Patent ID: 8747045
Filing Date: 2014-06-10
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A pipe handling system comprising: a lifting mechanism configured to couple to an upper end of a pipe; a guide system operable to engage the pipe and control lateral movement of the pipe as it is moved between a storage position and a well center position; a pipe stabilizer including an end portion for receiving the pipe; a magnetic member coupled to the stabilizer end portion and configured to releasably couple to the pipe; and a torsional spring coupled between the stabilizer end portion and the magnetic member such that the magnetic member is moveably retained at and relative to the stabilizer end portion, and the magnetic member is biased in a first direction toward the stabilizer end portion such that the magnetic member receives the pipe in the first direction toward the stabilizer end portion and resists movement of the pipe in a second direction from the stabilizer end portion while being coupled to the pipe; wherein the torsional spring has a longitudinal axis disposed at an angle offset from the first direction.