Abstract:
A tubular running system including a torque frame, a main shaft extending through a top opening of the torque frame and rotatable by rotation apparatus, slip setting apparatus connected to the torque frame and including a levelling beam and a plurality of slip assemblies, each of the slip assemblies connected independently and pivotably to the levelling beam, and movement apparatus connected to the levelling beam for moving the slip assemblies in unison with respect to a tubular projecting into the torque frame. This Abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72 (b).

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present invention and this application claim priority under the Patent laws from and under: U.S. application Ser. No. 11/414,511 filed Apr. 28, 2006 and 60/926,679 filed Apr. 28, 2007 and PCT International Application PCT/GB2007/050192, International fining date 13 Apr. 2007—all co-owned with the present invention, and all incorporated fully herein for all purposes. This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/414,515 filed Apr. 28, 2006. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This present invention is directed to, among other things, wellbore tubular running systems; tubular handling apparatus for such systems; casing running tools; and methods of their use. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    The prior art discloses a wide variety of wellbore tubular running systems, including, but not limited to, those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,443,241; 6,637,526; 6,691,801; 6,688,394; 6,779,599; 3,915,244; 6,588,509; 5,577,566; 6,315,051; and 6,591,916; and in U.S. Applications Pub. Nos. 2005/0098352, May 12, 2005; and 2006/0249292, Nov. 29, 2006—all said patents and applications incorporated fully herein for all purposes. 
         [0006]    The prior art discloses a variety of tubular handling apparatuses, including but not limited to, those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,527,493; 6,920,926; 4,878,546; 4,126,348; 4,458,768; 6,494,273; 6,073,699; 5,755,289; and 7,013,759, all incorporated fully herein for all purposes. 
         [0007]    Certain prior tubular running systems and methods using them require controlled manipulation of a tubular through a rig V-door area using rope(s) and/or a tailing arm; stabbing board operations and other necessary manual handling of tubulars; the use of power tongs for certain functions; a relatively large number of personnel with associated expenses and stand-by costs; and a separate single joint elevator to be mated with a running tool system. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention discloses, in certain aspects, a tubular running system with a novel slip system in which each of a plurality of slip segments are individually and independently connected to a level beam. The slip segments move up and down without tangential movement and apply equal loads to a tubular. In one aspect, the level beam is located above and outside of a slip body that houses the slip segments. 
         [0009]    The present invention discloses, in certain aspects, a tubular running system with an instrumented sub adjacent a running tool. The instrumented sub has instrumentation that interfaces with the running tool and which provides measurement of the rate of rotation (rpm&#39;s) of the running tool and a measurement of the torque applied to a connection by the running tool. 
         [0010]    The present invention discloses, in certain aspects, a casing running system for both running casing and cementing the casing. 
         [0011]    The present invention discloses, in certain aspects, a tubular running system with a dedicated control loop and, in one aspect, a dedicated control panel for accomplishing a variety of functions (e.g. link tilt movement, elevator clamping, tool rotation, safety interrupts). 
         [0012]    The present invention discloses, in certain aspects, a tubular running system with hydraulic control circuits for performing a variety of functions, with hydraulic controls; or a computerized system in which the functions are automated and are effected electrically. 
         [0013]    The present invention discloses, in certain aspects, a tubular running system with an integrated swivel assembly which can hold a link tilt apparatus static while the system is holding or rotating a tubular. In certain aspects, the system swivel assembly provides terminal location for field service loops, in certain aspects eliminating the need for such connections with a top drive. 
         [0014]    The present invention discloses, in certain aspects, a tubular running system which includes: a tubular running tool (e.g., but not limited to, a casing running tool and a pipe running tool); a drive system (e.g. a rotary drive system, a power swivel system or a top drive system); and a joint handling system connected between the running tool and the top drive system. In certain particular aspects the joint handling system is a single joint system located between a running tool and a top drive. In other aspects, multiples (e.g. doubles or triples of tubulars) are handled. 
         [0015]    In certain particular aspects, the single joint handling system has two spaced-apart extensible arms between whose ends are pivotably connected to an elevator for releasably engaging a tubular. In one aspect the arms are moved toward and away from the running tool by mechanical apparatus, e.g., but not limited to, by a rotary actuator. In other aspects, one, two, or more cylinder apparatus connected at one end to the extensible arms and at the other end to the running tool or to a mount body moves) the arms toward and away from the running tool. 
         [0016]    Certain prior art running tool systems employ a relatively long lower stabbing guide to assist in the acquisition and positioning of a tubular. Certain of such guides use a relatively wide, relatively long skirt section for guiding a tubular with respect to the running tool. With certain embodiments of the present invention, the single joint handling system pulls a tubular coupling up to or into a running tool so that a relatively short, smaller stabbing section or bell can be used which results in a shorter overall system length. A compensator associated with the running tool can be used to facilitate the introduction (“soft stab”) of a pin/male tubular end into a box/female tubular end. 
         [0017]    In one aspect, after the single joint handling system elevator is connected to a tubular, the traveling equipment is raised until the tubular stand is in a vertical position under the running tool. The extensible arms are then extended to lower and “soft stab” the tubular stand into a tubular coupling of the tubular string, e.g. a string held in the slips at a rig floor rotary table. 
         [0018]    Accordingly, the present invention includes features and advantages which are believed to enable it to advance tubular running tool technology. Characteristics and advantages of the present invention described above and additional features and benefits will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and referring to the accompanying drawings. 
         [0019]    Certain embodiments of this invention are not limited to any particular individual feature disclosed here, but include combinations of them distinguished from the prior art in their structures, functions, and/or results achieved. Features of the invention have been broadly described so that the detailed descriptions that follow may be better understood, and in order that the contributions of this invention to the arts may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional aspects of the invention described below and which may be included in the subject matter of the claims to this invention. Those skilled in the art who have the benefit of this invention, its teachings, and suggestions will appreciate that the conceptions of this disclosure may be used as a creative basis for designing other structures, methods and systems for carrying out and practicing the present invention. The claims of this invention are to be read to include any legally equivalent devices or methods which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0020]    What follows are some of, but not all, the objects of this invention. In addition to the specific objects stated below for at least certain embodiments of the invention, there are other objects and purposes which will be readily apparent to one of skill in this art who has the benefit of this invention&#39;s teachings and disclosures. 
         [0021]    It is, therefore, an object of at least certain preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide new, useful, unique, efficient, nonobvious systems and methods, including, but not limited to, casing running tools, single joint handling systems, tubular running systems, and methods of their use. 
         [0022]    The present invention recognizes and addresses the problems and needs in, this area and provides a solution to those problems and a satisfactory meeting of those needs in its various possible embodiments and equivalents thereof. To one of skill in this art who has the benefits of this invention&#39;s realizations, teachings, disclosures, and suggestions, other purposes and advantages will be appreciated from the following description of certain preferred embodiments, given for the purpose of disclosure, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The detail in these descriptions is not intended to thwart this patent&#39;s object to claim this invention no matter how others may later attempt to disguise it by variations in form, changes, or additions of further improvements. 
         [0023]    The Abstract that is part hereof is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and scientists, engineers, researchers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent terms or legal terms of phraseology to determine quickly from a cursory inspection or review the nature and general area of the disclosure of this invention. The Abstract is neither intended to define the invention, which is done by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting of the scope of the invention in any way. 
         [0024]    It will be understood that the various embodiments of the present invention may include one, some, or all of the disclosed, described, and/or enumerated improvements and/or technical advantages and/or elements in claims to this invention. 
         [0025]    Certain aspects, certain embodiments, and certain preferable features of the invention are set out herein. Any combination of aspects or features shown in any aspect or embodiment can be used except where such aspects or features are mutually exclusive. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0026]    A more particular description of embodiments of the invention briefly summarized above may be had by references to the embodiments which are shown in the drawings which form a part of this specification. These drawings illustrate certain preferred embodiments and are not to be used to improperly limit the scope of the invention which may have other equally effective or legally equivalent embodiments. 
           [0027]      FIG. 1A  is a front view of a tubular running system according to the present invention with a single joint handling system according to the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 1B  is a side view of a systems of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0029]      FIG. 1C  is a side view of a systems of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0030]      FIG. 1D  is a perspective view of the system of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0031]      FIG. 1E  is a partial perspective view of part of the single joint handling system of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0032]      FIG. 1F  is a side view of a system according to the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 1G  is a perspective view of a prior art elevator. 
           [0034]      FIG. 1H  is a top cutaway view of the elevator of  FIG. 1G . 
           [0035]      FIG. 1I  is a top cutaway view of the elevator of  FIG. 1G . 
           [0036]      FIG. 1J  is a top cutaway view of the elevator of  FIG. 1G . 
           [0037]      FIG. 1K  is a top view of the elevator of  FIG. 1G . 
           [0038]      FIG. 1L  is a cross-section view of part of the elevator of  FIG. 1G . 
           [0039]      FIG. 1M  is a cross-section view of part of the elevator of  FIG. 1G . 
           [0040]      FIG. 1N  is a cross-section view of part of the elevator of  FIG. 1G . 
           [0041]      FIG. 2A  is a schematic view of part of a method according to the present invention using systems according to the present invention. 
           [0042]      FIG. 2B  is a schematic view of part of a method according to the present invention using systems according to the present invention. 
           [0043]      FIG. 2C  is a schematic view of part of a method according to the present invention using systems according to the present invention. 
           [0044]      FIG. 2D  is a schematic view of part of a method according to the present invention using systems according to the present invention. 
           [0045]      FIG. 2E  is a schematic view of part of a method according to the present invention using systems according to the present invention. 
           [0046]      FIG. 3  is a side view of a system according to the present invention. 
           [0047]      FIG. 4  is a side view of a system according to the present invention. 
           [0048]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a system according to the present invention. 
           [0049]      FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of the system of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0050]      FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of part of the system of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0051]      FIG. 5C  is a side view, partially cutaway, of the system of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0052]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a system according to the present invention. 
           [0053]      FIG. 7A  is a cross-section view of a slip setting system of the system of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0054]      FIG. 7B  is a cross-section view of the system of  FIG. 7B  showing a step in a method according to the present invention. 
           [0055]      FIG. 7C  is a cross-section view of the system of  FIG. 7B  showing a step in a method according to the present invention. 
           [0056]      FIG. 7D  is a cross-section view of the system of  FIG. 7B  showing a step in a method according to the present invention. 
           [0057]      FIG. 8A  is a top view of a link of the system of  FIG. 7B . 
           [0058]      FIG. 8B  is a top view of a link for use with systems according to the present invention. 
           [0059]      FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of a torque transducer for use with systems according to the present invention. 
           [0060]      FIG. 9B  is a side view of the torque transducer of  FIG. 9A . 
           [0061]      FIG. 9C  is a cross-section view along line  9 C- 9 C of  FIG. 9B . 
           [0062]      FIG. 9D  is an exploded view of the torque transducer of  FIG. 9A . 
           [0063]      FIG. 10A  is a top view of a strain element for use with the torque transducer of  FIG. 9A . 
           [0064]      FIG. 10B  is a cross-section view along line  10 B- 10 B of  FIG. 10A . 
           [0065]      FIG. 10C  is a cross-section view of the strain element shown in  FIG. 10B . 
           [0066]      FIG. 10D  is a circuit diagram for use with the strain element of  FIG. 10A . 
           [0067]      FIG. 11  is a side view of a system according to the present invention. 
           [0068]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a torque reaction frame of systems according to the present invention. 
           [0069]      FIG. 13  is a top view of the torque reaction frame of  FIG. 12 . 
           [0070]      FIG. 14A  is a front view of a system according to the present invention. 
           [0071]      FIG. 14B  is a side view of the system of  FIG. 14A . 
           [0072]      FIG. 14C  is a top view of the system of  FIG. 14A . 
           [0073]      FIG. 14D  is a partial perspective view of the system of  FIG. 14A . 
           [0074]      FIG. 14E  is a partial perspective view of the system of  FIG. 14A . 
           [0075]      FIG. 14F  is a partial perspective view of the system of  FIG. 14A . 
           [0076]      FIG. 14G  is a partial perspective view of the system of  FIG. 14A . 
           [0077]      FIG. 14H  is a partial cross-section view of the system of  FIG. 14A . 
           [0078]      FIG. 14I  is a partial cross-section view of the system of  FIG. 14A . 
           [0079]      FIG. 14J  is an enlargement of part of the system shown in  FIG. 14I . 
           [0080]      FIG. 14K  is a top view of the system as shown in  FIG. 14H . 
           [0081]      FIG. 14L  is a top view of the system as shown in  FIG. 14H . 
           [0082]      FIG. 14M  is a partial cross-section view of the system as shown in  FIG. 14H . 
           [0083]      FIG. 14N  is a partial cross-section view of the system of  FIG. 14A . 
           [0084]      FIG. 14O  is an enlargement of part of the system as shown in  FIG. 14N . 
           [0085]      FIG. 14P  is an enlargement of part of the system as shown in  FIG. 14N . 
           [0086]      FIG. 14Q  is an enlargement of part of the system as shown in  FIG. 14N . 
           [0087]      FIG. 14R  is an enlargement of part of the system as shown in  FIG. 14N . 
           [0088]      FIG. 14S  is a side view partially in cross-section of the system of  FIG. 14A . 
           [0089]      FIG. 14T  is a partial view partially in cross-section of the part shown in  FIG. 14S . 
           [0090]      FIG. 15A  is a perspective view of part of the system as shown in  FIG. 14A . 
           [0091]      FIG. 15B  is a perspective view of part of the system as shown in  FIG. 14A . 
           [0092]      FIG. 15C  is a perspective view of part of the system as shown in  FIG. 14A . 
           [0093]      FIG. 15D  is an enlargement of part of the system as shown in  FIG. 15A . 
           [0094]      FIG. 15E  is a cross-section view of the system as shown in  FIG. 15A . 
           [0095]      FIG. 15F  is an enlargement of part of the system as shown in  FIG. 15A . 
           [0096]      FIG. 15G  is a perspective view, partially exploded, of part of the system as shown in  FIG. 15A . 
           [0097]      FIG. 16A  is a; top perspective view of a slip body of the system of  FIG. 14A . 
           [0098]      FIG. 16B  is a bottom perspective view of the slip body of  FIG. 16A . 
           [0099]      FIG. 16C  is an enlargement of a lock of the slip body of  FIG. 16A . 
           [0100]      FIG. 16D  is a top schematic view of the body  340  with slips  374 . 
           [0101]      FIG. 17A  is an exploded perspective view of a swivel assembly of the system of  FIG. 14A . 
           [0102]      FIG. 17B  is a view of part of the swivel assembly of  FIG. 17A . 
           [0103]      FIG. 17C  is a top view of the part of  FIG. 17B . 
           [0104]      FIG. 17D  is a side view of the part of  FIG. 17B . 
           [0105]      FIG. 18A  is a cross-section view of part of the system of  FIG. 14A . 
           [0106]      FIG. 18B  is a cross-section view of part of the system of  FIG. 14A  showing a step in a method according to the present invention. 
           [0107]      FIG. 18C  is a cross-section view of part of the system of  FIG. 14A  showing a step in a method according to the present invention after the step of  FIG. 18B . 
           [0108]      FIG. 18D  is a cross-section view of part of the system of  FIG. 14A  showing a step in a method according to the present invention after the step of  FIG. 18C . 
           [0109]      FIG. 19  is a schematic view of a system according to the present invention. 
           [0110]      FIG. 20A  is a perspective view of a control panel of the system of  FIG. 19 . 
           [0111]      FIG. 20B  is a side view of the control panel of  FIG. 20A . 
           [0112]      FIG. 20C  is a front view of the control panel of  FIG. 20A . 
           [0113]      FIG. 20D  is a rear view of the control panel of  FIG. 20A . 
           [0114]      FIG. 21A  is a top view of a cable bundle for systems according to the present invention. 
           [0115]      FIG. 21B  is a cross-section view of the cable bundle of  FIG. 21A . 
           [0116]      FIG. 21C  is a side view of a service loop support according to the present invention. 
           [0117]      FIG. 22  is a schematic view of a control panel according to the present invention. 
           [0118]      FIG. 22A  is a schematic view of an hydraulic circuit for systems according to the present invention. 
           [0119]      FIG. 22B  is an enlargement of part of the circuit of  FIG. 22A . 
           [0120]      FIG. 22C  is an enlargement of part of the circuit of  FIG. 22A . 
           [0121]      FIG. 22D  is a schematic view of a control panel according to the present invention. 
           [0122]      FIG. 23A  is a perspective cross-section view of a valve assembly according to the present invention. 
           [0123]      FIG. 23B  is a partial view of parts of the assembly of  FIG. 23A . 
           [0124]      FIG. 23C  is a cross-section view of part of the assembly of  FIG. 23A . 
           [0125]      FIG. 23D  is a perspective view of part of a control panel according to the present invention with valve assemblies as in  FIG. 23A . 
           [0126]      FIG. 23E  is a side cross-section view of the part of the assembly of  FIG. 23D . 
           [0127]      FIG. 23F  is a schematic for the assembly of  FIG. 23A . 
           [0128]      FIG. 24  is a schematic view of an hydraulic circuit related to an elevator in a system according to the present invention. 
           [0129]      FIG. 25  is a schematic view of an hydraulic circuit for systems according to the present invention. 
           [0130]      FIG. 25A  is an enlargement of part of the circuit of  FIG. 25 . 
           [0131]      FIG. 25B  is an enlargement of part of the circuit of  FIG. 25 . 
           [0132]      FIG. 25C  is an enlargement of part of the circuit of  FIG. 25 . 
           [0133]      FIG. 26  is a schematic view of an hydraulic circuit for systems according to the present invention. 
           [0134]      FIG. 26A  is an enlargement of part of the circuit of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0135]      FIG. 26B  is an enlargement of part of the circuit of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0136]      FIG. 27A  is a schematic view of a system according to the present invention. 
           [0137]      FIG. 27B  is a side view of part of the system of  FIG. 27A . 
           [0138]      FIG. 27C  is a perspective view of a manifold of the system of  FIG. 27B . 
           [0139]      FIG. 27D  is a side view of a touch screen system of the system of  FIG. 27A . 
           [0140]      FIG. 27E  is a perspective view of a touch screen apparatus of the system of  FIG. 27D . 
           [0141]      FIG. 27F  shows schematically parts of the apparatus of  FIG. 27E . 
       
