Patents by Inventor Brock W. Watson

Brock W. Watson 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).

  • Patent number: 10900312
    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: February 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: THRU TUBING SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Gary P. Funkhouser, Brock W. Watson, Andrew M. Ferguson, Jenna N. Robertson, Roger L. Schultz
  • Publication number: 20210017839
    Abstract: A downhole well tool assembly can include a perforator and a selectively openable and closable perforation plug discharge port. A method of perforating and treating multiple formation zones of a well in a single trip of a downhole well tool assembly into the well can include positioning the downhole well tool assembly at a zone, closing a perforation plug discharge port of the downhole well tool assembly, perforating the zone, treating the zone, opening the perforation plug discharge port, deploying perforation plugs into the well via the perforation plug discharge port, plugging perforations in the zone with the perforation plugs, positioning the downhole well tool assembly at a subsequent zone, closing the perforation plug discharge port, perforating the subsequent zone, and treating the subsequent zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Inventors: Andrew M. FERGUSON, Brock W. WATSON, Roger L. SCHULTZ
  • Publication number: 20210017828
    Abstract: A method of dislodging a tubular string or well equipment connected to the tubular string can include connecting a dislodging tool in the tubular string, so that a flow passage of the dislodging tool extends through the tubular string, deploying a plug into the dislodging tool, applying a pressure differential across the plug, thereby displacing the plug through a seat of the dislodging tool, and dislodging the tubular string or the component in response to the displacing. A dislodging system can include a dislodging tool connected as part of a tubular string, the dislodging tool including a flow passage and a seat configured to sealingly engage a plug deployed into the tubular string, and at least one of a jarring force, load, impact, shock wave, elastic strain release and pressure pulse being generated in the tubular string in response to displacement of the plug through the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Inventors: Brock W. WATSON, Roger L. SCHULTZ, Gregory A. KLIEWER
  • Publication number: 20200408064
    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: October 9, 2019
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: Roger L. SCHULTZ, Brock W. WATSON, Andrew M. FERGUSON, Gary P. FUNKHOUSER
  • Patent number: 10871049
    Abstract: A method can include deploying a diverter plug into a well, the diverter plug comprising a group of particles that are prevented from dispersing, flowing fluid, thereby conveying the diverter plug into engagement with a fluid passageway, the particles conforming to a shape of the fluid passageway as the diverter plug blocks fluid flow through the fluid passageway, and the particles being prevented from dispersing while the diverter plug blocks the fluid flow through the fluid passageway. The diverter plug can include a group of particles disposed within an outer enclosure. The particles in the enclosure can conform to a shape of the fluid passageway as the diverter plug blocks fluid flow through the fluid passageway. In another method, the enclosure can sealingly engage the fluid passageway while the particles remain disposed within the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: THRU TUBING SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Brock W. Watson, Gary P. Funkhouser, Roger L. Schultz
  • Patent number: 10851615
    Abstract: A plugging device can include a body configured to engage and substantially block flow through a passageway, and the body including a winding of at least one of fiber, line, rope, tube, filament, film, fabric, mesh and weave. A method of plugging a passageway can include releasing a plugging device into a fluid flow, thereby causing the plugging device to be carried by the fluid flow to the passageway, the plugging device including a body formed with at least one winding, and the plugging device engaging the passageway and thereby blocking the passageway. A well system can include a plugging device conveyed through a tubular string by fluid flow in the well, the plugging device including a body configured to engage and resist extrusion through a passageway in the well, the body including a winding, and in which the winding substantially blocks the fluid flow through the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brock W. Watson, Gregory A. Kliewer
  • Publication number: 20200362663
    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: August 6, 2020
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Inventors: Brock W. WATSON, Gary P. FUNKHOUSER, Roger L. SCHULTZ, Andrew M. FERGUSON
  • Patent number: 10837249
    Abstract: A method of dislodging a tubular string or well equipment connected to the tubular string can include connecting a dislodging tool in the tubular string, so that a flow passage of the dislodging tool extends through the tubular string, deploying a plug into the dislodging tool, applying a pressure differential across the plug, thereby displacing the plug through a seat of the dislodging tool, and dislodging the tubular string or the component in response to the displacing. A dislodging system can include a dislodging tool connected as part of a tubular string, the dislodging tool including a flow passage and a seat configured to sealingly engage a plug deployed into the tubular string, and at least one of a jarring force, load, impact, shock wave, elastic strain release and pressure pulse being generated in the tubular string in response to displacement of the plug through the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brock W. Watson, Roger L. Schultz, Gregory A. Kliewer
  • Publication number: 20200355049
    Abstract: A well treatment method can include pumping a treatment fluid through a tubular in a well, deploying plugging devices into the tubular, and blocking flow of the treatment fluid through perforations formed through the tubular. At least one characteristic of the treatment fluid or the plugging devices is varied, thereby in the blocking flow step selectively blocking the flow of the treatment fluid through the perforations in a predetermined sequence. Another well treatment method can include varying at least one characteristic of perforations along an interval, thereby selectively blocking flow of a treatment fluid through the perforations in a predetermined sequence. Another well treatment method can include varying a CS ratio along an interval, thereby selectively blocking flow of a treatment fluid through perforations in a predetermined sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2020
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: Randy C. TOLMAN, Erik JORGENSEN, Brock W. WATSON, Roger L. SCHULTZ, Gary P. FUNKHOUSER
  • Publication number: 20200347695
