Abstract: A pipe gripping apparatus is disclosed having a plurality slips slidably mounted on corresponding slip support surfaces disposed radially the vertical axis of a central opening. The slip support surfaces include an upper region having a radially outwardly curved surface and a lower region having a flat inwardly tapered surface with respect to the vertical axis of the central opening. Powered actuators and a timing ring pivotally linked to the slips move the slips towards and away from each other along their corresponding slip support surfaces to engage and release a pipe. Move of the slips fully upward and outward along outwardly curved slip support surfaces will substantially remove the slips from the central opening to prevent obstruction of the central opening by the slips.

Abstract: A shoulder elevator having a gated pipe opening is disclosed. The elevator has a ringed body having unclosed sector creating an opening for receiving a pipe within the body ring. Pivotally mounted gates positioned on opposite sides of the unclosed sector of the ringed body, move in unison to an open and partially close the unclosed sector of the ringed body around the pipe in response to pipe contact with rearward end of the gates. A lever is provided to manually pivot the gates to an open and closed position around a pipe. Lifting lugs or ears are provided to attach the elevator to the lifting links of a hoist.

Abstract: A double curved face gripping die for engaging tubular pipe of varying diameters is comprised of opposing mirror imaged curved die surfaces forming a modified V-shape. Each curve die surface has a double curved contact surface of a desired varying radius, the distal ends of the contact surfaces extending outward limn the pipe to avoid pipe contact. The die incorporates the contact strength and flexibility of a V-shaped gripping d with minimal scratching or gouging of the pipe.