    
    
       [0142]    Presently preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the above-identified figures and described in detail below. Various aspects and features of embodiments of the invention are described below and some are set out in the dependent claims. Any combination of aspects and/or features described below or shown in the dependent claims can be used except where such aspects and/or features are mutually exclusive. It should be understood that the appended drawings and description herein are of preferred embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention or the appended claims. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In showing and describing the preferred embodiments, like or identical reference numerals are used to identify common or similar elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic in the interest of clarity and conciseness. 
         [0143]    As used herein and throughout all the various portions (and headings) of this patent, the terms “invention”, “present invention” and variations thereof mean one or more embodiment, and are not intended to mean the claimed invention of any particular appended claim(s) or all of the appended claims. Accordingly, the subject or topic of each such reference is not automatically or necessarily part of, or required by, any particular claim(s) merely because of such reference. So long as they are not mutually exclusive or contradictory any aspect or feature or combination of aspects or features of any embodiment disclosed herein may be used in any other embodiment disclosed herein. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0144]    This is a description of embodiments of the present invention preferred at the time of filing for this patent. 
         [0145]      FIGS. 1A-1D  show a system  10  according to the present invention which includes a tubular running tool system  20 ; a drive system  30  (shown schematically,  FIGS. 1A ,  1 D; e.g., but not limited to, a top drive system); and a single joint handling system  50  according to the present invention. The tubular running system  20  may be any suitable known tubular running tool apparatus and, in one particular aspect, is a casing running tool system, e.g., but not limited to, a known casing running tool Model CRT  14  as is commercially available from National Oilwell Varco, owner of the present invention. In one particular aspect, the system  20  is a system according to the present invention (any disclosed herein). 
         [0146]    The drive system  30  (as is true for any system according to the present invention disclosed herein) can be any suitable known top drive system or power swivel system that can rotate tubulars which is connectible to a derrick D. Optionally a drive system is used with an upper IBOP U and a lower IBOP L. In one aspect the drive system is a National Oilwell Varco TDS 11 500 ton system. 
         [0147]    The single joint handling system  50  has a base  53  with two spaced-apart beams  51 ,  52  connected by a crossmember  54 . Each beam  51 ,  52  is pivotably connected to a corresponding shaft  53 ,  54  (which may be a single unitary shaft through the mount body) projecting from a mount body (or “swivel assembly”)  55 . Arms  61 ,  62  are extensibly mounted on the beams  51 ,  52 , respectively. Cylinder/piston apparatuses  56  (shown schematically) within the beams and arms (and connected thereto) move the arms  61 ,  62  with respect to the beams  51 ,  52 . Hoses  57 ,  58  provide power fluid to the cylinder/piston apparatuses  56  (e.g. from a typical power fluid source on a rig). A single joint elevator  60  is pivotably connected to ends  71 ,  72  of the arms  61 ,  62 . Any suitable known elevator may be used. In one particular aspect, the elevator is a Model SJH commercially available from National Oilwell Varco. According to the present invention, such an elevator is modified to be remotely-operable with a closed feedback system. In one aspect a tilt system  70  provides selective controlled tilting of the elevator  60 . The tilt system  70  has a piston-cylinder apparatus  73  interconnected between the arm  61  and a body  65  of the elevator  60 . A line  66  connects the system  70  to a control system CS (shown schematically,  FIG. 1E ), e.g., a rig control system, a TRS (trademark) system, a top drive control system (e.g., but not limited to, a known National Oilwell Varco Driller&#39;s Control Station, or a stand alone driller&#39;s control system and station that is temporarily or permanently installed on, with, or into an existing rig control system). 
         [0148]    In one embodiment pivot cylinder apparatuses  81 ,  82  are connected between the mount body  55  and the beams  51 ,  52 . Hoses  57 ,  58  provide power fluid (e.g. from a rig power source PS, shown schematically,  FIG. 1D ) to the cylinder apparatuses  56  and  81 ,  82 . Each cylinder apparatus  81 ,  82  has one end connected to a shaft  91 ,  92 , respectively, projecting from the mount body  55  and an end of a piston  83 ,  84 , respectively, connected to one of the beams  51 ,  52 . Extension and retraction of the pistons  83 ,  84  results in movement of the arms  61 ,  62  with respect to the running system  20 . Optionally, the pivot cylinder apparatuses  81 ,  82  are connected to the system  20  or to structure above the system  20 . Optionally, only one pivot cylinder apparatus is used. 
         [0149]    A pin  95  projecting form the mount body  55  projects into a fixture  32  of the pipe handler  34 , e.g. a torque tube of a pipe handler  34  to react torque generated by the tubular running system  20  into the fixture  32  (and to structure interconnected therewith) and to prevent rotation of the system  50  with the system  20 . Optionally, as shown in  FIG. 2E , a pin  96  (or multiple pins) extend from the mount body  55  into a stabbing bell  39  of the drive system  30  which prevent the system  50  from rotating with the system  20 . 
         [0150]    In certain aspects, a system  50  according to the present invention falls within a width envelope of a top drive system above it. 
         [0151]      FIG. 1F  shows another embodiment of a system  10   a , like the system  10 , and like numerals indicate like parts. The system  10   a  has no pivot cylinder apparatuses  81 ,  82 . The beams  51 , (one shown in  FIG. 1F ; as in  FIG. 1A ); connected arms (not shown; as in  FIG. 1A ); and elevator (not shown; as in  FIG. 1A ) are moved toward and away from the running tool system by a mechanical apparatus  74  that rotates the shaft  53   a  a single shaft extending through the mount body  55  to which both beams are connected. In one particular aspect the mechanical apparatus  74  is a rotary actuator apparatus with parts  74   a ,  74   b  interconnected with the shaft  53   a  (or two rotary actuator apparatuses if each beam is mounted to a separate shaft, e.g. shafts  53 ,  54 ). 
         [0152]      FIGS. 2A-2E  illustrate one method according to the present invention using a system  10  according to the present invention to move casing on a rig R (e.g. a typical drilling rig system) above a wellbore W. As shown in  FIG. 2A  the drive system  30  has been lowered and the arms  61 ,  62  have been extended toward a piece or joint of casing C in the V-door area V of the rig R having a rig floor FR. The elevator  60  is latched onto the piece or joint of casing C below a coupling CG of the casing C. Such a step is used in adding a joint of casing to a casing string either during the typical casing of an already-drilled bore or in a casing-drilling operations. Sensors SR (shown schematically) indicate to the control system CS the extent of extension of the arms  61 ,  62 ; the angle of the beams  51 ,  52  with respect to the system  20 ; and the latch status of the elevator  60 . 
         [0153]    As shown in  FIG. 2B , the joint of casing C has been hoisted upwardly by raising the system  10  in the derrick. Optionally tailing rope(s) and/or tailing arms(s) are used to support the joint C during this movement. In one aspect no such rope(s) or arm(s) are used and the system  50  supports the joint C. 
         [0154]    As shown in  FIG. 2C , the joint of casing C has been moved over the wellbore W in line with a string ST of casing. The coupling CG has been pulled up within the running tool system  20  by the single joint handling system  50  by retracting the arms  61 ,  62 . 
         [0155]      FIG. 2D  illustrates lowering of the joint of casing C down to the top joint of the casing string ST for threaded mating and connection therewith. The system  10  is then lowered so that the coupling CG is located within the running tool system  20  so that holding slips  29  within the system  20  can be set on the body of the casing joint C and not on the coupling (see  FIG. 2E , coupling CG and slips  29  in dotted lines). The other systems described below have, in certain methods, similar operation steps. 
         [0156]    The present invention, therefore, provides in some, but not in necessarily all, embodiments a tubular running system including: a running tool system for running wellbore tubulars; a tubular handling system connected to the running tool system; the tubular handling system having two arms comprising two spaced-apart extensible arms extendable in length and movable toward and away from the running tool system. Such a method may have one or some, in any possible combination, of the following: an elevator connected to the arms for releasably engaging a tubular to be moved with respect to the running tool system; the tubular handling system is a single joint handling system; a tubular to be handled by the tubular handling system is connected to at least one additional tubular; the tubular to be handled is connected to two additional tubulars; the tubular running system including engagement apparatus connected to the two arms for selectively engaging a tubular; wherein the two arms are sufficiently extensible and movable to move the tubular up to the running tool; wherein the wellbore tubulars are casing; a body positioned above the running tool system, and the two arms pivotably connected to the body; pivoting apparatus connected to the two arms for moving the two arms with respect to the running tool; wherein the two arms are connected to movable shaft apparatus on the body, the tubular running system further including the pivoting apparatus including rotation apparatus for rotating the movable shaft apparatus to move the two arms toward and away from the running tool system; pivoting apparatus having a first end and a second end, the first end pivotably connected to the body and spaced-apart from the two arms, and the second end pivotably connected to the two arms; a drive system connected to and above the running tool system; and/or wherein the drive system is a top drive system for wellbore operations. 
         [0157]    The present invention, therefore, provides in some, but not in necessarily all, embodiments a method for running tubulars, the method including engaging a tubular with a joint engagement apparatus of a tubular running system as any disclosed herein with a running tool system according to the present invention; and moving the tubular to the running tool system with the joint handling system. Such a method may have one or some, in any possible combination, of the following: wherein the arms of the tubular running system are sufficiently extendable and movable to move the joint into the running tool system, and moving the joint into the running tool system; wherein the joint engagement apparatus is an elevator; wherein the tubular running system includes a body positioned above the running tool system, the two arms pivotably connected to the body, and pivoting the arms with respect to the running tool system; wherein the tubular running system further comprises a drive system connected to and above the running tool system; and/or wherein the drive system is a top drive system for wellbore operations. 
         [0158]      FIG. 3  shows a system  10   b  according to the present invention, (like the system  10 ,  FIG. 1A , like numerals indicate like parts). The system  10   b  has a control system  22  which is in communication with the tubular running system  20  and with a rig control system RCS. The rig control system RCS may be any known rig control system including, but not limited to, the commercially available AMPHION (trademark) system of National Oilwell Varco. 
         [0159]    The control system  22  includes control apparatus in communication with hydraulic lines, valves, and circuits for the joint handling system  50  and the running tool system  20 . The control system  22  may be run by a driller from a console. Each function of the systems  20  and  50  can be accomplished using the control system  22 . Also, all of these functions can be done automatically, e.g., in concert with an AMPHION (trademark) system or by the control system  22 . 
         [0160]      FIG. 4  shows a system  10   c  according to the present invention (like the system  10 ,  FIG. 1A  (like numerals indicate like parts). The system  10   c  has an instrumented sub  24  located above the running tool system  26  (e.g. like the running tool system  20 ,  FIG. 1A  or any known running tool system). The instrumented sub  24  measures the rotation of the running tool system  20  and provides a signal indicative of this rotation in revolutions per minute. The instrumented sub  24  measures the torque applied to a connection. The instrumented sub  24  is in communication with the control system and provides signals indicative of rotation speed and applied torque. 
         [0161]      FIGS. 5-5C  show a tool system T according to the present invention which performs the functions of a casing running tool (e.g. for pieces of casing CA) and, in one aspect, of a cementing system. As shown in  FIG. 5A  the system T has an automated hydraulically operated single joint handling system  1 ; an adjustable link-tilt frame  2 ; a fill and circulation tool  3 ; a cylinder assembly  4  for the frame  2 ; and a twist lock structure  5  for easy access to slips within a slips system  7 . In one aspect, the single joint handling system is remotely operated with the system hydraulically operated or air operated and a “set” signal is provided from the handling system to the operator. In certain aspects, such a system T eliminates stabbing-board operations and requires less manual handling of tubulars; and in certain particular aspects, there are no power casing tong operations and work platforms are removed. In certain aspects, the system T includes an integral compensator that reduces the risk of damage due to cross-threaded tubulars. Such a system T assures that casing can be set to the casing point with the ability to push casing to bottom, fill, circulate, rotate and reciprocate. 
         [0162]    Such a system T (since it has the single joint elevator system, rigid link hoist and stabbing assembly, fill and circulation tool and compensator in one assembly) has less equipment to rig up. A single load path design eliminates links. An operator can determine and control running/tripping speed, spin-in, and make-up torques. When running mixed strings, size components can be changed in a short time (e.g. minutes) using the twist-lock design and the insert carrier/slip design (e.g. insert carriers from 4.5 inches to 9⅝ inches). 
         [0163]    In certain aspects, pipe sensors are used with the system T to detect the casing coupling so the slips set automatically at the correct position, ensuring casing connection integrity. 
         [0164]    The fill and circulation tool enables fast change out of seals and guide elements when mixed strings are run; inhibits or prevents spills of expensive fluids; and reduces the risk of environmental incidents. In one aspect, a catch plate directly operates the fill and circulation tool. An optional camera system CM (shown schematically,  FIG. 5C ) provides visual confirmation of the slip set function and fill-up tool position. In certain aspects, a drawworks stop signal presented by the system T to the operator tells the operator that the system T is lowered to its correct position to set the slips and that the driller can/must stop lowering the system T/Top Drive combination by stopping the drawworks. 
         [0165]      FIG. 5C  shows the system T with a visible levelling beam VB and with the slips system  7 . In certain particular aspects, a system T has these specifications and dimensions: 
       Specifications And Dimensions 
       [0166]      
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 API 8C Hoist Rating 
                 350 tons/317 M tons 
               
               
                 Casing Size 
                 4½″ to 9⅝″ 
               
               
                 Fill-Up and Circulation 
                 4½″ to 9⅝″ circulation 
               
               
                   
                 &amp; fill-up 
               
               
                   
                 (fill-up, circulate, and 
               
               
                   
                 recovery over the full 
               
               
                   
                 range) 
               
               
                 Maximum Mud Circulation Pressure 
                 5,000 psi/34,500 KPa 
               
               
                 Rotational speed 
                 0-20 rpm 
               
               
                 Weight 
                 7,700 lbs/3,493 kg 
               
               
                 Maximum Push Down Force 
                 20,000 lbs/9,072 kg 
               
               
                 Transport skid 
                 Complies to DnV rules for 
               
               
                   
                 Lifting Appliances. 
               
               
                 Temperature Range 
                 −20° to +40° [Celsius] 
               
               
                 Maximum Torque 
                 35,000 ft. lb. 
               
               
                 Diameter of CRT body 
                 31½″ 
               
               
                 Height* 
                 120½″ (compensator in 
               
               
                   
