U.S. patent application number 17/438979 was filed with the patent office on 2022-05-12 for christmas tree assembly with high integrity pipeline protection system.
The applicant listed for this patent is OneSubsea IP UK Limited. Invention is credited to Kenny BOHLE, Ulrich KLEINE, Johannes VAN DEN AKKER.
Application Number | 20220145720 17/438979 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-05-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220145720 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KLEINE; Ulrich ; et
al. |
May 12, 2022 |
CHRISTMAS TREE ASSEMBLY WITH HIGH INTEGRITY PIPELINE PROTECTION
SYSTEM
Abstract
A mineral extraction system that includes a christmas tree. The
christmas tree includes a valve that controls the flow of
hydrocarbons through the christmas tree. A subsea control module
couples to the christmas tree. The subsea control module controls
the valve to control the flow of hydrocarbons through a conduit in
the christmas tree. A high integrity pipeline protection system
integrated with the subsea control module. The high integrity
pipeline protection system includes a first pressure sensor that
emits a first signal indicative of pressure in the conduit. A high
integrity pipeline protection controller that receives the first
signal indicative of the pressure and automatically controls
operation of the valve in response to the pressure exceeding a
threshold pressure.
Inventors: |
KLEINE; Ulrich; (Celle,
DE) ; BOHLE; Kenny; (Celle, DE) ; VAN DEN
AKKER; Johannes; (Celle, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
OneSubsea IP UK Limited |
London |
|
GB |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/438979 |
Filed: |
March 18, 2020 |
PCT Filed: |
March 18, 2020 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2020/023354 |
371 Date: |
September 14, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62819719 |
Mar 18, 2019 |
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International
Class: |
E21B 33/035 20060101
E21B033/035; E21B 34/04 20060101 E21B034/04; E21B 47/001 20060101
E21B047/001; E21B 47/06 20060101 E21B047/06 |
Claims
1. A mineral extraction system, comprising: a christmas tree, the
christmas tree comprising: a valve configured to control a flow of
hydrocarbons through the christmas tree; a subsea control module
coupled to the christmas tree, wherein the subsea control module is
configured to control the valve to control the flow of hydrocarbons
through a conduit in the christmas tree; a high integrity pipeline
protection system integrated with the subsea control module, the
high integrity pipeline protection system comprising: a first
pressure sensor configured to emit a first signal indicative of a
pressure in the conduit; and a high integrity pipeline protection
controller configured to receive the first signal and to
automatically control operation of the valve in response to the
pressure exceeding a threshold pressure.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein subsea control module comprises a
first controller configured to control the valve in response to
feedback from an operator.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the subsea control module
comprises a power supply configured to provide power to a solenoid
driver module.
4. The system of claim 3, comprising a coil configured to receive
power from the solenoid driver module, wherein the coil controls
operation of a solenoid operated direct control valve to control
the valve.
5. The system of claim 1, comprising an actuator coupled to the
valve, wherein the actuator is configured to receive hydraulic
fluid to block closing of the valve.
6. The system of claim 1, comprising a second pressure sensor, the
second pressure sensor is configured to emit a second signal
indicative of the pressure in the conduit.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the first pressure sensor and the
second pressure sensor are upstream from the valve.
8. The system of claim 1, comprising a flowline coupled to the
christmas tree, wherein the mineral extraction system excludes a
second high integrity pipeline protection system between the
christmas tree and the flowline.
9. A subsea control module comprising: a first controller
configured to control a christmas tree valve that controls a flow
of hydrocarbons out of a christmas tree; a high integrity pipeline
protection system, the high integrity pipeline protection system
comprising: a first pressure sensor configured to emit a first
signal indicative of a pressure in a conduit of the christmas tree;
and a first high integrity pipeline protection (HIPP) controller
configured to receive the first signal indicative of the pressure
and to automatically control operation of the christmas tree valve
in response to the pressure exceeding a threshold pressure.
10. The subsea module of claim 9, comprising a second controller
configured to control the christmas tree valve that controls the
flow of hydrocarbons out of the christmas tree.
