Abstract: An apparatus including a stationary section having a first central fluid passage and operably connected to a drilling fluid inlet and a conduit, a rotating and reciprocating section having a second central fluid passage and operably connected to a tubular, wherein the rotating and reciprocating section reciprocates along a longitudinal axis and rotates in conjunction with the tubular and the conduit, and a third section having a third central fluid passage in fluid communication between the first and second central fluid passages, where the third section is operably disposed between the first and rotating and reciprocating sections to permit the rotating and reciprocating section to slide axially even during rotation and to permit only rotational motion at an end adjacent the stationary section.

Abstract: An apparatus including a stationary section having a first central fluid passage and operably connected to a drilling fluid inlet and a conduit, a rotating and reciprocating section having a second central fluid passage and operably connected to a tubular, wherein the rotating and reciprocating section reciprocates along a longitudinal axis and rotates in conjunction with the tubular and the conduit, and a third section having a third central fluid passage in fluid communication between the first and second central fluid passages, where the third section is operably disposed between the first and rotating and reciprocating sections to permit the rotating and reciprocating section to slide axially even during rotation and to permit only rotational motion at an end adjacent the stationary section.

Abstract: A well casing system is disclosed for the handling and make-up of casing on a drilling rig in conjunction with a top drive is disclosed. The system comprises a top drive, a casing make-up assembly, links, link tilts, and transfer and lifting elevators. The operator can remotely manipulate the elevators to pick up and position a joint of casing above the casing already secured in the drilling hole. The operator can then engage the gripper head and use the rotational capability of the top drive to remotely couple the two joints of casing together.

Abstract: A valve actuator is provided in which a complementary set of pinions, each driven by a pair of racks, are located on opposite sides of the valve to be actuated. The racks are part of an annular bearing assembly and are coupled to one another through a hydraulic cylinder or some other displacement device. A pinion retaining sleeve is provided to shield the racks and pinions and prevents parts of the valve actuator from being thrown in operation. The piston retaining sleeve may include a maintenance aperture for installing or repairing a pinion and a second aperture for viewing the rotation of the pinion. The bearing assemblies each include a bearing housing and a bearing retainer that cooperate to shield the bearing assembly.

Abstract: A well casing system is disclosed for the handling and make-up of casing on a drilling rig in conjunction with a top drive is disclosed. The system comprises a top drive, a casing make-up assembly, links, link tilts, and transfer and lifting elevators. The operator can remotely manipulate the elevators to pick up and position a joint of casing above the casing already secured in the drilling hole. The operator can then engage the gripper head and use the rotational capability of the top drive to remotely couple the two joints of casing together.

Abstract: A well casing system is disclosed for the handling and make-up of casing on a drilling rig in conjunction with a top drive is disclosed. The system comprises a top drive, a casing make-up assembly, links, link tilts, and transfer and lifting elevators. The operator can remotely manipulate the elevators to pick up and position a joint of casing above the casing already secured in the drilling hole. The operator can then engage the gripper head and use the rotational capability of the top drive to remotely couple the two joints of casing together.

Abstract: A valve actuator is provided in which a complementary set of pinions, each driven by a pair of racks, are located on opposite sides of the valve to be actuated. The racks are part of an annular bearing assembly and are coupled to one another through a hydraulic cylinder or some other displacement device. A pinion retaining shield is provided to shield the racks and pinions and prevents parts of the valve actuator from being thrown in operation. The piston retaining shield may include a maintenance aperture for installing or repairing a pinion and a second aperture for viewing the rotation of the pinion. The bearing assemblies each include a bearing housing and a bearing retainer ring that cooperate to shield the bearing assembly.