                 neutral position) 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 *Stackup length is from TDS Bell Guide 
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0167]      FIG. 6  shows a system  100  according to the present invention. The system  100  has a main shaft (like that of any system according to the present invention disclosed herein) and a swivel assembly  155 . The main shaft is the primary load supporting part of the tubular running system and has a load shoulder (like that of any system according to the present invention disclosed herein) that transfers tubular weight from the slips and slip body to the shaft. The swivel assembly  155  is an integrated swivel assembly interconnected with a link tilt system (like the link tilt system  50 ,  FIG. 1A  or like that of any system according to the present invention disclosed herein). The integrated swivel assembly  155  holds the link tilt system static while the link tilt system is holding a pipe and while the pipe is rotating. 
         [0168]    The integrated swivel assembly  155  can also serve as a terminal point for field service loops. 
         [0169]    A fill-up and circulation tool according to the present invention may be incorporated into the system  100 . 
         [0170]    The system  100  has a slip setting system  200  with a leveling beam  210  (like that of any system according to the present invention disclosed herein) to which are connected a plurality of movable slip segments. The beam is visible. It is within the scope of the present invention to employ any desired number of slip segments, e.g. two, three, four or more. Each slip segment is connected to the leveling beam  210  with a link  214  (see  FIG. 8A ) which is pivotably pinned at one end  215  with a pin  216  through a slot  233  to the leveling beam and pivotally pinned at the other end  217  with a pin  218  through a hole  217   a  to a corresponding slip segment. 
         [0171]    The leveling beam is connected to lifter apparatuses  220  (like that of any system according to the present invention disclosed herein). The lifter apparatuses  220  raise and lower the leveling beam  210 . 
         [0172]    In one particular aspect of a slip setting system  200  according to the present invention, there are three independent slip segments (e.g., as in any system according to the present invention described herein with three slips). There is no connection between adjacent slip segments. The three slip segments when moving up and down, move radially with respect to a pipe without any tangential movement. Ideally then the three slip segments form a circle around a pipe and apply identical loads to the pipe. Thus an overall balanced load is applied to the pipe when it is engaged simultaneously by the three slip segments. The slips are pushed down via sliding push blocks instead of typical slip brackets. 
         [0173]      FIGS. 7B-7D  illustrate steps in a slip setting method according to the present invention with a running tool system  100  having a slip setting system  200 . As shown in  FIG. 7B  the slips have been raised and the slip segments  211 - 213  are not engaging a tubular As shown in  FIG. 7C  the leveling body  210  has been lowered by the apparatuses  220  and the slip segments  211 - 213  (one shown) have been moved down and radially inward to grip a pipe P, but without yet penetrating the pipe P. As shown in  FIG. 7D , the slip segments  211 - 213  have moved down to the farthest extent of their travel possible and have penetrated the pipe P, engaging it. 
         [0174]    The slip segments  211 - 213  are housed within a slip body  222  which has recesses  223 ,  224  and a projection  225  which co-act with a slip segment projections  226   a  and  226   b  to releasably hold the slip segments  211 - 213  in place within a body bore  236 . 
         [0175]    Each link  214  has a body  231  with a top handle  232  and a top slot  233 . The pin  218  is in hole  235 . The pin  216  is movable within the slot  233 . Thus, when a slip segment  211 - 213  is being lifted from the bore  236  of the slip body  222 , the pin  216  pulls the link and thus the slip segment comes up and out of engagement with a tubular. When the slip segments are lowered and pushed down by the links  214  into engagement with a tubular, the links  214  reach a point in their travel at which the pins  216  move within the slots  233  and the links  214  no longer push down on the pins  216  and thus no longer push the slip segments down. On the bottom of the leveling beam  210 , push down blocks  234  protrude downwards toward the upper surfaces  235  of the slips. When the leveling beam  210  travels down, gravity allows the individual slip segments to fall into the bore  236  of the slip body  222 . As soon as the slip segments touch the pipe OD, they stop traveling down until the push down blocks  234  on the leveling beam  210  are in contact with all slip segments  211 - 213  and push down all three slip segments  211 - 213  evenly, simultaneously and purely axially downwards. No radial forces act on slip segments  211 - 213 . The individual slip segments  211 - 213  are thus free to find their theoretically optimum position around the OD-circle of the pipe.  FIG. 8B  shows an alternate shape for links  214   a  for the slips. The links  214   a  have pin openings  233   a  and  235   a.    
         [0176]    In certain particular aspects torque is measured in a system according to the present invention (e.g. any described herein) using a torque transducer assembly  1300  as shown in  FIGS. 9A-9D . The assembly  1300  includes an inner ring  1302 , a sliding bearing  1304 , an outer ring  1306 , a strain element  1308 , a sliding bearing  1312 , a bearing retainer  1314 , and bolts  1309  for the strain element  1308 . The inner ring  1302  has a channel  1303  therethrough and splines  1305 . Bolts  1313  secure a retainer  1317  over a spherical bearing  1316  mounted in a reaction bracket  1311  attached to the outer ring  1306  with bolts  1301 . The spherical bearing  1316  engages the strain element  1308  (connection  1315  for strain element in  FIGS. 10A-10C ). 
         [0177]    In certain aspects using systems according to the present invention, torque is applied from a top drive motor to the splines  1305  of the inner ring  1302  through a splined shaft (not shown). The inner ring  1302  transfers the torque to the strain element  1308  which in turn transfers the torque through the spherical bearing  1316  to the outer ring  1306  through the reaction bracket  1311 . The outer ring  1306  transfers the torque through a bottom flange  1307  to the running tool system (e.g. as in  FIG. 4  or  FIG. 5 ) frame and body. 
         [0178]      FIGS. 10A-10C  show a strain element  1308  with its connection  1315 .  FIG. 10D  shows one typical wiring circuit  1310  for use with the assembly  1300 . 
         [0179]      FIG. 11  shows a system  800  according to the present invention with a casing running tool  830  according to the present invention. The system  800  includes a top drive  802 , gooseneck  804 , link adapter  806 , link tilt  808 , connection clamps  812  and  814 , lower IBOP  816 , guide beam  818 , and pipe handler  822 . The casing running tool  830  has a torque reaction frame  840  (see also  FIGS. 12 ,  13 ) connected to the top of the tool  830  and is movably connected to and guided by the guide beam  818 . 
         [0180]    A main shaft  832  (like the shaft  170 ,  FIG. 6 ) has a splined connection with a torque frame  850  to allow the transmission of torque from the top drive  802  to slips in a slip assembly  860  (like the slip setting system  200  described above) and hence to casing being run with the tool  830 . A crossover sub is used to adapt the shaft for connection to the top drive connection (or to a lower IBOP). 
         [0181]    The casing running tool  830  has a joint handling system  836  (e.g. like the system  50  described above). 
         [0182]    Any suitable known fill and circulation tool may be used with systems according to the present invention; e.g., such a tool includes an internal ball valve for controlling mud flow through the system. 
         [0183]      FIGS. 14A-14R  show a running tool system  300  which is similar to the system  100 ,  FIG. 6 . The system  300  has a main shaft  302  which is the main load supporting part of the system  300  and which is shown connected to a top drive system which includes a shaft TS, a lower internal blowout preventer TB, a pipe handler TP, a link tilt apparatus TL and a top drive TD (shown schematically). A crossover sub TC facilitates connection of the main shaft  302  to the lower internal blowout preventer TB. 
         [0184]    The main shaft  302  has a load bearing shoulder  307  that transfers tubular weight (e.g. casing weight) from a slips system (described below) and a slip body  340  (described below) through the torque frame  310  to the main shaft  302 . The main shaft  302  transmits torque from the top drive TD of the top drive system TT to the system  300 . A torque backup assembly  305  with a cover  304  is connected to a stationary part  306  of a swivel assembly  308  preventing the stationary part of the swivel assembly  308  from rotating. The torque backup assembly  305  is also connected to a guide beam GB which is connected to a rig derrick (not shown). 
         [0185]    A torque frame  310  transfers torque from the top drive system TT to tubulars (e.g. casing) engaged by a slip system (described below) of the system  300 . This torque frame  310  also transmits hoisting loads to the main shaft  302  and transmits torque to the slips (described below). 
         [0186]    A link tilt assembly  320  has arms  322  which support a single joint elevator  330 . The single joint elevator  330  picks up a single tubular (e.g. a single joint of casing) from a rig&#39;s V-door and hoists the tubular to a vertical position for stabbing at wellcenter. 
         [0187]    The tops of the arms  322  of the link tilt assembly  320  are pivotably connected to the swivel assembly  308  and are movable by powered cylinder apparatuses  312  connected to the arms  322  and to the swivel assembly  308 . Each arm  322  includes a link  324  which transfers load from the elevator  330  to the arms  322  while allowing the elevator  330  to pivot with respect to lower portions of the system  300 . 
         [0188]    A guard  314  connected to brackets  327  connected to the torque frame  310  protects various cylinders, plumbing and pneumatic valves. A manifold  316  distributes power fluid for the apparatus  312 , houses valves of the link tilt assembly  320 , and provides a mounting location for various fittings of the link tilt assembly  320 . 
         [0189]    A receiver (or “bell guide”)  318  facilitates entry of a tubular into the slip body  340 . A bottom guide  377  (see  FIG. 18A ) is above the receiver  318 . 
         [0190]    As shown in  FIGS. 14D and 14E , a compensator apparatus  326  with three compensator assemblies  326   a ,  326   b ,  326   c  connected to brackets  327  (connected to the torque frame  310  via a splined structure  364 ) and to the main shaft  302  at their lower ends. These compensator assemblies transfer the weight of the torque frame  310 , the slip body  340 , and a tubular gripped by the slips to the main shaft  302 , reducing tubular thread damage during joint make-up by the system  300 . 
         [0191]    A slips cylinder assembly  350  has three powered slips cylinder apparatuses  350   a ,  350   b , and  350   c  which move the slips  374  (described below) to grip and release a tubular. Each powered slips cylinder apparatus  350   a ,  350   b ,  350   c  has a corresponding manifold  352   a ,  352   b ,  352   c  which provides a plumbing bulkhead for hoses, valves, pressure test fittings and fittings for a particular power slips cylinder apparatus. 
         [0192]    Each of the powered slips cylinder apparatuses  350   a ,  350   b ,  350   c  has one end connected to the torque frame  310  and another opposite end connected to a levelling beam  360 . Slips  374  described below are connected to links  376  connected to the levelling beam  360 . Upon activation, the three powered slip and cylinder apparatuses move in unison, thereby moving levelling beam  360  and the slips  374  to contact and clamp a tubular within the system  300  or to release it. 
         [0193]    Bayonet mounts  319  on the torque frame  310  are used to releasably connect the slip body  340  to the torque frame  310 . Projections  313  on the torque frame  310  corresponding to the recesses  343  on the slip body  340  insure proper positioning of the slip body  340 . Vertical loads and torque are transmitted through the bayonet connection. 
         [0194]    As shown in  FIGS. 14D ,  14 E,  14 H,  14 I,  14 M, and  14 N, the main shaft  302  has a splined portion  302   a  which transmits torque from the main shaft  302  to the corresponding splined structure  364  of the torque frame  310 . This torque is then transmitted to the slips  374 . A bushing assembly  367  in which moves a portion  302   b  of the main shaft  302  maintains the main shaft  302  coaxial with the torque frame  310 . 
         [0195]      FIG. 14P  is an enlargement of part of the system as shown in  FIG. 14N  and shows the interface between the main shaft  302   b  and the busing assembly  367 . 
         [0196]      FIG. 14Q  is an enlargement of part of the system as shown in  FIG. 14N  illustrating the connection of a piston  326   p  of the compensator  326   a  to a retainer frame  369 . 
         [0197]      FIG. 14R  is an enlargement of part of the system of  FIG. 14N  and shows the load shoulder  307  of the main shaft  302 . 
         [0198]    A bottom thread  302   t  of the main shaft  302  connects the main shaft  302  to a mandrel  370   c  which provides a connection for a fill-and-circulation tool  370 . The fill-and-circulation tool  370  has a mud valve  372  that opens automatically upon the entry of tubular into the system to fill a tubular (e.g. casing) with drilling mud upon insertion of the tubular into the tool and closes automatically to block leakage of mud upon removal of the tubular. 
         [0199]    A slips control system includes the levelling beam  360 , a catch plate assembly  380 , an actuation valve  378 , the powered slips cylinder apparatuses  350   a - 350   c , and the manifolds  352   a - 352   c . Projections  382  project from part  384  of the levelling beam  360 . The projections  382  move in unison and provide a “push-down” force to engage the slips  374  on a tubular with force from the slip cylinder apparatuses and allow the application of torque without slipping (or with minimal slipping) of the slips  374  on the tubular. The projections  382  are shown in contact with the tops of the slips  374  in  FIG. 18C . The catch plate assembly  380  has a tubular structure with a concentric inner tube  380   t  that rides on the mandrel  370   c . Gussets  380   b  locate the inner tube  380   t  with respect to an outer tube  380   r  and also support a bottom plate  380   a . An actuator plate  380   p  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 18A ) of the tool  370  attached to the bottom plate  380   a.    
         [0200]      FIGS. 15A-15F  illustrate the link tilt assembly  320  and the swivel assembly  308  and various details of their parts and components. The torque backup assembly  305  includes a slide assembly  400  with slide members  402  each connected to a slide arm  404  connected to a stabilizer ring  406  which is bolted with bolts  408  to an adapter ring  412  of the link tilt assembly  320 . The sliding members allow the accommodations of different guide beam placements in a derrick and allow adjustability to accommodate a variety of top drive torque reaction beams. The assembly  305  also holds the pivoting arms in a desired orientation and direction. 
         [0201]    The adapter ring  412  is secured with bolts  422  on one side of a turntable bearing  412   a  and the other side is bolted to a link tilt frame  414 . Turnbuckle apparatuses  416  secured to a mount  418  on the stabilizer ring  406  allow adjustment of the slide arms to the guide beam GB. 
