Patents Assigned to Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
  • Patent number: 9523267
    Abstract: A method of controlling flow in a well can include a device introduced into the well being conveyed by flow in the well, and the device having a plurality of fibers extending outwardly from a body, the fibers being retained by a retainer. A well system can include a flow conveyed device conveyed through a tubular string by flow in the tubular string, and the flow conveyed device including a body with a plurality of fibers extending outwardly from the body. A retainer can at least partially enclose the device. A flow conveyed device for use in a well can include a body, and a plurality of fibers joined to the body, each of the fibers having a lateral dimension that is substantially smaller than a size of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Brock W. Watson, Andrew M. Ferguson, Gary P. Funkhouser
  • Patent number: 9523239
    Abstract: This application is directed to a pressure balanced mud motor and a method of using the mud motor. The mud motor includes a power section to rotate a passageway housing and propel fluid through a passageway disposed in the passageway housing. The mud motor also includes a roller bearing assembly to better handle the operational conditions and stresses involved with the use of a mud motor downhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brock Watson, Gregory Kliewer, Roger L. Schultz
  • Patent number: 9494014
    Abstract: A circulating valve assembly can include a valve controlling flow between an interior and an exterior of the assembly, another valve controlling flow between sections of a flow passage extending through the assembly, and an actuator that both opens one valve and closes the other valve in response to each of multiple positive pressure differentials from the interior to the exterior. A system for use with a well can include a circulating valve assembly controlling flow through a tubular string and a well tool connected in the tubular string downstream of the assembly. In one configuration of the assembly, the flow passes through the well tool. In another configuration, the flow passes from the tubular string to an annulus external to the tubular string, with the flow substantially bypassing the well tool. The assembly cycles between the configurations in response to alternating increases and decreases in the flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin R. Manke, Roger L. Schultz
  • Patent number: 9447663
    Abstract: An abrasive perforator tool with a bypass flow channel. The tool comprises a tubular body or housing with perforating nozzles in the sidewall. A sleeve assembly inside the central bore of the tool provides for sequential deployment of first and second sleeves. Prior to deployment of the sleeve assembly, pressurized fluid can be passed through the tool to operate other tools beneath the perforator in the bottom hole assembly. Deployment of the first sleeve diverts pressurized fluid through the nozzles for perforating. Deployment of the second sleeve redirects the pressurized flow through the outlet of the tool to resume operation of other tools below the perforator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: THRU TUBING SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael L. Connell, Robert J. Farkas
  • Patent number: 9441432
    Abstract: This disclosure is related to downhole tool having an erosion resistant material metalurgically bonded to portions of the downhole tool. The downhole tool can have the erosion resistant material can be disposed on predetermined portions of inner and outer surfaces of the downhole tool. The disclosure is also related to a method of using the downhole tool described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Schultz, Brock Watson
  • Publication number: 20160123090
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus for use with a vibratory tool in a bottom hole assembly to enhance the vibration of the bottom hole assembly. The apparatus includes at least one spring mechanism and a fluid passageway disposed within a housing. The apparatus can be tuned and/or parts of the bottom hole assembly can be manipulated to match the frequency of the vibratory tool and/or the frequency of the vibratory tool can be tuned to match the vibrational frequency of the bottom hole assembly and the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Applicant: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger SCHULTZ, Andy FERGUSON
  • Patent number: 9316094
    Abstract: An apparatus that includes a guiding tool for transferring fluid pressure to movement of a cutting tool relative to the guiding tool while the cutting tool is cutting slots in a casing or formation via at least one nozzle disposed in the cutting tool. Furthermore, a method of cutting a slot in a casing or formation using the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brock Watson, Roger Schultz
  • Patent number: 9316065
    Abstract: A vortex-controlled variable flow resistance device ideal for use in a backpressure tool for advancing drill string in extended reach downhole operations. The characteristics of the pressure waves generated by the device are controlled by the growth and decay of vortices in the vortex chamber(s) of a flow path. The flow path is designed to produce alternating primary and secondary vortices—one clockwise and one counter-clockwise—where the primary vortex is stronger and produces higher backpressure than the secondary vortex. This in turn generates alternating weak and strong pressure pulses in the drill string. The weak pulses may be barely perceptible so that the effective frequency of the pulses is determined by the stronger primary vortices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Andrew M. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 9309746
    Abstract: A well system can include a well tool with a retarder chemical. The retarder chemical is released from the well tool into an annulus and retards setting of cement therein. A method of retarding setting of cement at a location in an annulus can include releasing a retarder chemical from a well tool connected in a casing string, after the cement is placed in the annulus. A well tool can include a valve that controls fluid communication via a port between an exterior of the tool and a flow passage extending through the tool, an annular recess, and a dispersible annular exterior component received in the recess. Another well tool can include a valve that controls fluid communication between an exterior of the tool and a flow passage extending through the well tool, an internal chamber, and a retarder chemical in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brock W. Watson, Roger L. Schultz, Andrew M. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 9303495
    Abstract: An apparatus that includes a guiding tool for transferring fluid pressure to movement of a cutting tool relative to the guiding tool while the cutting tool is cutting slots in a casing or formation via at least one nozzle disposed in the cutting tool. Furthermore, a method of cutting a slot in a casing or formation using the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brock Watson, Roger Schultz
