Patent ID: 8037932

Claim:
An apparatus for making up a string of well pipe with a drilling rig having a top drive, comprising: a pipe gripping assembly having an inner portion and an outer portion, with bearings located therebetween, the inner portion adapted to be carried by a quill of the top drive for rotation therewith; an anti-rotation assembly in engagement with the outer portion to prevent rotation of the outer portion while the inner portion rotates; a link support mounted around and in engagement with the outer portion of the pipe gripping assembly; a pair of links having upper ends pivotally mounted to the link support; a pipe elevator carried by lower ends of the links; and a release member located between the link support and the inner portion of the pipe gripping assembly that releases to allow the outer portion of the pipe gripping assembly to rotate relative to the link support in the event the bearings seize and the anti-rotation assembly fails.