U.S. patent number 3,703,111 [Application Number 05/104,865] was granted by the patent office on 1972-11-21 for pipe tongs.
Invention is credited to William Guier.
United States Patent |
3,703,111 |
Guier |
November 21, 1972 |
PIPE TONGS
Abstract
A pair of tongs are suspended above the rotary table of an oil
well, their jaws aligned to grip pipe which is screwed together, or
unscrewed, in sections. The jaws of the tongs are actuated by a
fluid-powered mechanism to obviate manual manipulation. The tongs
are mounted and arranged so they may be swung with the pipe
sections and kelly between a rotary table and a mousehole.
Inventors: |
Guier; William (Tulsa, OK) |
Family
ID: |
22302812 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/104,865 |
Filed: |
January 8, 1971 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
81/57.34 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B
19/16 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
E21B
19/16 (20060101); E21B 19/00 (20060101); B25b
013/50 () |
Field of
Search: |
;81/57.33,57.34,57.35,57.2 ;269/104,105,156,266 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Jones, Jr.; James L.
Claims
The invention having been described, what is claimed is:
1. A pair of pipe tongs, including,
a base member vertically extended and connected with the back-up
tong of the pair of pipe tongs so as to enable the back-up tong to
pivot in a horizontal plane and to at least two laterally spaced
locations where there are pipe sections to be threaded together and
unthreaded,
a support structure for the lead tong of the pair of pipe tongs
which is provided and arranged for the pivot of the tongs about the
base member as the tongs wrench pipe sections to make-up and
break-off the sections at each of the laterally spaced
locations,
a source of power capable of wrenching the lead tong in make-up and
break-off; and
a link adapted and arranged with the power source and lead tong and
including a flexible cable detachably connected by one end to the
lead tong and to a powered cathead as a source of power by the
other end, the cable being selectively connected directly between
the tong and cathead and conducted from the cathead around the
vertical base member to the tong, such arrangement enabling the
tong to be wrenched in either of its two directions of movement
relative the back-up tong.
2. The tongs of claim 1, including,
a piston-cylinder combination included in the link; and
a hydraulic system to actuate the jaws of the tongs and connected
to the piston-cylinder combination to develop a setting force on
the tong dies proportional to the wrenching force applied to the
lead tong from the power source.
3. A pipe tong, including,
a pair of jaws,
means for actuating the jaws to grip and release a pipe section
between the jaws,
dies mounted in the pair of jaws, the dies shaped to fit recesses
of the jaws so as to provide a range of articulation for each die
in a horizontal plane to accomodate pipe sections of various pipe
diameters as the dies engage each of the pipe sections; and
a flexible cable connected to all the dies so as to exert a seating
force on the dies in the jaw recesses loosely enough to permit the
articulation of the dies but maintain the dies in their recesses
during the complete cycle of gripping and releasing pipe sections,
the dies and connected cable being manually removable and
replaceable as as a unit.
4. The tong of claim 3, including,
means connected to the jaws for hydraulic actuation of the jaws of
the tong through the complete cycle of gripping and releasing pipe
sections as the sections are made-up and broken-off.
5. The tong of claim 4, in which the means for hydraulic actuation
include,
a first cylinder-piston combination connected to one jaw and a
latch to open and close the jaws on a pipe section and open and
close a latch for the jaws,
and a second cylinder-piston combination connected to the latch to
place a desired force on the dies through the latch as a link.
6. A pipe tong, including,
a frame member in the form of a flat plate,
a pair of jaw members pivoted on the frame toward and away from a
pipe section to be gripped by the jaw members,
a first piston-cylinder mounted between the frame and one of the
jaw members so that reciprocation of the piston will move the one
jaw member toward and away from the other jaw member,
a second piston-cylinder mounted on the frame member; and
a latch between the one jaw member and the second piston-cylinder
which latch is engaged when the first piston-cylinder moves the one
jaw member toward the other jaw member to grip a pipe section,
extension of the second piston-cylinder increasing the gripping
force by the jaws through the latch.
