Patent ID: 8011426
Filing Date: 2011-09-06
Classification: B25B,E21B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for gripping a tubular with a tubular gripping mechanism comprising: moving the tubular gripping mechanism adjacent the tubular, said tubular gripping mechanism having a jaw assembly and a drive yoke with a tubular-contacting surface at an end thereof, said drive yoke being cooperative with said jaw assembly; positioning said jaw assembly and said drive yoke of the tubular gripping mechanism around the tubular; applying a force by an actuator onto said jaw assembly and said drive yoke of the tubular gripping mechanism such that said jaw assembly and said drive yoke move so as to clamp onto the tubular; and removing the force from said actuator on said jaw assembly such that said jaw assembly remains clamped onto the tubular with the clamping force directed away from said actuator.