Abstract: The present invention relates to a transverse bitbreaker plate, which is attached to the lower surface of a power wrench to effect the coupling or decoupling of downhole tools such as bits or stabilizers. The plate is hinged and provides a generally triangular shaped profile along through its transverse surface which mates with the bit or stabilizer, which is to be connected or disconnected. The hinged plate is removably attached below the power wrench with pins so that it may be used and removed in a minimum of time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transverse bitbreaker plate, which is attached to the lower surface of a power wrench to effect the coupling or decoupling of downhole tools such as bits or stabilizers. The plate is hinged and provides a generally triangular shaped profile along through its transverse surface which mates with the bit or stabilizer, which is to be connected or disconnected. The hinged plate is removably attached below the power wrench with pins so that it may be used and removed in a minimum of time.

Abstract: A combination torque wrench and positioning assembly are used to provide the torque wrench function to both make up/break out pipe stands and to service drill string. While serving to make up/break out pipe stands, the wrench is positioned over and used in conjunction with a rotary or powered mouse-hole. When servicing drill string, the wrench is positioned over the drill bore rotary table. The combination of the present apparatus allows the rapid make up of pipe stands having individually torqued connections, eliminates the need for top drive torquing, and reduces the need for tongs and spin chains to handle drill pipe.

Abstract: Disclosed are a fail-safe linkage for a reciprocating pump and a method for repairing the pump following failure of the linkage. The pump linkage includes a break rod inserted between the crosshead and piston rod so that an inevitable failure of the linkage occurs predictably in the break rod. In such a manner, pump downtime can be reduced following failure since the break rod can be easily replaced without extensive disassembly of the pump.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for positioning drill pipe within a mousehole are disclosed. The apparatus includes a lifting member positioned by an elevator disposed at a bottom end of a mousehole wherein the member abuts the pipe from beneath. The elevator can comprise an expandable bladder or a carriage lifted by a cable. By engaging the elevator, the position of the upper end of the pipe can be raised a sufficient degree above the top end of the mousehole to apply a pipe tool around the pipe upper end. In such a manner, the mousehole joint can be removed using a conventional pipe hoist rather than by connection to the kelly joint which might necessitate otherwise a cessation of drilling.

Abstract: A kelly spinner for a drilling rig and installation method are disclosed. The spinner is installed directly to a stem of the derrick swivel by means of an adjustable sleeve which fits around the swivel stem. A clamping device is tightened to secure the sleeve to the stem and the clamp to the sleeve. A ring gear bolted to the clamp body is rotated by dual hydraulic or pneumatic motors to rotate the spinner.

Abstract: Multi-joint stands 126, 127 of drill pipe are assembled and disassembled in a drilling rig 15 by use of a powered mousehole 11 concurrently with well drilling operations conducted by use of a drill string top drive system 23. The powered mousehole 11 has an upwardly open bowl 45 in a floor 17 of the drilling rig which can be rotated about a vertical axis 55. A pipe joint 110 held in the bowl, and depending from it, can be screwed, with controlled levels of torque, into connection with a second pipe joint 113 suspended vertically above the first joint 110 by a hoist system 13 which is separate from hoisting equipment 19 carrying the top drive system 23 over a well bore 21. The second pipe joint 113 is held from rotation by a tong assembly 12, but can move axially against a yieldable support 40 into threaded connection with the first joint 110.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for the makeup and breakout of oil well drill pipe for a top drive drilling system. By using drill stock in units of 2 or 3 joints, top drive systems can significantly reduce the drill time. The apparatus comprises a lower housing placed over a rig mouse hole and an upper housing disposed on the lower housing. The housings have jaws to hold individual drill pipe joints and spring biased legs to permit play in the positioning of the lower housing with respect to the rig platform and the positioning of the upper housing with respect to the pipe. A rotatable jaw rotates one of the pipe sections to connect the pipe. The unit drill stock can then be released from the apparatus jaws and inserted into the drill string. Also disclosed is a tool joint box pipe clamp for hoisting of a drill pipe in the practice of the invention.