Abstract: The invention relates to a control for at least one retainer of a transfer device for a rod section of a ground drilling device, wherein the ground drilling device is configured for moving a drill string, and the transfer device is configured for transferring the received rod section from a position in a rod magazine to a position on the drill string or vice versa, and the control is configured to move the retainer between a position above the rod magazine and the position on the drill string while the drill string is still moving.

Abstract: A tubular handling system for conducting subterranean operations is disclosed and can include a first tubular handling system and a second tubular handling system. The first tubular handling system can include a bridge disposed within a tubular storage area, an arm pivotally coupled to the bridge, and a gripper coupled to the arm and adapted to engage with a tubular in the tubular storage area. The second tubular handling system can include a support structure, a first tubular handler coupled to the support structure, and a second tubular handler coupled to the support structure and distinct from the first tubular handling system.

Abstract: Drilling installation comprising a cantilever with a drilling floor for performing drilling operations; further comprising an independent operations handling system arranged for handling equipment underneath the drilling floor independent of the drilling operations on the drilling floor, wherein the independent operations handling system comprises a handling element for cooperation with the equipment to be handled, wherein the handling element is extendible underneath the cantilever.

Abstract: The invention relates in general to pipe handling apparatus to position pipe through a range of horizontal and vertical positions. In one embodiment a pipe handling apparatus comprises a longitudinal base having a longitudinal axis, a boom carrying member slidably mounted to the longitudinal base for axial movement there-along, member actuating means operable to move the boom carrying member axially relative to the longitudinal base, a boom supported by the boom carrying member, the boom having a trough adapted for receiving at least one section of pipe therein and boom actuating means operable to raise and lower the boom.

Abstract: Pipe handling apparatus and methods intended to facilitate the transportation of pipe between a rig floor and a rack of pipe. The pipe handling apparatus comprise in general a loading mechanism, which transports pipe between the pipe handler and a rig, and a racking mechanism, which transport pipe between a rack and the loader. The racking mechanism is adapted to selectively transport pipe from and deliver it to various levels in a rack of pipe. The racker comprises a pair of elevators, each of which has a pipe rest which is moveable between a hold position, in which pipe may be received therein and is restricted from rolling out of the pipe rest, and a release position, in which release position pipe may roll out of the pipe rest.

Abstract: A pipe conveyor apparatus for transporting a joint of pipe between a pipe storage rack and a rig floor elevated above the pipe storage rack. The apparatus includes at least two boom assemblies and a drive assembly. The boom assemblies are positioned such that booms are positioned in a spaced apart, parallel relationship relative to one another so that pipe support lugs of the booms are positioned to support at least two joints of pipe in a spaced apart and substantially horizontal position with the ends of the pipe positioned in a non-contact relationship with respect to the booms. The drive assembly is operably connected to the pipe support lugs in such a way that the pipe support lugs are movable in unison so as to move the joints of pipe between the proximal end and the distal end of the booms.

Abstract: A tubular delivery stand utilized for lifting a length of pipe to a desired level is disclosed. The tubular delivery stand may also serve as a support stand for a pipe pickup and laydown apparatus in order to increase the height of the lift capable by the referenced pickup and laydown apparatus. The tubular delivery stand is constructed of two similarly configured stand sub-frames that are pinned together at their base to form a complete stand frame. Elevator columns that support an elevator assembly is provided for raising and lowering pipe along the side of the deliver stand. A pipe removal assembly is provided for laying down pipe onto a pipe rack.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for moving pipe between pipe storage racks and a pipe handler on a pipe deck of a drilling rig. The apparatus is capable of retrieving pipe from tiered stacks of pipe in a pipe rack located behind Samson posts, and moving the pipe up and over the Samson posts onto a pipe stand or pipe handler.

Abstract: A system for connecting a gullwing to a catwalk comprising a gullwing pin movable in an indexer groove that enables a foot pad of the gullwing to remain stationary relative to the catwalk when the gullwing is raised or lowered.

Abstract: A kicker/indexer is provided for a pipe handler for moving pipe to and from the drill floor of a drilling rig. The kicker/indexer includes a frame that is configured to attach to a catwalk, a push block drive assembly for receiving and pushing pipe towards a trough located on the catwalk, and a kicker drive assembly for pushing pipe out of the trough. A pipe handler is provided that includes a catwalk attached to a lower frame with a pair of scissor-legs and a trough nested therein, the trough having an end that can be raised and moved towards the drill floor. The trough can further have a skate slidably disposed thereon to pushing pipe on the trough towards to the drill floor.

Abstract: A cartridge of tubulars may be removably positioned with a carriage, and the carriage may move the cartridge transversely, vertically, and/or rotationally to roll tubulars on an adjacent tubular receiving member using only gravity from a selected tier of tubulars without human contact. A single trolley disposed with the tubular receiving member both pushes and pulls tubulars toward or away from the drilling deck.

