Table bushing lifting ring

Abstract

A table bushing lifting ring and method for automatically lifting a table bushing during drill bit changing. The method includes providing a drill string and bit sub with a step formed thereon, positioning a table bushing lifting ring on the step, the lifting ring including a plurality of flanges extending beyond the step, lowering the drill string such that the table bushing is received within a deck aperture, providing an automated bit handling mechanism slidable between a standby position during the lowering step where the mechanism is not centered with the drill bit or drill pipe and an engaged position where the bit handling mechanism is centered with the drill bit or pipe, separating the lifting ring from the table bushing as the drill string is lowered, retracting the same, and lifting the table bushing out of the aperture via engagement between the lifting ring flanges and the table bushing.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.