Abstract: A tubular joint elevator includes a ringed portion configured to lift a tubular joint. The elevator includes an elevating mechanism disposed adjacent to the ringed portion, and configured to elevate the tubular joint. In some embodiments, the elevator includes first, second, and third doors. The elevator includes a first locking member, and the first door includes a first locking recess. The first locking member is axially displaceable between an advanced position and a retracted position such that it is either received in or separated from the first locking recess. The third door includes a locking pin, and the first door comprises a locking hole. The third door is longitudinally displaceable between a first position and a second position such that the locking pin is either separated from, or received in, the locking hole. Methods of using the same are also included.

Abstract: A saver sub assembly has a body capable of coupling with a quill, and a split ring capable of coupling with the quill and the body and capable of keeping the quill and body together. The body has splines to prevent relative rotation between the quill and the body. The body may be hollow, and/or have a split ring retainer to maintain the position of the split ring. The saver sub assembly may also have one or more O-rings positioned between the body and the quill. The body of the saver sub assembly may have a threaded pin for engaging a drill string.

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.

Abstract: A power tong wrench having an open slot to accommodate a range of pipe diameters capable of making and breaking pipe threads and spinning in or out the threads and in which hydraulic power is supplied with a pump disposed within a rotary assembly, which pump is powered through a non-mechanical coupling, preferably magnetic, to a motor disposed outside the rotary assembly.