With Additional Work-engaging Means Patents (Class 81/57.16)
  • Patent number: 11608694
    Abstract: A wrench for making up or breaking up a pipe joint is provided. The wrench comprises a tong assembly having an upper tong and a lower tong. The upper tong has a first upper tong half pivotably connected to a second upper tong half at their first ends. The lower tong has a first lower tong half pivotably connected to a second lower tong half at their first ends. A central bearing operatively couples the upper tong and the lower tong to allow the upper tong to rotate relative to the lower tong or vice versa. The tong assembly has a ram assembly for pushing or pulling the upper tong at a tangential location thereof and the ram assembly is retracted or extended to move the tong assembly between an open position, a closed position, and a rotated closed position where the upper tong is rotated relative to the lower tong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: DRILLFORM TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD.
    Inventors: Todd McCorriston, Vladimir Scekic, Patrick McDougall, Mark Taggart
  • Patent number: 11591864
    Abstract: A wellbore surface assembly includes a slip assembly, vertical rails, linear actuators, and an iron roughneck. The slip assembly is attached to a floor surface of a wellbore and it includes movable slips that engage a first tube. The vertical rails are attached to the base of the automatic slip assembly. The iron roughneck is movable along the vertical rails. The automatic iron roughneck includes a frame, a rotary ring, die actuators, and dies. The iron roughneck is movable by the linear actuators along a length of the vertical rails, changing an elevation of the iron roughneck with respect to the automatic slip assembly and the floor surface of the wellbore. The dies engage the second tube and the rotary ring rotates the second tube, threadedly attaching or detaching the second tube from the first tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Bakr Abdulrahim Al-Ghamdi
  • Patent number: 11525315
    Abstract: A method of connecting or disconnecting a first tubular to a second tubular includes engaging the first tubular with a power tong; engaging the second tubular with a backup tong; and rotating the first tubular relative to the second tubular. The method also includes, while rotating, monitoring a distance between the backup tong and the power tong and comparing the distance to a first threshold value; and stopping rotation of the first tubular when the distance equals to the first threshold value. According to one embodiment, a tong assembly includes a power tong, a backup tong, a sensor configured to measure a distance between the power tong and the backup tong, and a controller configured to compare the distance to a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Helms, Jan Rothe
  • Patent number: 11274510
    Abstract: A pipe loading system for a drilling machine includes a stem and a first receptacle adapted to removably receive a first end of a first pipe. The pipe loading system includes a guide ring removably disposed on the first receptacle and adapted to removably receive a first end of a second pipe. The pipe loading system also includes a second receptacle defining a first receiving portion and adapted to removably receive a second end of the first pipe. The pipe loading system further includes a liner assembly removably disposed on the second receptacle and defining a second receiving portion. The second receiving portion is adapted to removably receive a second end of the second pipe. A diameter of the second pipe is smaller than a diameter of the first pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining Equipment LLC
    Inventor: Yagneshwar Natarajan
  • Patent number: 11085253
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a tong assembly having position sensors for controlling door opening and closing sequence. The tong assembly includes a back section, an outer door section movably coupled to the back section, a first actuator configured to move the outer door section between an open position and a closed position, an inner door section movably coupled to the back section, a second actuator configured to move the inner door section between an open position and a closed position, a first sensor positioned to measure a position of the outer door section; and a second sensor positioned to measure a position of the inner door section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Heidi N. Cline, John D. Hooker, II, Karsten Heidecke, Bjoern Thiemann, Michael Wiedecke
  • Patent number: 10815737
    Abstract: A tool joint clamp which includes a clamp assembly and a stop ring. The clamp assembly has at least two die carriers, with each die carrier having a translating and pivoting link between the die carriers such that the die carriers may move toward and away from a centerline of the clamp assembly. The stop ring includes a ring body having a central aperture forming an internal sidewall, with at least a portion of the internal sidewall having splines. A cam surface and cam follower are positioned between the clamp assembly and the stop ring, with the cam surface and cam follower configured to urge the die carriers toward the clamp assembly's centerline when relative torque is applied between the clamp assembly and the stop ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: M & M Oil Tools, LLC
    Inventors: David A. Buck, Andy Paul Todd
  • Patent number: 10753162
    Abstract: A wrench assembly having an upper clamp assembly and a lower clamp assembly coupled to the upper clamp assembly, wherein the lower clamp assembly comprises a plurality of grippers each having a grip head configured to grip a tubular. Each grip head has a die plate surrounded by a primary contact plate. The primary contact plate is configured to contact the tubular prior to the die plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: FORUM US, INC.
