Patent Application
20240165773
The present invention is directed to pipe handling equipment. More particularly, the present invention is directed a safe, light weight, portable, efficient, and low cost hand-operable pipe wrench or tong assembly with a torque slider providing setup flexibility for use in makeup and breakout of tubular connections.
Pipe handling operations makeup and breakout tubular connections, at adjoining lengths of well tubes and the like. Conventional rig wellbores provide fixed hydraulic tong assemblies to simultaneously grip pipes adjacent to a joint. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,551,194 and 9,551,195, which are incorporated by reference, describe heavy duty hydraulic assemblies. These conventional rig tongs are awkward and heavy equipment requiring a crane or forklift to lift into position. Conventional oil rig tong systems cannot be manually reoriented and are unsuited for other applications. Conventional oil rig tongs are not hand tools that can be easily broken down into modular components, lifted, carried and operated by hand. Conventional systems require major equipment disassembly, specialized tools, and lifting equipment to reassemble. A continuing need therefore exists for lighter weight, safer, adaptable, and more versatile tong assemblies suitable for a wider range of operations relating to tubular connections.
At least one of the concerns described above are met in a safer, light weight, portable, hand-operable dual pipe wrench or tong assembly with a torque slider providing setup flexibility for use in makeup and breakout of tubular connections.
Such tubular connections may exist in any industry involving rotational element handling operations, and are not limited to the oil, drilling, plumbing, steam, water-rig, or other industrial uses. The tong assembly rotates a first pipe with respect to a second pipe about an alignment axis. A backup arm includes a backup arm jaws for selectively gripping the first pipe, and a torque arm including a torque arm jaws for selectively gripping the second pipe. An actuator connected to the torque arm and the backup arm causes relative movement of the torque arm with respect to the backup arm transverse to the alignment axis, thereby causing relative rotation of the second pipe with respect to the first pipe about the alignment axis. A torque slider movably captured on the backup arm selectively adjusts a connection point between the actuator and the backup arm to adjust the relative movement of the torque arm with respect to the backup arm caused by extension and retraction of the actuator.
According to another alternative aspect of the present invention, the provided assembly may be easily transported in sub-components, and may be used by an individual in an elevated condition (such as in a lift or basket or picker) where there are low weight limits.
According to another alternative aspect of the present invention there is provided a torque slider tong assembly provides a safe, convenient, light weight, portable, hand-operable dual pipe wrench for use in makeup and breakout of tubular connections. The torque-slider tong assembly includes a backup arm forming a first pipe wrench gripping a first pipe, a torque arm forming a second pipe wrench gripping a second pipe, and an actuator providing motive force moving the torque arm relative to the backup arm transverse to the pipes, which rotates the pipes relative to each other. A torque slider adjustably connects the actuator to the backup arm to adjust the mechanical advantage between the backup arm and the torque arm providing additional setup flexibility. Similarly, a movable pivot point, such as a clevis, adjustably connects the actuator to the torque arm providing additional setup flexibility. Quick-change pins allow positional adjustment of multiple components by hand after removal of split pins commonly known as cotter pins in the mechanical arts, or as safety pins, or otherwise as shown herein in the illustrations. It will be understood by those of skill in this art that the phrases, cotter pin, split pin, or safety pins may be used interchangeably within the scope and spirit of the spirit invention.
In various alternative embodiments, the tool also includes a system of selectable jaws including a variety of jaw straps and backer jaws that are readily attached to and removed from the torque and backup arms. Quick-change pins connected by cotter pins make many of the tool components easily replaced using only a manual use hand tool, such as pliers or other hand tool assemble and adjust.
In one further alternative embodiment of the present invention it will be recognized that a multi shear manifold transition ties forces from the torque arm and backup arm embodiments together so that they are contained within the tool and neutral to a manual user for improved safety. These inventions allow the present invention achieve a very high maximum torque to weight ratio as the invention keeps all connecting components in double shear, or higher, as it transfers an off-center load, instead of only single shear. Furthermore, the transition doubles as a manifold which in addition to further reducing weight, when used with applicable actuators, increases tool simplicity.
