Importance

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Abstract

A tool connector is provided for downhole use in oil and gas fields. The tool connector includes a stinger and a stinger receptacle. The stinger is adapted to be stabbed into the stinger receptacle. A loaded engaging member movable between a running position before the stinger is stabbed into the stinger receptacle and a latched position when the stinger is stabbed into the stinger receptacle to latch the stinger and the stinger receptacle together. A release member retains the loaded engaging member in the running position. When the stinger is stabbed into the stinger receptacle and a set force is applied to the stinger and stinger receptacle, the release member releases the loaded engaging member to move to the latched position and latch the stinger and the stinger receptacle together. According to a second aspect of the invention, the tool connector is releasable, further including a releasable stop member to stop the engaging member in the latched position. When the stop member is released, the engaging member moves to a released position such that the stinger and stinger receptacle are separable. According to a third aspect of the invention having particular application to perforating gun sections, a tool connector is provided with an internal explosive transfer system for transferring the detonation signal from one perforating gun, through the perforating gun connector, and to the next perforating gun. In addition, a method of connecting a first tool section to a second tool section is provided.

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First Claim