Abstract: A powered unit with a reeving system for supporting a load associated with operation of the powered unit, the reeving system having a first cylinder with a first cylinder end coupled with a raising leg of the powered unit, and a second cylinder end having a first rod movingly disposed therein. There is a movable sheave spreader engaged with the first rod, and having a first spreader sheave, the movable sheave spreader also movably engaged with the powered unit.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to pipe handling apparatus that comprise a base, an elongate door, a pipe carrier and a lift member. In some embodiments the lift member is pivotally connected at one end to the base and pivotally connected to the pipe carrier at the other end. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes further features that provide full capture of the pipe carrier by the elongate door and the lift member. In some embodiments the pipe carrier is moved substantially along the elongate door by a combined actuator, shiv and cable system.

Abstract: A system, includes a movable platform slidingly coupled to one or more supports and configured to be selectively moved towards a drill floor and away from the drill floor. The system also includes a roughneck disposed on the movable platform and configured to make up or break out a threaded joint between a first tubular segment and a second tubular segment. The system additionally includes a support member disposed on the movable platform and configured to support one of the first tubular segment or the second tubular segment as the movable platform is selectively moved towards a drill floor or away from the drill floor.

Abstract: A pipe handling system comprises a carriage having an upper surface adapted to support a tubular. The carriage comprises a first section and a second section. The first and second sections are pivotally coupled together for rotation about a pivot axis. The carriage is movable relative to a base and configured such that the leading end of the carriage is elevated as the carriage is advanced. An actuator is coupled between the first and second sections. The actuator is operable to pivot the second section relative to the first section about the pivot axis. In some embodiments the carriage is configured with a positive kink to deliver tubulars to a rig floor and with a negative kink to deliver tubulars to an online or offline stand building system. In some embodiments a live surface on the carriage is controllable to reduce or eliminate swinging of tubulars as they are transferred to or from the drill rig.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for operating a drilling vessel adapted to run large diameters surface casing joints having a diameter of over 20 inch (51 cm) and a length of 30-50 feet (9-15 meters), and build a surface casing string. According to the invention three or more surface casing joints are interconnected into pre-assembled surface casing stands having a length of over 100 feet (30 meters). These surface casing stands are substantially horizontally stored and transferred by a casing stand handling system to a surface casing string handling capacity hoisting device, which subsequently lowers the surface casing string.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a pipe handling assembly is disclosed. A pipe handling assembly is provided that has a pusher member, trough, and elevation feature. A pipe component is transported from a first position of the trough to a second position with the pusher member. The pipe component is elevated to a predetermined height through engagement with the elevation feature that is stationary during the pipe component's movement.

Abstract: A pipe handling catwalk is provided for moving tubulars or pipe to and from a work floor of well drilling or service rigs. The catwalk includes a variable height V-door for guiding pipe to the work floor. The V-door is made of a series of sequential pivotally attached segments that can extend from, and retract into, the catwalk at an angle relative to the catwalk along a guide track disposed at an end of the catwalk.

Abstract: A pipe pick-up and lay down apparatus for lifting and lowering materials between a support frame and a rig floor of a workover rig, includes a support frame, a lifting arm, a controller and a lifting assembly for lifting and lowering the lifting arm. The lifting arm may be disposed in a trench in the support frame table and is substantially the same length and width as the trench and when in a lowered position. The lifting assembly may optionally include a power supply, a plurality of cables, and is operated by the controller to raise and lower the lifting arm.

Abstract: An automated pipe feed mechanism for transferring pipe away from a pipe tub, such as to a walkway and/or a pipe arm. A pipe feed mechanism may be mounted between the pipe tub and the skid mounted walkway for receiving pipe from a pipe gate. The pipe feed mechanism may or may not be mounted to the pipe tub and/or to a walkway. A support within the pipe tube carries pipe and may be sloped to urge the pipe towards the pipe feed mechanism. The pipe feed mechanism is operable for moving a pipe one at a time away from the pipe tub. In one embodiment, a pipe gate is located adjacent an upper edge of said pipe tub. In another embodiment, a pipe gate is located at a lower end of the pipe tub.