         [0202]    The slide members  402  move up and down on the guide beam GB ( FIG. 14B ). The manifold  316  is secured to the link tilt frame  414 . A load holding manifold  424  is directly connected to the cylinder apparatuses  312  and prevents movement of the link tilt assembly  320  if a hose breaks. A load holding valve  424   a  (shown schematically) prevents hydraulic fluid flow out of the cylinder apparatuses unless a pilot signal is received by the valve  424   a . A bracket  426  extends between the arms  322  which move in unison. The link tilt frame  414  supports a service loop bulkhead  430  and connections  446  for the service loop; and protects parts of the system, e.g. when the system is horizontal or on a flat surface. 
         [0203]    Swivel fittings  438  allow pivoting motion of the cylinders apparatuses  312  without limitation by hoses between the manifold  316  and the apparatuses  312 . 
         [0204]    A link tilt swivel  440  which includes the body  414  allows a plurality of pressurized circuits (e.g. eight) to be in fluid communication between the link tilt assembly  320  and the rotating torque frame  310 . 
         [0205]    The link tilt swivel  440  includes an outer body  440   j , a stem  440   a , seals  440   b , bearing  440   c , retaining ring  440   d , cover plate  440   e , and dust shield  440   f . The stem  440   a  is positioned on the main shaft  302  with a shoulder  440   g  and held in place, e.g. with a friction lock clamp  440   h  ( FIG. 17C ). The shoulder  440   g  and clamp  440   h  transfer vertical loads from the link tilt assembly  320  to the main shaft  302 . Hydraulic pressure is reduced by valves  440   i  ( FIG. 15A ) in an inlet manifold  316   b  prior to the pressure passing through the swivel. This reduces the pressure on the seals and extends their life. The pressure is then increased with an hydraulic booster  491  ( FIG. 14H ) to the required working pressure to provide sufficient power for desired operations. 
         [0206]    Hoist rings  442  are connected to the link tilt frame  414 . A pressure filter  452  connected to the inlet manifold  316   b  receives pressurized fluid from the service loop and transmits it to the inlet manifold  316   b . This filter  452  protects pressurized hydraulic circuits of the system from particle contamination. A filter regulator  454  controls air pressure supplied from the service loop to the pneumatic compensators  326   a - 326   c . The inlet manifold  316   b  provides hydraulic oil distribution and various control functions to the hydraulic components in the system. 
         [0207]      FIG. 15E  shows the connection of a powered cylinder apparatus  312  to the link tilt frame  414 . A pin  462  secures an end of the apparatus  312  to the frame  414 . 
         [0208]      FIG. 16A  is a top view and  FIG. 16B  is a bottom view of the slip body  340 . Bayonet mounts  464  on the body  340  act with the bayonet mounts of the torque frame  310  to secure the body  340  to the torque frame  310 . Locks  472  are movable into engagement with projections  313  of the torque frame  310  to releasably hold the bayonet mounts secure during service. 
         [0209]    Grease fittings  479  provide a lubrication port for greasing the slips  374 . The receiver  318  (or “bell guide”) is bolted to the body  340  with bolts  476 . Bolts  477  bolt a bottom guide  377  to the body  340 . The recesses  478  are optional casting voids for weight reduction. 
         [0210]      FIG. 16C  shows a locking pin  474  for holding the lock  472  in position. A pin  482  holds the pin  474  in place. A grease fitting  481  is used for lubricating the lock  472 . A pin  473  locks the lock  472  in engaged position. 
         [0211]    Slips  374  as described below are located in an interior bowl channel  485  in the body  340 . 
         [0212]      FIG. 18A  shows part of the system of  FIG. 14A . The torque frame  310  houses a detection valve apparatus which has a valve  378  that is operated by contact with a catch plate assembly  380  when the catch plate assembly  380  is adjacent the detection valve apparatus  378 . The catch plate assembly  380  is around a mandrel  370   c . The valve  378  directs hydraulic power fluid to the apparatuses  350   a - 350   c  which are connected to the torque frame  310  (e.g. see the connection of the apparatuses  220 ,  FIGS. 7A ,  7 B). 
         [0213]    Each of three slips  374  is spaced apart around the bowl  485  (as shown schematically in  FIG. 16D ). Each slip  374  is pivotably connected to a lower end of a link  376  (which may be like any link disclosed herein, including, but not limited to, links as in  FIG. 7A ,  FIG. 8A  and  FIG. 8B ). An upper end of each link  376  is pivotably connected to the levelling beam  360 . For illustration purposes one slip  374  (the one to the right side in  FIG. 18A ) is shown without a link  376  in  FIG. 18A . 
         [0214]    The tool  370  includes a mud valve  372 . 
         [0215]      FIGS. 18B-18D  illustrate steps in a method according to the present invention. 
         [0216]    Setting of the slips  374  is performed automatically when a tubular enters the receiver or bell guide  318  at the bottom of the system  300  and continues traveling upward inside the slip body  340  and torque frame  310 . When the tubular contacts the catch plate assembly  380  it begins pushing the catch plate assembly upward. The catch plate assembly  380  is guided by the mandrel  370   c  which not only guides the catch plate assembly  380  but also acts as an adapter to allow attachment of various makes of fill-and-circulation tools When utilizing the tool  370 , the catch plate assembly  380  is bolted to a tool actuator plate ( FIG. 18A ) and thus opens the tool  370  (opens the mud valve  372 ) as the catch plate assembly  380  is moved upward. When the tubular is withdrawn from the system  300 , the catch plate assembly  380  follows the tubular down and thus closes the tool  370  and prevents, or greatly reduces mud spillage. As the catch plate travels further, upward it contacts the detection valve apparatus (which, in one aspect, has a cam operated valve  378  actuatable by the catch plate  380   p  when the catch plate is pushed up far enough into the tool by the casing or other tubular) which then directs hydraulic fluid from the manifolds  352   a - 352   c  to the slip cylinder apparatuses  350   a - 350   c  which push the levelling beam  360  and the slips  374  down to contact the tubular. When the slips  374  have contacted the tubular, the projections  382  on the leveling beam  360  then contact the top of the slips  374  and force in the slip cylinder apparatuses is applied to the slips  374  to increase the grip force and allow the application of torque through the slips  374 . A rod  378   c  ( FIG. 14T ) is attached to the leveling beam  360  with a clevis and the rod is held in a vertical position and guided by a roller  378   e  mounted in a bracket  378   d . A ball  378   b  located in a hole in the bracket  378   d  is trapped between the rod  378   c  and a spring loaded actuator  378   a  on the cam valve  378 . As the slips approach their final position, the leveling beam  360  has pulled down the rod  378   c  and the ball  378   b  is pushed into a depression  378   f  in the rod by the spring force in the valve actuator  378   a . This allows the actuator  378   a  to shift the valve  378  directing pressurized fluid to the pressure booster  491  which boosts the pressure in the slip cylinder apparatuses  350  to further increase the grip force on the tubular. When the pressure reaches a pre-determined level in the slip cylinder apparatuses, it moves a piston to actuate a sequence valve which directs medium pressure (approximately 800 psi) fluid to the slips set feedback line connected to the slips set indicator  730   f  on the control panel  730 . Thus the slips set indicator informs the operator that the two criteria for successful slip set have been met: 1) the slips are in their final set position and 2) the pressure in the slip cylinder apparatuses is at the required level to maximize grip force. 
         [0217]    As shown in  FIG. 18A , the system  300  is armed to close (“armed to close” occurs when the tool operator moves a control valve lever-on an operator panel (see  FIG. 19 ) to a “slips set” position; and at this point the slips do not yet set; instead the valve  378  is “armed” such that when it is contacted by the catch plate assembly  380  it then directs hydraulic fluid to the slip cylinders to set the slips) and the compensators  326   a - 326   c  are in mid-stroke (the splined part of the shaft  102  is on the splined part  364  of the torque frame  310 ). The catch plate assembly  380  is below the detection valve apparatus and the mud valve  372  is closed to block flow from the center channel of the shaft  302  down to the bottom of the tool  370 . The slips  374  are against the side of the bowl  485 . 
         [0218]      FIG. 18B  illustrates a tubular, e.g. a piece of casing C, entering through the receiver or bell guide  318  and the bottom guide  377  (due to the lowering of the system around the casing) into the system. The bottom guide  377  is optional and is, in certain aspects, a circular piece with an interior channel therethrough with an inner diameter that closely matches the tubular being run.  FIG. 18C  shows the valve  378  of the detection valve apparatus detecting the catch plate assembly  380  which has moved adjacent the valve  378 . The detection valve  378  is vertically positioned within the torque frame  310  so that when the catch plate assembly  380  activates the valve it causes the slips  374  to set in the proper vertical position on the tubular. This eliminates damage to the tubular, and to the tubular coupling, e.g. damage caused by manual setting of the slips in an incorrect location on the tubular. 
         [0219]    The slip cylinder apparatuses  350   a - 350   c  are activated and move the levelling beam  360  down so that the projections  382  contact the tops of the slips  374  which have pivoted on the links  376  into position beneath the projections  382 . Further downward motion moves the slips  374  to contact the exterior of the casing C. The compensators  326   a - 326   c  are still in mid-stroke (the shaft  302  has not moved with respect to the torque frame  302  on the splined part  364 ), the mud valve  372  is open, and the catch plate assembly  380 , now detected by the detection valve apparatus, is in a “high” position. 
         [0220]    As shown in  FIG. 18D , the slips  374  are set on the casing C and the compensators  326   a - 326   c  have moved to the end of their stroke as the shaft  302  moves with respect to the torque frame  310 , moving with the shaft  302 , the tool  370  and the mud valve  372 . Operations (e.g. stabbing, spin-in and torquing) can now commence with the casing C using the top drive to rotate the running tool system and the now-attached casing. Operations according to the present invention with a system according to the present invention are not limited to these functions and can include any operation involving hoisting and/or lowering the casing string (or other tubulars or tubular string) and/or rotating the casing string; e.g., vertically reciprocating a casing string and/or drilling with casing. 
         [0221]    The slips  374  have a body  374   a  with four spaced-apart bars  374   b, c, d, e . The bowl  485  has a top ridge  485   a  which is initially received and held between the bars  374   c ,  374   d  and the bars  374   d ,  374   e  rest initially in a tapered recess  485   b  of the bowl  485 . As shown in  FIG. 18C , when the slips  384  are moved toward the casing C, the bars  374   b ,  374   c  move adjacent a tapered interior surface  485   c  of the ridge  485   a  and the bars  374   d ,  374   e  move adjacent the tapered interior of the recess  485   b  of the bowl  485  The tapered surfaces facilitate movement of the slips  374  to contact the casing C and abutment of the slips  374  against these surfaces maintains them in position when the slips  374  are set against the casing C. 
         [0222]    In certain methods according to the present invention, a control system such as the control systems in  FIGS. 1E ,  3 , and  19  uses operator input to control various functions. This operator input can be either electric or manual (hydraulic/pneumatic). In one version according to the present invention, an electric version, a control panel is used with components, switches, touch screens, etc. to provide an operator interface and is connected to a tool according to the present invention via an electric cable. A mechanical version according to the present invention utilizes a control panel containing hydraulic/pneumatic actuators, valves, and indicators and is connected to the tubular running tool via a multi-passage service loop. An auxiliary indicator panel (on-site or located remotely) can be utilized to provide indicator and feedback information to the driller (e.g. see  FIG. 19  regarding a driller) or other interested party. The auxiliary panel can be operated by electrics, hydraulics, or pneumatics. An overview of such a system  700  is shown in  FIG. 19 . 
         [0223]    A service loop  710  (see FIGS.  19  and  21 A- 21 C) has a grouping of various diameter hydraulic and pneumatic hoses  712  arranged in a basically circular cross section and encased in a protective sleeve. For example, ten hoses may be grouped to make up a service loop. The service loop  710  can be of various lengths to accommodate various drilling rig applications and vertical travel requirements in the derrick. Each hose  712  in the service loop  710  carries fluid for a specific function or feedback signal between a tubular running tool  720  and a control panel  730 . In one particular aspect, the ends of individual hoses  712  are terminated with quick disconnect fittings  714  which allow only one correct installation to the tubular running tool  720  on one end and the control panel  730  on the other end to prevent mis-connection of the hoses  712 . 
         [0224]    The service loop  710  utilizes one, two or more loop hangers  711  to position the service loop  710  in a derrick and to support the end of the service loop  710  at the tubular running tool  720 . These hangers  711  are attached to a suitable support in the derrick and/or on a top drive to allow proper vertical travel in the derrick and to prevent entanglement with other rig equipment in the derrick. In one particular aspect the hangers  711  are made in a curved or “U” shape with an adequate radius to allow a 180 degree bend of the service loop  710  and to not damage the service loop  710  due to too small of a bend radius on the hoses  712 . 
         [0225]    The control panel  730  provides actuators and indicators to allow the operator to properly control the tubular running tool  720 . The panel  730  is designed for ease of use in a rig environment with clear, legible markings and easy to use controls, even with gloved hands. The panel  730  provides the following operator functions and indicators and movable levers for accomplishing certain functions (“CRT” means tubular running tool or casing running tool):
       A lever  730   a  for CRT slips open and slips armed to close   A lever  730   b  for a single joint elevator open and elevator armed to close   A lever  730   c  for spider  701  open and spider closed   A lever  730   d  for link tilt raise and lower, with a position hold feature. This lever  730   d  also actuates the link tilt  703  float function (in which the locking valves  424   a  on the link tilt cylinders  312  are opened) which allows the link tilt to follow a tubular vertically up or down depending upon the external loads imparted by the tubular   A selector valve  730   e  to select the type of spider  701  being used (with or without feedback signal for slips closed)   An indicator  730   f  for CRT slips closed   An indicator  730   g  for spider slips closed   An indicator  730   h  for single joint elevator closed   An indicator  730   i  for “Stop Lowering” to tell the driller D to stop lowering the CRT over the tubular when the tubular has fully entered the CRT to the correct position   A pressure gauge  730   j  to indicate pneumatic supply pressure   A pressure gauge  730   k  to indicate hydraulic supply pressure   An hydraulic supply shutoff and isolation valve  730   l      An hydraulic isolation valve  730   m  (optionally under a protective hinged cover PC) for pressure supply from the panel  730  to the CRT   Pop-up buttons indicate to an operator “SIGNAL” and “NO SIGNAL”       
 
