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.

Abstract: A base assembly removably and adjustably receives a tool and includes a base and a wall extending outwardly from the base. First and second openings are disposed in the wall. First and second cutouts are disposed in the wall to receive the tool. A pivot pin is removably received by the first and second openings. The tool is removably disposed on the pivot pin. A locking ring is disposed on the pivot pin. The locking ring is in a locked position to prevent movement of the pivot pin and in an unlocked position to allow movement of the pivot pin, thereby allowing the tool to be easily moved between positions and securely locked in a desired position.

Abstract: A tool support system is disclose having a yoke; a plurality of concentric rings having at least one ring pivotally connected to the yoke; a tool fastening mechanism to secure a tool in the support system; and one or more rotation components to permit the tool to rotate within a ring of the support structure. One or more of the concentric rings can be added to the system or can replace one or more concentric rings to accommodate tools of different sizes. The invention includes a method of configuring a support apparatus and a support apparatus kit with various interchangeable parts, and parts that can be built out to varying degrees to permit the support structure to be used on numerous types of tools.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting tubulars comprises tongs for gripping the tubulars, having openings which can be aligned to allow tubulars to enter the tongs, and a detection apparatus for detecting the location of a joint between the tubulars. The detection apparatus comprises a set of keys disposed along an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the tubulars, the keys being individually displaceable on contact with the tubulars as the tubulars enter the tongs through the openings. The detection apparatus further comprises a set of sensor means, each arranged to detect displacement of a corresponding key. The position of the joint can then be determined from the displacement of the keys.

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.

Abstract: A vehicle toe set adjustment device and method for adjusting a vehicle tie rod includes an adjustment head adapted to be received over a tie rod. The adjustment head includes a surface for engaging a tie rod fastener, a plurality of moveable collet keys mounted on the adjustment head, and a drive member engaging surface. An actuator on the adjustment head moves the collet keys to engage the tie rod after the tie rod is received in the adjustment head. A method is also provided for engaging moveable collet keys on an adjustment head to engage the tie rod for rotation of the tie rod to adjust the toe set of a vehicle wheel. The device and method are useful with a variety of tie rod assemblies on various vehicles having different sized tie rod assemblies.

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.

Abstract: The apparatus for an automated drill pipe casing stabbing arm includes a telescopic tube assembly, a movable roller bracket assembly, a movable arm assembly, a mounting assembly, an apparatus actuator, and a PLC portable remote control device. An actuator mechanism positions the gripping arm assembly and the roller bracket assemble relative to one another in order to capture and grip the casing therebetween to support and grip the casing on the circumference thereof from opposing diametric sides. The automated stabbing arm is installed on a rig's mast or derrick. In a working position, the apparatus is oriented horizontally to provide radial support and guidance to the casing. A rig worker on the rig floor controls the apparatus by the portable remote control device.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing a joint between two lengths of tubular. The apparatus has a tong arrangement comprising a rotary tong and a back-up tong. The apparatus also includes a frame having a seat for supporting the tong arrangement from beneath, the tong arrangement resting upon the seat such that the tong arrangement can be oriented in use at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the frame. A support member is provided for securing the tong arrangement to the frame at a chosen orientation.

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.

Abstract: A power wrench includes a housing divided into two parts which are rotatable relative to each other: a first part including a handle and a transverse section lodging a rotation motor, and a second part including a reduction gearing, an output shaft and a rigidly attached and laterally extending reaction bar. A swivel connection is provided between the housing parts and includes an angle sensor arranged to generate signals in response to relative angular movements between the housing parts, and a power control unit communicates with the angle sensor and is arranged to at least substantially reduce the motor power as a pre-set maximum angular movement between. the housing parts is exceeded as the motor is started.

Abstract: A power tong continuously rotates tubulars for spinning and torquing threaded connections. Continuous rotation is achieved through a rotating jaw having grippers that grip the tubular and continuously rotate with it. Hydraulic and electrical power necessary for actuating the grippers is generated on board. A serpentine belt system turns the motors of the on-board hydraulic power unit and electric generators to supply the grippers with hydraulic and electrical power. The serpentine belt system 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 is also mounted to the frame. Tubular grippers on the fixed jaw grip a first side of a tubular joint. The grippers on the rotating jaw grip the opposite second side of the tubular joint. High torque low-rotational speed applied to the rotating jaw torques the joint.

