Abstract: A system for operating downhole equipment in a well includes a drive shaft extending from a surface of the well to a downhole location. A motor is positioned at the surface and is operably connected to the drive shaft to selectively rotate the drive shaft. A lift system is positioned at the surface and is operably connected to the drive shaft to axially lift and lower the drive shaft.

Abstract: A running tool for delivering a hanger into a wellcomprises a main body. In addition, the running tool comprise an attachment means for connecting a hanger to the main body. Further, the running tool comprises a sleeve having an external profile and being rotatably mounted around the main body. The sleeve has engagement means for releasably connecting the sleeve to a landing ring mounted via a thread on the hanger such that rotational movement of the sleeve causes rotational and thus axial movement of the landing shoulder on the hanger.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing additional torque in a top drive system for rotating a tubular during tubular drilling, running, and/or handling operations. In one embodiment, a gear arrangement is operatively connected to a top drive of the top drive system to increase the amount of available torque for rotating a tubular. In another embodiment, a gear box is operatively connected to the top drive to boost the amount of torque available for rotating the tubular.

Abstract: For use with a top drive power unit supported for connection with a well string in a well bore to selectively impart longitudinal and/or rotational movement to the well string, a feeder for supplying a pumpable substance such as cement and the like from an external supply source to the interior of the well string in the well bore without first discharging it through the top drive power unit including a mandrel extending through a sleeve which is sealably and rotatably supported thereon for relative rotation between the sleeve and mandrel. The mandrel and sleeve have flow passages for communicating the pumpable substance from an external source to discharge through the sleeve and mandrel and into the interior of the well string below the top drive power unit. The unit can include a packing injection system and novel seal configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method to control rotational positioning of continuous concentric tubing that extends from a surface downhole in a subterranean well or bore. In one version, a continuous cylindrical inner tube resides within and is concentric with a cylindrical outer tube. At least one elliptical lobe extends from the continuous inner tube. The invention utilizes diameter restrictions within and attached to the outer concentric tubing so that the elliptical lobe or lobes engage the diameter restrictions. Accordingly, rotation of one tube rotates or orients the other tube.

Abstract: A drive assembly for powering a rotating rod string (14) passing through a surface wellhead (18) includes a torque conveying housing (32) containing a radially outer member supporting a plurality of outer member magnets and rotated by a motor. A radially inner member (48) supports a plurality of inner member magnets and is rotatable within the outer member, with magnetic forces between the plurality of outer member magnets and the plurality of inner member magnets rotating the inner member magnets and thus the radially inner member.

Abstract: A pipe handling assembly includes: a pipe engaging apparatus including a pipe gripping mechanism connectable to a top drive such that the top drive transmits rotational movement and axial movement to the pipe gripping mechanism; a pipe handling device for mounting onto the pipe engaging apparatus, the pipe handling device including a link hanger mounted on the pipe engaging apparatus, a link arm having a first end pivotally connectable to the link hanger and an outboard end selected to carry a pipe into a position to be gripped by the pipe engaging apparatus; a bearing for isolating rotational movement to the pipe gripping mechanism from the link hanger; and a connection for rigidly connecting the link hanger to the pipe engaging apparatus during operation of the pipe handling assembly, the connection selected to substantially prevent the link hanger from rotating with the pipe gripping mechanism should the bearing seize.

Abstract: A method for converting a kelly rig for handling casing includes the formation of a torque reaction guide with elongate members available at a drill site including for example, any of drill collar stands, casing strings, drill pipe stands and cables held in tension. A method for converting a kelly rig for handling casing may include the step of installing a torque reaction guide in a simple way, such as by securing the track to the monkey board. In one embodiment a torque reaction frame is used for securing between a torque generating device and a torque reaction guide that operates in a float mode to allow for misalignment of the torque reaction guide relative to the well hole center.