7. The tong of claim 6, including,
a fluid control system for the first and second piston-cylinder
combinations which can be manually controlled to sequentially latch
the jaws to grip a pipe section and increase the gripping force of
the jaws followed by relief of the gripping force and unlatching of
the jaws.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to powered tongs for the sections of well
drill pipe to be threaded together or unthreaded. More
specifically, the invention relates to automation of certain
functions of the tongs which increase their effectiveness and ease
of operation.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Abortive attempts have been made to produce a power system for
automation operation of well pipe tongs which will be generally
acceptable in the industry. The only use of power generally
accepted has been applied with driving cables or chains between
tongs and catheads on the drawworks, or hoist. It remains
preferable to manually manipulate tongs into position for the
break-out and make-up operations of the tongs.
Conventional tongs depend upon a compound-over-center lever system
to furnish the gripping power necessary for torque in the range of
5 to 50,000 ft./lbs. Counterweight suspension of the tongs is
helpful to personnel, but one man is required for each tong for
basic positioning. However, the dies of the tong jaws which
actually grip the pipe surface are not applied uniformly from their
rigid mounting in jaws of fixed dimensions. It is seldom that tong
jaws and pipe dimensions match to give the uniform application of
tong force which will minimize the crushing effect of their force
on the pipe. Then, when the pipe size varies so greatly from the
jaw size that it is necessary to change jaws, two men are required
to lift the jaw parts and manually make the change.
There is need for tong structure which will apply its dies
uniformly to the pipe. There is need for the dies to be mounted in
jaw structure which provides articulation of the die structure in
the tong to gain uniform contact with the pipe and ready
replacement of one size die with another by one man to accommodate
various pipe sizes. The dies of prior art tongs are not readily
changed to accommodate pipe of various diameters, but are mounted
rigidly upon the tong jaws to accommodate limited ranges of pipe
diameters.
The prior art tongs have also not been adapted and arranged to be
bodily transported with the pipe sections. In other words, the
section to which a new section is to be joined, or broken off,
could not have prior tongs kept about it in preparation for the
make-up or break-off operation. By and large, prior art tongs have
been mounted at a fixed location to which new sections of pipe must
be brought for make-up to other sections or from where broken-off
sections must be moved.
There is need for a mounting structure for tongs which will apply
the tongs from one side of the pipe to obviate a bending moment on
the pipe as held by the slips which will bend and notch the
pipe.
There is need to provide lead tongs which can be wrenched in either
of their two directions from a cable linked to a single cathead at
a fixed location.
There is need for a hydraulic system to automatically vary the tong
force on the pipe during the break-out and make-up wrenching by the
tongs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A principal object of the invention is to adjust, or articulate,
the die positions in tong jaws to enable the dies to uniformly
contact the pipe gripped by the tongs.
Another object is to readily replace one size of die with another
to preserve the uniform contact between the dies and pipes of
varying diameters.
Another object is to mount powered tongs so they may swing with a
pipe section between more than one location for make-up and
break-off operations with other sections.
Another object is to operate powered tongs from one side of pipe
sections made-up and broken-off to obviate the pipe being
damaged.
Another object is to provide an arrangement including a powered
cathead at one location, a cable and vertical member with which a
wrenching force can be applied to the movable tong in either of two
directions from the cathead.
Another object is to provide fluid force for setting tong dies
which fluid force is automatically adjusted when the tongs make-up
and break-off connections.
The present invention contemplates one tong, or a pair of tongs,
mounted to pivot between two laterally-spaced locations. The tongs
can be opened to release or grip pipe sections at either location
or remain about a kelly bar which is swung to disconnect from a
pipe section at one location to connect with a pipe section at a
second location. In oil well drilling, the tongs can be used to
make mousehole connections between a kelly bar and a pipe section
which is to be added to a string of drill pipe.
