Abstract:
Systems and methods for wellbore operations which employ a drive subsystem for rotating tubulars releasably connected to a hoist subsystem for moving tubulars, the hoist subsystem and the drive subsystem movable as a unit or the subsystems movable independently of each other and the subsystems independently dockable at selected locations in the derrick. 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:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under the Patent Laws for U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/628,890 filed Nov. 8, 2011, which application is incorporated fully herein for all purposes. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This present invention is directed to: top drives used in wellbore operations which include, but are not limited to, drilling operations and tripping operations; pipe handlers; and service loop assemblies. In certain particular aspects, the present invention is directed to new top drive systems in which, within a derrick, a tubular rotating apparatus is selectively separable from a tubular hoisting apparatus permitting the hoisting apparatus to be used in tubular operations below the rotating apparatus while the tubular rotating apparatus is secured above the tubular hoisting apparatus within the derrick. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    There are a wide variety of known drilling rigs, top drive systems and methods of their use, examples of which are in the exemplary U.S. patents and applications: U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,931,077; 7,882,902; 7,628,229; 7,513,312; 7,472,762; 7,320,374; 7,231,969; 7,228,913; 7,222,683; 7,188,686 6,923,254; 6,705,405; 6,679,333; 6,609,565; 6,536,520; 6,276,450; 6,007,105; 5,921,329; 5,503,234; 5,501,286; 5,433,279; 5,381,867; 5,251,709; 5,038,871; 4,984,641; 4,878,546; 4,872,577; 4,813,493; 4,807,890; 4,800,968; 4,767,100; 4,753,300; 4,458,768; 4,421,179; 4,437,524; 4,005,851; 3,835,940; 3,483,933; and U.S. application Ser. No. 11/823,854 filed Jun. 28, 2007—all of which are incorporated fully herein for all purposes. 
         [0006]    It is well known to use a top drive drilling unit to rotate the drill stem of an oil and gas well; see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,449,596; 3,464,507; and 3,766,991 and U.S. application Ser. No. 050,537, filed Apr. 20, 1993. In many cases, a top drive drilling unit is suspended by a cable from the crown of a mast of a drilling rig above a drill string. The unit rotates the drill string from the top side as opposed to the use of a rotary table and related equipment at the rig floor. A top drive unit often has a track which runs the length of the mast to guide the top drive, to restrain it from lateral movement and to transfer reactive torque and torsional loads originating from the drilling operation into the derrick substructure. Typical torque drive track systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,865,135 5,251,709 and in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 217,689, filed Mar. 24, 1994. In the process of drilling a well, it may be advantageous to disconnect the drill string from the top drive unit and handle sections of drill pipe without the top drive unit in place. In these instances, the top drive unit is disconnected from the draw works and moved away from immediately above the drill string. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,421,179; 4,437,524 and 4,458,768. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,437,524 discloses a well drilling apparatus designed to eliminate the need for a rotary table, kelly and kelly bushing, and includes a drilling unit which is shiftable between a drilling position in vertical alignment with a mousehole, and an inactive position. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,449,596 discloses a top drive well drilling system that includes pipe handling equipment that facilitates the making and breaking of connections to the drill string during the drilling cycle. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,458,768 discloses a top drive well drilling system having a drilling unit shiftable to various positions, wherein the shifting movement is accomplished by means of a structure that guides the unit for movement along predetermined paths. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,605,077 discloses a top drive drilling system having a motor which is connected to the upper end of the drill string and moves upwardly and downwardly therewith. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,625,796 discloses an apparatus comprising a stabbing guide and a back-up tool, wherein the apparatus can function in aligning an additional length of pipe with the upper end of the drill string and thereby facilitates the controlled stabbing of pipe length for addition into the top of a drill string. U.S. Pat. No. 4,667,752 discloses a top head drive well drilling apparatus with a wrench assembly and a stabbing guide, wherein the wrench assembly is mounted on the drive unit and the stabbing guide is mounted on the wrench assembly. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,501,286 discloses and apparatus and method for displacing the lower end of a top drive torque track suspended from a derrick wherein a drive unit is disconnected from the drill string and suspended from the torque track. The top drive suspended from the torque track can then be moved away so as not to interfere with the addition or removal of drill string sections. U.S. Pat. No. 5,755,296 discloses a portable top drive comprising a self-contained assembly of components necessary to quickly install and remove a torque guide and attendant top drive unit in a drilling rig mast. 
         [0013]    Conventional service loops hold and house a variety of hoses, conduits, and cables that, among other things transfer electrical, hydraulic and compressed-air power to a top drive. Such service loops are mounted in a drilling derrick and travel up and down under a control of a piece of traveling equipment There are various combinations of hoses, wires and cables that pass through the inside diameters of the service loops. Some top drives utilize a combination of two to four service loops which can have approximately equal length. Each service loop at one end is attached to the derrick (or mast), and at the opposite end is connected to the top drive. As the top drive travels up and down, the service loops move accordingly up and down. In addition, they have a bending movement in the transverse direction, which forms the respective bend radii. 
         [0014]    Service loops can vary from about 2 inches to 7 inches in diameter. Variation in paths during operation of the machinery can cause the loops to become entangled. When this happens, loops with the larger diameter can force loops with the smaller diameter into unnatural positions, and this can result in premature failure of the loops with the smaller diameter. 
         [0015]    Also, an environmental condition such as a strong wind can be a factor that accelerates failure of the loops. Also, in some cases two or more loops with the smaller diameter can displace a loop with the larger diameter, which can cause problems including broken loops. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]    The present invention, in certain aspects, discloses systems for wellbore operations which include a drive subsystem and a hoist subsystem. The drive subsystem can, inter alia, be used to rotate tubulars or strings and, in certain aspects, for any of the tasks or functions provided by conventional top drives. 
         [0017]    The hoist subsystem can, inter alia, be used to raise and lower tubulars and, in certain aspects, for any tasks or functions provided by elevators, manipulators, grabbers, or handlers positioned below a top drive. Both subsystems are suspended within a rig, mast, or derrick. The drive subsystem is releasably connected to the hoist subsystem and the combined susbsystems are movable within the derrick as a unit. Each subsystem is also movable independently within the rig, mast, or derrick when the drive subsystem is disconnected from the hoist subsystem. 
         [0018]    In certain aspects, the present invention discloses a system for wellbore operations including: a drive subsystem for rotating tubular releasably connected a hoist subsystem for moving tubulars, the hoist subsystem with the drive subsystem connected thereto movable as a unit within a wellbore support structure or the drive subsystem disconnected from the hoist subsystem so that the hoist subsystem can be used in operations that do not use the drive subsystem, e.g., in one aspect, tripping operations. With such a system, the drive subsystem, when disconnected from the hoist subsystem, can be docked or parked within a derrick, mast, or rig at any desired location, including, but not limited to, near a top thereof. 
