Patent ID: 6250394
Filing Date: 2001-06-26
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
An apparatus for attaching to a tubular work string comprising:a cylindrical member having a first half clamp having an arcuate inner portion and a second half clams having an arcuate inner portion, and wherein a hinge connects said first half clamp with said second half clamp about the tubular work string;a first housing member attached to said first half clamp;a second housing member attached to said second half clamp;wherein said first housing and said second housing comprise: a first and second cylindrical projection mounted perpendicular relative to the tubular work string; a first and second insert disposed within said cylindrical projection; a first and second cap member having an opening therein, said first and second cap member being attached to said insert, and wherein said cap member and said insert form a first and second chamber;a first spherical roller member inserted into said chamber and being rotatable within said first housing in a forward, backward, sideways direction and any component thereof;a second spherical roller member inserted into said second housing member and being rotatable within said second housing in a forward, backward, sideways direction and any component thereof;a third housing member containing a first half-cylindrical projection mounted on said first half clamp and a second half-cylindrical projection mounted on said second half clamp, and wherein said first half-cylindrical projection and said second half-cylindrical projection form a third cylindrical member; a third insert disposed within said third cylindrical member; a third cap member having an opening therein, said third cap member being attached to said third insert, and wherein said third cap member and said third insert form a third chamber that contains a third spherical roller, with a portion of said third spherical member protruding from said opening of said cap;clamping means for attaching said first half-cylindrical projection with said second half-cylindrical projection about the tubular work string.