The invention provides a vertical member located relative to a
pulling source of power in order to provide a means with which a
cable between the source and movable tong can be arranged to
reverse the direction with which a wrenching force can be applied
from the source to either make-up or break-off pipe sections.
The invention contemplates that the make-up, or break-off, tong be
rotated with power from a piston-cylinder link which generates a
fluid pressure force on the tong dies proportional to the make-up,
or break-off, torque applied to the tong.
The invention further contemplates the dies being mounted in
holders which are linked together with a resilient member. The
holders are held by this resilient in recesses of shoes which are
an integral part of the tong jaws. The retaining force of the
resilient member can be manually overcome to remove the dies and
their holders for service, repair or replacement.
Other objects, advantages and features of this invention will
become apparent to one skilled in the art upon consideration of the
written specification, appended claims, and attached drawings,
wherein;
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a tonging machine in which the present
invention is embodied;
FIG. 2 is a front elevation of the tonging machine in which both
lead tong and the back-up tong grip pipe sections threaded
together;
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the tonging machine with the top frame
plate of the back-up tong removed and the tong gripping a pipe
section with its dies;
FIG. 4 is a plan view of the lead tong with its jaws open and
moving into engagement with the pipe;
FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of the fluid-actuated
control circuit for the tonging machine;
FIG. 6 is a plan view of the tonging machine positioned to
break-off the kelly and swing with the kelly to a pipe section in
the mousehole boot;
FIG. 7 is the plan view of FIG. 6 with the lead tong cocked and
ready to be wrenched up;
FIG. 8 is a plan view of the tong jaw dies engaging a pipe section
of relatively large diameter;
FIG. 9 is a sectioned elevation along lines a--a in FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a plan view of the tong jaw dies engaging a pipe section
of relatively small diameter; and
FIG. 11 is a perspective elevation showing an alternate arrangement
for retaining dies in tong jaws.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
General Plan of the Disclosure
Compatible with universal practice, I utilize two tongs to make-up
and break-out pipe in an oil well. FIGS. 1 and 2 show the lead tong
1 and back-up tong 2 positioned to make-up or break-out pipe
sections 3 and 4. The tongs are pivoted in parallel planes about
the vertical axis of a cable 5. This support structure, including
the cable 5, will be described in more detail infra.
The tongs are pivoted between laterally spaced locations. FIGS. 6
and 7 show the tongs pivoted between the well and mousehole. In
this way the kelly can be broken-off a section of drill pipe in the
slips and kelly and tongs pivoted to make-up to a section in the
mousehole. The tongs then, although automated in their movement and
operation, are flexible in being adapted for use at different
laterally spaced locations. Sections threaded together can be
tonged to make-up and break-off at each of the laterally spaced
locations.
Although some vertical movement is provided for the tongs pivoting
in their parallel planes, the range is limited. It is desirable
that both powered tongs grip the pipe to be broken-off from the
same side of the pipe. If the sidewise stress of tonging with tongs
spread too far apart, the pipe section 4 could be bent and notched.
This damage could cause immediate failure of the pipe section or
subsequent failure when far below the ground surface.
FIGS. 3 and 4 disclose the tongs have essentially the same
actuating mechanism for latching their jaws to grip pipe sections
and set the dies on the pipe sections with the required force. FIG.
3 shows the back-up tong 2 gripping pipe section 4. FIG. 4 shows
the lead tong 1 with its jaws open to receive pipe section 3. At
this place in the disclosure, the feature emphasixed is the
arrangement for wrenching tong 1.
Tong 1 is either wrenched from the position disclosed in FIG. 4 and
FIG. 6 or from the cocked position disclosed in FIG. 7. The present
invention enables a cable from a single cathead (indicated at 7 in
FIG. 1) to wrench tong 1 in either direction. The direct pull of
FIG. 6, or the indirect pull of FIG. 7, can be carried out from the
single cathead 7.
