Method and apparatus for drilling with casing
AssigneeWeatherford/Lamb, Inc.
InventorsDavid Shahin, Jeff Habetz, David M. Haugen, Gary Thompson, Bernd-Georg Pietras, Jimmy L. Hollingsworth, Bernd Reinholdt
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A top drive system includes a top drive, top drive adapter, and a tubular positioning apparatus. In another aspect, the top drive adapter includes a housing operatively connected to the top drive and a plurality of retaining members disposed in the housing for gripping the tubular. In another aspect, the tubular positioning apparatus includes a gripping member for engaging a tubular and a conveying member for positioning the gripping member. A spinner may be provided to rotate the tubular.
Claims22
An apparatus for use with a top drive to handle a tubular, comprising:
- a top drive adapter connected to and rotatable by the top drive, wherein the top drive adapter includes a housing, and a plurality of radially movable retaining members for gripping the tubular;
- and
- a tubular transport apparatus connected to the housing of the top drive adapter, wherein the tubular transport apparatus is adapted to deliver the tubular to a position for engagement with the top drive adapter.
A tubular handling assembly for use with a top drive to handle a tubular, comprising:
- a tubular gripping apparatus connected to the top drive, the tubular gripping apparatus having:
- a housing rotatable by the top drive;
- and
- a plurality of retaining members at least partially disposed in the housing, wherein the plurality of retaining members are radially movable to engage the tubular;
- a link arm pivotally connected to the housing;
- and
- a tubular retaining apparatus connected to a lower end of the link arm.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.