Abstract:
This oilfield drilling rig uses a top drive with a hydraulic actuated drill pipe handling tool known as a dual opening elevator. This tool eliminates the need for a typical complicated elevator rotation mechanism with troublesome concentric hydraulic seals. In operation, after opening the front, picking up a stand at the racking board and putting it in the string, the back may then be opened to allow moving the elevator off the drill pipe toward the front of the rig to prevent elevator wear while drilling and to allow drilling down close to the rig floor. Time is saved because no rotation is required, and down time is saved because there are no troublesome concentric seals which commonly leak.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The current application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/944,516 filed on Feb. 25, 2014, entitled “DRILLING RIG WITH TOP DRIVE WITH DUAL OPENING ELEVATOR”. This reference is hereby incorporated in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present embodiments generally relate to a drilling rig with a top drive and a dual opening elevator capable of supporting and releasing oil field tubulars and other oilfield equipment. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A need exists for a drilling rig with an apparatus to aid in the handling of drill pipes for drilling wells. Current methods and apparatuses used for these operations involve a complex assembly for rotating the elevator to allow for latching on to the drill pipe, then subsequently rotating in order to allow releasing the drill pipe from another side. 
     These methods are time consuming, involve a significant level of human labor interaction, and are potentially unsafe to workers. Handling of heavy oilfield equipment is not only dangerous, but entails significant costs when undue time is required to complete essential tasks. 
     Further, apparatuses currently used on drilling rigs are mechanically complex, requiring several rotating elements and numerous pairs of concentric dynamic hydraulic seals. The more complex a piece of equipment is, the more maintenance it will require and the greater the chance of failures. 
     A need exists for a drilling rig that can grab tubulars from multiple directions and can be more automated to address risks to personnel and efficiency of use. 
     A need exists for drilling rig with a hydraulic actuated drill pipe handling tool for use with oilfield top drives. 
     A need exists for drilling rig with a hydraulic actuated drill pipe handling tool that eliminates the need for a complicated link and elevator rotation mechanism. 
     A need exists for a drilling rig with a hydraulic actuated drill pipe handling tool that eliminates the need for troublesome concentric hydraulic seals. 
     The present embodiments meet these needs by providing an elegant and simple to use design which can be automated to perform reliably in a repeatable, safe, and efficient manner while remaining relatively maintenance and trouble free. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The detailed description will be better understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings as follows: 
         FIG. 1  shows a side view of a drilling rig with a top drive with a dual opening elevator. 
         FIG. 2A  shows a front view of a dual opening elevator attached a top drive. 
         FIG. 2B  shows a detail view of a dual opening elevator. 
         FIG. 3A  shows a side view of a dual opening elevator attached to a top drive. 
         FIG. 3B  shows a side view of the dual opening elevator with a link extended. 
         FIG. 3C  shows a side view of a dual opening elevator attached to a top drive with link extended and elevator rotated from the position of  FIG. 3B . 
         FIG. 3D  shows a detail view of the dual opening elevator in the rotated positions of  FIG. 3C . 
         FIG. 4A  shows a top view of the dual opening elevator in a first open position. 
         FIG. 4B  shows a top view of the dual opening elevator in a closed position. 
         FIG. 4C  shows a top view of the dual opening elevator in a second open position. 
         FIG. 5A  shows a side view of the adapter of the invention. 
         FIG. 5B  shows a cut view of the adapter of  FIG. 5A  along line AA. 
         FIG. 6A  shows a side view of an eye assembly attached to a rotary actuator. 
         FIG. 6B  shows a front view of an eye assembly attached to a rotary actuator. 
         FIG. 7A  shows a cut away view of a fastener assembly in an extended position. 
         FIG. 7B  shows a cut away view of the fastener assembly of  FIG. 7A  in a retracted position. 
         FIG. 7C  shows a detail view of the fastener assembly of  FIG. 7A . 