The jaws are powered from fluid-actuated cylinders. These cylinders
are disclosed in FIGS. 3 and 4. Latching cylinder 10 of back-up
tong 2 opens and closes the tong jaws. Die set cylinder 11 places
the desired force on the closed jaws to set the dies on the surface
of pipe section 4. Comparable cylinders function in lead tong 1 to
accomplish similar latching and die setting. The control system to
actuate the cylinders is disclosed in FIG. 5.
The dies of the tong jaws are disclosed in FIGS. 8-11. The dies 12,
13 and 14 are each fitted into recesses of the tong jaws. The dies
have a range of movement within these jaw recesses which enable
them to adjust their actual contact with the surface of the pipe
section. The contact becomes uniform, even, to give the jaws a
highly efficient and consistent grip on the pipe surface.
FIG. 11 illustrates how each die could be retained in its jaw
recess by a pin. However, it presently appears advisable to provide
a resilient spring member connected to each set of dies. The force
of this spring member is directed to maintain the dies in their
respective recesses yet the spring and attached dies be manually
removable for dies of different size when desirable.
Tong Suspension
FIGS. 1 and 2 disclose the tong suspension in detail. FIG. 2
discloses the rotary table 20. Slips 6 are in position about pipe
section 4. On this level, a support frame 21 is indicated for cable
5. Journalled over cable 5 is a rider post 22.
Post 22 forms a pivot base for the tongs 1 and 2. Back-up tong 2 is
connected to post 22 through a slotted bracket 23. Tong 2 is
basically supported by a hanger 24 attached to the post 22 at one
end and extending its other end to beneath the tong 2 at about its
center of gravity. A lift cable 25 extends up to a counterweight
above.
Tong 1 is also supported from a cable 26, counter-weighted and
attached to tong 1 over its center of gravity. The post end 27 of
tong 1 is shaped to engage post 22 as disclosed in FIG. 1.
Control of End 27
The end 27 of tong 1 is also controlled from a cable 28. With the
powered cathead 7, jerk cable 28 exerts a force on tong 1 which
wrenches it in either of the two directions required to cooperate
with back-up tong 2 in breaking out and making up pipe sections 3
and 4. Attaching cable 28 to tong end 27 and pulling end 27 away
from its FIG. 1 position is easily understood. Movement of end 27
from post 22 will break-off pipe section 3 threaded to section 4.
Cathead 7 is powered from drawworks not necessary to disclose in
FIG. 1. Cable 28 turned about cathead 7 will pull cable 28 and tong
end 27 away from post 22. FIG. 4 and FIG. 6 both disclose this
simple wrenching movement of tong 1.
How is the one cathead 7 then utilized to move cocked tong 1 toward
post 22? FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 7 all disclose how the invention
provides this powered movement of tong end 27. The same cable 28 is
led from cathead 7 around post 22 and attached to tong end 27. A
snub line 29 is connected to post 22 to counter the force cathead 7
exerts on post 22 through cable 28. Then the cathead 7 will pull
tong end 27 from its cocked position of FIG. 7 to the FIG. 1
position. Pipe section 3 will thereby be made-up to section 4
through their threaded engagement.
General Tong Movement
The suspended tongs move relative to post 22 in planes parallel to
the drilling floor. They are very heavy, bulky objects, but
suspended as they are they can be manually swung into position to
engage pipe sections as required.
Of course there is always need for some vertical adjustment of the
tongs in getting them coupled to, and uncoupled from, pipe
sections. The height required over the well might not precisely
match the height required over the mousehole. Slotted bracket 23
provides a limited range of vertical adjustment for tong 2 relative
to tong 1. Rider post 22 positions vertically over the limited
range provided by cable 5 to give the desired position of both
tongs above the slips 6. With the tong height above the slips
limited, and both tongs actuated from one side of the pipe, the
sidewise stress placed upon the pipe by the tongs is minimized. The
result is small opportunity for the pipe to be damaged by bending
and/or notching in the slips.
