US3693727A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Torque control apparatus
Assignee: Varco International Inc
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Filing: 1970-11-02
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Granted: 1972-09-26
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Expires: 1990-11-02
Abstract
Abstract Torque control apparatus for use with pipe tongs in assembling threaded pipe sections, wherein means are provided for sensing and transmitting only the torque producing component of forces applied to the pipe tongs, and means are provided for controlling the amount of such torque applied to the pipe tongs in accordance with a predetermined limit.
Inventors
- 👤 Leo A Bell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 06:21
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B19/00; E21B19/16; E21B19/165; E21B19/166; B; B23; B23P; B23P19/00; B23P19/04; B23P19/06; B23P19/065
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
145 words
Apparatus for sensing and controlling true torque applied to pipe in making up threaded pipe joints, comprising: a pipe tong for engaging pipe to make up a threaded pipe joint, a stress sensor means mounted on said pipe tong; a force component transmitting means mounted on said pipe tong and contacting said sensor means for transmitting a torque producing component of a force applied to said transmitting means; force applying means connected to said transmitting means for applying turning movements to said pipe tong to make up a threaded pipe joint; and control means connected and operable in response to the amount of the torque producing component applied to said sensor means by said transmitting means for discontinuing the force applied to said transmitting means by said force applying means when the torque applied to the pipe by said pipe tong reaches a predetermined amount.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
145 words
Apparatus for sensing and controlling true torque applied to pipe in making up threaded pipe joints, comprising: a pipe tong for engaging pipe to make up a threaded pipe joint, a stress sensor means mounted on said pipe tong; a force component transmitting means mounted on said pipe tong and contacting said sensor means for transmitting a torque producing component of a force applied to said transmitting means; force applying means connected to said transmitting means for applying turning movements to said pipe tong to make up a threaded pipe joint; and control means connected and operable in response to the amount of the torque producing component applied to said sensor means by said transmitting means for discontinuing the force applied to said transmitting means by said force applying means when the torque applied to the pipe by said pipe tong reaches a predetermined amount.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus set forth In claim 1, including means for connecting said force applying means to said transmitting means for applying forces in various directions.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus set forth in claim 1, wherein said force component transmitting means includes: a pivoted lever mounted on said power tong and having one end contacting said sensor means and the other end connected to said force applying means; and means pivotally connecting said lever to said pipe tong.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
131 words
The apparatus set forth in claim 1, wherein said control means includes: a control diaphragm having one side thereof in communication with fluid from said sensor means and subject to fluctuations in response to variations in torque forces applied to said sensor means by said force component transmitting means; means for applying a predetermined fluid pressure to the other side of said diaphragm opposite from said one side; valve means operably connected to said control diaphragm and movable therewith; and an actuating means connected from said valve means to said force applying means operable to discontinue the application of force by said force applying means when the fluid pressure acting on said one side of said diaphragm is substantially equal to said predetermined fluid pressure acting on the other side thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus set forth in claim 1, including: means connected to said sensor means for indicating the torque component of the force generated by the force applying means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
112 words
The apparatus set forth in claim 1, wherein said control means includes: a control member in communication with said sensor means and subject to fluctuations in response to variations in torque force applied to said sensor means by said force component transmitting means; biasing means applying a predetermined force opposing the torque responsive control member; actuating means operably connected to said control member and responsive therewith; connecting means for connecting said actuating means to the force applying means and operable to discontinue the application of force by said force applying means when the force acting on said control member from said sensor means is substantially equal to said predetermined opposed biasing means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus set forth in claim 6, wherein: said control member includes a control diaphragm having one side in communication with said sensor means; and said sensor means output comprises fluid pressure.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-09-26 | 1976-03-27 | 1976-09-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-09-26 | 1980-03-27 | 1980-09-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-09-26 | 1984-03-27 | 1984-09-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |