With Additional Work-engaging Means Patents (Class 81/57.16)
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Patent number: 7971917Abstract: The apparatus for an automated drill pipe casing stabbing arm includes a telescopic tube assembly, a movable roller bracket assembly, a movable arm assembly, a mounting assembly, an apparatus actuator, and a PLC portable remote control device. An actuator mechanism positions the gripping arm assembly and the roller bracket assemble relative to one another in order to capture and grip the casing therebetween to support and grip the casing on the circumference thereof from opposing diametric sides. The automated stabbing arm is installed on a rig's mast or derrick. In a working position, the apparatus is oriented horizontally to provide radial support and guidance to the casing. A rig worker on the rig floor controls the apparatus by the portable remote control device.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2008Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Inventor: Yaogen Ge
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Patent number: 7921750Abstract: Apparatus for securing a joint between two lengths of tubular. The apparatus has a tong arrangement comprising a rotary tong and a back-up tong. The apparatus also includes a frame having a seat for supporting the tong arrangement from beneath, the tong arrangement resting upon the seat such that the tong arrangement can be oriented in use at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the frame. A support member is provided for securing the tong arrangement to the frame at a chosen orientation.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2001Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventor: Bernd-Georg Pietras
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Publication number: 20110067529Abstract: A torque measuring flange is provided for use with a tong arrangement. The torque measuring flange includes a top plate and a bottom plate and one or more cylinders disposed between one or more wedges, whereby rotating the top plate causes the wedges to compress a piston in the cylinder.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2010Publication date: March 24, 2011Inventors: Bernd-Georg Pietras, Andreas Carlsson, Jorg Erich Schulze-Beckinhausen
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Patent number: 7861618Abstract: A method of coupling a tool to a length of tubular comprises securing the tool in a basket; lowering a tong arrangement having a rotary part and a stationary part, relative to the basket to engage respective locking members of the tong arrangement and the basket, thereby fixing the basket and the tool relative to the stationary part of the tong arrangement; and rotating the length of tubular using the rotary part of the tong arrangement so as to couple the tool to the length of tubular. A torque measuring flange may be associated with the tong arrangement. The torque measuring flange comprises a top plate and a bottom plate and one or more cylinders disposed between one or more wedges, whereby rotating the top plate causes the wedges to compress a piston in the cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2006Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Bernd-Georg Pietras, Andreas Carlsson, Jorg Erich Schulze-Beckinhausen
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Patent number: 7861619Abstract: A power tong construction in particular designed to annul compulsory forces that may arise within the tong construction during makeup/breakout operations of pipe joints in a string of pipes, is shown. The power tong construction is one unit having a main frame carrying a torque tong and a backup tong. The main frame is located on a drill floor on board a vessel or fixed installation, and is moveably arranged in guide rails. The torque tong is loosely suspended and “floatingly” arranged in the power tong construction, said power tong thereby having a limited freedom of motion in all directions in the horizontal plane and vertical plane, and has means to counteract external rotation and annulment of compulsory forces, when the power tong makes up/breaks out pipe joints, arranged between the power tong and the main frame.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2007Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Aker Kvaerner MH ASInventor: Eivind Gimming Stensland
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Patent number: 7856908Abstract: A prior art sucker rod tong is improved to remove a coupling completely from a sucker rod assembly comprising sucker rods joined end to end by couplings. The prior art sucker rod tong has a rotatable jaw assembly and a lower backup wrench adapted to cooperate to unscrew a coupling joining first and second rods, where the coupling remains screwed to the second rod after it is unscrewed from the first rod. The improvement comprises a coupling extractor for unscrewing the coupling from the second rod so that the coupling can be replaced. The coupling extractor comprises a shaft having an extractor end portion on each end of the shaft and a shield around each extractor end portion, wherein the coupling extractor is designed and sized to fit within and to be rotated by the jaw assembly. The extractor end portion engages the inside wall of the coupling to unscrew the coupling from the second rod. The extractor end portion is preferably a tapered, left-handed spiral fluted easy-out extractor.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2008Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Inventors: Montie W. Holladay, David W. Ripple
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Patent number: 7836795Abstract: A power tong (1) device, in which the power tong (1) includes two housing halves (2), pivotable relative to each other, the housing halves (2) being arranged to be pivoted between a closed, active position and an open, inactive position, and in which a radially divided drive ring (6, 8), which is provided with hydraulically activated clamping dies (14) directed towards the centre axis (10) of the power tong (1), is placed in the housing halves, the drive ring (6, 8) being supported and connected to a driving motor (12) for the rotation of the drive ring (6, 8) about said axis (10), the drive ring (6, 8) being provided with at least one locking means (16) which is arranged to interconnect the parts of the drive ring (6, 8) in a releasable manner.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2006Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Wellquip ASInventor: Per A. Vatne
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Publication number: 20100212161Abstract: Interchangeable tubing manipulating appliances for use with nut driving tools are disclosed for tubing manipulation, cutting, bending and the like. The appliances include tubing locating and stabilizing structure and securement for aligning and stabilizing the locating and stabilizing structure at one side of the driving tool adjacent to its nut driving head. A rotatable member is engagable at the nut driving head for selective rotation thereof relative to the tubing locating and stabilizing structure. The rotatable member includes a tubing engaging portion and a faceted engagable portion receivable at the nut driving tool. Embodied for tubing cutting, a cutting utility is included mounted adjacent the securement. The rotatable member receives and rotates the tubing. Embodied as a tubing bender, the rotatable member includes a tubing guide end, the locating and stabilizing structure adapted to receive tubing thereat and having an opening for receipt of the rotatable member therethrough.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2009Publication date: August 26, 2010Inventor: David Wilson, JR.
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Publication number: 20100199812Abstract: A power tong continuously rotates tubulars for spinning and torquing threaded connections. Continuous rotation is achieved through a rotating jaw having grippers that grip the tubular and continuously rotate with it. Hydraulic and electrical power necessary for actuating the grippers is generated on board. A serpentine belt system turns the motors of the on-board hydraulic power unit and electric generators to supply the grippers with hydraulic and electrical power. The serpentine belt system is driven by a secondary drive mounted on a fixed frame. The rotating jaw is rotatably mounted to the fixed frame and driven during continuous three hundred and sixty degrees of rotation by a primary drive, mounted on the fixed frame. A fixed jaw is also mounted to the frame. Tubular grippers on the fixed jaw grip a first side of a tubular joint. The grippers on the rotating jaw grip the opposite second side of the tubular joint. High torque low-rotational speed applied to the rotating jaw torques the joint.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2009Publication date: August 12, 2010Inventor: Allan Stewart Richardson
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Patent number: 7707913Abstract: A method of using a power tong (2) for use in the pipe make-up and pipe break-out of pipe lengths (22) during drilling in the ground as it is known from, for example, the recovery of petroleum, the power tong (2) being part of an assembly (1) which includes a back-up tong (4) movable relative to the power tong (2) in the longitudinal direction of the pipe length (22), and at least one guide column (10). The tong is releasably connected to a chassis and is arranged to be lifted up from a drill floor to a level higher up in order to break out a pipe from a pipe string, should the pipe string get stuck in the borehole.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2004Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: V-Tech ASInventor: Helge-Ruben Halse
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Patent number: 7707914Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling tubulars is provided. In one aspect, the present invention provides a spinner having a first arm having a first roller and a second arm having a second roller, the first arm and the second arm simultaneously adjustable to retain the tubular. The apparatus also includes a third roller capable of urging the tubular against the first and second rollers, wherein at least one of the first, second, and third rollers is actuatable to rotate the tubular. In one embodiment, the spinner further comprises a fluid operated cylinder for adjusting the first arm and the second arm. The arms are adjusted by actuating the cylinder extend or retract the first arm and the second arm.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2004Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Bernd-Georg Pietras, Martin Liess
