Patent ID: 8733434

Claim:
Apparatus for allowing communication of one or more medium between at least one external source and a tool associated with a top drive system, the tool being useful in connection with a hydrocarbon exploration or production well disposed below the top drive system, the top drive system including a rotatable shaft extendable downwardly to the tool, the apparatus comprising: a rotatable barrel positionable between the top drive system and the tool, said rotatable barrel having an upper end, a lower end and a central bore through which the rotatable shaft of the top drive system may extend and freely rotate, said rotatable barrel having a plurality of passages formed therein and isolated from one another, each said passage extending to a distinct exit port formed in said rotatable barrel, wherein at least one medium may be communicated between each said exit port and the tool; a non-rotating upper housing extending at least partially around said rotatable barrel and having at least one coupler engageable with the top drive system; a lower housing extending at least partially around said rotatable barrel between said non-rotating upper housing and said lower end of said rotatable barrel, said lower housing having at least one coupler engageable with the tool, said lower housing being rotatable; and a non-rotating communication ring extending at least partially around said barrel and having a plurality of separate passageways formed therein and extending therethrough, each said passageway being in communication with a distinct groove formed in and extending around the inner surface of said non-rotating communication ring, each said groove being in communication with one of said passages of said rotatable barrel regardless of the rotational movement of said rotatable barrel, each said corresponding passageway and groove being isolated from the other said passageway and groove combinations and being capable of communication with at least one external source, wherein at least two distinct, isolated flow paths are formed by said passageway and groove combinations of said non-rotating communication ring and said corresponding respective passages and exit ports of said rotatable barrel, allowing communication of at least one medium between at least one external source and the tool.