Abstract: A coupled pipe connection system may include a coupling with internal threads adapted for joining two pipe sections by threaded engagement of external pipe threads with the internal coupling threads. A torque ring may be disposed within the coupling and between the first pipe and the second pipe. The torque ring may an outer cylindrical surface, at least a portion of which may include a plurality of tapered threads engaged with and tapered to match a mid-length axial section/J-space of the inner threads of the coupling. Annular faces of the torque ring may be beveled inwardly or outwardly and adapted for mating engagement with corresponding beveled annular faces of the pipe ends. Torque rings of gradually decreasing axial lengths may be incrementally swapped out as the number of make-up cycles increases. Couplings having internal shoulders of gradually decreasing axial lengths may be used instead of torque rings.

Abstract: A power tong assembly has a transmission box having a plurality of speeds. A gear train completely encircles a rotary gear by including idler gears, fluid lines and actuating mechanisms within a tong door, which itself can be remotely operated. Cam roller assemblies can be inversely mounted into cage plates and a support race can be mounted into an opening, thereby eliminating the need to cut a groove in a rotary gear. Filler blocks can be inserted adjacent to gears to catch and redirect slung grease from gears back to said gears, while dampening noise and reducing the misuse of grease, thereby increasing effectiveness of lubrication. A make and break actuator assembly can be housed on the power tong body such that it is completely covered from external damage except when momentarily activated. A symmetric rotary gear, rotary gear inserts, cam shoe inserts and over-travel cam stops are provided.

Abstract: A power tong assembly has a transmission box having a plurality of speeds. A gear train of the tong assembly completely encircles a rotary gear by including idler gears, fluid lines and actuating mechanisms within a tong door, which itself can be remotely operated. Cam roller assemblies can be inversely mounted into cage plates and a support race can be mounted into an opening, thereby eliminating the need to cut a groove in a rotary gear. Filler blocks can be inserted adjacent to gears to catch and redirect slung grease from gears back to said gears, while dampening noise and reducing the misuse of grease, thereby increasing effectiveness of lubrication. A make and break actuator assembly of the present invention can be housed on the power tong body such that it is completely covered from external damage except when momentarily activated. A symmetric rotary gear, rotary gear inserts, cam shoe inserts and over-travel cam stops are provided.

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 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 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 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 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: 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 floating shoulder ring is arranged to occupy the J-space between pin ends of coupled pipe sections. The length of the ring is arranged to allow the pipe connection to approach the specified torque for shoulderless connections before the ring begins to function as an abutment between the approaching pipe ends. The torque accepted by the ring limits the radial force imposed by tapered threads on both pipe and coupling. The ring is provided with modified threads on the outer surface to engage the inner threads of the coupling, in the J-space, to retain the ring in the coupling during handling in preparation for assembly into a pipe string. The modified threads yield axially when substantially forced. Threads that slip axially, non-destructively, and threads that deform under sufficient axial force are provided.

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: A floating shoulder ring is arranged to occupy the J.-space between pin ends of coupled pipe sections. The length of the ring is arranged to allow the pipe connection to approach the specified torque for shoulderless connections before the ring begins to function as an abutment between the approaching pipe ends: The torque accepted by the ring limits the radial force imposed by tapered threads on both pipe and coupling. The ring is provided with modified threads on the outer surface to engage the inner threads of the coupling, in the J-space, to retain the ring in the coupling during handling in preparation for assembly into a pipe string. The modified threads yield axially when substantially forced. Threads that slip axially, non-destructively, and threads that deform under sufficient axial force are provided.

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 fluid powered pipe tong fluid supply has a shunt that fluidly connects the tong input fluid line to the tong output fluid line. A flow control valve is installed in the shunt and is open when pipe joint make-up begins. The valve is slowly closed and the resulting fluid power made available to the tong causes it to make the low-resistance turns required of the pipe during the thread run. As the valve continues to close, the resulting pipe turn increases the resistance and causes the tong motor to demand more pressure, to achieve more turn. Torque demand continues to develop as the valve continues to close. Options include computer control, a graph reader to direct the computer, a recorder, a manually set by-pass relief valve to parallel the flow control valve as a secondary pressure limit assurance.

Abstract: An arbor, arranged for attachment to a drilling rigs overhead support and drilling fluid circuit, has a cross frame with axles that support telescoping link arms to carry a single stand elevator at their lower end. The link arms have provision, at their top end, to tilt about a horizontal axis. The link arms can extend an amount greater than their minimum length.

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 and main arbor assembly length will not actuate the wedge-lock release system. The length of the overall assembly can be oscillated to vibrate a supported pipe string.

Abstract: An elevator usable on a drilling rig is modified by attaching a swing arm and related structure to at least one accessory mounting provision on the elevator. The swing arm is tiltable to allow a single section elevator, carried by the swing arm, to engage a pipe extending near the well centerline. While the pipe section is being lifted, the swing arm pivots to allow the section to assume a vertical position under the elevator. When the pipe section is being rotated to run threads to join the section to the string the swing arm can extend to accommodate thread-run dimension changes. An elevator equivalent, without pipe gripping features, may be used.