A TOP DRIVE WELL DRILLING APPARATUS

摘要

A top drive well drilling apparatus includes a body with means for suspending the body from a drilling rig. A motor is secured to the body. The motor has a central passage defining a rotational axis. The central passage is adapted to receive a tubular drive shaft. A pipe gripping assembly is provided which underlies and is in axial alignment with the central passage. The pipe gripping assembly rotates independent of the motor for purposes of orientation.