         [0240]    Feedback signals from the running tool  720 , spider  701 , and single joint elevator  702  are used to operate the indicators. The indicators in certain aspects have a simple spring offset cylinder that extends or retracts when pressure is applied and reverts to the original position by spring force when the pressure is removed, or a “bubble” indicator that rotates and shows a different color upon pressure application, or an electrical light turns on or off via a pressure switch or other sensing device upon application and release of pressure. 
         [0241]    The panel  730  is mounted in a framework  739  to position the panel  730  at a convenient working height for an operator O. The framework  739  also encloses and protects the components and provides a mounting and connection point for the service loop  710  and hydraulic and pneumatic supply connections. The panel  730  may be mounted in various ways to interface with a drilling rig; i.e., attached to a wall, supported by an articulated arm, free standing on a rig floor, etc. 
         [0242]    The running tool  720 , spider  701 , and single joint elevator  702  control levers, in one aspect, have a spring loaded locking mechanism to lock the levers in each of the their operating positions. The lock is disengaged by pulling locking pins out of corresponding slots to move the levers. This prevents inadvertent operation due to bumping the panel, dropping a foreign object on the panel, etc. 
         [0243]    The running tool  720 , spider  701 , and single joint elevator  702  control levers also incorporate a “gate” feature to interlock the levers with one another and prevent inadvertent operation of the tools and possibly dropping a tubular or a tubular string. The levers are directly connected to one end of spools of control valves such that pushing and pulling the lever imparts an axial movement to the spool. The spool movement opens and closes the working ports of the valve directing fluid flow to an appropriate function. At the opposite end of the spool is mounted a locking sleeve which moves axially with the spool. The locking sleeve has shaped openings in it to accommodate a locking pin. The locking pin is mounted perpendicular to the locking sleeve and passes through the locking sleeve openings. The locking pin is positioned in its bore with springs and pistons allowing it to engage and disengage with the locking sleeve. When the locking pin is moved in one direction a protrusion on the locking pin engages a matching recess in the locking sleeve thus preventing the locking sleeve and spool from moving axially. This effectively blocks activation of the valve and prevents actuation of the function the valve controls. When the locking pin is moved the opposite direction the protrusion on the locking pin disengages from the recess in the locking sleeve and allows the locking sleeve and spool to travel axially unimpeded. This allows the valve to actuate and direct fluid to the selected function. 
         [0244]    The locking pin movement is controlled by applying fluid pressure to the pistons at each end of the locking pin. The unpressurized position of the locking pins is controlled by springs. By appropriately directing fluid pressure from the actuating ports of the valves to the appropriate piston, the valve spool can be locked in a specific position and prevented from moving, thus preventing operation of the function that spool controls. The various functions can thus be “gated” to prevent operation unless another function is in a specific state. 
         [0245]      FIGS. 23A-23F  illustrate a valve system  600  according to the present invention with a valve body  601 , a gate assembly  603 , and a lever  602  (or control handle) which is directly connected to one end of a spool  604  so that pushing and pulling the lever  602  imparts an axial movement to the spool  604 . The lever  602  moves in a control handle body  605 . The spool movement opens and closes working ports  606  of the valve system  600  directing fluid flow to an appropriate function. At the opposite end of the spool  602  is mounted a locking sleeve  608  which moves axially with the spool  604 . The locking sleeve  608  has shaped openings  612 ,  614  in it to accommodate a locking pin  610 . The locking pin  610  is mounted perpendicular to the locking sleeve  608  and passes through the locking sleeve openings  612 ,  614 . The locking pin  610  is positioned with springs  616 ,  618  and pistons  622 ,  624  allowing it to engage and disengage with the locking sleeve  608 . When the locking pin  610  is moved in one direction, a protrusion or cup  620  on the locking pin  610  engages a matching recess  626  in the locking sleeve  608  thus preventing the locking sleeve  608  and spool  604  from moving axially. This effectively blocks activation of the valve system  600  and prevents actuation of the function the valve controls. When the locking pin  610  is moved the opposite direction, the cup  620  on the locking pin  610  disengages from the recess  626  in the locking sleeve  608  and allows the locking sleeve  608  and spool  604  to travel axially unimpeded. This allows the valve to actuate and direct fluid to the selected function. 
         [0246]    The movement of the locking pin  610  is controlled by applying fluid pressure to the pistons  622 ,  624  at each end of the locking pin  610 . The unpressurized position of the locking pins is controlled by the springs  616 ,  618 . By appropriately directing fluid pressure from the actuating ports of the valves (via plumbing connections with appropriate tubing and hoses) to the appropriate piston  622 ,  624 , the valve spool  604  can be locked in a specific position and prevented from moving, thus preventing operation of the function that the spool  604  controls. When the spool locking features are utilized with multiple valves as in the control panel  730 , the spools can be “gated” (or interlocked) with respect to each other. A spool will be locked from moving, preventing actuation of the function it controls, unless other spools are in a specific position. Bolts  632  attach the gate assembly  603  to the valve. Bolts  633  secure a locking pin housing  634  to the gate assembly  603 . A bolt  635  secures the locking sleeve  608  to the spool  604 .  FIG. 23C  shows the cup  620  engaging the edge of the recess  626 . 
         [0247]      FIG. 24  illustrates one circuit system  650  according to the present invention for use with a single joint elevator of a system according to the present invention (e.g. the elevators  1 ,  60 ,  330 ,  702 ) which provides feedback to a system control system (e.g. any control system disclosed herein) and/or to a system control panel (e.g. a control panel  730  or  730   a  or any disclosed herein). The valves and items in a box I are parts of an elevator according to the present invention and the valves and items in a box II are part of the control system for a tubular running system according to the present invention. The elevator has a latch movable by a latch cylinder and jaws. 
         [0248]    In one aspect, the latch cylinder is spring-biased to a home (closed) position and is a balanced area activator. The valves in box I are as follows:
       DL 1 : a 3-way valve which can be mechanically shifted by a control panel level to effect closing of the elevator latch and which produces a signal indicating the latch is in the closed position.   DJ 1 : a 3-way valve which can be mechanically shifted by a control panel lever to effect movement of elevator jaws.   PCX: a reducing/relieving valve (e.g. set at a 750 psi setting) that limits the elevator closed feedback signal from the valve DL 1  in the line XP.   X 2 : a check valve.   XP: a check valve.   X 1 : a check valve.   T: a check valve.   SVX: a 3-way sequence valve; when pressure in the line XP is high (e.g. 1500 psi), this valve will operate the latch to a latch-open position, a position in which the jaws of the elevator are free to move.   CVX: a check valve that blocks high pressure in the line XP and divides the elevator open circuit from the elevator closed section.
 