     
    
    
     The present embodiments are detailed below with reference to the listed Figures. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Before explaining the present apparatus in detail, it is to be understood that the apparatus is not limited to the particular embodiments and that it can be practiced or carried out in various ways. 
     Specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis of the claims and as a representative basis for teaching persons having ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present invention. 
     The present embodiments relate to a drilling rig for rotating drill pipe in a wellbore using a top drive with a dual opening elevator mounted to a derrick or tower. 
     The drilling rig with a dual opening elevator can be used with a top drive. The dual opening elevator allows for a user to grab a drill pipe by opening and closing one side of the dual opening elevator and subsequently releasing the drill pipe by opening an opposite side of the dual opening elevator. 
     The drilling rig with a dual opening elevator can be used to assist oilfield top drives in handling drill pipe. 
     The drilling rig with dual opening elevator eliminates the need for a complicated link and elevator rotation mechanism with troublesome concentric seals. 
     Time is saved with this drilling rig because rotation of the links and elevator is not required. 
     Rig down time is also saved because there are no troublesome concentric seals to replace. Rig reliability is improved. 
     The dual opening elevator of this drilling rig precludes the need to rotate the dual opening elevator in between the steps of engaging and releasing drill pipe. 
     The drilling rig includes a derrick centered over the wellbore. The derrick can have a crown. The derrick can be attached to a drilling rig base. At least one crown sheave can be mounted to the crown of the derrick. One or more cables can be mounted to at least one sheave. 
     A lifting block can be connected to the cables. 
     The lifting block can be a solid block. The lifting block can be made from a first sheave mounted on one side of the lifting block and a second sheave mounted to an opposite side of the lifting block. 
     A top drive housing can attach to the lifting block. A top drive can be suspended from the top drive housing. A pair of links can connect to the top drive housing and an elevator can connect to the pair of links for engaging a drill pipe with a bit or a plurality of longitudinally connected drill pipes with a bit. 
     The top drive in the housing can use a top drive motor to rotate the drill pipe or plurality of connected pipes with a bit in the wellbore. 
     The top drive can be suspended from the top drive housing. The top drive can have a rotating stem spinably connected with a top drive motor, a heavy thrust bearing disposed about the rotating stem within the top drive housing, an inside blowout preventer connected to the rotating stem and to a saver sub, an upper clamp assembly locking the connection between the rotating stem and the inside blowout preventer, and a lower clamp assembly locking the connection between the inside blowout preventer and the saver sub. 
     The top drive, in an embodiment, can sustain 250 tons of static load and 158 tons at 100 rpm, with 35,000 Ft-lbs max drilling torque with a 170 rpm max. The top drive can be banjo mounted. 
     A drawworks can connect to a drawworks motor for raising or lowering the lifting block. A blowout preventer stack can be positioned over the wellbore with the drill pipe passing through the blowout preventer stack. 
     A mud pump can connect to the drill pipe for use while the drill bit rotates. A power supply can power the drawworks motor, and a controller can be in communication with the top drive to operate the top drive, the mud pumps, the hydraulic fluid flow, and other apparatus of the drilling rig. 
     In embodiments, the power source can be a hydraulic system having a retractable hinge pin in a hinge pin housing, a bore inside of the retractable hinge pin, a hydraulic fluid in the bore, a piston cylinder having a piston chamber, a fluid conductor within the piston cylinder, a first seal positioned between the piston cylinder and the retractable hinge pin, a hinge pin housing head in fluid communication with the piston chamber and the fluid conductor, and a retract passage between the piston chamber and a retract area. 
     In embodiments, the hydraulic system can include a hydraulic actuation assembly in the hinge pin housing. In embodiments, the hydraulic actuation assembly can contain the piston cylinder. 
     A pair of slips can be disposed on top of the wellbore between the blowout preventer stack and the drill bit. 