11. The subsea module of claim 9, comprising a solenoid driver
module configured to supply power to a first coil and a second
coil.
12. The subsea module of claim 11, comprising a solenoid operated
direct control valve, wherein the first coil and the second coil
are configured to maintain the solenoid operated direct control
valve in an open position while energized.
13. The subsea module of claim 9, comprising a second pressure
sensor configured to emit a second signal indicative of the
pressure.
14. The subsea module of claim 13, wherein the first HIPP
controller is configured to use a logic solver to determine whether
the pressure in the conduit exceeds the threshold pressure using
the first signal and the second signal.
15. The subsea module of claim 13, wherein the second HIPP
controller is configured to use a logic solver to determine whether
the pressure in the conduit exceeds the threshold pressure using
the first signal and the second signal.
16. A subsea control module comprising: a first controller
configured to control a christmas tree valve that controls a flow
of hydrocarbons out of a christmas tree; a second controller
configured to control the christmas tree valve that controls the
flow of hydrocarbons out of the christmas tree; a high integrity
pipeline protection system, the high integrity pipeline protection
system comprising: a first pressure sensor configured to emit a
first signal indicative of a pressure in a conduit of the christmas
tree; a second pressure sensor configured to emit a second signal
indicative of the pressure in the conduit of the christmas tree; a
first high integrity pipeline protection controller configured to
receive the first signal and the second signal and to automatically
control operation of the christmas tree valve in response to the
first signal and the second signal; and a second high integrity
pipeline protection controller configured to receive the first
signal and the second signal and to automatically control operation
of the christmas tree valve in response to the first signal and the
second signal.
17. The subsea module of claim 16, comprising a solenoid driver
module configured to supply power to a first coil and a second
coil.
18. The subsea module of claim 17, comprising a solenoid operated
direct control valve, wherein the first coil and the second coil
are configured to maintain the solenoid operated direct control
valve in an open position while energized.
19. The subsea module of claim 17, comprising a first power supply
and a second power supply, wherein the first power supply and the
second power supply are configured to supply power to the solenoid
driver module.
20. The subsea module of claim 16, wherein the first HIPP
controller and the second HIPP controller are configured to use a
logic solver to determine whether the pressure in the conduit
exceeds a threshold pressure using the first signal and the second
signal.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a non-provisional application claiming
priority to U.S. provisional application No. 62/819,719, entitled
"CHRISTMAS TREE ASSEMBLY WITH INTEGRATED HIPPS FUNCTIONALITY,"
filed Mar. 18, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in
its entirety for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to determining
physical addresses.
[0003] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various
aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the
present disclosure, which are described and/or claimed below. This
discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with
background information to facilitate a better understanding of the
various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it may be
understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and
not as admissions of prior art.
[0004] Fluids, such as hydrocarbons, may be extracted from
subsurface reservoirs and transported to the surface for commercial
sales. These hydrocarbons may be used in the power industry,
transportation industry, manufacturing industry, and other
applicable industries. In order to extract these fluids, a well may
be drilled into the ground to a subsurface reservoir, and equipment
may be installed in the well and on the surface to facilitate
extraction of the fluids. In some cases, the wells may be offshore
(e.g., subsea), and the equipment may be disposed underwater, on
offshore platforms, and/or on floating systems.
[0005] As the fluids flow out of the well, the pressure of the
fluids may change. High integrity pipeline protection systems
(HIPPS) are used to monitor the flow of fluids exiting the wellhead
and block over-pressurization of the pipe or flowlines that carry
the fluids away from the wellhead. These HIPP systems are installed
independently of the christmas tree that connects to the wellhead.
That is HIPP systems are either included as a separately dedicated
manifold or as part of the overall production manifold
assembly.
SUMMARY
[0006] A summary of certain embodiments disclosed herein is set
forth below. It should be understood that these aspects are
presented merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of
these certain embodiments and that these aspects are not intended
to limit the scope of this disclosure. Indeed, this disclosure may
encompass a variety of aspects that may not be set forth below.
