Importance

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Abstract

Slip mechanisms for selectively gripping and releasing conduit in a well drilling operation, particularly useable as elevators or spiders. Three slips are positioned within a tapered bore of the slip mechanism having a split front opening, and are articulatingly suspended from a vertically movable ring. Upon lowering of the ring the slips move downwardly and inwardly along the tapered bore to simultaneously and evenly grip the conduit. Upon raising of the ring the slips move upwardly and outwardly along the tapered bore and disengage from the gripped conduit. In the disengaged position two of the three slips are circumferentially slidable, through the suspension connection to the ring, to a position spaced from the front opening and adjacent the third slip, whereby the slip mechanism is laterally movable from, or about, the conduit. A funnel shaped guide skirt is mountable on the bottom of the mechanism when operation as an elevator is desired.

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First Claim