Patent Document

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/255,160 filed Oct. 20, 2005, which is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/059,584 filed Feb. 16, 2005 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/825,590 filed Apr. 15, 2004—from all of which the present invention and application claim the benefit of priority under the Patent Laws and all of which are incorporated fully herein for all purposes. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention is directed to systems and methods for identifying items; in certain aspects, to chain with wave-energizable identification apparatus thereon; and, in certain aspects to identifying items in the oil and gas industry; and in one particular aspect to identifying tubulars, including, but not limited to, pieces of drill pipe, using radio frequency identification devices and/or sensible indicia. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    The prior art discloses a variety of systems and methods for using surface acoustic wave tags or radio frequency identification tags in identifying items, including items used in the oil and gas industry such as drill pipe. (See e.g. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,698,631; 5,142,128; 5,202,680; 5,360,967; 6,333,699; 6,333,700; 6,347,292; 6,480,811; and U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 10/323,536 filed Dec. 18, 2002; 09/843,998 filed Apr. 27, 2001; 10/047,436 filed Jan. 14, 2002; 10/261,551 filed Sep. 30, 2002; 10/032,114 filed Dec. 21, 2001; and 10/013,255 filed Nov. 5, 2001; all incorporated fully herein for all purposes.) In many of these systems a radio frequency identification tag or “RFIDT” is used on pipe at such a location either interiorly or exteriorly of a pipe, that the RFIDT is exposed to extreme temperatures and conditions downhole in a wellbore. Often an RFIDT so positioned fails and is of no further use. Also, in many instances, an RFIDT so positioned is subjected to damage above ground due to the rigors of handling and manipulation. 
         [0006]    The present inventors have realized that, in certain embodiments, chain links can be provided with effective identification apparatus; and that substantial usefulness for a tubular identification system can be achieved by divorcing the desire for effective above-ground identification and operation from the goal of downhole accessibility. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention discloses, in certain aspects, a link (e.g., but not limited to a chain link or an elevator link) which has: a body; the body having an exterior surface and two spaced-apart ends; wave-energizable identification apparatus (one or a plurality) on the exterior surface of the body; the wave-energizable identification apparatus wrapped in fabric material; the fabric material including heat-resistant non-conducting material; and the wave-energizable identification apparatus wrapped and positioned on the body so that the wave-energizable identification apparatus does not contact the body. 
         [0008]    The present invention discloses, in certain aspects, a link (e.g., but not limited to a chain link or an elevator link) with a link body, the link body having a link body exterior surface, two spaced-apart ends (in one particular aspect with an opening at each end), and a link opening through the link body; wave-energizable apparatus (one or a plurality) on the exterior surface of the link body; and a wrap over the wave-energizable apparatus wrapping the wave-energizable identification apparatus wrapped to the link body and/or a mass or other item securing the wave-energizable apparatus to the body. 
         [0009]    The present invention discloses, in certain aspects, methods for sensing a wave-energizable apparatus of a member which is a link with a body, the methods including; energizing the wave-energizable identification apparatus by directing energizing energy to it; the wave-energizable identification apparatus upon being energized producing a signal; positioning the link adjacent sensing apparatus; and sensing with the sensing apparatus the signal produced by the wave-energizable apparatus. 
         [0010]    The present invention discloses, in certain aspects, a chain link with a link body, the link body having a link body exterior surface, two spaced-apart ends, and a link opening through the link body; a stud connected to the link body and extending across the link opening, the stud having a stud exterior surface; wave-energizable identification apparatus on the stud exterior surface and/or on the body exterior surface; the wave-energizable identification apparatus wrapped in fabric material, the fabric material including heat-resistant non-conducting material; and the wave-energizable identification apparatus wrapped and positioned on the stud so that the wave-energizable identification apparatus does not contact the stud and/or the wave-energizable identification apparatus wrapped and positioned on the body so that the wave-energizable identification apparatus does not contact the body. 
         [0011]    In certain aspects, the present invention discloses such a chain in which the identification apparatus is protected by a shield that is applied to and/or connected to the link or the stud. 
         [0012]    The present invention, in certain aspects, provides an item, an apparatus, or a tubular, e.g. a piece of drill pipe, with a radio frequency identification tag either affixed exteriorly to the item, apparatus or tubular or in a recess in an end thereof so that the RFIDT is protected from shocks (pressure, impacts, thermal) that may be encountered in a wellbore or during drilling operations. In one particular aspect one or more RFIDT&#39;s are covered with heat and/or impact resistant materials on the exterior of an item. In one particular aspect, the present invention discloses systems and methods in which a piece of drill pipe with threaded pin and box ends has one or more circumferential recesses formed in the pin end into which is emplaced one or more radio frequency identification tags each with an integrated circuit and with an antenna encircling the pin end within A recess. The RFIDT (OR RFIDT&#39;S) in a recess is protected by a layer of filler, glue or adhesive, e.g. epoxy material, and/or by a cap ring corresponding to and closing off the recess. Such a cap ring may be made of metal (magnetic; or nonmagnetic, e.g. aluminum, stainless steel, silver, gold, platinum and titanium), plastic, composite, polytetrafluoroethylene, fiberglass, ceramic, and/or cermet. The RFIDT can be, in certain aspects, any known commercially-available read-only or read-write radio frequency identification tag and any suitable known reader system, manual, fixed, and/or automatic may be used to read the RFIDT. 
         [0013]    The present invention, in certain aspects, provides an item, apparatus, or tubular, e.g. a piece of drill pipe, with one or more radio frequency identification tags wrapped in heat and impact resistant materials; in one aspect, located in an area 2-3″ in length beginning ½ from the 18 degree taper of the pin and drill pipe tool joint so that the RFIDT (or RFIDT&#39;s) is protected from shocks (pressure, impacts, thermal) that may be encountered on a rig, in a wellbore, or during wellbore (e.g. drilling or casing) operations. In one particular aspect, the present invention discloses systems and methods in which a piece of drill pie with threaded pin and box ends has one or more radio frequency identification tags each with an integrated circuit and with an antenna encircling the pin end upset area located exteriorly on the pipe, e.g. in an area ½″-2½″ from a pin end 18 degree taper. The RFIDT (or RFIDT&#39;s) is protected by wrapping the entire RFIDT and antenna in a heat resistant material wrapped around the circumference of the tube body and held in place by heat resistant glue or adhesive, e.g. epoxy material which encases the RFIDT. This material is covered with a layer of impact resistant material and wrapped with multiple layers of wrapping material such as epoxy bonded wrap material. Preferably this wrapping does not exceed the tool joint OD. The RFIDT can be (as can be any disclosed herein), in certain aspects, any known commercially-available read-only or read-write radio frequency identification tag and any suitable know reader system, manual, fixed, and/or automatic may be used to read the RFIDT. Such installation of RFIDT&#39;s can be carried out in the field, in a factory, on a rig, with no machining necessary. Optionally, a metal tag designating a unique serial number of each item, apparatus, or length of drill pipe located under the wrap with the RFIDT(s) insures “Traceability” is never lost due to failure of the RFIDT(s). Replacement of failed RFIDT&#39;s can be carried out without leaving a location, eliminating expensive transportation or trucking costs. Optionally the wrap is applied in a distinctive and/or a bright color for easy identification. Determining whether an item, apparatus, or a tubular or a length of drill pipe or a drill pipe string is RFID-tagged or not is visibly noticeable, e.g. from a distance once the RFIDT&#39;s are in place. 
         [0014]    In certain particular aspects an RFIDT is encased in a ring of protective material whose shape and configuration corresponds to the shape of the pin end&#39;s recess and the ring is either permanently or removably positioned in the recess. Such a ring may be used without or in conjunction with an amount of protective material covering the ring or with a cap ring that protectively covers the RFIDT. Two or more RFIDT&#39;s may be used in one recess and/or there may be multiple recesses at different levels. In other aspects a ring is provided which is emplaceable around a member, either a generally cylindrical circular member or a member with some other shape. 
         [0015]    With an RFIDT located in a pipe&#39;s pin end as described herein, upon makeup of a joint including two such pieces of pipe, an RFIDT in one pipe&#39;s pin end is completely surrounded by pipe material—including that of a corresponding pipe&#39;s box end—and the RFIDT is sealingly protected from access by materials flowing through the pipe and from materials exterior to the pipe. The mass of pipe material surrounding the enclosed RFIDT also protects it from the temperature extremes of materials within and outside of the pipe. 
         [0016]    In other aspects [with or without an RFIDT in a recess] sensible material and/or indicia are located within a recess and, in one aspect, transparent material is placed above the material and/or indicia for visual inspection or monitoring; and, in one aspect, such sensible material and/or indicia are in or on a cap ring. 
         [0017]    A pipe with a pin end recess as described herein can be a piece of typical pipe in which the recess is formed, e.g. by machining or with laser apparatus or by drilling; or the pipe can be manufactured with the recess formed integrally thereof. In certain particular aspects, in cross-section a recess has a shape that is square, rectangular, triangular, semi-triangular, circular, semi-circular, trapezoid, dovetail, or rhomboid. 
         [0018]    It has also been discovered that the location of an RFIDT or RFIDT&#39;s according to the present invention can be accomplished in other items, apparatuses, tubulars and generally tubular apparatuses in addition to drill pipe, or in a member, device, or apparatus that has a cross-section area that permits exterior wrapping of RFIDT(S) or circumferential installation of antenna apparatus including, but not limited to, in or on casing, drill collars, (magnetic or nonmagnetic) pipe, thread protectors, centralizers, stabilizers, control line protectors, mills, plugs (including but not limited to cementing plugs), and risers; and in or on other apparatuses, including, but not limited to, whipstocks, tubular handlers, tubular manipulators, tubular rotators, top drives, tongs, spinners, downhole motors, elevators, spiders, powered mouse holes, and pipe handlers, sucker rods, and drill bits (all which can be made of or have portions of magnetizable metal or nonmagnetizable metal). 
         [0019]    In certain aspects the present invention discloses a rig with a rig floor having thereon or embedded therein or positioned therebelow a tag reader system which reads RFIDT&#39;s in pipe or other apparatus placed on the rig floor above the tag reader system. All of such rig-floor-based reader systems, manually-operated reader systems, and other fixed reader systems useful in methods and systems according to the present invention may be, in certain aspects, in communication with one or more control systems, e.g. computers, computerized systems, consoles, and/or control system located on the rig, on site, and/or remotely from the rig, either via lines and/or cables or wirelessly. Such system can provide identification, inventory, and quality control functions and, in one aspect, are useful to insure that desired tubulars, and only desired tubulars, go downhole and/or that desired apparatus, and only desired apparatus, is used on the rig. In certain aspects one or more RFIDT&#39;s is affixed exteriorly of or positioned in a recess an item, apparatus, or tubular, e.g., in one aspect, in a box end of a tubular. In certain aspects antennas of RFIDT&#39;s according to the present invention have a diameter between one quarter inch to ten inches and in particular aspects this range is between two inches and four inches. Such systems can also be used with certain RFIDT&#39;s to record on a read-write apparatus therein historical information related to current use of an item, apparatus or of a tubular member; e.g., but not limited to, that this particular item, apparatus, or tubular member is being used at this time in this particular location or string, and/or with particular torque applied thereto by this particular apparatus. 
         [0020]    In other aspects, a pipe with a pin end recess described therein has emplaced therein or thereon a member or ring with or without an RFIDT and with sensible indicia, e.g., one or a series of signature cuts, etchings, holes, notches, indentations, alpha and/or numeric characters, raised portion(s) and/or voids, filled in or not with filler material (e.g. but not limited to, epoxy material and/or nonmagnetic or magnetic metal, composite, fiberglass, plastic, ceramic and/or cermet), which indicia are visually identifiable and/or can be sensed by sensing systems (including, but not limited to, systems using ultrasonic sensing, eddy current sensing, optical/laser sensing, and/or microwave sensing). Similarly it is within the scope of the present invention to provide a cap ring (or a ring to be emplaced in a recess) as described herein (either for closing off a recess or for attachment to a pin end which has no such recess) with such indicia which can be sensed visually or with sensing equipment. 
         [0021]    It is within the scope of this invention to provide an item, apparatus, or tubular member as described herein exteriorly affixed (RFIDT(s) and/or with a circular recess as described above with energizable identification apparatus other than or in addition to one or more RFIDT&#39;S; including, for example one or more surface acoustic wave tags (“SAW tags”) with its antenna apparatus in the circular apparatus. 
         [0022]    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, other objects and purposes 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: 
         [0023]    New, useful, unique, efficient, nonobvious devices, chain links with apparatus for identification and/or for tracking, inventory and control and, in certain aspects, such chain links employing identification device(s), e.g. wave-energizable devices, e.g., one or more radio frequency identification tags and/or one or more SAW tags; 
         [0024]    New, useful, unique, efficient, nonobvious devices, systems and methods for apparatus identification, tracking, inventory and control and, in certain aspects, such systems and methods employing identification device(s), e.g. one or more RFIDT and/or one or more SAW tags; 
         [0025]    Such systems and methods in which a member is provided with one or more exteriorly affixed RFIDT&#39;s and/or one or more recesses into which one or more identification devices are placed; 
         [0026]    Such systems and methods in which the member is a cylindrical or tubular member and the recess (or recesses) is a circumferential recess around either or both ends thereof, made or integrally formed therein; 
         [0027]    Such systems and methods in which filler material and/or a cap ring is installed permanently or releasably over a recess to close it off and protect identification device(s); 
         [0028]    Such systems and methods in which aspects of the present invention are combined in a nonobvious and new manner with existing apparatuses to provide dual redundancy identification; 
         [0029]    Such systems and methods in which a sensing-containing member (flexible or rigid) is placed within or on an item; and 
         [0030]    Such systems and methods which include a system on, in, or under a rig floor, and/or on equipment, for sensing identification device apparatus according to the present invention. 
         [0031]    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 and functions. 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. 
         [0032]    The present invention recognizes and addresses the previously-mentioned problems and long-felt needs and provides a solution to those problems and a satisfactory meeting of those needs in its various possible embodiments and equivalents thereof. To one skilled 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 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 or additions of further improvements. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0033]    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. 
           [0034]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a pin end of a drill pipe according to the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 1B  is a perspective views of a pin end of a drill pipe according to the present invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 1C  is a partial cross-sectional view of the drill pipe of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0037]      FIG. 1D  shows shapes for recesses according to the present invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 2  is a graphical representation of a prior art commercially-available radio frequency identification tag apparatus. 
           [0039]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of a torus according to the present invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 2B  is a side view partially in cross-section, of the torus of  FIG. 2B . 
           [0041]      FIG. 2C  is a top perspective view of a torus according to the present invention. 
