(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2013/0153205 A1
`Borgfeld et al.
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Jun. 20, 2013
`
`US 2013 O153205A1
`
`(54) ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR MODULES FOR
`WELLBORE DEVICES AND RELATED
`ASSEMBLES
`
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`USPC ............................................ 166/55; 166/65.1
`
`(76) Inventors: Christine Borgfeld, Alvin, TX (US);
`John E. Fuller, Richmond, TX (US);
`Robert F. Morton, Sarasota, FL (US)
`(21) Appl. No.: 13/331,596
`(22) Filed:
`Dec. 20, 2011
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`E2IB 43/II
`HOIR 3/00
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`An electrical connector module is for completing an electrical
`connection in a wellbore device. The module has an outer
`Surface having at least one groove that receives and friction
`ally retains an electrical wire in a circuitous path that relieves
`strain on the wire. An electrical connector is at least partially
`disposed in the at least one groove and is connected to the
`electrical wire.
`
`GHD
`1009
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`US 2013/0153205 A1
`
`Jun. 20, 2013
`
`ELECTRICAL CONNECTORMODULES FOR
`WELLBORE DEVICES AND RELATED
`ASSEMBLES
`
`BACKGROUND
`0001. In downhole applications, such as perforating, it is
`often necessary to cut wires to length to make electrical
`connections. Perforating guns in particular have numerous
`configurations where wire length varies for each application.
`Existing wiring connections in these applications often are
`made using splice-type connectors, which connect wires
`directly to other wires. Electronics and electrical components
`Such as detonators and electrical Switches include attached
`lead wires, which are used to make the splice connections.
`Wires are pulled out of the component, such as for example a
`firing head or connector module, spliced together, and then
`pushed or fed back into the component while being
`assembled with other components.
`
`SUMMARY
`0002 This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
`concepts that are further described below in the detailed
`description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or
`essential features of the claimed Subject matter, nor is it
`intended to be used as an aide in limiting the scope of the
`claimed Subject matter. Examples of electrical connector
`modules are provided herein for completing electrical con
`nections in a wellbore device. In some examples, the electri
`cal modules have an outer Surface with a plurality of grooves
`that receive and frictionally retain an electrical wire in a
`circuitous path that relieves strain on the wire. In some
`examples, the circuitous path can be a serpentine path ori
`ented normal to a longitudinal axis of the module. An elec
`trical connector can be at least partially disposed in at least
`one groove in the plurality of grooves and can include at least
`one contact for displacing or cutting through insulation on the
`electrical wire. The contact can be electrically connected to a
`circuit and an initiation module. A plug connector can be in
`electrical contact with the contact for connecting to another
`device in the wellbore. In some examples, a tool is also
`provided to force the wire into at least one groove in the
`plurality of grooves to cause the blade to displace or cut
`insulation on the wire and thereby form the electrical connec
`tion. In some examples, the tool can include a manually
`operable lever. Modular perforating gun assemblies incorpo
`rating electrical connector modules are also disclosed.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`0003 Embodiments of electrical connector modules for
`wellbore devices are described with reference to the follow
`ing figures. The same numbers are used throughout the fig
`ures to reference like features and components.
`0004 FIG. 1 is a section view of a wellbore device having
`an electrical connector module.
`0005 FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the module shown in
`FIG 1.
`0006 FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the module shown in
`FIG 2.
`0007 FIG. 4 is a partial view of the module and electrical
`wires connected to the module.
`0008 FIG. 5 is view of the example in FIG. 4, from
`another perspective.
`
`0009 FIG. 6 is shows the electrical wires connected to the
`module.
`(0010 FIG. 7 shows a tool for forcing the wire into a
`plurality of grooves on the module.
`0011
`FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another example of
`an electrical connector module.
`0012 FIG. 9 is a section view of an assembly of perforat
`ing guns having electrical connector modules.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`0013. In the present disclosure, certain terms have been
`used for brevity, clearness and understanding. No unneces
`sary limitations are to be inferred therefrom beyond the
`requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for
`descriptive purposes only and are intended to be broadly
`construed. Various equivalents, alternatives and modifica
`tions are possible within the scope of the appended claims.
`The different devices described herein may be used alone or
`in combination with other devices. For example, electrical
`connector modules are described for wellbore devices in
`association with perforating technologies; however, the con
`cepts of the present disclosure are applicable to a large variety
`of other wellbore devices and technologies outside of the
`perforation arts. The present disclosure is not intended to be
`limited for use with perforation devices or technologies but
`rather can be utilized with any other wellbore devices that
`require electrical connection amongst components.