In one further alternative embodiment of the present invention it will be recognized that the present invention allows a true ability to achieve full griping strength of pipes/tools independently of a torque applied. Furthermore, this independent gripping action can be made to not require any additional alternative ‘loose’ tools to use, such as a wrench thereby increasing safety and convenience at reduced cost. As will be additionally noted the present invention allows additional actuators, one on each arm, to create an independent grip, for ease of use and/or to achieve a measured grip when working with sensitive components.
In one further alternative embodiment of the present invention it will be recognized that a the present invention allows a convenient modularly change to both the gripping mechanism and jaw. This allows the present invention to have a higher effective outer diameter range then other self-contained wrenches or other hand tools, and also allows the present invention to be quickly be configured to exactly suit the application and type of pipe or object at hand. These optional and adaptive improvements include a three way directional chain grip (right-hand specific, left-hand specific, or bi-directional gripping by simply flipping the chain front to back or inside to outside). A further improvement includes a rocking jaw parallel grip which allows for convenient replacement of a flexible chain with a stiff frame housing a rocking jaw held parallel to the main jaw, which allows for ease of use. A further improvement includes an indexing chain allowing for a specified indexed amount of chain to be used at once following a specification or other requirement. This means that whenever changing from one outer diameter (OD) to another the chain can simply be indexed, up to its maximum length, to accommodate the large OD size rather than having to manually add/remove chain sections. Another alternative adaptive improvement includes rubber jaw and an optional reinforced belt use thereby eliminating all metal contact for sensitive component operations a stiff rubber jaw is used in place of a metal jaw and a reinforced rubber belt is used instead of a metal chain.
A further alternative embodiment of the present invention recognizes an ambidextrous utility wherein the device is able to be operated in reverse (or ‘flipped’ as will be understood throughout to represent operation in a reverse direction) so that when activated a push stroke of the cylinder makes the device create clockwise torque rather than counterclockwise torque. This is advantageous as the present invention first allows both makeup and breakout operations to achieve the torque. For example the actuators (for example the hydraulic or linear actuator) may be operated in either direction. Secondly, the present constructions allows for tool free transition, and a full utility, when working with applications that have left hand threads. Finally, there is an alternative benefit wherein alternative aspects of the invention allow the assembly to be reverse aligned on a workpiece, with torque application in the opposite/different/opposing direction, which is advantageous when trying to fit it into tight spaces.
In further alternative aspects of the present invention there is provided an integrated power operation wherein the present invention allows designed backup arms and the ability to incorporate various integrated power systems into the tool itself without sacrificing capabilities or maximum torque of the unit for improved convenience, weight, safety and speed of use. For instance the backup arm can be made with an integrated hydraulic pump, hydraulic oil reservoir, and gauge for the hydraulically actuated version. A compressed gas tank, gauge, and regulator for the pneumatic version; or a battery pack, controller, and charge port for the electric version. Furthermore, all of these integrated powered backup arms can also be modified to include incorporated direct torque readouts/recordings allowing the torque being applied by the machine to be accurately measured to prevent over-torqueing, and recorded as needed for quality reports. A further alternative advantage is the ability and precision in determining applied torque is dependent on the angle between the arm and the actuator using an angle gauge for determining the exact angle target torque is reached to ensure it is within tolerance, when working on high precision applications.
A further alternative and adaptive aspect of the present invention provides a stabilizing cross connection pivot wherein, one aspect of the invention herein is designed to work with a cross connecting pivot that stabilizes the distance between the two arms at all times, without interfering with its operation or distorting torque readings thereby providing alignment and safety enhancements.
A further alternative and adaptive aspect of the present invention also allows for a non-sparking construction wherein the assembly may be primarily made out of aluminum, or non-ferrous material, and built with no loose steel-to-steel contact points so that there is no tendency to spark without sacrificing capabilities or maximum torque of the unit, when working in potentially explosive environments. A further alternative and adaptive aspect of the present invention allows for non-conductive arrangements where not only can the jaw and chain be replaced with nonconductive alternatives the arms, transition, and actuator can be replaced with non-conductive ones, such as ‘e-grade’ safety composites, without sacrificing capabilities or maximum torque of the unit, when working around high voltage equipment. As a further alternative and adaptive embodiment there is provided an extreme diameter off-set ability, wherein the present assembly can adjust itself to handle 24+ inches of diameter difference, without sacrificing capabilities or maximum torque of the unit.