Also, it is to be noted that, contrary to prior art power tongs,
the tongs 1 and 2 move from over the well to over the mousehole to
make-up and break-off pipe. The tongs move from one lateral
location to another lateral location under the suspension provided.
No prior art power tong has provided this degree of flexibility in
use at different lateral locations.
Basic Jaw Arrangement
FIGS. 3 and 4 disclose the power structure for jaw actuation. FIG.
3 discloses the jaws of tong 2 closed and latched about pipe
section 4. FIG. 4 discloses the jaws of tong 1 open to receive pipe
section 3. The jaws of both tongs operate in the same manner with
the same arrangement of parts.
In final analysis, the jaw structure of the tongs engages the outer
surface of their pipe sections with the teeth of dies 11, 12 and
13. These dies are placed uniformly about the circumference of the
pipe section and forced into the pipe surface as hard as necessary
to hold the pipe during the wrenching operation of the lead
tong.
The dies are held in jaw parts which are pivoted to open and close
relative to the pipe sections. More specifically, long dieholder
jaw 40 is pinned at 41 to the frame 42 of tong 2. When the dies are
set into pipe surface, the far end of jaw 40 is against pin 43. So
braced, this long die-holder jaw is formed with the strength to
match the force exerted by short jaw dieholder 44 which sets die 11
into the opposite surface of the pipe section. Jaw 44 is pivoted
about pin 45 to engage and disengage die 11. Pin 45 is mounted on
frame 42, giving both pivot pin 41 and pivot pin 45 a common
base.
There is no reason to separately designate the tong jaw parts as
between tong 1 of FIG. 4 and tong 2 of FIG. 3; both sets perform
the same function in the same way. The jaws are open in FIG. 4 and
they are closed in FIG. 3. The basic jaw arrangement and function
can be understood by comparing the two drawings.
Jaw Actuation
The tong jaws are opened and closed by fluid pressure. This source
of power is utilized through cylinder-piston combinations to
actuate the jaws.
FIG. 4 discloses short jaw dieholder 44 pivoted to its extreme
clockwise position about pin 45 to carry die 11 away from a pipe
section surface within the jaws. Latch member 46 is pinned at its
intermediate section to the lower end of short jaw 44. Latching
cylinder 10 rotates latch 46 about its pin 47; in FIG. 4 latch 46
has been rotated clockwise to carry hooked end 48 away from
engagement with pin 49 of latch link 50.
Latch link 50 is pinned to latch lever 51 near pivot pin 52. Pin 53
is placed but a short distance from pivot pin 52 in order to
develop a large mechanical advantage by die set cylinder 11 which
is connected to the opposite end of latch lever 51.
Once latching cylinder 10 is powered to extend its piston and
rotate latch 46 into engagement with pin 49 of latch link 50, the
jaws are closed. FIG. 3 discloses this arrangement. Die set
cylinder 11 is then actuated to extend its piston and rotate latch
lever 51 clockwise about pivot pin 52 to carry latch link 50 and
its pin 49 to the right as viewed in FIG. 3. It is the force
exerted by cylinder 11, through the mechanical advantage of the
lever system, that provides the desired force on the dies in their
engagement with the pipe section.
The jaws are unlatched by first powering cylinder 11 to retract its
piston, shorten the combination. Connected latch lever 51 is
rotated counterclockwise about pivot pin 52. Latch link 50 is
carried to the left, as viewed in FIG. 4. Next, the cylinder-piston
10 may also be shortened and latch 46 pulled from the FIG. 3
position to the FIG. 4 position. The jaws are thereby opened,
opened to release a pipe section or to receive a pipe section.
Thus, the tong jaws are actuated automatically by applying fluid
power to cylinders 10 and 11 in the proper sequence. FIG. 5
discloses the control of the fluid power source. Further, the added
control feature is disclosed wherein the power applied to the die
set cylinders of the tongs is automatically increased as cable 28
is pulled by cathead 7 to wrench the lead tong.
