Robert Lee Hooper

US Patent:

6626238, Sep 30, 2003

Filed:

Dec 12, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/021391

Inventors:

Robert C. Hooper - Lafayette LA

Assignee:

Offshore Energy Services, Inc. - Broussard LA

International Classification:

E21B 4700

US Classification:

166 66, 166 7752

Abstract:

An apparatus for installing pipe such as large diameter casing in a wellbore. Sensors are positioned at a predetermined location at or near the upper surface of elevators suspended from a rig traveling block. As elevators are lowered over a section of pipe, such sensors provide a signal indicating that the elevators are positioned a desired distance below the top of the pipe. The signal alerts an operator that elevators are positioned properly relative to a pipe body so that slips within the elevators will be properly engaged against the outer surface of the pipe and not a connection upset or large diameter external coupling.

US Patent:

20040045703, Mar 11, 2004

Filed:

Sep 5, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/236655

Inventors:

Robert Hooper - Broussard LA, US
Timothy Spisak - Broussard LA, US

International Classification:

E21B019/18

US Classification:

166/077510, 166/085100

Abstract:

A remotely controlled apparatus for positioning and stabbing pipe within a drilling rig derrick is provided. A support base assembly is mounted to a structural member of a drilling rig derrick. A jointed articulating boom having a boom base member and a boom arm member is attached to the support base assembly and can be pivoted about vertical and horizontal axes. The jointed articulating boom extends and retracts by cooperative motion between the boom base member and the boom arm member. A pipe gripper assembly having opposing arcuate jaws is mounted at the outer extent of the jointed articulating boom and can be pivoted about a horizontal axis. A remote control panel subassembly is used to control the movement of jointed articulating boom and pipe gripper assembly.

US Patent:

20050061548, Mar 24, 2005

Filed:

Nov 8, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/983550

Inventors:

Robert Hooper - Broussard LA, US
Timothy Spisak - Broussard LA, US

International Classification:

E21B019/14

US Classification:

175052000, 175085000, 166077510

Abstract:

A remotely controlled apparatus for positioning and stabbing pipe within a drilling rig derrick is provided. A support base assembly is mounted to a structural member of a drilling rig derrick. A jointed articulating boom having a boom base member and a boom arm member is attached to the support base assembly and can be pivoted about vertical and horizontal axes. The jointed articulating boom extends and retracts by cooperative motion between the boom base member and the boom arm member. A pipe gripper assembly having opposing arcuate jaws is mounted at the outer extent of the jointed articulating boom and can be pivoted about a horizontal axis. A remote control panel subassembly is used to control the movement of jointed articulating boom and pipe gripper assembly.

US Patent:

20070114069, May 24, 2007

Filed:

Jan 17, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/654457

Inventors:

Robert Hooper - Broussard LA, US
Timothy Spisak - Broussard LA, US

International Classification:

E21B 19/16

US Classification:

175085000, 166077510

Abstract:

A remotely controlled apparatus for positioning and stabbing pipe within a drilling rig derrick is provided. A support base assembly is mounted to a structural member of a drilling rig derrick. A jointed articulating boom having a boom base member and a boom arm member is attached to the support base assembly and can be pivoted about vertical and horizontal axes. The jointed articulating boom extends and retracts by cooperative motion between the boom base member and the boom arm member. A pipe gripper assembly having opposing arcuate jaws is mounted at the outer extent of the jointed articulating boom and can be pivoted about a horizontal axis. A remote control panel subassembly is used to control the movement of jointed articulating boom and pipe gripper assembly.