A robotic apparatus (1) for performing drill floor operations comprises a support arrangement (2) and at least one manipulator arm (6). The at least one manipulator arm (6) is configured to carry an end effector (11) configured to manipulate one or more of tubing, tools and/or equipment on a drill floor (d) or pipe deck of an oil and gas rig in order to perform a given drill floor operation.

A powered unit with a reeving system for supporting a load associated with operation of the powered unit. The reeving system has a first cylinder with a first rod movingly disposed therein. There is a movable sheave spreader engaged with the first rod, and having a first spreader sheave, the movable sheave spreader also movably engaged with the powered unit.

A pipe storage system can include a plurality of pipe storage bays established between adjacent pipe storage arms, a plurality of protrusions extending from the pipe storage arms into each pipe storage bay, the plurality of protrusions establishing a plurality of channels, wherein each channel is established between a pair of adjacent protrusions, and a plurality of latches, wherein the latches are movable from between a retracted position in which the latches are retracted to establish series of first pipe storage openings between opposing channels and an extended position in which the latches extend into the pipe storage bay to establish a series of second pipe storage openings between opposing protrusions.

A pipe storage system can include a plurality of pipe storage bays established between adjacent pipe storage arms, a plurality of protrusions extending from the pipe storage arms into each pipe storage bay, the plurality of protrusions establishing a plurality of channels, wherein each channel is established between a pair of adjacent protrusions, and a plurality of latches, wherein the latches are movable from between a retracted position in which the latches are retracted to establish series of first pipe storage openings between opposing channels and an extended position in which the latches extend into the pipe storage bay to establish a series of second pipe storage openings between opposing protrusions.

A pipe racking system including two mechanical arms to move pipe stands to a dedicated position on a rig floor wherein at least one mechanical arm is connected to a mast of a drilling rig. A method to move a drilling rig comprising: providing a pipe racking system with two mechanical arms connected to the mast of the drilling rig; folding the pipe racking system onto the mast of the drilling rig; and transporting the drilling rig without disassembling the pipe racking system from the mast.

A pipe racking system including two mechanical arms to move pipe stands to a dedicated position on a rig floor wherein at least one mechanical arm is connected to a mast of a drilling rig. A method to move a drilling rig comprising: providing a pipe racking system with two mechanical arms connected to the mast of the drilling rig; folding the pipe racking system onto the mast of the drilling rig; and transporting the drilling rig without disassembling the pipe racking system from the mast.

The invention relates to a control for at least one retainer of a transfer device for a rod section of a ground drilling device, wherein the ground drilling device is configured for moving a drill string, and the transfer device is configured for transferring the received rod section from a position in a rod magazine to a position on the drill string or vice versa, and the control is configured to move the retainer between a position above the rod magazine and the position on the drill string while the drill string is still moving.

The invention relates to a control for at least one retainer of a transfer device for a rod section of a ground drilling device, wherein the ground drilling device is configured for moving a drill string, and the transfer device is configured for transferring the received rod section from a position in a rod magazine to a position on the drill string or vice versa, and the control is configured to move the retainer between a position above the rod magazine and the position on the drill string while the drill string is still moving.

An attachment is described that is configured for attachment to an arm of a piece of heavy construction equipment. The attachment is configured to rotate a section of pipe during break out (i.e. disconnection or disassembly) from another section of pipe and/or make up (i.e. connection or assembly) with another section of pipe. The attachment is configured to break the joint or torque the joint to a predetermined torque value, unthread or thread pipe, and lift the pipe under the power of the heavy construction equipment.

An attachment is described that is configured for attachment to an arm of a piece of heavy construction equipment. The attachment is configured to rotate a section of pipe during break out (i.e. disconnection or disassembly) from another section of pipe and/or make up (i.e. connection or assembly) with another section of pipe. The attachment is configured to break the joint or torque the joint to a predetermined torque value, unthread or thread pipe, and lift the pipe under the power of the heavy construction equipment.