     A dual opening elevator can be used with the top drive of the drilling rig. The dual openings can allow for a user to grab a drill pipe by opening and closing one side of the dual opening elevator and subsequently release the drill pipe by opening an opposite side of the dual opening elevator. 
     The dual openings preclude the need to rotate the dual opening elevator in between the steps of grabbing and releasing. 
     Current methods and apparatuses to grab a drill pipe, position the drill pipe, and release the drill pipe are rotated to allow for release of the drill pipe. Upon release of a drill pipe, the methods and apparatuses to grab a drill pipe must be rotated again to allow for the grabbing of a new pipe. 
     As oilfield equipment is often bulky, difficult to manipulate, and heavy, this entails a significant amount of time to accomplish these tasks. Further, it often requires human interaction to clamp and unclamp drill pipes, as well as manipulate the rotating assembly. 
     The present application makes use of the following terms. While descriptive names have been utilized for clarity and easier understanding of the embodiments, it should be noted that the terms below can carry a broader meaning. 
     The term “link” as used herein can refer to a stabilizing member to which a component is attached. The link can be constrained against rotation and is capable of supporting and moving various components of the drilling rig. 
     The term “segment” as used herein can refer to a functional component of the drilling rig or the dual opening elevator. A segment can be comprised of multiple parts, but is referred to as a single unit for convenience. 
     The term “elevator segment” as used herein can refer to a component or set of components of the dual opening elevator. Elevator segment generally relates to one component side of the dual opening elevator that can separate from another component side of the dual opening elevator to form an opening while in an open position. Opposing elevator segments generally fit complementarily and fairly snugly with each other when in a closed or locked position. 
     The term “cavity” as used herein can refer to a shaped indentation in any component of the drilling rig or the dual opening elevator. 
     The term “drill pipe opening” as used herein can refer to an opening formed when two cavities are aligned. While embodiments shown are designed for a pipe used in oilfield operations, this opening can be used to grasp other equipment. 
     The term “drill pipe” as used herein can refer to any piece of equipment required to be positioned or moved by the dual opening elevator. Embodiments shown make use of a drill pipe as used in oilfield applications. 
     The term “fastener” as used herein can refer to a mechanism for connecting components of the drilling rig. The fastener can be an item such as a bolt, screw, pin connector, and the like. 
     The term “rotary actuator” as used herein can refer to a means of physically moving the elevator segments to cause an opening to be formed or physically moving the elevator segments to cause the elevator segments to be abutted together. The rotary actuator can be a manual or automated means. 
     The term “elevator rotator” as used herein refers to a means of physically rotating the entire dual opening elevator assembly. The elevator rotator will typically be used to horizontally orient the dual opening elevator, but can be used for various reasons as required by the application. The elevator rotator can be a manual or automated means. 
     The term “bearing retainer” as used herein can refer to any means of maintaining a bearing in a desired location, such as a groove with a snap ring. 
     The term “clevis” as used herein can refer to an attachment means allowing for some movement of the attached components with respect to each other. For example, the clevis can be an oversized, or a slotted hole. 
     The present embodiments relate to a drilling rig for rotating pipe in a wellbore using a top drive with a dual opening elevator mounted to a derrick or tower. The drilling rig can comprise a derrick centered over the wellbore, a lifting block, a top drive housing, a top drive, a drawworks, and a mud pump. 
     The drilling rig supports and positions the top drive with a dual opening elevator to enable the dual opening elevator to grab drill pipes and release drill pipes. 
     In embodiments, a dual opening elevator can be supported by at least one link attached to a top drive. 
     Turning now to the Figures,  FIG. 1  shows a drilling rig  216  for use in drilling wells. The drilling rig can include a derrick  220  having a crown  218 . 
     The drilling rig  216  can have has a drilling rig base  222  connected to a drilling rig floor substructure  291 . 
     The drilling rig  216  can have a lifting block  213  that can be secured to a cable  158 . The cable  158  can extend from the lifting block  213  over at least one sheave  160  mounted to the top of the derrick  220  at the crown  218 . 