    Inventor: Han Vo
  • Patent number: 10746268
    Abstract: A gear nut adjustment assembly is provided that receives and powers an adjustable jaw assembly for purposes of making or breaking a tubular connection. The adjustable jaw assembly is capable of receiving pipes of various diameters through an automated means. In one example of an implementation of the invention, the gear nut adjustment assembly of the present invention includes a housing for mounting a nut assembly at one end and a motor at the other end. The housing includes a front and rear housing where the front housing has a mounting assembly for mounting a nut assembly. The nut assembly includes at its rear end a ring gear. The rear housing further includes a drive gear positioned in between the front and rear housing in engagement with the ring gear of the nut assembly. The drive gear is driven by the motor attached to the back of the rear housing and, through engagement with the ring gear on the nut assembly, rotates the nut assembly to adjust the jaws of the adjustable jaw assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Hawk Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Ernest Rivera, Michael A. Russo
  • Patent number: 10557321
    Abstract: A torque wrench is provided. The torque wrench has housing and a rotating assembly rotatably mounted in the housing. The rotating assembly has a gripping assembly with an aperture for receiving a tubular and a plurality of die assemblies; a bevel pinion carrier assembly with a bevel pinion carrier and a bevel pinion mounted in the bevel pinion carrier; an upper ring gear fixed to an upper bevel gear rotatably connected to the bevel pinion at an upper side of the bevel pinion carrier; a lower ring gear fixed to a lower bevel gear rotatably connected to the bevel pinion at a lower side of the bevel pinion carrier; and first and second members threadably coupleable with each other, the first threadably coupleable member fixedly connected to the bevel pinion and the second threadably coupleable member drivingly connected to the die assembly, wherein rotation of the bevel pinion drives the die assembly toward and away from the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: DRILLFORM TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD.
    Inventors: Vladimir Scekic, Radu Gnasienco, Russell Turnbull, Kevin Batahla
  • Patent number: 10550651
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying torque about an operational axis of rotation includes a first torque device member. In addition, the apparatus includes an actuator support configured to move radially relative the operational axis and configured to be restricted from rotating in a plane oriented perpendicular to the operational axis. Further, the apparatus includes a first torque actuator pivotally coupled to the first torque device member and the actuator support. Still further, the apparatus includes a rod or a second torque actuator pivotally coupled to the first torque device member and the actuator support. Moreover, the apparatus includes a second torque device member coupled to the first torque device member and disposed about the operational axis of rotation. The actuator support is pivotally coupled to the second torque device member and is configured to pivot about a first pivot axis towards and away from the operational axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO NORWAY AS
    Inventors: Jonathan Garrick Webb, David Allen Hill, Trond Werner Moen
  • Patent number: 10533383
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for spinning a tubular that includes a frame having a first arm and a second arm outwardly extending from a central region where each arm includes a roller. The frame also includes a center roller coupled to the central region of the frame. The frame is also capable of functioning as a clamping mechanism by providing at least one of the rollers on the frame with an internal gear mechanism for increasing the amount of torque that can be applied to a tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Hawk Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Mike McClure
  • Patent number: 10472906
    Abstract: A tong includes a frame having jaws configured to engage a tubular and a tong control assembly disposed on the frame. The tong control assembly includes a housing connected to the frame, a shutoff switch, and a toggle lever located at a suitable position on the housing, whereby the toggle lever is configured to be operated while the shutoff switch is depressed, and wherein the toggle lever is configured to control at least one of: a rotational speed of the jaws and a rotational direction of the jaws. A method of operating a tong includes clamping a first tubular using first jaws of a tong, clamping a second tubular using second jaws of the tong, rotating the first tubular relative to the second tubular, and controlling a rotational speed of the first tubular using a toggle lever disposed on a frame of the tong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Georg Zimbelmann, Ditmar Clasen, Bjoern Thiemann
  • Patent number: 10364621
    Abstract: An exit side pipe handling and vise tool. The tool may be suspended from an arm of a hydraulic machine and rotated and pivoted relative to the arm. The tool comprises two retainer assemblies, two vise assemblies, and a roller assembly each suspended from a linear frame. Each of the retainer assemblies is movable relative to the frame in a direction transverse to a length of the frame. The vise assemblies are in side-by-side configuration to break a connection between adjacent pipe segments. The roller assembly defines rollers having a spiral ramp disposed on an external surface to encourage axial movement of a pipe segment during rotation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: American Augers, Inc.
