Patent · US Active

Self-aligning pipe gripping assembly and method of making and using the same

US9452535B2 · kind B2 · utility

0Cited by

6References

20Claims

0Family size

Assignee

National Oilwell Varco, L.P. · US

Inventors

Preston R. Fox · Willow View Lane, US
Neil Edward West · Corona, US
Lawrence E. Wells · Yorba Linda, US

Key dates

Filing date	May 31, 2013
Grant date	Sep 27, 2016
Priority date	—
Expiry date	Apr 3, 2035

Classification

Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
CPC primaryE21B19/16
WIPO fieldCivil engineering
WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A self-aligning piston is configured to selectively engage and disengage a pipe segment to permit a top drive output shaft to be coupled to the pipe segment. In one embodiment, the self-aligning piston includes a piston body configured to rotate between a first position and a second position, at least one resilient, energy-storing member coupled to the piston body, a roller assembly coupled to the piston body, and a cam disposed between the at least one resilient, energy-storing member and the roller assembly. The resilient, energy-storing member is configured to bias the piston body into the first position by rotating the roller assembly along the cam.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.