Abstract: A tong assembly for use in the make up or breakout of a threaded connection between adjacent tubulars in a tubular string includes jaws that engage the tubulars, handles for rotating the jaws, and a actuation assembly for exerting a force to the handles. The actuation assembly applies the force to the handles along a path intersecting the handles, which avoids creating torsion in the handles. The connection between the actuation assembly and the handles includes trunnion assemblies that swivel about ends of the handles to align the force with the handles.

Abstract: A sucker rod transfer assembly for handling a sucker rod prior to the sucker rod being installed for use in a well. The transfer assembly includes an elongated body having a cavity that receives an end of the sucker rod. A slot is formed in an end wall of the body, and an opening extends lengthwise along the body that exposes the cavity. The sucker rod is engaged with the transfer assembly by inserting a tip and shoulder of the sucker rod laterally into the opening while sliding a portion of the sucker rod below the shoulder into the slot. The sucker rod is axially supported in the transfer assembly by interfering contact between the shoulder and edges of the slot. A spring selectively biases safety rings around the sucker rod end to retain the sucker rod end in the cavity.