Abstract: A check valve module. The check valve module includes an orifice, where the orifice is configured to allow the water flow stream through the check valve module. The check valve module also includes a clapper. The clapper is configured to allow the water flow stream through the orifice when open and prevent the water flow stream through the orifice when in a closed position by mating with the orifice. The check valve module further includes a fulcrum apparatus about which the clapper is allowed to rotate, a rotational constraint apparatus which directs the rotation of the clapper and a lateral constraint apparatus which directs the motion of the fulcrum toward and away from the orifice.

Abstract: A backflow prevention device including an opening in the housing configured to provide a user with access to the upstream check valve and the downstream check valve. The backflow prevention device further includes a cover configured to cover the entirety of the opening. The cover includes a portion of a lateral surface of a right cylinder. The backflow prevention device additionally includes a seal configured to sealingly engage the cover and the housing along the perimeter of the cover.

Abstract: A check valve module. The check valve module includes an orifice, where the orifice is configured to allow the water flow stream through the check valve module. The check valve module also includes a clapper. The clapper is configured to allow the water flow stream through the orifice when open and prevent the water flow stream through the orifice when in a closed position by mating with the orifice. The check valve module further includes a fulcrum apparatus about which the clapper is allowed to rotate, a rotational constraint apparatus which directs the rotation of the clapper and a lateral constraint apparatus which directs the motion of the fulcrum toward and away from the orifice.

Abstract: A backflow prevention device including an upstream shutoff valve configured to allow a user to control the water flow stream through the housing. The upstream shutoff valve includes an obstruction. The obstruction is configured to prevent water flow at a first position and allow water flow at a second position. The obstruction is also configured to rotate about an axis of rotation between the first position and the second position. The upstream shutoff valve also includes a seal. The seal is configured to sealingly engage a sealing surface in the housing at the first position. All points of engagement between the obstruction seal and the sealing surface are located downstream of the axis of rotation of the obstruction.

Abstract: A backflow prevention device including an opening in the housing configured to provide a user with access to the upstream check valve and the downstream check valve. The backflow prevention device further includes a cover configured to cover the entirety of the opening. The cover includes a portion of a lateral surface of a right cylinder. The backflow prevention device additionally includes a seal configured to sealingly engage the cover and the housing along the perimeter of the cover.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes a fluid based shock absorber. The fluid based shock absorber includes a first assembly. The first assembly includes a first compression chamber. The first assembly also includes a first sliding member. At least a portion of the first sliding member is configured to remain within the first compression chamber and the first sliding member is configured to move in a first direction relative to the first compression chamber.

Abstract: Spin-in and spin-out apparatus and methods are presented wherein an oilfield tubular spinner used in combination with a wrench detects the shouldering-up of tubulars during make-up and tubular thread disengagement during break-out. Sensors are employed to quantify measurables indicative of shouldering-up and thread disengagement, the measurables being used to shutdown spin-in and spin-out operations. Thresholds are employed to detect measurable values of interest. Timers may be employed to monitor and control the spin-in and spin-out operations.

Abstract: Spin-in and spin-out apparatus and methods are presented wherein an oilfield tubular spinner used in combination with a wrench detects the shouldering-up of tubulars during make-up and tubular thread disengagement during break-out. Sensors are employed to quantify measurables indicative of shouldering-up and thread disengagement, the measurables being used to shutdown spin-in and spin-out operations. Thresholds are employed to detect measurable values of interest. Timers may be employed to monitor and control the spin-in and spin-out operations.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for moving a tubular member to and from an elevated drilling rig floor. A support structure has an elongate indentation in its upper surface. A ramp assembly comprises telescoping assemblies having nested tubular elements extendable between retracted and deployed positions, thus forming a guide extending from the elongate indentation towards the drilling rig floor. Indexers may urge the tubular member towards or away from the elongate indentation. Kickers may urge the tubular member into or out of the elongate indentation, and may be operable via actuators which also operate the indexers.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes a fluid based shock absorber. The fluid based shock absorber includes a first assembly. The first assembly includes a first compression chamber. The first assembly also includes a first sliding member. At least a portion of the first sliding member is configured to remain within the first compression chamber and the first sliding member is configured to move in a first direction relative to the first compression chamber.

Abstract: A pipe-handling apparatus adapted to move pipe to and from a drilling floor of a drilling rig including a ramp extendable between a main support structure and the drilling floor, a pipe carrier mounted on the main support structure configured to move between lower and elevated positions over the ramp, a lift arm including a first end and a second end and being pivotally connected at its first end adjacent the far end of the carrier and operable below the carrier to lift and support the carrier's far end to an elevated position, a track on the main support structure for supporting the carrier and the lift arm, and a drive system that pivots or moves the lift arm up about a track stop to lift the far end of the carrier and moves the near end up and over the ramp.

