Abstract: A drilling apparatus including a magazine for holding a plurality of pipes, and a drive head is disclosed herein. The drive head includes a drive member adapted to be coupled to a pipe. The drive member is aligned along a drive axis. The drilling apparatus includes a first drive mechanism for rotating the drive member about the drive axis, and a second drive mechanism for moving the drive member axially along the drive axis. The drilling apparatus also includes a pipe transfer member for transferring pipes between the magazine and the drive head. The pipe transfer member defines a pipe receiving region for receiving a pipe. The pipe transfer member is movable between a first orientation in which the pipe receiving region is located under to the magazine, and a second orientation in which the pipe receiving region is located under the drive axis of the drive head.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring tubular stands between a substantially horizontal position on the catwalk and a substantially vertical position at the rig floor entry. In one embodiment of the invention, this is accomplished by moving bundles of individual tubulars to the process area, where a stand make-up/break-out machine, also called a bucking machine, makes up the tubular stands. The bucking machine aligns and stabs the connections and makes up the connection to the correct torque. The tubular stand is then transferred from the bucking machine to a stand storage area or to a trolley pick-up area. When additional stands are needed by the drilling operation, a trolley is moved into position over the trolley pick-up area to retrieve the stands previously placed in the trolley pick-up area. The stands are clamped to the trolley and the trolley is moved from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position at the rig floor entry.

Abstract: A pipe handling device with an auxiliary pipe loading device for use with a horizontal boring machine is disclosed. The auxiliary pipe loading device includes an auxiliary pipe receiving member that is connected to a pipe handling assembly at a location remote from the boring machine. The pipe receiving member is adapted to receive and support a pipe section when the pipe handling assembly is retracted such that the auxiliary pipe receiving member is positioned beyond the magazine of the pipe handling device. The auxiliary pipe receiving member is pivotally connected to a lockout assembly that is operable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the lockout assembly prevents a pipe section from entering the auxiliary pipe receiving member. Whereas in the open position, the lockout assembly permits a pipe section to be manually placed in the auxiliary pipe receiving member.

Abstract: Device for handling pipes or stands, comprising a transportation carriage (2) for transport of pipes or stands (33) between a pipe storage (1, 101) and a place for use. The carriage comprises picking columns (12, 13), each having a first picking arm (19) arranged to move substantially vertical. The arms (19) are capable of lifting at least one horizontal pipe or stand (33) from the pipe storage (1, 101). The picking columns are also equipped with a respective second picking arm (18), capable of motion substantially vertically on the opposite side of the picking column (12, 13), to hold the pipe or stand (33) between the first and second picking arms (18, 19). Also described are a storage device (1) and a pipe erecting device (201) to be used together with the transportation carriage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring tubular stands between a substantially horizontal position on the catwalk and a substantially vertical position at the rig floor entry. In one embodiment of the invention, this is accomplished by moving bundles of individual tubulars to the process area, where a stand make-up/break-out machine, also called a bucking machine, makes up the tubular stands. The bucking machine aligns and stabs the connections and makes up the connection to the correct torque. The tubular stand is then transferred from the bucking machine to a stand storage area or to a trolley pick-up area. When additional stands are needed by the drilling operation, a trolley is moved into position over the trolley pick-up area to retrieve the stands previously placed in the trolley pick-up area. The stands are clamped to the trolley and the trolley is moved from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position at the rig floor entry.

Abstract: A pipe handling system is designed for use on an offshore structure, particularly an offshore structure provided with a cantilevered drill floor. The pipe handling system allows to handle significantly longer sections of tubulars, up to 100 feet, if necessary. The pipe handling system transports the pipes from a horizontal pipe rack adjacent to a drill floor to a vertical orientation in a set-back area of the drill floor where the drill string or casing is made up for lowering down hole. The cantilevered drill floor allows to save valuable platform space, while not significantly increasing the cost of the drilling rig. The pipe handling system, while increasing the length of handled tubulars, reduces the number of joints for making of a drill string, thereby significantly reducing the cost of pipe handling operations.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for transferring pipe between a storage device for the pipe and a pipe string extending over a well.

Abstract: A portable pipe irrigation system that is used primarily for temporary drip and sprinkler installations includes a unique trailer that comprises a platform which simplifies installation and removal of the irrigation system. The trailer is either self propelled or pulled by a tractor. A magazine in the central portion of the trailer is of a sufficient length to accommodate pipe of various lengths and cross sections. A work platform is located at either end of the magazine, allowing workers to manipulate the pipe in the magazine and load the pipe into one of two installation chutes. Catwalks are located on one or both sides of the magazine. Two chutes or channels are located on the platform at a comfortable work level. A primary chute is located closest to the magazine and is fitted with a fixed stop on the front end and a pushing lever on the rear end. A secondary chute is provided for final assembly of the pipe sections.

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: A drilling apparatus including a magazine for holding a plurality of pipes, and a drive head is disclosed herein. The drive head includes a drive member adapted to be coupled to a pipe. The drive member is aligned along a drive axis. The drilling apparatus includes a first drive mechanism for rotating the drive member about the drive axis, and a second drive mechanism for moving the drive member axially along the drive axis. The drilling apparatus also includes a pipe transfer member for transferring pipes between the magazine and the drive head. The pipe transfer member defines a pipe receiving region for receiving a pipe. The pipe transfer member is movable between a first orientation in which the pipe receiving region is located under the magazine, and a second orientation in which the pipe receiving region is located adjacent to the drive axis of the drive head.

