US Patent 7445050 Tubular running tool

An apparatus is disclosed for handling a tubular segment, coupling the tubular segment with a tubular string, and handling the tubular string in a well bore. The apparatus has a tubular engagement assembly, which connects to a drive shaft of a top drive. The tubular engagement assembly has a self-engaging ball and taper assembly that releasably engages the tubular segment. When the tubular engagement assembly connects to the drive shaft and the ball and taper assembly engages the tubular segment, any rotation in the drive shaft results in rotation of the tubular segment. This rotation allows the tubular segment to engage the tubular string.