Abstract: An apparatus for transferring torque comprising a pipe handling assembly configured to use fluid pressure to provide torque forces to set or release slips from a pipe. Set down force or other frictional measures on a pipe collar are not required. A method to create reactive torque force comprising a series of gears interconnected with each other through a clutch that can be engaged and disengaged. A link may be provided to a top drive rail via a gripperbox which provides reactive force to stop rotation of a power screw female (threaded nut) to facilitate threading action to set or release slips on pipe. Reactive force may be created using a plurality of axial pistons attached to a moveable half of a hirth coupling. Other friction-creating members (such as, for example, a brake pad material or similar material) may be used to create frictional forcesbetween two surfaces.

Abstract: An improved cementing tool is presented which allows for relatively easy removal and insertion of the tool through the use of non-threaded low-torque connections. The cementing tool uses a combination of threaded connections and non-threaded, low-torque connections configured to create a stack of components including plug launchers, ball launchers and plug launch indicator/counters. Use of non-threaded low-torque connections allows for breaking down the tool by hand, requiring no special torquing equipment.

Abstract: A wearable device assembly has a housing supporting a controller, display and indicator system thereon. The controller has at least one sensor wherein activity of a user wearing the device is detected. The controller selectively illuminates the indicator system to indicate a level of activity of the user.

Abstract: A “dump” or bypass system for use with fluid-powered tongs utilized to apply torque forces to threaded connections during pipe installation operations. A computer having a data processor monitors and analyzes rotations of, and torque forces applied to, pipe sections being assembled. A pilot-operated relief valve actuates a bypass dump valve. The bypass system operates in “real-time”, quickly and efficiently dumping fluid supplying a power tong—and stopping the application of torque forces on a pipe section—once a predetermined measured torque value is achieved.

Abstract: A down hole fluid conditioning assembly, includable within a drilling bottom hole assembly or other tool configuration, creates a vortex to separate fluids such as drilling mud and the like into a lower density first portion and higher density second portion. The lower density first portion is directed toward the bottom hole assembly or other equipment to improve operational performance of the bottom hole assembly or other equipment. The higher-density second portion is directed away from the bottom hole assembly or other equipment, typically into a well annulus with an upward velocity component.

Abstract: A modular pipe gripping assembly has a universal actuator assembly having a control fluid swivel. An external pipe gripping assembly can be attached to the actuator assembly for gripping the external surface of a section of pipe. Alternatively, the external pipe gripping assembly can be quickly and easily removed and replaced with an internal pipe gripping assembly for gripping the internal surface of a section of pipe. Control fluid pressure is trapped within the actuator assembly, but relieved from a fluid swivel, permitting high speed rotation of the modular pipe gripping assembly and preserving swivel seal life.

Abstract: A pipe gripping assembly includes, among other components, a fluid conducting swivel, a fluid-powered linear actuator and a pipe gripping assembly. The linear actuator has a central rod mounted within a multi-stage, segmented barrel assembly. Each barrel segment acts as a piston, with control fluid forces being transmitted to the barrel assembly to selectively extend or retract the barrel assembly in order to engage or disengage the pipe gripping assembly. By aggregating such force, the total combined force generated by the barrel piston assemblies, the actuator assembly of the present invention can operate using pneumatic control fluid, and can operate at much lower control fluid pressures than other actuators.

Abstract: An improved cementing tool is presented which allows for relatively easy removal and insertion of the tool through the use of non-threaded low-torque connections. The cementing tool uses a combination of threaded connections and non-threaded, low-torque connections configured to create a stack of components including plug launchers, ball launchers and plug launch indicator/counters. Use of non-threaded low-torque connections allows for breaking down the tool by hand, requiring no special torquing equipment.

Abstract: A modular pipe gripping assembly has a universal actuator assembly having a control fluid swivel. An external pipe gripping assembly can be attached to the actuator assembly for gripping the external surface of a section of pipe. Alternatively, the external pipe gripping assembly can be quickly and easily removed and replaced with an internal pipe gripping assembly for gripping the internal surface of a section of pipe. Control fluid pressure is trapped within the actuator assembly, but relieved from a fluid swivel, permitting high speed rotation of the modular pipe gripping assembly and preserving swivel seal life.

Abstract: A fluid conducting swivel assembly permits selective transmission of control fluid under pressure through the swivel assembly, while reducing rotational friction and protecting the integrity of fluid pressure sealing elements of such swivel assembly during rotation. The fluid conducting swivel has sufficient strength to accommodate high axial loading and torque forces, while permitting high speed rotation.

Abstract: A collar locating assembly ensures that that an elevator slip assembly does not engage against a pipe collar or coupling. An interlock system controls the operation of elevator slips, as well as related spider slips, in order to prevent unwanted simultaneous disengagement of both elevator and spider slips.

Abstract: A mating connection assembly of the present invention permits quick and efficient connecting and disconnecting of tubular goods. A female box-end connection member has an inner body defining sockets; ball bearings held within such sockets with an outer sleeve. A male pin-end connection member is inserted within the box end connection. By moving the outer sleeve axially, the ball bearings are urged inward toward the male pin-end connection, creating a frictional locking relationship between the female box-end connection member and male pin-end connection member.

Abstract: A wearable device assembly has a housing supporting a controller, display and indicator system thereon. The controller has at least one sensor wherein activity of a user wearing the device is detected. The controller selectively illuminates the indicator system to indicate a level of activity of the user.

Abstract: A modular pipe gripping assembly has a universal actuator assembly having a control fluid swivel. An external pipe gripping assembly can be attached to the actuator assembly for gripping the external surface of a section of pipe. Alternatively, the external pipe gripping assembly can be quickly and easily removed and replaced with an internal pipe gripping assembly for gripping the internal surface of a section of pipe. Control fluid pressure is trapped within the actuator assembly, but relieved from a fluid swivel, permitting high speed rotation of the modular pipe gripping assembly and preserving swivel seal life.

Abstract: A mating connection assembly of the present invention permits quick and efficient connecting and disconnecting of tubular goods. A female box-end connection member has an inner body defining sockets; ball bearings held within such sockets with an outer sleeve. A male pin-end connection member is inserted within the box end connection. By moving the outer sleeve axially, the ball bearings are urged inward toward the male pin-end connection, creating a frictional locking relationship between the female box-end connection member and male pin-end connection member.

Abstract: A casing running tool capable of handling pipe and tubing has fluid power conducting channels leading from stationary to rotating components, through a swivel. The swivel has a plurality of fluid channels, each confined by dynamic seals that rub peripherally on mating seal surfaces. The seals are carried on at least one piston that is movable, on command, to carry the seals out of contact with the peripherally rubbing surfaces.

Abstract: An arbor arranged for attachment to overhead support, such as a top drive or main rig hoist, is arranged to resiliently support a main body. The main body is arranged to support a wedge-lock type pipe gripper assembly on a second arbor that is resiliently supported by the main body. The two arbors are rotationally connected but only indirectly connected axially and, to a limited extent, can move independently. The actuator, or linear motor, that actuates the wedge-lock system has the ability to force release of the wedge-lock system when it has been set by massive pipe loads. The forced release actuation is independent of the load supporting features of the main body. Full range actuation of the main body linear motor will not actuate the wedge-lock release system.

Abstract: A stabbing apparatus having a substantially planar plate member with a central bore and at least one remote actuated cylinder assembly connected to a single joint elevator or similar clamp. The at least one cylinder assembly can be used to axially align the joint of pipe, and raise or lower the pipe into mating relationship with a set of elevators, fill-up tool, stabbing connection or the like.

Abstract: An interlock system for use with casing running tools including, without limitation, casing running tools utilized with rig top drive systems. A pressure circuit is in communication with casing running tool slips and spider assembly slips. The pressure circuit controls the supply of pressure to: (1) release the spider slips only when the casing running tool slips are engaged and supporting the entire pipe string; and (2) release the casing running tool slips only when the spider slips are engaged and supporting the entire pipe string.

Abstract: A casing running tool capable of handling pipe and tubing has fluid power conducting channels leading from stationary to rotating components, through a swivel. The swivel has a plurality of fluid channels, each confined by dynamic seals that rub peripherally on mating seal surfaces. The seals are carried on at least one piston that is movable, on command, to carry the seals out of contact with the peripherally rubbing surfaces.