Increased Die Force During Wrenching
Heretofore, I have spoken of the control of tong end 27 as being
from a cable linked to a cathead. However, it could well be
feasible to mount a powered piston-cylinder to exert the required
force on this tong end. I want it clearly understood that my
invention is not limited to a cable-cathead embodiment of this
power source.
Returning to the cable-cathead disclosure, a piston-cylinder
combination 60 is included as a link to end 27. Cable 28 is
connected to the cylinder and cable 28 is, in effect, continued to
connection with tong end 27. This continuation of cable 28 is
designated as 28A to avoid confusion.
In further clarity, cable 28 has been provided with alternate
connections to tong end 27. The piston of 60 can be connected
directly to end 27 as disclosed in FIGS. 4 and 6. The piston can be
connected to one end of cable 28A and the other end of cable 28A
can be connected to tong end 27 as disclosed in FIGS. 1, 2 and 7.
In both events, piston-cylinder 60 is a link to which the cathead
force is applied in trying to extract the piston from the
cylinder.
As the piston of 60 is drawn from the cylinder, fluid beneath the
piston is forced out of the cylinder and applied to the die set
cylinders 11 of both tongs. This additional force, proportional to
the force applied by the cathead, is applied through the linkage of
51, 50 and 46, to short jaw dieholder 44. The result is that the
force applied by the dies in the jaws is increased during wrenching
of the tongs proportional to the wrenching force applied to the
tongs.
Fluid Control Circuit
Up to now, I have disclosed the piston-cylinder combinations and
their relations with the tongs' components. The actuation of the
cylinder-piston combinations has been generally referred to as by a
source of fluid pressure. FIG. 5 brings the source and
cylinder-piston combinations into a system for analysis.
Latching cylinder 10 and die set cylinders 11 are manifolded
together so that fluid pressure can be simultaneously applied to
the ends of each set of cylinders to extend or retract the pistons
of each set as desired in the required sequence.
A source of air pressure is connected to line 61. Manually
controlled valve 62 controls this fluid pressure to either side of
the pistons of 10 to latch and unlatch the jaws of both tongs.
Manually controlled valve 63 is also connected to the fluid
pressure source. Valve 63 is connected to cylinder-piston
combination 11 to retract their pistons. Line 64 is manifolded to
the cylinders 11 to carry out this retraction. However, the valve
63 is also connected to the other side of the cylinders 11 through
a system which includes a reservoir of liquid 65. The liquid of
reservoir 65 is connected to the second side of cylinder 11 and
when fluid flows from the reservoir to the cylinders 11, their
pistons are extended. In general, then, valve 63 is manually
operated to withdraw the pistons of 11 as part of the unlatching of
the jaws. The valve 63 also extends the pistons after the jaws are
latched to apply the desired force to the dies.
The hydraulic fluid of reservoir 65 is a link to piston-cylinder 11
which can also be linked readily to the cylinder-piston 60 in cable
28. This connection is clearly disclosed in FIG. 5. Check valve 66
between 65 and 60 prevents 60 from forcing hydraulic fluid up into
65 when the wrenching of cable 28 places additional force on the
dies through cylinders 11.
It is evident, from the drawing, that valve 63 directs the air
pressure of conduit 61 to the top of cylinder 65 when it is desired
to extend the pistons of 11 to apply die force. It is not so
evident what happens, when valve 63 is operated to apply air to 11
to retract the pistons. The hydraulic fluid must be vented from the
cylinder of 11. Check valve 66 must be unseated to allow passage of
the hydraulic fluid from 11 to 65. This unseating is done by the
air pressure of conduit 64. A line 67 is indicated as connected
between conduit 64 and valve 66 to upset the element of valve 66
and vent fluid from 11 back into cylinder 65.
Die Force Intensified
Piston-cylinder 60 is disclosed to best advantage in FIGS. 6 and 7.