Abstract: A top drive apparatus for a well drilling head comprises a top drive structure, a seal body and a plurality of resilient members. The top drive structure is configured for being fixedly attached to an upper end portion of a bearing assembly and having a seal-carrying portion. The seal body has a mounting portion and a wiper portion extending from the mounting portion. The mounting portion is slideably disposed within a groove of the seal-carrying portion of the top drive structure. The plurality of resilient members are disposed within the groove between the mounting portion of the seal body and the top drive structure such that the entire seal body is resiliently displaceable with respect to the top drive structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting threaded members while ensuring that a proper connection is made. In one embodiment, the applied torque and/or rotation are measured at regular intervals throughout a pipe connection makeup. When a shoulder contact is detected, a predetermined torque value and/or rotation value is added to the measured torque and/or rotation values, respectively, at shoulder contact and rotation continued until this calculated value(s) is reached.

Abstract: A system is provided for drilling and/or servicing a well bore using continuous lengths of coiled tubing in which a turntable assembly rotates a coiled tubing reel assembly and a counter balance system about the well bore such that the coiled tubing is rotated while in the wellbore. A coiled tubing injector may be provided on a separate turntable assembly or on the same turntable assembly as the reel assembly. A swivel support assembly may be provided for managing operation lines associated with the system.

Abstract: A power tong system for precisely making up a connection between two elongated elements, such as sucker rods, into an operative string for petroleum well installations. High precision is attainable to secure the full advantages of prestressing the coupling by combinatorial use of both a rotary drive to achieve a first contact position and a linear drive to secure a precise final torsioning. The mechanism for achieving this may employ a peripherally driven drive ring coupling gears engaged to the drive ring periphery, a rotatably driven drive and a linear gear rack which are both engageable to the coupling gear.

Abstract: A system for operating downhole equipment in a well includes a drive shaft extending from a surface of the well to a downhole location. A motor is positioned at the surface and is operably connected to the drive shaft to selectively rotate the drive shaft. A lift system is positioned at the surface and is operably connected to the drive shaft to axially lift and lower the drive shaft.

Abstract: A bail support and a top drive system with such bail supports, the top drive system including a top drive apparatus, the bails having a body with an upper head portion and two spaced-apart legs, each leg with an upper leg portion and a lower leg portion, the upper leg portions non-parallel to each other and extending from the head portion at an angle to a centerline of the bail, and each lower leg portion extending down from a corresponding upper leg portion in a reverse bend. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A tubing rotator assembly that attaches to a casing head to suspend and rotate a tubing string in an oil well. The tubing assembly includes a rotation surface, such as a bearing, in which a tubing mandrel rests and allows one to rotate the tubing manually above the wellhead, and a mandrel bowl that rests inside the casing head. A tubing mandrel is partially contained within the mandrel bowl with one end exiting the bowl and attached to the tubing string, and the opposite end exiting the top of the bowl. A ledge of the tubing mandrel is supported on the bearing, which bearing rests on the interior ledge of the mandrel bowl. The assembly provides a low profile reducing the distance between the casing head and the pumping tee to eliminate the need to raise the pumping unit to fit on the rotator.

Abstract: A casing running tool comprising an integral elevation module and make-up/torque module. In accordance with one aspect or the invention, the tool is adapted to automatically engage a collared end of a tubular structure such as a casing string segment. The integral make-up/torque module is actuated by hydraulic control lines to exert compression force upon the outer diameter of a tubular, such as a casing string segment. This compression force is sufficient to enable torque to be applied to the tubular without slippage. In one embodiment, the make-up/torque module comprises an outer body carrying a plurality of hydraulically-actuable pistons, such that the tool is actuable from the rig floor to grasp the tubular with sufficient force that rotational force (torque) supplied via a drive motor in a top-drive rig. In accordance with another embodiment, the multifunction tool further includes an internal ball valve assembly for selectively allowing or restricting fluid flow through the tool.

