Patent ID: 9273524
Filing Date: 2016-03-01
CPC Classification: E21B

Claim Text:
1. An apparatus comprising: a tower extending longitudinally along a first axis, the tower comprising first and second racks spaced in a parallel relation and facing away from each other; a top drive to assemble or disassemble a string of tubular members, the top drive being movable along the first axis and relative to the tower; first and second electric motors coupled to the top drive and movable therewith; first and second pinions operably coupled to the first and second electric motors, respectively, and engaged with the first and second racks, respectively, to move the top drive along the first axis and relative to the tower; a carriage coupled to the tower; and a linking member pivotally coupled to the carriage to permit the linking member to pivot between first and second pivot positions about a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis; and wherein the top drive extends longitudinally in a parallel relation to the tower; and wherein the top drive is pivotally coupled to the linking member to permit the top drive to continue to extend longitudinally in a parallel relation to the tower when the linking member pivots between the first and second pivot positions.