The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 28, 2006
Filed:
Mar. 05, 2004
David Shahin, Houston, TX (US);
Jeff Habetz, Houston, TX (US);
David M. Haugen, League City, TX (US);
Gary Thompson, Katy, TX (US);
Bernd-georg Pietras, Wedemark, DE;
Jimmy L. Hollingsworth, Lafayette, LA (US);
Bernd Reinholdt, Hannover, DE;
David Shahin, Houston, TX (US);
Jeff Habetz, Houston, TX (US);
David M. Haugen, League City, TX (US);
Gary Thompson, Katy, TX (US);
Bernd-Georg Pietras, Wedemark, DE;
Jimmy L. Hollingsworth, Lafayette, LA (US);
Bernd Reinholdt, Hannover, DE;
Weatherford/Lamb, Inc., Houston, TX (US);
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for drilling with a top drive system are provided. In one aspect, a top drive system includes a top drive, top drive adapter, and a tubular positioning apparatus. In another aspect, the top drive adapter is pivotably connected to the top drive for pivoting the top drive adapter toward the casing string with respect to the top drive. In another aspect, the system includes a telescopic link system connected to a lower portion of the top drive adapter to move the casing string into engagement with the top drive adapter. 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.