Abstract: An apparatus for rotating a tubular, the apparatus, in at least certain aspects including having a plurality of tubular-contacting rollers with one or more pairs of interlaced rollers. This Abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: A bolt-tightening tool for tightening two bolts at the same time. The bolt-tightening tool includes a first rotating shaft coupled with a motor shaft and a second rotating shaft coupled with a motor case. A first bolt is tightened with the first rotating shaft, while a second bolt is tightened with the second rotating shaft, whereby the first and the second bolts are tightened with a same amount of torque.

Abstract: A handheld power tool, in particular a power drill or power screwdriver, has a tool holder, which is displaceably received in a housing and which can be driven via a drive unit; a microswitch that can switch the drive unit on and off is provided, which is switchable upon an axial displacement motion of the tool holder via an actuating element. The actuating element is joined axially solidly to the tool holder, so that the axial displacement motion of the tool holder at the same time acts as the displacement motion of the actuating element, which motion actuates the microswitch.

Abstract: A vehicle tie rod adjustment device for changing the toe of a vehicle wheel by adjusting the overall length of a tie rod assembly. The tie rod adjustment device generally includes a housing, a gear train, an adjustable gear head, and a nut runner. The pivotal gear head threadably adjusts the tie rod assembly by rotatably engaging a hex or flatted portion and a lock nut, and includes one or more roller elements spaced around a guide fork recess to reduce a sliding friction with the tie rod assembly. According to another embodiment, the tie rod adjustment device includes a locking mechanism for maintaining the adjustable gear head in a proper alignment so that one or more components of the gear head can be removed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an adapter frame is provided for use with a power frame to support a tong assembly. When the adapter frame is coupled to the power frame, the load capacity of the power frame is increased, thereby allowing the power frame to be used with larger tongs or tong assemblies such as a riser tong.

Abstract: Drilling rig apparatus for connecting and disconnecting well pipe at a drilling rig. A remotely controlled power wrench assembly is mounted on a remotely controlled lifting mechanism attached to a base spaced about the well axis on the rig floor. The wrench assembly includes upper and lower wrenches carried by the lifting mechanism. The wrench assembly includes a lower wrench for gripping a lower box coupling of a drill pipe section at the well center. An upper wrench is provided for torquing and spinning an upper pin coupling into or out of threaded engagement with the lower box coupling. A manipulator is pivotably carried on a rod supported from the wrench assembly. The manipulator captures a drill pipe section and transfers the drill pipe section between the well axis and a position at the side of the wrench assembly. A slot is provided between frame members of the base for placement of a power slip manipulator for setting and releasing slips in the rotary table.

Abstract: A device for torquing a tubular connection. The device comprises an upper assembly having an upper jaw member, a lower assembly having a lower jaw member, an upper gear for advancing the upper jaw member, and a lower gear for advancing the lower jaw member. The upper jaw member includes a first jaw operatively associated with a first rack, a second jaw operatively associated with a second rack, and a third jaw operatively associated with a third rack. The lower jaw member includes a fourth jaw operatively associated with a fourth rack, a fifth jaw operatively associated with a fifth rack, and a sixth jaw operatively associated with a sixth rack. A method of torquing a first tubular with a second tubular is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tong assembly having a powered tong mounted over a backup tong is supported at its rear by a post with torque measuring means. The powered tong is supported at its front, near its throat, by one or more struts that extend downwardly to the backup tong. Such strut (s) provide support for the powered tong when the assembly is placed on a support surface for storage. The struts each have a joint with a retracted condition in which the joint is rigid when the tong is placed on a support surface, and an extended condition in which the joint allows a degree of lateral displacement when the tong assembly is applying torque to a pipe string. This maximizes the amount of torque passing through the rearward post, and therefore ensures a more accurate sensing of applied torque by the torque-measuring device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved drill pipe spinner. The improved spinner may be used as a stand-alone piece of pipe handling equipment or may be used in an Iron Roughneck. The spinner comprises a pair of clamping arms that are movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position, the arms will clamp about a pipe to be made up or broken out and in the open position, the spinner may be moved away from or towards the pipe. The arms are preferably moved between the open and closed positions by a hydraulically actuated clamping cylinder. Attached to the distal ends of each arm is a roller bracket. The roller brackets are preferably attached to the clamping arms by a roller bracket pin. Each roller bracket includes a pair of drive roller assemblies, which together form the spinning unit. Each drive roller assembly preferably comprises a pair of drive rollers, with each roller rotated by a pair of hydraulic motors.

