Abstract: A robotic apparatus for performing drill floor operations comprises a support arrangement and at least one manipulator arm. The at least one manipulator arm is configured to carry an end effector configured to manipulate one or more of tubing, tools and/or equipment on a drill floor or pipe deck of an oil and gas rig in order to perform a given drill floor operation.

Abstract: A drill rig includes a drilling tower, a drill floor with a well center, a slip device arranged at the well center, a tubulars connection makeup and breaking device, and a top drive system. The top drive system includes a traveling carriage that is vertically mobile along vertical rails of the drilling tower by means of a vertical motion drive. The system also includes a top drive unit supported by the carriage and including a top drive motor and a rotary torque output member. The system further includes a tripping operation elevator adapted to be engaged with the drill string in order to perform tripping operations. The top drive unit and the tripping operation elevator are each mobile relative to the traveling carriage, and the top drive system is provided with actuators adapted to cause the relative motion of the top drive unit and of the tripping operation elevator so as to provide a drilling mode, a tripping mode and bypassing mode.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for vertically positioning tubulars in a mousehole of a drilling rig includes a main body housing a winch and an anchor point. The main body is configured to be radially aligned with the mousehole. The apparatus also includes a float assembly which is suspended within the mousehole below the main body and a cable wound onto the winch. The cable extends downward into the mousehole traversing the mousehole at the float assembly and then extends upward to and attached to the anchor point on the main body.

Abstract: Provided are therapeutic compositions containing combinations of bacteria, for the maintenance or restoration of a healthy microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract of a mammalian subject, and methods for use thereof.

Abstract: A vessel is adapted to perform subsea wellbore related operations including module handling and laying flexible pipeline, e.g. wellbore intervention. The vessel includes a hull with a moonpool and a stationary drilling mast adjacent said moonpool. The front side of the drilling mast is provided with vertical trolley rails along which—during module handling—a module handling trolley is movable. Further one or more tensioners are provided to engage a flexible pipeline, also being supported by the by the drilling mast. The tensioner frame of a tensioner is mounted pivotably about a vertical pivot axis to the drilling mast, such that the tensioner frame is pivotable between the pipeline laying configuration wherein the lower tensioner is provided in the module handling area and an open configuration wherein a vertical trolley path is unobstructed to allow module handling.

Abstract: A tool for making up and breaking out a drill string at an exit side of a bore. The tool includes a fixed vice and a moveable vice for torquing a pipe joint, a roller assembly for threading and unthreading adjacent sections of pipe, and a retainer assembly to retain a detached pipe section. The components of the tool are mounted on a frame, which is pivotally connected to a hydraulic machine such as an excavator. Thus, the tool may be manipulated to remove and add sections of pipe to a drill string remote from the primary horizontal directional drill.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for lifting and lowering of pipe continuously, during the drilling, repair or maintenance of wells, without interruption to connect or disconnect pipe.

Abstract: A portable moveable horizontal to vertical pipe handler for a drilling rig having a high load non-deforming frame; a plurality of hydraulic lifting cylinders secured between the high load non-deforming frame and a hydraulic power unit; a tapered beam attached to the frame, a plurality of bottom and top securing grippers for grabbing a tubular; a pinion allowing the tapered beam with grippers holding a tubular to pivot from a horizontal position to a vertical position using the hydraulic lifting cylinders; a pair of moveable skates connected to the tapered beam to elevate the tubular and a controller communication with the hydraulic lifting cylinder, the securing grippers and the skates. The controller has a processor with computer instructions for operating the hydraulic cylinders, moveable skates, and securing grippers synchronously or independently.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tubular handling system (1) comprising:—a tower (10) comprising a tubular lift device for lowering and/or raising a tubular in an essentially vertical orientation,—a support (20) for supporting the tubular-laying tower—a tubulars supply system, preferably provided on the support, for supplying tubulars to an essentially horizontal supply position in the vicinity of the tower,—a tubular handling apparatus (2) for transporting a tubular between the essentially horizontal supply position and the tubular lift device in the tower, wherein the tubular handling apparatus comprises: a gripper (4a, 4b) adapted for gripping the tubular, a base (6), and a boom (5) to which the one or more grippers are attached, which boom is pivotable with respect to the base in a boom.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a completion system and method adapted for use in wells having long lateral boreholes. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a pipe handling system which includes a pipe handling skid with a pipe arm being able to raise along a vertical plane to pass off a joint of pipe to a mast and top drive. Further, the present disclosure includes a pipe handling system having pipe tubs for transporting and delivering joint of pipe to the pipe arm for insertion into a well. Further, the present disclosure includes a pipe handling system having pipe tubs for transporting and delivering joints of pipe to the pipe arm for insertion into a well. Further, the present pipe handling system and method of use contemplates the use in conjunction with a portable rig carrier for completing hydrocarbon producing wells.