    Inventors: Kalpeshkumar Patel, Christopher Zambie, Richard Gentry
  • Patent number: 10316597
    Abstract: A tubular clamp system comprising a carriage assembly coupled to a gripper assembly. The gripper assembly includes a pair of jaws movable into engagement with a tubular by a lead screw that is rotated by a first actuator. The pair of jaws are configured to grip and lift the tubular by a thrust nut that is coupled to the lead screw and is rotatable by a second actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: FORUM US, INC.
    Inventor: Rogelio Rios
  • Patent number: 10202812
    Abstract: A drill bit retaining assembly includes a ring, a bit clamp member coupled to the ring, and an actuator coupled to the ring. The bit clamp member is movable via the actuator between a first position, in which the bit clamp member is configured to be engaged with a drill bit and a second position in which the bit clamp member is configured to be disengaged from the drill bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Joy Global Surface Mining Inc
    Inventor: Jason E. Gaska
  • Patent number: 10081991
    Abstract: A portable tong system includes: a power tong; a backup tong; and an adapter. The adapter includes: a main frame having a base for mounting the backup tong; a mount for mounting the main frame to a positioning system; a leveling frame for torsional connection to the power tong; a suspension mounted to the leveling frame for supporting the power tong; a linear actuator for raising and lowering the leveling frame relative to the main frame; and a torsional arrestor torsionally connecting the leveling frame to the main frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Federico Amezaga, Martin Helms, Martin Liess
  • Patent number: 9945180
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a machine capable of drilling into the ground at a wide range of angles relative to the ground surface. The present disclosure also provides novel drilling methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Louis C. Hartke, David J. Hackman, Daniel L. Gustafson, Chad A. Bartels, Orin L. Miller, John W. Philbrook
  • Patent number: 9915109
    Abstract: A system for pushing and pulling rod strings through the ground or an underground pipe. The apparatus has a downhole tool attached to the distal end of the rod string. The push/pull machine has a stationary frame that is placed against the ground to provide a reaction surface. The stationary frame has an opening for the rod string to pass through. A rod gripping assembly is supported on the machine frame and moveable relative to the stationary frame. The push/pull machine has a powered rod section spinner to add or remove rod string sections from the rod string. An actuator powers movement of jaws into a spinner bowl to cause a powered gripping of the rod string section. With the rod string section gripped a motor is activated to rotate the rod string section to connect it to a rod string or disconnect it from the rod string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Earth Tool Company LLC
    Inventors: Steven W. Wentworth, Robert F. Crane, Walter George Thompson
  • Patent number: 9546526
    Abstract: A torque wrench apparatus comprises a top wrench, a bottom wrench, and a middle wrench. The top and bottom wrenches are configured such that either one of them rotates a first joint in a first direction, and the middle wrench is configured to rotate a second joint in a second direction opposite the first direction; or the top and bottom wrenches are configured such that either one of them immobilizes a first joint, and the middle wrench is configured to rotate a second joint in a first direction; or the middle wrench is configured to immobilize a first joint, and the top and bottom wrenches are configured such that either one of them rotates a second joint in a second direction opposite the first direction. A method for making and breaking joints with the apparatus is also introduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventors: Xuejun Li, Chen Liu, Jie Cui
  • Patent number: 9506304
    Abstract: A rotational driver for driving a connector through adjacent tubulars is provided. The adjacent tubulars are positionable in a wellbore of a wellsite for passing fluid therethrough. The rotational driver includes a gearbox housing positionable about the connector, a socket carried by the gearbox housing to receivingly engage the connector, and a plurality of gears driven by at least one motor. The gears are operatively connectable to the socket to transfer torque from the motor thereto, and have interlocking teeth defining a plurality of contacts therebetween whereby load on the gears is distributable therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventor: Douglas Aaron Jahnke
  • Patent number: 9410383
    Abstract: A clam assembly for connecting adjacent tubulars positionable in a wellbore of a wellsite for passing fluid therethrough comprises at least one drive mechanism. The clam assembly includes a plurality of segments selectively movable between an open position to receive the adjacent tubulars and a closed position positionable around the adjacent tubulars. The segments are disposable about a periphery of the adjacent tubulars. The drive mechanism is carried by the segments, and include a driver to drive a connector through the adjacent tubulars. The driver is movable between a retracted and an extended position to drive the connector whereby a connection is formed between the adjacent tubulars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Douglas Aaron Jahnke, Eric Trevor Ensley
  • Patent number: 9404324
    Abstract: Spin-in and spin-out apparatus and methods are presented wherein an oilfield tubular spinner used in combination with a wrench detects the shouldering-up of tubulars during make-up and tubular thread disengagement during break-out. Sensors are employed to quantify measurables indicative of shouldering-up and thread disengagement, the measurables being used to shutdown spin-in and spin-out operations. Thresholds are employed to detect measurable values of interest. Timers may be employed to monitor and control the spin-in and spin-out operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: CANRIG DRILLING TECHNOLOGY LTD.
