Abstract: A slip assembly for gripping against the external surface of a section of pipe or other tubular goods and supporting axial loading has multiple sets of cooperating wedge-like slip members movably mounted within a slip bowl. A first set of slip members having a smaller taper angle (that is, having a greater vertical component) exerts a predetermined and limited radial gripping force on the pipe or other tubular good. Thereafter, a second set of slip members having a larger taper angle (that is, having a lesser vertical component) takes over and exerts additional radial gripping force on the pipe or other tubular good.

Abstract: A slip assembly for gripping against the external surface of a section of pipe or other tubular goods and supporting axial loading has multiple sets of cooperating wedge-like slip members movably mounted within a slip bowl. A first set of slip members having a smaller taper angle (that is, having a greater vertical component) exerts a predetermined and limited radial gripping force on the pipe or other tubular good. Thereafter, a second set of slip members having a larger taper angle (that is, having a lesser vertical component) takes over and exerts additional radial gripping force on the pipe or other tubular good.

Abstract: A slip assembly for gripping against the external surface of a section of pipe or other tubular goods and supporting axial loading has multiple sets of cooperating wedge-like slip members movably mounted within a slip bowl. A first set of slip members having a smaller taper angle (that is, having a greater vertical component) exerts a predetermined and limited radial gripping force on the pipe or other tubular good. Thereafter, a second set of slip members having a larger taper angle (that is, having a lesser vertical component) takes over and exerts additional radial gripping force on the pipe or other tubular good.

Abstract: An internal blowout preventer assembly having a central through-bore and flapper valve. The flapper valve permits fluid flow in a downward direction, but not the opposite (upward) direction. A retrievable tubular lockout sleeve can be conveyed via wireline, coiled tubing or other similar means and installed within the through-bore of the internal blowout preventer assembly. Once installed, the lockout sleeve prevents the flapper valve from closing, thereby permitting wireline or other concentric operations to be performed (as well as upward fluid flow) though the internal blowout preventer.

Abstract: Hand slips having an automated device for raising and lowering the hand slips including a mounting bracket, a motor and a yoke connected to the hand slips using a suitable linkage.

Abstract: A shock absorbing hub comprises an outer substantially circular plate member having an outer peripheral shoulder, a central bore defining an inner shoulder and a plurality of teeth fingers extending from the inner edge. An inner substantially circular plate member, having an outer peripheral shoulder and a plurality of rigid teeth forming fingers extending from the outer peripheral edge, is disposed within the central bore of the outer plate member. The rigid fingers of the inner plate are received between the fingers of the outer plate. Compression elements are spaced between the fingers of the outer plate and the fingers of the inner plate.

Abstract: An insert bowl, bushing, or spider includes a bowl having a central bore defined by an inner surface having an upper tapered section for engaging slips supporting a work string and a lower section. A wear indicator, such as a groove or substantially horizontal groove, is formed in the inner surface of the bowl and provides a visual indicator of wear to the bowl. A second wear indicator, such as a groove or substantially horizontal groove, may also be formed in the inner surface of the bowl. The inability to visually detect all or a portion of the wear indicator signifies that maximum recommended wear to the bowl has been reached and the bowl should be replaced to avoid damage to the work string.