Patent ID: 8074711

Claim:
An apparatus for handling a tubular member, comprising: a tubular member running tool; a tubular member elevator; a plurality of first actuators each extending between the running tool and the elevator; and a plurality of second actuators each extending between the running tool and a corresponding one of the first actuators, wherein each of the first and second actuators is hydraulically-operable; wherein the running tool comprises: a preload member configured to apply an axial force, wherein the preload member comprises an actuator configured to provide an axial load, a running tool interface configured to couple the actuator to a structure of the running tool, and a tubular member interface configured to transfer the axial load provided by the actuator; a slotted member having a plurality of elongated slots each extending in a direction; a recessed member operably associated with a slotted member and having a plurality of recesses each tapered in the direction from a shallow end to a deep end; and a plurality of rolling members associated with the plurality of recesses and the plurality of elongated slots; wherein each of the plurality of rolling members partially extends through an adjacent one of the plurality of elongated slots when located in the shallow end of the corresponding one of the plurality of recesses; wherein each of the plurality of rolling members retracts to within at least a portion of a slotted member when located in a deep end of the corresponding one of the plurality of recesses; wherein a portion of the plurality of rolling members is configured to engage the tubular member so that the engaged tubular member is lowered onto a stump; and wherein at least a portion of the axial load is transferred through the tubular to a portion of the plurality of rolling members.