    Inventor: Douglas A. Hunter
  • Patent number: 9144894
    Abstract: An apparatus includes: a first clamping mechanism having a first hollow portion that includes a first gripping die portion disposed therein and a second hollow portion that includes a second gripping die portion disposed therein such that a first well drilling component is positioned therebetween; a wedge-shaped plate positioned above the first clamping mechanism and including a first end having a notch formed therein and a second arcuate end having gear teeth formed therein; a second clamping mechanism supported by the wedge-shaped plate and including a first hollow portion having a first gripping die portion disposed therein and a second hollow portion having a second gripping die portion disposed therein such that a second well drilling component is positioned therebetween; and a drive mechanism. Operation of the drive mechanism rotates the wedge-shaped plate and the second clamping mechanism through about a 90° range of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: TARGET DRILLING, INC.
    Inventors: Ryan Barnett, Brody Conklin
  • Patent number: 9074424
    Abstract: A rod support system has an upper gripper assembly and a lower gripper assembly. Each gripper assembly has a top plate having a first track. The first track has a first substantially arcuate portion having a first radius of curvature and a second substantially arcuate portion having a second and smaller radius of curvature. A jaw is constrained to move in a path defined by the first track. A bottom plate of the assembly has a second track that is congruent with the first track also engaging the jaw, so that the jaw is constrained to move in a path defined by the first track and the second track in cooperation. The jaws can support a rod when the jaws move from a position along the first arcuate portion of the first and second tracks to a position along the second arcuate portion of the first and second tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Drilling Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Andreas Jonsson, Chad Przano, Tim Ledbetter
  • Publication number: 20150107850
    Abstract: An automated, electric tong system and methods usable for making-up and breaking out threaded connections between tubular members, wherein the electric tong system comprises a power tong for applying torque and rotating the upper tubular member, a backup tong for gripping tubulars, and a lift assembly for vertically moving the electric tong system into proper position to grip the upper and lower tubulars. The power and backup tongs and lift assembly of the electric tong system are integrated into a single transportable unit and operated by three separate electrical motors, controlled by a single driver. The backup tong is located below the power tong and comprises a pneumatic cylinder, which operates a backup door, and a linear actuator driven by an electric motor for use in latching the backup tong door in a closed position and applying or releasing a clamping force to a tubular, during make-up or break-out operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Frank's International, LLC
    Inventors: Donald E. Mosing, Vernon J. Bouligny
  • Patent number: 8875365
    Abstract: A tongs system and method for making and breaking threaded joints of a string of tubing for an oil well involves, in some examples, the use of a set of tongs with a two-speed transmission and a hydraulic system selectively operable in a high-pressure mode and a low-pressure mode. During an initial tightening period, the tongs system operates in high-gear and high-pressure for maximum speed. During a subsequent final tightening period, the tongs system operates in low-gear and low-pressure to controllably tighten the joint to a predetermined target torque. In some examples, to allow the transmission to shift speed without jamming gears, the tongs system pauses for an instant between the initial and final tightening periods. In some examples, the tongs system is interlocked with a hoist and/or other tube-holding and handling equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventors: Jonathan V. Huseman, Kasia L. Robnett, Frederic M. Newman
  • Patent number: 8863621
    Abstract: A power tong includes a rotor, driven by a primary drive, for spinning and torquing threaded connections of a tubular gripped in the rotor. A grip in the rotor grips the tubular. A serpentine member supplies power to actuate the grip. The serpentine member is driven by a secondary drive. The primary and secondary drives are mounted on a stator frame. The rotor is rotatably mounted to the stator frame and driven by the primary drive during continuous three hundred and sixty degrees of rotation. A fixed or backup jaw may also be mounted to the stator frame. Tubular grippers on the fixed jaw grip a first side of a tubular joint. The grip on the rotor grips the opposite side of the tubular joint. High torque low-rotational speed applied to the rotor torques the joint. Low torque high-rotational speed applied to the rotor spins the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventor: Allan Stewart Richardson