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Patent number: 7690281Abstract: A tong positioning apparatus including: (a) a base having a powered cylinder; (b) a first articulating arm attached at a first end to the cylinder and pivotally attached to the base; (c) a second arm attached at a first end to a second end of the first articulating arm; (d) a tong attached to a second end of the second arm, so that when the cylinder moves from retracted and expanded positions, the first and second arms articulate to move the tong between engaged and disengaged positions relative to conjoined tubular members; and (e) a bow structure forming an interface between the tong and the second arm that enables rotation about a generally vertical axis and with respect to an underlying support surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Inventor: John Paul Hobgood
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Patent number: 7685910Abstract: A back-up tong for assembling or disassembling threaded joints of tubing for use in oil and gas wells is provided. The back-up tong has both a first and second gripping mechanism. The first gripping mechanism has a plurality of jaws for engaging the tubing to prevent rotation of the tubing in a clockwise direction and the second gripping mechanism has a plurality of jaws for engaging the tubing to prevent rotation of the tubing in a counter-clockwise direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2008Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Westco International, Inc.Inventor: Charles Robert Kennedy
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Publication number: 20090314137Abstract: A self-adjusting spinner is provided that is capable of accommodating various pipe sizes without requiring the need for an operator to climb up the support mechanism and manually change the position of the drive assembly. The self-adjusting spinner includes a case having two pivotally connected members: a stationary case member and a moving case member. Upper and lower plates having gear racks are mounted on the stationary case member for moving a drive assembly horizontally across the case. The drive assembly includes a motor that drives gear sprocket through a drive shaft. The drive sprocket then drives a chain that rotates a drill pipe in an operative position relative to the case. The spinner also includes an adjusting assembly mounted on the case that moves the drive assembly along the gear rack upon the actuation of an adjustment sequence. When the adjustment sequence is initiated, the effective length of the chain is adjusted to accommodate drill pipes of varying diameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2009Publication date: December 24, 2009Applicant: Hawk Industries, Inc.Inventor: Raul H. Perez
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Publication number: 20090277308Abstract: An open-faced rod-spinning device configured for making and/or breaking joints between threaded drill rods. The rod-spinning device may include a drive gear with an open face. The drive gear may also be coupled to a plurality of drive pins. The rod-spinning device may include a carriage assembly including an open face for receiving and rotating about a drill rod. The carriage assembly may include a plurality of gripping lobes configured to be engaged and rotated by the drive pins about pivot pins. The drive gear may be configured to rotate relative to the carriage assembly to cause the drive pins to engage and rotate the gripping lobes.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2009Publication date: November 12, 2009Applicant: LONGYEAR TM, INC.Inventors: Trevor Lyndon Light, Emil Kolev, Michael Andreas Kontou
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Publication number: 20090272233Abstract: A jaw assembly, namely a multi-jaw assembly (preferably three-jaw) for a tong unit. The jaw assembly has a rear jaw connected to two side jaws, by pivot pins, to form a multi-jaw jaw assembly. The pivot pins pass through the upper and lower cage plates on the tong unit; as such, the jaw assembly must move along with the cage plates. The rear jaw, with respect to the cage plates, is stationary. The side plates, by virtue of the pivot pins, are rotatably attached with respect to the cage plates. The rear jaw and side jaws carry dies, typically two dies on the rear jaw and one die on each of the side jaws, for gripping a tubular. The multi-jaw assembly permits efficient gripping of undersize and/or out-of-round tubulars, and application of torque thereto, without damage to the tubular.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2009Publication date: November 5, 2009Inventor: Clint Musemeche