Abstract: For use in loading heavy sticks of plastic pipe into a pipe fusion machine, a pipe storage rack with hydraulically powered pipe stick dispensers and stands allows sticks of pipe stored on the rack to roll gravitationally onto a rocking V-shaped dispenser cam disposed between the rack and the fusion machine loading path for one-stick-at-a-time loading onto powered track and roller stands which enable Cartesian manipulation of the stick into the fusion machine. The cam is adjustable to suit pipe stick diameters ranging from 20? to 48?. Many sticks can be stored at one time, releasing heavy lifting equipment and operators to work elsewhere. The process requires only one operator using a pendant controller and the pipe sticks are handled by heavy equipment only when being loaded onto the racks.

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 skid mounted walkway with pipe moving elements for moving pipe in a desired direction. In one embodiment, a first walkway and a second walkway comprise at least one movable portion movable to one or more positions to urge pipe away from and/or towards a pipe receptacle and/or away from or towards pipe arm and/or away from or towards a pipe tub. In another embodiment, the moveable portion is retracted.

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: A drilling apparatus includes a drill rig which defines a drilling rod axis, a rod magazine for a plurality of rod sections, and a transfer device for transfer of a rod section from the rod magazine and for transfer of the rod section in the drilling rod axis. The transfer device is hereby constructed to travel in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the rod section in relation to the rod magazine.

Abstract: A pipe conveyor apparatus for transporting a joint of pipe between a pipe storage rack and a rig floor elevated above the pipe storage rack. The apparatus includes at least two boom assemblies and a drive assembly. The boom assemblies are positioned such that booms are positioned in a spaced apart, parallel relationship relative to one another so that pipe support lugs of the booms are positioned to support at least two joints of pipe in a spaced apart and substantially horizontal position with the ends of the pipe positioned in a non-contact relationship with respect to the booms. The drive assembly is operably connected to the pipe support lugs in such a way that the pipe support lugs are movable in unison so as to move the joints of pipe between the proximal end and the distal end of the booms.

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 system has a pipe handling apparatus with an arm between a first position and a second position, a derrick having a window through which the pipe handling system delivers a pipe to a wellhead, 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: 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: A cartridge of tubulars may be removably positioned with a carriage, and the carriage may move the cartridge transversely, vertically, and/or rotationally to roll tubulars on an adjacent tubular receiving member using only gravity from a selected tier of tubulars without human contact. A single trolley disposed with the tubular receiving member both pushes and pulls tubulars toward or away from the drilling deck.

Abstract: A kicker/indexer is provided for a pipe handler for moving pipe to and from the drill floor of a drilling rig. The kicker/indexer includes a frame that is configured to attach to a catwalk, a push block drive assembly for receiving and pushing pipe towards a trough located on the catwalk, and a kicker drive assembly for pushing pipe out of the trough. A pipe handler is provided that includes a catwalk attached to a lower frame with a pair of scissor-legs and a trough nested therein, the trough having an end that can be raised and moved towards the drill floor. The trough can further have a skate slidably disposed thereon to pushing pipe on the trough towards to the drill floor.

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: In one aspect the invention provides a tubular handling system for use with a catwalk and a plurality of tubulars arranged in at least one tier and positioned substantially parallel adjacent the catwalk. The system comprises a tiering assembly positioned between said at least one tier and the catwalk and pipe rolling means adapted to move one or more of said tubular between said at least one tier and the tiering assembly in a sequential bi-directional manner. Preferably, the pipe rolling means comprises an auger, auger drive means and an auger positioning assembly.

Abstract: This application relates to a pipe storage and handling system having a stationary frame, a tilting frame moveably coupled to the stationary frame, a pipe rack moveably coupled to the tilting frame and an arm. The pipe rack includes a storage end configured to support a plurality of pipes. The tilting frame includes a loading end and is moveable between a loading position where the loading end is positioned at a higher elevation than the storage end and an unloading position wherein the storage end is positioned at a higher elevation than the loading end. The system includes an arm to engage a single pipe and move the single pipe onto or off of the tilting frame. The pipe rack may move the pipes vertically relative to the tilting frame. The pipe rack may support a cartridge for retaining the pipes. The system may include a pipe erector.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus includes a drill rig which defines a drilling rod axis, a rod magazine for a plurality of rod sections, and a transfer device for transfer of a rod section from the rod magazine and for transfer of the rod section in the drilling rod axis. The transfer device is hereby constructed to travel in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the rod section in relation to the rod magazine.

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 cartridge of tubulars may be removably positioned with a carriage, and the carriage may move the cartridge transversely, vertically, and/or rotationally to roll tubulars on an adjacent tubular receiving member using only gravity from a selected tier of tubulars without human contact. A single trolley disposed with the tubular receiving member both pushes and pulls tubulars toward or away from the drilling deck.