Abstract: Spin-in and spin-out apparatus and methods are presented wherein an oilfield tubular spinner used in combination with a wrench detects the shouldering-up of tubulars during make-up and tubular thread disengagement during break-out. Sensors are employed to quantify measurables indicative of shouldering-up and thread disengagement, the measurables being used to shutdown spin-in and spin-out operations. Thresholds are employed to detect measurable values of interest. Timers may be employed to monitor and control the spin-in and spin-out operations.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for moving a tubular member to and from an elevated drilling rig floor. A support structure has an elongate indentation in its upper surface. A ramp assembly comprises telescoping assemblies having nested tubular elements extendable between retracted and deployed positions, thus forming a guide extending from the elongate indentation towards the drilling rig floor. Indexers may urge the tubular member towards or away from the elongate indentation. Kickers may urge the tubular member into or out of the elongate indentation, and may be operable via actuators which also operate the indexers.

Abstract: Spin-in and spin-out apparatus and methods are presented wherein an oilfield tubular spinner used in combination with a wrench detects the shouldering-up of tubulars during make-up and tubular thread disengagement during break-out. Sensors are employed to quantify measurables indicative of shouldering-up and thread disengagement, the measurables being used to shutdown spin-in and spin-out operations. Thresholds are employed to detect measurable values of interest. Timers are employed to monitor and control the spin-in and spin-out operations.

Abstract: An oilfield tubular torque wrench and a tong therefore is described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for moving a tubular member to and from an elevated drilling rig floor. A support structure has an elongate indentation in its upper surface. A ramp assembly comprises telescoping assemblies having nested tubular elements extendable between retracted and deployed positions, thus forming a guide extending from the elongate indentation towards the drilling rig floor. Indexers may urge the tubular member towards or away from the elongate indentation. Kickers may urge the tubular member into or out of the elongate indentation, and may be operable via actuators which also operate the indexers.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for moving a tubular member to and from an elevated drilling rig floor. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a support structure configured to be positioned adjacent a pipe rack. A carrier is moveably coupled to the support structure, and a carriage is moveably coupled to the carrier. A trough extends longitudinally over the support structure and is moveably coupled to the carriage, the trough being configured to receive a tubular member. The trough is operable to tilt relative to the support structure. A lift arm is operable to move the carriage relative to the support structure thereby also moving the tubular member received in the trough. Indexers may urge the tubular member toward or away from the trough. Pick up arms are operable to retrieve a tubular member from an adjacent pipe rack, or to place the tubular there for storage.

Abstract: A method for measuring applied torque of a oilfield tubular torque wrench, the oilfield torque wrench being operable to torque a tubular about an axis of rotation and the oilfield torque wrench including a lower tong including a recess through which the axis of rotation passes during operation; an upper tong including a recess, the upper tong being mounted above the lower tong with the recess of the upper tong positioned above the recess of the lower tong so that the axis of rotation passes therethrough; pipe gripping dies in the recesses of the upper tong and the lower tong; a swivel bearing between the upper tong and the lower tong permitting the upper tong and the lower tong to swivel relative to each other while the recesses remain positioned with the axis of rotation passing therethrough; a drive system connected between the upper tong and the lower tong, the drive system being operable to generate a force vector to drive the upper tong and lower tong to swivel on the swivel bearing, the method comprisin

Abstract: A pipe-handling apparatus adapted to move pipe to and from a drilling floor of a drilling rig including a ramp extendable between a main support structure and the drilling floor, a pipe carrier mounted on the main support structure configured to move between lower and elevated positions over the ramp, a lift arm including a first end and a second end and being pivotally connected at its first end adjacent the far end of the carrier and operable below the carrier to lift and support the carrier's far end to an elevated position, a track on the main support structure for supporting the carrier and the lift arm, and a drive system that pivots or moves the lift arm up about a track stop to lift the far end of the carrier and moves the near end up and over the ramp.

Abstract: A pipe-handling apparatus for moving a pipe to and from a drilling floor of a drilling rig includes a main support structure, a ramp extendable between the main support structure and the drilling floor, a pipe carrier mounted on the main support structure for moving relative thereto between a lower position and an elevated position over the ramp, the carrier including a ramp end adjacent the ramp, an far end, and an elongate indentation on its upper surface to accommodate a pipe therein, a lift arm including a first end and a second end, the lift arm being pivotally connected at its first end adjacent the far end of the carrier and operable below the carrier to lift and support the carrier's far end to an elevated position, a track on the main support structure for supporting axial sliding motion of the carrier and the lift arm therealong, the track including a stop for limiting axial movement of the second end of the lift arm along the track toward the ramp, and a drive system for pulling the carrier from th