Abstract: In one embodiment, an adapter frame is provided for use with a power frame to support a tong assembly. When the adapter frame is coupled to the power frame, the load capacity of the power frame is increased, thereby allowing the power frame to be used with larger tongs or tong assemblies such as a riser tong.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for positioning a tubular relative to a tong is provided. In one aspect, a positioning tool may be mounted on a lower portion of the tong. The positioning tool includes a positioning member for determining a position of the tubular and a centering member for engaging the tubular. The positioning tool further includes an actuation device for actuating the centering member. The position of the tubular may be actively adjusted by actuating the centering member.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting tubulars comprises tongs (1, 11) for gripping the tubulars, having openings (3, 13) which can be aligned to allow tubulars to enter the tongs, and a detection apparatus (15) for detecting the location of a joint between the tubulars. The detection apparatus comprises a set of keys (19) disposed along an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the tubulars, the keys being individually displaceable on contact with the tubulars as the tubulars enter the tongs through the openings. The detection apparatus further comprises a set of sensor means (22), each arranged to detect displacement of a corresponding key. The position of the joint can then be determined from the displacement of the keys.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying torque to a first tubular relative to a second tubular, the apparatus comprising a first tong for gripping the first tubular and a second tong for gripping the second tubular, wherein the first tong is provided with teeth around a peripheral surface thereof, the second tong is provided with at least one pinion, and the pinion meshes with the teeth in such a way that the first tong and the second tong can be rotated relative to one another when the pinion is rotated. The apparatus may include a positioning apparatus for determining the position of the tubular relative to the tong. The positioning apparatus comprising a plunger movably disposed on a base and coupled to a visual indicator. The plunger includes a contact member disposed at one end, whereby contact with the tubular causes the plunger to move along the base and the distance traveled is indicated by the visual indicator. The apparatus may further include a torque measuring flange.