  • Patent number: 9297204
    Abstract: This application is directed to a pressure balanced mud motor and a method of using the mud motor. The mud motor includes a power section to rotate a passageway housing and propel fluid through a passageway disposed in the passageway housing. The mud motor also includes a drive shaft assembly that allows for easy replacement of parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brock Watson, Gregory Kliewer, Roger L. Schultz
  • Patent number: 9228422
    Abstract: Tools and methods for abrasively cutting downhole pipes and casing. The tools and methods are ideally suited for situations where the pipe to be cut or perforated is positioned partly or wholly inside another pipe and damage to the outer pipe must be avoided. The jet nozzles are positioned at a non-normal angle to the target surface to reduce the jets' effective cutting distance. While pumping the abrasive fluid, the jets are supported at a selected radial distance from the target surface so that within a predetermined operating time the jets will cut or perforate the inner pipe but leave the outer pipe substantially intact. The tool may be rotated with a motor to perform cutoff operations or held in a fixed position for perforating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brock W. Watson, Roger L. Schultz
  • Patent number: 9212522
    Abstract: A vortex-controlled variable flow resistance device ideal for use in a backpressure tool for advancing drill string in extended reach downhole operations, especially in horizontal wells. The shape, frequency and duration of the pressure waves generated by the device are controlled by the growth and decay of vortices in the vortex chamber(s) of a flow path. The flow path includes a switch, such as a bi-stable fluidic switch, for reversing the direction of the flow in the vortex chamber. The flow path may include multiple vortex chambers, and the device may include multiple flow paths, through which flow may be parallel or sequential. This device generates backpressures of short duration and slower frequencies approaching the resonant frequency of the drill string, which maximizes axial motion in the drill string and weight on the bit. Additionally, fluid pulses produced by the tool enhance debris removal ahead of the bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Michael L. Connell, Andrew M. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 9194208
    Abstract: The present disclosure is for a vibratory downhole rotary apparatus. The apparatus includes a cylindrical hollow body, a stator disposed within the cylindrical hollow body and a rotor disposed within the stator. The apparatus also includes a flow resistance system to vary the resistance of fluid flow through the apparatus to increase and decrease backpressure across the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Schultz, Brock Watson
  • Patent number: 9194181
    Abstract: A motor and rotor catch assembly for preventing loss of broken motor parts downhole. The assembly comprises a motor including a rotor supported inside a stator housing. A rotor bolt is connected to the upper end of the rotor, and is supported for axial movement within a rotor bolt housing from a running position to a deployed position. If the stator housing breaks or backs off, the attached rotor bolt shifts to the deployed position. In the deployed position, the bolt substantially reduces flow to the stator housing and simultaneously opens bypass ports to vent fluid to the annulus instead. In this way, the rotor is prevented from spinning rapidly, the diverted fluid creates a pressure change that alerts the operator to the motor failure, and the diverted fluid allows continued removal of debris and cuttings from the well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Connell, Andrew M. Ferguson, Roger L. Schultz, Brett A. Fears, Robert J. Farkas
  • Patent number: 9181773
    Abstract: A packer having at least two or more areas of relative rotation. The packer also incorporates a jet port, a highly debossed mandrel and/or a J-pin rotatably disposed within a drag block assembly for continuously and redundantly engaging a J-slot area disposed in the mandrel. The areas of relative rotation can be between the mandrel and piping above the packer, the drag block assembly and the mandrel, and the drag block assembly and the J-pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brock Watson, Roger Schultz, Andy Ferguson, Mark Britton
  • Patent number: 9181767
    Abstract: A downhole bypass tool that includes an inlet for receiving fluid into a housing of the bypass tool is described herein. The bypass tool also includes a flow directing apparatus disposed in the housing for directing fluid to flow into an operational flow path of a vibratory tool. The vibratory tool is at least partially disposed within the hosing of the bypass tool. The flow directing apparatus operates to selectively bypass the operational flow path of the vibratory tool such that the fluid bypasses the operational flow path of the vibratory tool and flows out of an outlet of the bypass tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Schultz, Andy Ferguson
  • Patent number: 9157307
    Abstract: A downhole tool for separating fluids into a liquid and a gas component are provided herein. The downhole tool includes an inlet for receiving a multiphase fluid, the multiphase fluid comprising a gas component and a liquid component. The tool also includes a hydrocyclone portion where the flow of the multiphase fluid is vortical and the liquid component migrates to an inner surface of the hydrocyclone portion and the gas component is forced to a central area of the hydrocyclone portion and exits the downhole tool via a gas outlet. The tool further includes a liquid outlet permitting the liquid component to exit the downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger Schultz
  • Patent number: 9157818
    Abstract: A method for measuring torque measurement and generating a notifier, including searching for one or more wirelessly pairable load applying devices for applying a load to an object; displaying to a user those paired one or more load applying devices; responsive to selecting one of the displayed one or more load applying devices, receiving one or more of the group consisting of load measurements transmitted from the selected load applying device; and generating a notifier based on the proximity of the one or more of the group consisting of load measurements and torque measurements and a target value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Brock Watson, Greg A. Kliewer, Robert G. Watson, Andrew Ferguson
  • Patent number: 9140070
    Abstract: The disclosure of this application is directed to a downhole tool comprising a central element/member and a sleeve that is rotatably and orbitally disposed around the central element/member. The sleeve rotates and orbits around the central element/member responsive to fluid flowing through the downhole too. The disclosure is also related to a method of advancing the downhole tool in a well by flowing fluid through the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Schultz, Brock Watson, Andy Ferguson