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.

Abstract: A tong includes a gear ring powered by a motor assembly, the gear ring having a plurality of ramps formed on an inner surface thereof and a brake plate rotationally independent of the gear ring, the brake plate having a gripping assembly for interacting with the ramps to grip a tubular. Also included is a brake assembly for preventing rotation of the brake plate, the brake assembly including an adjustable brake band for applying friction to the brake plate and at least one brake pad made of braking material disposed on an outer surface thereof in the area of contact with the brake band for reducing friction between the brake plate and the brake band. In one embodiment, the braking material is bronze.

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.

Abstract: A tong includes a gear ring powered by a motor assembly, the gear ring having a plurality of ramps formed on an inner surface thereof and a brake plate rotationally independent of the gear ring, the brake plate having a gripping assembly for interacting with the ramps to grip a tubular. Also included is a brake assembly for preventing rotation of the brake plate, the brake assembly including an adjustable brake band for applying friction to the brake plate and at least one brake pad made of braking material disposed on an outer surface thereof in the area of contact with the brake band for reducing friction between the brake plate and the brake band. In one embodiment, the braking material is bronze.

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.

Abstract: A tool coupler includes a first component having a tubular body and a locking member and a second component. The second component includes a housing having an opening for receiving the tubular body; a locking ring having a latch; and an axial channel; a recess for receiving the locking member, wherein the latch is positioned in the channel to retain the locking member in the recess.

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.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for positioning a tool at a well site. The apparatus includes a first arm rotationally connected to a guide on a column. The apparatus further includes a second arm rotationally connected to the first arm. The second arm is also connected to a tool attachment member at a pivot point, wherein the pivot point is offset from the centerline of the tool. Additionally, the apparatus includes a flexible tension member having one end operatively connected to the guide and another end connected to the tool attachment member at a location closer to the centerline of the tool than the pivot point, wherein the flexible tension member is configured to maintain the tool in a specific orientation around the pivot point during the positioning operation. In a further aspect, a method of positioning a tool at a wellsite is provided.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for positioning a tool at a well site. The apparatus includes a first arm rotationally connected to a guide on a column. The apparatus further includes a second arm rotationally connected to the first arm. The second arm is also connected to a tool attachment member at a pivot point, wherein the pivot point is offset from the centerline of the tool. Additionally, the apparatus includes a flexible tension member having one end operatively connected to the guide and another end connected to the tool attachment member at a location closer to the centerline of the tool than the pivot point, wherein the flexible tension member is configured to maintain the tool in a specific orientation around the pivot point during the positioning operation. In a further aspect, a method of positioning a tool at a wellsite is provided.