Patent ID: 8627890

Claim:
A method for drilling a wellbore, comprising: drilling the wellbore by advancing a tubular string longitudinally into the wellbore; stopping drilling by holding the tubular string longitudinally stationary; adding a tubular joint or stand of joints to the tubular string while injecting drilling fluid into a side port of the tubular string, rotating the tubular string, and holding the tubular string longitudinally stationary; resuming drilling of the wellbore after adding the joint or stand; opening the port before injecting drilling fluid into the port; stopping injection of drilling fluid into the port after adding the joint or stand; closing the port after stopping injection of drilling fluid into the port; engaging the tubular string with a clamp before opening the port; and disengaging the clamp from the tubular string after closing the port, wherein: the port is opened and closed by operating an electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic actuator, the actuator is part of the tubular string, and the clamp provides electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic power to the actuator.