Handling of tube sections in a rig for subsoil drilling
US6527493B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 8, 2001 |
| Grant date | Mar 4, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 8, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B19/20
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A drive unit (1) for a subsoil drilling rig comprises a drive unit (5), an engagement unit (12) for releasably engaging a tube section (13) extending therefrom in a drilling direction and a gripper (15) movable relative to the engagement unit (12) between a first position for gripping a tube engaged by the engagement unit (12) and a second position for gripping a tube section (13) in a transfer position. Supplied tube sections (13) can be handled reliably and movements of supplied tube section (13) can be controlled accurately. Co-ordination of positions and movements between the supplied tube sections (13) and the drive unit (1) is simplified. A drilling rig incorporating such a drive unit (1) and a method employing such a drive unit (1) are described as well.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.