Abstract: Equipment for moving tubular members from a storage rack to an elevated platform floor is disclosed. A base-mounted articulated support structure has an arcuate trough mounted on top thereof. Loading arms are secured to a side of the pivotal trough for picking up one tubular member from the rack and moving to the platform floor. Unloading arms detachably securable to the trough facilitate movement of the tubular members from the platform floor onto the rack. A plurality of roller sets mounted between the base and the trough supporting structure move the trough along the base for easy reach to the platform floor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pipe handling apparatus that delivers and positions tubulars at a wellhead and a device for assisting pivotal movement of a boom relative to a base of the apparatus. A pneumatic spring assembly is pivotally connected between the boom and base. During operation, the pneumatic spring assembly urges the boom from a first position to a second position and resists movement of the boom from the second position to the first position. A pneumatic reservoir may be attached to the pipe handling apparatus. A gas-charging assembly fluidically connects the pneumatic spring assembly and pneumatic reservoir and allows the pneumatic reservoir to vary the pneumatic pressure within the pneumatic spring assembly. Sensors mounted in the pipe handling apparatus may provide feedback to a controller which may automatically adjust the amount of pneumatic pressure within the pneumatic springs for ideal performance of the springs.

Abstract: A device and a method for handling rod-shaped elements on drilling gear are disclosed. The device for handling rod-shaped elements on drilling gear includes a drill rod magazine on which the rod components are deposited between a center of a drill hole and a center of a drilling mast, an elevator with a guide that lifts the drill rods above a drill hole, and a drive for displacing the elevator, a gripper attached to the elevator for picking up the rod component from the drill rod magazine, and a plurality of monitors. The plurality of monitors automatically monitor the movement of the rod-shaped components amongst the magazine, the elevator, and the gripper.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus has a frame, a boom pivotally connected to the frame so as to be movable between a first position and a second position, an arm extending outwardly of the boom when the boom is in the second position, a gripper affixed to the end of the arm opposite the boom, a first line having a first end affixed to the boom, a second line interconnected to an opposite end of the first line and connected to the frame, and an actuator interconnected to the first and second lines. The actuator changes an angular relationship of the first and second lines so as to selectively tension the lines. The second line includes a first cable offset from linear alignment with the first line and a second cable extending in angular relationship with the first cable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pipe handling apparatus that delivers and positions tubulars at a wellhead and a device for assisting pivotal movement of a boom relative to a base of the apparatus. A pneumatic spring assembly is pivotally connected between the boom and base. During operation, the pneumatic spring assembly urges the boom from a first position to a second position and resists movement of the boom from the second position to the first position. A pneumatic reservoir may be attached to the pipe handling apparatus. A gas-charging assembly fluidically connects the pneumatic spring assembly and pneumatic reservoir and allows the pneumatic reservoir to vary the pneumatic pressure within the pneumatic spring assembly. Sensors mounted in the pipe handling apparatus may provide feedback to a controller which may automatically adjust the amount of pneumatic pressure within the pneumatic springs for ideal performance of the springs.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a racking system for receiving, storing, and/or delivering rods and tubulars. The racking system includes a rack having a plurality of beams configured to support a plurality of rods, a plurality of tubulars, or both. each of the plurality of beams includes a proximal end and a distal end. The racking system further includes a plurality of indexers aligned with or proximal to the proximal ends of the plurality of base beams, wherein each of the plurality of indexers includes a series of rotating holders configured to transport the plurality of rods, tubulars, or both to and from the rack. Additionally, the racking system further includes a jack coupled to the distal end each of the plurality of base beams, wherein the jack raises and lowers the distal end of the base beam in relation to the proximal end.