Abstract: A tubular handling apparatus 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, and a gripper mechanism affixed to an end of the arm opposite the main rotating structural member. The gripper mechanism has a stab frame, a first gripper translatably attached to a side of the stab frame, and a second gripper translatably attached to the side of the stab frame below the first gripper. A connection bar is connected to the first and second grippers so as to translate the grippers for a substantially identical distance. A translating mechanism translates the grippers along the side of the stab frame.

Abstract: A pipe-handling apparatus adapted to move pipe to and from a drilling floor of a drilling rig including a ramp extendable between a main support structure and the drilling floor, a pipe carrier mounted on the main support structure configured to move between lower and elevated positions over the ramp, a lift arm including a first end and a second end and being pivotally connected at its first end adjacent the far end of the carrier and operable below the carrier to lift and support the carrier's far end to an elevated position, a track on the main support structure for supporting the carrier and the lift arm, and a drive system that pivots or moves the lift arm up about a track stop to lift the far end of the carrier and moves the near end up and over the ramp.

Abstract: A pipe handling system includes a lifting mechanism coupled to an upper end of a pipe above a free end of the pipe, and a guide system operable to engage the pipe and control lateral movement of the pipe as it is moved between a storage position and a well center position, the guide system including a pair of support members including extendable end portions and a flexible pipe guide coupled between the extendable end portions. In some embodiments, the guide system includes a pair of rotatable support arms having first pivot ends and second ends and an expandable pipe guide connecting the second ends.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for moving a tubular member to and from an elevated drilling rig floor. A support structure has an elongate indentation in its upper surface. A ramp assembly comprises telescoping assemblies having nested tubular elements extendable between retracted and deployed positions, thus forming a guide extending from the elongate indentation towards the drilling rig floor. Indexers may urge the tubular member towards or away from the elongate indentation. Kickers may urge the tubular member into or out of the elongate indentation, and may be operable via actuators which also operate the indexers.

Abstract: The invention is a new well drilling machine, in particular for drilling with single pipes, with supporting mast (M) provided with at least one drill head? (R) for the rotation-translation movement of the drill pipe (A), a loader (C) for said pipes (A), hinged to the relative supporting frame (T), integral with the machine body, and wherein said loader (C) can be slanted from the non-operating position (1) to the operating position (2), in which said pipes (A) are further slanted with respect to ground level, and vice versa. The loader (C) comprises sliders (J, K) which run on parallel guides (S) and on which said pipes (A) rest transversally, wherein two or more long pins or bars (P) square to and integral with said sliders (J, .K) are positioned between adjacent pipes (A), and wherein the running of said sliders (J, K) causes the translation of said bars (P) and said pipes (A).

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a tubular to a well center, which apparatus comprises means which, in use, inhibit swinging motion of the tubular while it is suspended from an elevator.

Abstract: A pipe handling catwalk comprising: a deck including an upper surface, a first end, an opposite end and a tubular support surface on the upper surface, the tubular support surface being elongate and extending between the first end and the opposite end; a deck guide including a wall extending up from the deck upper surface and drivable along tubular support surface of the deck; a ramp mounted on the deck adjacent its first end and positionable extending at an angle from the deck; a carrier connected to the ramp to remain on the ramp and being moveable such that an end thereof can be lifted away from the ramp to reduce the inclination of the carrier relative to the angle of the ramp, the carrier including an upper surface and a tubular retaining surface thereon extending along the carrier substantially in line with the tubular support surface of the deck; and a carrier guide including an upstanding tubular engaging surface extending up from the carrier upper surface and drivable along tubular retaining surface