Abstract: A backup tong 10 secures the tubular against axial rotation in response to rotation by a power tong. The backup tong plate 20 supports a pair fluid powered cylinders 32, 34, and a pair of swing arms 50, 52 each pivotally connected to the respective fluid powered cylinder. A left side cam plate 44 and a right side cam plate 46 are each provided for cooperation with a respective left side and right side cam follower 58, 60. The gripping head 30 provided on the backup tong plate, and a pair of gripping heads 62, 64 are provided on a forward end of each of the swing arms for gripping the tubular. A method of the invention includes supporting the fluid powered cylinders on the backup tong plate, and pivotally connecting the swing arms to the respective fluid powered cylinders. The cam followers move within respective cam plates during actuation of the cylinders.

Abstract: A fluid-operated power tool has a drive including a fluid-operator cylinder-piston unit, a first housing accommodating the drive, a lever-drive mechanism connected with the drive and powered by the latter and also engageable with a fastener for bolting applications, a second housing accommodating the lever-drive mechanism, the housings being interconnected so as to turn a fastener when the lever-drive mechanism is connected to the fastener and powered by the drive, and a connection for releasably connecting the housings with one another so that the housings are connectable with one another and disconnectable from one another, the connection including a female portion provided in one of the housings and a male portion provided in the other of the housings and engageable with the female portion for operatably connecting the first housing and the second housing with one another without subsequently requiring additional pins, screws and other means to provide a connection between the housings.

Abstract: A pipe making and breaking apparatus having top, middle and bottom wrenches connected to a frame. A torquing cylinder operatively extends between the middle wrench and the frame and when actuated through one or more torquing cycles causes an upper pipe to make (top and middle wrenches) or break (middle and bottom wrenches) relative to a lower pipe. A grip hold actuator maintains the middle wrench in the gripping position continuously during the making torquing cycles. A continuous chain spinner above the top wrench spins the top pipe to make a position or away from a make position. The spinner can be a stand alone unit or can hang freely in the derrick or can be part of the make/break apparatus. A spinner drive chain motor when pressurized and when an oiler button is actuated causes lubricant to be sprayed out a nozzle on the (moving) chain. Windows (guide gates) and/or guide posts direct the chain so as to not bunch up against the casing sprockets.

Abstract: A vise apparatus for use on a drilling machine to thread together pipe to form a drill string. The vise apparatus also for use on a drilling machine to break pipe threaded together in a drill string. The vise apparatus having scissor members that open to receive various size pipe diameters and close to contact the pipe around the pipe diameter at equally distanced locations.

Abstract: A device for controlling the vertical translation of a pneumatic tool includes a drive means and a control means. The pneumatic tool is supported by a holding device which configured to allow the pneumatic tool to be translated in a vertical direction. The pneumatic tool is connected to an air supply line having a pressure associated therewith. The drive means exerts a lifting force on the holding device to support the pneumatic tool. The control means adjusts the lifting force delivered by the drive means and is configured to monitor the pressure in the air supply line.

Abstract: A pipe making and breaking apparatus having top, middle and bottom wrenches connected to a frame. A torquing cylinder operatively extends between the middle wrench and the frame and when actuated through one or more torquing cycles causes an upper pipe to make (top and middle wrenches) or break (middle and bottom wrenches) relative to a lower pipe. A grip hold actuator maintains the middle wrench in the gripping position continuously during the making torquing cycles. A continuous chain spinner above the top wrench spins the top pipe to make a position or away from a make position. The spinner can be a stand alone unit or can hang freely in the derrick or can be part of the make/break apparatus. A spinner drive chain motor when pressurized and when an oiler button is actuated causes lubricant to be sprayed out a nozzle on the (moving) chain. Windows (guide gates) and/or guide posts direct the chain so as to not bunch up against the casing sprockets.