  • Publication number: 20140174261
    Abstract: A power tong assembly and backup tong assembly are disclosed. The power tong assembly includes a drive motor driving a drive gear engaged with a rotatable portion of a bearing assembly. The rotatable portion of the bearing assembly is connected to a cylindrical rotor positioned concentrically about jaws that grippingly engage and rotate a first tubular member when the portion of the bearing assembly rotates. The backup tong assembly comprises a pair of diametrically opposed gripper assemblies each having a cylinder with a cylinder rod, connected to a head member, connected to a pair of gripper members with gripping surfaces, so that extension of the cylinder rods causes the gripper members to grippingly engage a second tubular member. The power tong assembly and the backup tong assembly may be concentrically aligned to connect and disconnect the first and second tubular members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: American Certification and Pull Testing, LLC
    Inventor: Troy A. Rodgers
  • Patent number: 8752619
    Abstract: A clamping device for supporting a well string in a borehole includes a base plate with a central opening and primary clamp body clamp body supported for linear motion relative to the base plate. The clamping device further includes other clamp bodies supported for independent linear motion relative to the base plate. In certain embodiments, the clamping bodies are supported for pivoting motion to open and close the central opening. Each of the clamp bodies carries a gripping member on a face thereof for engaging a well string component received in the central opening. A drive mechanism is coupled to the clamp bodies and configured to move the clamp bodies relative to the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Rene Mulder, Anton Krijnen, Niels De Keijzer, Richard Verhoef
  • Patent number: 8627748
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drill bit wrench (10) for use on a drilling apparatus for loosening a drill bit segment of a drill bit during drilling of holes into the ground. The wrench includes a carrier member (12) operatively supported on the drilling apparatus. A gripping member (26) is displaceably located on the carrier member and a lever arm (38) is pivotally located on the gripping member, displacement mechanisms (20, 34, 42) providing for required displacement of the parts of the wrench for its operation. One displacement mechanism (42) provides for an initial direct gripping force to be applied on a drill bit segment, which force is sufficient to permit loosening of the segment in normal circumstances, an additional gripping force, to be induced by a wedging action of a wedge face of the lever arm, being provided for, where required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Inventor: Petrus Christiaan Gouws
  • Patent number: 8601910
    Abstract: An apparatus for making and/or breaking a threaded connection between a first tubular and a second tubular includes a spinner operable to spin the first tubular relative to the second tubular; a zero-side-load (“ZSL”) device operable to relieve the transverse force induced on the threaded connection in response to the spinner spinning the first tubular; a torque wrench operable to rotate the first tubular relative to the second tubular; and a back-up wrench operable to grip the second tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Frank's Casing Crew and Rental Tools, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian D Begnaud
  • Patent number: 8496238
    Abstract: A tubular gripping apparatus has a jaw assembly that has a tubular-contacting surface at an end thereof, a drive yoke that has a tubular-contacting surface at an end thereof, an actuator connected to the drive yoke, and a locking mechanism interconnected to the drive yoke. The drive yoke is connected to the jaw assembly. The actuator moves the jaw assembly and the drive yoke such that the tubular-contacting surfaces thereof move radially inwardly for a substantially identical distance. The locking mechanism directs a load away from the actuator while the jaw assembly and the drive yoke grip the tubular. The locking mechanism has a cylinder yoke positioned around the piston-and-cylinder assembly, and a wedge assembly positioned adjacent the bearing bar and the cylinder yoke. The wedge assembly is suitable for contacting the cylinder yoke so as to prevent a movement of the cylinder yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: T&T Engineering Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith J. Orgeron
  • Patent number: 8495930
    Abstract: A power tong device (1) for handling of a threaded pipe connection wherein the power tong device (1) comprises a frame (6) having a power tong (10) and a holding tong (8) and also a drive gear (12) for the power tong (10), and wherein the power tong (10) is displaceable relative to the holding tong (8) along its rotational axis, as the power tong (10) is radially displaceable relative to the holding tong (8), and wherein the power tong (10) is connected to the drive gear (12) by means of a radially displaceable coupling (26, 54).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Seabed Rig AS