`0014. As used herein, the terms “up' and “down”; “upper
`and “lower”; “uppermost and “lowermost”; “uphole” and
`“downhole'; “above' and “below' and other like terms indi
`cating relative positions above or below a given point or
`element are used in this description to more clearly describe
`some embodiments of the disclosure. However, when applied
`to assemblies and methods for use in wells that are deviated or
`horizontal, such terms may refer to left to right, right to left, or
`other relationships as appropriate.
`0015 FIG. 1 depicts a perforating gun 10. The perforating
`gun 10 has a casing 12 and a loading tube 14, which is
`disposed in the casing 12 and Supports a series of shaped
`charges (not shown). The length of the perforating gun 10 and
`the number, type, and orientation of the shaped charges can
`vary. A first end 16 of the perforating gun 10 is connected to
`a first gun adapter 18 for connecting the perforating gun 10 to
`other wellbore components (not shown). A second end 20 of
`the perforating gun 10 is connected to a second gun adapter 22
`for connecting the perforating gun 10 to other wellbore com
`ponents (not shown). In use, the perforating gun 10 and the
`first and second gun adapters 18, 22 are disposed in a wellbore
`such that the first gun adapter 18 is located downhole with
`respect to the second gun adapter 22; however the orientation
`of the perforating gun 10 in the wellbore can vary and other
`configurations and orientations of the respective perforating
`gun 10, first gun adapter 18 and second gun adapter 22 can be
`employed.
`0016. A detonating cord 28 extends through the perforat
`ing gun 10 and is configured to ignite the shaped charges for
`perforating the wellbore and Surrounding Subterranean for
`mation in a conventional manner. The detonating cord 28 has
`a first end 30 that extends from the first end 16 of the perfo
`rating gun 10 and a second end 32 that extends from the
`second end 20 of the perforating gun 10. The first and second
`ends 30, 32 of the detonating cord 28 extend from the perfo
`rating gun 10 into respective electrical connector modules 35,
`34, which are connected to the first and second ends 16, 20 of
`
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`the perforating gun 10. In this example, the electrical connec
`tor modules 34, 35 are disposed in the respective first and
`second gun adapters 18, 22 and are connected to the perfo
`rating gun 10 via respective first and second loading tube
`adapters 24, 26; however other configurations may vary and it
`is not necessary that the modules 35, 34be connected to the
`perforating gun 10 via the loading tube adapters 24, 26. In the
`example shown, one or both of the electrical connector mod
`ules 34, 35 contains conventional initiator circuitry (not
`shown) and explosive material for, upon an operator's com
`mand, initiating the detonating cord 28 from either or both
`ends 16, 20 of the perforating gun 10. For the purposes of
`discussion herein, the connector module 34 located at the
`second end 20 (i.e. the uphole end) of the perforating gun 10
`is provided with the noted initiator circuitry and explosive
`material; however the same characteristics can be alternately
`or also be provided in the electrical connector module 35
`located at the first end 16 (i.e. the downhole end) of the
`perforating gun 10. Therefore the discussion herein regarding
`connector module 34 equally applies to both connector mod
`ules 34, 35.
`0017 FIG. 2 depicts the electrical connector module 34 in
`perspective. The module 34 includes an initiator housing 36
`and an extension tube 38, which is optional. The initiator
`housing 36 contains the noted initiator circuitry and explosive
`material (not shown). A first end 40 of the connector module
`34 is connected to the second end 20 of the perforating gun 10
`via the loading tube adapter 26, and a second end 46 of the
`connector module 34 has a plug connector 42 for electrically
`connecting with anotherwellbore device. Such as for example
`the pressure bulkhead and electrical feedthrough device 44
`shown connected to the electrical connector module 35 in
`FIG 1.
`0018 Referring to FIG. 3, the initiator housing 36 is gen
`erally cylindrical-shaped and has a circumferential outer Sur
`face 48 that extends longitudinally between a first axial end
`50 (also referred to herein as a “receiving end) and a second
`axial end 52. A plurality of grooves 54 are formed in the outer
`surface 48 proximate to the first axial end 50. The plurality of
`grooves 54 includes a first set of grooves 55 and a second set
`of grooves 57, each of which are located on diametrically
`opposite sides of the outer surface 48. Each set of grooves 55.
