Abstract: In one embodiment, a gripping system for a tong for making up and breaking out tubulars is provided. The gripping system is coupled to the rotary of the tong. The gripping system includes an active jaw and two passive jaws disposed interior to the rotary. Preferably, the two passive jaws are separately by less than 120 degrees from each other and are pivotally connected to rotary. The gripping system is adapted and arranged to allow each passive jaw to react the same amount of force as the gripping force applied by the active jaw. In another embodiment, a rotary locking apparatus is provided to lock or unlock the rotary of the tong.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for making and breaking tubular connections within a tubular string are disclosed. In certain aspects, a tong assembly includes gated power and back up tongs coupled to a torque bar. Jaws of the tongs may be arranged circumferentially with support members disposed between adjacent jaws to substantially complete a 360° closed circle. A hydraulic circuit may equally distribute fluid and pressure to actuate the jaws. The power tong may include a gated rotor driven by at least three drive motors. The rotor may be selectively physically locked from rotation or movement by one or more rotor locks. Further, the tong assembly may include an interlock that prevents activation of the drive motors until the rotor locks actuate to unlock the rotor. Additionally, gate locks may secure the tongs and rotor when closed, and a releasable coupling arrangement may aid engagement of a motor to a rotor pump.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for making and breaking tubular connections within a tubular string are disclosed. In certain aspects, a tong assembly includes gated power and back up tongs coupled to a torque bar. Jaws of the tongs may be arranged circumferentially with support members disposed between adjacent jaws to substantially complete a 360° closed circle. A hydraulic circuit may equally distribute fluid and pressure to actuate the jaws. The power tong may include a gated rotor driven by at least three drive motors. The rotor may be selectively physically locked from rotation or movement by one or more rotor locks. Further, the tong assembly may include an interlock that prevents activation of the drive motors until the rotor locks actuate to unlock the rotor. Additionally, gate locks may secure the tongs and rotor when closed, and a releasable coupling arrangement may aid engagement of a motor to a rotor pump.

Abstract: An apparatus for gripping a pipe, which apparatus comprises an outer member having a first inclined inner surface, and an inner member having a first inclined outer surface, the arrangement being such that, in use, on rotation of said outer member relative to said inner member in one sense said first inclined inner surface co-operates with said first inclined outer surface so that said inner member moves towards a pipe to be gripped.

Abstract: A device (1) for position a tong comprises a flexible chain (2) provided with compression members (7) and a flexible locking chain (3). When a hydraulic motor (14) is rotated anti-clockwise the chains (2,3) are brought into operative engagement to form a rigid member (4) which is secured to a ball (29) on the drilling derrick. A tong is suspended from the device (1) which, in turn, is suspended from a cable (27) secured high in the derrick. The tong can be advanced or withdrawn towards a pipe string by rotating the motor (14) anti-clockwise or clockwise to extend or dismantle the rigid member (4) as desired.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting and disconnecting threaded members including a power tong, a backup unit disposed below the power tong for gripping a second pipe, and apparatus for transmitting reaction forces generated by the power tong to the backup unit, the backup unit having devices for transmitting compressive or tensile forces between its members from the power tong which, in one embodiment, includes a hydraulic connection between a double acting hydraulic piston and cylinder assemblies incorporated in the members.

Abstract: An active jaw for a power tong is provided with an upper cam and a lower cam which are shaped so that rotation of the rotary relative to the active jaw in either sense from a first position results in the active jaw being applied to a pipe via a roller. The active jaw can be released by reversing the direction of rotation of the rotary. A peg may be used to limit movement of the active jaw relative to the rotary to prevent the active jaw being reapplied to the pipe. Pipes of different diameters may be gripped by using rollers of different diameters and, optionally, different active jaws shaped to grip the pipe. In a second embodiment a brake band acts on a drum which supports the active jaw. When the rotary is started the active jaw is restrained from rotation. This relative movement applies the dies on the active jaw to the pipe. Further rotation of the rotary then overcomes the braking force and the rotary, drum and active jaw rotate in unison.

Abstract: An apparatus for making and breaking connections between screw threaded tubular members comprises a jaw carrier. A movable jaw support is pivotally mounted to one end of the jaw carrier while a fixed jaw support is mounted on the other end of the jaw carrier. The fixed jaw support and the jaw carrier each carry a jaw. The centers of the jaws subtend an angle of 90.degree.. The movable jaw support is provided with a jaw which can be advanced towards the other jaws to grip a pipe by the action of a cam on a cam engaging roller mounted on the movable jaw support. The fixed jaw support and the movable jaw support can be interchanged to break and make joints as required.