BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIGS. 1 and 2 are intended only to show the relationship between the novel comb arrangement relative to the derrick and the rig floor. Only the pivot axis of the comb and the lines of expected movement of pipe stands being racked are related to details of construction illustrated by other Figs. supplied.
FIG. 1 is a side view, truncated, of a symbolic derrick, with combs in place.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of a symbolic rig floor, with the lower combs in place.
FIG. 3 is a top view of the comb assembly, minus folding power cylinders.
FIG. 4 is a side view, mostly cut away, and somewhat enlarged, of the preferred individual extension finger mechanism. They shown retracted.
FIG. 5 is the same as FIG. 4, but with the finger extension advanced.
FIG. 6 is a side view of the comb assembly, folded upward against a side of the derrick.
FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6, but the comb is pivoted to the pipe racking position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
In the formal drawings, some features that do not bear upon points of novelty and are common to those skilled in the art of machine construction are omitted in the interest of descriptive clarity. Weld lines, threaded junctions, pins, threaded fasteners, and the like are omitted.
FIG. 1 shows derrick A, center line of a suspended pipe stand B, rig floor K, the foldable comb assemblies D1 and D2, and the arc of the ends of the folding fingers E1 and E2. The separated pipe stands are moved to lines C1 or C2 by the racking hoist in preparation for movement to the racking areas. The rigs now in use have the monkey board M, and racking fingers L1 and L2. In future use, men will not likely work on the monkey board, while racking pipe, but it will likely remain in place. Control lines CL (note 3b & 12, FIGS. 4 and 6) lead to a selected position P.
FIG. 2 shows a symbolic rig floor K, symbolic rotary table H, the comb assembly areas F1 and F2, the pivot axis of the foldable combs G1 and G2, and paths J1 and J2 traversed by a suspended pipe stand.
FIG. 3 shows the typical comb assembly. Spine 1 is pivotally supported by brackets 2, which attach to an adjustment frame (not shown), fingers 3 which are welded to the spine, lifting and control levers 4 which are welded to the spine, the telescopic extensions 5, a pipe stand 6, moving along the path for stacking, the same pipe stand 7 engaging an extension 5, and several stands 8 of pipe already in the racked position. The extensions 5 are extended, in their turn, to stop the movement of the next stand when a previously loaded finger carries its limit of stands.
FIG. 4 shows one finger 3, in cut away, with power cylinder 3a (a linear motor) secured within the finger connected to finger extension 5 by rod 3c. Power is supplied by tubes 3b.
FIG. 5 is identical to FIG. 4 but the power cylinder has extended extension 5 from the end of the finger. The fluid power needed to extend each finger is supplied from a location of choice, individually through lines 3b, collectively through lines 12 of FIGS. 5 and 6. To remote locations the collection of lines are CL, FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 shows the comb assembly in the folded position. Spine 1 rotates about the axis G1 (see FIG. 1) to fold and deploy. Brackets 2 are shown attached to a committed frame 10 which may be variably positioned and secured to the derrick structure 11. Optionally, brackets 2 may be secured directly to the derrick structure 11. Positioning and control cylinder 9 is shown secured to the frame 10. In the absence of frame 10, the cylinder would be secured to the derrick structure. The fluid power for each cylinder 3a, lines 3b, is supplied by the manifold and lines, shown symbolically as 12. Lines 13 to cylinder 9 may be included in line collection CL of FIGS. 1 and 2.
FIG. 7 is identical to FIG. 6, but in the deployed position. The caption D1 represents the overall finger assembly, caption 3 is the specific finger shown. Finger extension 5 is shown extended.
Motors, as defined herein may include rotary or linear motors, either electric or fluid powered.
From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all of the ends and objects hereinabove set forth, together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the apparatus.
It will be understood that certain features and sub-combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.
As many possible embodiments may be made of the apparatus of this invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
Patent Application
20080047752
