Abstract: A top drive for engagement with a travelling block with a hook can include an airlift thread compensator connected to a bail. An enclosure can be connected to the bail with an airbag disposed therein. A bail pin can be engaged through the enclosure, and can be connected to the airbag. The airbag can support weight of the top drive. Upper links can be connected to the enclosure and to a top drive housing. The top drive housing can support a stem connected to a motor, and a bearing can be disposed about the stem. Lower links can be connected to the top drive housing and to an elevator for moving tubulars. An inside blow out preventer can be connected to the stem and to a saver sub. A torque wrench assembly can be connected to the top drive housing for gripping tubulars.

Abstract: A drilling rig with a top drive for engagement with a travelling block with a hook comprising an airlift thread compensator with an airlift box connected to a bail. The airlift box can have an airbag disposed therein. A bail pin can be engaged through the airlift box, and can be connected to the airbag. The airbag can support the top drive. Upper links can be connected to the airlift box and to a bearing housing. The bearing housing can support a stem connected to a motor, and a bearing can be disposed about the stem. Lower links can be connected to the bearing housing and to an elevator for moving tubulars. An inside blow out preventer can be connected to the stem and to a saver sub. A torque wrench can be connected to the bearing housing for gripping tubulars.

Abstract: A method for using a top drive is disclosed herein. The method can include: actuating a motor to provide power to the top drive, thereby rotating a stem with a saver sub mounted to a top drive housing having a bearing disposed about the rotatable stem; grabbing, lifting, and positioning tubulars using an elevator; and suspending weight of the top drive to prevent damage to threads of the tubulars during threadable engagement and disengagement of the tubulars using an airbag of an airlift thread compensator. The method can further include: positioning a torque wrench assembly along the tubulars for connecting the tubulars using a hydraulic cylinder disposed inside a torque supporting telescoping tubes; and movably positioning a single hollow cylinder rod of the hydraulic cylinder to extend into a first and second protected area, thereby preventing axial movement of a flexible hose during operation of the torque wrench assembly.

Abstract: A hydraulic motor is driven by a fixed displacement, three stage gear-type pump. The three equal displacement sections provide 3 equally-stepped flows so that the hydraulic motor can have three speeds. Valving and controls are provided for remote on-the-fly shifting of the speeds, automatic pump unloading in neutral, and adjustable maximum pressure. A closed loop system permits use of a relatively small reservoir. The contamination tolerance of the system is greater than that of variable displacement piston-type pumps typically used. Direct recirculation of hydraulic fluid is provided for unused speeds to permit hydraulic fluid to recirculate in the pump without doing work. A unique control circuit is provided to control the first speed valve in conjunction with a logic cartridge which controls hydraulic motor direction to permit fluid flow to the hydraulic motor to be stopped when coming to neutral without slamming the hydraulic motor and rotating drill pipe to a stop.

Abstract: A hydraulic motor is driven by a fixed displacement, three stage gear-type pump. The three equal displacement sections provide 3 equally-stepped flows so that the hydraulic motor can have three speeds. Valving and controls are provided for remote on-the-fly shifting of the speeds, automatic pump unloading in neutral, and adjustable maximum pressure. A closed loop system permits use of a relatively small reservoir. The contamination tolerance of the system is greater than that of variable displacement piston-type pumps typically used. Direct recirculation of hydraulic fluid is provided for unused speeds to permit hydraulic fluid to recirculate in the pump without doing work. A unique control circuit is provided to control the first speed valve in conjunction with a logic cartridge which controls hydraulic motor direction to permit fluid flow to the hydraulic motor to be stopped when coming to neutral without slamming the hydraulic motor and rotating drill pipe to a stop.

Abstract: A torque track in conjunction with parallelogram links and a hydraulic cylinder is used for multiple purposes in a drilling rig top drive system. The torque track is rotationally mounted within the mast between the crown and the rig floor and pivotally mounted by the parallel linkages to the sides of a power swivel. The hydraulic cylinder is mounted to an arm at the lower end of the track and it's other end is connected to the fixed rig structure. When the power swivel is supplying torque during drilling, the linkage transmits the torque to the track which is restrained from rotating by the hydraulic cylinder. The torque is thereby transmitted via the hydraulic cylinder to the fixed rig structure rather than the mast. The hydraulic cylinder can also be used as a load cell to allow torque measurement as well as to pivot the power swivel when needed for pipe handling purposes. The arrangement thus provides triple top drive functionality.

Abstract: A torque track in conjunction with parallelogram links and a hydraulic cylinder is used for multiple purposes in a drilling rig top drive system. The torque track is rotationally mounted within the mast between the crown and the rig floor and pivotally mounted by the parallel linkages to the sides of a power swivel. The hydraulic cylinder is mounted to an arm at the lower end of the track and it's other end is connected to the fixed rig structure. When the power swivel is supplying torque during drilling, the linkage transmits the torque to the track which is restrained from rotating by the hydraulic cylinder. The torque is thereby transmitted via the hydraulic cylinder to the fixed rig structure rather than the mast. The hydraulic cylinder can also be used as a load cell to allow torque measurement as well as to pivot the power swivel when needed for pipe handling purposes. The arrangement thus provides triple top drive functionality.

Abstract: A dribble less pressure relief valve for power swivels includes a relief valve body, a valve seat insert for the body, a plunger valve element to seat against the insert, and a biasing means to urge the plunger against the valve seat. The valve is designed to hold pressure drop-tight, and if opened, to reclose drop-tight.

Abstract: A dribble less pressure relief valve for power swivels includes a relief valve body, a valve seat insert for the body, a plunger valve element to seat against the insert, and a biasing means to urge the plunger against the valve seat. The valve is designed to hold pressure drop-tight, and if opened, to reclose drop-tight.

Abstract: An improved pawl and ratchet mechanism is disclosed wherein at least one of a plurality of pawl elements movably disposed within a housing is movable into a least one of the spaces between the teeth of a toothed track ratchet irrespective of the location of the housing with respect to the toothed track ratchet when the housing engages the toothed track ratchet. The improved pawl and ratchet mechanism may be used to contain explosive forces resulting from a pressure failure during the hydraulic testing of pipe.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for injecting hydraulic test fluid into a length of pipe is disclosed. Test fluid under low hydraulic pressure axially displaces a cylindrical fill valve against a retaining force. The test fluid fills the pipe through discharge ports in the side of the fill valve. The retaining force retracts the fill valve and closes the discharge ports when the pipe is full. A conduit through the fill valve then supplies high pressure hydraulic fluid for testing the internal strength of the pipe.

Abstract: An improved power tong apparatus for making and breaking connections between lengths of small diameter tubing comprising an annular cage mounted for rotation and on which are pivotally mounted a plurality of pipe-gripping rocker arms, an annular bull gear mounted for rotation in association with the annular cage and having internally positioned rollers mounted in association with the pivotally mounted pipe-gripping rocker arms, and an endless chain assembly or gear for rotating the bull gear, and a slot and pin assembly for restricting the movement of the bull gear with respect to the annular cage for causing the pipe-gripping rocker arms to be movable into an open position to release their grip on the pipe.