Abstract: A power tong includes a frame and a pipe-gripping mechanism associated with a throat at one end of the frame. Power is transmitted to the pipe-gripping mechanism from a power unit through a drive train. The pipe-gripping mechanism cooperates with the throat to receive a pipe section to be rotated and includes a partial ring rotatably mounted within the frame and having an opening which may be aligned with the throat. The ring may be rotated in either direction by the power unit. Mounted on the tong is a die carrier which is rotatable relative to the ring. Die members are mounted on the die carrier and include dies positioned to grip the external surface of the pipe section. The die members are arranged to cooperate with cam surfaces on the ring so that, when the ring is rotated relative to the die carrier, the dies are moved rectilinearly into engagement with the pipe section.

Abstract: A power tong includes a frame and a pipe-gripping mechanism associated with a throat at one end of the frame. Power is transmitted to the pipe-gripping mechanism from a power unit through a drive train. The pipe-gripping mechanism cooperates with the throat to receive a pipe section to be rotated and includes a partial ring rotatably mounted within the frame and having an opening which may be aligned with the throat. The ring may be rotated in either direction by the power unit. Mounted on the tong is a die carrier which is rotatable relative to the ring. Link members are pivotally mounted on the die carrier and include dies positioned to grip the external surface of the pipe section. The link members are arranged to cooperate with specially designed cam surfaces on the ring so that, when the ring is rotated relative to the die carrier, the dies are moved into engagement with the pipe section.