Abstract: An apparatus includes a key disposed at least partially in a first recess in a first tubular, the key defining teeth facing in a first axial direction, a first biasing member biasing the key in the first axial direction relative to the first tubular, and a rack disposed at least partially in a second recess formed in a second tubular. The rack defines teeth that face in a second axial direction that is opposite to the first axial direction, the teeth of the rack being configured to mesh with the teeth of the key. The apparatus also includes a second biasing member engaging the rack and biasing the rack in a first circumferential direction, the rack being configured to reciprocate circumferentially relative to the second tubular by engagement with the key and the second biasing member, in response to the first tubular being rotated into connection with the second tubular.

Abstract: A control system for a tong for a drilling rig includes a tong motor control valve that is selectively actuatable to cause rotation of the tong in a first direction or in a second direction, a run/pull mode selector configured to actuate between a first configuration for running tubulars into a well and a second configuration for pulling tubulars from the well, a rotation speed selector configured to actuate between a high-speed setting configured to cause the tong to be driven to rotate at a first speed, and a low-speed setting configured to cause the tong to be driven to rotate at a second speed, and a rotation change control device configured to selectively prevent or permit actuation of the tong motor control valve based on the configuration of the run/pull mode selector and the setting of the rotation speed selector.

Abstract: A control system for a tong for a drilling rig includes a tong motor control valve that is selectively actuatable to cause rotation of the tong in a first direction or in a second direction, a run/pull mode selector configured to actuate between a first configuration for running tubulars into a well and a second configuration for pulling tubulars from the well, a rotation speed selector configured to actuate between a high-speed setting configured to cause the tong to be driven to rotate at a first speed, and a low-speed setting configured to cause the tong to be driven to rotate at a second speed, and a rotation change control device configured to selectively prevent or permit actuation of the tong motor control valve based on the configuration of the run/pull mode selector and the setting of the rotation speed selector.

Abstract: A power tong assembly includes a power tong and a speed limiting system operably coupled to the power tong. The power tong is configured to grip and rotate a tubular segment in a first direction to make-up a threaded connection with the tubular segment and in a second direction to break-out the threaded connection with the tubular segment. The speed limiting system is configured to selectively allow the power tong to rotate the tubular segment in one of the first direction and the second direction at a maximum speed while limiting the power tong to rotate the tubular segment in the other of the first direction and the second direction below the maximum speed.

Abstract: A power tong assembly includes a power tong and an interlock system operably coupled to the power tong. The power tong is configured to grip and rotate a tubular segment in a first direction to make-up a threaded connection with the tubular segment and in a second direction to break-out the threaded connection with the tubular segment. The interlock system is configured to selectively allow the power tong to rotate the tubular segment in one of the first direction and the second direction unrestricted while restricting the power tong to rotate the tubular segment in the other of the first direction and the second direction at a limited speed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for adapting an elevator for use with a tubular are provided. The apparatus includes one or more axial extensions configured to engage one or more slip bodies of the elevator. The one or more axial extensions include a radial contact surface configured to slide along the tubular and an axial engagement surface configured to bear on an upset of the tubular. The one or more axial extensions are flexible such that the radial contact surface is radially displaceable with respect to the tubular.

Abstract: A power tong assembly includes a power tong and a speed limiting system operably coupled to the power tong. The power tong is configured to grip and rotate a tubular segment in a first direction to make-up a threaded connection with the tubular segment and in a second direction to break-out the threaded connection with the tubular segment. The speed limiting system is configured to selectively allow the power tong to rotate the tubular segment in one of the first direction and the second direction at a maximum speed while limiting the power tong to rotate the tubular segment in the other of the first direction and the second direction below the maximum speed.

Abstract: A power tong assembly includes a power tong and an interlock system operably coupled to the power tong. The power tong is configured to grip and rotate a tubular segment in a first direction to make-up a threaded connection with the tubular segment and in a second direction to break-out the threaded connection with the tubular segment. The interlock system is configured to selectively allow the power tong to rotate the tubular segment in one of the first direction and the second direction while preventing the power tong to rotate the tubular segment in the other of the first direction and the second direction.

