US3724567A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for handling column of drill pipe or tubing during drilling or workover operations
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-06-05
•
Granted: 1973-04-03
•
Expires: 1992-06-05
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for removing or installing a column of drill pipe or tubing relative to a well bore during drilling or workover operations wherein the drill string is moved from the well bore preferably in one continuous piece without breaking it into shorter sections, and is moved in an upwardly and radially outwardly curved path from the well bore to a substantially horizontal attitude for storage preferably in a generally circular configuration on the ground or support means for later return to the well bore moving approximately along the same path, and as one piece.
Inventors
- 👤 E Smitherman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 13:54
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B19/00; E21B19/22
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
154 words
A drill pipe storage apparatus usable with a typical well drilling apparatus, which well drilling apparatus incorporates a means for withdrawing an elongate drill string from a well bore being drilled with the well drilling apparatus, comprising: a generally horizontal storage rack adapted to receive and store a pipe string thereon; a lead line adapted to be releasably connected to the pipe string; means for drawing said lead line along a predetermined path leading the pipe string from the mouth of the well bore into said storage rack; means for connecting a mud line to the pipe string, said means adapted to be communicated with a supply of drilling mud and further being adapted to releasably connected with the pipe string for controllably supplying drilling mud thereto; and, said means for drawing said lead line operating continuously to draw a predetermined length of pipe string from the well bore and onto said storage rack.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
154 words
A drill pipe storage apparatus usable with a typical well drilling apparatus, which well drilling apparatus incorporates a means for withdrawing an elongate drill string from a well bore being drilled with the well drilling apparatus, comprising: a generally horizontal storage rack adapted to receive and store a pipe string thereon; a lead line adapted to be releasably connected to the pipe string; means for drawing said lead line along a predetermined path leading the pipe string from the mouth of the well bore into said storage rack; means for connecting a mud line to the pipe string, said means adapted to be communicated with a supply of drilling mud and further being adapted to releasably connected with the pipe string for controllably supplying drilling mud thereto; and, said means for drawing said lead line operating continuously to draw a predetermined length of pipe string from the well bore and onto said storage rack.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The invention of claim 1 including a vertical chain drive for drawing the pipe string from the opening of the well bore.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said pipe string emerges generally Vertically from the well bore opening, and further including a means for redirecting the movement thereof generally toward the horizontal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The invention of claim 3 wherein said means includes at least a pair of guide means through which the pipe string is directed to re-direct its movement from the generally vertical to the generally horizontal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said lead line includes a pivot means thereon.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention of claim 5 wherein said lead line further includes a threadable plug which releasably threads into the pipe string.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
59 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said storage rack includes: a generally circular track; multiple sets of wheels which are movable around said generally circular track; an upwardly facing, generally U-shaped trough supported on said wheels for movement in a circle on said generally circular track; and, motive means for causing relative movement between said trough and said track.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The invention of claim 7 wherein said U-shaped trough is of sufficient width and depth to receive several encircling loops of pipe string therein.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
50 words
The invention of claim 7 wherein said trough has a pair of upstanding walls, one being an inner wall and one being an outer wall, and an opening means is formed in one of said walls cooperative with said means for connecting the pipe string with a supply of mud.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2016067A
Cited
US2453038A
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US2548616A
Cited
US3306357A
Cited
US3313346A
Cited
US3373818A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-04-02 | 1976-10-02 | 1977-04-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-04-02 | 1980-10-02 | 1981-04-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-04-02 | 1984-10-02 | 1985-04-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |