Abstract: A tubular grip interlock system for ensuring that a tubular string is gripped by at least one of a first tubular gripping device and a second tubular gripping device includes a console having a panel forming a track having a first leg and a second leg; a first actuator operating the first tubular gripping device between an open and a closed position; a second actuator operating the second tubular gripping device between an open and a closed position; and a single control device movable along the track, the single control device operationally connected to the first actuator and operationally disconnected from the second actuator when the single control device is disposed along the first leg and wherein the single control device is operationally disconnected from the first actuator and operationally connected to the second actuator when the single control device is disposed in the second leg.

Abstract: One example of an apparatus for gripping and rotating a tubular includes a mandrel having a longitudinal axis; a first slip disposed on the mandrel; and a second slip disposed on the mandrel axially spaced apart from the first slip, the first slip and second slip operationally connected to move in unison axially; wherein when the first slip and the second slip are moved axially from a first point toward a second point the first and second slips extend radially into gripping contact with the tubular and wherein rotation of the mandrel further urges the second slip radially away from the mandrel.

Abstract: An apparatus for deflecting a tubular string preferably comprising at least one side nozzle near the lower end of a first tubular string. The nozzle permits passage of a fluid therethrough from the first tubular string bore and deflects the first tubular string in a substantially horizontal direction. A second tubular string may be lowered over the deflected first tubular string. The second tubular string and the first tubular string are preferably lowered into the sea floor for maintaining their deflection. A method for deflecting a first tubular string and securing the first tubular string in the deflected state preferably comprises lowering the first tubular string axially so that the lower end of the first tubular string is near the sea floor. Preferably, a fluid, such as seawater, is propelled down through the bore of the first tubular string and through at least one side nozzle near the lower end of the first tubular, wherein the fluid moving through the side nozzle deflects the first tubular string.

Abstract: Gripping tool (10) and method to assemble tubular strings comprising a shaft (51) having first and second externally and oppositely threaded portions (52, 54)); and first and second generally frusto-conical cams (32, 34) threadably received on the first and second threaded portions. Cams (32, 34) adduct and abduct upon rotation of the shaft (51) in the first and second directions, respectively. Tool can comprise a plurality of jaws (42, 44) disposed within the variable space intermediate the cams (32, 34). Jaws (42, 44) cam radially outwardly upon adduction of cams (32, 34) to grip the wall of a tubular (90), and jaws (42, 44) can retract radially inwardly upon abduction of the cams (32, 34) to release. Tool (10) may comprise a shaft (101) having a bore (152) to facilitate fluid flow into tubular (118), and may cooperate with a fill-up and circulation tool and/or a cementing assembly.

Abstract: A self-tightening safety tubular clamp for suspending a casing string or other tubular member within a well. In one embodiment, a base has an opening for receiving the casing string. A first gripping member and an opposing second gripping member are each adapted to frictionally engage the casing string. First and second pivot arms include parallel linkages for supporting the gripping members. Each parallel linkage is pivotally secured to the base at one pivot pair, and pivotally secured to one of the gripping members at an upper pivot pair. Frictional contact with the gripping members allows the weight of the casing string to move the pivot arms downward. As the pivot arms move downward, the gripping members move downward and inward into engagement with the casing string. The parallel linkages ensure that gripping surfaces of the gripping members remains vertical, in alignment.

Abstract: A stabilizer to suppress unwanted pivotal movement in pipe handling equipment suspended from bails. The stabilizer can contain either or both adjustable contacting members and non-adjustable contacting members which are rigidly connected to a portion of the pipe handling equipment. The adjustable contacting members contact the bails on one or both sides of the bail(s) to suppressing motion of the elevator relative to the bail.