Abstract: A portable pipe handling apparatus and method includes providing a support structure a providing a support structure adapted to support a pipe stand along a pipe stand building axis associated therewith, and inclining the pipe stand building axis so that an upper end of the axis is adjacent a top drive in a drilling rig mast and so that the pipe stand translation trajectory which is substantially co-axial with the pipe stand building axis intersects a hand-off window between the top drive and the pipe stand building axis.

Abstract: A pre-loading system for a pipe handling apparatus in which a boom is pivotally mounted at one end to a skid and in which an arm is connected to an opposite end of the boom. The pre-loading system has a tensioning assembly with one end affixed to the arm and an opposite end fixedly mounted so as to apply tension to the arm when the arm has a load applied to an end of the arm opposite the boom. The tensioning assembly includes a first cable assembly having one end connected to the arm and an opposite end fixedly mounted, and a second cable assembly connected to the arm and having an opposite end fixedly mounted. The first and second cable assemblies extend from opposite sides of the arm.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus has a base, a main rotating structural member pivotally connected to the base, a pipe handler connected to the main rotating structural member for moving a pipe from a generally horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation, and a jack connected to the pipe handler. The jack exerts a downward force in generally parallel relation to the pipe when the pipe is in the vertical orientation. The pipe handler has a gripping structure for gripping an outer surface of the pipe. The gripping structure has a stab frame. The jack is affixed to the stab frame. The jack has a piston-and-cylinder assembly positioned relative to the stab frame, and a hydraulic actuator connected to the piston-and-cylinder assembly. The hydraulic actuator is suitable for passing hydraulic fluid to the piston-and-cylinder assembly so as to move the piston-and-cylinder assembly from a retracted position to an extended position.

Abstract: A drilling rig assembly having a longitudinal axis and comprising a drilling rig skid and a derrick assembly having a derrick assembly pivot axis and being adapted to move relative to the drilling rig skid. The derrick assembly comprises a pair of derrick masts disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis and comprising a rack, and a carriage assembly being substantially disposed between the pair of derrick masts, being adapted to move along the pair of derrick masts and comprising a pinion. The drilling rig assembly also comprises a means for moving the derrick assembly relative to the drilling rig skid, a pipe loader assembly having a pipe loader assembly pivot axis, and a means for moving the pipe loader assembly relative to the drilling rig skid. The derrick assembly pivot axis and the pipe loader assembly pivot axis are co-axial.

Abstract: A pipe arm with walkway skid assembly having a pipe arm mounted to a skid frame. In one embodiment, a first walkway and a second walkway are mounted to the skid frame on opposite elongated sides of the pipe arm and the pipe arm is utilized to convey pipe to a mast. In another embodiment, the first walkway and second walkway utilize moveable members for urging pipe to and from the pipe arm as well as providing walkways for workers use.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a completion system and method adapted for use in wells having long lateral boreholes. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a pipe handling system which includes a pipe handling skid with a pipe arm being able to raise along a vertical plane to pass off a joint of pipe to a mast and top drive. Further, the present disclosure includes a pipe handling system having pipe tubs for transporting and delivering joint of pipe to the pipe arm for insertion into a well. Further, the present disclosure includes a pipe handling system having pipe tubs for transporting and delivering joints of pipe to the pipe arm for insertion into a well. Further, the present pipe handling system and method of use contemplates the use in conjunction with a portable rig carrier for completing hydrocarbon producing wells.

Abstract: An ejection mechanism, which in one embodiment selectively ejects pipe joints to either side of a pipe arm and method for manufacturing the same. A pipe arm contains a plurality of pipe receptacles for receiving pipe joints. Pipe ejection arms are operatively connected to an ejection control mechanism. In one embodiment, at least one torsional member and/or at least one hydraulic actuator allow an operator to selectively eject pipe joints to either lateral side of the pipe arm as needed during drilling and production operations.