     A drawworks  162  can be connected to a drawworks motor  164  for turning the drawworks  162 , and for raising or lowering the lifting block  213 . 
     The drawworks motor  164  can be energized from a rig power supply  166 , such as a hydraulic power supply. 
     The top drive  15  can be lifted or lowered by the lifting block  213  when pulled by the cables of the drawworks  162  which can be moved by the drawworks motor  164 . 
     A dual opening elevator  10  can be attached to a link  12   a  attached to the top drive  15 . 
     A pipe  116   a  can be engaged with the drilling rig  216  at one end and with a drill bit  119  on the other end within the wellbore  8 . 
     A stand of pipes, including pipe  116   c  connected to pipe  116   b  can be maintained in a racking position  190  relative to the drilling rig floor  290 . 
     A hydraulic fluid source  200  for powering the top drive  15  is shown. The hydraulic fluid can pass through a conduit  300 . Slips  191  are also shown at the top of the wellbore  8 . 
     A mud pump  271  is shown for engaging the drill pit via the blowout preventer stack  117  over the wellbore  8 . 
     A controller  262  is also shown for operating the top drive  15 , the hydraulic fluid source  200 , the mud pump  271  and other equipment on the drilling rig  216 . 
       FIG. 2A  shows a front view of a dual opening elevator attached a top drive. 
     In this embodiment, a top drive  15  can be engaged to a dual opening elevator  10  supported using a pair of links  12   a  and  12   b.    
     The dual opening elevator  10  can be engaged by a single link in embodiments. In order to best illustrate all the claimed elements of the invention, the embodiments shown in this and the following figures make use of two links. 
     The dual opening elevator when closed as shown can engage and liftably support a drill pipe  24 . 
       FIG. 2B  shows a detail view of a dual opening elevator  10 . 
     In this embodiment, the dual opening elevator  10  can be seen engaging and liftably supporting the drill pipe  24 . 
     A mechanical feature  19  can be used to aid in supporting the drill pipe  24 . In this embodiment, the mechanical feature  19  is shown as a conical bore. 
     In this embodiment, the first elevator segment  14  and the second elevator segment  18  can be connected to adapters  66   a  and  66   b  respectively. 
     The first elevator segment  14  and second elevator segment  18  can be identical in physical structure and properties, or be of different structures and properties. 
     The first elevator segment  14  and a second elevator segment  18  can be designed to be complementary to each other and mechanically fit together. 
     A pair of rotary actuators  34   a  and  34   b  is shown. 
     The rotary actuators  34   a  and  34   b  can be used to open and close the dual opening elevator  10 . The rotary actuators can each be attached to the links with a clevis  80   a  and  80   b  in this embodiment. 
     The rotary actuators  34   a  and  34   b  can be linear or electrical actuators in embodiments. 
     A pair of elevator rotators  36   a  and  36   b  can be used to rotate the dual opening elevator  10  however only one elevator rotator may be required in embodiments. 
     The elevator rotators rotate the dual opening elevator around the eyes of the links  12   a  and  12   b.    
       FIG. 3A  shows a side view of a dual opening elevator  10  attached to a top drive  15 . 
     In this embodiment, the dual opening elevator  10  can be seen in an “inline position” with the top drive  15 . The dual opening elevator  10  can be connected to the top drive via link  12   a.    
       FIG. 3B  shows a side view of a dual opening elevator  10  attached to a top drive  15 . 
     In this embodiment, the dual opening elevator  10  is shown in a “kicked-out position” from the top drive  15 . The dual opening elevator  10  can be connected to the top drive via link  12   a.    
     In this embodiment, the link  12   a  has been displaced by an actuator  13  to move the dual opening elevator  10  in a swinging motion. 
     Various other means to attach the link  12   a  to the top drive  15  can be employed, as well as various other methods of actuating the link. 