A further alternative and adaptive aspect of the present invention allows for a wide angle indexing ability by adding a set of additional holes to the makeup arm wide angle operations, notably breakouts, are allowed, without having to reset the chain/belt grips. Using the extra mounting holes on both arms, the transition and actuator can be slid and adjusted forward by simply adjusting a few pins manually. Therefore the assembly can do the initial breakout in its default position, and then by using the other mounting holes to reposition closer to the pivot axis to get better mechanical advantage, after said initial breakout. Selected embodiments of the present invention can use this indexing ability to achieve up to 70° of throw without resetting the grips instead of just 230 and these degrees may be varied as will be understood upon study of the present invention.
According to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a tong assembly for rotating a first pipe with respect to a second pipe about an alignment axis, comprising: a backup arm comprising a backup arm jaws for selectively gripping the first pipe, a torque arm comprising a torque arm jaws for selectively gripping the second pipe, an actuator connected to the torque arm and the backup arm for causing relative movement of the torque arm with respect to the backup arm transverse to the alignment axis, thereby causing relative rotation of the second pipe with respect to the first pipe about the alignment axis, a torque slider movably captured on the backup arm for selectively adjusting a connection point between the actuator and the backup arm for adjusting the relative movement of the torque arm with respect to the backup arm transverse to the alignment axis caused by extension and retraction of the actuator.
According to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a tong assembly further comprising a pivot point movably connected to the torque arm for selectively adjusting a connection point between the actuator and the torque arm for adjusting the relative movement of the torque arm with respect to the backup arm transverse to the alignment axis caused by extension and retraction of the actuator.
According to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a tong assembly further comprising torque slider quick-change position pins for adjusting the connection point between the actuator and the torque slider by hand.
According to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a tong assembly wherein the torque arm jaws further comprises a torque arm jaw strap, a torque arm backer jaw, and a torque arm tensioner for selectively tightening and loosening the second pipe between the torque arm jaw strap and the torque arm backer jaw.
According to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a tong assembly further comprising quick-release chain pins for removing the torque arm jaw strap from the torque arm by hand.
According to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a tong assembly further comprising a quick-release backer jaw pin for removing the torque arm backer jaw from the backup arm by hand.
According to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a tong assembly wherein the backup arm jaws further comprises a backup arm jaw strap, a backup arm backer jaw, and a backup jaw tensioner for selectively tightening and loosening the second pipe between the backup arm tooth jaw strap and the backup arm backer jaw.
According to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a tong assembly further comprising quick-change chain pins for removing the backup arm jaw strap from the backup arm by hand.
According to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a tong assembly wherein and torque arm jaw strap and the backup arm jaw strap are selected from the group consisting of a chain comprising links with pipe gripping teeth in one side, a reversible chain comprising links with pipe gripping teeth in two sides, and a non-metallic belt.
According to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a tong assembly wherein the actuator is selected from the group consisting of a hydraulic actuator, a turnbuckle ratchet actuator, a pneumatic actuator, a hydraulic actuator, an electric actuator, and a scissors actuator.
According to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a tong assembly, further comprising, a backup arm jaws tensioner for selectively tightening the backup arm jaws on the first pipe, and a torque arm jaws tensioner for selectively tightening the torque arm jaws on the second pipe.
According to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a tong assembly wherein the torque arm jaws or the backup arm jaws tensioner further comprises a clevis, a threaded rod extending through the clevis, and captured nut carried on the threaded rod positioned within the clevis.
According to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a tong assembly, wherein the torque arm jaws or the backup arm jaws tensioner further comprises a ratchet captured on the captured for adjusting the torque arm jaws or the backup arm jaws tensioner by hand without using tools.
According to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a tong assembly wherein: the actuator is a hydraulic actuator, and the backup arm further comprises a hydraulic pump, hydraulic reservoir, hydraulic gauge, and hydraulic hoses operably connecting the backup arm to the hydraulic actuator.
