Abstract: A tubular handling apparatus includes a power tong; a backup tong; and a load transfer assembly connected between the power tong and the backup tong. The load transfer assembly includes a first link having a first load cell positioned to measure a first force exerted on the first link; and a second link having a second load cell positioned to measure a second force exerted on the second link. The tubular handling apparatus may also include a tong control assembly configured to select the first load cell for use in a tubular makeup operation and to select the second load cell for use in a tubular breakout operation.

Abstract: A tubular gripping assembly includes a power tong housing configured to actuate between an open position and a closed position. An inflatable bladder apparatus is coupled to an inner surface of the power tong housing and configured to grip a tubular member when the power tong housing is in the closed position and the inflatable bladder apparatus is inflated. A latch mechanism, operative in response to a remote control signal provided through a mechanized docking and undocking fluid connector, is configured to secure the power tong housing in the closed position and to allow the power tong housing to actuate to the open position.

Abstract: A spinner assembly for threading or unthreading tubular members above the floor of a well site has a spinner with an open throat, a plurality of rollers rotatable about a substantially vertical axis, a motor for driving the plurality of rollers, and a plurality of brackets supporting the plurality of rollers. The open throat is suitable for receiving one of the tubular members therein. The spinner housing has a common axis. The plurality of rollers are adapted to engage the tubular member received in the open throat. The brackets are disposed within the spinner housing on opposite sides of the open throat. The brackets are movable inwardly and outwardly of the spinner housing in opposite directions at a substantially straight line along the common axis.

Abstract: A device for rotation of a torque tong with at least two diametrically opposite circular arc-shaped segments and gripping devices for holding a pipe substantially perpendicularly to the torque tong's radial plane. To each segment and in abutment thereto there is provided at least one elongated flexible drive element operatively connected to support units and devices for movement of the respective drive element so that the torque tong is rotated in the radial plane. Each drive element is attached at first and second ends to respective securing portions and includes an engagement portion in engagement with and/or abutment against a segment. Rotation of the torque tong is implemented by performing a rectilinear movement of a first of said movement elements, and simultaneously implementing a rectilinear movement of the second of said movement elements in the opposite direction to and substantially parallel to the movement of the first movement element.

Abstract: A tongs system and method for making and breaking threaded joints of a string of tubing for an oil well involves, in some examples, the use of a set of tongs with a two-speed transmission and a hydraulic system selectively operable in a high-pressure mode and a low-pressure mode. During an initial tightening period, the tongs system operates in high-gear and high-pressure for maximum speed. During a subsequent final tightening period, the tongs system operates in low-gear and low-pressure to controllably tighten the joint to a predetermined target torque. In some examples, to allow the transmission to shift speed without jamming gears, the tongs system pauses for an instant between the initial and final tightening periods. In some examples, the tongs system is interlocked with a hoist and/or other tube-holding and handling equipment.

Abstract: A clamping device for supporting a well string in a borehole includes a base plate with a central opening and primary clamp body clamp body supported for linear motion relative to the base plate. The clamping device further includes other clamp bodies supported for independent linear motion relative to the base plate. In certain embodiments, the clamping bodies are supported for pivoting motion to open and close the central opening. Each of the clamp bodies carries a gripping member on a face thereof for engaging a well string component received in the central opening. A drive mechanism is coupled to the clamp bodies and configured to move the clamp bodies relative to the base plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drill bit wrench (10) for use on a drilling apparatus for loosening a drill bit segment of a drill bit during drilling of holes into the ground. The wrench includes a carrier member (12) operatively supported on the drilling apparatus. A gripping member (26) is displaceably located on the carrier member and a lever arm (38) is pivotally located on the gripping member, displacement mechanisms (20, 34, 42) providing for required displacement of the parts of the wrench for its operation. One displacement mechanism (42) provides for an initial direct gripping force to be applied on a drill bit segment, which force is sufficient to permit loosening of the segment in normal circumstances, an additional gripping force, to be induced by a wedging action of a wedge face of the lever arm, being provided for, where required.

Abstract: A tubular gripping apparatus has a jaw assembly that has a tubular-contacting surface at an end thereof, a drive yoke that has a tubular-contacting surface at an end thereof, an actuator connected to the drive yoke, and a locking mechanism interconnected to the drive yoke. The drive yoke is connected to the jaw assembly. The actuator moves the jaw assembly and the drive yoke such that the tubular-contacting surfaces thereof move radially inwardly for a substantially identical distance. The locking mechanism directs a load away from the actuator while the jaw assembly and the drive yoke grip the tubular. The locking mechanism has a cylinder yoke positioned around the piston-and-cylinder assembly, and a wedge assembly positioned adjacent the bearing bar and the cylinder yoke. The wedge assembly is suitable for contacting the cylinder yoke so as to prevent a movement of the cylinder yoke.