           [0042]      FIG. 2D  is a side view in cross-section of a recess according to the present invention with the torus of  FIG. 2C  therein. 
           [0043]      FIG. 2E  is a top view in cross-section of a torus according to the present invention. 
           [0044]      FIG. 2F  is a top view of a torus according to the present invention. 
           [0045]      FIG. 2G  is a side view of the torus of  FIG. 2F . 
           [0046]      FIG. 2H  is a side view of a torus according to the present invention. 
           [0047]      FIG. 2I  is a top view of a cap ring according to the present invention. 
           [0048]      FIG. 2J  is a side view of the cap ring of  FIG. 2I . 
           [0049]      FIG. 2K  is a top view of a cap ring according to the present invention. 
           [0050]      FIG. 2L  is a side view of the cap ring of  FIG. 2K . 
           [0051]      FIG. 2M  is a top view of a cap ring according to the present invention. 
           [0052]      FIG. 3A  is a side view, partially in cross-section, of a tubular according to the present invention. 
           [0053]      FIG. 3B  is an enlarged view of a box end of the tubular of  FIG. 3A . 
           [0054]      FIG. 3C  is an enlarged view of a pin end of the tubular of  FIG. 3A . 
           [0055]      FIG. 4A  is a side schematic view of a rig according to the present invention. 
           [0056]      FIG. 4B  is a side view partially in cross-section of a tubular according to the present invention. 
           [0057]      FIG. 4C  is a schematic view of the system of  FIG. 4A . 
           [0058]      FIG. 5A  is a schematic view of a system according to the present invention. 
           [0059]      FIG. 5B  is a side view of a tubular according to the present invention. 
           [0060]      FIG. 5C  is a schematic view of a system according to the present invention. 
           [0061]      FIG. 5D  is a schematic view of a system according to the present invention. 
           [0062]      FIG. 6  is a side view of a tubular according to the present invention. 
           [0063]      FIG. 7A  is a side view of a tubular according to the present invention. 
           [0064]      FIG. 7B  is a cross-section view of the tubular of  FIG. 7B . 
           [0065]      FIG. 8A  is a side view of a stabilizer according to the present invention. 
           [0066]      FIG. 8B  is a cross-section view of the stabilizer of  FIG. 8A . 
           [0067]      FIG. 8C  is a side view of a centralizer according to the present invention. 
           [0068]      FIG. 8D  is a cross-section view of the centralizer of  FIG. 8C . 
           [0069]      FIG. 8E  is a side view of a centralizer according to the present invention. 
           [0070]      FIG. 8F  is a cross-section view of the centralizer of  FIG. 8E . 
           [0071]      FIG. 8G  is a side view of a centralizer according to the present invention. 
           [0072]      FIG. 8H  is a cross-section view of the centralizer of  FIG. 8E . 
           [0073]      FIG. 9A  is a side cross-section view of a thread protector according to the present invention. 
           [0074]      FIG. 9B  is a side cross-section view of a thread protector according to the present invention. 
           [0075]      FIG. 10A  is a side cross-section view of a thread protector according to the present invention. 
           [0076]      FIG. 10B  is a perspective view of a thread protector according to the present invention. 
           [0077]      FIG. 11  is a cross-section view of a thread protector according to the present invention. 
           [0078]      FIG. 12A  is a schematic side view of a drilling rig system according to the present invention. 
           [0079]      FIG. 12B  is an enlarged view of part of the system of  FIG. 12A . 
           [0080]      FIG. 13A  is a side view of a system according to the present invention. 
           [0081]      FIG. 13B  is a side view of part of the system of  FIG. 13A . 
           [0082]      FIG. 14A  is a schematic view of a system according to the present invention with a powered mouse hole. 
           [0083]      FIG. 14B  is a side view of the powered mouse hole of  FIG. 14A . 
           [0084]      FIG. 14C  is a cross-section view of part of the powered mouse hole of  FIGS. 14  A and B. 
           [0085]      FIG. 14D  is a side view of a powered mouse hole tool according to the present invention. 
           [0086]      FIG. 15A  is a side view of a top drive according to the present invention. 
           [0087]      FIG. 15B  is an enlarged view of part of the top drive of  FIG. 15A . 
           [0088]      FIG. 16A  is a side cross-section view of a plug according to the present invention. 
           [0089]      FIG. 16B  is a side cross-section view of a plug according to the present invention. 
           [0090]      FIG. 17A  is a perspective view of a portable RFIDT bearing ring according to the present invention. 
           [0091]      FIG. 17B  is a side view of the ring of  FIG. 17A . 
           [0092]      FIG. 17C  is a perspective view of the ring of  FIG. 17A  with the ring opened. 
           [0093]      FIG. 17D  is a top view of a ring according to the present invention. 
           [0094]      FIG. 17E  is a top view of a ring according to the present invention. 
           [0095]      FIG. 18A  is a side view of a whipstock according to the present invention. 
           [0096]      FIG. 18B  is a bottom view of the whipstock of  FIG. 18A . 
           [0097]      FIG. 19  is a side view of a mill according to the present invention. 
           [0098]      FIG. 20A  is a perspective views of a pipe manipulator according to the present invention. 
           [0099]      FIG. 20B  is a perspective views of a pipe manipulator according to the present invention. 
           [0100]      FIG. 21  is a schematic view of a system according to the present invention. 
           [0101]      FIG. 22  is a schematic view of a system according to the present invention. 
           [0102]      FIG. 23  is a schematic view of a system according to the present invention. 
           [0103]      FIG. 24  is a perspective view of a blowout preventer according to the present invention. 
           [0104]      FIG. 25  is a side view of a tubular according to the present invention. 
           [0105]      FIG. 26  is an enlargement of part of  FIG. 25 . 
           [0106]      FIG. 27  is a perspective view of a tubular according to the present invention. 
           [0107]      FIG. 28  is a perspective view of a tubular according to the present invention. 
           [0108]      FIG. 29  is a perspective view of a tubular according to the present invention. 
           [0109]      FIG. 29A  is a schematic of part of the tubular of  FIG. 29 . 
           [0110]      FIG. 30  is a perspective view of a tubular according to the present invention. 
           [0111]      FIG. 30A  is a perspective view of a tubular according to the present invention. 
           [0112]      FIG. 30B  is a perspective view of a tubular according to the present invention. 
           [0113]      FIG. 31A  is a perspective view of a chain according to the present invention. 
           [0114]      FIG. 31B  is a top view of a link of the chain of  FIG. 31A . 
           [0115]      FIG. 31C  is a cross-section view along line  31 C- 31 C of  FIG. 31B . 
           [0116]      FIG. 32A  is a cross-section view of a shield according to the present invention. 
           [0117]      FIG. 32B  is a side view of the shield of  FIG. 32A . 
           [0118]      FIG. 32C  is a bottom view of the shield of  FIG. 32A . 
           [0119]      FIG. 32D  is an end view of the shield of  FIG. 32A  within a tube. 
           [0120]      FIG. 32E  is a perspective view of the shield of  FIG. 32A . 
           [0121]      FIG. 33  shows in cross-section shields according to the present invention. 
           [0122]      FIG. 34  shows in cross-section shields according to the present invention. 
           [0123]      FIG. 35A  is a side view of a chain according to the present invention. 
           [0124]      FIG. 35B  is a cross-section view along line B-B of  FIG. 35A . 
           [0125]      FIG. 36A  is a top view of a chain link according to the present invention. 
           [0126]      FIG. 36B  is a cross-section view along line  36 B- 36 B of  FIG. 36A . 
           [0127]      FIG. 36C  is a cross-section view along line  36 C- 36 C of  FIG. 36A . 
           [0128]      FIG. 37A  is a top view of a chain link according to the present invention. 
           [0129]      FIG. 37B  is a cross-section view along line  37 B- 37 B of  FIG. 37A . 
           [0130]      FIG. 37C  is a cross-section view along line  37 C- 37 C of  FIG. 37A . 
           [0131]      FIG. 38A  is a top view of a chain link according to the present invention. 
           [0132]      FIG. 38B  is a cross-section view along line  38 B- 38 B of  FIG. 38A . 
           [0133]      FIG. 38C  is a top view of the chain link of  FIG. 38C  without wrapping and without an identification tag. This is a prior art link. 
           [0134]      FIG. 38D  is a cross-section view along line  38 D- 38 D of  FIG. 38C . 
           [0135]      FIG. 39  is a perspective view of a link according to the present invention. 
           [0136]      FIG. 40A  is a perspective view of an apparatus according to the present invention. 
           [0137]      FIG. 40B  is a perspective view of an apparatus according to the present invention. 
           [0138]      FIG. 40C  is a perspective view of an apparatus according to the present invention. 
           [0139]      FIG. 41A  is a side view of a link according to the present invention. 
           [0140]      FIG. 41B  is a side view of a link according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0141]    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. 
         [0142]    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 
       [0143]      FIGS. 1A-1C  show a pin end  10  of a drill pipe according to the present invention which has a sealing shoulder  12  and a threaded end portion  14 . A typical flow channel  18  extends through the drill pipe from one end to the other. A recess  20  in the top  16  (as viewed in  FIG. 1C ) of the pin end  10  extends around the entire circumference of the top  16 . This recess  20  is shown with a generally rectangular shape, but it is within the scope of this invention to provide a recess with any desired cross-sectional shape, including, but not limited to, the shapes shown in  FIG. 1D . In one aspect an entire drill pipe piece with a pin end  10  is like the tubular shown in  FIG. 3A  or the drill pipe of  FIG. 12B . The recess  20  (as is true for any recess of any embodiment disclosed herein) may be at any depth (as viewed in  FIG. 1C ) from the end of the pin end and, as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1C  may, according to the present invention, be located so that no thread is adjacent the recess. 
         [0144]    It is within the scope of the present invention to form the recess  20  in a standard piece of drill pipe with a typical machine tool, drill, with a laser apparatus such as a laser cutting apparatus, or with etching apparatus. Alternatively, it is within the scope of the present invention to manufacture a piece of drill pipe (or other tubular) with the recess formed integrally in the pin end (and/or in a box end). The recess as shown in  FIG. 1C  is about 5 mm wide and 5 mm deep; but it is within the scope of certain embodiments of the present invention to have such a recess that is between 1 mm and 10 mm wide and between 2 mm and 20 mm deep. 
         [0145]    A cap ring  22  is installed over the recess  20  which seals the space within the recess  20 . This cap ring  22  (as may be any cap ring of any embodiment herein) may be made of any suitable material, including, but not limited to: metal, aluminum, zinc, brass, bronze, steel, stainless steel, iron, silver, gold, platinum, titanium, aluminum alloys, zinc alloys, or carbon steel; composite; plastic, fiberglass, fiber material such as ARAMID™ fiber material; KEVLAR™ or other similar material; ceramic; or cermet. The cap ring  22  may be sealingly installed using glue, adhesive, and/or welding (e.g., but not limited to Tig, Mig, and resistance welding and laser welding processes). 
         [0146]    Disposed within the recess  20  beneath the cap ring  22 , as shown in  FIG. 1C , is an RFIDT device  28  which includes a tag  24  and an antenna  26 . The antenna  26  encircles the recess  20  around the pin end&#39;s circumference and has two ends, each connected to the tag  24 . The RFIDT tag device may be any suitable known device, including, but not limited to the RFID devices commercially available, as in  FIG. 2 , e.g. from MBBS Company of Switzerland, e.g. its E-Units™ (TAGs) devices e.g., as in  FIG. 2 . The RFIDT device  28  may be a read-only or a read-write device. It is within the scope of this invention to provide one, two, three or more such devices in a recess  20  (or in any recess of any embodiment herein) Optionally, the RFIDT device (or devices) is eliminated and a recess  20  with a particular varied bottom and/or varied side wall(s) and/or a cap ring with a nonuniform, varied, and/or structured surface or part(s) is used which variation(s) can be sensed and which provide a unique signature for a particular piece of drill pipe (as may be the case for any other embodiment of the present invention). These variations, etc. may be provided by different heights in a recess or different dimensions of projections or protrusions from a recess lower surface or recess side wall surface, by etchings thereon or on a cap ring, by cuts thereon or therein, and/or by a series of notches and/or voids in a recess and/or in a cap ring and/or by sensible indicia. Optionally, instead of the RFIDT device  28  (and for any embodiment herein any RFIDT) a SAW tag may be used and corresponding suitable apparatuses and systems for energizing the SAW tag(s) and reading them. 
         [0147]    In certain aspects of the present invention with a recess like the recess  20  as described above, a ring or torus is releasably or permanently installed within the recess with or without a cap ring thereover (like the cap ring  22 ). Such a ring or torus may have one, two, or more (or no) RFIDT&#39;s therein.  FIGS. 2A and 2B  show a torus  30  installable within a recess, like the recess  20  or any recess as in  FIG. 1C , which includes a body  31  with a central opening  31   a . An RFIDT  32  is encased on the body  31 . The RFIDT  32  has an integrated circuit  33  and an antenna  34  which encircles the body  31 . In certain aspects the body  31  (as may be any body of any torus or ring according to the present invention) is made of metal, plastic, polytetrafluorethylene, fiberglass, composite, ceramic, or of a nonmagnetizable metal. The opening  31   a  (as may be any opening of any torus or ring herein) may be any desired diameter. Optionally, or in addition to the RFIDT device  28 , and RFIDT device  28   a  (or devices  28   a ) is affixed exteriorly to the pin end  10  with a multi-layer wrap as described below (see  FIGS. 28 ,  26 ) [any RFIDT(s) or SAW tag(s) may be used for the RFIDT  28   a].    
         [0148]      FIGS. 2C and 2D  show a torus  35  which has a central opening  35   a , a body  36  and an RFIDT  37  therein with an antenna  38  that encircles the body  36  and an integrated circuit  39 . In one aspect a recess  20   a  in a body for receiving a torus  35  has an upper lip  20   b  (or inwardly inclined edge or edges as shown in  FIG. 2D ) and the body  36  is made of resilient material which is sufficiently flexible that the torus  35  may be pushed into the recess  20   a  and releasably held therein without adhesives and without a cap ring, although it is within the scope of the present invention to use adhesive and/or a cap ring with a torus  35 . 
         [0149]      FIG. 2E  shows a torus  40  according to the present invention with a body  40   a  which is insertable into a recess (like the recess  20 , the recess  20   a , or any recess disclosed herein) which has one or more elements  41  therein which serve as strengthening members and/or as members which provide a unique sensible signature for the torus  40  and, therefore, for any pipe or other item employing a torus  40 . The torus  40  has a central opening  40   b  and may, according to the present invention, also include one, two or more RFIDT&#39;s (not shown). 
         [0150]      FIGS. 2F and 2G  show a torus  44  according to the present invention insertable into any recess disclosed herein which has a body  45 , a central opening  44   a , and a series of voids  46   a ,  46   b , and  46   c . With such a torus  44  made of metal, the voids  46   a - 46   c  can be sensed by any sensing apparatus or method disclosed herein and provide a unique sensible signature for the torus  44  and for any item employing such a torus  44 . Any torus described herein may have such a series of voids and any such series of voids may, according to the present invention, contain any desired number (one or more) of voids of any desired dimensions. In one particular aspect, a series of voids provides a barcode which is readable by suitable known barcode reading devices. A torus  44  can be used with or without a cap ring. As desired, as is true of any torus according to the present invention, one, two, or more RFIDT&#39;s may be used within or on the torus body. Voids may be made by machining, by drilling, by etching, by laser etching, by hardfacing or using a photovoltaic process. 
         [0151]      FIG. 2H  shows a torus  47  according to the present invention useful in any recess of any embodiment herein which has a series of sensible ridges  48   a - 48   f  which can be made by adding material to a torus body  49  [such a torus may have visually readable indicia, e.g. alpha (letter) and/or numeric characters]. Any torus, ring, or cap ring herein may have one or more such ridges and the ridges can have different cross-sections (e.g. as in  FIG. 2H ) or similar cross-sections and they can be any suitable material, including, but not limited to metal, plastic, epoxy, carbides, and hardfacing. Also, according to the present invention, a cap ring with one or more RFIDT&#39;s and/or any other sensible material and/or indicia disclosed herein may be placed around and secured to a tubular&#39;s pin end or box end without using a recess. 
         [0152]      FIG. 2M  shows a cap ring  22   a , like the cap ring  22 , but with sensible indicia  22   b - 22   f  made therein or thereon for sensing by an optical sensing system, an ultrasonic sensing system, an eddy current sensing system, a barcode sensing system, or a microwave sensing system. A cap ring  22   a  may be releasably or permanently installed in or over a recess like any recess disclosed herein. The indicia  22   b - 22   f  may be like any of the indicia or sensible structures disclosed herein. 
         [0153]      FIGS. 2I and 2J  show a specific cap ring  50  according to the present invention for use with drill pipe having a pin end. The ring  50  has a body with an outer diameter  50   a  of 98 mm, a thickness  50   b  of 5 mm, and a wall thickness  50   c  of 5 mm.  FIGS. 2K and 2L  show a specific cap ring  51  according to the present invention for use with a drill pipe pin end having an end portion diameter of about four inches. The ring  51  has an outer diameter  51   a  of 98 mm, a thickness  51   b  of 8 to 10 mm, and a wall thickness  51   c  of 3 mm. 
         [0154]    It is within the scope of the present invention to provide a tubular having a box end and a pin end (each threaded or not) (e.g. casing, riser, pipe, drill pipe, drill collar, tubing), each end with an RFIDT in a recess therein (as any recess described herein) with or without a cap ring (as any described herein).  FIGS. 3A-3C  show a generally cylindrical hollow tubular member  480  according to the present invention with a flow channel  480   a  therethrough from top to bottom and which has a threaded pin end  481  and a threaded box end  482 . The threaded box end  482  has a circumferential recess  483  with an RFIDT  484  therein. The RFIDT has an IC  485  and an antenna  486  which encircles the box end. Optionally, filler material  487  in the recess  483  encases and protects the IC  485  and the antenna  486 ; and an optional circular cap ring  488  closes off the recess. The RFIDT and its parts and the cap ring may be as any disclosed or referred to herein. Optionally, the tubular member  480  may have a shoulder recess  483   a  with an RFIDT  484   a  with an IC  485   a  and an antenna  486   a . Filler material  487   a  (optional) encases the RFIDT  484   a  and, optionally, a cap ring  488   a  closes off the recess. 
         [0155]    The pin end  481  has a circumferential recess  491  in which is disposed an RFIDT  492  with an IC  493  and an antenna  494  around the pin end. As with the box end, filler material and/or a cap ring may be used with the recess  491 . Antenna size is related to how easy it is to energize an IC and, therefore, the larger the antenna, the easier [less power needed and/or able to energize at a greater distance] to energize: and, due to the relatively large circumference of some tubulars, energizing end antennas is facilitated. 
         [0156]      FIG. 4A  shows a system  70  according to the present invention with a rig  60  according to the present invention which has in a rig floor  61   a  reading system  65  (shown schematically) for reading one or more RFIDT&#39;s in a drill pipe  66  which is to be used in drilling a wellbore. The reading system  65  incorporates one or more known reading apparatuses for reading RFIDT&#39;s, including, but not limited to suitable readers as disclosed in the prior art and readers as commercially available from MBBS Co. of Switzerland. The present invention provides improvements of the apparatuses and systems disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/906,957 filed Jul. 16, 2001 and published on Feb. 7, 2002 as Publication No. 2002/0014966. In an improved system  70  according to the present invention a drill pipe  66  ( FIG. 4B ) is like the drill pipes 16 in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/906,957, but the drill pipe  66  has a recess  67  with a torus  68  therein having at least one RFIDT  69  (shown schematically in  FIG. 4B ) and a cap ring  68   a  over the torus  68 . The drill pipe  66  may be connected with a tool joint  76  to other similar pieces of drill pipe in a drill string  77  (see  FIG. 4A ) as in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/906,957 (incorporated fully herein) and the systems and apparatuses associated with the system  70  ( FIG. 4A  and  FIG. 4C ) operate in a manner similar to that of the systems  10  and the system of  FIG. 1B  of said patent application. Drill string  77  includes a plurality of drill pipes  66  coupled by a plurality of tool joints  76  and extends through a rotary table  78 , and into a wellbore through a bell nipple  73  mounted on top of a blowout preventer stack  72 . An identification tag (e.g. an RFIDT)  71  is provided on one or more drilling components, such as illustrated in  FIG. 4A , associated with the system  70 , or the drill pipe  66 . An electromagnetic signal generator system  74  that includes an antenna and a signal generator is positioned proximate to an identification tag, for example just below rotary table  78  as illustrated in  FIG. 4A . Electromagnetic signal generator system  74  establishes a communications link with an identification tag  71  to energize the antenna, interrogate it, and to convey information relating to the equipment or drill pipe. 
         [0157]    The drilling system  70  includes the rig  60  with supports  83 , a swivel  91 , which supports the drill string  77 , a kelly joint  92 , a kelly drive bushing  93 , and a spider  79  with an RFIDT sensor and/or reader  79   a . A tool joint  76  is illustrated in  FIG. 4A  as connecting two drilling components such as drill pipes  66 . The identification tag  71  (or the RFIDT  69  read by the system  65 ) is operated to communicate a response to an incoming electromagnetic signal generated by electromagnetic signal generator system  74  (or by the system  65 ) that includes information related to the drilling component with the identification tag. The information may be used, for example, to inform an operator of system  70  of a drilling component&#39;s identity, age, weaknesses, previous usage or adaptability. According to the teachings of the present invention, this information may be communicated while drill system  70  is in operation. Some or all of the information provided in an identification tag may assist an operator in making a determination of when drilling components need to be replaced, or which drilling components may be used under certain conditions. The electromagnetic signal communicated by an identification tag or RFIDT may provide general inventory management data (such as informing an operator of the drilling components availability on the drilling site, or the drilling component&#39;s size, weight, etc.), or any other relevant drilling information associated with the system. 
         [0158]    Additional drill string components  84 , which are illustrated in  FIG. 4A  in a racked position, may be coupled to drill pipe  66  and inserted into the well bore, forming a portion of the drill string. One or more of drill string components may also include identification tags or RFIDT&#39;s. 
         [0159]      FIG. 4C  shows typical information that may be included within an identification tag&#39;s or RFIDT&#39;s, antenna as the antenna cooperates with electromagnetic signal generator  74  and/or the system  65  to transmit an electromagnetic energizing signal  85  to an identification tag  71  (or  69 ). The electromagnetic signal generators use an antenna to interrogate the RFIDT&#39;s for desired information associated with a corresponding pipe or drilling component. 
         [0160]    The electromagnetic signal  85  is communicated to an RFIDT that responds to the transmitted electromagnetic signal by returning data or information  86  in an electromagnetic signal form that is received by one of the antennas, and subsequently communicated to a reader  87  which may subsequently process or simply store electromagnetic signal  86 . The reader  87  may be handheld, i.e. mobile, or fixed according to particular needs. 
         [0161]    The RFIDT&#39;s  69  and  71  may be passive (e.g. requiring minimal incident power, for example power density in the approximate range of 15-25 mW/cm 2 ) in order to establish a communications link between an antenna and the RFIDT. “Passive” refers to an identification tag not requiring a battery or any other power source in order to function and to deriving requisite power to transmit an electromagnetic signal from an incoming electromagnetic signal it receives via an antenna. Alternatively, an RFIDT (as may any in any embodiment herein) may include a battery or other suitable power source that would enable an RFIDT to communicate an electromagnetic signal response  86 . 
         [0162]    Antennas are coupled to reader  87  by any suitable wiring configuration, or alternatively, the two elements may communicate using any other appropriate wireless apparatus and protocol. The reader  87  is coupled to a control system which in one aspect is a computer (or computers)  88  which may include a monitor display and/or printing capabilities for the user. Computer  88  may be optionally coupled to a handheld reader  89  to be used on the rig or remote therefrom. Computer  88  may also be connected to a manual keyboard  89   a  or similar input device permitting user entry into computer  88  of items such as drill pipe identity, drill string serial numbers, physical information (such as size, drilling component lengths, weight, age, etc.) well bore inclination, depth intervals, number of drill pipes in the drill string, and suspended loads or weights, for example. 
         [0163]    The computer  88  may be coupled to a series of interfaces  90  that may include one or more sensors capable of indicating any number of elements associated with drill rig derrick  83 , such as: a block travel characteristic  90   a , a rotation counter characteristic  90   b , a drill string weight  90   c , a heave compensator  90   d , and a blowout preventer (BOP) distance sensor  90   e . A micro-controller may include one or more of these sensors or any other additional information as described in U.S. application Ser. No. 09/906,957. The control system may be or may include a microprocessor based system and/or one or more programmable logic controllers. 
         [0164]    A drill pipe  66  with an RFIDT  69  and an RFIDT  71  provides a redundancy feature for identification of the drill pipe  66  so that, in the event one of the RFIDT&#39;s fails, the other one which has not failed can still be used to identify the particular drill pipe. This is useful, e.g. when the RFIDT  71 , which has relatively more exposure to down hole conditions, fails. Then the RFIDT  69  can still be used to identify the particular piece of drill pipe. It is within the scope of the present invention for any item according to the present invention to have two (or more RFIDT&#39;s like the RFIDT  69  and the RFIDT  71 . Optionally, or in addition to the RFIDT  69 , an RFIDT  69   a  (or RFIDT&#39;s  69   a ) may be affixed exteriorly of the pipe  66  with wrap material  69   b  (as described below, e.g. as in  FIGS. 25-32 ). 
         [0165]      FIGS. 5A-5D  present improvements according to the present invention of prior art systems and apparatuses in U.S. Pat. No. 6,480,811 B2 issued Nov. 12, 2002 (incorporated fully herein for all purposes).  FIG. 5B  shows schematically and partially a drill pipe  91  with an RFIDT  92  (like the identifier assemblies 12, U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,063 B2 or like any RFIDT disclosed herein and with an RFIDT  99 , (as any RFIDT disclosed herein in a drill pipe&#39;s pin end). It is within the scope of the present invention to provide any oilfield equipment disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,063 B2 with two (or more) RFIDT&#39;s (e.g., one in an end and one in a side, e.g. like those shown in  FIG. 5B ). 
         [0166]      FIGS. 5A ,  5 C and  5 D show an oilfield equipment identifying apparatus  100  according to the present invention for use with pipe or equipment as in  FIG. 5B  with two (or more) RFIDT&#39;s on respective pieces  114  of oilfield equipment. The RFIDT&#39;s may be any disclosed or referred to herein and those not mounted in a recess according to the present invention may be as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,480,811 B2 indicated by the reference numerals  112   a  and  112   b  on pieces of equipment  114   a  and  114   b  with RFIDT&#39;s in recesses according to the present invention shown schematically and indicated by reference numerals  109   a ,  109   b ; and/or one or more RFIDT&#39;s may be affixed exteriorly (see e.g.,  FIGS. 25 ,  26 ) to either piece  114  of oilfield equipment. Each of the identifier assemblies  112  and RFIDT&#39;s like  109   a ,  109   b  are capable of transmitting a unique identification code for each piece of pipe or oilfield equipment. 
         [0167]    The oilfield equipment identifying apparatus  100  with a reader  118  is capable of reading each of the identifier assemblies and RFIDT&#39;s. The reader  118  includes a hand-held wand  120 , which communicates with a portable computer  122  via a signal path  124 . In one embodiment, each identifier assembly  112  includes a passive circuit as described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,142,128 (fully incorporated herein for all purposes) and the reader  118  can be constructed and operated in a manner as set forth in said patent or may be any other reader or reader system disclosed or referred to herein. 
         [0168]    In use, the wand  120  of the reader  118  is positioned near a particular one of the identifier assemblies  112  or RFIDT&#39;s. A unique identification code is transmitted from the identifier assembly or RFIDT to the wand  120  via a signal path  126  which can be an airwave communication system. Upon receipt of the unique identification code, the wand  120  transmits the unique identification code to the portable computer  122  via the signal path  124 . The portable computer  122  receives the unique identification code transmitted by the wand  120  and then decodes the unique identification code, identifying a particular one of the identifier assemblies  112  or RFIDT&#39;s and then transmitting (optionally in real time or in batch mode) the code to a central computer (or computers)  132  via a signal path  134 . The signal path  134  can be a cable or airwave transmission system. 
         [0169]      FIG. 5C  shows an embodiment of an oilfield equipment identifying apparatus  100   a  according to the present invention which includes a plurality of the identifier assemblies  112  and/or RFIDT&#39;s  109  which are mounted on respective pieces  114  of pipe or oilfield equipment as described above. The oilfield equipment identifying apparatus includes a reader  152 , which communicates with the central computer  132 . The central computer  132  contains an oilfield equipment database (which in certain aspects, can function as the oilfield equipment database set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,142,128). In one aspect the oilfield equipment database in the central computer  132  may function as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,142,128. In one aspect the oilfield equipment identifying apparatus  100   a  is utilized in reading the identifier assemblies  112  (and/or RFIDT&#39;s  109 ) on various pieces  114  of pipe or oilfield equipment located on a rig floor  151  of an oil drilling rig. 
         [0170]    The reader  152  includes a hand-held wand  156  (but a fixed reader apparatus may be used). The hand-held wand  156  is constructed in a similar manner as the hand-held wand  120  described above. The wand  156  may be manually operable and individually mobile. The hand-held wand  156  is attached to a storage box  158  via a signal path  160 , which may be a cable having a desired length. Storage box  158  is positioned on the rig floor  151  and serves as a receptacle to receive the hand-held wand  156  and the signal path  160  when the hand-held wand  156  is not in use. 
         [0171]    An electronic conversion package  162  communicates with a connector on the storage box  158  via signal path  164 , which may be an airway or a cable communication system so that the electronic conversion package  162  receives the signals indicative of the identification code stored in the identifier assemblies  112  and/or RFIDT&#39;s, which are read by the hand-held wand  156 . In response to receiving such signal, the electronic conversion package  162  converts the signal into a format which can be communicated an appreciable distance therefrom. The converted signal is then output by the electronic conversion package  162  to a buss  166  via a signal path  168 . The buss  166 , which is connected to a drilling rig local area network and/or a programmable logic controller (not shown) in a well-known manner, receives the converted signal output by the electronic conversion package  162 . 
         [0172]    The central computer  132  includes an interface unit  170 . The interface  170  communicates with the central computer  132  via a signal path  172  or other serial device, or a parallel port. The interface unit  170  may also communicates with the buss  166  via a signal path  173 . The interface unit  170  receives the signal, which is indicative of the unique identification codes and/or information read by the hand-held wand  156 , from the buss  166 , and a signal from a drilling monitoring device  174  via a signal path  176 . The drilling monitoring device  174  communicates with at least a portion of a drilling device  178  ( FIG. 5D ) via a signal path  179 . The drilling device  178  can be supported by the rig floor  151 , or by the drilling rig. The drilling device  178  can be any drilling device which is utilized to turn pieces  114  of oilfield equipment, such as drill pipe, casing (in casing drilling operations) or a drill bit to drill a well bore. For example, but not by way of limitation, the drilling device  178  can be a rotary table supported by the rig floor  151 , or a top mounted drive (“top drive”) supported by the drilling rig, or a downhole mud motor suspended by the drill string and supported by the drilling rig. Optionally, the drilling device  178  has at least one RFIDT  178   a  therein or t hereon and an RFIDT reader  178   b  therein or thereon. The RFIDT reader  178   a  is interconnected with the other systems as is the reader  152 , e.g. via the signal path  173  as indicated by the dotted line  173   a.    
         [0173]    The drilling monitoring device  174  monitors the drilling device  178  so as to determine when the piece  114  or pieces  114  of oilfield equipment in the drill string are in a rotating condition or a non-rotating condition. The drilling monitoring device  174  outputs a signal to the interface unit  170  via the signal path  176 , the signal being indicative of whether the piece(s)  114  of oilfield equipment are in the rotating or the non-rotating condition. The central computer  132  may be loaded with a pipe and identification program in its oilfield equipment database which receives and automatically utilizes the signal received by the interface unit  170  from the signal path  176  to monitor, on an individualized basis, the rotating and non-rotating hours of each piece  114  of oilfield equipment in the drill string. 
         [0174]    For example, when the drilling device  178  is a downhole mud motor (which selectively rotates the drill string&#39;s drill bit while the drill string&#39;s pipe remains stationary), the central computer  132  logs the non-rotating usage of each piece  114  of the drill string&#39;s pipe. In the case where the drilling device  178  is the downhole mud motor, the central computer  132  has stored therein a reference indicating that the drilling device  178  is the downhole mud motor so that the central computer  132  accurately logs the non-rotating usage of each piece  114  of oilfield equipment included in the drill string that suspends the drilling device  178 . 
         [0175]      FIG. 5D  shows a system  250  according to the present invention for rotating pieces of drill pipe  114  which have at least one identifier assembly  112  and/or one RFIDT in a pin end (or box end, or both) recess according to the present invention to connect a pin connection  252  of the piece  114  to a box connection  254  of an adjacently disposed piece  114  in a well known manner. Each piece  114  may have an RFIDT in its pin end and/or box end. The system  250  includes a reader system  250   a  (shown schematically) for reading the RFIDT in the pin end recess prior to makeup of a joint. The apparatus  250  can be, for example, but not by way of limitation, an Iron Roughneck, an ST-80 Iron Roughneck, or an AR 5000 Automated Iron Roughneck from Varco International and/or apparatus as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,603,464; 4,348,920; and 4,765,401. The reader system  250   a  may be located at any appropriate location on or in the apparatus  250 . 
         [0176]    The apparatus  250  is supported on wheels  256  which engage tracks (not shown) positioned on the rig floor  151  for moving the apparatus  250  towards and away from the well bore. Formed on an upper end of the apparatus  250  is a pipe spinner assembly  258  (or tong or rotating device) for selectively engaging and turning the piece  114  to connect the pin connection  252  to the box connection  254 . Optionally the assembly  258  has an RFIDT reader  258   a . An optional funnel-shaped mudguard  260  can be disposed below the pipe spinner assembly  258 . The mudguard  260  defines a mudguard bore  262 , which is sized and adapted so as to receive the piece  114  of oilfield equipment therethrough. The apparatus  250  also may include a tong or a torque assembly or torque wrench  263  disposed below the pipe spinner assembly  258 . An opening  264  is formed through the mudguard  260  and communicates with a mudguard bore  262 . Optionally an oilfield equipment identifying apparatus  110  includes a fixed mount reader  266  for automating the reading of the RFIDT&#39;s and of the identifier assemblies  112 , rather than the hand-held wand  156 . In one embodiment a flange  268  is located substantially adjacent to the opening  264  so as to position the fixed mount reader  266  through the opening  264  whereby the fixed mount reader  266  is located adjacent to the piece  114  of oilfield equipment when the piece  114  of oilfield equipment is moved and is being spun by the pipe spinner assembly  258 . The reader(s) of the apparatus  250  are interconnected with an in communication with suitable control apparatus, e.g. as any disclosed herein. In certain aspects, the fixed mount reader  266  can be located on the apparatus  250  below the pipe spinner assembly  258  and above the torque assembly or torque wrench  263 , or within or on the spinner assembly  258 ; or within or on the torque wrench  263 . 
         [0177]    The prior art discloses a variety of tubular members including, but not limited to casing, pipe, risers, and tubing, around which are emplaced a variety of encompassing items, e.g., but not limited to centralizers, stabilizers, and buoyant members. According to the present invention these items are provided with one or more RFIDT&#39;s with antenna(s) within and encircling the item and with a body or relatively massive part thereof protecting the RFIDT.  FIG. 6  shows schematically a tubular member  190  with an encompassing item  192  having therein an RFIDT  194  (like any disclosed or referred to herein as may be the case for all RFIDT&#39;s mentioned herein) with an IC (integrated circuit) or microchip  196  to which is attached an antenna  198  which encircles the tubular member  190  (which is generally cylindrical and hollow with a flow channel therethrough from one end to the other or which is solid) and with which the IC  196  can be energized for reading and/or for writing thereto. In one aspect the RFIDT  194  is located midway between exterior and interior surfaces of the encompassing item  192 ; while in other aspects it is nearer to one or these surfaces than the other. The encompassing item may be made of any material mentioned or referred to herein. The RFIDT  194  is shown midway between a top and a bottom (as viewed in  FIG. 6 ) of the encompassing item  192 ; but it is within the scope of this invention to locate the RFIDT at any desired level of the encompassing item  192 . Although the encompassing item  192  is shown with generally uniform dimensions, it is within the scope of the present invention for the encompassing item to have one or more portions thicker than others; and, in one particular aspect, the RFIDT (or the IC  196  or the antenna  198 ) is located in the thicker portion(s). In certain particular aspects the encompassing item is a centralizer, stabilizer, or protector. Optionally, or in addition to the RFIDT  194 , one or more RFIDT&#39;s  194   a  in wrap material  194   b  may be affixed exteriorly (see e.g.,  FIGS. 25 ,  26 ) of the member  190  and/or of the encompassing item  192 . 
         [0178]      FIG. 7A  shows a buoyant drill pipe  200  which is similar to such pipes as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,443,244 (incorporated fully herein for all purposes), but which, as shown in  FIG. 7A , has improvements according to the present invention. The drill pipe  200  has a pin end  202  and a box end  204  at ends of a hollow tubular body  206  having a flow channel (not shown) therethrough. A buoyant element  210  encompasses the tubular body  206 . Within the buoyant element  210  is at least one RFIDT  208  which may be like and be located as the RFIDT  198 ,  FIG. 6 . As shown in  FIG. 7B , in one aspect the buoyant member  210  has two halves which are emplaced around the tubular body  206  and then secured together. In such an embodiment either one or both ends of an antenna  201  are releasably connectible to an IC  203  of an RFIDT  208  or two parts of the antenna  201  itself are releasably connectible. As shown in  FIG. 7B , antenna parts  201   a  and  201   b  are releasably connected together, e.g. with connector apparatus  201   c , and an end of the antenna part  201   b  is releasably connected to the IC  203 . Alternatively an optional location provides an RFIDT that is entirely within one half of the buoyant member  210 , e.g. like the optional RFIDT  208   a  shown in  FIG. 7A . The pin end  202  may have any RFIDT therein and/or cap ring according to the present invention as disclosed herein. The two halves of the buoyant member may be held together by adhesive, any known suitable locking mechanism, or any known suitable latch mechanism (as may be any two part ring or item herein according to the present invention). 
         [0179]    It is within the scope of the present invention to provide a stabilizer as is used in oil and gas wellbore operations with one or more RFIDT&#39;s.  FIGS. 8A and 8B  show a stabilizer  220  according to the present invention which is like the stabilizers disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,384,626 (incorporated fully herein for all purposes) but which has improvements according to the present invention. An RFIDT  222  (like any disclosed or referred to herein) is embedded within a stabilizer body  224  with an IC  223  in a relatively thicker portion  221  of the body  224  and an antenna  225  that is within and encircles part of the body  224 . Parts  225   a  and  225   b  of the antenna  225  are connected together with a connector  226 . The stabilizer  220  may, optionally, have a recess at either end with an RFIDT therein as described herein according to the present invention. Optionally, the stabilizer  220  may have one or more RFIDT&#39;s located as are the RFIDT&#39;s in  FIGS. 6 and 7A . 
         [0180]    Various stabilizers have a tubular body that is interposed between other tubular members, a body which is not clamped on around an existing tubular members. According to the present invention such stabilizers may have one or more RFIDT&#39;s as disclosed herein; and, in certain aspects, have an RFIDT located as are the RFIDT&#39;s in  FIG. 6 ,  7 A or  8 A and/or an RFIDT in an end recess (e.g. pin end and/or box end) as described herein according to the present invention.  FIGS. 8C and 8D  show a stabilizer  230  according to the present invention which has a tubular body  231  and a plurality of rollers  232  rotatably mounted to the body  231  (as in the stabilizer of U.S. Pat. No. 4,071,285, incorporated fully herein, and of which the stabilizer  230  is an improvement according to the present invention). An RFIDT  233  with an IC  234  and an antenna  235  is disposed within one or the rollers  232 . The stabilizer  230  has a pin end  236  and a box end  237  which permit it to be threadedly connected to tubulars at either of its ends. A recess may, according to the present invention, be provided in the pin end  236  and/or the box end  237  and an RFIDT and/or cap ring used therewith as described herein according to the present invention. The antenna  235  is within and encircles part of the roller  232 . 
         [0181]    It is within the scope of the present invention to provide a centralizer with one or more RFIDT&#39;s as disclosed herein. A centralizer  240 ,  FIG. 8E , is like the centralizers disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,095,981 (incorporated fully herein), but with improvements according to the present invention.  FIGS. 8E and 8F  show the centralizer  240  on a tubular TR with a hollow body  241  with a plurality of spaced-apart ribs  242  projecting outwardly from the body  241 . A plurality of screws  244  releasably secure the body  241  around the tubular TR. An RFIDT  245  with an IC  246  and an antenna  247  is located within the body  241 . Optionally a plug  241   a  (or filler material) seals off a recess  241   b  in which the IC  246  is located. Optionally, or in addition to the RFIDT  245  one or more RFIDT&#39;s  245   a  are affixed exteriorly of the centralizer  240  under multiple layers of wrap material  245   b  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 25 ,  26 ) 
         [0182]      FIGS. 8G and 8H  show a centralizer  270  according to the present invention which is like centralizers (or stabilizers) disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,984,633 (incorporated fully herein for all purposes), but which has improvements according to the present invention. The centralizer  270  has a hollow tubular body  271  with a plurality of spaced-apart ribs  272  projecting outwardly therefrom. An RFIDT  273  with an IC  274  and an antenna  275  (dotted circular line) is disposed within the body  271  with the IC  274  within one of the ribs  272  and the antenna  275  within and encircling part of the body  271 . Optionally, or in addition to the RFIDT  273 , one or more RFIDT&#39;s  273   a  is affixed exteriorly to the centralizer  270  under layers of wrap material  273   b  (see, e.g.  FIGS. 25 ,  26 ). 
         [0183]    Often thread protectors are used at the threaded ends of tubular members to prevent damage to the threads. It is within the scope of the present invention to provide a thread protector, either a threaded thread protector or a non-threaded thread protector, with one or more RFIDT&#39;s as disclosed herein.  FIGS. 9A ,  10 A, and  11  show examples of such thread protectors. 
         [0184]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  and  10 A and  10 B show thread protectors like those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,367,508 (incorporated fully herein), but with improvements according to the present invention. 
         [0185]    A thread protector  280 ,  FIG. 9A , according to the present invention protecting threads of a pin end of a tubular TB has an RFIDT  283  within a body  282 . The RFIDT  283  has an IC  284  and an antenna  285 . A thread protector  281 ,  FIG. 9B , according to the present invention protecting threads of a box end of a tubular TL has a body  286  and an RFIDT  287  with an IC  288  and an antenna  298  within the body  286 . Both the bodies  282  and  286  are generally cylindrical and both antennas  285  and  298  encircle a part of their respective bodies. Optionally the thread protector  281  has an RFIDT  287   a  within a recess  286   a  of the body  286 . The RFIDT  287   a  has an IC  288   a  and an antenna  289   a . Optionally, any thread protector herein may be provided with a recess according to the present invention as described herein with an RFIDT and/or torus and/or cap ring according to the present invention (as may any item according to the present invention as in  FIGS. 6-8G ). Optionally, or in addition to the RFIDT  283 , one or more RFIDT&#39;s  283   a  is affixed exteriorly (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 25 ,  26 ) to the thread protector  280  under layers of wrap material  283   b.    
         [0186]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  show a thread protector  300  according to the present invention which is like thread protectors disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,367,508 B1 (incorporated fully herein), but with improvements according to the present invention. The thread protector  300  for protecting a box end of a tubular TU has a body  302  with upper opposed spaced-apart sidewalls  303   a ,  303   b . An RFIDT  304  with an IC  305  and an antenna  306  is disposed between portions of the two sidewalls  303   a ,  303   b . Optionally, an amount of filler material  307  (or a cap ring as described above) is placed over the RFIDT  304 . Optionally, or as an alternative, an RFIDT  304   a  is provided within the body  302  with an IC  305   a  and an antenna  306   a . Optionally, or as an alternative, an RFIDT  304   b  is provided within the body  302  with an IC  305   b  and an antenna  306   b.    
         [0187]    A variety or prior art thread protectors have a strap or tightening apparatus which permits them to be selectively secured over threads of a tubular.  FIG. 11  shows a thread protector  310  according to the present invention which is like the thread protectors disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,148,835 (incorporated fully herein), but with improvements according to the present invention. The thread protector  310  has a body  312  with two ends  312   a  and  312   b . A strap apparatus  313  with a selectively lockable closure mechanism  314  permits the thread protector  310  to be installed on threads of a tubular member. An RFIDT  315  with an IC  316  and an antenna  317  is disposed within the body  312 . The antenna  317  may be connected or secured to, or part of, the strap apparatus  313  and activation of the lockable closure mechanism  314  may complete a circuit through the antenna. In one aspect the antenna has ends connected to metallic parts  318 ,  319  and the antenna is operational when these parts are in contact. The bodies of any thread protector according to the present invention may be made of any material referred to herein, including, but not limited to, any metal or plastic referred to herein or in the patents incorporated by reference herein. 
         [0188]      FIG. 12A  shows a system  400  according to the present invention which has a rig  410  that includes a vertical derrick or mast  412  having a crown block  414  at its upper end and a horizontal rig floor  416  at its lower end. Drill line  418  is fixed to deadline anchor  420 , which is commonly provided with hook load sensor  421 , and extends upwardly to crown block  414  having a plurality of sheaves (not shown). From block  414 , drill line  418  extends downwardly to traveling block  422  that similarly includes a plurality of sheaves (not shown). Drill line  418  extends back and forth between the sheaves of crown block  414  and the sheaves of traveling block  422 , then extends downwardly from crown block  414  to drawworks  424  having rotating drum  426  upon which drill line  418  is wrapped in layers. The rotation of drum  426  causes drill line  418  to be taken in or out, which raises or lowers traveling block  422  as required. Drawworks  424  may be provided with a sensor  427  which monitors the rotation of drum  426 . Alternatively, sensor  427  may be located in crown block  414  to monitor the rotation of one or more of the sheaves therein. Hook  428  and any elevator  430  is attached to traveling block  422 . Hook  428  is used to attach kelly  432  to traveling block  422  during drilling operations, and elevators  430  are used to attach drill string  434  to traveling block  422  during tripping operations. Shown schematically the elevator  430  has an RFIDT reader  431  (which may be any reader disclosed or referred to herein and which is interconnected with and in communication with suitable control apparatus, e.g. as any disclosed herein, as is the case for reader  439  and a reader  444 . Drill string  434  is made up of a plurality of individual drill pipe pieces, a grouping of which are typically stored within mast  412  as joints  435  (singles, doubles, or triples) in a pipe rack. Drill string  434  extends down into wellbore  436  and terminates at its lower end with bottom hole assembly (BHA)  437  that typically includes a drill bit, several heavy drilling collars, and instrumentation devices commonly referred to as measurement-while-drilling (MWD) or logging-while-drilling (LWD) tools. A mouse hole  438 , which may have a spring at the bottom thereof, extends through and below rig floor  416  and serves the purpose of storing next pipe  440  to be attached to the drill string  434 . With drill pipe according to the present invention having an RFIDT  448  in a pin end  442 , an RFIDT reader apparatus  439  at the bottom of the mouse hole  438  can energize an antenna of the RFIDT  448  and identify the drill pipe  440 . Optionally, if the drill pipe  440  has an RFIDT in a box end  443 , an RFIDT reader apparatus can energize an antenna in the RFIDT  446  and identify the drill pipe  440 . Optionally, the drill bit  437  has at least one RFIDT  437   a  (any disclosed herein) (shown schematically). Optionally, or in addition to the RFIDT  448 , the drill pipe  440  has one or more RFIDT&#39;s  448   a  affixed exteriorly to the drill pipe  440  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 25 ,  26 ) under wrap layers  448   b.    
         [0189]    During a drilling operation, power rotating means (not shown) rotates a rotary table (not shown) having rotary bushing  442  releasably attached thereto located on rig floor  416 . Kelly  432 , which passes through rotary bushing  442  and is free to move vertically therein, is rotated by the rotary table and rotates drill string  434  and BHA  437  attached thereto. During the drilling operation, after kelly  432  has reached its lowest point commonly referred to as the “kelly down” position, the new drill pipe  440  in the mouse hole  438  is added to the drill string  434  by reeling in drill line  418  onto rotating drum  426  until traveling block  422  raises kelly  432  and the top portion of drill string  434  above rig floor  416 . Slips  445 , which may be manual or hydraulic, are placed around the top portion of drill string  434  and into the rotary table such that a slight lowering of traveling block  422  causes slips  444  to be firmly wedged between drill string  434  and the rotary table. At this time, drill string  434  is “in-slips” since its weight is supported thereby as opposed to when the weight is supported by traveling block  422 , or “out-of-slips”. Once drill string  434  is in-slips, kelly  432  is disconnected from string  434  and moved over to and secured to new pipe  440  in mouse hole  438 . New pipe  440  is then hoisted out of mouse hole  438  by raising traveling block  422 , and attached to drill string  434 . Traveling block  422  is then slightly raised which allows slips  445  to be removed from the rotary table. Traveling block  422  is then lowered and drilling resumed. “Tripping-out” is the process where some or all of drill string  434  is removed from wellbore  436 . In a trip-out, kelly  432  is disconnected from drill string  434 , set aside, and detached from hook  428 . Elevators  430  are then lowered and used to grasp the uppermost pipe of drill string  434  extending above rig floor  416 . Drawworks  424  reel in drill line  418  which hoists drill string  434  until the section of drill string  434  (usually a “triple”) to be removed is suspended above rig floor  416 . String  434  is then placed in-slips, and the section removed and stored in the pipe rack. “Tripping-in” is the process where some or all of drill string  434  is replaced in wellbore  436  and is basically the opposite of tripping out. In some drilling rigs, rotating the drill string is accomplished by a device commonly referred to as a “top drive” (not shown). This device is fixed to hook  428  and replaces kelly  432 , rotary bushing  442 , and the rotary table. Pipe added to drill string  434  is connected to the bottom of the top drive. As with rotary table drives, additional pipe may either come from mouse hole  438  in singles, or from the pipe racks as singles, doubles, or triples. Optionally, drilling is accomplished with a downhole motor system  434   a  which has at least one RFIDT  434   b  (shown schematically in  FIG. 12A ) 
         [0190]    As shown in  FIG. 12B , the reader apparatus  439  is in communication with a control apparatus  449  (e.g. any computerized or PLC system referred to or disclosed herein) which selectively controls the reader apparatus  439 , receives signals from it and, in certain aspects, processes those signals and transmits them to other computing and/or control apparatus. Similarly when the optional reader apparatus  444  is used, it also is in communication with the control apparatus  449  and is controlled thereby. With a reader at the pin end and a reader at the box end, the length of the piece of drill pipe be determined and/or its passage beyond a certain point. In one aspect the reader apparatus  439  is deleted and the reader apparatus  444  reads the RFIDT (or RFIDT&#39;s) in and/or on the drill pipe  440  as the drill pipe  440  passes by the reader apparatus  444  as the drill pipe  440  is either lowered into the mouse hole  438  or raised out of it. The reader apparatus  444  may be located on or underneath the rig floor  416 . It is within the scope of the present invention to use a reader apparatus  439  and/or a reader apparatus  444  in association with any system&#39;s mouse hole or rat hole (e.g., but not limited to, systems as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,107,705; 4,610,315; and in the prior art cited therein), and with so-called “mouse hole sleeves” and mouse hole scabbards” as disclosed in, e.g. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,351,767; 4,834,604; and in the prior art references cited in these two patents. With respect to the drilling operation depicted in  FIG. 12A  (and, any drilling operation referred to herein according to the present invention) the drilling may be “casing drilling” and the drill pipe can be casing. 
         [0191]      FIGS. 13A and 13B  show a system  450  according to the present invention which has a mouse hole  451  associated with a rig  452  (shown partially). The mouse hole  451  includes a mouse hole scabbard  454  (shown schematically, e.g. like the one in U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,604, but with improvements according to the present invention). The mouse hole scabbard  454  includes an RFIDT reader apparatus  456  (like any such apparatus described or referred to herein) with connection apparatus  458  via which a line or cable  459  connects the reader apparatus  456  to control apparatus  455  (shown schematically, like any described or referred to herein). It is within the scope of the present invention to provide, optionally, reader apparatuses (E.G. other than adjacent the pipe or adjacent a mouse hole, or tubular preparation hole)  453  and/or  459  on the rig  452 . Optionally, one or more antenna energizers are provided on a rig and reader apparatuses are located elsewhere. According to the present invention a scabbard can be made of nonmagnetic metal, plastic, polytetrafluoroethylene, fiberglass or composite to facilitate energizing of an RFIDT&#39;s antenna of an RFIDT located within the scabbard. Optionally a scabbard may be tapered to prevent a pipe end from contacting or damaging the reader apparatus  456  and/or, as shown in  FIG. 13B , stops  454   a  may be provided to achieve this. 
         [0192]    Various prior art systems employ apparatuses known as “powered mouse holes” or “rotating mouse hole tools”. It is within the scope of the present invention to improve such systems with an RFIDT reader apparatus for identifying a tubular within the powered mouse hole.  FIGS. 14A-14C  show a system  460  according to the present invention which includes a rig system  461  and a powered mouse hole  462 . The powered mouse hole  462  is like the powered mouse hole disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,351,767 (incorporated fully herein for all purposes) with the addition of an RFIDT reader apparatus. The powered mouse hole  462  has a receptacle  463  for receiving an end of a tubular member. An RFIDT reader apparatus  464  is located at the bottom of the receptacle  463  (which may be like any RFIDT reader apparatus disclosed or referred to herein). A line or cable  465  connects the RFIDT reader apparatus  464  to control apparatus (not shown; like any disclosed or referred to herein). Optionally as shown in  FIG. 14B , an RFIDT reader apparatus  466  in communication with control apparatus  467  is located adjacent the top of the receptacle  463 . 
         [0193]      FIG. 14D  shows a rotating mouse hole tool  470  which is like the PHANTOM MOUSE™ tool commercially-available from Varco International (and which is co-owned with the present invention), but the tool  470  has an upper ring  471  on a circular receptacle  473  (like the receptacle  463 ,  FIG. 14C ). The upper ring  471  has an energizing antenna  472  for energizing an RFIDT on a tubular or in an end of a tubular placed into the receptacle  473 . The antenna  472  encircles the top of the receptacle  473 . The antenna  472  is connected to reader apparatus  474  (like any disclosed or referred to herein) which may be mounted on the tool  470  or adjacent thereto. 
         [0194]    The prior art discloses a wide variety of top drive units (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,421,179; 4,529,045; 6,257,349; 6,024,181; 5,921,329; 5,794,723; 5,755,296; 5,501,286; 5,388,651; 5,368,112; and 5,107,940 and the references cited therein). The present invention discloses improved top drives which have one, two, or more RFIDT readers and/or antenna energizers. It is within the scope of the present invention to locate an RFIDT reader and/or antenna energizer at any convenient place on a top drive from which an RFIDT in a tubular can be energized and/or read and/or written to. Such locations are, in certain aspects, at a point past which a tubular or a part thereof with an RFIDT moves.  FIGS. 15A and 15B  show a top drive system  500  according to the present invention which is like the top drives of U.S. Pat. No. 6,679,333 (incorporated fully herein), but with an RFIDT reader  501  located within a top drive assembly portion  502 . The reader  501  is located for reading an RFIDT  503  on or in a tubular  504  which is being held within the top drive assembly portion  502 . Alternatively, or in addition to the reader  501 , an RFIDT reader  507  is located in a gripper section  505  which can energize and read the RFIDT  503  as the gripper section moves into the tubular  504 . In particular aspects, the tubular is a piece of drill pipe or a piece of casing. Appropriate cables or lines  508 ,  509 , respectively connect the readers  501 ,  507  to control apparatus (not shown, as any described or referred to herein). 
         [0195]    It is within the scope of the present invention to provide a cementing plug (or pipeline pig) with one or more RFIDT&#39;s with an antenna that encircles a generally circular part or portion of the plug or pig and with an IC embedded in a body part of the plug or pig and/or with an IC and/or antenna in a recess (as any recess described or referred to herein) and/or with one or more RFIDT&#39;s affixed exteriorly of the plug or pig.  FIG. 16A  shows a cementing plug  510  according to the present invention with a generally cylindrical body  512  and exterior wipers  513  (there may be any desired number of wipers). An RFIDT  514  is encased in the body  512 . An antenna  515  encircles part of the body  512 . The body  512  (as may be any plug according to the present invention) may be made of any known material used for plugs, as may be the wipers  513 . An IC  516  of the RFIDT  514  is like any IC disclosed or referred to herein. Optionally a cap ring (not shown) may be used over the recess  515  as may be filler material within the recess. Optionally, or in addition to the RFIDT  514 , one or more RFIDT&#39;s  514   a  is affixed exteriorly to the plug  510  under wrap layers  514   b  (see, e.g.  FIGS. 25 ,  26 ). One or more such RFIDT&#39;s may be affixed to the plug  520 . 
         [0196]      FIG. 16B  shows a cementing plug  520  according to the present invention which has a generally cylindrical body  522  with a bore  523  therethrough from top to bottom. A plurality of wipers  524  are on the exterior of the body  522 . An RFIDT  525  has an IC  526  encased in the body  522  and an antenna  527  that encircles part of the body  522 . Both antennas  515  and  527  are circular as viewed from above and extend around and within the entire circumference of their respective bodies. It is within the scope of the present invention to have the RFIDT  514  and/or the RFIDT  525  within recesses in their respective bodies (as any recess disclosed herein or referred to herein) with or without a cap ring or filler. 
         [0197]      FIGS. 17A-17D  show a portable ring  530  which has a flexible body  532  made, e.g. from rubber, plastic, fiberglass, and/or composite which has two ends  531   a ,  531   b . The end  531   a  has a recess  536  sized and configured for receiving and holding with a friction fit a correspondingly sized and configured pin  533  projecting out from the end  531   b . The two ends  531   a ,  531   b  may be held together with any suitable locking mechanism, latch apparatus, and/or adhesive. As shown, each end  531   a ,  531   b  has a piece of releasably cooperating hook-and-loop fastener material  534   a ,  534   b , respectively thereon (e.g. VELCRO™ material) and a corresponding piece of such material  535  is releasably connected to the pieces  534   a ,  534   b  ( FIG. 17C ) to hold the two ends  531   a ,  531   b  together. The body  532  encases an RFIDT  537  which has an IC  538  and an antenna  539 . Ends of the antenna  539  meet at the projection  533 -recess  536  interface and/or the projection  533  is made of antenna material and the recess  536  is lined with such material which is connected to an antenna end. Optionally, as shown in  FIG. 17D  the ring  530  may include one or more (one shown) protective layers  532   a , e.g. made of a durable material, e.g., but not limited to metal, KEVLAR™ material or ARAMID™ material. A hole  532   b  formed when the two ends  531   a ,  531   b  are connected together can be any desired size to accommodate any item or tubular to be encompassed by the ring  530 . The ring  530  may have one, two or more RFIDT&#39;s therein one or both of which are read-only; or one or both of which are read-write. Such a ring may be releasably emplaceable around a member, e.g., but not limited to, a solid or hollow generally cylindrical member. Any ring or torus herein according to the present invention may have an RFIDT with an antenna that has any desired number of loops (e.g., but not limited to, five, ten, fifteen, twenty, thirty or fifty loops), as may be the case with any antenna of any RFIDT in any embodiment disclosed herein. 
         [0198]      FIG. 17E  shows a portable ring  530   a , like the ring  530  but without two separable ends. The ring  530   a  has a body  530   b  made of either rigid or flexible material and with a center opening  530   f  so it is releasably emplaceable around another member. An RFIDT  530   c  within the body  530   b  has an IC  530   e  and an antenna  530   d.    
         [0199]    It is within the scope of the present invention to provide a whipstock with one or more RFIDT&#39;s with an RFIDT circular antenna that encircles a generally circular part of a generally cylindrical part of a whipstock.  FIGS. 18A and 18B  show a whipstock  540  like a whipstock disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,105,675 (incorporated fully herein for all purposes), but with an RFIDT  541  in a lower part  542  of the whipstock  540 . The RFIDT  541  has an antenna  543  and an IC  544  (each like any as disclosed or referred to herein). Optionally, or in addition to the RFIDT  541 , one or more RFIDT&#39;s  541   a  is affixed exteriorly to the whipstock  540  under wrap layers  541   b  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 25 ,  26 ). 
         [0200]    An RFIDT  551  (as any disclosed herein) may, according to the present invention, be provided in a generally cylindrical part of a mill or milling tool used in downhole milling operations. Also with respect to certain mills that have a tubular portion, one or both ends of such a mill may have one or more RFIDT&#39;s therein according to the present invention.  FIG. 19  shows a mill  550  which is like the mill disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,620,051 (incorporated fully herein), but with an RFIDT  551  in a threaded pin end  552  of a body  553  of the mill  550 . The RFIDT  551  may be emplaced and/or mounted in the pin end  552  as is any similar RFIDT disclosed herein. Optionally an RFIDT may be emplaced within a milling section  554 . Optionally, or in addition to the RFIDT  551 , one or more RFIDT&#39;s  551   a  may be affixed exteriorly of the mill  550  under wrap layers  551   b  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 25 ,  26 ). 
         [0201]    The prior art discloses a variety of pipe handlers and pipe manipulators, some with gripping mechanisms for gripping pipe. It is within the scope of the present invention to provide a pipe handler with an RFIDT reader for reading an RFIDT in a tubular member which is located in one of the embodiments of the present invention as described herein. Often an end of a tubular is near, adjacent, or passing by a part of a pipe handler. An RFIDT on or in a tubular according to the present invention can be sensed by an RFIDT reader apparatus and a signal can be transmitted therefrom to control apparatus regarding the tubular&#39;s identity or other information stored in the RFIDT.  FIGS. 20A and 20B  show pipe manipulators  560  and  570  (which are like pipe manipulators disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,077,525 (incorporated fully herein), but with improvements according to the present invention] which have movable arms  561 ,  562 , (pipe manipulator  560 ) and movable arm  571  (pipe manipulator  570 ). Each manipulator has a pipe gripper  563 ,  573 . Each manipulator has an RFIDT reader apparatus—apparatus  565  on manipulator  560  and apparatus  575  on manipulator  570 . Optionally, such a reader apparatus is located on a gripper mechanism. 
         [0202]      FIG. 21  shows a tubular inspection system  600  [which may be any known tubular inspection system, including those which move with respect to a tubular and those with respect to which a tubular moves, including, but not limited to those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,622,561; 6,578,422; 5,534,775; 5,043,663; 5,030,911; 4,792,756; 4,710,712; 4,636,727; 4,629,985; 4,718,277; 5,914,596; 5,585,565; 5,600,069; 5,303,592; 5,291,272; and Int&#39;l Patent Application WO 98/16842 published Apr. 23, 1998 and in the references cited therein] which is used to inspect a tubular  610  (e.g., but not limited to pipe, casing, tubing, collar) which has at least one RFIDT  602  with an IC  604  and an antenna  606  and/or at least one RFIDT  602   a  affixed exteriorly thereof according to the present invention. The tubular  610  may be any tubular disclosed herein and it may have any RFIDT, RFIDT&#39;s, recess, recesses, cap ring, and/or sensible material and/or indicia disclosed herein. 
         [0203]      FIG. 22  shows schematically a method  620  for making a tubular member according to the present invention. A tubular body is made—“MAKE TUBULAR BODY”—using any suitable known process for making a tubular body, including, but not limited to, known methods for making pipe, drill pipe, casing, risers, and tubing. An end recess is formed—“FORM END RECESS”—in one or both ends of the tubular member. An identification device is installed in the recess—“INSTALL ID DEVICE” (which may be any identification apparatus, device, torus ring or cap ring according to the present invention). Optionally, a protector is installed in the recess—“INSTALL PROTECTOR” (which may be any protector according to the present invention). 
         [0204]      FIG. 23  shows schematically a system  650  according to the present invention which is like the systems described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,698,631 but which is for identifying an item  652  according to the present invention which has at least one end recess (as any end recess disclosed herein) and/or within a ring or torus according to the present invention with at least one SAW tag identification apparatus  654  in the recess(es) and/or ring(s) or torus(es) and/or with an exteriorly affixed RFIDT according to the present invention. 
         [0205]    The system  650  (as systems in U.S. Pat. No. 4,698,631) has an energizing antenna apparatus  656  connected to a reader  658  which provides radio frequency pulses or bursts which are beamed through the antenna apparatus  656  to the SAW tag identification apparatus  654 . The reader  658  senses responsive signals from the apparatus  654 . In one aspect the responsive signals are phase modulated in accord with code encoded in the apparatus  654 . The reader  658  sends received signals to a computer interface unit  660  which processes the signals and sends them to a computer system  662 . 
         [0206]    It is within the scope of the present invention to provide a blowout preventer according to the present invention with one or more wave-energizable identification apparatuses, e.g. in a flange, side outlet, and/or door or bonnet or a blowout preventer.  FIG. 24  shows a blowout preventer  670  according to the present invention which has a main body  672 , a flow bore  674  therethrough from top to bottom, a bottom flange  676 , a top flange  678 , a side outlet  682 , and four ram-enclosing bonnets  680 . An RFIDT  690  (like any disclosed herein) has an antenna  691  encircling and within the top flange  678  with an IC  692  connected thereto. An RFIDT  692  (like any disclosed herein) has an antenna  694  encircling and within the bottom flange  676  with an IC  695 . An RFIDT  696  (like any disclosed herein) has an antenna  697  encircling and within a bonnet  680  with an IC  698 . An RFIDT  684  (like any disclosed herein) has an antenna  685  encircling and within a flange  689  of the side outlet  682 , with an IC  686 . Optionally, or in addition to the other RFIDT&#39;s at least one RFIDT  690   a  is affixed exteriorly to the blowout preventer  670  under wrap layers  690   b  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 25 ,  26 ) and/or at least one RFIDT  690   c  is affixed exteriorly to the blowout preventer  270  under wrap layers  690   d  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 25 ,  26 ). 
         [0207]      FIGS. 25 and 26  show a tool joint  700  according to the present invention with RFIDT apparatus  720  according to the present invention applied exteriorly thereto. The tool joint  700  has a pin end  702  with a threaded pin  704 , a joint body portion  706 , an upset area  707  and a tube body portion  708 . The joint body portion  706  has a larger OD than the tube body portion  708 . The “WELDLINE’ is an area in which the tool joint is welded (e.g. inertia welded) by the manufacturer to the upset area. 
         [0208]    Although RFIDT&#39;s encased in a non-conductor or otherwise enclosed or protected can be emplaced directly on a tubular (or other item or apparatus according to the present invention, as shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26  the RFIDT&#39;s to be applied to the tool joint  700  are first enclosed within non-conducting material, e.g. any suitable heat-resistant material, e.g., but not limited to, RYTON (Trademark) fabric membrane wrapping material, prior to emplacing them on the tool joint  700 . In one particular aspect, one, two, three, or four wraps, folds, or layers of commercially available RYT-WRAP (Trademark) material commercially from Tuboscope, Inc. a related company of the owner of the present invention is used which, in one particular aspect, includes three layers of RYT-WRAP (Trademark) fabric membrane material adhered together and encased in epoxy. As shown, three RFIDT&#39;s  720  are wrapped three times in the RYT-WRAP (Trademark) material  722  so that no part of any of them will contact the metal of the tool joint  700 . In one aspect such a wrapping of RYT-WRAP (Trademark) material includes RYTON (Trademark) fabric membrane material with cured epoxy wrapped around a tubular body (initially the material is saturated in place with liquid epoxy that is allowed to cure). 
         [0209]    Prior to emplacing the wrapped RFIDT&#39;s  720  on the tool joint  700 , the area to which they are to be affixed is, preferably, cleaned using suitable cleaning materials, by buffing, and/or by sandblasting as shown in  FIG. 27 . Any desired number of RFIDT&#39;s  720  may be used. As shown in  FIG. 29A , in this embodiment three RFIDT&#39;s  720  are equally spaced apart around the exterior of the tool joint  700 . 
         [0210]    According to the present invention, RFIDT&#39;s may be applied exteriorly to any item, apparatus, or tubular at any exterior location thereon with any or all of the layers and/or wraps disclosed herein. In the particular tool joint  700  as disclosed in  FIG. 25 , the RFIDT&#39;s  720  are applied about two to three inches from a thirty-five degree taper  709  of the joint body portion  706  to reduce the likelihood of the RFIDT&#39;s contacting other items, handling tools, grippers, or structures that may contact the portion  706 . 
         [0211]    Optionally, as shown in  FIG. 26 , either in the initial layers or wraps which enclose the RFIDT&#39;s  720  or in any other layer or wrap, an identification tag  724  is included with the RFIDT&#39;s, either a single such tag or one tag for each RFIDT. In one aspect the tag(s)  724  are plastic or fiberglass. In another aspect the tag(s)  724  are metal, e.g. steel, stainless steel, aluminum, aluminum alloy, zinc, zinc alloy, bronze, or brass. If metal is used, the tag(s)  724  are not in contact with an RFIDT. 
         [0212]    As shown in  FIG. 28 , an adhesive may be applied to the tool joint  700  to assist in securing a layer  723 , “FOLDED MEMBRANE,” (e.g., a double layer of RYT-WRAP (Trademark) wrap material. 
         [0213]    As shown in  FIG. 29 , the three RFIDT&#39;s  720  are emplaced on the layer  723  and, optionally, the identification tag or tags  724 . 
         [0214]    Optionally, as shown in  FIG. 30 , part  723   a  of the layer  723  is folded over to cover the RFIDT&#39;s  720  and the tag(s)  724 . If this folding is done, no adhesive is applied to the tool joint under the portion of the layer  723  which is to be folded over. Optionally, prior to folding adhesive is applied on top of the portion of the layer  723  to be folded over. Optionally, prior to folding the part  723   a  over on the RFIDT&#39;s  720  and the tag(s)  724  an adhesive (e.g. two part epoxy) is applied over the RFIDT&#39;s  720  and over the tag(s)  724 . 
         [0215]    After allowing the structure of layer  723   a  as shown in  FIG. 30  to dry (e.g., for forty minutes to one hour), as shown in  FIG. 30A  the folded layer  723  with the RFIDT&#39;s  720  and tag(s)  724 ′ is, optionally, wrapped in a layer  726  of heat shrink material and/or impact resistant material (heat resistant material may also be impact resistant). In one particular optional aspect, commercially available RAYCHEM (Trademark) heat shrink material or commercially available RCANUSA (Trademark) heat shrink material is used, centered over the folded layer  723 , with, preferably, a small end-to-end overlap to enhance secure bonding as the material is heated. 
         [0216]    As shown in  FIG. 30B , optionally, the layer  726  is wrapped with layers  728  of material [e.g. RYT-WRAP (Trademark) material] (e.g. with two to five layers). In one particular aspect the layer(s)  728  completely cover the layer  726  and extend for one-half inch on both extremities of the layer  726 . Preferably, the final wrap layer of the layers  728  does not exceed the OD of the joint body portion  706  so that movement of and handling of the tool joint  700  is not impeded. 
         [0217]    Curing can be done in ambient temperature and/or with fan-assisted dryers. 
         [0218]    Any known wave-energizable apparatus may be substituted for any RFIDT herein. 
         [0219]    The present invention, therefore, in at least certain aspects, provides a member having a body, the body having at least a portion thereof with a generally cylindrical portion, the generally cylindrical portion having a circumference, radio frequency identification apparatus with integrated circuit apparatus and antenna apparatus within the generally cylindrical portion of the body, and the antenna apparatus encircling the circumference of the cylindrical portion of the body. Such a member may include one or some (in any possible combination) of the following: the body having a first end spaced-apart from a second end, and the radio frequency identification apparatus positioned within the first end of the body; the first end of the body having a recess in the first end, and the radio frequency identification apparatus is within the recess; a protector in the recess covering the radio frequency identification apparatus; the body comprising a pipe; wherein the first end is a pin end of the pipe; wherein an end of the pipe has an exterior shoulder and the radio frequency identification apparatus is within the shoulder; wherein the second end is a box end of the pipe; wherein the first end is threaded externally and the second end is threaded internally; wherein the member is a piece of drill pipe with an externally threaded pin end spaced-apart from an internally threaded box end, and the body is generally cylindrical and hollow with a flow channel therethrough from the pin end to the box end, the pin end having a pin end portion with a pin end recess therearound, and the radio frequency identification apparatus within the pin end recess and the antenna apparatus encircling the pin end portion; wherein a protector in the pin end recess covers the radio frequency identification apparatus therein; wherein the protector is a cap ring within the pin end recess which covers the radio frequency identification apparatus; wherein the protector is an amount of protective material in the recess which covers the radio frequency identification apparatus; the member having a box end having a box end portion having a box end recess therein, a box end radio frequency identification apparatus within the box end recess, the box end radio frequency identification apparatus having antenna apparatus and integrated circuit apparatus, the antenna encircling the box end portion; wherein a protector in the box end covers the radio frequency identification apparatus therein; wherein the recess has a cross-section shape from the group consisting of square, rectangular, semi-triangular, rhomboidal, triangular, trapezoidal, circular, and semi-circular; wherein the generally cylindrical portion is part of an item from the group consisting of pipe, drill pipe, casing, drill bit, tubing, stabilizer, centralizer, cementing plug, buoyant tubular, thread protector, downhole motor, whipstock, blowout preventer, mill, and torus; a piece of pipe with a pin end, the pin end having a recess therein, and sensible indicia in the recess; wherein the sensible indicia is from the group consisting of raised portions, indented portions, visually sensible indicia, spaced-apart indicia, numeral indicia, letter indicia, and colored indicia; the member including the body having a side wall with an exterior surface and a wall recess in the side wall, the wall recess extending inwardly from the exterior surface, and secondary radio frequency identification apparatus within the wall recess; and/or wherein the radio frequency identification apparatus is a plurality of radio frequency identification tag devices. 
         [0220]    The present invention, therefore, in at least certain aspects, provides a tubular member with a body with a first end spaced-apart from a second end, the first end having a pin end having a pin end recess in the first end and identification apparatus in the pin end recess, and a protector in the pin end recess protecting the identification apparatus therein. 
         [0221]    The present invention, therefore, in at least certain aspects, provides a method for sensing a radio frequency identification apparatus in a member, the member having a body, the body having at least a portion thereof with a generally cylindrical portion, the generally cylindrical portion having a circumference, wave-energizable identification apparatus with antenna apparatus within the generally cylindrical portion of the body, and the antenna apparatus encircling the circumference of the cylindrical portion of the body, the method including energizing the wave-energizable identification apparatus by directing energizing energy to the antenna apparatus, the wave-energizable identification apparatus upon being energized producing a signal, positioning the member adjacent sensing apparatus, and sensing with the sensing apparatus the signal produced by the wave-energizable identification apparatus. Such a method may include one or some (in any possible combination) of the following: wherein the sensing apparatus is on an item from the group consisting of rig, elevator, spider, derrick, tubular handler, tubular manipulator, tubular rotator, top drive, mouse hole, powered mouse hole, or floor; wherein the sensing apparatus is in communication with and is controlled by computer apparatus [e.g. including but not limited to, computer system(s), programmable logic controller(s) and/or microprocessor system(s)], the method further including controlling the sensing apparatus with the computer apparatus; wherein the energizing is effected by energizing apparatus in communication with and controlled by computer apparatus, the method further including controlling the energizing apparatus with the computer apparatus; wherein the signal is an identification signal identifying the member and the sensing apparatus produces and conveys a corresponding signal to computer apparatus, the computer apparatus including a programmable portion programmed to receive and analyze the corresponding signal, and the computer apparatus for producing an analysis signal indicative of accepting or rejecting the member based on said analysis, the method further including the wave-energizable identification apparatus and producing an identification signal received by the sensing apparatus, the sensing apparatus producing a corresponding signal indicative of identification of the member and conveying the corresponding signal to the computer apparatus, and the computer apparatus analyzing the corresponding signal and producing the analysis signal; wherein the computer apparatus conveys the analysis signal to handling apparatus for handling the member, the handling apparatus operable to accept or reject the member based on the analysis signal; wherein the member is a tubular member for use in well operations and the handling apparatus is a tubular member handling apparatus; wherein the tubular member handling apparatus is from the group consisting of tubular manipulator, tubular rotator, top drive, tong, spinner, downhole motor, elevator, spider, powered mouse hole, and pipe handler; wherein the handling apparatus has handling sensing apparatus thereon for sensing a signal from the wave-energizable identification apparatus, and wherein the handling apparatus includes communication apparatus in communication with computer apparatus, the method further including sending a handling signal from the communication apparatus to the computer apparatus corresponding to the signal produced by the wave-energizable identification apparatus; wherein the computer apparatus controls the handling apparatus; wherein the member is a tubular member and wherein the sensing apparatus is connected to and in communication with a tubular inspection system, the method further including conveying a secondary signal from the sensing apparatus to the tubular inspection system, the secondary signal corresponding to the signal produced by the wave-energizable identification apparatus; and/or wherein the signal produced by the wave-energizable identification apparatus identifies the tubular member. 
         [0222]    The present invention, therefore, in at least certain aspects, provides a method for handling drill pipe on a drilling rig, the drill pipe comprising a plurality of pieces of drill pipe, each piece of drill pipe comprising a body with an externally threaded pin end spaced-apart from an internally threaded box end, the body having a flow channel therethrough from the pin end to the box end, radio frequency identification apparatus with integrated circuit apparatus and antenna apparatus within the pin end of the body, and the antenna apparatus encircling the pin end, the method including energizing the radio frequency identification apparatus by directing energizing energy to the antenna apparatus, the radio frequency identification apparatus upon being energized producing a signal, positioning each piece of drill pipe adjacent sensing apparatus, and sensing with the sensing apparatus a signal produced by each piece of drill pipe&#39;s radio frequency identification apparatus. Such a method may include one or some (in any possible combination) of the following: wherein the sensing apparatus is in communication and is controlled by computer apparatus and wherein the radio frequency identification apparatus produces an identification signal receivable by the sensing apparatus, and wherein the sensing apparatus produces a corresponding signal indicative of the identification of the particular piece of drill pipe, the corresponding signal conveyable from the sensing apparatus to the computer apparatus, the method further including controlling the sensing apparatus with the computer apparatus; wherein the energizing is effected by energizing apparatus in communication with and controlled by computer apparatus, the method further including controlling the energizing apparatus with the computer apparatus; wherein the signal is an identification signal identifying the particular piece of drill pipe and the sensing apparatus conveys a corresponding signal to computer apparatus, the computer apparatus including a programmable portion programmed to receive and analyze the corresponding signal; and/or the computer apparatus for producing an analysis signal indicative of accepting or rejecting the particular piece of drill pipe based on said analysis, the method further including the computer apparatus analyzing the corresponding signal and producing the analysis signal, and the computer apparatus conveying the analysis signal to handling apparatus for handling the member, the handling apparatus operable to accept or reject the member based on the analysis signal. 
         [0223]    The present invention, therefore, in at least certain aspects, provides a system for handling a tubular member, the system including handling apparatus, and a tubular member in contact with the handling apparatus, the tubular member with a body with a first end spaced-apart from a second end, the first end being a pin end having a pin end recess in the first end and identification apparatus in the pin end recess, and a protector in the pin end recess protecting the identification apparatus therein; and such a system wherein the handling apparatus is from the group consisting of tubular manipulator, tubular rotator, top drive, tong, spinner, downhole motor, elevator, spider, powered mouse hole, and pipe handler. 
         [0224]    The present invention, therefore, in at least certain aspects, provides a ring with a body with a central hole therethrough, the body having a generally circular shape, the body sized and configured for receipt within a circular recess in an end of a generally cylindrical member having a circumference, wave-energizable identification apparatus within the body, the wave-energizable identification apparatus having antenna apparatus, and the antenna apparatus extending around a portion of the body; and such a ring with sensible indicia on or in the body. 
         [0225]    The present invention, therefore, in at least certain aspects, provides a ring with a body with a central hole therethrough, the body having a central hole therethrough the body sized and configured for receipt within a circular recess in an end of a generally cylindrical member having a circumference, identification apparatus within or on the body, and the identification apparatus being sensible indicia. 
         [0226]    The present invention, therefore, in at least certain aspects, provides a method for making a tubular member, the method including making a body for a tubular member, the body having a first end spaced-apart from a second end, and forming a recess around the end of the body, the recess sized and shaped for receipt therein of wave-energizable identification apparatus. Such a method may include one or some (in any possible combination) of the following: installing wave-energizable identification apparatus in the recess; installing a protector in the recess over the wave-energizable identification apparatus; and/or wherein the tubular member is a piece of drill pipe with an externally threaded pin end spaced-apart from an internally threaded box end, the recess is a recess encircling the pin end, and the wave-energizable identification apparatus has antenna apparatus, the method further including positioning the antenna apparatus around and within the pin end recess. 
         [0227]    The present invention, therefore, in at least certain aspects, provides a method for enhancing a tubular member, the tubular member having a generally cylindrical body with a first end spaced-apart from a second end, the method including forming a circular recess in an end of the tubular member, the recess sized and shaped for receipt therein of wave-energizable identification apparatus, the wave-energizable identification apparatus including antenna apparatus with antenna apparatus positionable around the circular recess. 
         [0228]    The present invention, therefore, provides, in at least some embodiments, a member with a body, the body having two spaced-apart ends, wave-energizable identification apparatus on the exterior of the body, and encasement structure encasing the wave-energizable identification apparatus. Such a member may have one or some, in any possible combination, of the following: the encasement structure is at least one layer of heat resistant material; wherein the encasement structure is at least one layer of impact resistant material; wherein the wave-energizable identification apparatus is radio frequency identification apparatus with integrated circuit apparatus and antenna apparatus; the body has a first end spaced-apart from a second end, and at least a portion comprising a generally cylindrical portion, the generally cylindrical portion having a circumference, and the radio frequency identification apparatus positioned exteriorly on the circumference of the body; wherein the body is a pipe; wherein the pipe is a tool joint with an upset portion and the wave-energizable identification apparatus is adjacent said upset portion; wherein the body has a generally cylindrical portion which is part of an item from the group consisting of pipe, drill pipe, casing, drill bit, tubing, stabilizer, centralizer, cementing plug, buoyant tubular, thread protector, downhole motor, whipstock, mill, and torus; and/or wherein the wave-energizable identification apparatus comprises a plurality of radio frequency identification tag devices. 
         [0229]    The present invention, therefore, provides in at least some, although not necessarily all, embodiments a method for sensing a wave-energizable identification apparatus of a member, the member as any disclosed herein with a body having two spaced-apart ends and wave-energizable identification apparatus on the body, and encasement structure encasing the wave-energizable identification apparatus, the encasement structure having at least one layer of heat resistant material, the wave-energizable identification apparatus with antenna apparatus on the body, the method including energizing the wave-energizable identification apparatus by directing energizing energy to the antenna apparatus, the wave-energizable identification apparatus upon being energized producing a signal, positioning the member adjacent sensing apparatus, and sensing with the sensing apparatus the signal produced by the wave-energizable identification apparatus. Such a method may have one or some, in any possible combination, of the following: wherein the sensing apparatus is on an item from the group consisting of rig, elevator, spider, derrick, tubular handler, tubular manipulator, tubular rotator, top drive, mouse hole, powered mouse hole, or floor; wherein the sensing apparatus is in communication with and is controlled by computer apparatus, the method including controlling the sensing apparatus with the computer apparatus; wherein the energizing is effected by energizing apparatus in communication with and controlled by computer apparatus, the method including controlling the energizing apparatus with the computer apparatus; wherein the signal is an identification signal identifying the member and the sensing apparatus produces and conveys a corresponding signal to computer apparatus, the computer apparatus including a programmable portion programmed to receive and analyze the corresponding signal, and the computer apparatus for producing an analysis signal indicative of accepting or rejecting the member based on said analysis, the method further including the wave-energizable identification apparatus producing an identification signal received by the sensing apparatus, the sensing apparatus producing a corresponding signal indicative of identification of the member and conveying the corresponding signal to the computer apparatus, and the computer apparatus analyzing the corresponding signal and producing the analysis signal; wherein the computer apparatus conveys the analysis signal to handling apparatus for handling the member, the handling apparatus operable to accept or reject the member based on the analysis signal; wherein the member is a tubular member for use in well operations and the handling apparatus is a tubular member handling apparatus; wherein the tubular member handling apparatus is from the group consisting of tubular manipulator, tubular rotator, top drive, tong, spinner, downhole motor, elevator, spider, powered mouse hole, and pipe handler; wherein the handling apparatus has handling sensing apparatus thereon for sensing a signal from the wave-energizable identification apparatus, and wherein the handling apparatus includes communication apparatus in communication with computer apparatus, the method including sending a handling signal from the communication apparatus to the computer apparatus corresponding to the signal produced by the wave-energizable identification apparatus; wherein the computer apparatus controls the handling apparatus; wherein the member is a tubular member and wherein the sensing apparatus is connected to and in communication with a tubular inspection system, the method including conveying a secondary signal from the sensing apparatus to the tubular inspection system, the secondary signal corresponding to the signal produced by the wave-energizable identification apparatus; and/or wherein the signal produced by the wave-energizable identification apparatus identifies the tubular member. 
         [0230]    The present invention, therefore, provides in at least certain, if not all, embodiments a method for handling drill pipe on a drilling rig, the drill pipe comprising a plurality of pieces of drill pipe, each piece of drill pipe being a body with an externally threaded pin end spaced-apart from an internally threaded box end, the body having a flow channel therethrough from the pin end to the box end, radio frequency identification apparatus with integrated circuit apparatus and antenna apparatus on the body, and encased in heat resistant material, the method including energizing the radio frequency identification apparatus by directing energizing energy to the antenna apparatus, the radio frequency identification apparatus upon being energized producing a signal, positioning each piece of drill pipe adjacent sensing apparatus, and sensing with the sensing apparatus a signal produced by each piece of drill pipe&#39;s radio frequency identification apparatus. Such a method may include, wherein the sensing apparatus is in communication and is controlled by computer apparatus and wherein the radio frequency identification apparatus produces an identification signal receivable by the sensing apparatus, and wherein the sensing apparatus produces a corresponding signal indicative of the identification of the particular piece of drill pipe, said corresponding signal conveyable from the sensing apparatus to the computer apparatus, controlling the sensing apparatus with the computer apparatus, and wherein the energizing is effected by energizing apparatus in communication with and controlled by computer apparatus, controlling the energizing apparatus with the computer apparatus, and wherein the signal is an identification signal identifying the particular piece of drill pipe and the sensing apparatus conveys a corresponding signal to computer apparatus, the computer apparatus including a programmable portion programmed to receive and analyze the corresponding signal, the computer apparatus for producing an analysis signal indicative of accepting or rejecting the particular piece of drill pipe based on said analysis, the computer apparatus analyzing the corresponding signal and producing the analysis signal, and the computer apparatus conveying the analysis signal to handling apparatus for handling the member, the handling apparatus operable to accept or reject the member based on the analysis signal. 
         [0231]    The present invention, therefore, in at least certain aspects, provides a tool joint with a body having a pin end spaced-apart from a tube body, an upset portion, a tool joint portion between the upset portion and the pin end, and wave-energizable identification apparatus on the tube body adjacent the upset portion, the wave-energizable identification apparatus encased in heat resistant material. 
         [0232]      FIG. 31A  shows a chain  809  with links  801  and with one link  800  having a link body  802 .  FIGS. 31B and 31C  show the link  800 . A stud  804  extends across a link opening  805  from one side of the link body  802  to the other. 
         [0233]    A wave-energizable apparatus  810  (any disclosed herein) housed in a shield  812  is held against the stud  804  with material  806  wrapped around the stud  804 . Optionally a second wave-energizable apparatus  814  in a shield  813  is also held in place by the material  806 . 
         [0234]    As shown the material  806  covers the entire exterior surface of the stud  804  and a small portion of the exterior surface of the link body  802 . As shown, the stud  804  has an hexagonal cross-section, but it may be of any suitable cross-sectional shape. The apparatus  810  may be encased in protective material, e.g. vulcanized rubber  818 . 
         [0235]      FIGS. 32A-32C  show a shield  812  which has a recess  822  for housing a wave-energizable apparatus (any disclosed herein). In one aspect a shield  812  is made of plastic, e.g. polyoxymethylene (e.g., in one particular aspect, Dupont DELRIN (trademark) material). The recess  822  can be machined into the material. 
         [0236]    In one aspect, as shown in  FIG. 32D , a wave-energizable apparatus  810  is placed in a recess  822  of a shield  812  and then the shield apparatus combination is inserted into or wrapped with a tube  824 , e.g. a tube of shrink wrap material. The resulting assembly is then placed on and/or taped to the stud of a chain link. Then the assembly is wrapped with heat shrink material which encompasses the stud. In one aspect any material described herein is used for the tube and for the wrap. In one aspect crosslinked polyethylene shrink wrap material (or “XLPE”) is used. Heat is applied to the material which heats and shrinks and the is allowed to cool. One, two or more additional wrap layers can be applied. 
         [0237]    In one aspect the shield with the wave-energizable apparatus is set on the stud and material is wrapped around the shield and the stud to connect the shield and its wave-energizable apparatus to the stud (without initially making the assembly previously described). 
         [0238]    A shield (like the shield  812 ) according to the present invention can be of any desired cross-sectional shape and a wave-energizable apparatus can be of any desired cross-sectional shape (or encasing material around such an apparatus can be of any desired shape).  FIG. 33  illustrates shields  812   a ,  812   b ,  812   c ,  812   d  and  812   e  of different cross-sectional shapes with wave-energizable apparatuses, respectively,  810   a ,  810   b ,  810   c ,  810   d ,  810   e , and  810   f  of different cross-sections. On shield may house multiple wave-energizable apparatuses. 
         [0239]      FIG. 34  shows shields  812   f ,  812   g ,  812   h  and  812   i  with, respectively, recesses  822   f ,  822   g ,  822   h  and  822   i  for housing a wave-energizable apparatus. A wave-energizable apparatus may be held in a shield recess by a friction-fit and/or with adhesive. Optionally a shield recess may have holding lips like the lips  8221  of the shield  812   h  and the lips  822   m  of the shield  812   i.    
         [0240]      FIG. 35A  shows a chain  830  according to the present invention with links  831 ,  832  and  833  (partial). A stud  834  projects across a link opening  835  of each link. As shown in cross-section, a wave-energizable apparatus  836  is held to a stud  834  of the link  832  with wrap material  838 . The wave-energizable apparatus  836  projects into the link opening  835 . 
         [0241]    Optionally (or instead of the apparatus  836 ), a wave-energizable apparatus  837  is held on the link  832  with wrap material  839 . The wave-energizable apparatus  837  also projects into the opening  835 . 
         [0242]      FIGS. 36A-36C  show a chain link  840  according to the present invention with a body  842  and a stud  844  extending across a link opening  845 . A wave-energizable apparatus  846  is held on the stud  844  with wrap material  848 . The wrap material  848  does not project beyond outer limits  849   a ,  849   b  of the body  842 . 
         [0243]      FIGS. 37A-37C  show a chain link  850  according to the present invention with a body  852  and a stud  854  extending across a link opening  855 . A wave-energizable apparatus  846  is held on the stud  854  with wrap material  858 . The wrap material  858  does not project beyond outer limits  859   a ,  859   b  of the body  852 . 
         [0244]      FIGS. 38A and 38B  show a chain link  860  according to the present invention which has a body  862  and a stud  864  extending across a body opening  865 . The link itself, without additions according to the present invention, including its stud, is prior art. The stud  864  is of a cross-shaped cross-section and a wave-energizable apparatus  866  is placed between two arms of the stud  864 . Wrap material  868  is then wrapped around the stud  864  and the wave-energizable apparatus  866 . 
         [0245]      FIG. 39  shows a link  870  with a body  872  having a shaft  878  and two loop or open ends  873 ,  874 . The loop  873  has a body  873   b  with an opening  873   a . A wrap  879  secures a wave-energizable apparatus  875  to the body  873   b.    
         [0246]    The loop  874  has a body  874   b  with an opening  874   a.    
         [0247]    A wrap  876  secures a wave-energizable apparatus  871  to the shaft  878 . 
         [0248]    According to the present invention an energizable identification apparatus can be applied to, connected to, or disposed on a member using a solid mass within which is located the energizable identification apparatus.  FIG. 40A  shows a mass  951  of material within which is an energizable identification apparatus  959 . The mass  951  is sized and configured for insertion into a recess, notch, hollow, channel or opening of a member to facilitate installation of the energizable identification apparatus  959 . The mass  951  can be held in place with a friction fit and/or adhesive, glue, welding, and/or tape. The material of the mass  951  can be metal, plastic, composite, wood, ceramic, cermet, gel, aerogel, silica aerogel, fiberglass, nonmagnetic metal, or polytetrafluoroethylene. The material can be rigid and relatively unbending or it can be soft and/or flexible. An enlarged end  951   a  of the mass  951  is optional. 
         [0249]      FIG. 40B  shows a mass  1151  (made, e.g. of any material mentioned for the mass  951 ) with an energizable identification apparatus  1159  therein. The energizable identification apparatus  1159  has an antenna  1158  extending from the energizable identification apparatus  1159  and disposed within the mass  1551 . With a flexible or sufficiently non-rigid mass  1151  (and with the mass  951 ) a slit or recess  1157  of any desired length within the mass  1151  may be provided for inserting the energizable identification apparatus  1159  and antenna  1158  into the mass  1151  and/or for removable emplacement of the energizable identification apparatus  1159 . 
         [0250]      FIG. 40C  shows a mass  1141  (e.g. like the masses  951 ,  1151  and made of the materials mentioned above) with an energizable identification apparatus  1142  therein (or it may, according to the present invention, be thereon). The mass  1141  has a recess  1143  sized, located, and configured for receipt therein of a part or a portion of a member so that the mass  1141  is easily installable thereon. A friction fit between the mass  1141  and the part or portion of the member can hold the mass  1141  in place (e.g. on a frame, plate, mount, hookstrip, or support of a screen or screen assembly) and/or connectors, fasteners and/or adhesive may be used to hold the mass  1141  in place. 
         [0251]      FIG. 41A  shows a link  880  with a body  882  having an opening  884 . A stud  881  is located between sides  882   a ,  882   b  of the body  882 . A mass  883  housing a wave=energizable apparatus  889  (any disclosed herein) is placed on the stud  881  with a portion  881   a  of the stud  881  in a recess  883   a  of the mass  883 . The mass  883  may be any desired shape and, in one aspect, is like the mass of  FIG. 40C . Optionally, instead of, or in addition to the mass  883 , a mass  885  with a wave-energizable apparatus  887  is placed on the body  882  with a portion  882   a  of the body  882  in a recess  885   a  of the mass  885 . The mass  885  may be any desired shape and, in one aspect, is like the mass of  FIG. 40C . 
         [0252]      FIG. 41B  shows a link  890  with a body  892  having end openings  894   a ,  894   b . A shaft  891  is located between the ends of the body  892 . A mass  893  housing a wave-energizable apparatus  899  (any disclosed herein) is placed on the shaft  891  with a portion  891   a  of the shaft  891  in a recess  893   a  of the mass  893 . The mass  893  may be any desired shape and, in one aspect, is like the mass of  FIG. 40C . Optionally, instead of, or in addition to the mass  893 , a mass  895  with a wave-energizable apparatus  897  is placed on the body  892  with a portion  892   a  of the body  892  in a recess  895   a  of the mass  895 . The mass  895  may be any desired shape and, in one aspect, is like the mass of  FIG. 40C . 
         [0253]    Any wave-energizable apparatus and/or shield disclosed herein may be used with any of the embodiments of the present invention, including, but not limited to, those of  FIGS. 31A-39 . Without limitation a wave-energizable apparatus in a link according to the present invention may contain the following type or types of information: identity; model number; manufacturer identity; date of manufacture; date of service (first, all, last, current); date of inspection(s); next scheduled inspection date; history of rigs and/or vessels used on; and/or stresses applied to the link and/or to a chain of which it is a part. Any chain link or links according to the present invention may be used in any chain. In one aspect links according to the present invention are used several (one, two, three or more) at one or at each end of a chain and several (one, two, three or more) in the middle. 
         [0254]    Any structure, item, and/or mass according to the present invention disclosed herein may have a sufficient recess, e.g. but not limited to, the subject matter of  FIG. 40C  and/or of  FIG. 32E  (with a sufficiently large recess), can be used as a connector to secure a wave-energizable apparatus to an item, e.g., a link and, when sized and configured appropriately, as a “clip-on” connector. 
         [0255]    The present invention, therefore, provides in at least certain, if not all, embodiments a link with a body; the body having an exterior surface and two spaced-apart ends; wave-energizable identification apparatus on the exterior surface of the body; the wave-energizable identification apparatus wrapped in fabric material; the fabric material comprising heat-resistant non-conducting material; and the wave-energizable identification apparatus wrapped and positioned on the body so that the wave-energizable identification apparatus does not contact the body. 
         [0256]    The present invention, therefore, provides in at least certain, if not all, embodiments a link with: a link body, the link body having a link body exterior surface, two spaced-apart ends, and a link opening through the link body; and wave-energizable apparatus on the exterior surface of the link body. Such a link may have one or some, in any possible combination, of the following: a wrap over the wave-energizable apparatus wrapping the wave-energizable identification apparatus wrapped to the link body; the link body including a stud extending across the link opening, the stud having a stud exterior surface, and the wave-energizable apparatus on the stud exterior surface; wherein the wave-energizable apparatus is wrapped on the stud and positioned on the stud so that the wave-energizable apparatus does not contact the stud; wherein the wrap is fabric material, the fabric material is at least one layer of material wrapped around the wave-energizable apparatus; the at least one layer of material is a plurality of layers; a layer of body fabric material is on the body, the wave-energizable apparatus located adjacent and exteriorly of the body fabric material, and the fabric material in which the wave-energizable apparatus is wrapped is a folded portion of the body fabric material folded over on the wave-energizable apparatus; the wave-energizable apparatus and the fabric material in which the wave-energizable apparatus are wrapped in heat shrink material; outside the heat shrink material, at least one outer layer of fabric material is placed over the heat shrink material; the at least one outer layer of fabric material is a plurality of outer layers; the wave-energizable apparatus is in a shield; the shield has a curved top and a recess for the wave-energizable apparatus; an amount of adhesive on the wave-energizable apparatus; wherein the wave-energizable apparatus is radio frequency apparatus with integrated circuit apparatus and antenna apparatus; the link body including a shaft, with two spaced-apart shaft ends, each end of the two spaced-apart ends of the link body at a shaft end of the shaft, the two spaced-apart ends including a first end and a second end, the link opening in the first end, and a secondary opening in the second end; the wave-energizable apparatus is on one of the first end and the second end; the wave-energizable apparatus is on the shaft; wherein the wave-energizable apparatus is on one of the first end and the second end and a second wave-energizable apparatus is one the shaft; wherein the wave-energizable apparatus includes a first wave-energizable apparatus and a second wave-energizable apparatus, the link further has both the first wave-energizable apparatus and the second wave-energizable apparatus on the link body; the link body including a stud extending across the link opening, the stud having a stud exterior surface, and the wave-energizable apparatus on the stud exterior surface; the stud having two spaced-apart ends, a wrap securing the wave-energizable apparatus to the stud, and the wrap also on a portion of the link body adjacent each end of the stud; wherein the wave-energizable apparatus is in a mass, the mass has a recess, and the mass is on the link body with a portion of the link body in the recess; wherein the link body includes a stud between sides of the link body and the mass is on the stud; wherein the body includes a shaft between the two spaced-apart ends and the mass is on the shaft; wherein the mass comprises a first mass, the link further has a second mass with a wave-energizable apparatus on the link body; wherein the link body includes a stud between sides thereof and the first mass is on the link body apart from the stud and the second mass is on the stud; and/or wherein the link is one of a chain link and an elevator link. 
         [0257]    The present invention, therefore, provides in at least certain, if not all, embodiments a method for sensing a wave-energizable identification apparatus of a member, the member comprising a link with a body, the body having an exterior surface and two spaced-apart ends, wave-energizable identification apparatus on the exterior surface of the body, the wave-energizable identification apparatus wrapped in fabric material, the fabric material comprising heat-resistant non-conducting material, and the wave-energizable identification apparatus wrapped and positioned on the body so that the wave-energizable identification apparatus does not contact the body, the wave-energizable identification apparatus having antenna apparatus, the method including energizing the wave-energizable identification apparatus by directing energizing energy to the antenna apparatus, the wave-energizable identification apparatus upon being energized producing a signal, positioning the member adjacent sensing apparatus, and sensing with the sensing apparatus the signal produced by the wave-energizable identification apparatus. 
         [0258]    The present invention, therefore, provides in at least certain, if not all, embodiments a method for sensing a wave-energizable apparatus of a link, the link comprising a link with a body, the body having an exterior surface and two spaced-apart ends, wave-energizable apparatus on an exterior surface of the body, the method including energizing the wave-energizable apparatus by directing energizing energy thereto, the wave-energizable apparatus upon being energized producing a signal, and sensing with a sensing apparatus the signal produced by the wave-energizable apparatus. 
         [0259]    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 inventors may rely on the Doctrine of Equivalents to determine and assess the scope of their 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. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Thus, although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures. 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 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.

Technology Category: 7