         [0019]    The present invention discloses methods for using such systems which include: moving a unit within a wellbore support structure (e.g., rig, mast, derrick), the unit having a hoist subsystem for moving tubulars releasably connected to a drive subsystem for rotating tubular; disconnecting the drive subsystem from the hoist subsystem; and moving one or both of the hoist subsystem and the drive subsystem separately within the wellbore structure. In certain aspects, the hoist subsystem is used alone for various operations. 
         [0020]    In certain aspects, the present invention provides systems for wellbore operations in which various raising and lowering functions are done with a powered cylinder system according to the present invention without using a typical drawworks. 
         [0021]    The present invention, in certain aspects, provides a loop system for the disposition, handling, and guiding of various service loops, including loops, cables, conduits, and hoses used in well operations, e.g., operations associated with a drive system and/or a hoist system. Certain loop systems according to the present invention have rollers that keep each loop separate in an orderly fashion without the need for a drag chain as in many known service loop systems which carry the various loops. 
         [0022]    Such a loop system can be used with known rigs and can also be used with systems according to the present invention. In certain loop systems according to the present invention, service loops (e.g., air, hydraulic fluid, drilling mud, electrical cables, etc.) connected to a drive system and hoist system travel up to a crown block area of a mast and wrap around rollers from which they descend to connections in the mast or at the drill floor, e.g., on a side opening of a drive system and/or hoist system. 
         [0023]    With such a loop system according to the present invention in certain embodiments, there is no need for the known typical service loop system, e.g., that (on the v-door side of a rig) travels up and down in the rig and down to a rig floor area which can hinder operations. 
         [0024]    In certain aspects, the present invention provides a pipe handling system with pipe handling apparatus that can move a stand of pipe to a racking board while a hoist system with an elevator is movable down to a rig floor to attach to a pipe or string in slips. While the stand is being racked, the hoist system begins to hoist the next stand; i.e., the hoist system can move with a new stand simultaneously as the pipe racking apparatus racks a previously disconnected stand; in one aspect, while an iron roughneck is also moving 
         [0025]    Accordingly, the present invention includes features and advantages which are believed to enable it to advance top drive 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. 
         [0026]    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 preferred 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. It is, therefore, an object of at least certain preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide: 
         [0027]    New, useful unique, efficient, nonobvious wellbore systems with a drive system releasably connected to a hoist system and methods for their use, the drive system being any known tubular drive system and, in one particular aspect, being a top drive system; 
         [0028]    Such systems in which the drive system is selectively releasable from the hoist system and the drive system is securable above the hoist system with the hoist system free to move with respect to the drive system. 
         [0029]    New, useful unique, efficient, nonobvious wellbore tubular drive systems and methods for their use; 
         [0030]    New, useful unique, efficient, nonobvious wellbore hoist systems and methods for their use; 
         [0031]    New, useful unique, efficient, nonobvious wellbore operations service loop systems and methods for their use; 
         [0032]    New, useful unique, efficient, nonobvious pipe handler systems and methods for their use; 
         [0033]    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. 
         [0034]    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. 
         [0035]    The present invention and its diverse embodiments recognize and address the long-felt needs and provides a solution to 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 disguise it by variations in form, changes, or additions of further improvements. 
         [0036]    It will be understood that the various embodiments of the present invention may include one, some, or any possible combination of the disclosed, described, and/or enumerated features, aspects, and/or improvements and/or technical advantages and/or elements in claims to this invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         [0037]    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. 
           [0038]    These drawings illustrate embodiments preferred at the time of filing for this patent and are not to be used to improperly limit the scope of the invention which may have other equally effective or legally equivalent embodiments. In the appended figures, similar components and/or features may have the same numerical reference label. 
           [0039]    Various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a letter that distinguishes among the similar components and/or features. 
           [0040]    If only the first numerical reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components and/or features having the same first numerical reference label irrespective of the letter suffix. 
           [0041]      FIG. 1  is a schematic side view of a system according to the present invention. 
           [0042]      FIG. 1A  shows parts of the system of  FIG. 1 , a drive subsystem separated from a hoist subsystem. 
           [0043]      FIG. 2A  is a side schematic view of a system according to the present invention. 
           [0044]      FIG. 2B  is a front schematic view of the system of  FIG. 2A . 
           [0045]      FIG. 2C  is a front schematic view of the drive subsystem of the system of  FIG. 2A . 
           [0046]      FIG. 3A  is a side schematic view of a system according to the present invention. 
           [0047]      FIG. 3B  is a front view of the system of  FIG. 3A . 
           [0048]      FIG. 3C  is a front view of the system of  FIG. 3A . 
           [0049]      FIG. 3D  is a side view of the system of  FIG. 3A . 
           [0050]      FIG. 3E  is a front view of the system of  FIG. 3A . 
           [0051]      FIG. 4  is a schematic front view of a system according to the present invention. 
           [0052]      FIG. 4A  is a schematic front view of a drive system according to the present invention. 
           [0053]      FIG. 4B  is a schematic front view of a hoist system according to the present invention. 
           [0054]      FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of a system according to the present invention. 
           [0055]      FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of a hoist system of the system of  FIG. 5A   
           [0056]      FIG. 5C  is a perspective view of a drive system of the system of  FIG. 5A . 
           [0057]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the hoist system shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B . 
           [0058]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the drive system shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5C . 
           [0059]      FIG. 8A  is a side schematic view of a system according to the present invention. 
           [0060]      FIG. 8B  is an enlarged side schematic view of part of the system of  FIG. 8A . 
           [0061]      FIG. 8C  is a front view of parts of the system of  FIG. 8A . 
           [0062]      FIG. 8D  is an enlarged view of parts shown in  FIG. 8C . 
           [0063]      FIG. 8E  is a side view of parts shown in  FIG. 8C . 
           [0064]      FIG. 8F  is a side view of a pin of the system as shown in  FIG. 8C . 
           [0065]      FIG. 8G  is a perspective view of part of a loop system of the system of  FIG. 8A . 
           [0066]      FIG. 8H  is a perspective view of part of the loop system of  FIG. 8G . 
           [0067]      FIG. 8I  is a front view of a system according to the present invention showing parts of a loop system, drive system and hoist system according to the present invention as shown in  FIG. 8A . 
           [0068]      FIG. 8J  is a side view of parts of the loop system as shown in  FIG. 8I . 