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: One embodiment provides an adjustable guide 10a to steer the end 90 of a pipe string 88 into position to be engaged and supported by a pipe gripping apparatus such as, for example, an externally gripping elevator assembly 10. The adjustable guide 10a may comprise a plurality of angularly distributed guide inserts 30, each having a sloped surface 30A to engage a pipe end 90. Another embodiment provides an adjustable guide 60a to steer a pipe connection into position to pass through a spider 60. The guide inserts 30, 80 of an adjustable guide may be controllably positionable to together form a guide that is concentric with the bore of the tapered bowl of an elevator assembly or a spider. One embodiment comprises a guide insert retainer 11 having a plurality of channels 28, each slidably receiving a guide insert 30 and positionable by rotation of a threaded shaft 40.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a segmented bottom guide for directing the top of a tubular member into and through a bore in the bottom of a tapered bowl so that the tubular member can be engaged by pipe slips. One embodiment of the segmented bottom guide of the present invention comprises a bottom guide retainer having a plurality of chambers for being disposed intermediate the top of a bell guide and the bottom of the tapered bowl. The bottom guide segments are radially received into, and securable in, the retainer to therein and together form a generally conical frustum generally aligned with and intermediate the top of the bell guide and the opening of the tapered bowl.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a saver sub and a stabbing guide having a housing to capture and direct the upwardly disposed threaded end of a tubular joint to the downwardly disposed threaded mating end of the saver sub is disclosed. The stabbing guide is adapted for surrounding and facilitating threaded connection of the saver sub to tubular segments brought within the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for deflecting a tubular string preferably comprising at least one side nozzle near the lower end of a first tubular string. The nozzle permits passage of a fluid therethrough from the first tubular string bore and deflects the first tubular string in a substantially horizontal direction. A second tubular string may be lowered over the deflected first tubular string. The second tubular string and the first tubular string are preferably lowered into the sea floor for maintaining their deflection. A method for deflecting a first tubular string and securing the first tubular string in the deflected state preferably comprises lowering the first tubular string axially so that the lower end of the first tubular string is near the sea floor. Preferably, a fluid, such as seawater, is propelled down through the bore of the first tubular string and through at least one side nozzle near the lower end of the first tubular, wherein the fluid moving through the side nozzle deflects the first tubular string.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for handling a supported tubular string with a string elevator and a spider on a rig to prevent damaging contact between the string elevator and spider while facilitating further connections of add-on tubular segments. The string elevator and supported tubular string descend toward the spider until reaching a predetermined position. The process of setting the spider into engagement of the tubular string is automatically initiated in response to detecting the predetermined position of the string elevator. With the spider set, the string elevator can be unloaded. Optionally, the method may also automatically terminate the string elevator descent in response to detecting that the spider has been set. A preferred apparatus for detecting the position of the elevator includes a tilt switch secured to a fixed position along the length of the Kelly hose.

Abstract: A self-tightening safety tubular clamp for suspending a casing string or other tubular member within a well. In one embodiment, a base has an opening for receiving the casing string. A first gripping member and an opposing second gripping member are each adapted to frictionally engage the casing string. First and second pivot arms include parallel linkages for supporting the gripping members. Each parallel linkage is pivotally secured to the base at one pivot pair, and pivotally secured to one of the gripping members at an upper pivot pair. Frictional contact with the gripping members allows the weight of the casing string to move the pivot arms downward. As the pivot arms move downward, the gripping members move downward and inward into engagement with the casing string. The parallel linkages ensure that gripping surfaces of the gripping members remains vertical, in alignment.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a saver sub and a stabbing guide having a housing to capture and direct the upwardly disposed threaded end of a tubular joint to the downwardly disposed threaded mating end of the saver sub is disclosed. The stabbing guide is adapted for surrounding and facilitating threaded connection of the saver sub to tubular segments brought within the housing.

Abstract: A system for screwing together threaded connections includes a pair of moveable arms which first grip the tubular to provide a contact force against three hydraulically powered drive rollers, that are contained within the arms. The three drive rollers will screw or “spin” the connection to an initial torque value. The moveable arms also contain a set of jaws (three) which extend radially inwardly to grip the tubular, so the connection can be made up to final torque by contracting a hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder that is used to apply the final torque value is attached on one end, where the moveable arms are pinned together, and on the other end to something fixed, such a snub post or derrick leg. Rotation of the opposing connection is prevented by the use of standard equipment such as a manual chain tong.

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: A portable RF transmitter is carried aloft by a stabber in an oilfield derrick to observe a casing stabbing operation, and to determine whether the upper joint of casing, suspended by a crown block and an elevator, has been successfully stabbed into the lower joint of casing. Once that determination has made that the stabbing was successful, the stabber activates the RF transmitter to send a signal to the driller stationed at the driller's console on or near the drilling rig floor. The RF signal initiates an indication to the driller, usually one or more lights on the driller's console, that the stabbing process was successful, and that it is now safe for the driller to raise the elevator away from the upper joint of casing. Alternatively, the transmitted signals may be electrical, electronic, hydraulic, pneumatic, optical, infra-red, or microwave. The indication to the driller that the stabbing operation was successful may be visual, audible, or tactile in nature.