Filter FLP protects the valve DJ 1 . Filter FLX protects the valve SVX.
       
 
         [0258]    In one aspect, the elevator  60  (e.g. as shown in  FIG. 1A ) and the other elevators shown in the other systems according to the present invention described above, may be a known prior art elevator  60   a  as shown in  FIGS. 1G-1K . The elevator  60   a  ( FIGS. 1G-1N ) with a body  60   x  has a latch  60   b  movable by a latch cylinder  60   c  and a pair of jaws  60   d  which pivot between an open and a closed position. The jaws  60   d  are held in either an open or closed position by spring force from a pair of jaw positioners  60   e . When the jaws are closed, the latch  60   b  is positioned by spring force to block jaw rotation thus preventing the jaws  60   d  from opening. The elevator is supplied with hydraulic pressure P and return T connections (see  FIG. 24 ) and a single control line connection (see  FIG. 24 ). In one aspect the control line XP connects to a control valve  730   b  located in an operator control panel  730 . In another aspect the control line XP is connected to an electrically operated control valve (SV 13  in box II) with the operator located at a remote location operating the control valve SV 13  via electrical signals. 
         [0259]    The jaw positioners  60   e  are attached to the elevator body with hinge pins  60   f  allowing the jaw positioners  60   e  to rotate as the jaws  60   d  rotate. One of the jaw positioners  60   e  hinge pin  60   f  is extended to provide an attachment point for a jaw positioner lever  60   g . The lever  60   g  is attached to the pivot pin  60   f  so that the lever  60   g  rotates with the jaw positioner  60   e . When the jaws  60   d  reach a closed position, the rotation of the jaw positioner lever  60   g  causes it to contact a trigger plunger  60   h  which manually actuates a directional valve DJ 1  (see  FIG. 24 ). The directional valve DJ 1  then passes pressurized fluid to a directional valve DL 1  (see  FIG. 24 ). 
         [0260]    The latch  60   b  and latch cylinder  60   c  are mechanically connected with a hinge bolt to latch trigger lever  60   k  such that axial movement of the latch cylinder  60   c  causes pivoting motion of the latch trigger  60   k . When the latch  60   b  and latch cylinder  60   c  are in the spring biased home (closed) position the latch trigger  60   b  manually actuates the directional valve DL 1 . The directional valve DL 1  then passes pressurized fluid received from the directional valve DJ 1  into the control line XP. A pressure reducing relieving valve PCX (see  FIG. 24 ), located in the control line XP, reduces the fluid pressure to a medium level, approximately 750 psi. The medium pressure in the control line XP is connected to the extend side of the latch cylinder  60   c  producing additional force to hold the latch in the home (closed) position preventing inadvertent opening of the jaws. The medium pressure in control line XP is also directed to the operator control panel  730  where, in one aspect, it actuates an indicator  730   h  which informs the operator the elevator jaws are closed. In another aspect the pressure in control line XP actuates an electric pressure switch to provide indication to a remote location via electrical signals. 
         [0261]    In one aspect the control panel  730  contains a flow control valve FC 13  (see  FIG. 24 ) which is connected to the control line XP on one side and to the hydraulic return line T on the other side (through the control valve  730   b , or SV 13  in box II,  FIG. 24 ). Due to the nature of its construction the flow control valve FC 13  produces a pressure drop from the fluid flowing through it which maintains the medium pressure in control line XP. 
         [0262]    When the operator shifts the control valve  730   b  (or SV 13  in box II) to the “open” position fluid at high pressure (approximately 2000 psi) is directed into control line XP. At the elevator this fluid is blocked by a check valve CVX (see  FIG. 24 ) and passes to sequence valve SVX (see  FIG. 24 ). Sequence valve SVX has an actuation pressure setting (1500 psi) well above the medium pressure level (750 psi) such that the high pressure fluid (2000 psi) actuates the valve SVX which directs the high pressure fluid to the retract side of the latch cylinder  60   c . The pressurized fluid acts to retract latch cylinder  60   c  overcoming the latch spring force of springs  60   m  and overcoming the medium pressure fluid on the extend side of the latch cylinder  60   c  and retracting the latch  60   b  behind the jaws  60   d . This frees the jaws  60   d  to rotate to the open position as the elevator  60   a  is removed from the tubular. The retraction movement of the latch cylinder  60   c  moves the latch trigger lever  60   k  which releases the mechanical force on the directional valve DL 1  allowing the valve DL 1  to shift which relieves the pressure on the extend side of the latch cylinder  60   c  to hydraulic return T. The rotation of the jaws as the elevator is removed from the tubular rotates the jaw positioner  60   e  and the jaw positioner lever  60   g  about hinge pin  60   f  which removes the mechanical force on trigger plunger  60   h  and allows the directional valve DJ 1  to shift which blocks incoming pressurized fluid from the hydraulic pressure P. 
         [0263]    When control valve  730   b  is shifted to the “armed” position it directs the fluid in control line XP to the hydraulic return T which reduces the pressure in control line XP to zero psi (or a very low pressure). This reduction in pressure allows the sequence valve SVX to shift which directs the return side of latch cylinder  60   c  to hydraulic return T relieving pressure in the latch cylinder  60   c . The latch spring  60   t  now forces the latch  60   b  and latch cylinder  60   c  to extend behind the jaws  60   d  holding the jaws  60   d  in the open position. The valves and jaw position are now “armed” ready to repeat the closing cycle when the elevator is pushed onto a tubular. 
         [0264]    Filter screens FLP, FLX remove fluid contaminants to protect the valves and hydraulic components in the elevator. 
         [0265]      FIG. 1H  shows the jaws  60   d  initially contacting casing CN.  FIG. 1I  shows the jaws  60   d  in position around the casing CN.  FIG. 1J  shows the jaws  60   d  clamped on the casing CN and held in place by the latch  60   b.    
         [0266]    Typically the desired gate functions are (“SJE” means single joint elevator):
       Open CRT only when spider is closed and SJE is closed   Open spider only when CRT is closed   Open SJE only when CRT is closed       
 
