Patent ID: 6327938
Filing Date: 2001-12-11
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
A rotary for use in a tong, comprising: a casing defining an opening for entry and removal of a tubular in a radial direction and having a peripheral wall with an inner face;cams on said inner face of said peripheral wall;first and second jaw holders supported on said casing for guidance by said cams and for rotation between convergent positions where said first and second jaw holders converge for gripping the tubular and divergent positions where said first and second jaw holders diverge for release of the tubular; andfirst and second jaws slidably mounted on said first and second jaw holders;wherein, in said divergent positions of said first and second jaw holders, said first and second jaws are slidable by contact with the tubular along arcuate paths between first positions in which the tubular is insertable into and removable from said rotary and second positions in which said jaws surround and are able to grip the tubular.