Abstract: A frame stiffener for a power tong frame comprises a body having a top surface securable to a top plate of the frame, a bottom surface securable to the bottom plate of the frame, an outer side and an interior side having a plurality of recesses, each recess formed to conform to an angular portion of an adjacent dumbbell roller secured within the frame along with a plurality of other dumbbell rollers to rollably surround, engage and stabilize a ring gear rotatably disposed within the frame.

Abstract: A frame stiffener for a power tong frame comprises a body having a top surface securable to a top plate of the frame, a bottom surface securable to the bottom plate of the frame, an outer side and an interior side having a plurality of recesses, each recess formed to conform to an angular portion of an adjacent dumbbell roller secured within the frame along with a plurality of other dumbbell rollers to rollably surround, engage and stabilize a ring gear rotatably disposed within the frame.

Abstract: A tong positioning system positions a power tong about an oilfield tubular connection to make up or break out a threaded connection. An extendable arm and a retainer device on the extendable arm. In a preferred embodiment, the retainer device comprises opposing laterally-movable retainer arms defining an adjustable opening for at least partially enclosing one of the upper tubular and the lower tubular. The extendable arm is retractable for thereafter moving the power tong laterally toward the tubular connection.

Abstract: A tong positioning system positions a power tong about an oilfield tubular connection to make up or break out a threaded connection. An extendable arm and a retainer device on the extendable arm. In a preferred embodiment, the retainer device comprises opposing laterally-movable retainer arms defining an adjustable opening for at least partially enclosing one of the upper tubular and the lower tubular. The extendable arm is retractable for thereafter moving the power tong laterally toward the tubular connection.

Abstract: An open throat power tong 10 as commonly used for making up and/or breaking apart an oilfield tubular connection, comprising a tong body 20, a tong door assembly 40, a partial ring member 30 and a ring segment 150. The partial ring member 30 and ring segment 150 may not be structurally connected and each may support one or more jaw members thereon for gripping a tubular 11. The partial ring member 30 and ring segment 150 may rotate substantially in unison along a substantially common plane and about a common axis, along a defined rotation course through the tong body 20 and door 40. The ring segment 150 may be substantially secured within the door when the door 40 is opened. An improved latch mechanism 100 is included for securing the door 40 to the tong body 20 to facilitate relatively easy closing and latching and unlatching of the door 40 with the tong body 20, and to prevent expansion of the open throat 25 during application of high torque.

Abstract: An open throat power tong includes a tong body 15 having an open throat 17 therein, a partial ring member 12 for rotating a tubular during a makeup or breakout operation, at least two heads 16 rotatable with the partial ring for gripping engagement with the tubular, and a drive motor 18, 20 for powering rotation of the partial ring. A door 40, 50 is pivotally connected to a tong body adjacent a side of the open throat to allow the power tong to be moved laterally on and off the tubular string. A latch arm 56, 84 is movable between a closed position and an opened position, with the latch arm including a latch head 58, 86 for engagement with a latch stop 60, 61 to latch the door in the closed position. A locking arm 66, 94 includes a locking member 70 for engagement with a locking stop 72. The door mechanism significantly reduces the force and effort required to reliably latch the door in the closed position, thereby improving tong safety.

Abstract: The powered backup tong assembly 10 includes a planar support plate 14, a pair of hydraulically powered cylinders 16, 18, a pair of link arms 20, 22, and heads 24, 26, and 30 for gripping engagement with the oilfield tubular. The powered backup tong frame includes an open throat 28 for laterally moving the power tong on and off the tubular member. A pair of rear ears 32, 34 each extending laterally outward from a centerline 12 of the plate 14 facilitate mounting the pair of hydraulically powered cylinders 16, 18 laterally outward of the support plate 14. The opposing heads 24, 26 are each pivotally connected to a respective pivot arm 20, 22, and the head 30 is mounted directly to support plate 14. The power tong is relatively simple and lightweight, and is highly reliable.

Abstract: A tool 60 for rotating a tubular member 80 passing through a slip assembly 66 is powered by a rotary table 62 of a drilling rig. Tool 60 includes a cam ring 8 having a plurality of interior camming surfaces 82 thereon, and a cage plate assembly 84 rotatable with respect to the cam ring 8 and housing one or more gripping heads 94 for gripping engagement with the tubular 80. A powered drive unit 55 is provided for selectively rotating the cage plate assembly 84 with respect to the cam ring 8. A tool mount 10 removably connects the slip assembly and the cage plate assembly, and one or more axial adjustment members 17 permit limited axial movement of the cam ring 8 with respect to the slip assembly so that the gripping heads retain gripping engagement with the tubular member 80 while moving axially with respect to the body of the slip assembly.

Abstract: A tool 60 for rotating a tubular member 80 passing through a slip assembly 66 is powered by a rotary table 62 of a drilling rig. Tool 60 includes a cam ring 8 having a plurality of interior camming surfaces 82 thereon, and a cage plate assembly 84 rotatable with respect to the cam ring 8 and housing one or more gripping heads 94 for gripping engagement with the tubular 80. A powered drive unit 55 is provided for selectively rotating the cage plate assembly 84 with respect to the cam ring 8. A tool mount 10 removably connects the slip assembly and the cage plate assembly, and one or more axial adjustment members 17 permit limited axial movement of the cam ring 8 with respect to the slip assembly so that the gripping heads retain gripping engagement with the tubular member 80 while moving axially with respect to the body of the slip assembly.