Abstract: A tubular handling device includes a first arm movable along, and pivotable about, a first axis, and a first gripper to engage a first tubular member, the first gripper being coupled to the first arm and rotatable, relative to the first arm, about a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis. According to another aspect, a method includes providing a first gripper; coupling a first arm to the first gripper, moving the first arm, pivoting the first arm, and rotating the first gripper, relative to the first arm. According to another aspect, an apparatus includes a drilling tower, and a tubular handling device to position one or more tubular members proximate the drilling tower, the tubular handling device including a first gripper to engage a first tubular member, and a first arm coupled to the first gripper.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus has a boom pivotally movable between a first position and a second position, a riser assembly pivotally connected to the boom, an arm pivotally connected at one end to the first portion of the riser assembly and extending outwardly therefrom, a gripper affixed to an opposite end of the arm suitable for gripping a diameter of the pipe, a link pivotally connected to the riser assembly and pivotable so as to move relative to the movement of the boom between the first and second positions, and a brace having a one end pivotally connected to the boom and an opposite end pivotally connected to the arm between the ends of the arm. The riser assembly has a first portion extending outwardly at an obtuse angle with respect to the second portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for a pipe handling apparatus has a main rotating structural member rotating about a pivot axis relative to a skid and moving from a first position to a second position. A tensioning mechanism is affixed to the main rotating structural member. The tensioning mechanism applies a tension to the main rotating structural member when the main rotating structural member is in the second position. The tensioning mechanism has a first cable having an end attached adjacent a top of the main rotating structural member, and a second cable having an end attached adjacent the top of the main rotating structural member. The first and second cables have opposite ends attached to a fixed surface. The first and second cables extend angularly outwardly from a front of the main rotating structural member. The first and second cables extend angularly outwardly from the sides of the main rotating structural member.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus has a frame, a boom pivotally connected to the frame so as to be movable between a first position and a second position, an arm extending outwardly of the boom when the boom is in the second position, a gripper affixed to the end of the arm opposite the boom, a first line having a first end affixed to the boom, a second line interconnected to an opposite end of the first line and connected to the frame, and an actuator interconnected to the first and second lines. The actuator changes an angular relationship of the first and second lines so as to selectively tension the lines. The second line includes a first cable offset from linear alignment with the first line and a second cable extending in angular relationship with the first cable.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus for moving a pipe from a stowed position to a position deployed above a wellhead has a main rotating structural member pivotally movable between a first position and a second position, an arm interconnected to the main rotating structural member, a gripper affixed to an end of the arm opposite the main rotating structural member, and a tensioner connected to the gripper for applying a tension to the gripper when the arm is in the extended position. The gripper grips a surface of a pipe. The arm is pivotable between a home position and an extended position. The tensioning means has a guy wire connected at one end to the gripper. The guy wire has an opposite end connected to the arm. Alternatively, the opposite end is connected to the main rotating structural member.

Abstract: A derrickless system for servicing tubulars at a wellhead has a first tubular handling apparatus with a gripper positioned adjacent the wellhead where the gripper grips a surface of one of the tubulars, a second tubular handling apparatus with a gripper positioned adjacent the wellhead where the gripper grips a surface of another of the tubulars, and a slip assembly positioned in the wellhead. The slip assembly has a wedge bowl positioned at the wellhead that is suitable for receiving the tubular therein, and wedges positioned in the wedge bowl that are suitable for positioning between the wedge bowl and the tubular. Each of the grippers of the first and second tubular handling apparatus has a stab frame and three grippers attached to the stab frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pipe handling apparatus that delivers and positions tubulars at a wellhead and a device for assisting pivotal movement of a boom relative to a base of the apparatus. A pneumatic spring assembly is pivotally connected between the boom and base. During operation, the pneumatic spring assembly urges the boom from a first position to a second position and resists movement of the boom from the second position to the first position. A pneumatic reservoir may be attached to the pipe handling apparatus. A gas-charging assembly fluidically connects the pneumatic spring assembly and pneumatic reservoir and allows the pneumatic reservoir to vary the pneumatic pressure within the pneumatic spring assembly. Sensors mounted in the pipe handling apparatus may provide feedback to a controller which may automatically adjust the amount of pneumatic pressure within the pneumatic springs for ideal performance of the springs.