     In this embodiment, the dual opening elevator  10  can be rotated by the elevator rotators to rotate to a user desired orientation. 
     Also shown are fastener axes  303  and  305 , wherein each fastener assembly can rotate about a fastener axis to open and close the dual opening elevator. 
       FIG. 3C  shows a side view of a dual opening elevator  10  attached to a top drive  15 . The eye  304   a  of the link  12   a  is depicted. 
     This Figure depicts the dual opening elevator  10  rotated within the pair of links. 
       FIG. 3D  shows a detail view of the dual opening elevator  10 . The eye  304   a  of the link is shown in this embodiment. 
     In this embodiment, the dual opening elevator  10  can be seen rotated again. 
     The dual opening elevator can be able to rotate through a plurality of angles. The angles can be completely variable. A pair of elevator rotators can be used to create the movement. 
     Elevator rotator  36   a  is shown in this embodiment connected to the link  12   a . The elevator rotator  36   a  at the bottom end connects to a second connection  102 . The second connection  102  can engage an adapter. In this embodiment, the elevator rotator is shown as a hydraulic cylinder. 
       FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C  show a top view of the dual opening elevator  10  in a first open position as shown in  FIG. 4A , a closed position as shown in  FIG. 4B , and in a second open position as shown in  FIG. 4C . 
     The dual opening elevator  10  can have a first elevator segment  14  and a second elevator segment  18 . 
     The first elevator segment  14  can have a first cavity  16 . 
     The second elevator segment  18  can have a second cavity  20 . 
     The first cavity  16  and the second cavity  20  can be shaped to engage a drill pipe when the first elevator segment  14  is fastened to the second elevator segment  18  creating an automatic alignment of the cavities. 
     The first cavity  16  and the second cavity  20  can each comprise one or more mechanical features such as a conical bore, to better engage a portion of a drill pipe. 
     For example, the cavity can have an 18 degree taper as shown in  FIG. 2B  to best engage drill pipes complying with American Petroleum Institute (API) standards. 
     The first cavity mechanical feature, if used, and second cavity mechanical feature, if used, can be the same feature, for optimum performance of the dual opening elevator as required by the application. 
     In this embodiment, the first elevator segment  14  and the second elevator segment  18  are shown connected to adapters  66   a  and  66   b  respectively. 
     Adjacent to adapter  66   a  can be a rotary actuator  34   a  which is adjacent to elevator rotator  36   a.    
     All the rotary actuators and all the elevator rotators of these  FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C  can be connected to the power source. 
     Adjacent to adapter  66   b  can be rotary actuator  34   b  which is adjacent to and connects to elevator rotator  36   b.    
     The links  12   a  and  12   b  can support the first elevator segment  14  and the second elevator segment  18  using the adapters  66   a  and  66   b  respectively. 
     In this embodiment, stop surfaces  104   a  and  104   b  can be part of the adapters  66   a  and  66   b  respectively. The stop surfaces can act to constrain the degree of movement allowed to the first elevator segment  14  or the second elevator segment  18 . 
     The stop surfaces  104   a  and  104   b  can make contact with the links  12   a  and  12   b  to prevent further opening of the first elevator segment  14  or the second elevator segment  18 . 
     Variants of the embodiment include using a single link, a single adapter, and a single rotary actuator. 
     A first fastener assembly  26  and a second fastener assembly  30  can selectively attach the first elevator segment  14  and the second elevator segment  18 . Each fastener assembly can have a fastener axis. 
     In  FIG. 4A  the first fastener assembly  26  is shown unfastened while the second fastener assembly  30  is shown fastened to allow the first elevator segment  14  and the second elevator segment  18  to form a first opening  28 . 
     In  FIG. 4B  the first fastener assembly  26  and the second fastener assembly  30  are shown fastened to lock the first elevator segment  14  and the second elevator segment  18  in a closed position. The first cavity  16  and the second cavity  20  align in this position to form a drill pipe opening  22 . 
