Patent ID: 7350590
Filing Date: 2008-04-01
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for use in a wellbore, comprising: a housing defining a bore formed therein, the housing being located in the wellbore such that the bore is aligned with the wellbore; a valve disposed within the housing and movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the closed position substantially seals a first portion of the bore from a second portion of the bore and the open position provides a passageway to permit one or more tools lowered into the wellbore to pass through the bore; a sensor located downhole and configured to detect whether the valve is in the open position, the closed position or a position between the open position and the closed position; a second sensor configured to detect a presence of a drill string within the housing; and a monitoring and control unit configured to collect information provided by the sensors.