Abstract: A pipe handling device for mounting to use with a top drive and possibly a pipe engaging apparatus, includes a link arm having a first end pivotally connectable to move with the top drive and an outboard end pivotally connectable to a pipe elevator segment, and a drive system to drive the outboard end of the link arm at least between a lower position and a raised position. A pipe handling system and method may include or employ the pipe handling device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for rotating a stripper assembly in use with a rotating drilling head. A drive system is disposed external to the rotating drilling head and generates rotational motion to match the rotation of a drillstring running through the rotating drilling head. A connection transfers rotational motion from the drive system to the stripper assembly. In one embodiment, the drive system comprises a housing disposed about the drillstring and a one or more contact members connected to said housing and operable to contact the drillstring. One or more biasing members urge the contact members into contact with the drillstring so as to transfer rotational motion from the drillstring to the housing.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide a tubular handling system for handling wellbore tubulars. In one aspect, the present invention provides a tubular handling system adapted to retain a tubular without damaging the outer surface of the tubular. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of connecting tubulars by remotely controlling the connection process, including joint compensation, alignment, make up, and interlock. In one embodiment, the tubular handling system comprises an elevator adapted to support a tubular utilizing a first portion of an upset of the tubular and a spider adapted to support the tubular utilizing a second portion of the upset. In another embodiment, at least one of the elevator and the spider is remotely controllable. In yet another embodiment, the tubular handling system comprising a joint compensator system adapted to provide fluid communication to the elevator during rotation of the tubular.

Abstract: A spooled tubing unit is provided which permits simultaneous translation and rotation of continuous tubing to drill or conduct other downhole operations in a borehole in subterranean formations.

Abstract: A compensator sleeve assembly for use with a hydraulic extension system used to handle safety valves designed to shut off high pressure upward flow through drill pipe or tubing. The compensator sleeve assembly, amounted on an adjustable arm slide, has a steel sleeve for holding the safety valve, an arrangement of circumferentially space-apart spring sets which allow the safety valve to “float” and tilt from the vertical in any direction and a hydraulic-powered chain drive belt for rotating the safety valve.

Abstract: Under low reservoir pressure in oil well bores, oil extraction is carried out by using pumping equipment, which activates submerged pump through up and down reciprocating sucker rods. Tubing rotators and rod rotators are utilized to increase the efficiency of this pumping equipment. The purpose of rod rotators is to prevent unwanted unscrewing of sucker rods, increase longevity of tubing and sucker rod strings that continually wear against each other, decrease deposits on the walls of tubing during the extraction of oil with high wax or paraffin content.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for handling tubulars and drilling with tubulars such as casing into a formation. In one aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises a circulating head and a cementing head operatively connectible to a gripping member. The circulating head is used to circulate drilling fluid while drilling with casing, and the cementing head is used to cement the casing string within the formation at a desired depth. The present invention also relates to methods and apparatus for isolating a tensile load from a drilling apparatus rotated by a top drive. In one aspect, the present invention provides a load isolator apparatus having an isolator body operatively connected to the top drive and a torque body at least partially disposed in the isolator body. In operation, the bearing assembly transfers the tensile load from the torque body to the isolator body.

Abstract: A tubing string rotator for rotating a tubing string in a well having a downhole pump. The tubing string rotator includes a housing having a first portion and a second portion. At least the second portion of the housing is adapted to be operatively connected to the end of a length of the tubing string such that rotational torque applied to the tubing string through the operation of the pump is transferred to the second portion of the housing. The rotator further includes means to permit the controlled rotation of the second portion, together with the tubing string connected thereto, relative to the first portion of the housing when the ability of the first portion to rotate is retarded or eliminated, and when rotational torque is supplied to the tubing string through the operation of the pump.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting threaded members while ensuring that a proper connection is made. In one embodiment, the applied torque and/or rotation are measured at regular intervals throughout a pipe connection makeup. When a shoulder contact is detected, a predetermined torque value and/or rotation value is added to the measured torque and/or rotation values, respectively, at shoulder contact and rotation continued until this calculated value(s) is reached.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mechanical apparatus for gripping and manipulating tubular members, such as drill pipe. The apparatus is essentially an automated slip puller, which generally comprises a slip base, a pulling mechanism pivotally attached to the slip base, and at least one cylinder or spring attached to the pulling mechanism. The entire apparatus is releasably connected to a rotary table located over a borehole. In a typical well drilling operation, the automated slip puller is attached to a slip assembly, which is thereafter placed around a drill pipe and positioned in the rotary table bushing. When the automated slip puller is activated, the pulling mechanism removes the slip assembly from the rotary table bushing and from around the drill pipe, thereby allowing the drill pipe to be manipulated in or out of the well bore. During operation, no portion of the automated slip puller is located outside the boundary of the rotary table.