    Inventor: Per Olav Haughom
  • Patent number: 8490520
    Abstract: Spin-in and spin-out apparatus and methods are presented wherein an oilfield tubular spinner used in combination with a wrench detects the shouldering-up of tubulars during make-up and tubular thread disengagement during break-out. Sensors are employed to quantify measurables indicative of shouldering-up and thread disengagement, the measurables being used to shutdown spin-in and spin-out operations. Thresholds are employed to detect measurable values of interest. Timers may be employed to monitor and control the spin-in and spin-out operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Douglas A. Hunter
  • Patent number: 8490519
    Abstract: An attachment is described that is configured for attachment to an arm of a piece of heavy construction equipment. The attachment is configured to rotate a section of pipe during break out (i.e. disconnection or disassembly) from another section of pipe and/or make up (i.e. connection or assembly) with another section of pipe. The attachment is configured to break the joint or torque the joint to a predetermined torque value, unthread or thread pipe, and lift the pipe under the power of the heavy construction equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: LaValley Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Lavalley, Daniel L. Larson, Roger Lavalley, Marvin N. Larson, Rodney Wurgler, Christopher G. Kay, Matthew J. Michel, Jesse J. Kilde
  • Patent number: 8464613
    Abstract: A prior art sucker rod tong is improved to remove a coupling completely from a sucker rod assembly comprising sucker rods joined end to end by couplings. The prior art sucker rod tong has a rotatable jaw assembly and a lower backup wrench adapted to cooperate to unscrew a coupling joining first and second rods, where the coupling remains screwed to the second rod after it is unscrewed from the first rod. The improvement comprises a coupling extractor for unscrewing the coupling from the second rod so that the coupling can be replaced. The coupling extractor comprises a shaft having an extractor end portion on each end of the shaft and a shield around each extractor end portion, wherein the coupling extractor is designed and sized to fit within and to be rotated by the jaw assembly. The extractor end portion engages the inside wall of the coupling to unscrew the coupling from the second rod. The extractor end portion is preferably a tapered, left-handed spiral fluted easy-out extractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventors: Montie W. Holladay, David W. Ripple
  • Patent number: 8448548
    Abstract: A tightening head (1) is provided with at least two sockets (4i, 4ii) which are alternatively connected to an output shaft of a nut runner (3), a socket replacing mechanism (6) and a bolt supplying mechanism (7). The socket replacing mechanism (6) is provided with a moving mechanism (61) and a posture changing mechanism (64). The moving mechanism (61) moves each socket (4i, 4ii) between a using position where the socket (4i, 4ii) agrees with an axis of the output shaft of the nut runner (3) and a waiting position which is distant from the axis. The posture changing mechanism (64) changes a posture of each socket (4i, 4ii) to an upward posture corresponding to the waiting position and to a tightening posture corresponding to the using position. The bolt supplying mechanism 7 is provided with bolt magazines (8i, 8ii) and bolt holding mechanism (9i, 9ii). During a bolt tightening step is executed by one socket in the using position, the bolt (B) is supplied to the other socket in the waiting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinobu Kobayashi, Tetsuo Ishii
  • Publication number: 20130118315
    Abstract: An apparatus includes: a first clamping mechanism having a first hollow portion that includes a first gripping die portion disposed therein and a second hollow portion that includes a second gripping die portion disposed therein such that a first well drilling component is positioned therebetween; a wedge-shaped plate positioned above the first clamping mechanism and including a first end having a notch formed therein and a second arcuate end having gear teeth formed therein; a second clamping mechanism supported by the wedge-shaped plate and including a first hollow portion having a first gripping die portion disposed therein and a second hollow portion having a second gripping die portion disposed therein such that a second well drilling component is positioned therebetween; and a drive mechanism. Operation of the drive mechanism rotates the wedge-shaped plate and the second clamping mechanism through about a 90° range of motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: TARGET DRILLING, INC.