         [0270]    Any suitable combinations of gates may be utilized. Also, the springs that move the locking pins to the unpressurized position can be sized or positioned to provide a specific locked or unlocked state when the pistons are unpressurized. 
         [0271]    In one aspect a push button switch on the control panel allows overriding of the gates if required. The switch is covered by a hinged door to prevent accidental actuation. Actuating the switch overrides all gates simultaneously. 
         [0272]    The CRT and SJE may use an hydraulic circuit that reduces the number of lines required to actuate the slips in the CRT or close the SJE. This circuit uses three different pressures to actuate the slips or elevator function and to provide a closed feedback signal. Thus only one service loop hose is used when normally two hoses would be required. High pressure opens the slips or elevator, low or zero pressure is present when the slips or elevator are “armed to close” and medium pressure is used to provide the closed feedback signal to the indicator. The indicator distinguishes between medium pressure (slips or elevator closed) and high pressure (slips or elevator open). 
         [0273]    One system according to the present invention has a control panel  730  with an hydraulic circuit that provides accurate feedback signals for the various slip positions. A timing cylinder  735  is used to provide an actuation signal to a control valve  734  which separates the feedback signal service loop hose from the feedback indicator. When the control valve  734  is shifted from OPEN to ARMED the residual pressure in the service loop hose would normally actuate an indicator  730   f  or  730   h  and give a false indication of slips or elevator closed for a few seconds. The timing cylinder  735  and the isolation control valve  734  prevent this from happening by isolating the indicators from the pressure source in the hose. Once the timing cylinder  735  has moved through its full stroke, the actuation signal to the isolation control valve  734  goes away allowing the valve  734  to shift which connects the service loop hose directly with the indicators. The indicators can now read the medium pressure which is present in the service loop hose when the slips are set or the elevator is closed and the indicators produce the correct indication. The timing cylinder speed is controlled by adjusting the fluid flow rate into and out of the cylinder  735  with control valves  735   v  located in the panel manifold. 
         [0274]    The control panel  730  uses a manifold  732  to reduce plumbing lines and connections and to provide a mounting location for service loop connections  730   s  and hydraulic and pneumatic supply connections  730   t . A pressure filter  733  is mounted to the manifold  732  to remove particulate contamination from the incoming hydraulic fluid. A selector valve  731  is mounted on the manifold  732  to shutoff the incoming hydraulic pressure when required. Also, the isolation control valve  734  is used to isolate hydraulic pressure from the service loop  710  and the CRT  720  and SJE  702 . The manifold  732  also provides mounting locations  730   m  for various test fittings to allow connection of pressure gauges and test equipment for troubleshooting purposes. 
         [0275]    As shown in  FIG. 19 , the driller D controls the speed and torque of a top drive TDS and a “dashboard” monitor  705  provides an indication of the status of the tubular running tool  720 . The driller D can control the hoisting, lowering, spinning (rotation) and torque of the tubular running tool  720 . The driller D receives feedback from the tubular running tool (from the line  705   a  from the control panel  730  to the remote monitor  705 ) regarding: running tool stop signal (stop lowering); slips set; elevator closed (start hoisting); elevator vertical (can be visual-ready for stabbing into a tubular, e.g. casing; and from the spider (or rotary) for slips set. 
         [0276]    The tubular running tool operator O controls: elevator tilt out; elevator opening and arming; running tool slips; and rotary and/or spider slips. The operator O receives feedback from the running tool regarding: running tool stop signal (stop lowering; slips set; elevator closed (start hoisting); and rotary or spider slips set. 
         [0277]    An hydraulic power unit “HPU ASSY” provides hydraulic power fluid for the various functions of the system that are hydraulically powered. A Rig AIR supply provides air under pressure for the various functions that are pneumatically powered. In certain aspects, when electrically-powered items are used for the indicators on the control panel  730  or for the remoter monitor  705 , electrical power is provided from a rig&#39;s generators or main electrical supply. 
         [0278]    FIGS.  25  and  25 A- 25 C show schematically a system  500  according to the present invention which includes various items and hydraulic circuitry that may be used in and with the systems according to the present invention described above. 
         [0279]    An hydraulic pneumatic swivel (e.g. like the swivel assembly  155 , the swivel assembly  308 , and the swivel assembly  440 ,  FIG. 17A  described above) provides fluid passages from stationary to rotating parts of the system. Compensator assemblies  502  (like the compensators  326   a - 326   c  described above) transfer weight of the tool and tubular to a main shaft to reduce load on threads of the tubular during connection makeup and breakout. An air-operated pilot directional valve  503  selectively shuts off air supply to the compensator assemblies  502  when their strokes reach a mid-stroke position, holding the system in a “start” position. 
         [0280]    An air directional valve  504  with an hydraulic pilot directs air flow to and from the compensator assemblies  502  based on slips “open” or slips “armed to close” command from an operator. 
         [0281]    An air relief valve  505  limits air pressure in the compensator assemblies  502  due to externally applied loads. A relief valve  506  limits hydraulic pressure in slip cylinder assemblies  507  for safety. The slip cylinder assemblies  507  (e.g. three assemblies  507 , e.g. like the cylinder assemblies  350   a - 350   c  described above) provide vertical movement of the slips (e.g. any slips in any embodiment described above) to grip and release a tubular. 
         [0282]    An hydraulic pressure booster  508  (e.g. like the booster  491  described above) boosts a lowered pressure through the swivel  501  up to a pressure required to fully set the slips. A cam-operated directional valve  509  (e.g. like the valve  378  described above), when contacted by a fill-and-circulation tool&#39;s catch plate starts a slip set sequence and sends a “stop lowering” signal to a control panel (e.g. like the control panel  730  described above). A cam-operated directional valve  510  starts the booster  508  to build full slip set pressure when the slips are fully set. 
         [0283]    A shuttle valve  511  engages and disengages a regenerative mode for the slips set function. A regenerative mode uses waste fluid from the cylinders  507  to speed up cylinder activation. A pilot-to-open check valve  512  prevents downward drifting of the slips during certain conditions when the system is subjected to adverse pressure transients (e.g. when an HPU cycles on and off). 
         [0284]    A spring-offset 2-position valve  513  enables or disables the valve  509  based on operator input from the control panel (selecting “open” or “armed to close”). A filter screen  514  protects the booster  508  and the valves in the slip set feedback circuit from contamination. A 2-position 3-way sequence valve  515  discriminates between high pressure for a slips open command and medium pressure for a slips set feedback signal. 
         [0285]    A check valve  516  blocks a high pressure slips open command from entering the medium pressure slips set feedback circuit. A 2-position 3-way sequence valve  517  controls the slips set feedback signal and is activated by a mechanical plunger with an area ratio that creates movement at a pre-determined slips set pressure. A 2-position detented directional valve  518  determines “armed to close” mode or “open” mode based on tubular contact with the valve  509  or an operator “open” command from the control panel. 
         [0286]    A 2-position hydraulic pilot load control valve  519  controls fluid flow to the down side of the slip cylinder assemblies  507  and, when piloted by the valve  509 , allows fluid to flow to the cylinders and set the slips. A 2-position hydraulic pilot load control valve  520  controls fluid flow to the upside of the slip cylinder assemblies  507  and, when flow piloted by a slips open command from the control panel, allows fluid to the cylinders to open the slip. 
         [0287]    A relief valve  521  provides a redundant safety relief feature with slips open and prevents excessive pressure build up on the up side slip cylinder assemblies  507 . A pilot-to-close check valve  522  works in conjunction with the shuttle valve  511  to direct waste fluid from the up side of the slip cylinders  507  to the down side (regeneration) to speed up the slips set function. A 2-position hydraulic pilot load control valve  523  holds high pressure on the slips down side of the slip cylinders when slips are set and is opened with a slips open command, releasing pressure from the slip cylinders. A pilot-to-close check valve  524  relieves pressure on the downside of the slip cylinders if main hydraulic power is lost preventing the trapping of pressure in the system and thereby preventing the tool from being locked onto a tubular. 
         [0288]    An orifice  526  controls fluid flow for slips up movement. A piston actuator  527  moves and activates a sequence valve  517  to direct the medium pressure slip set feedback signal to the indicator in the control panel when high pressure builds up in the slip cylinder apparatuses. 
         [0289]    Test fittings  530  provide connection points for test gauges and other test equipment. 
         [0290]    Manifolds  531 ,  532 ,  533  (e.g. like the manifolds  352   a - 352   c  described above) provide hydraulic plumbing connections and mounting for various valves, cylinders and fittings. 
         [0291]    FIGS.  26  and  26 A- 26 B show schematically a system  660  according to the present invention which includes items and hydraulic circuitry that may be used in and with the systems according to the present invention described above. 
         [0292]    A pressure filter  661  (like the filter  452 ,  FIG. 15A ) removes contamination from the hydraulic fluid. An air filter regulator  662  (like the regulator  454 ,  FIG. 15C ) controls air pressure to the compensator assemblies. An hydraulic pressure reducing valve  663  (like the valve  440   i ,  FIG. 15A ) reduces the hydraulic pressure of fluid flowing through the swivel assembly to extend seal life. A pressure relief valve  664  works in combination with the valve  663  to provide a high pressure setting when the tool is in the “OPEN” state and a low pressure setting when the tool is in the “ARMED” state. 
         [0293]    An inlet manifold  665  (like the manifold  316   b ,  FIGS. 15A and 15B ) contains the filter  661 , the regulator  662 , and the valve  663  A distribution manifold  666  (like the manifold  316 ,  FIG. 15C ) contains items  667 ,  668 ,  669 ,  670 ,  671 ,  672  and  679  described below. The manifold  666  gathers and distributes hydraulic fluid to and from various functions. 
         [0294]    A check valve  667  prevents hydraulic fluid from draining out of the manifolds and lines due to elevation changes of the system. A check valve  668  produces a higher pressure zone in the manifold  666  to insure that the link tilt cylinders remain full of fluid when retracting. A pressure reducing valve  669  reduces the hydraulic pressure to control the link tilt float application. A check valve  670  allows hydraulic fluid flow in one direction only. A pressure relief valve  671  limits pressure on the retract side of the link tilt cylinders caused by external loads. A check valve  672  allows fluid flow from a blind end to a rod end of the link tilt cylinders to keep them full of fluid when in float mode. 
         [0295]    A powered cylinder apparatus  673  (like the apparatus  312 ,  FIG. 15 ) extends and retracts the link tilt arms. 
         [0296]    A load holding manifold  674  contains valves and fittings to control hydraulic fluid flowing to and from the apparatus  673 . 
         [0297]    A check valve  675  allows hydraulic fluid flow in one direction only. A pilot-operated check valve  676  allows controlled release of fluid from the link tilt cylinders to “float” the link tilt arms. A load holding valve  677  (like the valve  424   a  described above) holds the apparatus  673  in position and prevents the link tilt arms from falling if a cylinder control hose breaks and limits pressure in the blind end of the cylinder caused by external loads. 
         [0298]    An hydraulic/pneumatic swivel  678  (like the swivels and swivel assemblies  155 ,  308  and  440  described above) provides fluid passages from stationary to rotating parts of the system. 
         [0299]    A normally open logic cartridge  679  controls fluid flow to and from the rod side of the link tilt cylinders to control differing requirements between normal extend/retract function and float function. 
         [0300]    An orifice  680  controls fluid velocity out of the link tilt cylinders to control descent speed of the link tilt arms in float mode. An orifice  681  provides a fluid bleed path to prevent the trapping of pressure in the link tilt cylinder extend line which could prevent the cylinder from fully retracting. An orifice  682  limits fluid flow out of the float signal line. 
         [0301]    Test fittings  683  provide connections for test gauges and other test equipment (not shown). 
         [0302]    A check valve  684  prevents pressure surges (e.g. tank pressure surges) from entering the rotating parts circuits. 
         [0303]      FIGS. 22A ,  22 B and  22 C show schematically a system  900  according to the present invention which may be used in and with the systems described above according to the present invention. 
         [0304]    A control valve  901  (like the valve  730   d ,  FIG. 22 ) controls the “EXTEND” and “RETRACT” functions of the link tilt arm of a tubular running system according to the present invention or “CRT” system according to the present invention. A control valve  902  (like the valve  730   d ,  FIG. 22 ) controls the “FLOAT” function of the link tilt arms. A control valve  903  (like the valve  730   h ,  FIG. 22 ) controls the SJH elevator “ARMED” and “OPEN” functions. A control valve  904  (like the valve  730   f ,  FIG. 22 ) controls the slips “ARMED” and “OPEN” functions. A control valve  905  (like the valve  730   g ,  FIG. 22 ) controls the “SPIDER” function, “SLIPS-UP,” and “SLIPS-DOWN”. A control valve (“override valve”)  906  (like the valve  730   m ,  FIG. 22 ) is a manual valve that provides an “OVERRIDE” function (“OPEN”) to a gate assembly  934  via valves  911  pressurizing a gate piston  907 . The valves  901 - 906  may be manually operated. 
         [0305]    The gate piston  907  (like the piston  622  described above) are pistons in the gate assemblies used to lock the locking sleeve and the valve spools, e.g. in a “CLOSED” position. Pistons  908  (like the piston  624  described above) are pistons in the gate assemblies used to release the locking sleeve and, thereby, the valve spools, e.g. allowing the valve spools to be moved to the “OPEN” position. 
         [0306]    A manual operator  909  is manually operable to open a gate assembly, e.g. for repair or trouble shooting. In one aspect, the operator  909  has a connection to the opening piston  908  which is pressurized from the override valve  906  (manual operation) to open all the gates and release the locks on all functions. 
         [0307]    A panel indicator cylinder  910  indicates that the single joint elevator is closed from a feedback signal produced at the elevator. A shuttle valve  911  provides an “OR” function between an “OVERRIDE” function (from the valve  906 ) and a spider slips closed function obtained from the feedback signal devices. 
         [0308]    A pressure control valve  912  determines a pressure threshold for pressure feedback signals from CRT and SJH functions. 
         [0309]    A 2-position 4-way sequence valve  913  provides an “AND” function for SJH and spider pressurized feedback signals into the gate assemblies  934 . 
         [0310]    A 2-position 4-way sequence valve  914  determines a pressure threshold for the spider closed pressure feedback signal and is disabled (“CLOSED”) when the spider is controlled “UP”. 
         [0311]    A pressure control valve  915  limits output pressure for certain spider “SLIPS UPS” outputs. A check valve  916  provides a return path for fluid flow when spider “SLIPS DOWN” is active. 
         [0312]    A pressure control valve  917  limits output pressure for the “LINK TILT EXTENDED” function. A check valve  918  provides a return path for fluid flow when “LINK TILT RETRACT” is active. 
         [0313]    A pilot flow fuse  919  works in conjunction with an orifice  921  and closes when feedback pressure from the CRT/SJH function is active and is piloted “OPEN” when the SJH “OPEN” commanded is active. 
         [0314]    A 2-position 4-way sequence valve  920  enables indicators  910  when a feedback signal “CLOSED” from a function is present and disables the indicators until the timing function from a timer cylinder  924  (described below) is complete. 
         [0315]    The orifice  921  with a free reverse check works in conjunction with the fuse  919  to provide pressure build up when feedback fluid flow is present, enabling the fuse  919  to close and provides free fluid flow for an “OPEN” command. 
         [0316]    An orifice  922  with a free reverse check works in conjunction with an orifice  923  and a timer cylinder  924  (like the timer cylinder  735 ,  FIG. 22 ) to provide a timed “OPEN” pilot signal for the fuse  919  to provide service loop decompression when switching from a high pressure “OPEN” command to a near zero pressure “ARMED TO CLOSE” state. 
         [0317]    A 3-way manually operated valve  925  (like the valve  730   e ,  FIG. 22 ) provides an “OR” logic function for a CRT operator to adjust a CRT control panel so it can accept different spider closed feedback systems. 
         [0318]    Spider outputs  926  are a variety of outlets matched regarding the specifications of multiple (e.g. three) recommended spider types (e.g., but not limited to National Oilwell Varco spiders PS  21 , FMS  275 , and FMS  375 ). 
         [0319]    A check valve  927  prevents return fluid flow upon hydraulics shutdown. A pressure control valve  928  limits input pressure for the system. A shut-off valve  929  enables isolation of CRT and SJH man pressure input. 
         [0320]    A filter  930  provides protection against contamination for the entire hydraulic system. 
         [0321]    A shut-off valve  931  enables isolation of main fluid flow from an hydraulic power source for the entire system. 
         [0322]    A manifold block  932  provides hydraulic plumbing connections and mounting for various valves, cylinders, and fittings. An assembly  933  contains valves  901 - 905  and provides mounting interfaces for the gate assemblies  934 . 
         [0323]    The gate assemblies  934  provide locking and unlocking of the operator handles on the assembly  933  dependent on the state of various functions of the system. 
         [0324]    A manually operated air shut-off valve  935  enables isolation of main air flow from an air power source to the compensator assemblies of the system. Test fillings  936  provide connection points for test gauges and other test equipment (now shown). 
         [0325]      FIGS. 27A-27F  illustrate a tubular running system  1000  according to the present invention which includes an electric version  1002  of a tubular running tool which has a slips system and slips setting system  1004  like any of the systems described above The system  1000  includes a top drive  1006 ; a top drive electric control system  1008 ; an electric operator panel  1010 ; hydraulic and pneumatic hoses  1012 ; and electric cables  1014 ,  1016 ,  1018 , and  1020 . A link tilt mechanism  1040  has arms  1042 . 
         [0326]    As shown in  FIGS. 27B and 27C , the tool  1002  has a swivel  1024  with multi-pin connectors  1022  for pressure switches; solenoids  1026 ; a manifold assembly  1028 ; pressure switches  1030  (e.g. multiple ones; e.g. in one aspect, three); multi-pin connectors  1032  for the solenoids  1026 ; a pressure filter  1034  (e.g. like the filter  452  described above) and test fittings and plumbing connections  1036 . 
         [0327]    The solenoids  1026  include solenoids as follows:
         1026   a : link tilt extend solenoid     1026   b : link tilt retract solenoid     1026   c : link tilt float solenoid     1026   d : SJH elevator open solenoid     1026   e : CRT slips open solenoid       
 