    Abstract: A method of deploying plugging devices in a well can include a spacing between the plugging devices by controlling a ratio flow rates through intersecting pipes. A deployment apparatus can include an actuator and a release structure that releases the plugging devices into a conduit connected to a tubular string in the well. Another method of deploying plugging devices in a well can include operating an actuator, thereby displacing a release structure, and the release structure releasing the plugging devices into the well in response to operating the actuator. Another deployment apparatus can include intersecting pipes and a valve that selectively permits and prevents displacement of the plugging devices through one of the pipes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2020
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Inventors: Brock W. WATSON, Gary P. FUNKHOUSER
  • Publication number: 20200291734
    Abstract: A system can include a disconnect tool connected as part of a tubular string, the disconnect tool including an outer housing, and an inner mandrel in the outer housing, in which an abrasive slurry is directed to flow through the tubular string and from the inner mandrel to an annulus between the inner mandrel and the outer housing, and the abrasive slurry erodes through the outer housing. A method can include installing a tubular string in a well, then deploying a disconnect assembly into the tubular string, and flowing an abrasive slurry through the disconnect assembly, thereby parting the tubular string. A disconnect tool can include a rotational flow structure configured to induce rotational flow, and an inner diameter decrease downstream of the rotational flow structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2019
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Inventors: Roger L. SCHULTZ, Brock W. WATSON, Andrew M. FERGUSON, Gregory A. KLIEWER, Mark S. BRITTON
  • Patent number: 10774612
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: THRU TUBING SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Brock W. Watson, Gary P. Funkhouser, Roger L. Schultz, Andrew M. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 10767442
    Abstract: A method for use with a subterranean well can include releasing flow conveyed plugging devices into the well, each of the plugging devices including a body and, extending outwardly from the body, at least one of lines and fibers, and the plugging devices blocking flow through respective openings in the well. Another method can include perforating a zone, releasing a set of flow conveyed plugging devices into the well, each of the plugging devices including a body and, extending outwardly from the body, at least one of lines and fibers, the set of plugging devices blocking flow through respective perforations in the zone, perforating another zone, releasing another set of the flow conveyed plugging devices into the well, and the second set of plugging devices blocking flow through respective perforations in the second zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: THRU TUBING SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Brock W. Watson, Andrew M. Ferguson, Gary P. Funkhouser
  • Patent number: 10753174
    Abstract: A method can include varying a spacing between plugging devices by controlling a ratio of flow rates through intersecting pipes. A deployment apparatus can include an actuator and a release structure that releases the plugging devices into a conduit connected to a tubular string in the well. Another method can include operating an actuator, thereby displacing a release structure, and the release structure releasing the plugging devices into the well in response to operating the actuator. Another deployment apparatus can include intersecting pipes and a valve that selectively permits and prevents displacement of the plugging devices through one of the pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brock W. Watson, Gary P. Funkhouser
  • Patent number: 10738564
    Abstract: A fibrous plugging device for use in a subterranean well can include a body having fibers and a retainer material. The retainer material retains a shape of the body. A system for use with a well can include a fibrous plugging device conveyed by fluid flow in the well. The fibrous plugging device includes a body comprising multiple fibers. The fibrous plugging device engages an opening in the well, and thereby seals off the opening. A method for use with a well can include flowing a fluid through the well, thereby conveying at least one fibrous plugging device including a body having multiple fibers, and the fibrous plugging device sealingly engaging an opening in the well, thereby substantially preventing flow through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brock W. Watson, Gary P. Funkhouser, Roger L. Schultz
  • Patent number: 10738566
    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: December 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Brock W. Watson, Andrew M. Ferguson, Gary P. Funkhouser
  • Patent number: 10738565
    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: December 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Brock W. Watson, Andrew M. Ferguson, Gary P. Funkhouser
  • Publication number: 20200248525
    Abstract: A method can include deploying a diverter plug into a well, the diverter plug comprising a group of particles that are prevented from dispersing, flowing fluid, thereby conveying the diverter plug into engagement with a fluid passageway, the particles conforming to a shape of the fluid passageway as the diverter plug blocks fluid flow through the fluid passageway, and the particles being prevented from dispersing while the diverter plug blocks the fluid flow through the fluid passageway. The diverter plug can include a group of particles disposed within an outer enclosure. The particles in the enclosure can conform to a shape of the fluid passageway as the diverter plug blocks fluid flow through the fluid passageway. In another method, the enclosure can sealingly engage the fluid passageway while the particles remain disposed within the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Publication date: August 6, 2020
    Inventors: Brock W. WATSON, Gary P. FUNKHOUSER, Roger L. SCHULTZ
  • Patent number: 10655427
    Abstract: A method of restoring flow through an opening in a well, the opening being blocked by a plugging device, can include conveying a well tool into the well, contacting the plugging device with the well tool, and permitting flow through the opening as a result of the contacting step. Another method of restoring flow through an opening blocked by a plugging device in a well can include conveying a well tool into the well, reducing pressure in the well with the well tool, and permitting flow through the opening as a result of the pressure reducing step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: THRU TUBING SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Brock W. Watson, Andrew M. Ferguson, Gary P. Funkhouser
  • Patent number: 10655426
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brock W. Watson, Andrew M. Ferguson, Roger L. Schultz, Gary P. Funkhouser, Jenna N. Robertson