[0007] In one embodiment, a mineral extraction system that includes
a christmas tree. The christmas tree includes a valve that controls
the flow of hydrocarbons through the christmas tree. A subsea
control module couples to the christmas tree. The subsea control
module controls the valve to control the flow of hydrocarbons
through a conduit in the christmas tree. A high integrity pipeline
protection system integrated with the subsea control module. The
high integrity pipeline protection system includes a first pressure
sensor that emits a first signal indicative of pressure in the
conduit. A high integrity pipeline protection controller that
receives the first signal indicative of the pressure and
automatically controls operation of the valve in response to the
pressure exceeding a threshold pressure.
[0008] In another embodiment, a subsea control module that includes
a first controller that controls a christmas tree valve that
controls a flow of hydrocarbons out of the christmas tree. A high
integrity pipeline protection system that includes a first pressure
sensor that emits a first signal indicative of a pressure in a
conduit of the christmas tree. A first high integrity pipeline
protection controller that receives the first signal indicative of
the pressure and automatically controls operation of the valve in
response to the pressure exceeding a threshold pressure.
[0009] In another embodiment, a subsea control module that includes
a first controller that controls a christmas tree valve that
controls a flow of hydrocarbons out of a christmas tree. A second
controller controls the christmas tree valve that controls the flow
of hydrocarbons out of the christmas tree. A high integrity
pipeline protection system that includes a first pressure sensor
that emits a first signal indicative of a pressure in a conduit of
the christmas tree. A second pressure sensor emits a second signal
indicative of the pressure in the conduit of the christmas tree. A
first high integrity pipeline protection controller receives the
first signal and the second signal and automatically controls
operation of the christmas tree valve in response to the first
signal and the second signal. A second high integrity pipeline
protection controller receives the first signal and the second
signal and automatically controls operation of the christmas tree
valve in response to the first signal and the second signal.
[0010] Various refinements of the features noted above may exist in
relation to various aspects of the present disclosure. Further
features may also be incorporated in these various aspects as well.
These refinements and additional features may exist individually or
in any combination. For instance, various features discussed below
in relation to one or more of the illustrated embodiments may be
incorporated into any of the above-described aspects of the present
disclosure alone or in any combination. The brief summary presented
above is intended only to familiarize the reader with certain
aspects and contexts of embodiments of the present disclosure
without limitation to the claimed subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present disclosure will become better understood when the following
detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying
drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout
the drawings, wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a mineral extraction system
with a high integrity pipeline protection system integrated into a
christmas tree assembly, in accordance with embodiments described
herein;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a christmas tree assembly
with an integrated high integrity pipeline protection system, in
accordance with embodiments described herein;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a subsea control module with
an integrated high integrity pipeline protection system, in
accordance with embodiments described herein; and
[0015] FIG. 4 is a schematic of a mineral extraction system with a
high integrity pipeline protection system integrated into a
christmas tree assembly, in accordance with embodiments described
herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the present
disclosure are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended
to limit the scope of the disclosure, but rather these embodiments
are intended only to provide a brief summary of certain disclosed
embodiments. Indeed, the present disclosure may encompass a variety
of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments
set forth below.
[0017] As used herein, the term "coupled" or "coupled to" may
indicate establishing either a direct or indirect connection, and
is not limited to either unless expressly referenced as such. The
term "set" may refer to one or more items. Wherever possible, like
or identical reference numerals are used in the figures to identify
common or the same elements. The figures are not necessarily to
scale and certain features and certain views of the figures may be
shown exaggerated in scale for purposes of clarification.
[0018] Furthermore, when introducing elements of various
embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "a," "an," and
"the" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the
elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are
intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional
elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, it should be
understood that references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment"
of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as
excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also
incorporate the recited features. Furthermore, the phrase A "based
on" B is intended to mean that A is at least partially based on B.
Moreover, unless expressly stated otherwise, the term "or" is
intended to be inclusive (e.g., logical OR) and not exclusive
(e.g., logical XOR). In other words, the phrase A "or" B is
intended to mean A, B, or both A and B.
