| US 7,546,869 B2 | ||
| Automated system for positioning and supporting the work platform of a mobile workover and well-servicing rig | ||
| Jeff A. Lambert, Conroe, Tex. (US); James C. Garrett, Kingwood, Tex. (US); Kenneth L. Cambern, Pampa, Tex. (US); Joel M. Ferland, Pampa, Tex. (US); Jay D. Furnish, Pampa, Tex. (US); Donald W. Johnson, Pampa, Tex. (US); Michael R. Zemanek, Pampa, Tex. (US); James R. Cirone, Pampa, Tex. (US); and Calvin Blankenship, Lindsay, Okla. (US) | ||
| Assigned to National-Oilwell, L.P., Houston, Tex. (US) | ||
| Filed on Nov. 12, 2007, as Appl. No. 11/938,676. | ||
| Application 11/938676 is a continuation in part of application No. 11/180254, filed on Jul. 13, 2005, granted, now 7,293,607. | ||
| Claims priority of provisional application 60/588231, filed on Jul. 15, 2004. | ||
| Prior Publication US 2008/0063498 A1, Mar. 13, 2008 | ||
| Int. Cl. E21B 19/00 (2006.01) | ||
| U.S. Cl. 166—75.11 [166/85.1; 414/540] | 34 Claims |
| 17. A method of positioning and supporting a work platform of a rig, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) connecting a plurality of support beams to a rig, the plurality of support beams comprising a plurality of shelves;
(b) connecting a support structure to the plurality of support beams;
(c) movably connecting a work platform to the support structure;
(d) providing a lift mechanism for raising or lowering the support structure;
(e) providing at least one ratchet mechanism for securing the support structure at a desired height along the plurality of
support beams, the ratchet mechanism comprising two opposing support bars adapted to rest upon the plurality of shelves, wherein
each support bar is connected to an actuating arm, the actuating arm of each support bar being operably connected to one another
via a linkage adapted to pivot about a mid-point of the linkage, thereby enabling the support bars to be actuated;
(f) actuating the lift mechanism to position the support structure at a desired height; and
(g) actuating the at least one ratchet mechanism to secure the support structure at the desired height.
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