Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd.

W Randall Slocum

Keith Hager

An apparatus includes a thrust bearing adapted to engage a tubular component. A bearing carrier is connected to the thrust bearing, an arm is connected to the bearing carrier, and an actuator is connected to the arm. In one embodiment, the bearing carrier includes an arcuate notch through which the tubular component is adapted to extend. In another embodiment, the apparatus has a first configuration in which a vertical offset is defined between the tubular component and the thrust bearing, and a second configuration in which the thrust bearing is engaged with the tubular component for the support thereof. In another embodiment, the apparatus is placed in the first configuration in response to a cessation of a supply of electrical power to a control valve in fluid communication with the actuator. In another embodiment, the tubular component is connected to, or is part of, a quill of a top drive.

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Houston, TX, United States of America

W Randall Slocum