According to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a tong assembly wherein: the actuator is a pneumatic actuator, and the backup arm further comprises a pneumatic pump, pneumatic reservoir, pneumatic gauge, and pneumatic hoses operably connecting the backup arm to the pneumatic actuator.
According to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a tong assembly wherein: the actuator is an electric actuator, and the backup arm further comprises an electric battery receptacle and electric wires operably connecting the backup arm to the electric actuator.
According to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a tong assembly, further comprising a torque angel gauge disposed at a pivot point between the torque arm and the actuator.
According to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a tong assembly further comprising a cross-arm stabilizer extending between the torque arm and the backup arm.
According to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a tong assembly system for rotating a first pipe with respect to a second pipe about an alignment axis, comprising: a tong assembly comprising a backup arm further comprising a backup arm jaw for selectively gripping the first pipe, a torque arm comprising a torque arm jaws for selectively gripping the second pipe, an actuator connected to the torque arm and the backup arm for causing relative movement of the torque arm with respect to the backup arm transverse to the alignment axis, thereby causing relative rotation of the second pipe with respect to the first pipe about the alignment axis, and a torque slider movably captured on the backup arm for selectively adjusting a connection point between the actuator and the backup arm for adjusting the relative movement of the torque arm with respect to the backup arm transverse to the alignment axis caused by extension and retraction of the actuator, a system of selectable backup arm jaws comprising a plurality of backup arm jaw straps removably attachable to the backup arm, and a plurality of backup arm backer jaws removably attachable to the backup arm.
a system of selectable torque arm jaws comprising a plurality of torque arm jaw straps removably attachable to the torque arm, and a plurality of torque arm backer jaws removably attachable to the torque arm.
It will be understood that specific embodiments may include a variety of features and options in different combinations, as may be desired by different users. Practicing the invention does not require utilization of all, or any particular combination, of these specific features or options. Selected and optional techniques and structures of the present invention for implementing particular embodiments of the invention and accomplishing the associated advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments and the appended drawings and claims.
The numerous advantages of the embodiments of the invention may be better understood with reference to the representative embodiments shown in the accompanying figures.
Embodiments of the invention include a wide range of torque slider tong assemblies, with a various configurations, features and options, providing light weight, portable, hand-operable dual pipe wrenches for use in makeup and breakout of tubular connections. The torque-slider tong assembly includes a backup arm forming a first pipe wrench gripping a first pipe, a torque arm forming a second pipe wrench gripping a second pipe, and an actuator providing motive force moving the torque arm relative to the backup arm transverse to the pipes, which rotates the pipes relative to each other. The torque slider connecting the actuator to the backup arm can be easily anchored at different locations on the backup arm to adjust the mechanical advantage between the backup arm and the torque arm providing advantageous setup flexibility. Similarly, a movable pivot point, such as a clevis, adjustably connecting the actuator to the torque arm provides additional setup flexibility. The torque slider and clevis may be connected to the backup arm and the torque arm, respectively, with quick-change pins allowing positional adjustment by hand after removal of cotter pins, typically with an ordinary pliers. In an embodiment with a hydraulic actuator, the torque slider also serves as a hydraulic manifold interconnecting local actuator hoses hydraulic supply lines.
The backup and torque arms each include a jaws formed by jaw strap, a backer jaw, and a tensioner that tightens the jaws on the pipe. The jaw straps, backer jaws and backer bits are all removable and replaceable with a wide range of options. For example, the jaw straps options includes metallic tooth chains, reversable double-sided leaf chains, diamond-tipped tooth chains, non-metallic reinforced belts, and so forth. A range of options are also available for the backer jaws and associated backer bits. A range of options are also available for the jaw strap tensioners, such as clevis rods with captured nuts and captured ratchets for tool-free tensioner operation. Other tensioner options include cam tensioners, actuated tensioners, adjustable chain length adapters, and so forth. Another option utilizes quick-change pins allowing removal and replacement of the jaw straps and backer jaws by hand.
