Patents by Inventor Andrew M. Ferguson

Andrew M. Ferguson 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).

  • Publication number: 20180030822
    Abstract: A well completion method can comprise, in a single trip into a wellbore, the following steps being performed for each of multiple zones penetrated by the wellbore: abrasively perforating the zone with a tubing deployed perforating assembly, fracturing the perforated zone with flow from surface via a well annulus, and then plugging the fractured zone with a removable plug substance, the perforating assembly displacing in the wellbore while the fractured zone is being plugged. Another well completion method can comprise, in a single trip into a wellbore, the following steps being performed for each of multiple zones penetrated by the wellbore: perforating the zone using an abrasive perforator, then displacing the perforator in the wellbore away from the earth's surface, then fracturing the zone, and plugging the fractured zone with a flowable plug substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Andrew M. FERGUSON, Stanley W. LOVING, Roger L. SCHULTZ, Mark S. BRITTON, Brock W. WATSON
  • Publication number: 20170335651
    Abstract: A method of releasing plugging devices into a wellbore can include conveying a dispensing tool to a desired downhole location in the wellbore, the dispensing tool including a container, and then releasing the plugging devices from the container into the wellbore at the downhole location. A plugging device dispensing system for use with a subterranean well can include a dispensing tool having a container configured for containing multiple plugging devices, and an actuator operable to release the plugging devices from the container at a downhole location in the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventors: Brock W. WATSON, Andrew M. FERGUSON, Roger L. SCHULTZ, Gary P. FUNKHOUSER, Jenna N. Robertson
  • Patent number: 9816341
    Abstract: A method can include deploying a plugging device into a well, the plugging device including a body, and an outer material enveloping the body and having a greater flexibility than a material of the body, and conveying the plugging device by fluid flow into engagement with the opening, the body preventing the plugging device from extruding through the opening, and the outer material blocking the fluid flow between the body and the opening. In another method, the plugging device can include at least two bodies, and a washer element connected between the bodies, the washer element being generally disk-shaped and comprising a hole, a line extending through the hole and connected to the bodies on respective opposite sides of the washer element, the washer element preventing the plugging device from being conveyed through the opening, and the washer element blocking the fluid flow through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary P. Funkhouser, Brock W. Watson, Andrew M. Ferguson, Jenna N. Robertson, Roger L. Schultz
  • Patent number: 9810051
    Abstract: A well completion method can comprise, in a single trip into a wellbore, the following steps being performed for each of multiple zones penetrated by the wellbore: abrasively perforating the zone with a tubing deployed perforating assembly, fracturing the perforated zone with flow from surface via a well annulus, and then plugging the fractured zone with a removable plug substance, the perforating assembly displacing in the wellbore while the fractured zone is being plugged. Another well completion method can comprise, in a single trip into a wellbore, the following steps being performed for each of multiple zones penetrated by the wellbore: perforating the zone using an abrasive perforator, then displacing the perforator in the wellbore away from the earth's surface, then fracturing the zone, and plugging the fractured zone with a flowable plug substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew M. Ferguson, Stanley W. Loving, Roger L. Schultz, Mark S. Britton, Brock W. Watson
  • Publication number: 20170292344
    Abstract: A system for use with a well can include a perforating assembly with at least one perforator, the perforating assembly conveyed through a wellbore with fluid flow through the wellbore, and plugging devices spaced apart from the perforating assembly in the wellbore, the plugging devices conveyed through the wellbore with the fluid flow. A method of deploying plugging devices in a wellbore can include conveying a perforating assembly including a dispensing tool through the wellbore, the dispensing tool including a container, and then releasing the plugging devices from the container into the wellbore at a downhole location. Another method of deploying plugging devices in a wellbore can include conveying the plugging devices through the wellbore with fluid flow through the wellbore, and conveying a perforating assembly through the wellbore while the plugging devices are being conveyed through the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Publication date: October 12, 2017
    Inventors: Brock W. WATSON, Andrew M. FERGUSON, Roger L. SCHULTZ, Gary P. FUNKHOUSER, Jenna N. ROBERTSON
  • Publication number: 20170292343