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Publication number: 20090272232Abstract: A power tong having a ring gear and dumbell rollers, with mating load surfaces on the ring gear and dumbell rollers which transfer horizontal and vertical loads from the ring gear to the dumbell rollers, without contact between the ring gear teeth and the dumbell rollers. The power tong further has a dumbell roller shaft configuration which permits vertical and rotational locking of the shaft, while permitting easy replacement and without binding of the rotation of the top and bottom plates on the dumbell rollers.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2009Publication date: November 5, 2009Inventor: Clint Musemeche
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Publication number: 20090229422Abstract: A back-up tong for assembling or disassembling threaded joints of tubing for use in oil and gas wells is provided. The back-up tong has both a first and second gripping mechanism. The first gripping mechanism has a plurality of jaws for engaging the tubing to prevent rotation of the tubing in a clockwise direction and the second gripping mechanism has a plurality of jaws for engaging the tubing to prevent rotation of the tubing in a counter-clockwise direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2008Publication date: September 17, 2009Applicant: Westco International, Inc.Inventor: Charles Robert Kennedy
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Publication number: 20090211405Abstract: An oilfield tubular torque wrench and a tong therefore is described.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2009Publication date: August 27, 2009Applicant: Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd.Inventors: Douglas A. HUNTER, Thieme H. Martin, Friedhold Brost
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Publication number: 20090211404Abstract: An apparatus for rotating a tubular, the apparatus, in at least certain aspects including having a plurality of tubular-contacting rollers with one or more pairs of interlaced rollers. 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 C.F.R. 1.72(b).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2008Publication date: August 27, 2009Inventors: Jan Erik Pedersen, Jonathan Webb, Roar Berge
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Patent number: 7571667Abstract: A power tong for use during installation and dismantling of pipes when drilling in the ground, such as is known from e.g. petroleum production, comprising a drive ring and at least one clamping device, where the clamping device is arranged to grip a pipe string, the power tong being equipped with a driving mechanism for rotation of the clamping device about the longitudinal axis of the pipe string, and where the clamping device communicates with a fluid supply via a swivel ring that encircles the drive ring.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2004Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: V-Tech ASInventor: Helge-Ruben Halse
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Patent number: 7530294Abstract: The powered adjustable pipe wrench has a motorized rotary grip to rotate a pipe component clamped therein and a laterally spaced stationary grip to hold a second pipe component stationary relative to the first as it is being rotated. The pipe wrench may have a cylindrical jaw housing with semicylindrical fixed and openable portions hinged to one another. One end of the housing includes a powered component to rotate the pipe component held therein, while the other housing end includes fixed jaw components holding the second pipe component stationary. Alternatively, the pipe wrench may have a powered component extending from the fixed jaw of the wrench body to rotate the first pipe component, and a rectilinearly adjustable jaw portion extending from the wrench body. A set of fixed jaw components is axially spaced from the rotary component to hold the second pipe component stationary.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Inventor: Herman Myburgh
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Patent number: 7437974Abstract: A rotation unit for a torque tong for making and/or breaking threaded connections between pipes and/or spinning pipes during screwing and/or unscrewing of pipes, primarily pipes used in petroleum production. The unit includes a fixed part and a rotary part arranged to grip a pipe to be rotated. The rotary part includes at least one movable gripping jaw arranged to be moved into engagement with the pipe. The fixed part includes at least one gripping cylinder arranged to move the gripping jaw to engage the pipe when the gripping jaw is operatively engaged with the gripping cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2004Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Aker Kvaerner MH ASInventors: Per Slettedal, Terje Egeland
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Publication number: 20080250902Abstract: A rotation unit for a torque tong for making and/or breaking threaded connections between pipes and/or spinning pipes during screwing and/or unscrewing of pipes, primarily pipes used in petroleum production. The unit includes a fixed part and a rotary part arranged to grip a pipe to be rotated. The rotary part includes at least one movable gripping jaw arranged to be moved into engagement with the pipe. The rotary part includes toothing arranged to engage at least one chain, which chain is operatively connected to an actuator in order to move the chain and so impart rotary movement to the rotary part.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2008Publication date: October 16, 2008Inventors: Per Slettedal, Terje Egeland
