Elevator Grip Assurance
AssigneeFrank's Casing Crew and Rental Tools, Inc.
InventorsVernon Bouligny, Phillip M. Theriot, Reese Comeaux
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
According to one or more aspects of the invention an interlock device is adapted for connection within a load path of a tubular support device to lock the tubular support device in a closed position in response to detecting a load suspended from the tubular support device. The interlock device includes a first member moveably connected to a second member and a biasing mechanism operationally connected to the first member and the second member providing a load setting resisting movement of the first member and the second member relative to one another. The first and the second member may be rotationally locked with one another to transmit rotation across the interlock device to the elevator.
Claims20
An interlock device adapted for connection within a load path of a tubular support device,
- the device comprising:
- a first member moveably connected to a second member;
- a biasing mechanism operationally connected to the first member and the second member providing a load setting resisting movement of the first member and the second member relative to one another;
- and
- a sensor adapted to detect movement of the first member and the second member relative to one another, wherein the sensor is operationally connectable to the tubular support device to lock the tubular support device in a closed position in response to detecting the movement of the first member and the second member relative to one another.
An elevator grip assurance system, the system comprising:
- an interlock device connected in the load path of an elevator, the interlock device comprising a load setting urging a first member and a second member into an unloaded position relative to one another;
- and
- a sensor to lock the elevator in a closed position in response to a weight suspended from the elevator.
A method comprising:
- suspending a tubular from an elevator, wherein the elevator is in a closed position supporting the tubular;
- detecting a load suspended from the elevator;
- and
- locking the elevator in the closed position in response to the detected load.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.