Abstract: A top drive system having a drive motor, a gear system coupled to the drive motor, a drive quill coupled to the gear system, a top drive support system for supporting the drive motor, the gear system, and the drive quill, a lower support apparatus connected to the top drive support system, tubular handling apparatus connected to and below and supported by the lower support apparatus, the tubular handling apparatus including hydraulic-fluid-powered apparatus, provision apparatus connected to the tubular handling apparatus for providing hydraulic fluid to power the hydraulic-fluid-powered apparatus, the provision apparatus including flow line apparatus for providing hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic-fluid-powered apparatus and electrically-operable control apparatus for controlling fluid flow to and from the flow line apparatus, and electrical power generating apparatus connected to the tubular handling apparatus for providing electrical power to the electrically-operable control apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasably clamping and holding a member for wellbore operations, the apparatus having a main body, two opposed clamping apparatuses in the main body, the two opposed clamping apparatuses spaced-apart for selective receipt therebetween of a member to be clamped therebetweeen, each of the two opposed clamping apparatuses having a mount and piston apparatus movable within the mount, the piston apparatus selectively movable toward and away from a member to be clamped, two legs, the legs spaced-apart and each leg with an upper end and a lower end, each lower end connected to the main body, and each leg comprising an outer leg portion and an inner leg portion, the inner leg portion having part thereof movable within the outer leg portion to provide a range of up/down movement for the main body.

Abstract: An containerized top drive system including a container, top drive apparatus removably disposed within the container, an extension system for moving the top drive apparatus generally horizontally within a derrick, the top drive apparatus secured to the extension system, the extension system removably disposed within the container with the top drive apparatus, and the track including at least one track part which is a skid track part, the skid track part including a skid portion and a track portion, the top drive apparatus and the extension system located on the at least one skid track part within the container and the top drive apparatus supported by and movable with the at least one skid track part.

Abstract: A controlled leakage seal assembly having a first stationary portion adapted to be connected in substantially fluid-tight relation to a source of drilling fluid and a second portion adapted to be connected in substantially fluid-tight relation to a rotary portion including a washpipe. The seal includes a first housing and a stack of radially inwardly extending, spaced apart annular stators, and a second seal housing and stack of spaced apart radially outwardly extending annular rotors interleaved with one another. The seal assembly, a cartridge, permits the first and second housings to rotate relative to each other in substantially fluid-tight relation except for the drilling fluid entering an outlet region at greatly reduced pressure. In a preferred embodiment, the seal is held by a sleeve that permits the cartridge to be removed and replaced while the fluid connections to the sleeve remains.

Abstract: A drilling rig is provided which is adapted to selectively drill using coiled tubing and jointed-pipe. The rig includes a base, a mast, a top drive slidably mounted to said mast for performing jointed-pipe operations, and a tubing injector for performing coiled tubing operations, mounted on said mast for selective movement from a first position in which the injector is in line with the mast and a second position in which the injector is out of line with the mast to permit jointed-pipe operations by the top drive. The rig is uniquely suited to easily and quickly assemble bottom hole assemblies (BHA's), and to connect such BHA's to coiled tubing.

Abstract: A top drive system for wellbore operations including a hollow bore alternating current permanent magnet motor with a motor bore therethrough, a planetary gear system coupled to the motor, the gear system having a gear system bore therethrough, a quill drivingly connected to the planetary gear system and rotatable thereby to rotate a tubular member located below the quill, the motor adjacent the gear system, the motor bore aligned with the gear system bore so that fluid is flowable through the top drive system from the top of the motor to the bottom of the planetary gear system and into and through the quill.