As disclosed in those Figs., 60 always functions to intensify, or
increase, the force on the dies by piston-cylinder 11. As force is
applied to cable 28 by cathead 7, the piston is withdrawn from 60.
The fluid beneath the piston is forced from the cylinder and
applied to the pistons of 11.
The piston-cylinder 60 may be connected directly to end 27 as
disclosed in FIG. 6 or it may be connected between cable 28 and
28A. In both cases, the force applied to 11 is the same; a force
proportional to the wrenching force from cathead 7. In FIG. 7,
cable 28A is led around rider post 22 to wrench the lead tong 2 in
the makeup of the pipe sections.
In all events, rider post 22 is braced against displacement by the
wrenching. In FIGS. 6 and 7, it can be clearly seen how cable 29 is
connected to post 22 to resist its displacement by the force
applied by cathead 7 through cable 28. Cable 29 is connected
between some stable anchor point not shown and post 22. The length
of cable 29 is great enough to permit the tongs to move over their
vertical range without becoming a factor in its sole functions of
keeping post 22 stable against the stresses of cable 28
transmitting the cathead force.
Dies
FIGS. 8-11 disclose the specific die form used here to demonstrate
a broad principle. FIG. 8 disclosed the tong jaws with recesses
therein to receive dies 11-13. Basically, the dies are round in
their cross-sections; FIG. 8 discloses this clearly. The dies do
not have a tight fit in their recesses, but are free to rotate as
viewed in FIG. 8. This articulation, a possible rocking motion,
enables the dies to accommodate a large range of pipe section
diameters.
By accommodate, I mean the teeth of the dies that actually contact
the pipe section surface are positioned to evenly contact the pipe
surface and give maximum gripping between the two. At the same
time, accommodation is provided while cable 70 is connected to the
back of each die. The cable 70 is flexible to the degree necessary
to provide the accommodation, yet stiff enough to positively urge
the dies into seating within their respective recesses.
FIG. 9 discloses cable 70 as it fits between jaw halves while
connected to the dies. FIG. 10 discloses how the cable permits the
die 11 to move with jaw 44 while being urged into seating within
its recess of jaw 44. Also, FIG. 10 illustrates how dies for a
smaller diameter of pipe section for a smaller diameter of pipe
section than disclosed in FIG. 8 can be connected to a cable 70 and
be carried in the same jaw recesses as the FIG. 8 dies. The cable
70 is flexible enough for one man to bend and remove one set of
dies from the jaws and replace the dies by another size. The FIG. 8
dies can be readily replaced by one man with the dies of FIG. 10.
No longer is it necessary for more than one man to change the
entire jaw. The dies can simply be changed.
However, I do not want to transmit the impression that only a cable
70 is employed to provide removable dies. FIG. 11 discloses how a
die 71 can have a bracket 72 mounted on its back surface and a pin
73 can capture the die bracket, the pin held by holes in the jaw. I
have not yet concluded the most practical form of die retention
structure for the invention. However, the more desired form will
provide articulation with retention and yet be readily
replaceable.
CONCLUSION
I want to emphasize what should now be some obvious features of my
invention. Although I have disclosed a pair of tongs to grip pipe
sections in the make-up and break-off operations, a single tong
could be used. The slips could function as a holding structure
while a single tong is wrenched in alternate directions by the
source of power.
All of the unique features described in association with one of the
pair of tongs disclosed could be embodied in a single tong. The
reversible direction of wrenching from a single power source, the
hydraulic system for increasing jaw force as wrenching force
increased and the die-jaw arrangement; all these and other features
disclosed are useful with a single tong, the pipe section being
held by slips, or equivalent structure.
From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one well
adapted to attain all of the end and objects hereinabove set forth,
together with other advantages which are obvious and inherent to
the apparatus.
It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are
of utility and may be employed without reference to other features
and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the
scope of the invention.
As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without
departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all
matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to
be interpreted in an illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
* * * * *