Abstract: A transport device for transporting elongated substrates through a vacuum coating system comprises an essentially rectangular frame and two groups of holding elements, which are rotatably mounted on opposite sides of the frame in such a manner that any pair of opposite holding elements can be connected to both ends of a substrate. Furthermore, at least one retainer bar is provided that is operatively connected to a group of holding elements in such a manner that the holding elements of this group are moveable in order to increase or decrease by choice their distance from the holding elements of the other group. Also provided are a loading and unloading device for loading and unloading the transport device, and a method for loading and unloading the transport device.

Abstract: A casing pipe and drill rod handler for joining the drill rod in a casing pipe. A pipe sled is provided on a drilling rig, the pipe sled comprising an elongated track with a cart slidably mounted on the track to accommodate the casing pipe. A drill rod guide is provided at one end of the track to guide a drill rod as it is positioned and then inserted into the casing pipe.

Abstract: A trailer-mounted pipe-handling apparatus has an elongate cradle swivelable about a longitudinal swivel axis for loading or offloading pipe at a well site. With the cradle horizontal, and swiveled into a loading position, loading arms receive a pipe from a loading rack, whereupon kicker members move the pipe from the loading arms into the cradle. With the cradle swiveled into a neutral position supporting the pipe, a swing arm raises one end of the cradle while simultaneously drawing its other end horizontally along a base track, thus placing the cradle in a tilted configuration. The raised end of the pipe can thus be positioned above the floor of a drilling rig or service rig for connection to the rig hoist, which can then lift the pipe out of the cradle. Pipe may be removed from the well using a similar, reverse procedure. The rig hoist positions a removed pipe in the tiltingly elevated cradle, which is then lowered to the horizontal position.

Abstract: An apparatus for pulling a first pipe into contact with a stationary second pipe includes a strut having a first end and second end. A force generating apparatus is mounted to the strut, and is configured for pulling the first pipe relative to the second pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for pulling a first pipe into contact with a stationary second pipe includes a frame and a strut pivotally mounted to the frame about a first pivot axis, the strut having a first end and second end. A pivot assembly is pivotally mounted to the frame about the first pivot axis. A pair of wheels is rotatably mounted to the pivot assembly about a wheel axis. A force generating apparatus is also mounted to the frame, the force generating apparatus configured for pulling the first pipe relative to the second pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for lifting, rotating, and positioning heavy objects using a toggle device attached to a prime mover. The toggle is vertical at rest and can be inserted into the opening in the side of a pipe. The toggle is rendered horizontal inside the pipe by the activation of a solenoid and the pipe can then be lifted by the prime mover. The pipe can be rotated to any desired fixed position by a hydraulic cylinder moving a piston through a piston sleeve having spiral grooves. The entire lifting and positioning of a heavy object with the toggle device can be completed by a single user operating from within the prime mover.

Abstract: Concentric, tubular sections are assembled by first securing annular centralizers and insulation about the external surface of the smaller diameter tube while the tube is horizontally disposed. The larger tube is then vertically aligned and lowered into a recessed area formed below the assembly area work level. A lifting cable, secured at one end to a lifting device, is extended through the smaller diameter tube and attached to a hoisting arrangement that vertically orients the tube concentrically over the larger diameter tube. Spring-loaded legs on the lifting device are manually retracted radially to permit the smaller tube to be lowered concentrically through the larger tube. The inner tube is lowered until the legs spring radially outwardly to engage the base of the larger tube. The entire assembly may then be lifted as a unit by the hoist with the lifting device, establishing the axial positions of the two tubes relative to each other.

Abstract: A line up and connection installation comprises an elongated pipe receiving structure, a line up device for lining up double-walled pipes or pipe components and a connection station for connecting the lined up pipes or pipe components. The line up device has at least two gripper means. The gripper means are each movable in translation in a plane which lies substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the pipe receiving structure. At least one of the gripper means is movable in the axial direction of the pipe receiving structure. The line up device positions a first pipe or component in such a manner with respect to a second pipe or component that they can be connected to one another at their ends in a connection station.

Abstract: An adjustable coupling connector apparatus for accommodating a range of mating excavator couplers. The connector apparatus includes two parallel bars upon which an excavator coupler clamps. One of the bars is fixed in position to risers extending from a connector base. Each end of the other bar is attached to a point off center of a circular plate so that as the plate is rotated, the bar moves laterally relative to the bar axis. The plates are rotatably positioned in holes in the risers, and captivating side plates are welded to the risers for covering a portion of each plate, securing the plates from movement parallel to its axis but allowing the plate to rotate. Holes in the circular plates and side plates are provided, and a bolt is placed through each of the side plates and circular plates for securing each circular plate in a fixed position.

Abstract: A tool for attachment to a working end of an excavator arm for use in supporting a pipe section while lowering it into a trench. The tool has a proximal end from which extends an elongated arm, held in an approximately horizontal position when in use. A vertical riser is attached to the arm at the proximal end, and an upper end of the riser is attached to a quick coupling connector for attachment to a corresponding mating quick coupling on the working end of an excavator arm. A lateral support, extending from each side of the tool is included, making the tool self supporting in a vertical position on level ground in a position ready for connection to an excavator arm. A further embodiment includes the combination of the tool as described above with a leveling device attached to an excavator, a combination that provides precision alignment and joining of pipe lengths in a trench.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a method for racking or unracking pipe to or from a rack and a device to facilitate the process. The method provides a controllable procedure for inserting or withdrawing the pipe that is less dangerous than prior art methods and does not damage the pipe end. The method entails inserting a pipe gripper having an expansion sleeve into an accessible end of a pipe. The expansion sleeve is forced against an inner wall of the pipe, coupling the pipe gripper to the pipe. Depending upon the application, the pipe is then either pushed fully onto the rack or is pulled partially off the rack. For unracking operations, a crane sling is attached to the partially unracked pipe and the pipe is further manipulated off the rack.