    Inventor: Target Drilling, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8359951
    Abstract: A torque measuring flange is provided for use with a tong arrangement. The torque measuring flange includes a top plate and a bottom plate and one or more cylinders disposed between one or more wedges, whereby rotating the top plate causes the wedges to compress a piston in the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernd-Georg Pietras, Andreas Carlsson, Jorg Erich Schulze-Beckinhausen
  • Publication number: 20120272792
    Abstract: A power tong continuously rotates tubulars for spinning and torquing threaded connections. Continuous rotation is achieved through a rotating jaw having a grip that grips the tubular and continuously rotates with it. A serpentine supplies directly or indirectly power to actuate the grip. The serpentine is driven by a secondary drive mounted on a fixed frame. The rotating jaw is rotatably mounted to the fixed frame and driven during continuous three hundred and sixty degrees of rotation by a primary drive, mounted on the fixed frame. A fixed jaw may also be mounted to the frame. Tubular grippers on the fixed jaw grip a first side of a tubular joint. The grip on the rotating jaw grips the opposite second side of the tubular joint. High torque low-rotational speed applied to the rotating jaw torques the joint. Low torque high-rotational speed applied to the rotating jaw spins the joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventor: Allan Stewart Richardson
  • Patent number: 8291791
    Abstract: An open-faced rod-spinning device configured for making and/or breaking joints between threaded drill rods. The rod-spinning device may include a drive gear with an open face. The drive gear may also be coupled to a plurality of drive pins. The rod-spinning device may include a carriage assembly including an open face for receiving and rotating about a drill rod. The carriage assembly may include a plurality of gripping lobes configured to be engaged and rotated by the drive pins about pivot pins. The drive gear may be configured to rotate relative to the carriage assembly to cause the drive pins to engage and rotate the gripping lobes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Longyear TM, Inc.
    Inventors: Trevor Lyndon Light, Emil Kolev, Michael Andreas Kontou
  • Patent number: 8261454
    Abstract: Interchangeable tubing manipulating appliances for use with nut driving tools are disclosed for tubing manipulation, cutting, bending and the like. The appliances include tubing locating and stabilizing structure and securement for aligning and stabilizing the locating and stabilizing structure at one side of the driving tool adjacent to its nut driving head. A rotatable member is engagable at the nut driving head for selective rotation thereof relative to the tubing locating and stabilizing structure. The rotatable member includes a tubing engaging portion and a faceted engagable portion receivable at the nut driving tool. Embodied for tubing cutting, a cutting utility is included mounted adjacent the securement. The rotatable member receives and rotates the tubing. Embodied as a tubing bender, the rotatable member includes a tubing guide end, the locating and stabilizing structure adapted to receive tubing thereat and having an opening for receipt of the rotatable member therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: American Power Tool Company
    Inventor: David Wilson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8186246
    Abstract: A clamping mechanism having two or more jaws which may be opened to allow a tubular to be introduced within the jaws and closed to retain the tubular therewithin. The rollers are located within concave recesses and maintained in spaced apart relationship by biasing means, whereby rotation of tubular may cause the rollers to be wedged between a wall of the recess and the tubular to grip the tubular within the jaws. The clamping mechanism may be utilized as an oil field tubular clamp, a slip, a pipe clamp, and other mechanisms. There is also disclosed a clutch comprising an outer race, a cage, and an inner ring. Recesses are provided in an outer race and accommodate rollers therewith and maintained in spaced apart relationship by the cage. The cage may be moved by an actuator to selectively allow free wheeling or prevent rotation. A socket ratchet incorporating such a clutch is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: David Niven
  • Publication number: 20120111154
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pipe clamping device comprising a housing which has a tubular centre in which a pipe is to be positioned. The pipe clamping device comprises at least three gripping devices for synchronous movement in towards the pipe. Each gripping device is disposed with a direction of movement in towards the tubular centre, where each gripping device is arranged in order, in contact with the pipe, to provide a holding force. The pipe clamping device is provided with elongate flexible transmission elements, each of the elongate flexible transmission elements being attached to one of the gripping devices and running in contact with at least one support means to attachment to each of the other gripping devices. Upon movement of at least one of the gripping device, this movement is transmitted to at least one of the other gripping device by the associated elongate transmission element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: AKER MH AS
