Patent ID: 9404314
Filing Date: 2016-08-02
CPC Classification: E21B

Claim Text:
1. A method of protecting the free ends of communication lines from debris during downhole connection in a subterranean well, the method comprising: a) positioning a first downhole assembly, having a first connector with a free end of a first communication line fixed thereto, at a downhole location in the wellbore; b) moving a second downhole assembly, having a second connector with a free end of a second communication line fixed thereto, into the wellbore and relative to the first downhole assembly; c) moving a first reciprocating member mounted for movement on the first downhole assembly from an initial position to an actuated position, wherein moving the first reciprocating member from the initial position to the actuated position comprises contacting the first reciprocating member with the second downhole assembly to move the first reciprocating member relative to the first connector; d) moving a second reciprocating member mounted for movement on the second downhole assembly from an initial position to an actuated position, wherein moving the second reciprocating member from the initial position to the actuated position comprises contacting the second reciprocating member with the first downhole assembly to move the second reciprocating member relative to the second connector; e) moving a first protective cover, attached to the first reciprocating member, from an initial position wherein the free end of the first communication line is protected from debris to an open position wherein the free end of the first communication line exposed; f) moving a second protective cover, attached to the second reciprocating member, from an initial position wherein the free end of the second communication line is protected from debris to an open position wherein the free end of the second communication line is exposed; g) connecting the first and second connectors and establishing communication across the free ends of the first and second communication lines; h) disconnecting the first and second connectors; and i) returning the first reciprocating member to its initial position and the first cover to its initial position wherein the free end of the first connector is protected from debris; and j) returning the second reciprocating member to its initial position and the second cover to its initial position wherein the free end of the second connector is protected from debris.