor thereby to position the pipe for unloading at the derrick floor without detrimental contact of the pipe with any object to accomplish such lateral displacement.