Abstract: A drilling machine 1 with a drill pipe holder 10 to be operated automatically in boring as well as in pulling, disposes over a gripper 20, which is constructed rotatably about an axis 21 and beyond that also axially displaceably, and has a telescoping support arm 22. The pipes 8, 9 can be arranged, i.e. stored, inserted into one another in pipe depositories 11, 12, 13 forming a partial circle 15 and can also be pulled out of them and swiveled into the drilling axis 7 with the aid of the gripper 20. When pulling the drilling string, the pipes 8, 9 can then be individually fanned out into the pipe depositories 11, 12, 13 and then later on the outer pipes 8 can be slid over. The entire process is operated automatically with the gripper 20.

Abstract: A drilling tool magazine and a horizontal boring machine having a drilling tool magazine in which automatic and reliable handling and access to any of the drilling tools to be handled is ensured, the drilling tool magazine (10) which is particularly suitable for horizontal boring machines (5) is fitted with a plurality of tool bays (12) so as to receive tools (8) in an essentially horizontal position; these tool bays are each formed by at least one drive catch (14) movable along a conveyance path.

Abstract: A horizontal directional drilling machine including a rod transfer member having a rod retainer that is movable between a first position and a second position. When the rod retainer is in the first position, the rod retainer is adapted to retain a pipe on the transfer member. By contrast, when the rod retainer is in the second position, a rod can be moved from the transfer member without being obstructed by the rod retainer. A sensor is provided for detecting when a pipe is positioned on the pipe transfer member, and for causing the rod retainer to automatically move from the second position to the first position when a rod is detected.

Abstract: A method for blocking a pocket of a multi-pocket feed structure used to feed rods to and from a magazine of a directional drilling machine. The method includes providing a blocker at a non-blocking position, engaging the blocker with the feed structure, and extending the feed structure from beneath the magazine while the blocker engages and moves in concert with the feed structure. The method also includes disengaging the blocker from the feed structure after the feed structure has been extended, retracting the feed structure relative to the blocker until the blocker is positioned in a first blocking position in which at least one of the pockets of the feed structure is blocked, and re-engaging the blocker with the feed structure once the blocker is oriented in the first blocking position.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling a plurality of tubular members. The apparatus comprises A tong member for coupling a first tubular with a second tubular. A first axial roller is positioned on the first side of the tong member and a second axial roller is positioned on the second side of the tong member. A hydraulic power pack is used to provide power to the first roller, the second roller, and the tong member. A first Y-frame roller is positioned on the first side of the tong means, and a second Y-frame roller positioned on the second side of the tong member. In the preferred embodiment, the axial and Y-frame rollers are connected to a support member, with the first axial roller being configured for movement of the plurality of tubular members in a longitudinal direction and the second Y-frame rollers being configured for movement of the plurality of tubular member in a radial direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drilling vessel with drilling tower or drilling mast for drilling in the earth's surface from said vessel, for example for oil or gas. The drilling vessel according to the present invention is characterized by an auxiliary tower or mast placed next to the drilling tower or drilling mast, and a clamp carriage which is fixed so that it is movable between a first position near the drilling tower or drilling mast and a second position near the auxiliary tower or auxiliary mast, said clamp carriage having at least one gripping clamp for clamping the drill string. The presence of an auxiliary tower or auxiliary mast next to the drilling tower or drilling mast means that a substantial time gain can be achieved during the construction and dismantling of the drilling string.

Abstract: A magazine for holding a plurality of pipes, and a drive head including a drive member adapted to be coupled to a pipe. The drive member is aligned along a drive axis. The drilling apparatus includes a first drive mechanism for rotating the drive member about the drive axis, and a second drive mechanism for moving the drive member axially along the drive axis. The drilling apparatus also includes a pipe transfer member for transferring pipes between the magazine and the drive head. The pipe transfer member defines a pipe receiving region for receiving a pipe. The pipe transfer member is movable between a first orientation in which the pipe receiving region is located adjacent to the magazine, and a second orientation in which the pipe receiving region is located adjacent to the drive axis of the drive head.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magazine and manipulation apparatus for drilling rod parts for a drill, having a rod magazine in which the drilling rod parts are received in a multi-layered arrangement in a store, and having a removal device for transferring the individual drilling rod parts from the rod magazine into a charging device which transports the drilling rod part to the drill and for returning the drilling rod parts from the charging device to the rod magazine.

Abstract: Pipe handling apparatus to move tubulars from a horizontal position on a piperack adjacent a well bore to a vertical position over the wall center or mousehole. A bicep arm assembly is pivotally connected to a base plate. A forearm assembly is pivotally attached to the distant end of the bicep arm assembly and a gripper head is pivotally connected to the distant end of the forearm assembly. The bicep arm assembly is mounted to the structure of the drill rig.

Abstract: A sucker rod cradle for storage, handling and transportation of sucker rods comprises in combination a base frame having forklift pockets, a plurality of upright cradle arms spaced along the base frame and extending perpendicular to the base frame. The cradle arms having channels to receive ends of spacers for stacks of sucker rods. The cradle arms may also receive ends of bundle spacers to permit transport of bundles of multiple rods. The base frame may be made up of spaced apart beams interconnected by cross members. The ends of the base frame may also include U-shaped bars to provide for crane lifting of the sucker rod cradle. The base frame may also include drip pans to contain contaminants dripping from the bundles of sucker rods. The cradle apparatus provides a very convenient system for storage, transport and on sight handling of sucker rods used in oil field facilities.