Abstract: A clamping system for making and breaking threaded connections between a first tubular and a second tubular comprises a clamp assembly. The clamp assembly includes a first cam gear, a first plurality of clamp members disposed within the first cam gear, and a torque gear. Each clamp member is pivotally coupled to the torque gear. Each clamp member is configured to pivot between a withdraw position radially spaced apart from the first tubular and a gripping position engaging the first tubular. In addition, the clamping system comprises a clamp actuator. The clamp actuator includes a mounting shaft, a first clamp drive gear rotatably coupled to the mounting shaft, and a torque drive gear rotatably coupled to the mounting shaft. The first clamp drive gear is configured to rotate the first cam gear and the torque drive gear is configured to rotate the torque gear.

Abstract: A clamping system for making and breaking threaded connections between a first tubular and a second tubular comprises a clamp assembly. The clamp assembly includes a first cam gear, a first plurality of clamp members disposed within the first cam gear, and a torque gear. Each clamp member is pivotally coupled to the torque gear. Each clamp member is configured to pivot between a withdraw position radially spaced apart from the first tubular and a gripping position engaging the first tubular. In addition, the clamping system comprises a clamp actuator. The clamp actuator includes a mounting shaft, a first clamp drive gear rotatably coupled to the mounting shaft, and a torque drive gear rotatably coupled to the mounting shaft. The first clamp drive gear is configured to rotate the first cam gear and the torque drive gear is configured to rotate the torque gear.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for rotating or spinning a tubular. In some embodiments, the apparatus, referred to herein as a pipe spinner, includes a body, an arm pivotally coupled to the body, and an actuator coupled to the arm. The arm has a cam roller coupled thereto. The actuator is operable to pivot the arm relative to the body between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the cam roller engages the tubular. In the open position, the cam roller is disengaged from the tubular.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for rotating or spinning a tubular. In some embodiments, the apparatus, referred to herein as a pipe spinner, includes a body, an arm pivotally coupled to the body, and an actuator coupled to the arm. The arm has a cam roller coupled thereto. The actuator is operable to pivot the arm relative to the body between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the cam roller engages the tubular. In the open position, the cam roller is disengaged from the tubular.

Abstract: An elevator comprising a body having a longitudinal axis therethrough. The body is operable to at least partially surround and support a tubular member aligned with the longitudinal axis. The body also has a longitudinal opening that is sized so as to allow the tubular member to pass therethrough. A door is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the body and has a closed position wherein the tubular member is retained within the body and an opened position wherein the tubular member can pass through the longitudinal opening.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying radial compressive stress pre-loading to a cylinder liner. A cylinder housing is attached to a pump, and a cylinder liner is disposed within the cylinder housing. A fluid inlet in fluid communication with the annular space between the cylinder housing and cylinder liner is disposed on the cylinder housing. The annular space is filled with pressurizing fluid through the fluid inlet, which creates radial compressive stress pre-loading on the cylinder liner.

Abstract: An elevator comprising a body having a longitudinal axis therethrough. The body is operable to at least partially surround and support a tubular member aligned with the longitudinal axis. The body also has a longitudinal opening that is sized so as to allow the tubular member to pass therethrough. A door is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the body and has a closed position wherein the tubular member is retained within the body and an opened position wherein the tubular member can pass through the longitudinal opening.

Abstract: A tong assembly comprises a body and a center member slidable relative to the body. A pair of clamping arms is rotatably connected to the body. The clamping arms are connected to the center member such that as the center member slides relative to said body, the clamping arms rotate relative to the body. The assembly also comprises a plurality of die assemblies, wherein at least one die assembly is mounted to each clamping arm and at least one die assembly is mounted to the center member.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment includes methods and apparatus for locating a member within an aperture. One preferred apparatus generally includes a housing containing at least one rotatably connected ring, and a plurality of tie members spaced evenly about the ring's perimeter. The tie members are connected to the rotating ring and the housing such that rotation of the ring pulls the tie members taut across the inside of the ring. Rotating the ring in the opposite direction returns the tie members to their initial orientation. When the tie members are taut they urge elements passing through an opening towards the center. When the apparatus is installed in a drilling rig floor, it results in a simpler and more effective pipe centering technology than currently exists allowing pipe strings to be centered in the slip bowl or power slips so that the slips are easily and securely installed about the pipe string.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying radial compressive stress pre-loading to a cylinder liner. A cylinder housing is attached to a pump, and a cylinder liner is disposed within the cylinder housing. A fluid inlet in fluid communication with the annular space between the cylinder housing and cylinder liner is disposed on the cylinder housing. The annular space is filled with pressurizing fluid through the fluid inlet, which creates radial compressive stress pre-loading on the cylinder liner.

Abstract: A tong assembly comprising a body and a center member slidable relative to said body. A pair of clamping arms are rotatably connected to said body. The clamping arms are connected to said center member such that as said center member slides relative to said body, said clamping arms rotate relative to said body. The assembly also comprises a plurality of die assemblies, wherein at least one die assembly is mounted to each clamping arm and at least one die assembly is mounted to said center slider.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment includes methods and apparatus for locating a member within an aperture. One preferred apparatus generally includes a housing containing at least one rotatably connected ring, and a plurality of tie members spaced evenly about the ring's perimeter. The tie members are connected to the rotating ring and the housing such that rotation of the ring pulls the tie members taut across the inside of the ring. Rotating the ring in the opposite direction returns the tie members to their initial orientation. When the tie members are taut they urge elements passing through an opening towards the center. When the apparatus is installed in a drilling rig floor, it results in a simpler and more effective pipe centering technology than currently exists allowing pipe strings to be centered in the slip bowl or power slips so that the slips are easily and securely installed about the pipe string.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for spinning a pipe using a flexible belt. The spinner utilizes a single actuation mechanism contained within a rigid body to engage the pipe and tension the belt. The pipe is engaged by one or more pivoting arms that are locked into place by pins attached to the actuation mechanism interfacing with slots in the pivoting arm and spinner body. Once the arms are locked in place, the belt is tensioned and can be driven to rotate the pipe. The single actuation mechanism is preferably embodied by a linear actuator connected between a pivoting arm and a moveable motor. The pivoting arm is spring biased so that the arm pivots before the motor is moved. The spinner may use two pivoting arms, or one pivoting arm and one stationary arm.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for spinning a pipe using a flexible belt. The spinner utilizes a single actuation mechanism contained within a rigid body to engage the pipe and tension the belt. The pipe is engaged by one or more pivoting arms that are locked into place by pins attached to the actuation mechanism interfacing with slots in the pivoting arm and spinner body. Once the arms are locked in place, the belt is tensioned and can be driven to rotate the pipe. The single actuation mechanism is preferably embodied by a linear actuator connected between a pivoting arm and a moveable motor. The pivoting arm is spring biased so that the arm pivots before the motor is moved. The spinner may use two pivoting arms, or one pivoting arm and one stationary arm.