    Inventor: Bernt Olav Holen
  • Patent number: 8074537
    Abstract: Spin-in and spin-out apparatus and methods are presented wherein an oilfield tubular spinner used in combination with a wrench detects the shouldering-up of tubulars during make-up and tubular thread disengagement during break-out. Sensors are employed to quantify measurables indicative of shouldering-up and thread disengagement, the measurables being used to shutdown spin-in and spin-out operations. Thresholds are employed to detect measurable values of interest. Timers are employed to monitor and control the spin-in and spin-out operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Douglas A. Hunter
  • Publication number: 20110271797
    Abstract: An open-faced rod-spinning device configured for making and/or breaking joints between threaded drill rods. The rod-spinning device may include a drive gear with an open face. The drive gear may also be coupled to a plurality of drive pins. The rod-spinning device may include a carriage assembly including an open face for receiving and rotating about a drill rod. The carriage assembly may include a plurality of gripping lobes configured to be engaged and rotated by the drive pins about pivot pins. The drive gear may be configured to rotate relative to the carriage assembly to cause the drive pins to engage and rotate the gripping lobes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: LONGYEAR TM, INC.
    Inventors: Trevor Lyndon Light, Emil Kolev, Michael Andreas Kontou
  • Patent number: 8042432
    Abstract: An oilfield tubular torque wrench and a tong therefore is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Douglas A. Hunter, Martin H. Thieme, Friedhold Brost
  • Patent number: 8037786
    Abstract: A hydraulic circuit device for activating the at least one clamping die (14) of a power tong (1), the power tong (1) including two housing halves (2), pivotable relative to each other, the housing halves (2) being arranged to be pivoted between a closed, active position and an open, inactive position, and a radially divided drive ring (6, 8) which is provided with the at least one hydraulically activated clamping die (14) directed towards the centre axis (10) of the power tong (1), being placed in the housing halves (2), the drive ring (6, 8) being supported and connected to at least one driving motor (12) for the rotation of the drive ring (6, 8) about the centre axis (10), and a hydraulic pump cylinder (16) being articulatedly connected between the first drive ring part (6) of the drive ring (6, 8) and the second drive ring part (8) of the drive ring (6, 8) and arranged to rotate together with the drive ring (6, 8) about the centre axis (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Wellquip AS
    Inventor: Per A. Vatne
  • Publication number: 20110219916
    Abstract: A power tong device (1) for handling of a threaded pipe connection wherein the power tong device (1) comprises a frame (6) having a power tong (10) and a holding tong (8) and also a drive gear (12) for the power tong (10), and wherein the power tong (10) is displaceable relative to the holding tong (8) along its rotational axis, as the power tong (10) is radially displaceable relative to the holding tong (8), and wherein the power tong (10) is connected to the drive gear (12) by means of a radially displaceable coupling (26, 54).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: Per Olav Haughom
  • Patent number: 7997165
    Abstract: A prior art sucker rod tong is improved to remove a coupling completely from a sucker rod assembly comprising sucker rods joined end to end by couplings. The prior art sucker rod tong has a rotatable jaw assembly and a lower backup wrench adapted to cooperate to unscrew a coupling joining first and second rods, where the coupling remains screwed to the second rod after it is unscrewed from the first rod. The improvement comprises a coupling extractor for unscrewing the coupling from the second rod so that the coupling can be replaced. The coupling extractor comprises a shaft having an extractor end portion on each end of the shaft and a shield around each extractor end portion, wherein the coupling extractor is designed and sized to fit within and to be rotated by the jaw assembly. The extractor end portion engages the inside wall of the coupling to unscrew the coupling from the second rod. The extractor end portion is preferably a tapered, left-handed spiral fluted easy-out extractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventors: Montie W. Holladay, David W. Ripple