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: An apparatus including a first actuator including a first housing defining a first internal region, a first head disposed in the first internal region, the first head defining first and second portions of the first internal region, and a first elongated member connected to the first head and extending out of the first housing. The apparatus further includes a first arm connected to the first elongated member to transfer to the first elongated member at least a first portion of a first force applied in a first direction by at least the weight of at least a tubular component, and a first pressurized fluid source in fluid communication with the first portion of the first internal region to apply a second force against the first head in a second direction that is opposite the first direction. According to one aspect, the tubular component is part of a quill.