Patent ID: 6536520
Filing Date: 2003-03-25
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
A torque head for gripping tubular members, the torque head comprising:a housing; grip mechanism secured within the housing, the grip mechanism for selectively gripping a tubular member; the grip mechanism including at least one jaw selectively movable toward and away from a portion of the tubular member within the housing; the at least one jaw having mounted thereon slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member, the slip apparatus including a die apparatus movably mounted to the at least one jaw; the die apparatus movable with respect to the at least one jaw so that relative movement of the tubular with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable; and a bearing insert disposed between the die apparatus and the at least one jaw for facilitating movement of the die apparatus with respect to the at least one jaw.