`57 follows a circuitous path, which in this example includes a
`serpentine path that winds back and forth along the respective
`side of the outer surface 48. More specifically, each of the first
`and second sets of grooves 55, 57 is oriented normal to a
`longitudinal axis Xalong which initiator housing 36 extends
`and traverses back and forth along about 180 degrees of the
`circumferential outer surface 48. The exact orientation,
`length, and configuration of the plurality of grooves 54 can
`vary from that shown. In other examples, the serpentine path
`can be oriented at an transverse angle other than normal to the
`longitudinal axis X, or can be oriented parallel to the longi
`tudinal axis X. In other examples, the circuitous path does not
`include a serpentine path. In this and other examples, the
`circuitous path weaves radially at least into and/or out of the
`outer surface 48 of the initiator housing 36. In other examples,
`the circuitous path does not weave into or out of the outer
`surface 48. In other examples, the plurality of grooves 54
`includes one or more than two grooves for connecting to one
`or more than two electrical wires. The plurality of grooves 54
`can have different configurations and can have one or more
`circuitous paths that effectively receive and securely retain
`electrical wires extending from the perforating gun 10, as will
`
`be explained herein below. In still other embodiments, the
`outer Surface 48 has means for receiving and frictionally
`retaining a wire in a circuitous path, wherein the means com
`prises a plurality of grooves 54 or one more projections on the
`outer surface 48.
`0019. The initiator housing 36 has an upper housing por
`tion 56 and lower housing portion 58, which are joined
`together by releasable latches 60 disposed on each side of the
`initiator housing 36 and also by connection of the loading
`tube adapter 26 on the first axial end 50 of the initiator hous
`ing 36. In other examples, the initiator housing 36 can be
`made of one piece or more than two pieces. The latches 60 are
`resilient fingers that extend from the lowerhousing portion 58
`and grasp the upper housing portion 56. Other equivalent
`releasable latch configurations could be employed in addition
`to or instead of that which is shown. The loading tube adapter
`26 can be formed from a resilient material such as rubber
`and/or the like and has a resilient receiving end 62 for receiv
`ing and engaging with a flange 64 that defines a groove 66
`around the outer surface 48 of the initiator housing 36 proxi
`mate the first axial end 50. In this example, during assembly
`of the initiator housing 36, the flange 64 is inserted into the
`receiving end 62 of the loading tube adapter 26 such that the
`loading tube adapter 26 engages with the flange 64 and retains
`the upper and lower housing portions 56, 58 together in the
`orientation shown in the figures. The resiliency of the receiv
`ing end 62 allows for expansion thereof to receive the flange
`64 and Subsequent contraction thereof to engage with the
`flange 64. The loading tube adapter 26 has a central opening
`59 extending axially therethrough, through which the deto
`nating cord 28 and electrical wires associated with operation
`of the perforating gun 10 can extend. The electrical wires and
`attachment thereof to the initiator housing 36 will be
`described further herein below. As stated above, numerous
`alternate configurations for the loading tube adapter 26 can be
`employed, one example of which is shown as element 24 in
`FIGS. 1 and 7, and will be further described herein below.
`0020. The initiator housing 36 contains a conventional
`explosive element 68 for initiating the detonating cord 28. A
`retaining clip 70 is also provided for retaining the detonating
`cord 28, which is not shown in FIG.3, with the upper housing
`portion 56 of the initiator housing 36. The retaining clip 70 is
`retained on the upper housing portion 56 by a pair of latches
`72. Latches 72 engage with outer edges 74 of the retaining
`clip 70 when the retaining clip 70 is inserted in the direction
`of arrow 76 onto the upper housing portion 56. Although not
`shown in FIG.3, the detonating cord 28 thus extends through
`the central opening 59 and resides in a channel 78 formed in
`the upper housing portion 56 and is retained in place by the
`retaining clip 70 when the clip 70 is latched with latches 72.
