Patent ID: 6179065
Filing Date: 2001-01-30
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
A pipe handling system for use with a horizontal boring machine having a drive system, a drill string comprised of a plurality of pipe sections connectable at threaded pipe joints, a spindle comprising a spindle pipe joint for connecting the drill string to the drive system, and a spindle connection area, the pipe handling system comprising:a makeup/breakout assembly adapted to secure the drill string and at least one pipe section in the spindle connection area as the at least one pipe section is connected to or disconnected from the drill string by executing a plurality of operations;a pipe handling assembly adapted to store and to transport pipe sections to and from the spindle connection area by executing a plurality of operations;a handling assembly control system adapted to automatically operate the pipe handling assembly by initiating and coordinating the plurality of operations executed by the pipe handling assembly; anda makeup/breakout control system adapted to automatically operate the makeup/breakout assembly by initiating and coordinating the plurality of operations executed by the makeup/breakout assembly.