           [0069]      FIG. 8K  is a side schematic view showing a step in a method using the system of  FIG. 8A . 
           [0070]      FIG. 8L  is an enlarged view of part of the system as shown in  FIG. 8K . 
           [0071]      FIG. 8M  is a side schematic view showing a step in a method using the system of  FIG. 8A . 
           [0072]      FIG. 8N  is a side schematic view showing a step in a method using the system of  FIG. 8A . 
           [0073]      FIG. 8O  is a view along line a-a of  FIG. 8N . 
           [0074]      FIG. 8P  is a side schematic view showing a step in a method using the system of  FIG. 8A . 
           [0075]      FIG. 9A  is a side schematic view of a system according to the present invention. 
           [0076]      FIG. 9B  is a side schematic view of the system of  FIG. 9A  showing a step in a method according to the present invention. 
           [0077]      FIG. 9C  is a side schematic view of the system of  FIG. 9A  showing a step in a method according to the present invention. 
           [0078]      FIG. 9D  is an front view of the system as shown in  FIG. 9C . 
           [0079]      FIG. 9E  is a side schematic view showing a step in a method using the system of  FIG. 9A . 
           [0080]      FIG. 9F  is a side schematic view showing a step in a method using the system of  FIG. 9A . 
           [0081]      FIG. 9G  is a side schematic view showing a step in a method using the system of  FIG. 9A . 
           [0082]      FIG. 9H  is a side schematic view showing a step in a method using the system of  FIG. 9A . 
           [0083]      FIG. 10A  is a side schematic view of a system according to the present invention. 
           [0084]      FIG. 10B  is an enlargement of part of the system of  FIG. 10A . 
           [0085]      FIG. 11  is a side schematic view of a system according to the present invention. 
           [0086]      FIG. 12A  is a side schematic view of a system according to the present invention. 
           [0087]      FIG. 12B  is a top view of part of the system of  FIG. 12A . 
           [0088]      FIG. 12C  is a side of the system of  FIG. 12A  as used in a step of a method according to the present invention. 
           [0089]      FIG. 12D  is a side of the system of  FIG. 12A  as used in a step of a method according to the present invention. 
           [0090]      FIG. 12E  is a top view of part of the system as shown in  FIG. 12D . 
           [0091]      FIG. 12F  is a top view of part of the system as shown in  FIG. 12D . 
           [0092]      FIG. 12G  is a side view showing a step in a method using the system of  FIG. 12A . 
           [0093]      FIG. 12H  is a side schematic view showing a step in a method using the system of  FIG. 12A . 
       
    
    
       [0094]    Certain 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. Any combination of aspects and/or features described below can be used except where such aspects and/or features are mutually exclusive. 
         [0095]    It should be understood that the appended drawings and description herein are of certain embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. 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 these 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. 
         [0096]    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 embodiments, and are not intended to mean the claimed invention of any particular embodiment. Accordingly, the subject or topic of each such reference is not automatically or necessarily part of, or required by, any particular embodiment. 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. The present invention includes a variety of aspects, which may be combined in different ways. The following descriptions are provided to list elements and describe some of the embodiments of the present invention, including those preferred at the time of filing for this patent. These elements are listed with initial embodiments, however it should be understood that they may be combined in any manner and in any number to create additional embodiments. The variously described examples and preferred embodiments should not be construed to limit the present invention to only the explicitly described systems, techniques, methods and applications. 
         [0097]    Further, this description should further be understood to support and encompass descriptions and claims of all the various embodiments, systems, techniques, methods, devices, and applications with any number of the disclosed elements, with each element alone, and also with any and all various possible permutations and combinations of all elements in this or any subsequent application. 
         [0098]    The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing one or more exemplary embodiments. 
         [0099]    Various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. 
         [0100]    Specific details are given in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, items or elements in the invention may be shown schematically in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments. 
         [0101]    Although a process may be described with steps and/or operations as happening sequentially, many of the steps and/or operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. 
         [0102]    A process may be terminated when its operations are completed, but could have additional steps not discussed or included in a figure. Furthermore, not all operations in any particularly described process may occur in all embodiments. 
         [0103]    Embodiments of the invention may be implemented, at least in part, either manually or automatically. Manual or automatic implementations may be executed, or at least assisted, through the use of machines, computers, hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or any combination thereof. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0104]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a system  10  according to the present invention is in a drilling rig  11  which is depicted schematically as a land rig, but other rigs (e.g., offshore rigs, jack-up rigs, semisubmersibles, drill ships, and the like) are within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0105]    In conjunction with an operator interface, e.g. an interface  11   i , a control system  11   c  (on site and/or remotely) controls operations of the system  10  and of the rig. The rig  11  includes a derrick  11   r  that is supported on the ground above a rig floor  11   f . The rig  11  includes apparatus  12  mounted to derrick  11   r  which facilitates movement of a drive subsystem  10   d  and a hoist subsystem  10   h.    
         [0106]    Cables  14   a ,  14   b  (for drive subsystem  10   d ) and cables  14   c ,  14   d  (for hoist subsystem  10   h ) are reeled in and out from a drawworks  14 . 
         [0107]    The drive subsystem  10   d  may include any suitable known top drive used in wellbore operations with one motor or with multiple motors. In certain aspects, a top drive is used which has frequency drive controller, a motor (or motors) and a drive shaft which is connectible to a tubular (e.g., but not limited to, pipe or drill pipe). Optionally, a known rotary drive system RD at rig floor level (shown schematically in dotted line) is used with or instead of the drive subsystem  10   d.    
         [0108]    A docking structure  11   d  has selectively engageable locking apparatuses  11   a  (shown schematically) for selectively securing the drive subsystem  10   d  in the top of the derrick  11   r.    
         [0109]    It is within the scope of the present invention to selectively secure a drive subsystem at any desired location within a derrick, with the drive subsystem connected to or disconnected from a hoist subsystem. For example, locking apparatuses  11   x  may be used to releasably secure a drive subsystem at any location in a derrick; e.g., near the bottom, near a rig floor, or (as shown with the apparatuses  11   x ) at or near a midpoint of the derrick. Also, apparatuses like the apparatuses  11   x  may be used to secure a hoist subsystem at a desired location in a derrick. 
         [0110]    The drive system  10   d  rotates a drill string  16  (or a tubular or tubular, not shown) to which the drive shaft (not shown) is connected. In one particular aspect, the drill string  16  is coupled to the drive subsystem  10   d  through an instrumented sub (not shown) which includes sensors that provide information, e.g., drill string torque information. 
