Patents by Inventor Roger L. Schultz
Roger L. Schultz 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).
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Publication number: 20170275965Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2017Publication date: September 28, 2017Inventors: Brock W. WATSON, Gary P. FUNKHOUSER, Roger L. SCHULTZ, Andrew M. FERGUSON
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Patent number: 9771776Abstract: A valve assembly with a longitudinal flow passage, a first longitudinal section of the flow passage having less flow area than a second longitudinal section of the flow passage, and a valve that permits flow in only one direction through the flow passage, the valve including a closure member. In an open position, the closure member can be disposed between the second flow passage section and a chamber in fluid communication with the first flow passage section. A method in which a valve assembly is connected in a tubular string, the valve assembly including a valve that permits flow in only one direction through a longitudinal flow passage of the valve assembly, and fluid is flowed in the one direction through the tubular string, thereby displacing a closure member of the valve to an open position and preventing displacement of the closure member toward a closed position.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2015Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Aaron D. Holmberg, Roger L. Schultz
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Patent number: 9752410Abstract: A valve assembly with a longitudinal flow passage, a first longitudinal section of the flow passage having less flow area than a second longitudinal section of the flow passage, and a valve that permits flow in only one direction through the flow passage, the valve including a closure member. In an open position, the closure member can be disposed between the second flow passage section and a chamber in fluid communication with the first flow passage section. A method in which a valve assembly is connected in a tubular string, the valve assembly including a valve that permits flow in only one direction through a longitudinal flow passage of the valve assembly, and fluid is flowed in the one direction through the tubular string, thereby displacing a closure member of the valve to an open position and preventing displacement of the closure member toward a closed position.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2015Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Aaron D. Holmberg, Roger L. Schultz
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Patent number: 9745820Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 26, 2016Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Brock W. Watson, Andrew M. Ferguson, Roger L. Schultz, Gary P. Funkhouser, Jenna N. Robertson
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Patent number: 9708883Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 26, 2016Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Brock W. Watson, Andrew M. Ferguson, Gary P. Funkhouser
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Publication number: 20170107785Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2016Publication date: April 20, 2017Inventors: Roger L. SCHULTZ, Brock W. WATSON, Andrew M. FERGUSON, Gary P. FUNKHOUSER
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Publication number: 20170107786Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2016Publication date: April 20, 2017Inventors: Roger L. SCHULTZ, Brock W. WATSON, Andrew M. FERGUSON, Gary P. FUNKHOUSER
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Publication number: 20170107784Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2016Publication date: April 20, 2017Inventors: Brock W. WATSON, Gary P. FUNKHOUSER, Roger L. SCHULTZ
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Publication number: 20170058650Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventors: Roger L. SCHULTZ, Brock W. WATSON, Andrew M. FERGUSON, Gary P. FUNKHOUSER
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Patent number: 9567825Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 26, 2016Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Brock W. Watson, Andrew M. Ferguson, Gary P. Funkhouser
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Patent number: 9567819Abstract: A well system and associated method can include an acoustic generator which can be used to excite a formation with acoustic waves transmitted from the acoustic generator. Another well system and associated method can include an acoustic generator which can transmit acoustic waves into cement surrounding a casing. Another well system and associated method can include an acoustic generator which can be used to transmit acoustic waves into an annulus surrounding a well screen during or after a gravel packing operation. Another well system and associated method can include an acoustic generator which can be connected in a drill string in close proximity to a drill bit, with the acoustic generator transmitting acoustic waves into a formation ahead of the bit.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2010Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Travis W. Cavender, Roger L. Schultz, Daniel D. Gleitman
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Patent number: 9567824Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 26, 2016Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Brock W. Watson, Gary P. Funkhouser, Roger L. Schultz
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Patent number: 9567826Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 26, 2016Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Brock W. Watson, Andrew M. Ferguson, Gary P. Funkhouser
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Publication number: 20170030169Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2016Publication date: February 2, 2017Inventors: Gary P. FUNKHOUSER, Brock W. WATSON, Andrew M. FERGUSON, Jenna N. ROBERTSON, Roger L. SCHULTZ
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Patent number: 9551204Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 11, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Brock W. Watson, Andrew M. Ferguson
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Patent number: 9546536Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 7, 2013Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: THRU TUBING SOLUTIONS, INC.Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Chad A. Johnson, Andrew M. Ferguson
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Patent number: 9523238Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 24, 2014Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Brock Watson, Gregory Kliewer, Roger L. Schultz
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Patent number: 9523267Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 7, 2016Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Brock W. Watson, Andrew M. Ferguson, Gary P. Funkhouser
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Patent number: 9523239Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 8, 2014Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Brock Watson, Gregory Kliewer, Roger L. Schultz
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Publication number: 20160348467Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2016Publication date: December 1, 2016Inventors: Brock W. WATSON, Andrew M. FERGUSON, Roger L. SCHULTZ, Gary P. FUNKHOUSER, Jenna N. Robertson