     In  FIG. 4C  the first fastener assembly  26  is shown fastened while the second fastener assembly  30  is shown unfastened to allow the first elevator segment  14  and the second elevator segment  18  to form a second opening  32 . 
     Eye assemblies  68   a  and  68   b  are depicted as the elevator is opened and closed in these three figures. 
       FIG. 5A  shows a side view of one embodiment of an adapter  66   a .  FIG. 5B  shows a cut view of the adapter  66   a  of  FIG. 5A  along line AA. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the adapter  66   a  can have a first connection  106  for engaging the first elevator segment. 
     In this embodiment, the first connection  106  is shown as a threaded connection. 
     In this embodiment, the adapter  66   a  can receive a plurality of connectors  75   a - 75   e  to connect to the adapter  66   a  to the first elevator segment. 
     In this embodiment, the adapter  66   a  can have a bearing shaft  100  that can extend through the eye assembly. 
     The adapter  66   a  can further have a second connection  102  to the elevator rotator. The second connection  102  is shown in this embodiment as a hole to receive a bolt to secure a clevis pin from the elevator rotator. 
     Various effective connection configurations can be employed for each of the above. 
     Connector  75   e  can be used for engagement in the opening in the adapter. 
     In this embodiment, the adapter  66   a  can have a stop surface  104  to constrain the degree of movement of the elevator segment to which the adapter  66   a  is attached. 
     Connectors  75   a ,  75   c  and  75   e  can be used to attach the adapter  66   a  to the elevator segment. 
       FIG. 6A  shows a side view of an eye assembly  68  attached to a rotary actuator  34   a.    
     In this embodiment, the eye assembly  68  is shown having a small end connection  74  depicted as a round pin in a round hole with a cross drilled hole to receive a bolt for engaging the rotary actuator  34   a.    
       FIG. 6B  shows a front view of an eye assembly  68  attached to a rotary actuator  34   a.    
     In this embodiment, eye assembly  68  is shown with a small end connection  74  (female connection) engaging the rotary actuator  34   a  using a connecting pin  401  that can penetrate perpendicularly through an eye housing  400  to lock the eye housing  400  onto a portion of the rotary actuator that extends into the eye housing. 
     The eye housing  400  can further connect to the adapter  66   a  using an attachment  150 , shown here as a nut for retaining the adapter  66   a  onto the eye assembly  68 . 
     In this embodiment, eye assembly  68  can have a bearing  72  and a bearing retainer  70  shown here as a snap ring. 
     A clevis  80  can be disposed upon the link  12   a  for connecting the rotary actuator to the link  12   a.    
     In this embodiment, the clevis  80  can have a slotted hole  81  which allows for movement of the rotary actuator  34   a.    
     A bearing shaft  100  can extend through the eye assembly  68 . 
       FIG. 7A  shows a side view of the second fastener assembly having a retractable hinge pin assembly  82  in an extended position. 
       FIG. 7B  shows a side view of the second fastener assembly having a retractable hinge pin assembly  82  in a retracted position. 
       FIG. 7C  shows a detail view of the second fastener assembly of  FIG. 7A . 
       FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C  show a retractable hinge pin assembly  82  actuated by a power source  17 . 
     In this embodiment, the power source is depicted as a hydraulic power source having a hydraulic fluid  21 . 
     In this embodiment, the retractable hinge pin assembly  82  can have a retractable hinge pin  84  in a hinge pin housing  86  and a bore  88  inside of the retractable hinge pin  84 . 
     A piston cylinder  48  is shown having a piston chamber  44 . 
     A first seal  46  can be positioned between the piston cylinder  48  and the retractable hinge pin  84 . 
     The first seal  46  can be mounted within a first seal groove  50  on the piston cylinder. 
     A second seal  56  can be positioned between the piston cylinder  48  and the retractable hinge pin  84 . 
     The second seal  56  can be mounted within a second seal groove  58  formed in the retractable hinge pin  84 . 