    Abstract: A system for use with a well can include a perforating assembly with at least one perforator, the perforating assembly conveyed through a wellbore with fluid flow through the wellbore, and plugging devices spaced apart from the perforating assembly in the wellbore, the plugging devices conveyed through the wellbore with the fluid flow. A method of deploying plugging devices in a wellbore can include conveying a perforating assembly including a dispensing tool through the wellbore, the dispensing tool including a container, and then releasing the plugging devices from the container into the wellbore at a downhole location. Another method of deploying plugging devices in a wellbore can include conveying the plugging devices through the wellbore with fluid flow through the wellbore, and conveying a perforating assembly through the wellbore while the plugging devices are being conveyed through the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Publication date: October 12, 2017
    Inventors: Brock W. WATSON, Andrew M. FERGUSON, Roger L. SCHULTZ, Gary P. FUNKHOUSER, Jenna N. ROBERTSON
  • Patent number: 9777558
    Abstract: A tubing conveyed tool for use in perforating a well bore utilizing abrasive perforating techniques. The perforating tool is particularly useful in non-vertical wells. The perforating tool is designed to permit running and setting a bridge plug, and then perforating the well bore without requiring the removal of the tool string. An eccentric weight bar can also be used to allow for directional perforating in non-vertical wells. The eccentric weight bar uses gravity to cause the bar to rotate to a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: THRU TUBING SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew M. Ferguson, Stanley W. Loving, Bryan F. McKinley, Dale Norman
  • Publication number: 20170275961
    Abstract: A flow conveyed plugging device for use in a well, the device can include a body, and one or more lines extending outwardly from the body, each of the lines having a lateral dimension that is substantially smaller than a size of the body. A method of plugging an opening in a well can include deploying at least one flow conveyed plugging device into the well, the flow conveyed plugging device including a body and, extending outwardly from the body, at least one of the group consisting of: a) one or more fibers and b) one or more lines, the flow conveyed plugging device being conveyed by flow in the well into sealing engagement with the opening. Another flow conveyed plugging device can include a body, and fibers extending outwardly from the body. The flow conveyed plugging device degrades and thereby permits flow through an opening in the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Inventors: Roger L. SCHULTZ, Brock W. WATSON, Andrew M. FERGUSON, Gary P. FUNKHOUSER
  • Publication number: 20170275965
    Abstract: A plugging device, well system and method. In one example, a wrap, band or other type of binding is utilized to secure together multiple fibers, tubes, filaments, films, fabrics or lines of the plugging device. In another example, fibers, tubes, filaments, films, fabrics or lines are fused, adhered or bonded to an outer surface of a body of the plugging device. In other examples, a material of the plugging device may become more rigid or swell in a well. A plugging device may comprise a body loosely enclosed in a bag, wrapper or other enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Inventors: Brock W. WATSON, Gary P. FUNKHOUSER, Roger L. SCHULTZ, Andrew M. FERGUSON
  • Patent number: 9745820
    Abstract: A method of releasing plugging devices into a wellbore can include conveying a dispensing tool to a desired downhole location in the wellbore, the dispensing tool including a container, and then releasing the plugging devices from the container into the wellbore at the downhole location. A plugging device dispensing system for use with a subterranean well can include a dispensing tool having a container configured for containing multiple plugging devices, and an actuator operable to release the plugging devices from the container at a downhole location in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brock W. Watson, Andrew M. Ferguson, Roger L. Schultz, Gary P. Funkhouser, Jenna N. Robertson
  • Patent number: 9708883
    Abstract: A flow conveyed plugging device for use in a well, the device can include a body, and one or more lines extending outwardly from the body, each of the lines having a lateral dimension that is substantially smaller than a size of the body. A method of plugging an opening in a well can include deploying at least one flow conveyed plugging device into the well, the flow conveyed plugging device including a body and, extending outwardly from the body, at least one of the group consisting of: a) one or more fibers and b) one or more lines, the flow conveyed plugging device being conveyed by flow in the well into sealing engagement with the opening. Another flow conveyed plugging device can include a body, and fibers extending outwardly from the body. The flow conveyed plugging device degrades and thereby permits flow through an opening in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Brock W. Watson, Andrew M. Ferguson, Gary P. Funkhouser
  • Publication number: 20170107786
    Abstract: A flow conveyed device for use in a well can include a body and a plurality of lines joined to the body, each of the lines having a lateral dimension that is substantially smaller than a size of the body, and each of the lines including fibers. 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 including a plurality of lines extending outwardly from a body. Each of the lines may include fibers. A system for use with a well can include a flow conveyed device conveyed through a tubular string by flow in the tubular string, the flow conveyed device including a body with a plurality of lines extending outwardly from the body, the body including at least one knot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Roger L. SCHULTZ, Brock W. WATSON, Andrew M. FERGUSON, Gary P. FUNKHOUSER