Abstract: According to one or more aspects of the invention, a method for use with assembling and disassembling a tubular string formed by a first tubular and a second tubular may comprise engaging the first tubular with a first device; engaging the second tubular with a second device; connecting the first tubular to the second tubular by applying torque to the first tubular; determining a true torque applied in connecting the first tubular and the second tubular; ensuring that at least the first device or the second device is engaging the tubular string; disengaging the second device from the tubular string; and lowering the tubular string. The first device may be a top drive and the second device may be a spider. The top drive may comprise a tubular running tool. The top drive may comprise a tubular running tool and an elevator.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for adapting an elevator for use with a tubular are provided. The apparatus includes one or more axial extensions configured to engage one or more slip bodies of the elevator. The one or more axial extensions include a radial contact surface configured to slide along the tubular and an axial engagement surface configured to bear on an upset of the tubular. The one or more axial extensions are flexible such that the radial contact surface is radially displaceable with respect to the tubular.

Abstract: According to one or more aspects of the invention, a method for use with assembling and disassembling a tubular string formed by a first tubular and a second tubular may comprise engaging the first tubular with a first device; engaging the second tubular with a second device; connecting the first tubular to the second tubular by applying torque to the first tubular; determining a true torque applied in connecting the first tubular and the second tubular; ensuring that at least the first device or the second device is engaging the tubular string; disengaging the second device from the tubular string; and lowering the tubular string. The first device may be a top drive and the second device may be a spider. The top drive may comprise a tubular running tool. The top drive may comprise a tubular running tool and an elevator.

Abstract: A control line guide and manipulating arm can protect and guide one or more control lines which are desired to be attached and lowered into a wellbore with a tubular string. The control lines may be moved toward a tubular string, can be clamped to the tubular string, and the tubular string and control lines may be lowered into the wellbore. When the elevator reaches a predetermined position, the spider slips are preferably set. To protect the control lines, the control lines are moved in a substantially radial direction outward from the tubular string. The spider slips are closed only after the control lines are retained outward. After another tubular joint is connected to the tubular string and the elevator grips the tubular string, the spider slips are preferably released. For easier attachment, of the control lines to the tubular string, the control lines are moved in a substantially radial direction toward the tubular string.

Abstract: A pile driving adapter having at least one surface provided to abut the driven piling with the driver surface profiled to match the surface profile on the end of the piling. A tubular portion is arranged to receive the hammer blows. A transition portion provides rework material for the driver surface and a choice of a guide sleeve or a guide plug, extending downward from the transition portion, helps guide the adapter onto the piling.

Abstract: A method for non-abrasively running tubing comprising suspending the tubing from the face of the uppermost collar of the tubing by resting the face upon a support shoulder, making up a new tubular with collar into a tubular unit, attaching a non-abrasive lift unit to a tubular unit, stabbing the new tubular into the upper collar, non-abrasively making the connection tight, and lifting the lift unit to raise the string, the method being appropriately reversed for pulling the string.

Abstract: An apparatus for gripping tubular members about their outer diameter without causing surface damage or structural deformation to the tubular members, so that they may be axially rotated or secured against axial rotation. A generally cylindrical internal sleeve is contained within a molded flexible liner. One side of the internal sleeve is releasably attached to the flexible liner, forming an annular bladder-like structure within the flexible liner. Introduction of pressure into the bladder-like structure causes the flexible liner to inflate radially inward and thereby grip tubular workpieces within the friction grip. Axial splines on the releasable side of internal sleeve interfit mate with corresponding splines of the molded flexible liner, thereby evenly distribute torque forces throughout the flexible liner rather than such torque forces being concentrated at only the edges of the flexible liner.

Abstract: A casing grip assurance interlock system connected with the elevator and the spider of a well casing installation apparatus including positioning valves respectively actuated by the elevator and the spider to permit actuating fluid pressure to be admitted to either the elevator or the spider only when the other of the elevator or spider is positioned to firmly grip the well casing.