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Publication number: 20080202291Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention is directed to a replacement cage assembly (106) to modify a conventional power tong (100) to enable the power tong to grip and rotate smaller diameter tubular segments (90). The method of the invention is directed to modifying a power tong (100) to grip and rotate a tubular segment of a diameter smaller than could be gripped by the unmodified power tong (100). The invention provides a rotary gear insert (240), having an interior second cam surface, rotatably captured intermediate an upper cage plate (230) and a lower cage plate (210) and slidably receivable within the conventional rotary gear of the power tong (100) and to cam and rotate a plurality of replacement gripping jaws (220, 221) pivotally captured adjacent the second cam surface (240) and intermediate the upper cage plate (230) and the lower cage plate (210).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2008Publication date: August 28, 2008Applicant: FRANK'S CASING CREW & RENTAL TOOLS, INC.Inventors: Vernon J. Bouligny, Joshua Kyle Bourgeois
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Patent number: 7387050Abstract: A rotation unit for a torque tong for making and/or breaking threaded connections between pipes and/or spinning pipes during screwing and/or unscrewing of pipes, primarily pipes used in petroleum production. The unit includes a fixed part and a rotary part arranged to grip a pipe to be rotated. The rotary part includes at least one movable gripping jaw arranged to be moved into engagement with the pipe. The rotary part includes toothing arranged to engage at least one chain, which is operatively connected to an actuator in order to move the chain and so impart rotary movement to the rotary part.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2004Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: Aker Kvaerner MH ASInventors: Per Slettedal, Terje Egeland
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Patent number: 7313986Abstract: An apparatus for rotating a tubular with respect to a drill bit, e.g., for making or breaking a connection between a tubular and a drill bit, the apparatus, in at least certain aspects including a frame, gripper apparatus connected to the frame for gripping and rotating a primary tubular, and a torquing frame with plate apparatus for holding the drill bit.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2007Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignee: Varco I/P, Inc.Inventors: Neil Edward West, Preston R. Fox
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Patent number: 7281451Abstract: Methods and apparatus for making and breaking tubular connections within a tubular string are disclosed. In certain aspects, a tong assembly includes gated power and back up tongs coupled to a torque bar. Jaws of the tongs may be arranged circumferentially with support members disposed between adjacent jaws to substantially complete a 360° closed circle. A hydraulic circuit may equally distribute fluid and pressure to actuate the jaws. The power tong may include a gated rotor driven by at least three drive motors. The rotor may be selectively physically locked from rotation or movement by one or more rotor locks. Further, the tong assembly may include an interlock that prevents activation of the drive motors until the rotor locks actuate to unlock the rotor. Additionally, gate locks may secure the tongs and rotor when closed, and a releasable coupling arrangement may aid engagement of a motor to a rotor pump.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2004Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventor: Joerg E. Schulze Beckinghausen
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Patent number: 7191686Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2006Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Frank's Casing Crew & Rental Tools, Inc.Inventors: Jeremy R. Angelle, Donald E. Mosing, Robert L. Thibodeaux, Jr., Christopher B. Pechon
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Patent number: 7188548Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2004Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventor: Martin Liess
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Patent number: 7188547Abstract: An apparatus for rotating a tubular, the apparatus, in at least certain aspects including a frame, a rocker assembly connected to the frame, the rocker assembly including a top rocker arm pivotably mounted to the frame, and a bottom rocker arm pivotably mounted to the frame, top torque apparatus connected to the frame, upper gripper apparatus connected to the frame for gripping a primary tubular (e.g., but not limited to a first pipe), lower gripper apparatus connected to the frame for gripping a secondary member (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2006Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Varco I/P, Inc.Inventors: Neil Edward West, Preston R. Fox