         [0111]    The drill string  16  may be any typical drill string and, in one aspect, includes a plurality of interconnected sections of drill pipe  16   d  and a bottom hole assembly (“BHA”)  16   h  (shown schematically), which can include stabilizer(s), drill collar(s), and/or instruments, e.g., measurement while drilling (MWD) instrument(s) including a steering tool, to provide drilling information, e.g., but not limited to, bit face angle information. Optionally a bent sub (not shown) is used with a downhole or mud motor and a drillbit  16   b , connected to the BHA  16   h.    
         [0112]    Drilling fluid is delivered to the drillstring  16  by mud pumps  16   m  through a mud hose  16   h . During rotary drilling, drillstring  16  is rotated within the wellbore  17  by the drive subsystem  10   d  (and/or by the rotary drive system RD). 
         [0113]    It is within the scope of the present invention to react torque from the drive subsystem to the derrick  11   r  using any suitable known apparatus and/or structure. In one aspect, the drive subsystem is slidingly mounted on parallel vertically extending rails on the derrick  11   r  (not shown) to resist rotation as torque is applied to the drill string  16 . 
         [0114]    Drill cuttings produced as the bit  16   b  drills into earth E are carried out of wellbore  17  by drilling mud supplied by the mud pumps  16   m.    
         [0115]      FIG. 1A  shows the drive subsystem  10   d  separated from the hoist subsystem  10   h.    
         [0116]    The hoist subsystem  10   h  includes elevator apparatus  10   e  suspended from a main body  10   b . The hoist subsystem  10   h  is separable as desired from the drive subsystem  10   d  and is usable to pick up tubulars and to position them, e.g., for make up or break out of joints and in tripping operations. The drive subsystem  10   d  can be raised above the hoist subsystem  10   h  and parked at the top of the derrick  11   r  during such operations with tubulars. 
         [0117]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  show a system  20  according to the present invention which has a drive subsystem  21  releasably connected to a frame  23  of a hoist subsystem  22  with connection assemblies  24 . Lugs  27  on top of the drive subsystem  21  provide structures to which support cables (not shown) are connected to the drive subsystem  21 . The drive subsystem  21  may include any suitable top drive system  29  (or top drives). 
         [0118]    The hoist subsystem  22  has lugs  26  through which pass part  24   a  of the connection assemblies  24 . The parts  24   a  extend through the . lugs  26  and into the drive subsystem  21  for releasably securing the drive subsystem  21  to the frame  23 . 
         [0119]    Links  25  suspend an elevator  28  from the frame  23 . The links  25  may be used to move the elevator away from a center line of the apparatus (see  FIG. 2A ) and they may be used to support a drill pipe DP (or a drill string) (see  FIG. 2B ). The top drive(s)  29  of the drive subsystem  21  can rotate drill pipe DP. 
         [0120]      FIG. 2C  shows the drive subsystem  21  apart from the hoist subsystem  22 . 
         [0121]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  show a system  30  according to the present invention and  FIGS. 3C-3E  show various steps in an operation of the system  30 . 
         [0122]    The system  30  has a drive subsystem  31  and a hoist subsystem  32  which are movable with respect to a mast  33  (e.g., but not limited to, a mast or derrick of known land and offshore rigs). Locking assemblies  34   a  releasably secure the drive subsystem  31  to a frame  34 . The locking assemblies  34   a  have movable extensions  34   e  which pass through bars  34   f  of the frame  34  and into the drive subsystem  31  to lock the drive subsystem to the frame  34 . 
         [0123]    The drive subsystem  31  includes a top drive  39  which may be any suitable known top drive used in wellbore operations with any suitable motor or motors and associated structures, connections, conduits, loops, apparatuses, and/or power sources, including, but not limited to, those referred to herein and in patents or patent applications as cited herein (as may be true for the drive subsystem of any embodiment hereof). 
         [0124]    Lines  31   n  support the drive subsystem  31  and lines  32   n  support the hoist subsystem  32 . These lines can be reeled in and out from a typical drawworks, not shown, or any suitable powered apparatus (e.g., but not limited to, hydraulic cylinder apparatuses according to the present invention as described herein) may be used to move the lines to lower and raise their respective attached structures. The lines  31   n  are releasably connected with connectors  31   c  to lugs  31   g  on the drive subsystem  31 . The lines  32   n  are connected to the frame  34  with connectors  34   c  releasably connected to upstanding parts  34   s  of the frame  34 . The lines  32   n  pass over sheaves  32   h  connected to the top beam  34   b ; and the lines  31   n  pass over sheaves  31   h  on the beam  35 . 
         [0125]    Drive subsystem  31  has a support beam  35  which rides on, but is not secured to, a top beam  34   b  of a frame  34  of the hoist subsystem  32 . The support beam  35  can be releasably locked in position near a top of the mast  33  with locking assemblies  33   a ; for example, when the drive subsystem is disconnected from the hoist subsystem  32 , with the support beam  35  locked to the mast  33 , the drive subsystem  31  is held in position at the top of the mast  33 . 
         [0126]    Cylinder apparatuses  36  either within parts of the mast  33  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3E ) or located outside the mast  33  (see dotted lines in  FIG. 3C ), have parts, e.g. powered pistons, which extend and retract to move the top beam  34   b  thereby moving the hoist subsystem  32  up and down with respect to the mast  33 . The lines  31   n  may be used to raise and lower the drive subsystem  31  with respect to the beam  35 ; and the lines  32   n  may be used to raise and lower the hoist subsystem  32  with respect to the top beam  34   b  of the hoist subsystem. 
         [0127]    Links  38   a  connected to lower lugs  34   w  of the frame  34  support an elevator  38  (which is shown in  FIGS. 3B and 3C  supporting drill pipe DR). 
         [0128]    As shown in  FIG. 3C , the combined drive-subsystem- 31 /hoist-subsystem- 32  system  30  has been moved to the top of the mast  33  (by expanding the cylinder apparatuses  36 ). Parts  33   s  of the locking assemblies  33   a  are extended through holes  35   t  in upright bars  35   a  of the support beam  35  and into corresponding holes  33   t  of the mast  33  to releasably lock the drive subsystem at the top of the mast  33 . 
         [0129]    As shown in  FIGS. 3D and 3E , after the locking assemblies  34   a  are unlocked, freeing the drive subsystem  31  from the frame  34  of the hoist subsystem  32 , the hoist subsystem  32  is lowered with respect to the mast  33  and beneath and with respect to the drive subsystem  31 ; e.g., for tripping drill pipe or other operations. For example, the hoist frame  34  is lowered to a point above a joint of drill pipe that is in slips (not shown) on a rig and a tripping operation commences while the drive subsystem is docked at the top of the mast  33 . 
