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).
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Patent number: 10309209Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 17, 2017Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLCInventors: John W. Caballero, Courtney J. Hartman, Paul L. Connell, Eric J. Gauthier, Steve Rosenblatt
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Publication number: 20180266230Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2017Publication date: September 20, 2018Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: John W. Caballero, Courtney J. Hartman, Paul L. Connell, Eric J. Gauthier, Steve Rosenblatt
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Patent number: 8955597Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 6, 2011Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Paul L. Connell, Erik Vilhelm Nordenstam
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Patent number: 8607858Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 9, 2011Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Graeme D. McKay, Christopher W. Guidry, Paul L. Connell, David B. Haughton
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Patent number: 8511375Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 3, 2010Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Gregory L. Hern, Lisa L. Posevina, Paul L. Connell
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Publication number: 20130112397Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2011Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Graeme D. McKay, Christopher W. Guidry, Paul L. Connell, David B. Haughton
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Patent number: 8336626Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 18, 2010Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Gregory L. Hern, Larry T. Palmer, Paul L. Connell, Jonathan F. Nelson
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Publication number: 20120305249Abstract: 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 drillstringType: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2011Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Paul L. Connell, Erik Vilhelm Nordenstam
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Patent number: 8257585Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 25, 2009Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: John P. Davis, Paul L. Connell
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Publication number: 20110284210Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2010Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Gregory L. Hern, Thomas M. Ashy, Jace E. Melder, Larry T. Palmer, Paul L. Connell, Jonathan F. Nelson
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Publication number: 20110284203Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2010Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Gregory L. Hern, Larry T. Palmer, Paul L. Connell, Jonathan F. Nelson
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Publication number: 20110265988Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2010Publication date: November 3, 2011Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Gregory L. Hern, Lisa L. Posevina, Paul L. Connell
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Publication number: 20110186287Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2010Publication date: August 4, 2011Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: John P. Davis, Paul L. Connell, Gregory Lee Hern
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Patent number: 7954555Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 23, 2009Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Thomas M. Ashy, Jace E. Melder, Paul L. Connell
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Publication number: 20110049025Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2009Publication date: March 3, 2011Inventors: John P. Davis, Paul L. Connell
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Publication number: 20100270030Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2009Publication date: October 28, 2010Inventors: THOMAS M. ASHY, JACE E. MELDER, PAUL L. CONNELL
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Patent number: 7779901Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 18, 2009Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: John P. Davis, James S. Trahan, Paul L. Connell
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Publication number: 20100096122Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2009Publication date: April 22, 2010Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Lisa L. Posevina, Gregory L. Hern, Paul L. Connell
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Patent number: 7610957Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 11, 2008Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: John P. Davis, James S. Trahan, Paul L. Connell
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Publication number: 20090200012Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2008Publication date: August 13, 2009Inventors: John P. Davis, James S. Trahan, Paul L. Connell