Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC

Weatherford/lamb, Inc.

John D Hooker, Ii

Martin Liess

Karsten Heidecke

Bjoern Thiemann

Martin Helms

Michael Wiedecke

Andreas Carlsson

Thomas Kotschy

Reinhard Grosch

Bernd-Georg Pietras

Michael W Hayes

Kevin Wood

Doyle Frederic Boutwell, Jr

Jim Hollingsworth

Russell W Thompson

Delaney Michael Olstad

Heidi N Cline

Russell Lee Morgan

The present disclosure generally relates to a tong assembly having position sensors for controlling door opening and closing sequence. The tong assembly includes a back section, an outer door section movably coupled to the back section, a first actuator configured to move the outer door section between an open position and a closed position, an inner door section movably coupled to the back section, a second actuator configured to move the inner door section between an open position and a closed position, a first sensor positioned to measure a position of the outer door section; and a second sensor positioned to measure a position of the inner door section.

Tong assembly with door position sensors

An electronic control system comprises a first tubular handling tool, a sensor, and a controller. The controller is configured to control actuation of the first tubular handling tool in response to an electronic signal received from the sensor that corresponds to an operational characteristic of the first tubular handling tool. The electronic control system functions as an electronic interlock system to prevent mishandling of a tubular. A method of controlling a tubular handling tool comprises measuring an operational characteristic of the tubular handling tool, communicating the operational characteristic to a controller in the form of an electronic signal, and using the controller to control actuation of the tubular handling tool in response to the measured operational characteristic.

Electronic control system for a tubular handling tool

A tubular gripping assembly for use with a top drive to handle a tubular includes a tubular gripping tool having a mandrel and gripping elements operatively coupled to the mandrel; and a link assembly attached to the mandrel, wherein a load of the link assembly is transferred to the mandrel. The tubular gripping assembly may also include one or more of a swivel having selectively actuatable seals, a thread compensator to facilitate tubular make-up, or a wedge lock release apparatus to facilitate the release of gripping elements from the tubular.

Tubular handling apparatus

In one embodiment, a tubular gripping assembly for use with a top drive to handle a tubular includes a tubular gripping tool having a mandrel and gripping elements operatively coupled to the mandrel; and a link assembly attached to the mandrel, wherein a load of the link assembly is transferred to the mandrel. In another embodiment, the tubular gripping assembly includes a swivel having selectively actuatable seals. In yet another embodiment, the tubular gripping assembly includes a thread compensator to facilitate tubular make-up. In yet another embodiment, the tubular gripping assembly includes a wedge lock release apparatus to facilitate the release of gripping elements from the tubular.

A remotely operated joint elevator for use in handling a tubular is provided. The single joint elevator including a housing having an access opening configured to receive the tubular. The single joint elevator further including at least one closure member connected to the housing via a hinge pin. Additionally, the single joint elevator including a power assembly configured to rotate at least one closure member around the hinge pin to selectively open and close the access opening. In another aspect, a method of handling a tubular using a remotely operated joint elevator is provided. In yet a further aspect, a remotely operated joint elevator for use in handling a tubular.

Remotely operated single joint elevator

A fill-up and circulation tool includes a mandrel; a packer assembly is disposed around the mandrel; and a valve assembly connected to the mandrel, wherein the valve assembly is configured to selectively control fluid flow into the tool and out of the tool.

Fill up and circulation tool and mudsaver valve

Growing community of inventors

Houma, LA, United States of America

John D Hooker, Ii