`0021
`Referring now to FIGS. 4-7, the electrical connector
`module 34 is configured to complete an electrical connection
`in a wellbore device, which in this example is the perforating
`gun 10. More specifically, the connector module 34 is con
`figured to receive and frictionally retain a pair of perforating
`gun electrical wires 80, 82 in a circuitous path formed at least
`in part by the plurality of grooves 54 so as to relieve strain on
`electrical wires 80, 82 and protect the electrical wires 80, 82
`from damage. In this example, the first (receiving) axial end
`50 of the initiator housing 36 receives the electrical wires 80,
`82. Specifically, the free ends of the electrical wires 80, 82 can
`be manually inserted into the receiving end 50 in the direction
`of arrow 83. Although not shown in FIG. 4, the electrical
`wires 80, 82 will typically extend through and out of the
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`central opening 59 of the loading tube adapter 26. The receiv
`ing end 50 has a sloped surface 84 that guides the wires 80, 82
`radially outwardly through a radial opening 86 in the module
`34 when the wires 80, 82 areaxially fed into the receiving end
`50 and against the sloped surface 84 in the direction of arrow
`83. Arrow 88 shows the direction in which the wires 80, 82 are
`forced radially out of the receiving end 50 and radially out of
`the upper housing portion 56 of the initiator housing 36. Once
`the free ends of the electrical wires 80, 82 extend out of the
`opening 86, the wires 80, 82 are manually separated and
`wrapped in diametrically opposite directions, shown by
`arrows 87, 89 around the circumferential outer surface 48 of
`the initiator housing 36. One wire 80 is wrapped around a
`bend 90 formed at the first set of grooves 55 and the other wire
`82 is wrapped around a bend 92 that is formed at the second
`set of grooves 57. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 5, each wire
`80, 82 is wrapped back towards the opening 86 at a respective
`bend 91.93 located on the lowerhousing portion 58, as shown
`by arrows 99, 101. Each wire 80, 82 is wrapped along the
`circumferential outer surface 48 toward the opening 86. As
`shown in FIG. 6, the free ends of the wires 80, 82 extend
`axially out of the plurality of grooves 54. Although not shown,
`in some examples, the retaining clip can be long enough to
`cover and protect the free ends of the wires 80, 82 from
`damage.
`0022. In the example shown, the plurality of grooves 54
`has several indentations 94 for frictionally engaging the elec
`trical wires 80, 82. The indentations 94 can extend inwardly
`into a groove from only one side of a groove, or alternately
`from both sides of a groove. The indentations 94 slightly
`narrow the width of the grooves 54 so as to enact an interfer
`ence fit with the insulation on the electrical wires 80, 82.
`Indentations 94 are optional features that can enhance the
`retaining effect of the plurality of grooves 54.
`0023. As shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 7, an electrical connec
`tor 96 is disposed in each of the first and second sets of
`grooves 55, 57 of the plurality of grooves 54 and is configured
`to connect with the electrical wires 80, 82. The electrical
`connector 96 can be electrically connected to the noted ini
`tiator circuitry and/or to the plug connector 42 for connecting
`to another device in the wellbore, as discussed above, to
`effectively electrically connect the perforating gun 10 with
`the initiator circuitry and with other devices located in the
`wellbore or on the surface of the well. The type and configu
`ration of the electrical connector 96 can vary. In this example,
`the electrical connector 96 includes a pair of contacts, which
`in this example are blades 98 that are configured to cut
`through the insulation on electrical wires 80, 82 and make
`electrical contact with the wires 80, 82 when the wires 80, 82
`are inserted into the plurality of grooves 54. The blades 98 of
`the electrical connector 96 are thus electrically connected to
`the wires 80, 82 for performing detonation activities. Other
`types of electrical connectors 96 can be utilized, for example
`spikes, pins, needles, and/or the like.
`0024. As shown in FIGS. 4-7, tools 100,102 are provided
`to force the wires 80, 82 into the plurality of grooves 54 and
`thereby force the blades 98 to displace or cut the insulation on
`the wires 80, 82 and form the electrical connection therebe
`tween. The type of tool 100, 102 can vary. In this example,
`tools 100, 102 are manually operable levers having a pivot
`end 104 and a handle end 106. Each tool 100,102 is movable
`from the position shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 to the position
`shown in FIG. 6 to clamp down on the wires 80, 82 and
`thereby force the wires 80, 82 into the plurality of grooves 54
`
`and against the blades 98 to displace or cut the insulation on
`the wires 80, 82 and thereby form the noted electrical con
`nection. The handle end 106 of the tools 100,102 is provided
`with a tab 108 for engaging with a recess 110 in a snap-fit
`engagement so as to retain the tools 100, 102 in position
`against the initiator housing 36, as shown in FIG. 6, when the
`electrical connection is made. An indentation 112 is provided
`in the outer surface 48 of the initiator housing 36 to allow an
`operator's finger to manually grasp the handle end 106 of the
`tools 100,102 for moving the tools 100,102 from the position
`shown in FIG. 6 to the position shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The
`tool 100,102 is thus configured to be inserted into a notch 114
`in the plurality of grooves 54 in the initiator housing 36 so that
`an engagement Surface 116 engages with the outer insulated
`surface of the wires 80, 82 and thereby forces the wires 80,82
`into engagement with the blades 98 as shown by the arrows in
`FIG. 7. The engagement surface 116 can be shaped to coop
`erate with the curved outer surface of the insulated wires 80,
`82. In other embodiments, for example, the tools 100,102 can
`embody a sliding lever having a cam Surface for forcing the
`wires 80, 82 into connection with connector 96. Other like
`embodiments can be employed. The number of tools can also
`vary from that shown and one or more tools can be provided
`for each electrical wire, depending upon the particular con
`nectivity required in a particular application.
`0025 FIG. 8 depicts another example of a connector mod
`ule 35 having the loading tube adapter 24. Similar to the
`loading tube adapter 26, the loading tube adapter 24 has a
`receiving end 62 for engaging with the first axial end 50 of the
`initiator housing 36. The loading tube adapter 24 has a dif
`ferent configuration for engaging with a different type of
`loading tube 14 on the perforating gun 10. As stated above,
`the particular configuration of the loading tube adapter,
`whether it be the configuration 24 or 26, is not material.
`Alternate configurations for loading tube adapters could be
`employed.
`0026 FIG. 9 depicts an assembly 150 having a modular
`connection between a first perforating gun 10-1 and a second
`perforating gun 10-2. The first perforating gun 10-1 has a first
`end 16-1 and a second end 20-1. The second perforating gun
`10-2 has a first end 16-2 and a second end 20-2. An electrical
`connector module 35-1 electrically connects the first end 16-1
`of the first perforating gun 10-1 to the second end 20-2 of the
`second perforating gun 10-2. As described in the example
`shown herein above in FIGS. 2-7, the electrical connector
`module 35-1 has a first end 40 having a housing 36 that
`receives and electrically connects with the electrical wires 80,
`82 extending from the first end 16-1 of the perforating gun
`10-1 while relieving strain on the electrical wires 80, 82 in the
`manner discussed above. The second end 46 of the electrical
`connector module 35-1 has a plug connector 42 for electri
`cally connecting with the second end 20-2 of the second
`perforating gun 10-2. As in the example discussed above, the
`electrical connector module 35-1 includes the extension tube
`38 extending from the housing 36 towards the second end 46
`of the electrical connector module 35-1. This is optional. It
`can thus be seen that the electrical connector module 35-1
`facilitates a modular connection between two or more perfo
`rating guns 10-1, 10-2, etc. The examples shown do not
`require a wire-to-wire connection between the respective per
`forating guns 10-1, 10-2, thus increasing durability and facili
`tating easier assembly. The combination of the electrical con
`nector module 35-1 with two or more perforating guns thus
`advantageously allows conversion of a conventional perforat
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`
`ing gun assembly into a modular assembly wherein each
`perforating gun plugs into the next perforating gun without
`wire connections therebetween.
`0027. It will thus be seen that the present disclosure pro
`vides an electrical connector module for completing electri
`cal connections in wellbore devices. In some examples, the
`module includes an outer Surface having a plurality of
`grooves that receive and frictionally retain an electrical wire
`in a circuitous path that relieves strain on the wire when one
`of the module and the device is moved with respect to the
`other of the module and device. The circuitous path can
`comprise a serpentine path that is oriented normal to a longi
`tudinal axis of the module. The circuitous path can include a
`plurality of bends as well as indentations for frictionally
`engaging the electrical wire in the groove. An electrical con
`nector can be at least partially disposed in at least one of the
`grooves and connected to the electrical wire. The electrical
`connector can include at least one blade that cuts through the
`insulation on the electrical wire and the plurality of grooves
`can be configured to retain the electrical wire such that when
`one of the module and the device is moved with respect to the
`other of the module and the device, the blade does not cut
`through the electrical wire.
`0028. A tool can also be provided that is movable to force
`the wire into the plurality of grooves to cause the blade to cut
`insulation on the wire and thereby form the electrical connec
`tion. In examples provided herein, the tool includes a manu
`ally operable lever having a pivot endanda handle end, which
`engages the electrical module in an interference fit. The mod
`ule includes a receiving end for receiving the electrical wire
`and the plurality of grooves can be disposed between the
`receiving end and the tool, as shown in the drawing figures.
`0029. Further, it will thus be seen that the present disclo
`Sure provides modular perforating gun assemblies having at
`least first and second perforating guns and an electrical con
`nector module electrically connecting the first end of the first
`perforating gun to the second end of the second perforating
`gun. The electrical connector module receives and electri
`cally connects at least one electrical wire extending from the
`first perforating gun while relieving strain on the wire and has
`a plug connector for electrically connecting with the second
`perforating gun.
`0030 Although only a few example embodiments have
`been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will
`readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the
`example embodiments without materially departing from this
`invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to
`be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in
`the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-function
`clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein
`as performing the recited function and not only structural
`equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Thus, although a
`nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail
`employs a cylindrical Surface to secure wooden parts
`together, whereas a screw employs a helical Surface, in the
`environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw
`may be equivalent structures. It is the express intention of the
`applicant not to invoke 35 U.S.C. S 112, paragraph 6 for any
`limitations of any of the claims herein, except for those in
`which the claim expressly uses the words “means for
`together with an associated function.
`What is claimed is:
`1. An electrical connector module for completing an elec
`trical connection in a wellbore device, the module comprising
`
`an outer Surface having at least one groove that receives and
`frictionally retains an electrical wire in a circuitous path that
`relieves strain on the wire.
`2. A module according to claim 1, wherein the circuitous
`path comprises a serpentine path.
`3. A module according to claim 2, wherein the serpentine
`path is oriented normal to a longitudinal axis of the module.
`4. A module according to claim 2, wherein the circuitous
`path comprises a plurality of bends.
`5. A module according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
`groove comprises at least one indentation for frictionally
`engaging the electrical wire in the plurality of grooves.
`6. A module according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
`groove comprises a first set of grooves and a second set of
`grooves, and further comprising a first wire disposed in the
`first set of grooves and a second wire disposed in the second
`set of grooves.
`7. A module according to claim 1, comprising a receiving
`end for receiving the electrical wire, the receiving end com
`prising a sloped surface that guides the wire radially out
`wardly through an opening in the module when the wire is
`axially fed into the receiving end.
`8. A module according to claim 1, comprising an electrical
`connector connected to the electrical wire.
`9. A module according to claim 8, wherein the electrical
`connector is at least partially disposed in the at least one
`groove.
`10. A module according to claim 8, comprising a plug
`connector that is electrically connected with the electrical
`connector for connecting to another device in the wellbore.
`11. A module according to claim 8, wherein the electrical
`connector comprises at least one contact that displaces insu
`lation on the electrical wire.
`12. An electrical connector according to claim 11, wherein
`at least one groove retains the electrical wire Such that under
`strain, the contact does not damage the electrical wire.
`13. A module according to claim 11, wherein the contact is
`electrically connected to a circuit for an initiation device.
`14. A module according to claim 11, comprising a tool that
`is movable to force the wire into at least one groove to cause
`the contact to displace insulation on the wire and thereby form
`an electrical connection.
`15. A module according to claim 14, wherein the tool
`comprises a manually operable lever having a pivot end and a
`handle end.
`16. A module according to claim 15, wherein the lever
`engages with the electrical module in an interference fit.
`17. A module according to claim 15, wherein the outer
`Surface comprises an indentation for manually grasping the
`handle end of the lever.
`18. A module according to claim 14, wherein the at least
`one groove comprises a notch, wherein the tool comprises a
`lever, and wherein the lever and the contact are at least par
`tially disposed in the notch.
`19. A module according to claim 13, wherein the module
`comprises a receiving end for receiving the electrical wire,
`wherein the at least one groove is disposed between the
`receiving end and the tool.
`20. An electrical connector module for completing an elec
`trical connection in a wellbore device, the module comprising
`an outer Surface having at least one groove that receives and
`frictionally retains an electrical wire in a circuitous path that
`relieves strain on the wire when one of the module and device
`is moved with respect to the other of the module and device,
`
`Page 14 of 15 (PGR2021-00078)
`G&H DIVERSIFIED MANUFACTURING, LP v. DYNAENERGETICS EUROPE GMBH
`
`

`

`US 2013/0153205 A1
`
`Jun. 20, 2013
`
`an electrical