         [0130]      FIG. 4  illustrates schematically a system  40  according to the present invention which has a drive subsystem  41  releasably connected to a frame  45  of a hoist subsystem  42  with connectors  43 . The drive subsystem  41  may be disconnected from the hoist subsystem for any operation using the hoist subsystem or part of it. 
         [0131]    Lines  44  (like the lines in  FIGS. 1 and 3B ) connected to connectors  45   a  support a frame  45  of the hoist subsystem  42  and provide for its raising and lowering (by suitable apparatus, not shown). 
         [0132]    The drive subsystem  41  includes any suitable top drive system  49  which is movable (for raising or lowering) by lines  49   n . The drive subsystem  41  has a drive shaft  41   d  and any suitable sub(s)  41   s.    
         [0133]    Suspended below and/or connected to the frame  45  with connection structure  45   t  or  45   s  are any known apparatuses  46   a  and/or  46   b  used with top drives and/or used in wellbore operations; e.g., but not limited to, elevators, clamping apparatuses, and pipe grabbers. 
         [0134]      FIG. 4A  shows a drive subsystem DS according to the present invention which has releasable locking apparatuses RL thereon for selectively securing the drive subsystem DS at any desired location within a derrick, rig, or mast. The apparatuses RL may be any suitable known releasable locking apparatuses or devices; or they may be like any such apparatuses disclosed herein. 
         [0135]      FIG. 4B  shows a hoist subsystem HS according to the present invention which has releasable locking apparatuses RA thereon for selectively securing the hoist subsystem HS at any desired location within a derrick, rig, or mast. The apparatuses RA may be any suitable known releasable locking apparatuses or devices; or they may be like any such apparatuses disclosed herein. 
         [0136]      FIG. 5A  shows a system  50  according to the present invention which includes a hoist system  60  and a drive system  70 . The drive system  70  is releasably connected to the hoist system  60 . 
         [0137]    As shown in  FIGS. 5A ,  5 B, and  6 , the hoist system  60  has a yoke assembly  61  with a top beam  61   a , side beams  61   s , and a bottom beam  61   b . Links  62   a  connected to lugs  62   b  on the bottom beam  61   b  support an elevator  62 . The links  62   a  are rotatable within the lugs  62   b  to move the elevator  62  by rotating cylinder assemblies  62   r  which are connected between the links  62   a  and the bottom beam  62   b.    
         [0138]    Four releasable locking cylinder assemblies  63  selectively secure the drive system  70  to the yoke assembly  61 . Parts  63   e  of the assemblies  63  are movable in and out to achieve this locking. Motion limiting plates  63   p  and supports  63   r  and  63   s  assist in maintaining the drive system  70  in place on the yoke assembly  60 . Four rollers  64  (three shown) roll in tracks (not shown) to facilitate movement of the hoist system  60  on a derrick, rig, or mast. 
         [0139]    Wire lines (not shown) are connected to spelters  65   a  which are connected to lugs  65   b . The lugs  65   b  are rotatably connected to connectors  65   c  which project from bars  65   d  connected to the side beams  61   s . These wire lines function, e.g., like the lines  32   n ,  FIG. 3B . 
         [0140]    As shown in  FIGS. 5A ,  5 C, and  7 , the drive system  70  includes motors  71  which drive a gear system (not shown) in a gear box  71   b  which drive a drive shaft  71   d  connected to a saver sub  71   s . Structural tubes  72  connected to the gear box  71   b  support an upper frame  73 . A grabber support tube  74   t  supports a grabber  74 . The grabber  74  includes a tube  74   s  that telescopes in and out with respect to the support tube  74   t  for raising and lowering of the grabber  74 . Apparatus  74   x  actuates the grabber  74 . Optionally, a pipe wrench (not shown) is positioned below and/or connected to the top drive; e.g., a double jaw pipe wrench with hydraulically powered jaws for making up and for breaking out joints. Drilling mud flows through a mud swivel  79 . 
         [0141]    Parts  63   e  of the hoist system&#39;s yoke assembly  61  are releasably extendable into chambers  73   c  of the upper frame  73  to selectively secure the drive system  70  to the yoke assembly  61 . 
         [0142]    Optional tubes  75  receive corresponding tubes, members, or shafts (not shown; see, e.g., projecting members  86   c ,  FIG. 8H )) connected to a mast, rig, or derrick to insure proper positioning of the drive system  70  and, in certain aspects, to maintain the drive system  70  in alignment with a center line of a wellbore (when a rotary drive assembly is docked). 
         [0143]    Lines (not shown; like, e.g., the lines  31   n ,  FIG. 3B ) can be connected to the lugs  76  on top of the frame  73 . 
         [0144]    The frame  73  reacts torque from the drive system  70  into the rollers  64  and from the rollers  64  to the tracks of the derrick and into the derrick. 
         [0145]    A swivel system  77  with the mud swivel  79  (any suitable known swivel for a top drive system) provides drilling fluid (mud) to the tubular(s) beneath the drive system  70 , e.g., to drill pipe in a drilling operation and supports a drill string. 
         [0146]      FIG. 8A  shows a system  80  according to the present invention which includes a drive system  81  for rotating tubular and a hoist system  82  for hoisting tubular. The drive system  81  may be releasably connected to the hoist system  82 . A mast MS with a crown CN extends up from a rig floor RF. A substructure ST supports the rig floor RF. An iron roughneck IR is on the rig floor. 
         [0147]    A stand of pipe SP passes through powered slips in the rig floor into a wellbore WB in the earth. A mud hose MH supplies drilling fluid to the drive system  81 . A holding structure  86  positions the drive system  81  with respect to the mast MS when docked. 
         [0148]    Various lines, hoses, and conduits—including those which heretofore have been housed and moved in a “service loop” in conventional systems—including the mud hose MH, are positioned by and move over a loop assembly  84  connected to the top of the mast MS. 
         [0149]    Lines  87  secured to the mast MS support the drive system  81  in the position shown. A top beam  81   a  of the drive system  81  is releasably secured to the mast MS with apparatuses  81   k  (see  FIG. 8C ). A frame  81   b  of the drive system  81  can move with the hoist system  82  (although these two beams are shown apart in  FIG. 8A ) and rests on a beam  82   d  (see  FIG. 8C ) of the hoist system  82  during such movement. 
         [0150]    _An assembly  89  that facilitates raising and lowering of the hoist system  82  in the mast MS has a top beam  89   a  and wireline sheave support plates  89   b  of sheaves  89  on which lines  85  move. The lines  85  loop over the sheaves  89  supporting the hoist system  82 . The lines  85  connect to clevis assemblies  89   c  pinned to upright portions  82   e  of the hoist system  82 . The lines  85  support the hoist system  82  below the top beam  89   a.    
         [0151]    Cylinder assemblies  88  connected to the beam  89   a  raise and lower the sheaves  89  and thereby raise and lower the hoist system  82 . Optionally, a drawworks (not shown; e.g., like the drawworks  14 ,  FIG. 1 ) reels lines in and out for the raising and lowering of various apparatuses and component. It is within the scope of the present invention to use one, two, three, four or more assemblies  88 . 
         [0152]    Any suitable releasable locking mechanisms or devices may be used for the apparatuses  81   k  and  82   k . In one aspect, the apparatuses  81   k  are hydraulic or air cylinder apparatuses which lock the top beam  81   a  in place after the hoist system  82  has raised the top beam  81   a  in place at the top of the mast MS. In one aspect, as shown in  FIGS. 8C-8F , the top beam  81   a  has an upright lock plate  81   m  with a hole  81   s  and the top beam  89   a  has an upright plate  89   m  with a hole  89   s.    
         [0153]    A pin  81   p  extends through both holes (and is selectively removable therefrom). The pin  81   p  has a groove  81   t  in which an end  89   x  with a cutout  89   y  of a floating lock plate  89   p  is received to hold the pin  81   p  and prevent its horizontal movement until the floating lock plate  89   p  is removed. 
         [0154]    When the hoist system  82  has lifted the beam  81   a  to the top of the mast, the plate  89   m  on the beam  89   a  lifts up the floating lock plate  89   p . This allows the pin  81   p  to pass through the plate  89   p . After the pin  81   p  has been pushed into place, the hoist system  82  is lowered and the lock plate  89   p  is lowered into position. The cutout  89   y  of the lock plate  89   p  mates with the groove  81   t  of the pin  81   p . Then, if the cylinder apparatus  81   k  is inadvertently actuated to retract the pin  81   p , the pin  91   p  is held in place and cannot retract because the end of the pin  91   p  cannot go through the lock plate  89   p.    
         [0155]    The holding structure  86  ( FIG. 8B ) has an upper part that telescopes with respect to a lower part. The upper part has projecting members which are receivable in corresponding receptacles of a support structure or frame of a drive system (e.g., in tubes  75 ,  FIG. 7 ). The structure  86  maintains the position of a drive system. 
         [0156]    The present invention, in certain aspects, provides a loop system for the disposition, handling, and guiding of various service loops, including loops, cables, conduits, and hoses associated with a drive system and/or a hoist system according to the present invention. In such loop systems according to the present invention, service loops (e.g., air, hydraulic fluid, drilling mud, electrical cables, etc.) connected to a drive system and hoist system travel up to a crown block area of a mast and wrap around rollers from which they descend to connections in the mast or at the drill floor, e.g., on a side opening of a drive system and/or hoist system. 
         [0157]    With such a loop system according to the present invention, there is no need for the known typical service loop system, e.g., that on the v-door side of a rig that travels up and down in the rig and down to a rig floor area which can hinder operations. 
         [0158]    In loop systems according to the present invention, the rollers keep each loop separate in an orderly fashion without the need for a drag chain as in many known service loop systems which carry the various loops. 
         [0159]      FIG. 8G  shows a loop assembly  84  according to the present invention which has a base  84   a  to which are connected three roller assemblies  84   b  each with a plurality of rollers  84   c  and two roller assemblies  84   d  with dual spaced-apart rollers  84   e . It is within the scope of the present invention for there to be any desired number of roller assemblies  84  and/or  84   d ; e.g., sufficient roller assemblies to accommodate any desired number of hoses, conduits, and loops. It is also to be understood that it is within the scope of the present invention for the rollers (or some of them) to be deleted and to use a shaped surface or surfaces which do not rotate to facilitate movement of hoses, etc. with respect to and over the loop assembly. 
         [0160]      FIG. 8J  shows the loop assembly  84  with the rollers removed. 
         [0161]    A loop system according to the present invention, e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 8G and 8H , has separate loops and rollers that travel on separate movable beams to run loops to both a hoist system and to a drive system separately. This allows parking of a drive system in a rig, while allowing a hoist system to move with respect to the drive system. 
         [0162]    As shown in  FIGS. 8I and 8J , an embodiment of a loop system LS according to the present invention (e.g., using loop assemblies as in  FIGS. 8G ,  8 H) has hoist system service loops and rollers, and a beam supporting these rollers. This beam is powered by the main hoist cylinders that move the hoist system. The loop system LS also supports the drive system service loops and rollers. 
         [0163]    FIGS.  8 A and  8 K- 8 P illustrate use of the system  80  in a tripping operation. As shown in  FIG. 8A , the drive system  81  is docked and secured in place at the top of the mast MS and the locking apparatuses  81   k  are locking the top beam  81   a  to the mast MS. The hoist system  82 , disconnected from the drive system  81 , is lowered and is connected to the stand SP that is in the slips SL (i.e., an elevator EV of the hoist system  82  is connected to the stand SP). The hoist system  82  is lowered by scoping in the cylinder assemblies  88 . In one particular aspect, these cylinder assemblies  88  have a stroke length of about nine hundred and sixty inches. 
         [0164]    As shown in  FIGS. 8K and 8L , the hoist system  82  is used to pull the stand SP out of the wellbore WB and the slips SL are set on the pipe at the rig floor RF. The hoist system is raised (using the powered cylinders  88 ). 
         [0165]    The hoist system is then lowered as shown in  FIG. 8M  and it passes the pipe handler PH. The pipe handler PH is positioned at the top of the stand SP and the stand is then spun out using the iron roughneck IR. Such operation results in time saving (as compared to certain prior systems and methods). After the stand of pipe has been hoisted up, after the slips are set, the hoist system  82  can be started down toward the drill floor. The pipe handler PH is positioned close to the centerline of the hole and can quickly move over and latch onto the stand of pipe SP. As soon as the iron roughneck IR breaks out the lower joint of drill pipe, the pipe handler PH can move the stand from the centerline of the hole and rack it in the racking board RB. Simultaneous movement of the hoist system  82 , the pipe handler PH, and the iron roughneck IR saves time. 
         [0166]    As shown in  FIGS. 8N and 8O , the elevator EV is released from the pipe and the hoist system  82  is lowered. The pipe handler PH is raised and the stand is raised above the pipe in the slips SL. The pipe handler PH then racks the stand in the racking board RB. 
