Environmental Tree and Design, Inc.

Varco Shaffer, Inc.

Vareo Shaffer, Inc.

Mark A Merit

Thomas P Cox

Hubert L Elkins

James Dennis Brugman

Joseph B Carlisle

A method of removing a tree and rootball includes the steps of excavating around the rootball, driving a plurality of pipes through a lower portion of the rootball to expose first ends on one side of the rootball and second ends on the other side of the rootball, disposing a first slotted beam across the topsides of the first ends of the plurality of pipes, disposing a second slotted beam across the topsides of the second ends of the plurality of pipes, interlacing a first lacing member with the first ends of the plurality of pipes and a first plurality of cross members, interlacing a second lacing member with the second ends of the plurality of pipes and a second plurality of cross members, and pulling the first and second lacing members taut to secure the first and second slotted beams to the pipes to create a platform.

Method of assembling a platform to support a tree and rootball for tree relocation

A large tree mover system includes a trench formed around the circumference of the tree, and a plurality of elongate supports beneath the root ball of the tree. Two or more connecting beams positioned over the plurality of supports connect the plurality of supports to form a substantially rigid frame. The plurality of inflatable airbags are positioned under the plurality of supports, and these or other airbags may be positioned under the supports to roll the root ball to a selected location. A method of moving large trees is also disclosed.

Tree mover system with airbags

A transporteris provided for moving a live tree which has a root ball B which is boxed or otherwise contained. A powered slide mechanismis movable from an inclined position to engage the boxed tree to a horizontal transport position on the trailer or truck bed. A powered loading mechanismattached to the slide mechanism engages the boxed tree to move up the inclined slide mechanism. A powered tilting mechanismtilts the boxed tree to an inclined transport position.

Boxed tree transporter

Methods and systems are provided for drilling a well bore 60 through a subterranean formation using a drilling rig 25 and a drill string 50, whereby the bottom hole pressure while circulating drilling fluid (&ldquo;ECD&rdquo;) may be substantially maintained when circulation is interrupted or altered, such as when adding a joint of drill pipe to or removing a joint of drill pipe from the drill string. The method includes controllably applying and maintaining a desired variable annulus fluid pressure in the well bore, and thereafter controllably releasing the pressure from the well bore 60. In addition, methods and systems are provided for rotating the drill string while trapping, maintaining and/or releasing the well bore pressure. A substantially constant ECD pressure may be maintained on a formation, thereby facilitating the use of a lower density drilling fluid than may otherwise be required to maintain well control. In one embodiment, a drill pipe connection may be made up and/or broke out while the drill string continues to rotate.

Well drilling method and system

Methods and systems are provided for drilling a well bore through a subterranean formation using a drilling rig and a drill string whereby the bottom hole pressure while circulating drilling fluid (&ldquo;ECD&rdquo;) may be substantially maintained when circulation is interrupted or altered, such as when adding a joint of drill pipe to or removing a joint of drill pipe from the drill string. The method includes controllably applying and maintaining a desired variable annulus fluid pressure in the well bore, and thereafter controllably releasing the pressure from the well bore In addition, methods and systems are provided for rotating the drill string while trapping, maintaining and/or releasing the well bore pressure. A substantially constant ECD pressure may be maintained on a formation, thereby facilitating the use of a lower density drilling fluid than may otherwise be required to maintain well control. In one embodiment, a drill pipe connection may be made up and/or broke out while the drill string continues to rotate.

A subsea hydraulic control system,supplies hydraulic fluid to operate subsea equipment SE, which in exemplary application may be a blowout preventer having an opening port and a closing port. A hydraulic control system includes a fluid storage vessel,for storing a selected quantity of hydraulic fluid, and a separation member,separating subsea water from hydraulic fluid while pressurizing the hydraulic fluid in response to the hydrostatic head of the water. A fluid supply line,interconnects the fluid storage vessel and the subsea equipment, and a fluid exhaust line,interconnects the subsea equipment with a subsea hydraulic fluid reservoir vessel,. A vent line,extends from the fluid reservoir vessel to the surface. A subsea pump periodically exhausts fluid from the fluid storage vessel to the water. The method of the invention provides reliable actuation of subsea equipment, and is particularly well suited for operating subsea equipment in deep water at depths in excess of 6,000 feet.

Growing community of inventors

The Woodlands, TX, United States of America

Mark A Merit