Abstract: An active, smartpipe stand (apparatus and method) for feeding and receiving pipe in a horizontal orientation to and from a pipe handling apparatus has a first pipe-lifting mechanism, a second pipe-lifting mechanism, and a pipe-rotating mechanism positioned between the first and second pipe-lifting mechanisms. The bottom of the first pipe-lifting mechanism is connected to the skid of the pipe handling apparatus. The bottom of the second pipe-lifting mechanism is connected to the skid of the pipe handling apparatus. The bottom of the pipe-rotating mechanism is connected to the skid of the pipe handling apparatus. Individual tubulars are unloaded, prepared, staged and sequenced, assembled and presented for delivery from horizontal to vertical. The pipe stand is positioned under the boom of the pipe handling apparatus when the apparatus is in the first position. The pipe stand extends within the skid structure.

Abstract: A method to add a joint of pipe to a conductor string includes securing the conductor string with a spider, grasping an upper end of the joint of pipe with a segmented-ring elevator, engaging a plurality of slips of the elevator with an outer profile of the joint of pipe, raising the grasped joint of pipe from non-vertical to vertical, positioning the vertical joint of pipe atop the secured conductor string, attaching the joint of pipe to the conductor string, releasing the conductor string from the spider, and retaining the joint of pipe and the conductor string with the segmented-ring elevator.

Abstract: A teeter beam assembly is provided for attachment to a pipe launcher that can be tilted towards or away from the pipe launcher to move joints of drilling pipe on to or off of the pipe launcher by rolling pipes with the assistance of gravity. The teeter beams assembly can consist of a frame, a pair of vertical guide assemblies on each of the outer and inner ends of the frame, a longitudinal beam glidably coupled to the guide assemblies and a pair of rams coupling the beam to the frame for raising and lowering either end of the beam with respect to the frame.

Abstract: Modular storage units for handling and storing tubulars in vertical columns, methods for handling and transporting tubulars horizontally in vertical columns, and systems for handling and transporting tubulars horizontally in vertical columns are provided.

Abstract: A pipe handling system comprises a pipe rack moveably coupled to a stationary frame. The pipe rack is configured to support a plurality of pipes between a loading end and a storage end. The pipe rack is moveable between a loading position where the loading end is positioned at a higher elevation than the storage end and an unloading position wherein the storage end is positioned at a higher elevation than the loading end. An arm is rotatably coupled to the loading end of the rack and is configured to engage a single pipe and move the single pipe onto or off of the pipe rack.

Abstract: Methods and systems of handling pipe. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods of handling pipe comprising placing a pipe on a conveyor when the conveyor is below a floor of a drilling rig (the pipe originating selectively from a first side of the conveyor or a second side of the conveyor, the second side opposite the first side), and raising the conveyor to be in operational relationship to the floor of the drilling rig.

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 transport rig having at least one duel axel, with a single point suspension. The transport rig has at least two pneumatic independently and vertically adjustable load supporting axels. A rig floor is mounted above the axels. The rig floor can have a drawworks assembly, a drive engine operatively connected to the drawworks assembly, and a second engine for providing hydraulic power.

Abstract: A synchronizer device is used for coordinating drill rod transfer mechanisms utilized in connection with transferring the drill rod between a drill rod magazine and the drill string in a horizontal directional drilling rig. The synchronizer device may transfer the movement from a first transfer mechanism to a second transfer mechanism, wherein the first transfer mechanism is powered and the apparatus acts as the motive force to move a second non-powered transfer mechanism. Alternatively, the synchronizer device may coordinate and synchronize the movement between a first and a second powered transfer mechanism. The synchronizer shaft is rotationally supported by bearings mounted on the rack frame of an HDD rig. The synchronizer shaft includes a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end. First and second ears are mounted on or proximate the first end and the second end of the synchronizer shaft respectively.

Abstract: A handling assembly for pipe sections for a horizontal directional drill includes a thrust frame and a pipe handler assembly track that is attached to the thrust frame so as to define a pipe section transfer location. The handling assembly also includes a pipe handler carrier that is mounted on the pipe handler assembly track and a magazine that is mounted adjacent to the pipe handler carrier and adapted to discharge a pipe section from the bottom of a selected column to the pipe section transfer location. The pipe handler carrier may be moved along the pipe handler assembly track to a plurality of positions in each of which a pipe section at the bottom of a column of the magazine is aligned with the transfer location, and a column selector rod is mounted with respect to the thrust frame so as to selectively locate the pipe handler carrier along the pipe handler assembly track at a position to align a column of the magazine with the pipe section transfer location.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for handling pipe sections, preferably for use with a drilling head. The apparatus includes a storage bin defining a substantially fixed bin dispensing position, a transfer device for individually transferring a pipe section between the bin dispensing position and a pipe transfer position, and a handling device for individually moving the pipe section between the pipe transfer position and a drilling head interface position. The method includes presenting a pipe section to the bin dispensing position, moving the transfer device to the bin dispensing position to engage the pipe section at the bin dispensing position, transferring the pipe section with the transfer device from the bin dispensing position to the pipe transfer position, engaging the pipe section with the handling device at the pipe transfer position, and moving the pipe section with the handling device from the pipe transfer position to the drilling head interface position.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns methods and apparatuses for managing drill rods in horizontal direction drilling, among other things.