         [0167]    While the pipe handler PH is moving the stand SP to the racking board RB (see  FIG. 8P ), the hoist system  82  is moved down to the rig floor RF and the elevator EV is attached to the pipe PP in the slips SL. The method is then repeated to remove and rack another stand. 
         [0168]      FIGS. 9A-9H  illustrate a drilling operation with the system  80 . Using the drive system  81 , drilling has been done down to the lower limit of the stroke of the cylinder assemblies  88  as shown in  FIG. 9A . The elevator EV has been moved out of the way; a pipe grabber GB has been moved up; and the slips SL are set on drill pipe DP. The top beam  81   a , which supports the loop assembly  84 , rests on and rides on the beam  89   a  during drilling. Personnel use a driller control system DC. 
         [0169]    As shown in  FIG. 9B , using the hoist system  82 , the drill string DG with the drill pipe DP is raised by scoping out the cylinder apparatuses  88  and the slips SL are set. 
         [0170]    A grabber GR of the drive system  81 , as shown in  FIG. 9C , is actuated and clamps onto the drill pipe. The saver sub is then spun out from the drill string DG using the motors of the drive system  81 . 
         [0171]    With the drive system  81  released from the drill string DG, as shown in  FIG. 9E , the hoist system  82  pickups a new joint of drill pipe DE using the elevator EV. 
         [0172]    As shown in  FIG. 9F , the joint DE is lifted up by the hoist system  82  (the cylinder apparatuses  88  are scoped out). The iron roughneck IR is then positioned over the wellbore and the joint DE is lowered using the hoist system  82  (by scoping in the cylinders  88 ) for connection to the drill string DG. 
         [0173]    The joint DE is lowered to the drill string DG. The saver sub is lowered into the joint by lowering the hoist system. With the iron roughneck IR holding the drill string DG, the drive system  81  makes up the new joint, spinning the joint DE into the drill string DG using the saver sub. The iron roughneck is then used to make up the lower joint, rotating the upper threads into the lower threads to a recommended torque. The drive system and the grabber make up the upper joint. 
         [0174]    As shown in  FIG. 9H , the iron roughneck is released and the elevator EV is released and moved out of the way. The slips SL are released and drilling with the drive system  81  commences. 
         [0175]    In certain aspects of the present invention, conventional service are deleted and a loop assembly according to the present invention, e.g., like the loop assembly  84  described above, is used.  FIGS. 10A and 10B  show a rig according to the present invention in drilling mode. A drive system  81  (as described above) and a hoist system  82  (as described above) are pinned together. The service loops for these systems are routed around rollers mounted at the top of the travelling structures. There are no loose, unguided hoses in the mast MS. 
         [0176]    As shown in  FIG. 10B , there are: a mud hose MH and mud hose rollers MRH; drive system service loops DSSL and drive system service loop rollers TDSLR; and hoist system service loops HSSL and hoist system service loop rollers HSSLR. 
         [0177]      FIG. 8M  shows a rig in tripping mode. The drive system  81  has been hoisted up to the top of the mast MS by the cylinder apparatuses  88  and lines  85 , then pinned to the top of the mast MS with the cylinder assemblies  81   k  and the pin  81   p . The mud hose MH and the top drive service loops are not moving during this tripping operation, unlike in many typical top drive rigs. Thus, bending cycles on these loops are reduced, prolonging loop life and rendering the operations more efficient. 
         [0178]    A hoist system  82   a  shown in  FIG. 11  (like the hoist system  82 ) has a wire line socket WLSC; an hydraulic cylinder HC (or cylinders); and a moving wire line WL. It is an advantage of this system that the wire line WL moves relatively slow compared to those of certain prior systems, since it goes over only one sheave WS, resulting in less bending cycles of the wire line WL. (The line WL correspond to the line  32   n ,  FIG. 3E ; the socket WLSC corresponds to connector  31   c ). 
         [0179]    It is an advantage of this system that the hydraulic cylinder(s) HC have relatively few moving parts (in one aspect, only three moving parts and, unlike some prior systems which use a drawworks, heat generated by braking during drilling or tripping is absorbed by the hydraulic fluid and easily cooled. No brake pads, brake rims, and other brake parts are worn out using the cylinder(s) HC and there is an hydraulic system which has no rubbing parts that are not lubricated with the hydraulic fluid of the cylinders. 
         [0180]    A pipe handling system  120  according to the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 12A-12H . In certain aspects, the pipe handling system  120  is used as the pipe handler PH in the system  80  (e.g., see  FIGS. 8A-9H ). The pipe handling system  120  has a racking board P 1 ; a first handler travelling assembly P 2  for movement in the direction indicated as X-X,  FIG. 12B ; a second handler travelling assembly P 3 , for movement in the direction indicated as Z-Z,  FIG. 12A ; and a handler parallel arm travelling assembly P 4  for movement in the direction indicated as Y-Y,  FIG. 12A . 
         [0181]    The pipe handling system  120  also has a handler transfer elevator assembly P 5 ; transfer elevator keeper assemblies P 6 ; a powered elevator P 8 ; and a transfer elevator ejector device P 9 . As an example, the system  120  is shown handling a stand of drill pipe P 7 . 
         [0182]    The method illustrated in  FIGS. 12A-12H  uses a hoist system HS according to the present invention (e.g., like the hoist system  82  described above); a drive system DS according to the present invention (e.g., like the drive system  81  described above); and an iron roughneck IR. 
         [0183]    In a method according to the present invention as shown in  FIG. 12A , the drive system DS has been docked at the crown CN and locked in place. The hoist system HS is lowered around the stand P 7  which is in the slips SL. As shown in  FIG. 12C , the stand P 7  is raised by the hoist system HS and the slips SL are set. 
         [0184]    The hoist system is then lowered ( FIG. 12D ) and when it passes the transfer elevator P 5 , the pipe handling system  120  is positioned at the top of the stand P 7 . The iron roughneck IR then backs out and spins out the stand P 7 . 
         [0185]    As shown in  FIG. 12G , the powered elevator P 8  is released from the stand P 7  while the hoist system HS is lowered. The pipe handling system  120  is then raised with the stand P 7  clear of the lower tool joint LJ. The pipe handling system  120  then racks the stand P 7  in the racking board P 1 . 
         [0186]    While the pipe handling system  120  moves the stand P 7  to the racking board P 1 , (see  FIG. 12H ), the hoist system HS with the elevator P 8  moves down to the rig floor RF and the elevator P 8  attaches to the pipe in the slips SL. While the stand P 7  is being racked, the hoist system HS begins to hoist the next stand; i.e., the hoist system HS is moving with a new stand simultaneously as the pipe racking system  120  racks the stand P 7 , while the iron roughneck IR is also moving (back from well centerline). 