  • Publication number: 20170107785
    Abstract: A method of controlling flow in a subterranean well can include a device introduced into the well being conveyed by flow in the well, the device comprising a material selected from poly-vinyl alcohol, poly-vinyl acetate and/or poly-methacrylic acid. The material may degrade in the well. A system for use with a well can include a flow conveyed device conveyed through a tubular string by flow in the tubular string, and the flow conveyed device including a material selected from poly-vinyl alcohol, poly-vinyl acetate and/or poly-methacrylic acid. A flow conveyed device for use in a subterranean well can include a body and a degradable material extending outwardly from the body, the degradable material being formed as a film, tube or filament.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Roger L. SCHULTZ, Brock W. WATSON, Andrew M. FERGUSON, Gary P. FUNKHOUSER
  • Publication number: 20170058650
    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: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Roger L. SCHULTZ, Brock W. WATSON, Andrew M. FERGUSON, Gary P. FUNKHOUSER
  • Patent number: 9567825
    Abstract: A method of controlling flow in a subterranean well can include a device introduced into the well being conveyed by flow in the well, the device comprising a material selected from poly-vinyl alcohol, poly-vinyl acetate and/or poly-methacrylic acid. The material may degrade in the well. A system for use with a well can include a flow conveyed device conveyed through a tubular string by flow in the tubular string, and the flow conveyed device including a material selected from poly-vinyl alcohol, poly-vinyl acetate and/or poly-methacrylic acid. A flow conveyed device for use in a subterranean well can include a body and a degradable material extending outwardly from the body, the degradable material being formed as a film, tube or filament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Brock W. Watson, Andrew M. Ferguson, Gary P. Funkhouser
  • Patent number: 9567826
    Abstract: A flow conveyed device for use in a well can include a body and a plurality of lines joined to the body, each of the lines having a lateral dimension that is substantially smaller than a size of the body, and each of the lines including fibers. 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 including a plurality of lines extending outwardly from a body. Each of the lines may include fibers. A system for use with a well can include a flow conveyed device conveyed through a tubular string by flow in the tubular string, the flow conveyed device including a body with a plurality of lines extending outwardly from the body, the body including at least one knot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Brock W. Watson, Andrew M. Ferguson, Gary P. Funkhouser
  • Publication number: 20170030169
    Abstract: A method can include deploying a plugging device into a well, the plugging device including a body, and an outer material enveloping the body and having a greater flexibility than a material of the body, and conveying the plugging device by fluid flow into engagement with the opening, the body preventing the plugging device from extruding through the opening, and the outer material blocking the fluid flow between the body and the opening. In another method, the plugging device can include at least two bodies, and a washer element connected between the bodies, the washer element being generally disk-shaped and comprising a hole, a line extending through the hole and connected to the bodies on respective opposite sides of the washer element, the washer element preventing the plugging device from being conveyed through the opening, and the washer element blocking the fluid flow through the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Publication date: February 2, 2017
    Inventors: Gary P. FUNKHOUSER, Brock W. WATSON, Andrew M. FERGUSON, Jenna N. ROBERTSON, Roger L. SCHULTZ
  • Patent number: 9551204
    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. 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 flow conveyed device for use in a well can include a degradable 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: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Brock W. Watson, Andrew M. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 9546536
    Abstract: A casing string is augmented with one or more variable flow resistance devices or “vibrating tools” to facilitate advancement of the casing and distribution of the cement in the annulus once the casing is properly positioned. The method includes vibrating the casing string while advancing the casing down the wellbore or while the cement is pumped into the annulus, or both. After the cementing operation is completed, the devices may be drilled out to open the casing string for further operations. The casing string assembly may include a vibrating tool at the end in place of a conventional float shoe or float collar. Multiple vibrating tools can be employed in the casing string, and they may be combined with conventional float shoes and collars. Additionally, vibrating tools in the form of plugs can be pumped down and landed inside the casing string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: THRU TUBING SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Chad A. Johnson, Andrew M. Ferguson
  • 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