The torque slider tong assembly is a self-contained dial pipe wrench, in which the reaction force of the wrench applying torque are countered by the tool itself, thus containing them, and preventing reaction torque from being applied to the user. The dual pipe wrench has unique design elements giving the wrench superior torque, relative to tool size/weight; additionally the tool has several other unique attributes that greatly expand its overall functionality. The ability to modularly change both the gripping mechanisms and jaws is unique to the torque slider tong assembly, allowing the dual pipe wrench to grip pipes with highly variable outer diameters relative to overall tool size. The modular design also allows the dual pipe wrench to be quickly be configured to exactly suit the application at hand, typically without need for tools other than a common hand tools.
The torque slider ties the motive force produced by the actuator to the arms of the wrench, converting the transverse force applied to the arms into differential rotational torque applied to the pipes. The torque slider simultaneously allows the option for the component to slide, or otherwise be moved along the backer arm, allowing the wrench to be adapted for different operations and conditions, without sacrificing capabilities or maximum torque of the unit. This unique design component can be combined with numerous customizations, such a hydraulic manifold built into the torque slider, integrated power options, stabilizer brackets, and other features and options achieving superior torque and utility relative to size and weight of the tool. Although the torque slider is most commonly mounted on the backup arm, it should be noted that the dual pipe wrench design can be adapted to have a torque slider on the torque arm instead, as well as having torque sliders for both arm, and even compound torque sliders on torque sliders.
The torque slider tong assembly is a unique self-contained dual pipe wrench design in that it offers the ability to achieve full griping strength of the jaws on the pipes independently of the torque applied, instead of only achieving full grip strength when torque is applied, thus making this dual pipe wrench well suited for positioning and steadying type operations. Furthermore, the independent gripping action can be made adjustable, and replaceable, without tools, other than hand tools, for added convenience and speed of setup. Additionally, the tool be fitted with different types of tensioner, including tensioner actuators, for ease of use and control over the grip strength.
The modular gripping option include a three-way directional chain grip, which can be configured for right-hand specific, left-hand specific, or bi-directional gripping by simply reversing the chain front to back or inside to outside. A rocking jaw parallel grip can replace the flexible chain with a special-purpose end effector, such as a stiff frame housing with a rocking jaw held parallel to the main jaw, which allows for ease of use in certain applications. An optional chain length adapter provides chain length indexing allowing a selected amount of the to be connected in the jaw strap. This allows the chain length to be easily indexed whenever changing from one OD to another, up to its maximum length pf the chain, to accommodate the large OD pipe sizes rather than having to manually replace the chain or add links to the chain. As another option, the jaw strap may be reinforced non-metallic belt eliminating all metal contact for spark-free and sensitive component operations. Similarly, the backer jaw or its backer bits may be replaced with non-metallic options for spark-free and sensitive component operations.
The torque slider tong assembly is ambidextrous, in that the tool can be flipped so that when activated the push stroke of the actuator creates left-hand rather than right-hand torque. This is advantageous allowing both makeup and breakout operations to achieve the same torque. This capability also allows for tool free transition, and full utility, when working with applications that have left hand threads. Ambidextrous operability also allows the tool be operated in reverse on a workpiece, without any loss in torque, which is advantages when trying to fit the tool into tight spaces.
While simpler and lighter when powered from external power sources of some kind, notably hydraulic power, a unique attribute of the torque slider tong assembly is the ability to incorporate various integrated power systems directly into the tool itself without sacrificing capabilities or maximum torque of the unit. For instance the tool can be made with an integrated hydraulic pump, hydraulic oil reservoir, and gauge for a self-contained hydraulically actuated version. A compressed gas tank, gauge, and regulator for a self-contained pneumatic version; or a battery pack, controller, and charge port for a self-contained electric version. Furthermore, all of these integrated powered versions can also be modified to include direct torque readouts and recordings allowing the torque applied by the tool to be accurately measured and automatically limited to prevent over-torquing. Torque applied, operations conducted, GPS work locations, tag readings, inventory management, time and materials, and other types of work reports can be recorded and readout as desired.
As precision in determining applied torque is dependent on the angle between the arm and the actuator, the tool features an angle gauge for determining the exact angle target torque is reached to ensure it is within tolerance, when working on high precision applications.
Addressing the complication of keeping one arm a certain distance from the other arm, as well as other alignment issues, when initially placing a self-contained wrench on the pipe, the torque slider tong assembly is specifically designed to work with various cross connecting pivots that stabilize the distance between the two arms, without interfering with its operation or distorting torque readings.
