Abstract: A multi-functional apparatus and method for drilling fluid and cementing operations to set casing in a wellbore for use on either top drive or rotary type rigs. The apparatus and method includes a fill-up and circulating tool, a cementing head assembly, a wiper plug assembly, and a push plate assembly. The fill-up and circulating tool comprises a mandrel with a sealing element disposed about the outside diameter of the mandrel. The cementing head, push plate, and wiper plug assemblies are useable on any fill-up and circulating tool capable of being inserted into a casing. To fill the casing, the assembly is lowered from the rig such that a portion of the fill-up tools inserted into the casing, the pumps are then actuated to flow fluid into the casing. To circulate fluid, the tool is lowered further such that the sealing element sealingly engages the inside diameter of the casing to allow fluid to flow through the casing, into the wellbore, and back to the fluid pumps.

Abstract: A U-shaped elevator having no doors is provided with first and second latching mechanisms which when contacted by the tubular to be entrapped within the elevator move from a closed position to an open position and which then return to a closed position as soon as the tubular is entrapped within the elevator. The latching mechanisms have a safety catch which prevents the tubular from being inadvertently removed from the elevator. The safety latch mechanism can only be activated by a handle which is manipulated by hand by personnel working on the derrick utilizing the elevator. The elevator has an open throat to receive tubulars that have couplers or other features with a lower flange surface for lifting a pipe string. The throat access has blocking members that are movable to allow tubulars to move out of the gap unless the blocking members are locked to prevent such movement. The blocking members have latches biased toward a position to immobilize the members.

Abstract: A connection for the quick and functionally reliable connection of tubulars including pipes and casing. The connection having a male or pin end and a mating female, box, or socket end and sections of circumferentially and axially extending protuberances such as thread segments or lugs interrupted by slots extending circumferentially and axially approximately the same distance as the corresponding protuberance section and can have at least on continuous, uninterrupted thread for a landing surface. Both the pin and box have matching or corresponding arrays of interrupted threads and slots. When properly aligned, the array will be accepted by a corresponding slot when mating the pin and box. After proper mating, the connection is secured by rotating the pin or box to further mate the corresponding patches of the pin and box.

Abstract: A connection for the quick and functionally reliable connection of tubulars including pipes and casing. The connection having a male or pin end and a mating female, box, or socket end and sections of circumferentially and axially extending protuberances such as thread segments or lugs interrupted by slots extending circumferentially and axially approximately the same distance as the corresponding protuberance section. Both the pin and box have matching or corresponding arrays of interrupted threads and slots. When properly aligned, the array will be accepted by a corresponding slot when mating the pin and box. After proper mating, the connection is secured by rotating the pin or box to further mate the corresponding patches of the pin and box.

Abstract: The apparatus is connected to a member on the elevator that moves if and when the slips move between the open and closed positions. The member is locked in a preselected position that attends the position of the slips when the elevator is considered safe. When the member is in that safe position a wireless signal is generated by the apparatus part on the elevator and received by a receiving part of the apparatus in a convenient remote location such as the drillers position. In response to the received signal, the receiving part produces a visible signal to indicate that the slips are in the preselected position.

Abstract: An apparatus for optionally gripping and releasing a tube, said apparatus having an elevator with a set of slips for optionally gripping and releasing a tube and a spider with a set of slips for optionally gripping and releasing the other end of said tube, said elevator and spider slips being in communication one to the other by pressurized conduits, said conduits forming a pressure circuit to supply pressure to release one set of slips only when the other set of slips is gripping said tube, wherein said apparatus has improved response time, said spider may be hydraulically or pneumatically actuated and said elevator maybe pneumatically operated, and wherein said spider may be flush mounted; and methods.

Abstract: A pipe gripping apparatus for angularly adapting to misaligned pipe on one or more pipe strings, said apparatus comprising: a housing having internal, opposing, downwardly curved surfaces therein and forming a longitudinal opening for passing a portion of at least one tubing string therethrough; a plurality of slip carriers each having an exterior surface contoured to match said downwardly curved surface and having a downwardly inclined interior surface, each said slip carrier being in movable connection with one of said curved surfaces of said housing; a plurality of slips having downwardly inclined exterior surfaces and longitudinal channels formed on an internal surface for holding gripping elements for gripping a portion of the pipe, each said slip being in sliding engagement with one of said slip carriers; and a lifting mechanism having a securing arm in connection between each pair of said opposing slips.

Abstract: An apparatus for optionally gripping and releasing a tube, said apparatus having an elevator with a set of slips for optionally gripping and releasing a tube and a spider with a set of slips for optionally gripping and releasing the other end of said tube, said elevator and spider slips being in communication one to the other by pressurized conduits, said conduits forming a pressure circuit to supply pressure to release one set of slips only when the other set of slips is gripping said tube, wherein said apparatus has improved response time, said spider may be hydraulically or pneumatically actuated and said elevator maybe pneumatically operated, and wherein said spider may be flush mounted; and methods.