Abstract: An attachment is described that is configured for attachment to an arm of a piece of heavy construction equipment. The attachment is configured to rotate a section of pipe during break out (i.e. disconnection or disassembly) from another section of pipe and/or make up (i.e. connection or assembly) with another section of pipe. The attachment is configured to break the joint or torque the joint to a predetermined torque value, unthread or thread pipe, and lift the pipe under the power of the heavy construction equipment.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wrench for use with drilling apparatus and which serves for loosening adjacent drill bit segments of a drill bit during drilling of extended holes into the ground and where this involves the insertion of, or the removal of, extension segments from the drill bit. The wrench includes a pair of carrier members whereby it is supported on the support structure of a drilling apparatus, as well as a pair of gripping members, displaceably supported between the carrier members and between which a drill bit segment can be gripped, and piston/cylinder mechanisms whereby the carrier members, and hence the wrench, can be displaced between an inoperative stowed configuration and an operative configuration and whereby the gripping members can be displaced for gripping a drill bit segment and for loosening the segment with respect to an adjacent segment.

Abstract: A breakout wrench for use with a rock drill string includes a frame adapted for mounting to a rock drill feed guide structure, and a sub-frame rotatably connected to the frame about a drill string longitudinal axis. The sub-frame supports a pair of jaw members adapted for radial movement towards and away from one another and to releasably engage a first section of a drill string. The breakout wrench also includes a clamping member supported by the rock drill feed guide structure. The clamping member is adapted to releasably engage a second section of the drill string spaced axially from the first section.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit device for activating the at least one clamping die (14) of a power tong (1), the power tong (1) including 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 a radially divided drive ring (6, 8) which is provided with the at least one hydraulically activated clamping die (14) directed towards the centre axis (10) of the power tong (1), being placed in the housing halves (2), the drive ring (6, 8) being supported and connected to at least one driving motor (12) for the rotation of the drive ring (6, 8) about the centre axis (10), and a hydraulic pump cylinder (16) being articulatedly connected between the first drive ring part (6) of the drive ring (6, 8) and the second drive ring part (8) of the drive ring (6, 8) and arranged to rotate together with the drive ring (6, 8) about the centre axis (10).

Abstract: A system for clamping and breaking threaded tubular members includes a clamping device configured to grip a threaded tubular member. The clamping device further includes a housing and a base mount associated with the housing. A breaking device can be provided to grip and rotate a threaded tubular member, the breaking device further including a housing and a base mount associated with the housing in which the base mount of clamping device and the base mount of the breaking device are configured to be mounted independently to at least one support structure.

Abstract: An improved jaw apparatus is provided for making or breaking a tubular pipe connection. The jaw includes a head adapted to receive a hook having a threaded shank end. The threaded shank end is engaged at the head end opposite the hook end by a hydraulic powered nut adjustment assembly. The adjustment assembly may be operated by a control unit to allow for the automatic opening and closing of the jaw for receiving pipes of varying diameters.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A drill stem centralizer and/or breakout wrench includes a frame with opposed hydraulic cylinder actuators mounted on the frame and engaged in with jaw support members for movement toward and away from each other for centralizing or breakout of drill stem sections. The hydraulic actuators are mounted on trunnions which are supported by bearing caps which may be indexed to change the spacing of the opposed actuators to accommodate a wide range of drill stem diameters or cross-sectional shapes. The jaw support members are provided with laterally spaced guide parts which are moveable in slots in the frame to guide the jaw support members for linear reciprocal movement in response to actuation by the hydraulic actuators. The frame may be mounted for limited rotation on a feed beam to effect drill stem breakout operations.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a gripping system for a tong for making up and breaking out tubulars is provided. The gripping system is coupled to the rotary of the tong. The gripping system includes an active jaw and two passive jaws disposed interior to the rotary. Preferably, the two passive jaws are separately by less than 120 degrees from each other and are pivotally connected to rotary. The gripping system is adapted and arranged to allow each passive jaw to react the same amount of force as the gripping force applied by the active jaw. In another embodiment, a rotary locking apparatus is provided to lock or unlock the rotary of the tong.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A drill gripping device is shown with an inexpensive and compact design. In one embodiment, an inexpensive and more compact design is possible through the use of a single actuator with a single gripping portion of a drill gripping device. Embodiments of drill gripping devices shown are further reduced in price and size due to a force amplification device such as a camming arm. Alternatively, an increased gripping force is possible using an existing size actuator. A drill gripping device is shown with increased precision in gripping. A pair of gripping jaws are synchronized to improve jaw centering capabilities.