     A fluid conductor  54  can be within the piston cylinder  48  and below a hinge pin housing head  52 . 
     A retract passage  60  can be between the piston chamber  44  and a retract area  62 . 
     The retract passage  60  and the retract area  62  can be in fluid communication with the piston chamber  44 . 
     A retract port  64  in the hinge pin housing head  52  can be used for flowing the hydraulic fluid  21  into the piston chamber  44  to retract the retractable hinge pin  84 . 
     An extend port  65  in the hinge pin housing head  52  can be used for flowing the hydraulic fluid  21  into the fluid conductor  54  to extend the retractable hinge pin  84 . 
     A fastener assembly  26  is also shown in this embodiment. 
     The fastener assembly can lock the first elevator segment  14  with the second elevator segment  18 . 
     In embodiments, the dual opening elevator is comprised of two elevator segments capable of being attached, or locked together, each elevator segment having a cavity that fits a drill pipe. Each cavity forms a portion of the drill pipe opening which is only formed when the elevator segments are locked together. 
     The cavity in embodiments is shown as a semicircular shape to best fit a drill pipe, but can be shaped differently as required by various applications. 
     In embodiments, drill pipes used in oilfield applications can have a larger diameter segment and a reduced diameter segment with a chamfer transitioning the diameters. The cavity can have features included, such as an 18 degree chamfer to be used as a seating surface for drill pipes conforming to American Petroleum Institute (API) standards. In the alternative, the cavity can be sized to fit a drill pipe at a diameter less than the larger diameter of the drill pipe along the chamfer, or at the reduced diameter. 
     The elevator segments can be identical in shape and size for ease of manufacturing. When the elevator segments are locked closed, they will be capable of liftably supporting a drill pipe or other equipment within the opening. 
     In embodiments, the elevator segments are attached together using a plurality of fastener assemblies. Detaching any fastener assemblies connecting one side of the elevator segments can allow the elevator segments to open, or separate to allow the insertion of a drill pipe. Detaching all the fastener assemblies can allow the elevator segments to be completely separated for maintenance or cleaning purposes. 
     In embodiments, the fastener assemblies can be selected for easy attachment and removal to speed the operation of the dual opening elevator. 
     In embodiments, upon detaching fastener assemblies on one side of the elevator segments, the elevator segments can be opened by utilizing a rotary actuator. 
     The rotary actuator can be a manual mechanical means, such as a lever or a pulley. The rotary actuator can be an automated means, such as a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, an electric actuator, a mechanical actuator, or combinations thereof, that can be operated without manual manipulation, such as by computer control. 
     In embodiments, the dual opening elevator can include an elevator rotator for rotating the dual opening elevator in a direction around the lower eye assembly of the link. The movement can be a rotary motion perpendicular to an axis through the lower eye assembly. 
     In embodiments the elevator rotator is particularly useful when the link moves the dual opening elevator in a pendulum motion. In this instance, the elevator rotator can be used to maintain the dual opening elevator in a horizontal orientation. The elevator rotator however, can be used for orienting the dual opening elevator for various applications. 
     In embodiments the elevator rotator can be a manual mechanical means, such as a lever or a pulley. The elevator rotator can be an automated means, such as a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, an electric actuator, a mechanical actuator, or combinations thereof, that can be operated without manual manipulation, such as by computer control. 
     In embodiments, the dual opening elevator can have an eye assembly attached to the rotary actuator and the adapter. The eye assembly can facilitate the attachment of the adapter to the rotary actuator. 
     Various bearings, bearing retainers, and fastener assembly can be used for the purposes of attaching the eye assembly to the adapter, or attaching the eye assembly to the rotary actuator. One such embodiment is described above and shown in the figures as an example. In another embodiment the dual operating elevator can be used without a bearing. 
     While these embodiments have been described with emphasis on the embodiments, it should be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the embodiments might be practiced other than as specifically described herein.