Patent attributes
An automated drilling rig system includes a drilling rig and a catwalk system. The drilling rig includes a rig floor, a substructure, a mast, a top drive, and a pipe handling apparatus. The pipe handling apparatus includes a column coupled to the rig floor at a position offset from the well centerline. The catwalk system includes a pipe tub, a catwalk lift frame, and a catwalk assembly. The pipe tub is configured to store one or more tubular members for use with the drilling rig. The catwalk assembly includes a base and a catwalk slide. The catwalk lift frame is coupled to the base of the catwalk assembly and extends substantially vertically to the rig floor. The catwalk slide is coupled to the catwalk lift frame at a first end and pivotably coupled to the base at a second end via a leveling strut. The catwalk slide includes a skate adapted to slide along the length of the catwalk slide.