Abstract: A pipe handling device for mounting to use with a top drive and possibly a pipe engaging apparatus, includes a link arm having a first end pivotally connectable to move with the top drive and an outboard end pivotally connectable to a pipe elevator segment, and a drive system to drive the outboard end of the link arm at least between a lower position and a raised position. A pipe handling system and method may include or employ the pipe handling device.

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: I disclose an apparatus for driving a submerged pump in a well, of the kind where the pump has a driving rod. A motor is connected to a double-reduction helical gear drive, and the gear drive has a threaded output shaft. The gear drive output shaft is removably connected to the pump driving rod. There is a back plate; the motor and gear drive are connected together to the back plate. The back plate has at least one slotted track for vertically adjusting the position of the motor and gear drive above the pump driving rod. The apparatus has a drive head housing attached to the well head. A pivot connects the drive head housing and the back plate, so that the motor and gear drive may be pivoted clear of the pump driving rod when the gear drive and pump rod are disconnected. A back plate rest connected to the drive head housing supports the back plate (and the motor and gear drive) when the motor and gear drive are pivoted clear of the pump driving rod.

Abstract: A tong as may be used for a continuous circulation system in a wellbore. The tong has a housing with a hollow interior. A plurality of spaced apart jaw assemblies reside within the housing's hollow interior for engaging a portion of a tubular to be gripped and rotated by the tong. A gear wheel is secured to the housing for rotating the housing and the jaw assemblies. The gear wheel includes a toothed outer circumference for mating with teeth of a drive shaft of a driving motor. A gear flange is movably mounted on the gear wheel such that rotation of the gear wheel does not rotate the gear flange.

Abstract: A rotary seal assembly for a rotary support table for use in drilling systems and the like to provide pressurized fluid to a rotary slip assembly disposed within the rotary support table is provided. The rotary seal assembly is designed to be coupled to an existing rotary support table which is used to rotate a drill string, and includes a powered slip that is powered into an engaged position to securely engage a pipe segment, for example, a casing segment.

Abstract: A pump drive head for a progressing cavity pump comprises a top mounted stuffing box rotatably disposed around a compliantly mounted standpipe with a self or manually adjusting pressurization system for the stuffing box. To prevent rotary and vertical motion of the polish rod while servicing the stuffing box, a polished rod lock-out clamp is provided with the pump drive head integral with or adjacent to a blow-out-preventer which can be integrated with the pump drive head to save space and cost. A centrifugal backspin braking system located on the input shaft and actuated only in the backspin direction and a gear drive between the input shaft and output shaft are provided.

Abstract: Tubing rotator 10 includes a main body or rotator spool 20, a selected bottom connector 50, and a selected top connector 70. The bottom connector 50 may be adapted for a screw cap type wellhead or a flanged wellhead. The top connector may comprise a pin connection mandrel 72 with either a threaded or flanged upper end, or a flow-T and/or BOP housing that bolts to the top of the spool. The tubing rotator may be adapted for hanging the tubing directly from the tubing rotator or may be used with a double box bushing 110 hung within the tubing rotator. The tubing rotator may also use a swivel hanger 120 included in the tubing head.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for holding and turning a tubular and string of tubulars, such as casing, for make-up and drilling with the tubulars are disclosed. The apparatus generally includes a spear and a clamping head, both of which are mounted to a top drive. The spear and the clamping head can be engaged to transmit torque therebetween from the top drive. In addition, an aspect of the invention provides variable height wickers positioned on slips to enable use of the slips with variable inner diameter (ID) and weight casing without deformation or rupture of the casing. Still further, a casing collar is also provided to provide reinforcement to the casing in the area of slip contact with the casing ID.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and method to insert a small diameter pipe into a borehole while holding a larger diameter pipe. The apparatus includes a table attached to a centralized base which, in turn, provides a telescopic stop tower. The stop tower includes a force transducer that yields a readout when it is abutted by a first wrench when a second wrench secured to the small diameter pipe is turned.