Abstract: An apparatus that can be used during drilling operations for the purposes of clamping and holding drilling tubulars is disclosed. The embodiments relate to machinery that clamp and hold drilling tubulars to allow assembly to a specified torque or disassembly of the tubulars. The apparatus comprises a first grip with teeth inserts housed in a gripping block that opposes a second grip with teeth inserts housed in a second gripping block. The first and second grips are spaced and adapted to accommodate a range of diameters of drilling tubulars. Further, the gripping blocks are held by opposing arms connected to a driving means to create a tightening or loosening movement of the grips and maintain a certain orientation with regard to the tubulars.

Abstract: 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.

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 present invention provides an apparatus that permits sections of tubulars to be connected to or disconnected from a string of pipe during a drilling operation. The apparatus further permits the sections of drill pipe to be rotated and to be axially translated during the connection or disconnection process. The apparatus further allows for the continuous circulation of fluid to and through the tubular string during the makeup or breakout process. The apparatus defines a rig assembly comprising a top drive mechanism, a rotary drive mechanism, and a fluid circulating device. Rotation and axial movement of the tubular string is alternately provided by the top drive and the rotary drive. Additionally, continuous fluid flow into the tubular string is provided through the circulation device and alternately through the tubular section once a connection is made between an upper tubular connected to the top drive mechanism and the tubular string.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for aligning tubulars is provided, comprising at least one guide, a tong, and a backup unit, wherein the guide is arranged on or between the tong and the backup unit, and wherein the guide is, in use, movable towards and away from the tubular with respect to the backup unit. In another aspect, an apparatus for aligning tubulars is provided, comprising a tong, a backup unit, at least one torsion post arranged therebetween, and at least one guide, the guide mounted on the torsion post. In another aspect, a method for aligning tubulars using the apparatus of the invention is provided, comprising moving the guide towards and away from the tubular with respect to the backup unit.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

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: The invention relates to a wrench for use with drilling apparatus used for drilling holes in the ground with a drill bit comprising a drilling segment, extension segments and a distance piece which connects the drill bit to the apparatus. The drill bit segments are connected via complementary threads in a spigot and socket fashion and the wrench serves to loosen adjacent segments with respect to one another in order to accommodate the insertion or removal of extension segments. The wrench (10) comprises a gripping arm (12), defining a mouth formation locatable around a drill bit segment (26), and a lever (18) pivotally connected to the arm. The lever defines a wedge face (34) which, through initial displacement of the lever can urge the drill bit segment (26) into gripping engagement with opposing gripping formations (30) located on the gripping arm and through continued displacement can loosen the drill bit segment with respect to an adjacent segment.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the connection of pipes comprises a rotary (4) and a stator (5), the rotary comprising at least one hydraulically actuated jaw (24,25,26), and a pump (58) arranged on the rotary (4) for pumping hydraulic fluid for actuation of the or each jaw (24,25,26), the stator comprising a motor (55) arranged on the stator (5), so that rotational energy can be transferred from the motor to the pump in an operational configuration.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rotary and a method for facilitating the connection of pipes, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a rotary for a powered drill pipe tong for facilitating the connection of sections or strands of drill pipe to a string of drill pipe.

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: An improved snubbing unit including a snubbing unit base, a lifting assembly having a platform positioned above the base, a rotary table positioned on the snubbing unit, and a first slip assembly positioned on the rotary table. The first slip assembly further includes a base plate with a center aperture formed therein, at least two separate slip frames positioned on the base plate around the center aperture, wherein each of the slip frames includes a slip surface, and a die carrier positioned within each of the slip frames, wherein each of the die carriers also includes a surface for engagement with the slip surfaces of said slip frames. Additionally, a second slip assembly will be positioned on the snubbing unit.

Abstract: A power tong system, comprising a frame having a rear support and a front support, the front support comprising a first front leg and a second front leg; and a power tong mounted in the frame with the power tong extending transversely between the first front leg and the second front leg, the first front leg and the second front leg forming a guide preventing transverse motion of the power tong while allowing vertical movement of the power tong. The system is also preferably provided with a backup tong. The sides of the power tong are preferably provided with rollers to prevent friction between the power tong and the guide. In a second power tong system, a load cell assembly is provided in which a load cell is linked by a series of links to the power tong such that movement by the power tong in either of two transverse directions loads the load cell.

Abstract: A combination torque wrench and positioning assembly are used to provide the torque wrench function to both make up/break out pipe stands and to service drill string. While serving to make up/break out pipe stands, the wrench is positioned over and used in conjunction with a rotary or powered mouse-hole. When servicing drill string, the wrench is positioned over the drill bore rotary table. The combination of the present apparatus allows the rapid make up of pipe stands having individually torqued connections, eliminates the need for top drive torquing, and reduces the need for tongs and spin chains to handle drill pipe.