         [0333]      FIG. 27D  shows a touch screen system  1050  panel useful with the system  1000  with a base  1052  and a screen system  1054  with connections  1056 .  FIG. 27F  shows the system  1054  schematically with a network card  1058  and a cable  1060 . 
         [0334]    The electrical version of a tool  1002  functions and performs as does the mechanical versions described previously. The electrical version eliminates the hydraulic control panel (e.g.  730 ) of the mechanical version by placing most of the hydraulic functions of the control panel on the tool by using solenoid-actuated directional valves  1026  to replace the manual lever-controlled valves of the control panel and using electrical pressure switches  1030  to sense the feedback signals. The solenoid valves  1026  and pressure switches  1030  are mounted on the tool  1002  (see  FIG. 27B ), not on a separate control panel. Optionally, spider control is built into the computer controls  1007  or switch controls used to operate the CRT if desired. Electrical cables  1014 ,  1016  and/or  1018  in the form of a service loop are used to transfer the solenoid power and pressure switch signals to and from the tool  1002 . The cables are connected to the tool  1002  using multi-pin connectors  1022 ,  1032  that are, in one aspect, rated for use in the hazardous environment of a drilling rig. 
         [0335]    The operator interface  1010  includes a control box of switches and indicator lights or a computer interfaced touch screen panel (e.g.  1050 ). Additionally, the operator interface can be integrated into a top drive control system  1008  or a whole rig control system by incorporating tool control software into a top drive computer (e.g.  1007 ) or supplying a separate computer  1009  and networking it with a top drive computer. The control functions and status indicators are included in the top drive controls  1008  or built into computer screen(s) of the top drive control system. 
         [0336]    The solenoids  1026  are mounted on the tool (e.g. by changing out the inlet manifold assembly  316   b ,  FIG. 15B ) with a new manifold assembly  1028 . The manifold assembly  1028  duplicates the hydraulic function selection circuits from a manual control panel described above. The pressure switches are mounted on the link tilt frame  1040  behind the manifold  1028  and are plumbed to feedback signal lines and the switches close or open depending upon the pressure sensed. The switch opening or closing is used to turn on or off indicator lights or computer inputs to provide feedback signals. 
         [0337]    The electrical control of the solenoids and the electrical feedback signals can be directly connected to/from switches and indicator lights in a control panel  1010  to provide direct control of the functions, or they can be connected to a computer ( 1007  and/or  1009 ) and controlled through software logic based on inputs from the operator. The operator inputs can be from hardwired switches to the computer inputs or from a touch screen panel. The feedback signals can be connected the same way, by hardwiring directly to indicator lights or connected to computer inputs for output controlled by computer software. 
         [0338]    The “gate” or interlock functions are provided by computer software controlling the power signals to the solenoids  1026 . For direct wired applications, where control switches in a panel directly control the solenoids  1026 , the gate functions are provided by hardwiring the switches in a pattern that provides electrical power to a given switch only when other switches are in a specific state. 
         [0339]    All electrical components may be rated for hazardous area use in a drilling rig environment. Normally, the hazardous area requirements demand specific electrical components be used that are very large and bulky. To conserve space and reduce components, an electrical assembly utilizing multi-pin connectors to combine multiple cables into a single connection point may be used. Using the hazardous area requirement of “potting” the electrical cables into a gland to seal them from the outside environment, multiple cables can be routed to the multi-pin connectors and all potted together to create a single termination point. One method to accomplish this involves using a single multicore cable from the multi-pin connector going to a junction box from which the multiple individual cables are then routed to the individual solenoids or pressure switches. This can eliminate the junction boxes and save space, weight, and cost. 
         [0340]    Certain solenoid valves control the following functions:
         1026   a ,  1026   b : Link tilt extend and retract (or a double solenoid valve)     1026   c : Link tilt float     1026   d : SJH elevator open (energizing solenoid selects “open” and de-energizing solenoid selects “armed to close”)     1026   e : CRT slips open (energizing solenoid selects “open” and de-energizing solenoid selects “armed to close”)
 
Pressure switches  1023  provide the following feedback signals:
   “Stop Lowering”   CRT slips closed   SJH elevator closed.
 
The multi-pin plug connectors  1022 ,  1032  connect two electrical service loops:
   solenoid power cable   pressure switch signal cable       
 
         [0350]    It is within the scope of the present invention for the electric operator panel  1010  to take various forms such as: a switch box with operating switches and indicating lights to a computer controlled touch screen panel with graphics, switch functions and indicators; an extension of an existing top drive driller control console incorporating on/off switches for each solenoid and an indicator light for each pressure switch; an individual tool specific control console with on/off switches for each solenoid and an indicator light for each pressure switch; a computer controlled touch screen panel  1054  displaying graphics to indicate solenoid status, operator selections, indicator status, virtual buttons or switches to operate solenoids, warning messages, etc.; a combination of physical switches in a console for solenoid control and computer screen for indicator status, messages, warning enunciators, etc.; an individually computer controlled system; and it can be interfaced with an existing top drive computer control system and use the top drive computer as a basis of control. 
         [0351]    It is within the scope of the present invention for the top drive electric control system  1008  to be: a computer or Programmable Logic Controller (“PLC”) to control Input/Output functions on the top drive; which can contain control hardware and software to control speed and torque of the top drive motor and/or can contain wiring termination points for service loop cables to the top drive. These can be a mounting point for a separate stand alone tool-specific computer. 
         [0352]    The system  1008 , in one aspect, provides an interface point on a rig for the tool cables, which are run in parallel with top drive cables and service loops; and/or the system  1008  can provide an interface point to the top drive computer when this unit is used as the basis of control of the tool. 
         [0353]    In one aspect, tool inputs/outputs are programmed into the top drive computer and the electric operators panel  1010  interfaces with this computer. 
         [0354]    The system  1008  can provide an interface point to the top drive motor controller MC for control of motor speed and torque (for controlling tubular connections makeup and breakout) and for reading, displaying, and recording top drive motor rpm and torque to obtain tubular connection rpm, number of turns, and torque. 
         [0355]    The electric cables (“service loop”) are bundles of various cables required to operate the tool electrical functions and, in one aspect, include two cable bundles, one for solenoid power and one for pressure switch signals which run in parallel with the top drive service loop. These cables include wires to pass power to each solenoid and to provide signals from each pressure switch. Two cable bundles are used to prevent interference between the power wires and the signal wires. Plug connectors are used to provide quick rig-up and rig-down in a drilling rig environment. The service loops connect to the top drive control system  1008 . An alternate service loop  1020  is provided for direct connection to individual switches and indicators in an individual tool operators panel. 
         [0356]    The electric cables  1018  connect the top drive computer and I/O and the operators panel  1010  and carry power and signals between the operators panel  1010  and the top drive control system computer and I/O to provide switch and indicator control. 
         [0357]    In conclusion, therefore, it is seen that the present invention and the embodiments disclosed herein and those covered by the appended claims are well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends set forth. Certain changes can be made in the subject matter without departing from the spirit and the scope of this invention. It is realized that changes are possible within the scope of this invention and it is further intended that each element or step recited in any of the following claims is to be understood as referring to the step literally and/or to all equivalent elements or steps. The following claims are intended to cover the invention as broadly as legally possible in whatever form it may be utilized. The invention claimed herein is new and novel in accordance with 35 U.S.C. §102 and satisfies the conditions for patentability in §102. The invention claimed herein is not obvious in accordance with 35 U.S.C. §103 and satisfies the conditions for patentability in §103. This specification and the claims that follow are in accordance with all of the requirements of 35 U.S.C. §112. The inventor may rely on the Doctrine of Equivalents to determine and assess the scope of the invention and of the claims that follow as they may pertain to apparatus not materially departing from, but outside of, the literal scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. All patents and applications identified herein are incorporated fully herein for all purposes. It is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6 for any limitations of any of the claims herein, except for those in which the claim expressly uses the words ‘means for’ together with an associated function. In this patent document, the word “comprising” is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are including, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article “a” does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements.