CA2841654A1

CA2841654A1 - Top drive coupling for drilling

Info

Publication number: CA2841654A1
Application number: CA2841654A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Allan Richardson
Original assignee: Warrior Rig Ltd
Current assignee: Warrior Rig Technologies Ltd
Priority date: 2014-02-03
Filing date: 2014-02-03
Publication date: 2015-08-03
Anticipated expiration: 2034-02-03
Also published as: CA2880863A1; CA2841654C

Abstract

A coupling may be used to couple a top drive to a traveling block in a drilling rig. The coupling comprises a beam that is movable between a retracted configuration in which a becket or bail may be passed behind the beam to a closed configuration in which the beam is linked behind the becket or bail. The beam may include a compound curvature contact area that mates with a corresponding contact area of the becket or bail. The coupling may be remotely actuated.

Description

TOP DRIVE 'COUPLING FOR DRILLING
Technical Field [0001.1 This invention relates to drilling, particularly on-shore or offshore drilling into the earth for recovering petrochemicals, exploration or research.
Background 100021 A prior art drill rig 10 of the general type used tbr drilling is illustrated in Figure I. Drill rig 10 includes a derrick 11 located over a well head 13 and a hoist identified generally as 12 for supporting and lifting a drill string. In the illustrated embodiment, hoist 11 comprises a draw works 12A which is connected to lift a travelling block 12B by a cable 12C
which extends over a crown pulley 12D. Draw works 12A can be operated to raise or lower travelling block 12B.
10003.1 Travelling block 1213 is coupled to a top end of a drill string 14 made up of tubular sections 14A. Drill string 14 may he many thousands of feet long.
Consequently, hoist 12 must have a very large capacity. Travelling blocks having rated capacities of 250 to 750 tons are not unusual. Coinponents coupling the travelling block to the drill string have similar capacities.
100041 In a traditional drill rig, the drill string is rotated by a rotary table driving a kelly coupled to the top end of the drill string. An upper end of the kelly is coupled to the traveling block by a swivel. Overhead equipment connections used for kelly/swivel/rotary table operations use a traveling block equipped with a hook. The hook can easily be connected to and disconnected from the swivel for drilling and may also support elevator links for tripping.
Travelling block hook connections arc made up semi-permanently since it is not generally necessary to disconnect the hook from the traveling block for rig moves.
.00051 Most travelling blocks, especially in the larger sizes (e.g. >250 ton), connect to hooks using a becket connection. A beeket is a beam which is pinned at either end to the traveling block. Hooks include a member which passes over the becket. Both sides of the interface =
. =
= = = =
=

= =
between the hook and the becket have complementary compound curvatures. There arc industry standards (API 8C ¨ Specification for Drilling and Production Hoisting Equipment (PSL 1 and PSL 2), currently in its Fifth Edition) which prescribe compound contact curvatures for becket connections in owl-head equipment These API standards ensure compatibility of components across the industry.
[00061 Figure 2A shows a typical travelling block 20 which includes a becket 22 having ends = 22A And 22B coupled to the main body of traveling block 20 by pins 24. A
central area 22C of becket 22 has a compound curvature for providing good contact with ahook.
Figure 2B shows a typical hook 26 which includes a bail 28 designed to pass over becket 22 of traveling block 20.
Bail 28 has ends 28A and 28B pinned to the main body of hook 26 and a central region 28C
which has a compound curvature complementary to that of central regibn 22C of becket 22.
190071 An alternative way to rotate a drill string is by way of a top drive.
Top drives am becoming preferred over kelly/rotary table drives for many drilling operations. A top drive couples to the traveling block and directly drives a top end of the drill string. When a top drive (TD) is used, a hook is neither required .nor desirable. A hook adds length, weight, cost, and maintenance. It is therefore common to connect top drives directly to the traveling block, without a hook.
[0008] A top drive must typically be disounriected from the travelling block for rig moves, rig up and sometimes also for maintenance. To achieve this it has been necessary to unpin one end of the becket on the traveling block, slide a member of the top drive over the bucket and then reinstall the beekct. This is difficult and potentially dangerous work that is often perfumed 20 feet or more above the rig floor without a proper work platform. The components are heavy and can be seized in place by corrosion. To give a sense of scale, a becket pin (removal required for rig up), from a typical 500 ton traveling block, weighs approximately 70 Ths.
(30 kg). The bucket itself, for a typical 500 ton traveling block, weighs about 750 lbs, (about 350 kg), far beyond human lifting capacity for even one end. Becket pins arc typically removed using a hammer arid punch bar (a 2 man operation). Once the becket pin is removed, there is no good way to lift the

2 .=
= =
=

beeket ¨ no lifting eyes for winch attachment. =
100091 in some cases, the travelling block must be pulled to one side or another to engage the top drive. In such circumstances the becket often does not have enough room to cleanly swing under the bail of the top drive. Coupling the top drive to the traveling block in. such -circumstances can require moving the top drive to the side and, in coordination with that movement, lifting the bccket to engage under the bail of the top drive.
[0010J There is a need for a better way to couple components of hoisting equipment used in drilling operations, particularly to couple top drives to traveling blocks.
Preferably in a way that provides compatibility-with legacy equipment. Preferably in a way that provides some angular flexibility.
Summary [00111 This invention has a 'limber of aspects. One aspect provides top drives equipped for coupling to the becket of a traveling block. One aspcvt provides methods for coupling top drives to traveling blocks. One aspect provides a coupling assembly for coupling.a top drive to a traveling block.
100121 Further aspects and example embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or described in the following description.
Brief Description of the Drawings [0013] The accompanying drawings illustrate non-limiting example embodiments of the invention_ =
100141 Figure 1 shows schematically a prior art drilling rig_ =
100151 Figure 2A is a front elevation view of a prior art traveling block.
10016] Figure 2A is a side elevation view of a prior art hook.

3 =
=
= =
=
=
=
= = =
= = = =
= =

100171 Figure 3 is a cross-scction view of a coupling according to an example embodiment with a moving beam in a closed configuration.
100181 Figure 3A is a cross section view of the coupling of' Figure 3 with the moving beam in a retracted configuration_ [0019] Figure 3B is a cross section view of the coupling of Figure 3 in a plane transverse to the views of Figures 3 and 3A.
100201 Figure 3C is a perspective view showing a sliding beam and links of the coupling of Figure 3. Figure 3D is a cross sectional view of the sliding beam and links of Figure 3C. Figure 3E is a front elevation view of the sliding.beatn and links of Figure 3C.
[00211 Figures 3F and 3(1 are respectively an end view and side elevation view of the sliding beam from the coupling of Figure. 3.
[00221 Figure 4 is a schematic side elevation view showing a coupling according to an alternative embodiment comprising a sliding beam actuated by a rack and pinion mechanism.
Figure 4A is a cross sectional view thereof.
[00231 Figure 5 is a schematic sketch showing the principle of operation of an alternative embodiment having an arcuate beam movable in an arcuate path.
Figure 6 is a front elevation showing a traveling block equipped with a transversely movable bucket beam. Figure 6A is a side elevation view of the traveling block of Figure 6. Figure 6B is a = perspective view of the traveling block of Figure 6. Figure 6C is a perspective view of a tool for use in moving the transversely-movable becket beam of the traveling block of Figure 6.
Description =
[0024] Throughout the following description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, the invention may be practiced without

4 =
= = =

these particulars. In other instances, well known elements have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive sense.
[0025] Figures 3, 3A and 3B show a coupling 30 coupling a traveling block 32 to a top drive 33 according to an. example embodiment. Top drive 33 is illustrated by a block since details of construction of the top drive are not relevant to the present invention.
10026] Traveling block 32 may be a legacy-style traveling block with a main body 32A
supporting a becket 32B. In the illustrated embodiment, beeket 3213 is held to traveling block main body 32A by pins 32C. -Becket 32B has a saddle-shaped contact area 321) on its upper surface. Contact area 32D has surface curvatures as specified by API standard 8C. Traveling block 32 has a capacity of 250 tons or more in sonic embodiments.
[0927] Coupling 30 includes spaced-apart links 35A and 3513 that project upwardly from top = drive 33 on either side of becket 32B. A space 36 between links 35A and 3513 is wide enough to receive becket 32E. Lower ends of links 35A and 3513 are coupled to top drive 33 in any suitable manner_ In one example embodiment aligimmt of upper ends of links 35A and 35B
is maintained by a bridge 35C attached to each of links 35A and 35B (see Figures 3C, 3D and 31?).
100281 Link 35A supports a movable beam 38 that can be actuated as described below to move between a first, retracted, configuration wherein beam 38 is retracted so that becket 32B can pass = into space 36 and a second, closed, configuration wherein beam 38 spans between links 35A and 35B. With beam 38 in its first, retracted, configuration becket 32A can be moved into space 36.
= When becket 32A is below the path taken by beam 38 in moving from its retracted configuration to its closed configuration, beam 38 may be actuated to move to its closed configuration, thereby making the coupling betwem traveling block 32 and top drive 33.
[00291 In the illustrated embodiment, beam 38 is non-circular in cross-section and has a depth D
greater than its thickness T (See Figures 3F and 30). In some embodiments the ratio of 13:T is at least 1.5:1. In some embodiments the ration D:T is in the range of 1.75:1 to 3.25:1. In the =
.= = =
=

illustrated embodiment, beam 38 has an bromic' cross-section. The cross-sectional shape of beam 38 may, for example, be rectangular (with or without rounded comers), oval, elliptical etc.
Making beam 38 in a non-round cross-section with a depth of beam 38 greater than a thickness of beam 38 perrnits beam 38 to have a required level of strength and yet lit over a becket in a legacy traveling block =
[00391 The lower edge of beam 38 has a contact area 38A in which beam 38 has a compound curvature. When coupling 30 is made, beam 38 extends generally at right angles to beeket 3213 and contact area 38A of beam 38 interfaces to contact area 32D of becket 3213.
In the illustrated embodiment beam 38 has a cross-section that is uniform along the length of beam 38 except at the location of contact area 38A. hi the illustrated embodiment, the profile of contact area 38A of beam 38 lies within the cross-section (i.e. contact area 38A does not project from beam 38).
100311 The material of beam 38 preferably satisfies the requirements of API
Specification 8C. In an example embodiment, the material of beam 38 has a yield strength exceeding I I 0 kpsi_ For example, beam 38 may be made of an alloy steel having a yield strength of 120 kpsi or more. In .
some embodiments beam 38 has an impact toughness of 31 ft-lb (42 J) at -40 F (-40 C) average using test specimen with no individual value less than 24 ft-lb (32 J). In some embodiments the material of beam 38 has all of these properties. In an example embodiment, beam 38 is made from AIS1 4430 quenched and tempered steel. Beam 38 may be coated, for example with a nitride layer, to provide protection against corrosion. In some embodiments the coating is not extended to contact area 38A.
100321 Beam 38 is supported against rotation relative to links 35A and 35B_ In the illustrated embodiment, beam 38 Cxtcnds through an aperture 39A in link 35A. Aperture 39A
has a cross-sectional shape that partially or entirely conforms to the cross-sectional profile Of beam 38 such that beam 38 can slide longitudinally back and forth through aperture 39A but cannot rotate significantly about its longitudinal axis in aperture 39A. In the illustrated embodiment, link 3913 has an aperture or recess 39B that is aligned with aperture 39A such that, in its second, closed configuration, a first end 3813 of beam 38 projects into aperture or recess 39B. In the illustrated =
=
= = = = =

embodiment, aperture 3913 has a cross-sectional shape that partially or entirely conforms to the cross-sectional profile of beam 38 such that end 3813 of beam 38 can slide longitudinally 1nto aperture 39B but cannot rotate about its longitudinal axis in aperture 3913.
100331 In a simple embodiment, beam 38 is manually-actuated between its retracted and closed configurations. Beam 38 may have a coupling (e.g a hook, eye, threaded aperture, threaded stud, etc.) on one or both of its first end 38B and its second end 38C to allow attachment of a tool for pushing beam 38 toward its closed configuration or pulling beam 38 toward its retracted = configuration.
100.34] Preferably a force-amplifying drive mechanism is provided. For example, the illustrated embodiment includes a drive screw 40 that can be threaded into threaded openings 41 at either end of beam 38. To draw beam 38 toward its retracted configuration screw 40 may be instated through a hole in a plate 42 spaced outwardly from link 35A and then tbrcadedly engaged with second end 38C of beam 38. Figure 3 shows this configuration. Tightening screw 40 pulls beam 38 toward plate 42. in the illustrated embodiment, drive screw 40 has a head 40A which allows drive screw 40 to be turned using a wrench (which could be a hand wrench, a pneumatic driver, or the like).
[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, plate 42 forms one end of a housing 43 that is attached to link 35A and covers aperture 39A. When beam 38 is in its retracted configuration, second end 38C of beam 38 is received in housing 41 Housing 43 may comprise guide surfaces that hear against beam 38 and thereby help to maintain beam 38 in alignment with apertures 39A and 39B.
Housing 43 may protect the projecting part of beam 38 from damage and may help to hold beam 38 in position during transportation. Screw 40 may he left in place to hold beam 38 in its retracted configuration during transportation. This is the configuration shown in Figure 3A..
100361 Housing 43 may have a wide range of configurations. 'Housing 43 may have openings on its sides or be closed. 'Housing 43 may comprise an open framework, for example. in some . applications a housing 43 as illustrated may be in the way and undesirable. For such applications =
= =
= = = = =

housing 43 may be made removable and/or foldable/collapsible.
[0037] To move beam 38 toward its closed configuration,. screw 40 may be insetted through a hole in a plate 44 on link 358 and threadedly engaged with first end 38B of beam 38. Tightening screw 40 pulls beam 38 toward plate 44_ Screw 40 may be tightened and left in place to hold beam 32 firmly in its closed configuration.
[0038] An advantage of the illustrated arrangement is that the pull exerted by screw 40 on beam 38 as beam 38 is moved toward its closed configuration tends to pull beam 38 into alignment with aperture 39B.
[0039] In an alternative embodiment a first end 40A of drive-screw 40 is fixed in position but free to rotate relative to link 35A. For example, drive screw 40 may be mounted in an aperture in plate 42_ In this embodiment, a second end 4013 of drive screw 40 is threadedly engaged with end 38C of beam 38_ Beam 38 may be advanced toward its closed configuration by rotating drive screw 40 in a first direction and moved toward its retracted configuration by rotating drive screw 40 in a second direction opposite to the first direction_ 100401 In some embodiments, a motor (e.g. a hydraulic motor) is provided and connected to turn drive screw 40_ In some embodiments the motor comprises an impact driver. The motor may be directly coupled to drive screw 40 or coupled by way of a suitable power transmission such as a gear train, worm drive, reducing transmission, or the like.
[0041] Other actuation mechanisms may be applied for moving beam 38 between its closed and retracted configurations. Examples of such actuation mechanisms which may be coupled to drive motion of beam 38 include:
= one or more linear actuators (which may be any of hydraulic, pneumatic or electrically operated);
= a rack and pinion mechanism;
1 =

=
=
=
=
=

= a rack and worm mechanism;
= one or more hydraulic pistons; =
= a lever;
= a removable screw, cable or the like may be connected to pull beam 38 from its retracted configuration to its closed configuration.
10042] In some embodiments which provide for powered aeLutition of beam 38 an actuator such as a motor / hydraulic piston of the like is built into a hollow within beam 38.
[0043] When an integrated power actuation mechanism is provided a remote control mechanism may optionally be provided to operate the actuation mechanism to move beam 38 from its retracted configuration to its closed configuration or from its closed configuration to its retracted configuration. The remote control mechanism may comprise, for example, a remotely operable electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic circuit.
00441 In embodiments which provide means for remotely actuating beam 38 it is preferable to provide one or more mechanisms that may be provided to verify that beam 38 has properly reached its closed position. For example, one or more of the following may be supplied:
= a camera located to provide remote viewing of beam 38 and connected to display an image on a display;
= one or more limit switches and/or proximity sensors located to detect when beam 38 is in its closed configuration;
= a linear transducer connected to monitor the position of beam 38;
= visible inclicia such as a colored stripe or mark on beam 38 that becomes visible only when beam 38 is in its elOsed configuration.

= = = =

100451 Figure 4 shows a coupling 47 according to an alternative embodiment.
Coupling 47 is similar to coupling 30 and similar parts are given the same reference numbers.
Coupling 47 differs from coupling 30 in that beam 38 is actuated by a pinion 48 which engages a rack 49 attached to or formed in beam 38. Pinion 42 may be turned manually using a handle or wrench (not shown) or under power using a motor of any suitable type coupled to drive pinion 42 in any suitable way. Motor 48A is shown. Motor 48A may incorporate a reduction drive.
In the illustrated embodiment beam 38 has racks 49 extending along both of its sides.
Preferably racks 49 extend along the neutral axis of beam 38. Each of the racks is driven by a corresponding pinion 48_ In this manner, radial gear forces exerted by one pinion 48 on beam 38 are balanced by the radial gear forces exerted by the other pinion 48 on beam 38-[0046] Figure 5 shows a coupling 50 according to an alternative embodiment.
Coupling 50 is = similar to coupling 30 and similar parts are given the same reference numbers_ Coupling 50 = differs from coupling 30 in that beam 38 is replaced in coupling 50 by an arcuate beam 58. When beam 58 is actuated it moves along a curved path 51. Aperture 39A and aperture or recess 39B
are respectively configured to constrain beam 58 to be movable along path 31 and to receive beam 58 as it is moved to its closed configuration along path SL In the illustrated embodiment, beam 58 is actuated by a hydraulic cylinder (or other linear actuator) 52 coupled to pivot an arm 54 about a pivot point 53. Beam 58 is shown in its closed configuration.
Dotted outline 54' shows the location of ann 54 when beam 58 is in its retracted configuration.
100.47] Some advantages of the illustrated example embodiments are that:
= they are compatible with API standards for curvatures and strength and can be used to couple top drives to legacy traveling blocks;
= angular flexibility between the top drive and travelling block can be equal to that provided by a traditional becket/bail connection;
= they can be used without disconnecting a beeket from a traveling block;
= = =
= =

= little to no tooling is required to translate beam 38/58 to engage with or disengage from a becket;
= operating beam 38 does not require working with heavy loose parts at elevated locations;
= alignment of beam 38/58 with aperture or recess 3913 is maintained by the structure of coupling 30. Workers do not need to achieve precise alignment of heavy parts (as would be required, for example, to reinstall a pin bolding a becket to a traveling block);
= human lifting and pushing is reduced or eliminated;
= coupling 30 may bc connected without moving the traveling block laterally (as can be required to slide [he bucket of a traveling block under a conventional bail on a top drive).
The traveling block does not generally need to be moved away from the vertical (Z-axis) during connection.
[0048] While these advantages are beneficial, it is not mandatory that all of these advantages be = provided by all embodiments.
10049] It is not mandatory that the part of a coupling like coupling 30, 47 or 50 that includes a movable beam is on a top drive. In some embodiments a traveling block includes a movable =
beam in place of a conventional becket. =
100501 Figure 6 shows an example traveling block 60 comprising a movable beam 62. Traveling = block 60 comprises a main body 63. A coupling assembly 64 is pinned onto main body 63 by pins 65. Coupling assembly 64 comprises plates 64A and 64B. Movable beam 62 passes through an aperture 66A in plate 64A and spans a space 65 between plates 64A and 64B
to engage an aperture or recess 66B in plate 6413.
100511 Beam 62 may be substantially the same as beam 38 described above except that it is oriented to provide a saddle-shaped contact area on its upper edge (i.e. the edge facing toward = main body 63). As described above with respect to Figure 3, aperture 66A
maintains beam 62 I
=

aligned with aperture or recess 66B and apertures 66A and 66B are configured to prevent rotation of beam 62_ 100521 In the illustrated embodiment, beam 62 is retained in its closed configuration by a keeper 67 which extends across aperture 66A to block longitudinal movement of beam 62. When it is desired to move beam 62 to its retracted position, keeper 67 may be moved out of the way (e.g.
by detaching it from plate MA, unfastening one end of keeper 67 and pivoting keeper 67 out of the way etc.).
E00531 A removal tool 68 is shown in Figure 6C. Removal tool 68 comprises a screw 68A that is rotatably mounted to a frame 68B. When it is desired to move beam 62 to its retracted configuration, keeper 67 may be removed and screw 68A maybe started into a threaded bore in beam 62. Frame 68B may then be removably attached to plate 64A (e.g. by bolting frame 68B
into threaded holes which may be the same threaded holes used to hold keeper 67). After this has been done, beam 62 may be pulled to its retracted position by turning screw 68A using any suitable tool. The process may be reversed to move beam 62 back to its closed 'configuration_ 100541 In cases where removal tool 68 would not pose an inconvenient obstruction, removal tool (,8 may be left installed on plate 64.
10055) In other embodiments, any of the actuation mechanisms described above are provided to actuate beam 62 between its retracted and closed configurations_ 100561 A retractable beam beeket as described herein may be provided on a top drive, on a travelling block, or both. A retractable beam becket as described herein may also be applied on other hoisting equipment (e. g. on a swivel or heave compensator).
[00571 Various alternatives are possible. For example:
= a coupling as described herein may be made to interface to traveling blocks having capacities of less than 250 tons as well as greater than 250 tuns;

=
=
= =

= a coupling as described herein may provide contact areas having surface curvatures other than those defined by API standard 8C, interpretation of Ten-ns 100581 Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the clairns:
= "comprise", "comprising", and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclasive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but = not limited to";
= "connected", "coupled", or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling or connection between the = elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof;
= "herein", "above", "below", and words or similar import, when used to describe this specification, shall refer to this specification as a whole, and not to any particular portions or this specification;
= "or", in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in The list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list;
= the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" also include the meaning of any appropriate plural toms.
100591 Words that indicate directions such as "vertical", "transverse", "horizontal", "upward", "downward", "forward", "backward", "inward", "outward", "vertical", "transverse", "left", = "right", "front", "back", "top", "bottom", "below", "above", "under", and the like, used in this description and any accompanying claims (where present), depend on the specific orientation of 13 =
-= = =

the apparatus described and illustrated. The subject matter described herein may assume various alternative orientations. Accordingly, these directional terms arc not strictly defined and should not be interpreted narrowly.
[00601 Where a component (e.g. a fastener, member, screw, actuator, assembly, device, circuit, etc.) is referred to above, unless otherwise indicated, refere-nee to that component (including a reference to a "means") should be interpreted as including as equivalents of that component any component which performs the function of the described component (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), including components which are not structurally equivalent to the disclosed .
structure which performs the function in the illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention.
190611 Specific examples of systems, methods and apparatus have been described herein for purposes of illustration. These are only examples. The technology provided herein can be applied to systems other than the example systems described above. Many alterations, modifications, additions, omissions, and permutations are possible within the practice of this = invention. This invention includes variations on described embodiments that would be apparent to the skilled addressee, including variations obtained by: replacing features, elements and/or .
acts with equivalent features, elements and/or acts; mixing and matching of features, elements and/or acts from different embodiments; combining features, elements and/or acts from embodiments as described herein with features, elements and/or acts of other technology; and/or . omitting combining features, elements and/or acts from described embodiments.
[00621 It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions, omissions, and sub-combinations as may reasonably be inferred. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation tuonsistent with the description as a whole.

= = =
.= =

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A coupling useful for coupling a top drive to a traveling block in a drill rig, the coupling comprising:
first and second members spaced apart from one another by a gap dimensioned to receive a becket of a traveling block between them;
a beam supported in an aperture proximate an end of the first member the second member having an aperture or recess dimensioned to receive a first end of the beam, the beam slidably movable between a closed configuration wherein the beam spans the gap with the first end of the beam engaged in the aperture or recess on the second member and a retracted configuration wherein the first end of the beam is spaced apart from the second member the beam having a non-circular cross section and the apertures conforming at least in part to the cross section of the beam and thereby preventing rotation of the beam in the apertures.

2. Apparatus having any new and inventive feature, combination of features, or sub-combination of features as described herein.

3. Methods having any new and inventive steps, acts, combination of steps and/or acts or sub-combination of steps and/or acts as described herein.