Abstract: A pre-loading system for a pipe handling apparatus in which a boom is pivotally mounted at one end to a skid and in which an arm is connected to an opposite end of the boom. The pre-loading system has a tensioning assembly with one end affixed to the arm and an opposite end fixedly mounted so as to apply tension to the arm when the arm has a load applied to an end of the arm opposite the boom. The tensioning assembly includes a first cable assembly having one end connected to the arm and an opposite end fixedly mounted, and a second cable assembly connected to the arm and having an opposite end fixedly mounted. The first and second cable assemblies extend from opposite sides of the arm.

Abstract: A system includes a rack with rows for storing drill pipe, and a moveable structure having a control support coupled to an upper portion and a lifting device coupled to a lower portion. The moveable structure travels along a guide for positioning adjacent any of the rows. The control support includes a pivoting actuator, a rotating actuator, an extension arm having a drill pipe capture actuator, and an extension actuator. The lifting device includes a lifting actuator that raises a stack of drill pipe. The system further includes a controller that interprets a control support state including actuator positions and a position index value, and records a position description including the control support state corresponding to the position index value. The controller interprets a position request signal and provides actuator control signals in response to the position request signal and the position description.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tubular handling system (1) comprising: -a tower (10) comprising a tubular lift device for lowering and/or raising a tubular in an essentially vertical orientation, -a support (20) for supporting the tubular-laying tower -a tubulars supply system, preferably provided on the support, for supplying tubulars 26 to an essentially horizontal supply position in the vicinity of the tower, -a tubular handling apparatus (2) for transporting a tubular between the essentially horizontal supply position and the tubular lift device in the tower, wherein the tubular handling apparatus comprises: a gripper (4a, 4b) adapted for gripping the tubular, a base (6), and a boom (5) to which the one or more grippers are attached, which boom is pivotable with respect to the base in a boom.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus has a frame, a boom pivotally connected to the frame so as to be movable between a first position and a second position, an arm extending outwardly of the boom when the boom is in the second position, a gripper affixed to the end of the arm opposite the boom, a first line having a first end affixed to the boom, a second line interconnected to an opposite end of the first line and connected to the frame, and an actuator interconnected to the first and second lines. The actuator changes an angular relationship of the first and second lines so as to selectively tension the lines. The second line includes a first cable offset from linear alignment with the first line and a second cable extending in angular relationship with the first cable.

Abstract: A pre-loading system for a pipe handling apparatus in which a boom is pivotally mounted at one end to a skid and in which an arm is connected to an opposite end of the boom. The pre-loading system has a tensioning assembly with one end affixed to the arm and an opposite end fixedly mounted so as to apply tension to the arm when the arm has a load applied to an end of the arm opposite the boom. The tensioning assembly includes a first cable assembly having one end connected to the arm and an opposite end fixedly mounted, and a second cable assembly connected to the arm and having an opposite end fixedly mounted. The first and second cable assemblies extend from opposite sides of the arm.

Abstract: An elongate item handling means comprising a base (11) adapted to be fixed to a fixture, an elongate member support (13) having a first axis, the elongate member support comprising an engagement means (19) adapted to engage an elongate item and support the elongate item such that it is parallel to the first axis and to move the elongate item into engagement with the elongate member support, wherein the elongate member support is supported from the base to be rotatable about a second axis which is transverse to the first axis whereby the elongate item when supported from the elongate member support can be moved between an upright position and a substantially horizontal position, the base being movable on the fixture between a first position located at a desired erect position of the elongate item and one or more positions clear of the first position, said elongate member support.

