A gear feed system includes a carrier and a mast mounted on the carrier. The mast includes a pair of panels forming opposing sides of the mast along a central axis of the mast. Each of the pair of panels includes a fixed rack attached to an interior surface of the each of the panels. A gear carrier pair includes a gear, a movable rack assembly, and a cylinder. Each of the gear is coupled to one of the panels and each of the gear couples one of the fixed racks to one of the movable rack assemblies (hoist tubes). The cylinder and the movable rack assembly are coupled via the gear wherein an axial movement of the cylinders causes a corresponding axial displacement of the movable rack assemblies.

A gear feed system includes a carrier and a mast mounted on the carrier. The mast includes a pair of panels forming opposing sides of the mast along a central axis of the mast. Each of the pair of panels includes a fixed rack attached to an interior surface of the each of the panels. A gear carrier pair includes a gear, a movable rack assembly, and a cylinder. Each of the gear is coupled to one of the panels and each of the gear couples one of the fixed racks to one of the movable rack assemblies (hoist tubes). The cylinder and the movable rack assembly are coupled via the gear wherein an axial movement of the cylinders causes a corresponding axial displacement of the movable rack assemblies.

A horizontal directional drilling rig is described. The rig can be entirely electrically powered. The performance (or “health”) and/or the life cycle of individual components of the rig can be electronically monitored. This permits identification of specific individual components that are performing in a substandard manner or are not performing properly or have reached the end of their life cycle. Individual improperly performing components or components at the end of their life cycle can thus be specifically identified. The improperly performing component(s) or components at the end of their life cycle can then be replaced. In some embodiments, when a component is identified as performing improperly, the operation of other, properly functioning components of the rig can be modified accordingly to account for the improperly performing component.

A horizontal directional drilling rig is described. The rig can be entirely electrically powered. The performance (or “health”) and/or the life cycle of individual components of the rig can be electronically monitored. This permits identification of specific individual components that are performing in a substandard manner or are not performing properly or have reached the end of their life cycle. Individual improperly performing components or components at the end of their life cycle can thus be specifically identified. The improperly performing component(s) or components at the end of their life cycle can then be replaced. In some embodiments, when a component is identified as performing improperly, the operation of other, properly functioning components of the rig can be modified accordingly to account for the improperly performing component.

An automated rig apparatus for drilling or servicing a well is provided. The apparatus can include a motor vehicle having a frame, and a hinged derrick mast pivotally attached to the frame. The apparatus can further include a rack disposed in the mast and a carriage assembly with pinion motors configured to travel up and down the rack when the mast is raised to a vertical position. A tool carrier configured to receive a top drive unit or a power swivel unit can be attached to the carriage assembly. The apparatus can further include a movable platform and an operators cab configured to be moved to a desired position relative to the derrick mast when the mast is raised to a vertical position. The apparatus can further include a hydraulic drive assembly to operate the apparatus, and a mud pump and manifold for pumping drilling mud.

An automated rig apparatus for drilling or servicing a well is provided. The apparatus can include a motor vehicle having a frame, and a hinged derrick mast pivotally attached to the frame. The apparatus can further include a rack disposed in the mast and a carriage assembly with pinion motors configured to travel up and down the rack when the mast is raised to a vertical position. A tool carrier configured to receive a top drive unit or a power swivel unit can be attached to the carriage assembly. The apparatus can further include a movable platform and an operators cab configured to be moved to a desired position relative to the derrick mast when the mast is raised to a vertical position. The apparatus can further include a hydraulic drive assembly to operate the apparatus, and a mud pump and manifold for pumping drilling mud.

An apparatus includes a carriage movable along a drilling tower, a linking member pivotally coupled to the carriage, at least one actuator extending between the carriage and the linking member to pivot the linking member between first and second pivot positions, and a top drive pivotally coupled to the linking member. According to another aspect, an apparatus includes a drilling tower, a carriage movably coupled to the drilling tower, a linking member pivotally coupled to the carriage to permit the linking member to pivot between first and second pivot positions, and a top drive extending longitudinally in a parallel relation to the drilling tower, the top drive being pivotally coupled to the linking member to permit the top drive to continue to extend longitudinally in a parallel relation to the drilling tower when the linking member pivots between the first and second pivot positions.

An apparatus includes a carriage movable along a drilling tower, a linking member pivotally coupled to the carriage, at least one actuator extending between the carriage and the linking member to pivot the linking member between first and second pivot positions, and a top drive pivotally coupled to the linking member. According to another aspect, an apparatus includes a drilling tower, a carriage movably coupled to the drilling tower, a linking member pivotally coupled to the carriage to permit the linking member to pivot between first and second pivot positions, and a top drive extending longitudinally in a parallel relation to the drilling tower, the top drive being pivotally coupled to the linking member to permit the top drive to continue to extend longitudinally in a parallel relation to the drilling tower when the linking member pivots between the first and second pivot positions.

A system for operation on a subsea well, the system comprising at least one storage unit configured to store tubulars; a subsea mast unit comprising at least two string handling devices configured to handle a tubular string of a plurality of connected tubulars, wherein at least one of the string handling devices is configured to move vertically relative to the other of the string handling devices, and is configured to add a vertical downforce to the tubular string; and at least one handling arrangement for moving tubulars between the at least one storage unit and one of the string handling devices simultaneously with handling of the tubular string by at least one of the string handling devices. A method of lowering a tubular string into a subsea well is also provided.

A system for operation on a subsea well, the system comprising at least one storage unit configured to store tubulars; a subsea mast unit comprising at least two string handling devices configured to handle a tubular string of a plurality of connected tubulars, wherein at least one of the string handling devices is configured to move vertically relative to the other of the string handling devices, and is configured to add a vertical downforce to the tubular string; and at least one handling arrangement for moving tubulars between the at least one storage unit and one of the string handling devices simultaneously with handling of the tubular string by at least one of the string handling devices. A method of lowering a tubular string into a subsea well is also provided.