(19)
(11) EP 1 819 896 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication:
22.08.2007 Bulletin 2007/34

(21) Application number: 05813505.4

(22) Date of filing: 30.11.2005
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
E21B 19/20(2006.01)
(86) International application number:
PCT/GB2005/050221
(87) International publication number:
WO 2006/059153 (08.06.2006 Gazette 2006/23)
(84) Designated Contracting States:
AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

(30) Priority: 30.11.2004 US 999815
30.11.2004 US 631954 P

(71) Applicant: Varco I/P, Inc.
Houston TX 77042-4200 (US)

(72) Inventors:
  • SPRINGETT, Frank, Benjamin
    Houston, TX 77070 (US)
  • ENSLEY, Eric T.
    Cypress, Texas 77433 (US)

(74) Representative: Lucas, Phillip Brian et al
Lucas & Co. 135 Westhall Road
Warlingham, Surrey CR6 9HJ
Warlingham, Surrey CR6 9HJ (GB)

   


(54) TOP DRIVE UNIT, PIPE GRIPPING DEVICE AND METHOD OF DRILLING A WELLBORE