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Patent number: 7121166Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2004Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: National-Oilwell, L.P.Inventor: Lopek Drzewiecki
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Patent number: 7117938Abstract: Drilling rig apparatus for connecting and disconnecting well pipe at a drilling rig. A remotely controlled power wrench assembly is mounted on a remotely controlled lifting mechanism attached to a base spaced about the well axis on the rig floor. The wrench assembly includes upper and lower wrenches carried by the lifting mechanism. The wrench assembly includes a lower wrench for gripping a lower box coupling of a drill pipe section at the well center. An upper wrench is provided for torquing and spinning an upper pin coupling into or out of threaded engagement with the lower box coupling. A manipulator is pivotably carried on a rod supported from the wrench assembly. The manipulator captures a drill pipe section and transfers the drill pipe section between the well axis and a position at the side of the wrench assembly. A slot is provided between frame members of the base for placement of a power slip manipulator for setting and releasing slips in the rotary table.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2003Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: Gray EOT, Inc.Inventors: William R. Hamilton, David Curtis Fletcher, Donald D. Rae
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Patent number: 7100476Abstract: A manually-operated, adjustable dental implant torque wrench employs a screw holding sheath for placing a dental screw in a mouth of a patient. A handle offset to avoid opposite teeth to the work area is provided with a bevel gear and pinion set to translate the turning motion from a straight turning shaft in the handle to a perpendicular screw turning head. An assortment of replaceable snap-fit screw turning heads fits the various types of dental screws. An easy turn T-shaped handle with a pivotable turning knob is controlled by a torque limiting device.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2006Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Inventor: Steven H. Feit
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Sliding rail containment device for flexible collated screws used with a top feed screw driving tool
Patent number: 7082857Abstract: A portable hand-held screw driving tool is provided for use with collated strips of screws. A collated strip of screws enters from an upper-rear area of the tool and runs through a pathway or slot in an elongated, movable upper guide mounted at the tool's upper housing, then to a movable slide body having that receives and indexes the collated strip so a screw can be driven by the tool. The upper guide provides containment that prevents the flexible collated strip becoming substantially misaligned while moving through the guide's slot. When the tool is actuated to drive a screw into an object, the sliding guide moves longitudinally along the top of the tool, along with the tool's front-end screw-driving mechanism. Thus the flexible collated strip is always in a relatively fixed orientation as compared to the movable front end portion of the tool.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2004Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: Senco Products, Inc.Inventor: William H. Hoffman -
Patent number: 7076852Abstract: A conductor torquing system is provided for large diameter threaded conductor casing which comprises a lower chain vise adapted to grip a first joint of conductor casing, a plurality of movable arms operable to apply a retaining force to a second joint of conductor casing to maintain the latter in rotational contact with a spinning means. The spinning means is operable to rotationally make-up the second joint of conductor casing to the first joint of conductor casing to an initial make-up torque value. The apparatus also includes an upper chain vise for gripping the second joint of conductor casing and applying a final make-up torque to the threaded connection. The apparatus will allow a conductor connection to be made-up in a safe and efficient manner and generally assist in reaching the final torque stage more rapidly.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2003Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: BJ Services CompanyInventors: Andrew Robert Penman, Peter John Lovegrove
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Patent number: 7069817Abstract: Damage to pipe resulting from non-uniform application of gripping forces is minimized by modified power tongs employing pivoting jaws which automatically adjust to the circumference of the pipe. The pivoting jaws pivot about mounting pins which pass through an elongated aperture in the jaw. The aperture is elongated in a direction which allows the arcuate pipe-gripping surface on the jaw to align itself concentric with the outer surface of the pipe so that the gripping force applied by the jaw is uniformly distributed over the arcuate pipe-gripping surface of the jaw.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2004Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Inventor: William E. Wesch, Jr.
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Patent number: 7062991Abstract: An apparatus for rotating a tubular, the apparatus, in at least certain aspects including a frame, a rocker assembly connected to the frame, the rocker assembly including a top rocker arm pivotably mounted to the frame, and a bottom rocker arm pivotably mounted to the frame, top torque apparatus connected to the frame, upper gripper apparatus connected to the frame for gripping a primary tubular (e.g., but not limited to a first pipe), lower gripper apparatus connected to the frame for gripping a secondary member (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2005Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Assignee: Varco I/P, Inc.Inventors: Neil Edward West, Preston R. Fox
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Patent number: 7036396Abstract: In spinner tongs, a so-called spinner (30), incorporated in an iron roughneck and thus serving to rotate a drill pipe during connection thereof to a drill string or during division of the drill string into individual pipes, the aim has been to reduce damage on the threaded connections (the pin-and-box joints) in the screwing/unscrewing operations. This is realised in an operation for the simultaneous centering and rotating of the drill pipe. Four spinner rollers (42) known in themselves, which are brought to bear on the drill pipe when surrounding it, are mounted according to the invention, preferably in pairs, at the outer ends of driven clamping arms (46), by bogies (50). At their opposite outer ends the clamping arms (46) are pivotally supported on a fixed frame part/structure (56) and are jointed to each other by means of a piston and cylinder (48) driven by pressure fluid and arranged to carry the clamping arms (46) towards and away from each other.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2001Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: National Oilwell Norway ASInventors: Magne Moe, Per Olav Haughom, Jørn Pollestad
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Patent number: 7028585Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2002Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Bernd-Georg Pietras, Andreas Carlsson, Jorg Erich Schulze-Beckinhausen
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Patent number: 7013759Abstract: A device for torquing a tubular connection. The device comprises an upper assembly having an upper jaw member, a lower assembly having a lower jaw member, an upper gear for advancing the upper jaw member, and a lower gear for advancing the lower jaw member. The upper jaw member includes a first jaw operatively associated with a first rack, a second jaw operatively associated with a second rack, and a third jaw operatively associated with a third rack. The lower jaw member includes a fourth jaw operatively associated with a fourth rack, a fifth jaw operatively associated with a fifth rack, and a sixth jaw operatively associated with a sixth rack. A method of torquing a first tubular with a second tubular is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2005Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Access Oil Tools, Inc.Inventor: Lawrence E. Childress, II
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Patent number: 7000502Abstract: The invention relates to an improved drill pipe spinner. The improved spinner may be used as a stand-alone piece of pipe handling equipment or may be used in an Iron Roughneck. The spinner comprises a pair of clamping arms that are movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position, the arms will clamp about a pipe to be made up or broken out and in the open position, the spinner may be moved away from or towards the pipe. The arms are preferably moved between the open and closed positions by a hydraulically actuated clamping cylinder. Attached to the distal ends of each arm is a roller bracket. The roller brackets are preferably attached to the clamping arms by a roller bracket pin. Each roller bracket includes a pair of drive roller assemblies, which together form the spinning unit. Each drive roller assembly preferably comprises a pair of drive rollers, with each roller rotated by a pair of hydraulic motors.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2004Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: National-OllwellInventor: Jaroslav Belik
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Patent number: 6938520Abstract: A backup tong 10 secures the tubular against axial rotation in response to rotation by a power tong. The backup tong plate 20 supports a pair fluid powered cylinders 32, 34, and a pair of swing arms 50, 52 each pivotally connected to the respective fluid powered cylinder. A left side cam plate 44 and a right side cam plate 46 are each provided for cooperation with a respective left side and right side cam follower 58, 60. The gripping head 30 provided on the backup tong plate, and a pair of gripping heads 62, 64 are provided on a forward end of each of the swing arms for gripping the tubular. A method of the invention includes supporting the fluid powered cylinders on the backup tong plate, and pivotally connecting the swing arms to the respective fluid powered cylinders. The cam followers move within respective cam plates during actuation of the cylinders.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2004Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: Eckel Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventor: Randolph Stuart
