Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus for mechanically handling drilling equipment comprising at least drill pipes and a drill bit and drill guide bushing has a carrier. A clamp on the carrier clamps a first drill pipe unrotatably relative to the carrier in a drill-pipe position. An opener is spaced from the clamping axially of the first drill pipe when the first drill pipe is clamped in the drill-pipe position, the opener being pivoted on a first pivot that is spaced from and parallel to the first drill pipe when the first drill pipe is clamped in the drill-pipe for pivoting to an opener position at a second drill pipe that is axially thread-connected onto the first drill pipe and withdrawal therefrom. A first power device so pivots the opener. An opening member is pivoted on the opener for pivoting to an opening-member position at the second drill pipe to connect the opening member to the second drill pipe unrotatably relative to the second drill pipe and rotate the second drill pipe, whereby to open the thread connection of the first and second drill pipes, and withdrawal therefrom. A second power device so pivots the opening member. A second pivot on the carrier is spaced from and parallel to the first pivot and a resilient element pivotally supports the first pivot from the second pivot for resiliently limiting the pivoting of the first pivot about the second pivot, whereby the latter pivoting permits arcuate positioning of the opening means.

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First Claim