Although the base units are made out of aluminum and built with no loose steel-to-steel contact points with no tendency to spark in its default configuration all or portions of the tools may be fabricated from a range of materials including steel and non-metallic materials, such as high density polymers, carbon fiber composites, polymer-ceramic composites, and so forth. All steel and other potentially sparking components can be replaced with noon-metallic, non-sparking alternatives to ensure the tool cannot spark when struck against a hard surface, without sacrificing capabilities or maximum torque of the unit, when working in potentially explosive environments. Not only can the jaw strap and backer jaw be replaced with non-conductive alternatives, the arms, torque slider, and actuator can be replaced with non-conductive materials, such as non-conductive plastics and composites, without sacrificing capabilities or maximum torque of the unit, when working around high voltage equipment.
On its backup arm, the torque slider tong assembly can make use of a set of additional mounting holes for positioning the torque slider, thereby allowing the dual pipe wrench to be adjusted to handle extremely large differences in diameter, compared to the relative size of the tool, without sacrificing capabilities or maximum torque of the unit.
By utilizing sets of additional holes on the arms, the actuator can be connected to different connection points along the arms. The torque slider facilitates the process to achieve superior wide angle operations, allowing the wrench to torque workpieces to angles much greater than the initial actuator operation was able to produce, without having to reset the grips on the work piece. For example, a feature that is notably useful for breakouts is accomplished by sequentially moving the torque slider on the backup arm, and/or the opposing pivot point on the torque arm, to additional holes. This sequentially moves the actuator connection points closer to the pivot axis to improve mechanical advantage. At each connection point, the actuator is operated to take advantage of the increased mechanical advantage, achieving a greater angle of throw without resetting the grips.
Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention. In general, the same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale unless specifically indicated. The word “couple” and similar terms do not necessarily denote direct and immediate connections, but also include connections through intermediate elements or devices. Certain descriptors, such “first” and “second”, “top and bottom”, “upper” and “lower”, or “inner” and “outer” may be employed to differentiate structures from each other. These descriptors are utilized as a matter of descriptive convenience and are not employed to implicitly limit the invention to any particular position or orientation.
The torque slider 70 slidably captured on the backup arm allows the position of the connection point between the actuator 60 and the backup arm 20 to be readily changed in the field, changing the mechanical advantage, the torque created, the transverse throw, and the differential rotational motion caused by expansion of the actuator. Similarly, a movable pivot point 61, in this example a clevis, allows the position of the connection point between the actuator 60 and the torque arm 40 to be readily changed in the field, changing the mechanical advantage, the torque created, the transverse throw, and the differential rotation caused by expansion of the actuator. The connections points of the actuator 60 on the backup arm 20 and the torque arm 40 can be changed iteratively, and in tandem, providing a wide range of positional indexing of the leverage setup.
In this particular embodiment, the backup arm 20 includes a rib 21 that captures the torque slider 70 on the backup arm. A number of torque slider holes 22 provide for positioning the torque slider 70 at a variety of locations along the backup arm. The backup arm 20 also includes a backup arm jaws tensioner 23, in this example a hosel element defining and bounding a part of a clevis (as shown) receiving a tensioner bolt, and a captured nut carried on the tensioner bolt positioned in the clevis. This particular embodiment also includes a captured ratchet 24 on the captured nut allowing tool-free adjustment of the jaws tensioner 23. Other types of tensioners may be utilized, a representative selection of which are illustrated in subsequent drawings. As shown herein the hosel structure (for example see hosel 46
The torque sider 70 slides onto the distal end (right in
Similar to the backup arm 20, the torque arm 40 includes a number of actuator arm position holes 42 for selectively positioning an actuator pivot point 61, in this example a clevis, along the torque arm. The torque arm 40 also includes a torque arm jaws tensioner 43, in this example a hosel (or a clevis portion) defining a clevis receiving a tensioner bolt, and a captured nut carried on the tensioner bolt positioned in the clevis. This particular embodiment also includes a captured ratchet 44 on the captured nut allowing tool-free adjustment of the tensioner 43.
The actuator pivot point 61 is located at the distal end (right in
This particular embodiment includes a hydraulic actuator 60 with a pivot point 61, a clevis in this example, connected to the actuator shaft 62, which is extended and retracted by the actuator piston 63. A quick-change pin 64 held in place by a cotter pin 65 removably attaches the pivot point 61 to the torque arm 40, which can be easily relocated to the other actuator position holes 42 by hand after removal of the cotter pin 65. Similarly, a pair of quick-change pins 65a-65b held in place by cotter pins (cotter pin 66 is partially visible in this view) removably attach the actuator piston 63 to the torque slider 70, which can be easily relocated to the other torque slider position holes 42 by hand. The actuator piston 63 includes a hydraulic retraction hose connector 67 and a hydraulic extension hose connector 68. In this embodiment, the torque slider 70 also servs as a hydraulic manifold with hydraulic supply line connectors 72, 73 and hydraulic actuator hose connectors 74, 75. Local hydraulic hoses connect the actuator piston hose connectors 67, 68 to the actuator hose connectors 74, 75 on the torque slider 70.
The backup arm jaw strap 31 and torque arm jaw strap 51 are easily removed and replaced with a system of modular jaw straps with different features. For example, interchangeable jaw straps include single-sided tooth chains, double-sided (reversible) leaf chains, reinforced non-metallic straps, and strap with teeth on one side and non-metallic pads on the other. Tooth chains can include different types of teeth designed to grip different types of pipes, such as high-carbon steel, stainless steel, titanium, tungsten, diamond, ceramic, and so forth. Non-metallic straps, such as reinforced rubber, carbon composite, nylon, para-aramid (Kevlar), high-modulus polyethylene, can be used to provide non-sparking and electrically non-conductive options. A similar range of options is available for the backup arm backer jaw 32 and its associated backer bits 54, as wells as the torque arm backer jaw 52 and its associated backer bits 54.
In the same vein, the hydraulic actuator 60 is easily removed and replaced with a system of modular actuators with different motive forces and features. For example, other types of interchangeable actuators include pneumatic actuators, electric actuators, scissors actuators, cylinders, trunyon cylinders, and so forth, without limit to a particular geometry (e.g., ‘cylinders’ such as 228, 238, 248 etc. may have any shape at all) so that they may be any effective form of actuator to function as intended herein. In some embodiments, the actuator is fully integrated into the tool, while other alternatives attach to external power sources. Many other features and options may be incorporated into the torque slider tong assembly. For example, a dual torque slider embodiment includes torque sliders captured on both the torque arm and the backup arm. A completely spark-free embodiment is fabricated entirely or mostly from non-metallic components. Specialty embodiments may include specialized end effectors instead of strap jaws generally used to makeup and breakout tubular connections. A representative, but by no means exclusive, sampling of these alternative embodiments are shown is the following drawings.
As an example procedure for installing the components separately,
The torque slider tong assembly can also be outfitted with different types of actuators. As another option, for example,
As another option, the torque slider tong assembly may include a variety of cross connecting stabilizers that connect the two arms in the transverse direction, without interfering with the operation of the tool or distorting torque readings. For example,
As used herein the phrase hosel is intended to be understood as shown in the drawings as an extending portion from a main body forming a clevis component to operate as indicated for the bolt. It is understood that hosel is broadly understood an extending element from a main body without other limitation.
It will be further understood that descriptive phrases such as backer bits 54 etc. or backer jaws 52 etc. (and others identified) are non-limiting and operate as shown, such that the bits/jaws may be formed of any suitable materials, having different harnesses (metal or plastic) and different electrical conductivities (conductive/insulative) so as to be effective when used on a wide variety of pipes; and may be referred to by other phrases, such as dies, insert dies, tong inserts, tong dies, or other related phrases without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
The inventors intend that only those claims which use the specific and exact phrase “means for” are intended to be interpreted under 35 USC 112. The structure herein is noted and well supported in the entire disclosure. Moreover, no limitations from the specification are intended to be read into any claims, unless those limitations are expressly included in the claims.
Having described at least one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be apparent to those skills that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various modifications and variations can be made in the presently disclosed system without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents as understood by one of skill in this complex art having considered the entire disclosure herein.