[0019] The description below describes a mineral extraction system
with a christmas tree and a subsea control module. Integrated into
the subsea control module and christmas tree assembly is a high
integrity pipeline protection (HIPP) system that automatically
closes one or more valves on the christmas tree in response to a
hydrocarbon fluid pressure exceeding a threshold pressure. By
integrating the HIPP system into the christmas tree and the subsea
control module (e.g., christmas tree subsea control module), the
mineral extraction system does not need installation of a separate
HIPP system module to control hydrocarbon flow into a flowline or
pipeline that carries the hydrocarbons away from the well. This may
reduce the number of components of the mineral extraction system,
installation time, and other resources.
[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a mineral extraction system 10
with a high integrity pipeline protection (HIPP) system 12
integrated into a christmas tree assembly 14. As explained above,
HIPP systems are typically deployed as a separate module or as part
of the overall production manifold assembly. By integrating the
HIPP system 12 into the christmas tree 14 (e.g., christmas tree
assembly), the mineral extraction system 10 may be deployed more
rapidly and may reduce the expense of producing a separately
deployable subsea module.
[0021] The christmas tree 14 couples to wellhead 16 to form a
subsea station 18 that extracts oil and/or natural gas from the sea
floor 20 through the well 22. In some embodiments, the mineral
extraction system 10 may include multiple subsea stations 18 that
extract oil and/or gas from respective wells 22. After passing
through the christmas tree 14, the hydrocarbons (e.g., oil, gas)
flow through jumper cables 24 to a pipeline end termination and/or
a pipeline end manifold 26. The pipeline end manifold 26 connects
to one or more flowlines 28. The flowlines 28 enable oil and/or gas
to flow from the wells 22 to the platform 30. In some embodiments,
the flowlines 28 may extend from the subsea stations 18 to another
facility such as a floating production, storage and offloading unit
(FPSO), or a shore-based facility. In addition to flow lines that
carry hydrocarbons away from the wells 22, the mineral extraction
system 10 may include lines or conduits 31 that supply fluids, as
well as carry control and data lines to the subsea equipment. These
flowlines 31 connect to a distribution module 32, which in turn
couples to the subsea stations 18 with lines 34.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a christmas tree 14 with the
HIPP system 12. In operation, the HIPP system 12 protects the
jumpers 24 and flowlines 28 from hydrocarbons flowing through the
mineral extraction system 10 at a pressure greater than a threshold
pressure. For example, the jumpers 24 and flowlines 28 may have a
specific pressure rating or an optimal pressure capacity. In order
to block hydrocarbons from entering the jumpers 24 and flowlines 28
at a pressure greater than the threshold pressure, the HIPP system
12 monitors the pressure of the hydrocarbons flowing through the
christmas tree 14 and closes one or more valves 50 (e.g., christmas
tree valves) using one or more actuators 52. In order to detect the
pressure of the hydrocarbons, the HIPP system 12 includes pressure
sensors 54. The pressure sensors 54 couple to a HIPP system
controller 56 and emit signals indicative of the hydrocarbon
pressure. The HIPP system controller 56 receives these signals and
detects the pressures sensed by the different pressure sensors
54.
[0023] The HIPP system controller 56 may include a processor 58 and
a memory 60. The processor 58 may include multiple microprocessors,
one or more "general-purpose" microprocessors, one or more
special-purpose microprocessors, and/or one or more application
specific integrated circuits (ASICS), or some combination thereof.
For example, the processor 58 may include one or more reduced
instruction set computer (RISC) processors.
[0024] The memory 60 may include a volatile memory, such as random
access memory (RAM), and/or a nonvolatile memory, such as read-only
memory (ROM). The memory 60 may store a variety of information and
may be used for various purposes. For example, the memory 60 may
store processor executable instructions (e.g., firmware or
software) for the processor 58 to execute, such as instructions for
processing the signals from the sensors 54. The storage device(s)
(e.g., nonvolatile memory) may include ROM, flash memory, a hard
drive, or any other suitable optical, magnetic, or solid-state
storage medium, or a combination thereof. The storage device(s) may
store data, instructions, and any other suitable data.
[0025] In some embodiments, the controller 56 may include a logic
solver that compares feedback from the pressure sensors 54 to
determine if the pressure of the hydrocarbons exceeds the threshold
pressure. For example, if both of the pressure sensors 54 indicate
the pressure of the hydrocarbons exceeds the threshold pressure,
then the controller 56 shuts the valve(s) 50. But if one of the
pressure sensors 54 indicates that the pressure of the hydrocarbons
is less than the threshold pressure, the controller 56 may not
close the valve(s) 50. This kind of logic solving may differ
depending on the number of pressure sensors 54. For example, if the
HIPP system 12 includes 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more pressure
sensors 54, the controller 56 may shut the valve(s) 50 in response
to a plurality of the pressure sensors 54, half of the pressure
sensors 54, and/or more than half of the pressure sensors 54
indicating that the pressure exceeds the threshold pressure.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a subsea control module (SCM)
80 with an integrated high integrity pipeline protection (HIPP)
system 12. As illustrated, the SCM 80 includes a first subsea
electronics module (SEM) 82 and a second SEM 84 to provide
redundant control of the valves 50 as well as redundant monitoring
of the pressure sensors 54. The first SEM 82 (e.g., SEM A) includes
a first controller 86 (e.g., controller A), a first power supply 88
(e.g., power supply A), and a first HIPP controller 90 (e.g., HIPP
controller A). The second SEM 84 similarly includes a second
controller 92 (e.g., controller B), a second power supply 94 (e.g.,
power supply B), and a second HIPP controller 96 (e.g., HIPP
controller B). It should be understood, that each controller
mentioned above may include one or more processors and one or more
memories. In operation, the one or more processors execute
instructions stored on the one or more memories.
[0027] During operation, the SCM 80 enables an operator to actively
control the valves 50 while also providing automatic shutoff or
closure of the valves 50 in the event of excessive pressure
detection in the conduit 98. It is the HIPP system 12 that provides
the ability to automatically close the valves 50 without operator
intervention. The SCM 80 enables an operator to actively control
the valves 50 using the controllers 86 and 92. As illustrated, the
controllers 86 and 92 couple to a solenoid driver module 100 that
receives power from power supplies 88 and 94. The controllers 86
and 92 are configured to receive instructions from an operator to
control the power to first and second coils 102 and 104. When
energized the coils 102 and 104 open the solenoid operated direct
control valve 106 (SODCV). For example, the SODCV 106 may only open
if both coils 102, 104 are energized. In other words, the SODCV 106
may be a fail close valve. The opening of the SODCV 106 enables
pressurized hydraulic fluid to flow from a hydraulic fluid supply
108 to the actuators 52, which in turn open the valves 50. To close
the valves 50, the controllers 86 and 92 instruct the solenoid
driver module 100 to block power to the coils 102 and 104, which
then closes the SODCV 106. The closing of the SODCV 106 blocks
hydraulic fluid flow to the actuators 52, which then lack the power
to keep the valves 50 open (e.g., fail close valves 50). The valves
50 therefore close in response to de-energizing of the coils 102
and 104. In some embodiments, the closure of the SODCV 106 opens
another line 110 that sends the hydraulic fluid flowing from the
hydraulic fluid supply 108 back to the hydraulic fluid supply
108.
[0028] The HIPP controllers 90 and 96 similarly control the
de-energizing of the coils 102 and 104 but in response to sensor
feedback. As explained above, the HIPP system 12 includes pressure
sensors 54 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more). The pressure sensors 54
may be upstream and/or downstream of the valves 50. For example,
all of the pressure sensors 54 may be upstream from the valves 50,
all downstream from the valves 50, or some may be upstream and
others downstream from one or more of the valves 50. In operation,
the pressure sensors 54 emit signals indicative of the pressure of
the hydrocarbons in the conduit 98. The pressure sensors 54 couple
to the HIPP controller 90 and 96, which receive these signals and
detects the pressures sensed by the pressure sensors 54. In some
embodiments, the controllers 90 and 96 include logic solvers that
compares feedback from the pressure sensors 54 to determine if the
pressure of the hydrocarbons exceeds a threshold pressure. For
example, if two or more of the pressure sensors 54 indicate the
pressure of the hydrocarbons exceeds the threshold pressure, then
the controller 56 shuts the valve(s) 50. This kind of logic solving
may differ depending on the number of pressure sensors 54. For
example, if the HIPP system 12 includes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
or more pressure sensors 54, the controller 56 may shut the
valve(s) 50 in response to a plurality of the pressure sensors 54,
half of the pressure sensors 54, and/or more than half of the
pressure sensors 54 indicate that the pressure exceeds the
threshold pressure.
[0029] By detecting the pressure of the hydrocarbons in the conduit
98, the HIPP system 12 protects the jumpers 24 and flowlines 28
from hydrocarbons flowing through the mineral extraction system 10
at a pressure greater than a threshold pressure. For example, the
jumpers 24 and flowlines 28 may have a specific pressure rating or
an optimal pressure capacity. More specifically, if the controllers
90 and 96 detect that the pressure in the conduit 98 is greater
than the threshold pressure, the controllers 90 and 96 may open
respective switches 112 and 114 to block the flow of power from the
solenoid driver module 100 to the respective coils 102 and 104. The
switches 112 and 114 may be solid state relays, solid state
switches, electro-mechanical relays among others. As explained
above, de-energizing the coils 102 and 104 closes the SODCV 106.
The closing of the SODCV 106 blocks hydraulic fluid flow to the
actuators 52, which then lack the power to keep the valves 50 open.
The valves 50 therefore close in response to de-energizing of the
coils 102 and 104. The closure of the valves 50 in turn block
hydrocarbons at a pressure in excess of the threshold pressure from
flowing through the downstream jumpers 24 and flowlines 28.
[0030] In some embodiments, the valves 50 may not be hydraulically
actuated valves. For example, they may be electrically actuated
valves. These valves may similarly be fail close valves that close
when the HIPP controllers 90 and 96 open the circuits 112 and
114.
[0031] FIG. 4 is a schematic of a mineral extraction system 130
with a high integrity pipeline protection (HIPP) system 132 (e.g.,
HIPP system 12) integrated into a christmas tree 134 (e.g.,
christmas tree assembly). By integrating the HIPP system 132 into
the christmas tree 134, the mineral extraction system 130 may
exclude a separate HIPP system or HIPP system module placed between
the christmas tree 134 and a pipeline or flowline 136, between the
christmas tree 134 and flowline jumpers 138, and/or between the
christmas tree 134 and a PLEM (pipeline end manifold) or PLET
(pipeline end termination) 140. This may reduce the number of
components of the mineral extraction system 130, installation time,
and other resources.
[0032] The technical effects of the systems and methods described
herein include a christmas tree with an integrated HIPP system that
controls the flow of hydrocarbons through the christmas tree in
response to a pressure in excess of a threshold pressure.
[0033] As used herein, the terms "inner" and "outer"; "up" and
"down"; "upper" and "lower"; "upward" and "downward"; "above" and
"below"; "inward" and "outward"; and other like terms as used
herein refer to relative positions to one another and are not
intended to denote a particular direction or spatial orientation.
The terms "couple," "coupled," "connect," "connection,"
"connected," "in connection with," and "connecting" refer to "in
direct connection with" or "in connection with via one or more
intermediate elements or members."
[0034] The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has
been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the
illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or
to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Many
modifications and variations are possible in view of the above
teachings. Moreover, the order in which the elements of the methods
described herein are illustrated and described may be re-arranged,
and/or two or more elements may occur simultaneously. The
embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the
principals of the disclosure and its practical applications, to
thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the
disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications as
are suited to the particular use contemplated.
[0035] Finally, the techniques presented and claimed herein are
referenced and applied to material objects and concrete examples of
a practical nature that demonstrably improve the present technical
field and, as such, are not abstract, intangible or purely
theoretical. Further, if any claims appended to the end of this
specification contain one or more elements designated as "means for
[perform]ing [a function] . . . " or "step for [perform]ing [a
function] . . . ", it is intended that such elements are to be
interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claims
containing elements designated in any other manner, it is intended
that such elements are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C.
112(f).
* * * * *