Abstract: A screen table and tong assembly whereby a sand screen table structure adaptable to a rotary table is used to capture and suspend sand screen subsections within the well bore is further adapted to include a pair of articulated opposing manual tong assemblies. The tong assemblies are pivotal and transversely positionable relative to the screen table. Provisions are made for adapting a slip set in cooperation with said screen table and tong assembly for capturing and supporting wash pipe within the sand screen subsections. Additional adaptations include a custom spinner tong assembly for rotating the sand screen tubular subsections and wash pipe sections.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting threaded members while ensuring that a proper connection is made. In one embodiment, the applied torque and/or rotation are measured at regular intervals throughout a pipe connection makeup. When a shoulder contact is detected, a predetermined torque value and/or rotation value is added to the measured torque and/or rotation values, respectively, at shoulder contact and rotation continued until this calculated value(s) is reached.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive, the apparatus comprising a supporting member (13) for connection with said top drive, a tool (30) for gripping a tubular and means for allowing substantially horizontal movement therebetween, wherein said means comprises a flexible membrane (18) enclosing a fluid.

Abstract: Tubing rotator 10 includes a main body or rotator spool 20, a selected bottom connector 50, and a selected top connector 70. The bottom connector 50 may be adapted for a screw cap type wellhead or a flanged wellhead. The top connector may comprise a pin connection mandrel 72 with either a threaded or flanged upper end, or a flow-T and/or BOP housing that bolts to the top of the spool. The tubing rotator may be adapted for hanging the tubing directly from the tubing rotator or may be used with a double box bushing 110 hung within the tubing rotator. The tubing rotator may also use a swivel hanger 120 included in the tubing head.

Abstract: A knuckle-swivel (10) is used with well drilling equipment for protecting helical wound line 62, which may be wire rope, cable and/or strand, against torsional forces and also providing for angular displacement of sinker bars or other tools during wireline strip over operations to minimize interference with rig equipment (80) when pulling pipe or tools 64 from a well head.

Abstract: A well casing system is disclosed for the handling and make-up of casing on a drilling rig in conjunction with a top drive is disclosed. The system comprises a top drive, a casing make-up assembly, links, link tilts, and transfer and lifting elevators. The operator can remotely manipulate the elevators to pick up and position a joint of casing above the casing already secured in the drilling hole. The operator can then engage the gripper head and use the rotational capability of the top drive to remotely couple the two joints of casing together.

Abstract: A tubing string rotator is disclosed that comprises an outer housing, a gear mandrel, and a tubing string hanger. The outer housing has an internal bore extending from its upper to its lower. The gear mandrel is received and supported within the bore of the outer housing. The gear mandrel has an internal bore extending from its upper to its lower end. The tubing string hanger has a series of circumferentially positioned generally downwardly oriented teeth and is receivable and suspendable within the internal bore of the gear mandrel such that the teeth on the tubing string hanger engage a series of generally upwardly oriented teeth circumferentially positioned about the internal surface of the gear mandrel. Rotational force applied to the gear mandrel is at least partially transferred to the tubing string hanger through engagement of the teeth on the gear mandrel with the teeth on the hanger causing the tubing string hanger to rotate with the gear mandrel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tubing rotator assembly for attachment to an existing casing head for purposes of suspending and rotating a tubing string in an oil well. In the preferred embodiment, the tubing assembly includes a rotation surface, such as a bearing, in which a tubing mandrel rests and allows one to rotate the tubing manually above the wellhead. It provides a low profile reducing the distance between the casing head and the pumping tee, which may eliminate the need for one to raise the pumping unit to fit on the rotator. In addition, the conventional seals above the rotation surface have less chance of leaking fluids located between the casing and tubing due to the seals potentially installed in the present invention. In addition, if the conventional seals do start to leak, then one can change the packing rubber without having to remove the tubing rotator assembly or tubing string (thus, not requiring a rig to change the sealing elements).

Abstract: A torque head for gripping tubular members, in at least some aspects, has a housing, grip mechanism secured within the housing, the grip mechanism for selectively gripping a tubular member, the grip mechanism including at least one jaw selectively movable toward and away from a portion of a tubular member within the housing, the at least one jaw having mounted thereon slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member, the slip apparatus including die apparatus movably mounted to the at least one jaw, the die apparatus movable with respect to the at least one jaw so that relative movement of the tubular with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable.