Pipe handling apparatus and methods
US8033779B2 · kind B2 · utility
20Cited by
52References
19Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 31, 2008 |
| Grant date | Oct 11, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 26, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/32467
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.