Patents by Inventor Gregory Kliewer

Gregory Kliewer 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: 11761295
    Abstract: A system for use with a subterranean well can include a deployment apparatus configured to deploy one or more plugging devices into a fluid flow. The plugging devices are conveyed into the well by the fluid flow. The deployment apparatus can include multiple queues, different numbers of the plugging devices being contained in respective different ones of the queues. A method of deploying plugging devices can include connecting multiple queues of the plugging devices to a conduit, and deploying the plugging devices from a selected combination of the queues into the conduit. In another system, each of the plugging devices may include a body, and lines or fibers extending outwardly from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: THRU TUBING SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Brock W. Watson, Gary P. Funkhouser, Roger L. Schultz, Gregory A. Kliewer
  • Patent number: 11466532
    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: October 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brock W. Watson, Roger L. Schultz, Gregory A. Kliewer
  • Patent number: 11332989
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Brock W. Watson, Andrew M. Ferguson, Gregory A. Kliewer, Mark S. Britton
  • Publication number: 20210396088
    Abstract: A jarring tool can include a longitudinally displaceable piston, a first fluid chamber having a volume that decreases in response to displacement of the piston, a flow controller that controls flow of fluid between the first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber, and a plug seat secured to the piston. A method of applying a jarring force can include applying a pressure differential across a plug in a jarring tool, the plug restricting flow from a first flow passage section to a second flow passage section, then increasing a flow rate of fluid from the first flow passage section. Another jarring tool can include an outer housing with a longitudinal flow passage and seal surfaces at opposite ends of the outer housing, and a flow obstruction, fluid flow through the flow passage being increased in response to application of a pressure differential across the obstruction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Inventors: Roger L. SCHULTZ, Brock W. WATSON, Gary P. FUNKHOUSER, Gregory A. KLIEWER
  • Patent number: 11125052
    Abstract: A frac valve can include an outer housing with at least one port which provides for fluid communication between an interior and an exterior of the outer housing, and a sleeve releasably secured against displacement between a closed position in which the sleeve blocks flow through the port and an open position in which flow through the port is permitted. The sleeve may be press-fit in the outer housing as a result of the displacement. A method of operating a frac valve can include connecting the frac valve in a tubular string, and displacing a sleeve of the frac valve between closed and open positions. The displacing step can include deforming the sleeve and/or an outer housing of the frac valve, thereby preventing relative rotation between the sleeve and the outer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brock W. Watson, Gregory A. Kliewer, Brett A. Fears
  • Publication number: 20210189818
    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: March 9, 2021
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: Roger L. SCHULTZ, Brock W. WATSON, Andrew M. FERGUSON, Gregory A. KLIEWER, Mark S. BRITTON
  • Patent number: 10975643
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Brock W. Watson, Andrew M. Ferguson, Gregory A. Kliewer, Mark S. Britton
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20190353002
    Abstract: A frac valve can include an outer housing with at least one port which provides for fluid communication between an interior and an exterior of the outer housing, and a sleeve releasably secured against displacement between a closed position in which the sleeve blocks flow through the port and an open position in which flow through the port is permitted. The sleeve may be press-fit in the outer housing as a result of the displacement. A method of operating a frac valve can include connecting the frac valve in a tubular string, and displacing a sleeve of the frac valve between closed and open positions. The displacing step can include deforming the sleeve and/or an outer housing of the frac valve, thereby preventing relative rotation between the sleeve and the outer housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Brock W. WATSON, Gregory A. KLIEWER, Brett A. FEARS
  • Publication number: 20190271204
    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: December 26, 2018
    Publication date: September 5, 2019
    Inventors: Brock W. WATSON, Roger L. SCHULTZ, Gregory A. KLIEWER
  • Publication number: 20190257172
    Abstract: A system for use with a subterranean well can include a deployment apparatus configured to deploy one or more plugging devices into a fluid flow. The plugging devices are conveyed into the well by the fluid flow. The deployment apparatus can include multiple queues, different numbers of the plugging devices being contained in respective different ones of the queues. A method of deploying plugging devices can include connecting multiple queues of the plugging devices to a conduit, and deploying the plugging devices from a selected combination of the queues into the conduit. In another system, each of the plugging devices may include a body, and lines or fibers extending outwardly from the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Inventors: Brock W. WATSON, Gary P. FUNKHOUSER, Roger L. SCHULTZ, Gregory A. KLIEWER
  • Publication number: 20170260828
    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: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Brock W. WATSON, Gregory A. KLIEWER
  • Patent number: 9523238
    Abstract: This application is directed to methods of using pressure balanced mud motors. 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 can also include a roller bearing assembly and a drive shaft assembly to improve the life and efficiency of the pressure balanced mud motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brock Watson, Gregory Kliewer, Roger L. Schultz
  • 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20150167389
    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 hydraulic apparatus for balancing a pressure drop experienced across a bearing assembly due to frictional flow of fluid through the passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Applicant: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brock Watson, Gregory Kliewer, Roger L. Schultz
  • Publication number: 20150167386
    Abstract: This application is directed to methods of using pressure balanced mud motors. 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 can also include a roller bearing assembly and a drive shaft assembly to improve the life and efficiency of the pressure balanced mud motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Applicant: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brock Watson, Gregory Kliewer, Roger L. Schultz