Dale J. Castille
Engineering at Clem Dr, Lafayette, LA

6634259, Oct 21, 2003

Dec 12, 2001

10/021225

Dale J. Castille - Lafayette LA

Franks International, Inc. - Houston TX

B25B 1350

81 5734, 81 5716

The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for controlling a power tong unit having a power spinner and, in a preferred embodiment, three power jaws. The control system controls grip pressure applied by a selected power jaw to a first wellbore tubular to provide a relatively reduced grip pressure when the power spinner is activated to thereby rotate a second wellbore tubular at a relatively high rotation speed but with a relatively low torque. The control system applies a relatively high grip pressure to two selected power jaws used for applying high torque but at a relatively slow rotation speed for final making up or initial breaking out of the wellbore tubulars with respect to each other.

6392193, May 21, 2002

Aug 13, 1999

09/374753

Dale J. Castille - Lafayette LA

Franks Casing Crew and Rental Tools, Inc. - Lafayette LA

B23K 9095

21913001, 219 61

The present invention provides an apparatus and method for achieving single-sided girth welds which adapt to and compensate for inherent geometrically induced difficulties in single-side girth welding applications. The inherent geometrically induced difficulties include those caused by axial misalignment, angular misalignment, and mismatched ovality. The present inventions apparatus and method minimize root defects due to undercut, incomplete penetration, excess penetration, or lack of fusion. The present invention provides accordingly limits defects introduced during the welding process and thus limiting fatigue failures. The present invention does not require the use of backing strips. The present invention further utilizes an improved lineup clamp for use in single-sided girth welding which does not cause damage to the interior of the pipes being welded. A test apparatus and method for achieving full visual non-destructive testing of single-sided girth welds produced by the present inventions apparatus and method is also provided.

4392770, Jul 12, 1983

Oct 23, 1980

6/200070

Dale J. Castille - Lafayette LA

B65G 3902

414432

Pipe, bar stock, or other tubular member handling apparatus according to this invention includes means for elevating a section of pipe from a horizontal pipe rack, moving the pipe linearly into operative relation with a machine that rotates the pipe and does work such as machining threads at the end of the pipe, supporting the pipe for rotation during machining operations, moving the pipe linearly in the opposite direction after machining operations have been completed and then lowering the pipe back onto the pipe rack. The machine incorporates operation and control circuitry correlating certain pipe control movements and facilitating pipe handling with minimum control selection by operating personnel and minimizing handling time. An adjustable, limit switch-controlled electrohydraulic control circuit enables utilization of the machine for pipes of different size and further enables simple and efficient positioning of the center line of the pipe in colinear relation with the center line of the pipe handling machine.

2002003, Mar 28, 2002

May 7, 2001

09/850242

Jean Buytaert - Houston TX, US
Alain Miramon - Houston TX, US
Dale Castille - Lafayette LA, US

B25B017/00, B25B013/50

081/057350

A power tong apparatus for making and breaking joints of well bore tubulars is provided for operation on a rig floor. A first extendable boom is provided for moving the power jaw apparatus across the rig floor. Preferably at least one wheel is mounted to a support frame to which the power tong apparatus is attached. The wheel steers the power tong apparatus as the boom extends and retracts. The wheel is pivotally mounted so that a non linear path may be followed when desired. In one embodiment, a track may be laid along a desired path on the rig floor. In another embodiment, a second extendable boom is mounted to said first boom for lifting the power tong apparatus. A pivotal connection may be provided between the second boom and the power tong apparatus to allow rotational movement thereof as connections are made or broken. The first boom is mounted on a pivot assembly that permits rotation of the first boom with respect to the rig floor. One or more lateral supports may be secured to the pivot assembly. In another embodiment, a single boom may be used.

5791410, Aug 11, 1998

Jan 17, 1997

8/783933

Dale J. Castille - Lafayette LA
Michael Webre - Lafayette LA
Donald Mosing - Lafayette LA

Frank's Casing Crew & Rental Tools, Inc. - Lafayette LA

E21B 720

166 771

An apparatus for optionally gripping and releasing a tube, said apparatus having an elevator with a set of slips for optionally gripping and releasing a tube and a spider with a set of slips for optionally gripping and releasing the other end of said tube, said elevator and spider slips being in communication one to the other by pressurized conduits, said conduits forming a pressure circuit to supply pressure to release one set of slips only when the other set of slips is gripping said tube, wherein said apparatus has improved response time, said spider may be hydraulically or pneumatically actuated and said elevator maybe pneumatically operated, and wherein said spider may be flush mounted; and methods.

5909768, Jun 8, 1999

May 2, 1998

9/071999

Dale J. Castille - Lafayette LA
Michael Webre - Lafayette LA
Donald Mosing - Lafayette LA

Frank's Casing Crews and Rental Tools, Inc. - Lafayette LA

E21B 720

166 771

An apparatus for optionally gripping and releasing a tube, said apparatus having an elevator with a set of slips for optionally gripping and releasing a tube and a spider with a set of slips for optionally gripping and releasing the other end of said tube, said elevator and spider slips being in communication one to the other by pressurized conduits, said conduits forming a pressure circuit to supply pressure to release one set of slips only when the other set of slips is gripping said tube, wherein said apparatus has improved response time, said spider may be hydraulically or pneumatically actuated and said elevator maybe pneumatically operated, and wherein said spider may be flush mounted; and methods.