Abstract: A control apparatus to receive a tubular member includes a contact member configured to engage the tubular member, and a control mechanism operably coupled to the contact member, wherein the control mechanism is configured to dampen movement of at least one of the tubular member and the contact member as the tubular member engages the contact member.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for moving a tubular member to and from an elevated drilling rig floor. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a support structure configured to be positioned adjacent a pipe rack. A carrier is moveably coupled to the support structure, and a carriage is moveably coupled to the carrier. A trough extends longitudinally over the support structure and is moveably coupled to the carriage, the trough being configured to receive a tubular member. The trough is operable to tilt relative to the support structure. A lift arm is operable to move the carriage relative to the support structure thereby also moving the tubular member received in the trough. Indexers may urge the tubular member toward or away from the trough. Pick up arms are operable to retrieve a tubular member from an adjacent pipe rack, or to place the tubular there for storage.

Abstract: A horizontal offline stand building system includes a substantially horizontal, elongate catwalk having a frame and a stand lifting arm. The catwalk has a top surface adapted to receive at least two tubulars aligned coaxially along a linear path in a make-up channel on said top surface. The tubulars are threaded together to form preferably at least a triple pipe stand in the make-up channel. The completed stand is then transferred laterally to a delivery channel containing the stand lifting arm. The stand lifting arm is selectively actuable lifting arm for selectively elevating a rig end of a pipe stand from said top surface of the catwalk to the deck of a drilling rig, and then for supporting the mid and rear sections as the stand is hoisted from the delivery channel up the derrick of the drilling rig.

Abstract: A pipe handling system includes a pipe stabilizer for receiving a pipe as lateral movement of the pipe is controlled by a guide system. The end portion of the pipe stabilizer may include a magnetic member configured to releasably couple to the pipe. The end portion of the pipe stabilizer may be extended and retracted by a rotatable arm. The end portion of the pipe stabilizer may be moved by an adjustment mechanism relative to another portion of the stabilizer or a drill string at well center for fine tuning placement of the pipe.

Abstract: A pipe-handling apparatus for moving a pipe to and from a drilling floor of a drilling rig includes a main support structure, a ramp extendable between the main support structure and the drilling floor, a pipe carrier mounted on the main support structure for moving relative thereto between a lower position and an elevated position over the ramp, the carrier including a ramp end adjacent the ramp, an far end, and an elongate indentation on its upper surface to accommodate a pipe therein, a lift arm including a first end and a second end, the lift arm being pivotally connected at its first end adjacent the far end of the carrier and operable below the carrier to lift and support the carrier's far end to an elevated position, a track on the main support structure for supporting axial sliding motion of the carrier and the lift arm therealong, the track including a stop for limiting axial movement of the second end of the lift arm along the track toward the ramp, and a drive system for pulling the carrier from th

Abstract: A device for handling and storage of drill string sections, and assembly or disassembly of a drill string on an installation especially intended for exploratory and/or production drilling for hydrocarbons, where: at least one set of individual, separate cooperating means of transport is arranged to move a drill string section or a single drill pipe length in synchronized motion; where a) a primary means of transport is provided with a first gripping device for releasably holding a lower end portion of the drill string section or drill pipe length; b) a secondary means of transport is provided with a first means of lateral support for releasably enclosing an upper end portion of the drill string section or drill pipe length; and c) each means of transport is displaceable along a substantially horizontal or vertical guideway.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for moving a tubular member to and from an elevated drilling rig floor. A support structure has an elongate indentation in its upper surface. A ramp assembly comprises telescoping assemblies having nested tubular elements extendable between retracted and deployed positions, thus forming a guide extending from the elongate indentation towards the drilling rig floor. Indexers may urge the tubular member towards or away from the elongate indentation. Kickers may urge the tubular member into or out of the elongate indentation, and may be operable via actuators which also operate the indexers.

Abstract: A pipe handling system is disclosed with an elongated base that is dimensioned to receive and support a movable tray in a position parallel to the base with at least two degrees of freedom of movement. The movable tray is also dimensioned to receive at least one section of pipe, and one end of the movable tray is separable from the base with a pipe positioner slidably disposed in the movable tray for transporting pipe and with a loader disposed adjacent to the movable tray that receives and feeds a section of pipe into the tray. The pipe handling system may include a movable tray having at least three degrees of freedom of movement The pipe handling system may include loaders that are extendable from the base.

Abstract: A pipe handling system comprises a pipe erector that is operable to move a pipe from a horizontal storage position to an inclined position. In the inclined position, an upper end of the pipe is adjacent to an elevated drill floor of a drilling rig and the pipe is at an angle between horizontal and vertical. The pipe handling system also comprises a guide system that is operable to engage the pipe and control lateral movement of the pipe as it is moved from being supported in the inclined position by the pipe erector to a vertical position supported by the drilling rig.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pipe-handling machine (100) for picking up and laying down pipe, such as at a rig site. The machine first comprises three elongated and nested truss members. First, a trestle (200) is provided; second, a trough carrier (300) is received within the trestle; and third, a trough (400) is slidably received within the trough carrier. The machine next comprises an inclined ramp (500). A lower end of the ramp is pivotally connected to the trestle, while an upper end of the ramp extends upward to the rig floor. The length of the ramp is adjustable to accommodate rig floors of varying heights. A trestle transport mechanism (550) selectively moves a front end of the trestle upwards along the ramp, thereby delivering a joint of pipe to the rig floor. The trough may optionally be moved along the trough carrier and out over the rig floor to aid in delivery.

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: The trailer is operative to carry tubulars (drill collars or drill pipe) to a service rig and raise them to the level of the rig floor so that the rig elevators can latch onto them and stand them up in the derrick. The trailer has a roller-equipped carriage operative to move along tracks supported by and extending lengthwise of the trailer frame. An elongate flat bed is pivotally mounted at its front end to the trailer frame. The bed's rear end can be raised by a scissor hoist connected between the carriage and the rear end of the bed. The bed has grooves extending lengthwise thereof in which the tubulars sit. Thus the trailer can be backed up to within a few feet from the well. The rear end of the bed can be raised and the carriage and bed can be advanced rearwardly to bring the rear ends of the tubulars within reach of the rig elevators.

Abstract: A device for handling pipes or stands including a transportation carriage for transport of pipes or stands between a pipe storage and a place for use. The carriage includes picking columns, each having a first picking arm arranged to move substantially vertically. The arms are capable of lifting at least one horizontal pipe or stand from the pipe storage. The picking columns are also equipped with a respective second picking arm, capable of motion substantially vertically on the opposite side of the picking column, to hold the pipe or stand between the first and second picking arms. Also described are a storage device and a pipe erecting device to be used together with the transportation carriage.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a tubular (9) to a well centre, which apparatus comprises means (13, 14) which, in use, inhibit swinging motion of the tubular (9) whilst it is suspended from an elevator.

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

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus for transporting a joint of pipe between a position adjacent a pipe storage rack and a rig floor elevated above the pipe storage rack is provided. The pipe handling apparatus includes a support frame, substantially horizontally disposed platform supported by the support frame having a pipe receiving groove formed therein for receiving the joint of pipe, a carriage member, and a pusher member. The carriage member is movable from a lowered position wherein the joint of pipe which is positioned in the pipe receiving groove of the platform is supported in a substantially horizontal position and a raised position wherein the carriage member supports a first end of the joint of pipe at an elevated position relative to an opposed second end of the joint of pipe. The pusher member is movable along the pipe receiving groove between a retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: The drilling vessel includes at least one floating body and a platform which is supported by one or more support columns on the floating body and includes a drilling installation. The vessel is provided with storage provisions for tubular drilling equipment. The storage provisions include one or more shafts which are disposed in one or more of the support columns, extend downwards from the platform and in which a number of items of the drilling equipment can be vertically disposed.