Automated connection assembly

Abstract

A connection assembly for automated lifting and positioning of a chiksan or other fluid conduit in proximity to a fluid inlet of a device such as, for example, a cement head. Once a chiksan or other flow line is positioned in a desired location, a secure connection is made between the outlet of the chiksan or other fluid conduit and the fluid inlet of a cement head including, without limitation, when the cement head is positioned at an elevated location above a rig floor.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . An automated connection assembly for connecting the distal end of a fluid conduit to an inlet flow port of a cement head comprising:
 a) a lifting assembly mounted on or in proximity to said cement head, wherein said lifting assembly is adapted to lift said distal end of said fluid conduit toward said cement head;   b) a quick connection assembly for securing said distal end of said fluid conduit to said inlet flow port of said cement head.   
     
     
         2 . The automated connection assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said lifting assembly comprises a winch assembly having a cable. 
     
     
         3 . The automated connection assembly of  claim 2 , wherein said cable extends from said winch assembly, through a pulley assembly attached to said distal end of said fluid conduit, and wherein said distal end of said cable is anchored near said winch assembly. 
     
     
         4 . automated connection assembly of  claim 1  wherein said fluid conduit comprises at least one chiksan. 
     
     
         5 . The automated connection assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a downwardly facing and substantially conical entry guide adapted to direct the distal end of said fluid conduit to said quick connection assembly. 
     
     
         6 . The automated connection assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said quick connection assembly can be remotely actuated. 
     
     
         7 . An automated connection assembly for connecting the distal end of a fluid conduit to an inlet flow port of a cement head comprising:
 a) an articulating arm assembly in proximity to said cement head, wherein said articulating arm assembly is adapted to direct said distal end of said fluid conduit toward said cement head;   b) a quick connection assembly for securing said distal end of said fluid conduit to said inlet flow port of said cement head.   
     
     
         8 . The automated connection assembly of  claim 7 , wherein said articulating arm assembly is mounted to a drilling rig derrick. 
     
     
         9 . The automated connection assembly of  claim 7 , wherein said articulating arm assembly is mounted to said cement head. 
     
     
         10 . The automated connection assembly of  claim 7  wherein said fluid conduit comprises at least one chiksan. 
     
     
         11 . The automated connection assembly of  claim 7 , further comprising a substantially conical entry guide adapted to direct the distal end of said fluid conduit to said quick connection assembly. 
     
     
         12 . The automated connection assembly of  claim 7 , wherein said quick connection assembly can be remotely actuated.