Abstract: According to one example of the invention, a drill rod handler includes a movable clamp. A position sensor system for the drill rod handler includes a level sensor that is configured to detect a position of the moveable clamp with respect to gravity. The position sensor system further includes a rotation sensor configured to detect a rotational position of the moveable clamp with respect to a defined axis that runs parallel to gravity. Furthermore, the position sensor system includes a control center that is communicably connected to the level sensor and the rotation sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for pivoting a boom relative to a frame of a pipe handling system between a first position and a second position has a hydraulic actuator assembly connected to the boom and to the skid, and a pneumatic spring connected to the boom and to the skid. The pneumatic spring has a cylinder with an end pivotally connected to the boom, and a piston with an end pivotally connected to the skid. The hydraulic actuator assembly has a cylinder pivotally connected to the skid, and a piston with an end pivotally connected to the boom. The pneumatic spring urges the boom from the first position toward the second position while resisting movement of the boom from the second position toward the second position.

Abstract: A pipe handler comprising a skid and a base having a base longitudinal axis. The base is adjustably mounted on the skid. The pipe handler comprises a means for adjusting the base, a boom, and a means for moving the boom between a position substantially parallel to the base longitudinal axis and a position substantially perpendicular to the base longitudinal axis. The pipe handler includes a pipe gripper that is pivotally attached to the boom. The base of the pipe handler is adapted to be adjusted in any direction relative to the skid when the boom is in any position from substantially parallel to the base longitudinal axis to substantially perpendicular to the base longitudinal axis. The method also includes engaging a pipe with a pipe gripper, moving the boom in a direction toward a pipe rotation mechanism, adjusting the base, and releasing the pipe from the pipe gripper.

Abstract: A system has a pipe handling apparatus with an arm moving between a first position and a second position, a derrick having a window through which the pipe handling system delivers a pipe to a well head, and a header mounted in the window of the derrick. The header receives the arm of the pipe handling system when the arm is in the second position. An outside surface of the header suitably fits within the window of the derrick. An inside surface of the derrick suitably receives the arm. The inside surface resists an upward motion and a sideways motion of the arm. The header has a body that has a head and legs.

Abstract: Device for storing tubular on a drilling and/or production installation, comprising a shaft (8, 9, 10, 11) to accommodate a plurality of tubular in a substantially vertical position and a guide (15, 22) that is moveable above the shaft (8, 9, 10, 11). The device comprises means for displacing the guide (15, 22) in a substantially horizontal plane to a position above a selected one of all the tubular in the shaft. Also described are a catwalk (12) configured to displace the tubular in an axial direction through a V-door in the derrick (5), and which is further configured to be tilted into a substantially vertical position to receive or deliver a tubular, and a knuckle boom crane (7) with a grapple (27) that is adapted to grip an upper end of a substantially vertical tubular and carry the tubular in a substantially vertical orientation.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus has a boom pivotally movable between a first position and a second position, a riser assembly pivotally connected to the boom, an arm pivotally connected at one end to the first portion of the riser assembly and extending outwardly therefrom, a gripper affixed to an opposite end of the arm suitable for gripping a diameter of the pipe, a link pivotally connected to the riser assembly and pivotable so as to move relative to the movement of the boom between the first and second positions, and a brace having a one end pivotally connected to the boom and an opposite end pivotally connected to the arm between the ends of the arm. The riser assembly has a first portion extending outwardly at an obtuse angle with respect to the second portion.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus has a supporting structure, an arm pivotally interconnected to the supporting structure such that the supporting structure and the arm are movable between a first position and a second position within a single degree of freedom, and a stiffener cooperative with the arm when the arm and the supporting structure are in the second position. The stiffener applies a mechanical resistance to the arm in the second position. The second position is at an end of the travel of the supporting structure and the arm. The stiffener applies a variable resistance to the arm as the arm moves from the first position to the second position. This variable resistance is at its greatest when the arm is in the second position.

