Patents by Inventor Paul L. Connell

Paul L. Connell has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10309209
    Abstract: An electric submersible pump (ESP) is coupled with a spaced apart debris removal assembly that is independently supported from a retrievable packer. The debris removal assembly is modular and retains the captured debris for subsequent removal from the well with the retrievable packer. The ESP suction draws in well fluids through the debris retention device. The ESP can be pulled to allow removal of the retrievable packer with the debris removal assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Caballero, Courtney J. Hartman, Paul L. Connell, Eric J. Gauthier, Steve Rosenblatt
  • Publication number: 20180266230
    Abstract: An electric submersible pump (ESP) is coupled with a spaced apart debris removal assembly that is independently supported from a retrievable packer. The debris removal assembly is modular and retains the captured debris for subsequent removal from the well with the retrievable packer. The ESP suction draws in well fluids through the debris retention device. The ESP can be pulled to allow removal of the retrievable packer with the debris removal assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: John W. Caballero, Courtney J. Hartman, Paul L. Connell, Eric J. Gauthier, Steve Rosenblatt
  • Patent number: 8955597
    Abstract: A method of abandoning a borehole includes, running a tool into the borehole, cutting a casing with a first portion of the tool, reaming the borehole in an area where the casing has been cut with a second portion of the tool, disconnecting a drillstring from the tool, and cementing the borehole through the drillstring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Paul L. Connell, Erik Vilhelm Nordenstam
  • Patent number: 8607858
    Abstract: A whipstock features a spiral ramp so that, in a horizontal run, access to a milled window with other tools is not impeded because such tools can traverse onto the ramp and still be directed to the window. Angular rotation of the ramp can be at 180° or more and the pitch is selected to avoid getting the equipment being advanced into a bind. Optionally, a guide track can be configured into the whipstock ramp to help the mill follow the spiral path until the proper orientation is obtained and the track ends to allow separation of the mill from the track. A slot can be provided near the ramp upper end to aid in retrieval operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Graeme D. McKay, Christopher W. Guidry, Paul L. Connell, David B. Haughton
  • Patent number: 8511375
    Abstract: A wellbore cleaning device having a unitary tool mandrel surrounded by a retaining sleeve that is rotatable with respect to the mandrel. A locking ring is used to secure the retaining sleeve to the mandrel. Cleaning blades are retained within recesses in the retaining sleeve and are biased radially outwardly from the recesses by springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Gregory L. Hern, Lisa L. Posevina, Paul L. Connell
  • Publication number: 20130112397
    Abstract: A whipstock features a spiral ramp so that, in a horizontal run, access to a milled window with other tools is not impeded because such tools can traverse onto the ramp and still be directed to the window. Angular rotation of the ramp can be at 180° or more and the pitch is selected to avoid getting the equipment being advanced into a bind. Optionally, a guide track can be configured into the whipstock ramp to help the mill follow the spiral path until the proper orientation is obtained and the track ends to allow separation of the mill from the track. A slot can be provided near the ramp upper end to aid in retrieval operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Graeme D. McKay, Christopher W. Guidry, Paul L. Connell, David B. Haughton
  • Patent number: 8336626
    Abstract: A magnetic retrieval tool used for collecting metallic debris and material from within a wellbore or other surrounding downhole tubular. The tool includes a tool mandrel with one or more pockets formed in its outer radial surface. A removable insert resides within each pocket. Each of the inserts retains a plurality of individual magnets in a fixed array or matrix surrounding the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Gregory L. Hern, Larry T. Palmer, Paul L. Connell, Jonathan F. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20120305249
    Abstract: A method of abandoning a borehole includes, running a tool into the borehole, cutting a casing with a first portion of the tool, reaming the borehole in an area where the casing has been cut with a second portion of the tool, disconnecting a drillstring from the tool, and cementing the borehole through the drillstring
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Paul L. Connell, Erik Vilhelm Nordenstam
  • Patent number: 8257585
    Abstract: A debris catcher uses induced circulation from a venturi to urge debris laden flow into the lower end of a housing. An inlet tube maintains velocity so as to keep the debris moving with the fluid stream as it goes up the inlet tube. A screen fits over the open end of the inlet tube and runs down around the inlet tube toward the entrance of the debris laden fluid into the lower end of the housing. There is a clearance around the cylindrical portion of the screen so some flow can exit that way. There is also an open exit through the top of the screen that can be reached after the fluid stream makes two hairpin turns. Many modules can be stacked. Each module has a large screen area for flow to exit and progressive modules can have smaller screen openings in an uphole flow direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: John P. Davis, Paul L. Connell
  • Publication number: 20110284210
    Abstract: A magnetic retrieval tool used for collecting metallic debris and material from within a wellbore or other surrounding downhole tubular. The tool includes a tool mandrel with a removable insert which contains one or more magnets. The insert is formed such that both the north and south magnetic poles of the one or more magnets are able to attract metallic debris.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Gregory L. Hern, Thomas M. Ashy, Jace E. Melder, Larry T. Palmer, Paul L. Connell, Jonathan F. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20110284203
    Abstract: A magnetic retrieval tool used for collecting metallic debris and material from within a wellbore or other surrounding downhole tubular. The tool includes a tool mandrel with one or more pockets formed in its outer radial surface. A removable insert resides within each pocket. Each of the inserts retains a plurality of individual magnets in a fixed array or matrix surrounding the mandrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Gregory L. Hern, Larry T. Palmer, Paul L. Connell, Jonathan F. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20110265988