Abstract: An articulated support for a manually-operated power tool, such as a manually-positioned and trigger-operated tool having a driven rotary spindle for engagement with a work, includes a plurality of elongated segments that are connected by articulating joints to thereby define several relative joint angles. Angle sensors at the joints generate relative angle information that is used by a controller to determine when the tool has been placed in a position, relative to either the support's fixed base or the work, in which a selected tool operation is likely to be performed successfully. Thereafter, the controller enables trigger-operation of the tool, monitors the length of time that the selected tool operation is performed, and, preferably, determines the likelihood of a successful completion of the operation based at least in part on the monitoring.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for automatically installing a fastener to a fastener receptacle portion of a work piece. A fastener apparatus comprises a central frame supporting a datum member. The datum member defines a fastener position, and the datum member is operably engageable with a characteristic feature of the work piece. The fastener apparatus further comprises a fastening tool supported by the frame and moveable to the fastener position. The fastener apparatus further comprises a biasing member biasing the work piece characteristic feature in operable engagement with the datum member aligning the fastener receptacle with the fastener position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transverse bitbreaker plate, which is attached to the lower surface of a power wrench to effect the coupling or decoupling of downhole tools such as bits or stabilizers. The plate is hinged and provides a generally triangular shaped profile along through its transverse surface which mates with the bit or stabilizer, which is to be connected or disconnected. The hinged plate is removably attached below the power wrench with pins so that it may be used and removed in a minimum of time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting underwater conduits and more specifically, to a method and apparatus which is capable of performing the diverless connection of underwater flowlines and connection of these flowlines to underwater structures such as flowline bases, xmas trees, and templates. The connection of underwater conduits is facilitated by the use of a remotely operated vehicle and connection apparatus both being launchable and recoverable by a support vessel. The connection apparatus adapted to mount on at least one of the underwater conduits and the connection apparatus allowing for docking of the remotely controlled vehicle which then captures and draws a second conduit to form a continuous flowline. Then a connection apparatus is clamped upon the conduits. The apparatus then bolts the conduits together.

Abstract: A apparatus for disassembling a threaded bolt and nut assembly wherein the bolt is initially extended through an opening provided on a structure and being secured thereto with the nut axially mounted on a threaded rod of the bolt. The apparatus comprises a tool body, a nut gripping element such as a socket mounted for rotation on a working portion of the tool body, the socket being provided with a bore axially extending theretrough. The apparatus further comprises a rotary actuator mounted on the tool body and operatively coupled to the socket for imparting torque to the mounted nut in a direction allowing release of the nut from the secured bolt.

Abstract: An automatic fastener feed system provides a nut, bolt or other fastener to a movable drive tool such that the fastener is automatically engaged with a drive member on the drive tool and subsequently driven onto a corresponding fastener on a work piece. The feed system includes a fastener acceptor which is adapted for connection to a parts feeder via a supply line. The parts feeder provides the fasteners to the fastener acceptor, which at least temporarily retains the fastener in a position for engagement with the drive member. As the drive member rotates and moves through the fastener acceptor toward a mating fastener on a work piece, the fastener within the fastener acceptor is automatically aligned and engaged with the mating fastener as the drive member is rotatably driven by the drive tool. Continued operation of the drive member causes the fastener acceptor to release the fastener, thereby allowing the fastener to be driven completely onto the mating fastener on the work piece.

Abstract: A planetary ratchet wrench with an optional add-on pipe cutting tool. The basic tool includes first and second intermeshing gear members, where one of the gear members includes a pair of arcuate shaped segments, pivotally engaged, that open to receive a pipe connection and close to form a continuous circular gear member. To the second of the gear members, a ratchet arm, removably secured to the second gear member, is provided to effect rotation of the respective gear members. Stabilizing arm is provided to allow the rotation of the gear members from a position remote from the meshing gear members. Further, a pipe cutting tool may be an add-on to the tool for rotation with the first of the gear members.

Abstract: A power tong positioning apparatus positionable on the surface of drilling rig deck and attachable to at least one power tong. The power tong support is adapted to position at least one power tong so that it may engage a tubular member. The power tong positioning apparatus includes a frame, a base movably positioned on the frame, and a power tong support attached to the base and movably attachable to at least one power tong.