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Patent number: 6935210Abstract: A cam-operated, rack-on-rack adjustment assembly on a drill pipe spinner allows the user to easily and in small increments (distances) (three-eighths inch, one-quarter inch or less, or more) adjust the effective pipe engaging length of the drive chain. In other words, the effective length of chain wrap (the amount that grips the pipe) given the pipe size can be adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2003Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: Hawk Industries, Inc.Inventors: Thomas D Hauk, Raul Hector Perez
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Patent number: 6880430Abstract: A vise apparatus for use on a drilling machine to thread together pipe to form a drill string. The vise apparatus also for use on a drilling machine to break pipe threaded together in a drill string. The vise apparatus having scissor members that open to receive various size pipe diameters and close to contact the pipe around the pipe diameter at equally distanced locations.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2004Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Robin W. Carlson
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Patent number: 6851335Abstract: A manual tong is disclosed which includes a composite belt, a handle assembly, and a jaw assembly, where the composite belt is designed to take the place of the conventional linked chains used currently in manual tongs. The composite belt is held in place by a set of pins associated with the handle and jaw assemblies. Replacement of the linked chains with the composite belts improve tong safety, improve ease of use, lower cost, make adjustment easier and make belt replacement easier reducing down time and increasing tong utility so that one tong can be used for different pipe diameters by simply adjusting a length of the belt or a simple replacement of the belt with a different size belt.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2003Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Orbix CorporationInventor: Patrick Johnson
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Patent number: 6829968Abstract: A pipe making and breaking apparatus having top, middle and bottom wrenches connected to a frame. A torquing cylinder operatively extends between the middle wrench and the frame and when actuated through one or more torquing cycles causes an upper pipe to make (top and middle wrenches) or break (middle and bottom wrenches) relative to a lower pipe. A grip hold actuator maintains the middle wrench in the gripping position continuously during the making torquing cycles. A continuous chain spinner above the top wrench spins the top pipe to make a position or away from a make position. The spinner can be a stand alone unit or can hang freely in the derrick or can be part of the make/break apparatus. A spinner drive chain motor when pressurized and when an oiler button is actuated causes lubricant to be sprayed out a nozzle on the (moving) chain. Windows (guide gates) and/or guide posts direct the chain so as to not bunch up against the casing sprockets.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2003Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Assignee: Hawk Industries, Inc.Inventors: Thomas D Hauk, Raul Hector Perez
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Publication number: 20040226412Abstract: A vise apparatus for use on a drilling machine to thread together pipe to form a drill string. The vise apparatus also for use on a drilling machine to break pipe threaded together in a drill string. The vise apparatus having scissor members that open to receive various size pipe diameters and close to contact the pipe around the pipe diameter at equally distanced locations.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2004Publication date: November 18, 2004Applicant: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Robin W. Carlson
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Patent number: 6752043Abstract: A vise apparatus for use on a drilling machine to thread together pipe to form a drill string. The vise apparatus also for use on a drilling machine to break pipe threaded together in a drill string. The vise apparatus having scissor members that open to receive various size pipe diameters and close to contact the pipe around the pipe diameter at equally distanced locations.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Robin W. Carlson
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Patent number: 6752044Abstract: A power tong system and method is disclosed for making and breaking joints between wellbore. The system comprises a frame to which a spinner is mounted for spinning the wellbore tubulars. A first member is pivotally mounted with respect to the frame such that the first member is rotatable with respect to the frame. A piston/cylinder assembly is pivotally mounted with respect to the frame and with respect to the first member whereby the first member is rotatable with respect to the frame in response to movement of the piston with respect to the cylinder. A control arm is preferably pivotally mounted to the first member and the piston/cylinder assembly. The control arm is securable, such as with a moveable pin or a latch, to the first member in at least two positions for controlling whether the first member is operable for making or for breaking the joints.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Frank's International, Inc.Inventor: Samuel P. Hawkins, III