Abstract: Mechanical stops are utilized on a rod transfer mechanism, with the stops being offset vertically from one another, to index the rod transfer mechanism of an HDD machine under the appropriate column of a drill rod storage magazine. The stops engage a moveable block which is moved by the operator using a block position selector device. The stops are arranged such that each stop corresponds to a respective column of the magazine. Accordingly, the rod transfer mechanism moves transversely away from the longitudinal axis of the drill string until the selected stop engages the block. The block position selector device is preferably located at the HDD machine operator's station. A cable slidably received within a jacket is employed between the position selector and the block to raise and lower the block.

Abstract: A pipe conveyor system which operates to assemble and disassemble a plurality of pipes.

Abstract: This application relates to a pipe storage and handling system having a stationary frame, a tilting frame moveably coupled to the stationary frame, a pipe rack moveably coupled to the tilting frame and an arm. The pipe rack includes a storage end configured to support a plurality of pipes. The tilting frame includes a loading end and is moveable between a loading position where the loading end is positioned at a higher elevation than the storage end and an unloading position wherein the storage end is positioned at a higher elevation than the loading end. The system includes an arm to engage a single pipe and move the single pipe onto or off of the tilting frame. The pipe rack may move the pipes vertically relative to the tilting frame. The pipe rack may support a cartridge for retaining the pipes. The system may include a pipe erector.

Abstract: An pipe handling assembly for transporting pipe sections to and from a horizontal boring machine. The system comprises a movable magazine, a support member, a drive system, and a transfer assembly. The drive system may move the magazine laterally on the support member or may pivot the magazine. The transfer assembly transfers pipe sections between the magazine and the spindle connection area. The magazine and the support frame are disposed above the spindle connection area such that only empty columns of the magazine are outside of the footprint of the boring machine.

Abstract: A system for adjusting the height of a boom on a pipe handling apparatus. A cavity is formed in the base between proximal and distal ends. The boom is nestable in said cavity and has a distal end guided along the base. A pivoting member is pivotally coupled to said boom for raising a proximal end for positioned adjacent a work floor for handling of pipe therebetween. A plurality of ports are arranged along the boom at a pre-determined spacing. A plurality of ports are is similarly arranged along the same predetermined spacing along the pivoting member. The spacing of the boom and arm ports is such that a hinge pin can engage any one of corresponding pairs of boom and arm port when the boom is lowered to nestle inside the cavity as each boom port corresponds with an arm port.

Abstract: The invention is a transporting apparatus for holding lengths of tubulars and transporting tubulars to a drill floor of a drill rig, wherein the transport container for tubulars has a bottom side, a two sides connected to the bottom side, and two ends connected to the bottom side and the sides, wherein there is at least two tubular supports for supporting a plurality of tubulars secured to the two sides adapted to support a row of tubulars and to act as a guide to allow the tubulars to be inserted upward or downward into the container, each support is made of at least two parallel upright members for slidingly receiving an end of a tubular and preventing horizontal movement of the tubulars perpendicular to the side and at least one connector is located on one end and a second connector is located on the other end.

Abstract: Stands (43) of multiple lengths of drill pipe, for oil and gas drilling are individually supported in a storage bin (28, 29) in an array of plural layers of plural numbers of stands. The individual stands are held in cooperating notches (41, 42) in vertically aligned support sleepers (38, 39) so that each stand experiences loads due only to its own weight and motions of a bin frame (13) where, as preferred, the frame is supported on a drillship deck (12). Sleepers between stand layers are indexable between positions in the array and outside the array. A bridge crane (32, 33) spans the length of the bin and is moveable transversely above it. The bridge crane carries vertically movable magnetic lifting heads (47) for lifting, holding and releasing an individual pipe stand. The crane can move a stand between a supported position in the bin array and a supported position on a power-driven carriage (18, 49) which is movable along a path along an upper part of a side of the bin (28, 29).

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 inserting or removing a string of tubulars from a borehole includes a makeup/break out mechanism which is capable of adding a tubular to or removing a tubular from the string and handling mechanism which feeds a tubular into, or removes a tubular from, the make up/break out mechanism. The make up/break out mechanism is moveable along the direction parallel to the axial direction of the string, such that the string may be substantially continuously inserted into or removed from the borehole.