         [0187]    As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. It involves both structures, method steps, and techniques as well as devices to accomplish the appropriate ends. Techniques and method steps according to the present invention are disclosed as part of the results shown to be achieved by the various devices and structures and described and as steps which are inherent to utilization and are simply the natural result of utilizing the devices and structures as intended and described. In addition, while some devices and structures are disclosed, it should be understood that these not only accomplish certain methods but also can be varied in a number of ways. Importantly, as to all of the foregoing, all of these facets should be understood to be encompassed by this disclosure. 
         [0188]    The discussion herein is intended to serve as a basic description. The reader should be aware that the specific discussion may not explicitly describe all embodiments possible; many alternatives are implicit. It also may not fully explain the generic nature of the invention and may not explicitly show how each feature or element can actually be representative of a broader function or of a great variety of alternative or equivalent elements. Again, these are implicitly included in this disclosure. 
         [0189]    Where the invention is described in device-oriented or apparatus-oriented terminology, each element of the device or apparatus implicitly performs a function. Apparatus claims may not only be included for the device or apparatus described, but also method or process claims may be included to address the functions the invention and each element performs. Neither the description nor the terminology is intended to limit the scope of the claims that will be included in any subsequent patent application. 
         [0190]    It should also be understood that a variety of changes may be made without departing from the essence of the invention. Such changes are also implicitly included in the description. They still fall within the scope of this invention. A broad disclosure encompassing both the explicit embodiment(s) shown, the great variety of implicit alternative embodiments, and the broad methods or processes and the like are encompassed by this disclosure and may be relied upon when drafting the claims for any subsequent patent application. 
         [0191]    It should be understood that such language changes and broader or more detailed claiming may be accomplished at a later date (such as by any required deadline) or in the event the applicant subsequently seeks a patent filing based on this filing. With this understanding, the reader should be aware that this disclosure is to be understood to support any subsequently filed patent application that may seek examination of as broad a base of claims as deemed within the applicant&#39;s right and may be designed to yield a patent covering numerous aspects of the invention both independently and as an overall system. 
         [0192]    Further, each of the various elements of the invention and claims may also be achieved in a variety of manners. Additionally, when used or implied, an element is to be understood as encompassing individual as well as plural structures that may or may not be physically connected. This disclosure should be understood to encompass each such variation, be it a variation of an embodiment of any apparatus embodiment, a method or process embodiment, or even merely a variation of any element of these. Particularly, it should be understood that as the disclosure relates to elements of the invention, the words for each element may be expressed by equivalent apparatus terms or method terms—even if only the function or result is the same. Such equivalent, broader, or even more generic terms should be considered to be encompassed in the description of each element or action. 
         [0193]    Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example, it should be understood that all actions may be expressed as a means for taking that action or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each physical element disclosed should be understood to encompass a disclosure of the action which that physical element facilitates. Regarding this last aspect, as but one example, the disclosure of a “support” should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of “supporting”—whether explicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, were there effectively disclosure of the act of “supporting”, such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of a “support”. Such changes and alternative terms are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description. 
         [0194]    Any acts of law, statutes, regulations, or rules mentioned in this application for patent; or patents, publications, or other references mentioned in this application for patent are hereby incorporated fully and for all purposes by reference. In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unless its utilization in this application is inconsistent with such interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood as incorporated for each term and all definitions, alternative terms, and synonyms are hereby incorporated by reference. 
         [0195]    Thus, the applicants for this patent should be understood to have support to claim and make a statement of invention to at least: i) each of the pump systems and new parts thereof as herein disclosed and described, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these systems, parts, and methods, iv) those alternative designs which accomplish each of the functions shown as are disclosed and described, v) those alternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed and described, vi) each aspect, feature, component, and step shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) each system, method, and element shown or described as now applied to any specific field or devices mentioned, x) methods and apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, xi) the various combinations and permutations of each of the elements disclosed, and xii) each potentially dependent claim or concept as a dependency on each and every one of the independent claims or concepts presented. 
         [0196]    With regard to claims whether now or later presented for examination, it should be understood that for practical reasons and so as to avoid great expansion of the examination burden, the inventors may at any time present only initial claims or perhaps only initial claims with only initial dependencies. Support should be understood to exist to the degree required under new matter laws—including but not limited to European Patent Convention Article 123(2) and United States Patent Law 35 USC 132 or other such laws—to permit the addition of any of the various dependencies or other elements presented under one independent claim or concept as dependencies or elements under any other independent claim or concept. In drafting any claims at any time whether in this application or in any subsequent application, it should also be understood that the applicant has intended to capture as full and broad a scope of coverage as legally available. 
         [0197]    To the extent that insubstantial substitutes are made, to the extent that the applicant did not in fact draft any claim so as to literally encompass any particular embodiment, and to the extent otherwise applicable, the applicant should not be understood to have in any way intended to or actually waived or relinquished such coverage as the applicant simply may not have been able to anticipate all eventualities; one skilled in the art, should not be reasonably expected to have drafted a claim that would have literally encompassed such alternative embodiments. 
         [0198]    Further, if or when used, the use of the transitional phrase “comprising” is used to maintain the “open-end” claims herein, according to traditional claim interpretation. Thus, unless the context requires otherwise, it should be understood that the term “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, are intended to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of elements or steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of elements or steps. Such terms should be interpreted in their most expansive form so as to afford the applicant the broadest coverage legally permissible. 
         [0199]    Any claims set forth at any time during the pendency of the application for this patent or offspring of it are hereby incorporated by reference as part of this description of the invention, and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion of such incorporated content of such claims as additional description to support any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of such claims or any element or component thereof from the description into the claims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection is sought by this application or by any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations of any country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shall survive during the entire pendency of this application including any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof or any reissue or extension thereon. 
         [0200]    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. 
         [0201]    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 herein is to be understood as referring to the step literally and/or to all equivalent elements or steps. It is intended to cover the invention as broadly as legally possible in whatever form it may be utilized. The invention described herein is new and novel in accordance with 35 U.S.C. §102 and satisfies the conditions for patentability in §102. The invention described herein is not obvious in accordance with 35 U.S.C. §103 and satisfies the conditions for patentability in §103. 
         [0202]    The inventor may rely on the Doctrine of Equivalents to determine and assess the scope of the invention. All patents and applications identified herein are incorporated fully herein for all purposes. The word “comprising” is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, 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.