    Abstract: A wellbore cleaning device having a unitary tool mandrel surrounded by a retaining sleeve that is rotatable with respect to the mandrel. A locking ring is used to secure the retaining sleeve to the mandrel. Cleaning blades are retained within recesses in the retaining sleeve and are biased radially outwardly from the recesses by springs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Gregory L. Hern, Lisa L. Posevina, Paul L. Connell
  • Publication number: 20110186287
    Abstract: A cleaning device for use in cleaning wellbores and other tubular members in subterranean fluid production operations. The cleaning device includes a tool mandrel with cleaning components, such as a scraper assembly and stabilizers, secured thereupon with an attaching ring assembly. The attaching ring assembly includes a housing and a plurality of locking wedges that are movable with respect to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: John P. Davis, Paul L. Connell, Gregory Lee Hern
  • Patent number: 7954555
    Abstract: Downhole valves comprise a housing having a bore, a port, upper and lower recesses disposed in an inner wall surface of the bore, the upper recess disposed above the port and the lower recess disposed below the port, and upper and lower pistons disposed in the bore. The upper and lower pistons each comprise a bore with a port in communication with housing bore. During run-in, the housing port is blocked by the lower piston. Actuation of the lower piston unblocks the housing port and aligns the lower piston port with the lower recess. Actuation of the upper piston closes the housing port and aligns the upper piston port with the upper recess. Alignment of the ports of the pistons with their respective recesses permits fluid flow through the tool both when the valve is opened by the lower piston and closed by the upper piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas M. Ashy, Jace E. Melder, Paul L. Connell
  • Publication number: 20110049025
    Abstract: A debris catcher uses induced circulation from a venturi to urge debris laden flow into the lower end of a housing. An inlet tube maintains velocity so as to keep the debris moving with the fluid stream as it goes up the inlet tube. A screen fits over the open end of the inlet tube and runs down around the inlet tube toward the entrance of the debris laden fluid into the lower end of the housing. There is a clearance around the cylindrical portion of the screen so some flow can exit that way. There is also an open exit through the top of the screen that can be reached after the fluid stream makes two hairpin turns. Many modules can be stacked. Each module has a large screen area for flow to exit and progressive modules can have smaller screen openings in an uphole flow direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: John P. Davis, Paul L. Connell
  • Publication number: 20100270030
    Abstract: Downhole valves comprise a housing having a bore, a port, upper and lower recesses disposed in an inner wall surface of the bore, the upper recess disposed above the port and the lower recess disposed below the port, and upper and lower pistons disposed in the bore. The upper and lower pistons each comprise a bore with a port in communication with housing bore. During run-in, the housing port is blocked by the lower piston. Actuation of the lower piston unblocks the housing port and aligns the lower piston port with the lower recess. Actuation of the upper piston closes the housing port and aligns the upper piston port with the upper recess. Alignment of the ports of the pistons with their respective recesses permits fluid flow through the tool both when the valve is opened by the lower piston and closed by the upper piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventors: THOMAS M. ASHY, JACE E. MELDER, PAUL L. CONNELL
  • Patent number: 7779901
    Abstract: A debris catching device for downhole milling features modular debris receptacles that are held in the housing in a manner that facilitates stacking and a generally undulating flow path to facilitate dropping of the debris into the receptacles as the remaining fluid travels up the tool for ultimate screening before the fluid exits the tool to flow up to the surface or in a reverse circulation pattern back to the mill below the debris catcher. The modules can also be aligned with flapper valves at the top of each module to prevent debris in the tool from falling to the mill if circulation is turned off. The mill is configured to have an off-center return path preferably as large as the passage through the mill body to aid circulation and cutting performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: John P. Davis, James S. Trahan, Paul L. Connell
  • Publication number: 20100096122
    Abstract: Non-rotating tubular wellbore cleaning devices are described which include a central tool mandrel with radially surrounding stabilizers and a cleaning member subassembly. A rotational bearing is provided that is partially radially recessed, thereby improving the overall strength of the cleaning device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Lisa L. Posevina, Gregory L. Hern, Paul L. Connell
  • Patent number: 7610957
    Abstract: A debris catching device for downhole milling features modular debris receptacles that are held in the housing in a manner that facilitates stacking and a generally undulating flow path to facilitate dropping of the debris into the receptacles as the remaining fluid travels up the tool for ultimate screening before the fluid exits the tool to flow up to the surface or in a reverse circulation pattern back to the mill below the debris catcher. The modules can also be aligned with flapper valves at the top of each module to prevent debris in the tool from falling to the mill if circulation is turned off. The mill is configured to have an off-center return path preferably as large as the passage through the mill body to aid circulation and cutting performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: John P. Davis, James S. Trahan, Paul L. Connell
  • Publication number: 20090200012
    Abstract: A debris catching device for downhole milling features modular debris receptacles that are held in the housing in a manner that facilitates stacking and a generally undulating flow path to facilitate dropping of the debris into the receptacles as the remaining fluid travels up the tool for ultimate screening before the fluid exits the tool to flow up to the surface or in a reverse circulation pattern back to the mill below the debris catcher. The modules can also be aligned with flapper valves at the top of each module to prevent debris in the tool from falling to the mill if circulation is turned off. The mill is configured to have an off-center return path preferably as large as the passage through the mill body to aid circulation and cutting performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: John P. Davis, James S. Trahan, Paul L. Connell