Abstract: A vertical off-line stand building system includes a mast having a basal portion and an upper portion. An upper pipe elevator is mounted in the upper portion of the mast and is selectively translatable by a selecting actuable first hoist between upper raised and lowered positions. A lower pipe elevator is mounted in the basal portion of the mast and is selectively translatable by a selecting actuable second hoist between basal raised and lowered positions. A horizontal pipe support table is positioned adjacent the base of the mast. A horizontal pipe translator is mounted in the table for translating a pipe single longitudinally along the table so as to engage a first end of the pipe single with the lower pipe elevator when in its basal lowered position. The lower pipe elevator draws the first pipe into the mast through a front opening in the mast. The upper pipe elevator takes the first pipe and elevates it to the top of the mast.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus has a base, a main rotating structural member pivotally connected to the base, a pipe handler connected to the main rotating structural member for moving a pipe from a generally horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation, and a jack connected to the pipe handler. The jack exerts a downward force in generally parallel relation to the pipe when the pipe is in the vertical orientation. The pipe handler has a gripping structure for gripping an outer surface of the pipe. The gripping structure has a stab frame. The jack is affixed to the stab frame. The jack has a piston-and-cylinder assembly positioned relative to the stab frame, and a hydraulic actuator connected to the piston-and-cylinder assembly. The hydraulic actuator is suitable for passing hydraulic fluid to the piston-and-cylinder assembly so as to move the piston-and-cylinder assembly from a retracted position to an extended position.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus has a boom pivotally movable between a first position and a second position, a riser assembly pivotally connected to the boom, an arm pivotally connected at one end to the first portion of the riser assembly and extending outwardly therefrom, a gripper affixed to an opposite end of the arm suitable for gripping a diameter of the pipe, a link pivotally connected to the riser assembly and pivotable so as to move relative to the movement of the boom between the first and second positions, and a brace having a one end pivotally connected to the boom and an opposite end pivotally connected to the arm between the ends of the arm. The riser assembly has a first portion extending outwardly at an obtuse angle with respect to the second portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for handling pipe includes an elongate frame structure for mounting on a ground surface, in which a carriage unit is mounted on the frame structure and is operable for selective and reciprocal shifting along the frame structure. A boom member mounted on the carriage unit is operable for selected pivotal movement relative to the carriage unit, and a plane generally parallel to the boom member's longitudinal axis, about a generally horizontal pivot axis oriented transverse to the direction of shifting of the carriage unit along the frame structure. An elongate pipe carrier mounted on the boom member as dimensioned for receiving pipe so that the pipe's longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the boom member and the pipe member, wherein the pipe carrier is operable for selective pivotal movement about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method for delivering a tubular to a well centered drill axis includes rotating a transfer arm to which a tubular is secured about a first axis from a horizontal position to a vertical position at which a center of gravity of the transfer arm and the tubular is disposed above the first axis; and rotating an upper link of the transfer arm about a second axis while oppositely rotating a clamp support beam about a third axis from the vertical position toward the drilling apparatus while a lower link remains in the vertical position. In delivering the tubular to a drilling apparatus, a tubular supply apparatus controls the speed and acceleration of the tubular without having actuators thereof change between compression and tension states or between rotational states.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus has a frame, a boom pivotally connected to the frame so as to be movable between a first position and a second position, an arm extending outwardly of the boom when the boom is in the second position, a gripper affixed to the an end of the arm opposite the boom, a first line having a first end affixed to the boom, a second line interconnected to an opposite end of the first line and connected to the frame, and an actuator interconnected to the first and second lines. The actuator changes an angular relationship of the first and second lines so as to selectively tension the lines. The second line includes a first cable offset from linear alignment with the first line and a second cable extending in angular relationship with the first cable.

Abstract: An apparatus for pivoting a boom relative to a frame of a pipe handling system between a first position and a second position has a hydraulic actuator assembly connected to the boom and to the skid, and a pneumatic spring connected to the boom and to the skid. The pneumatic spring has a cylinder with an end pivotally connected to the boom, and a piston with an end pivotally connected to the skid. The hydraulic actuator assembly has a cylinder pivotally connected to the skid, and a piston with an end pivotally connected to the boom. The pneumatic spring urges the boom from the first position toward the second position while resisting movement of the boom from the second position toward the second position.