Patents by Inventor Tom WATKINS

Tom WATKINS 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: 20240279999
    Abstract: A device for wellbore operations is configured to self-determine its downhole location in a wellbore in real-time and to self-activate upon arrival at a preselected target location. In embodiments, the device is configured to self-determine its direction of travel and self-deactivates if the device determines that it is not travelling in the downhole direction. In embodiments, the device has a flowback valve that blocks fluid flow therethrough when the device is inactivated but permits fluid flow through the device to exit at the device's trailing end when the device is activated. In embodiments, at least a portion of the device is dissolvable in the presence of wellbore fluids. In embodiments, at least a portion of the device is coated with a protective coating to shield the device from treatment fluids. A downhole tool having a pass-through constriction configured to be overcome by the device is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2024
    Publication date: August 22, 2024
    Inventors: Tom WATKINS, Jeyhun NAJAFOV, Ratish Suhas KADAM, Henryk KOZLOW
  • Patent number: 12006793
    Abstract: A device for wellbore operations is configured to self-determine its downhole location in a wellbore in real-time and to self-activate upon arrival at a preselected target location. In embodiments, the device is configured to self-determine its direction of travel and self-deactivates if the device determines that it is not travelling in the downhole direction. In embodiments, the device has a flowback valve that blocks fluid flow therethrough when the device is inactivated but permits fluid flow through the device to exit at the device's trailing end when the device is activated. In embodiments, at least a portion of the device is dissolvable in the presence of wellbore fluids. In embodiments, at least a portion of the device is coated with a protective coating to shield the device from treatment fluids. A downhole tool having a pass-through constriction configured to be overcome by the device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: Advanced Upstream Ltd.
    Inventors: Tom Watkins, Jeyhun Najafov, Ratish Suhas Kadam, Henryk Kozlow
  • Publication number: 20240117695
    Abstract: A pneumatic transport system is used to deliver objects to the wellhead of a wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2023
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Inventors: Tom WATKINS, Jeyhun NAJAFOV
  • Patent number: 11939836
    Abstract: A port sub comprises one or more standard flow ports, each having a low-pressure port assembly positioned therein to, and at least one control flow port having a high-pressure port assembly positioned therein. The low-pressure port assembly comprises an inner layer having a first rupture pressure and an outer layer configured to remain intact upon the rupturing of the inner layer. The high-pressure port assembly comprises an inner layer having a second rupture pressure that is greater than the first rupture pressure. The high-pressure port assembly is configured to be broken through upon the rupturing of its inner layer to allow fluid flow through the at least one control flow port, thereby allowing a dissolve fluid to flow therethrough to facilitate the disintegration of the outer layer of the low-pressure port assembly to open the one or more standard flow ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Advanced Upstream Ltd.
    Inventors: Tom Watkins, Jeyhun Najafov
  • Patent number: 11879301
    Abstract: A method and related system for transporting an object to an outlet of a transport system operably coupled to an in fluid communication with a wellhead, from a location at a distance to the wellhead are disclosed. In some embodiments, the transporting includes propelling the objection through a pipeline of the transport system by moving a gas in the pipeline. In some embodiments, the object is a dart for use in a wellbore completion operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Advanced Upstream Ltd.
    Inventors: Tom Watkins, Jeyhun Najafov
  • Publication number: 20230399909
    Abstract: A device for wellbore operations is configured to self-determine its downhole location in a wellbore in real-time and to self-activate upon arrival at a preselected target location. The device determines its downhole location based on magnetic field and/or magnetic flux signals provided by an onboard three-axis magnetometer. The device optionally comprises one or more magnets. The magnetometer detects changes in magnetic field and/or magnetic flux caused by the device's proximity to or passage through various features in the wellbore. The device can self-activate to deploy an engagement mechanism to engage a target tool downhole from the target location. The engagement mechanism comprises a seal supported by two expandable support rings, each having a respective elliptical face for engagement with the elliptical face of the other support ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2023
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Inventors: Tom WATKINS, Jeyhun NAJAFOV, Ratish Suhas KADAM, Henryk KOZLOW
  • Publication number: 20230374874
    Abstract: A device for wellbore operations is configured to self-determine its downhole location in a wellbore in real-time and to self-activate upon arrival at a preselected target location. The device determines its downhole location based on magnetic field and/or magnetic flux signals provided by an onboard three-axis magnetometer. The device optionally comprises one or more magnets. The magnetometer detects changes in magnetic field and/or magnetic flux caused by the device's proximity to or passage through various features in the wellbore. The device can self-activate to deploy an engagement mechanism to engage a target tool downhole from the target location. The engagement mechanism comprises a seal supported by two expandable support rings, each having a respective elliptical face for engagement with the elliptical face of the other support ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Inventors: Tom WATKINS, Jeyhun NAJAFOV, Ratish Suhas KADAM, Henryk KOZLOW
  • Publication number: 20230366281
    Abstract: A device for wellbore operations is configured to self-determine its downhole location in a wellbore in real-time and to self-activate upon arrival at a preselected target location. The device determines its downhole location based on magnetic field and/or magnetic flux signals provided by an onboard three-axis magnetometer. The device optionally comprises one or more magnets. The magnetometer detects changes in magnetic field and/or magnetic flux caused by the device's proximity to or passage through various features in the wellbore. The device can self-activate to deploy an engagement mechanism to engage a target tool downhole from the target location. The engagement mechanism comprises a seal supported by two expandable support rings, each having a respective elliptical face for engagement with the elliptical face of the other support ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2023
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Inventors: Tom WATKINS, Jeyhun NAJAFOV, Ratish Suhas KADAM, Henryk KOZLOW
  • Patent number: 11753887
    Abstract: A device for wellbore operations is configured to self-determine its downhole location in a wellbore in real-time and to self-activate upon arrival at a preselected target location. The device determines its downhole location based on magnetic field and/or magnetic flux signals provided by an onboard three-axis magnetometer. The device optionally comprises one or more magnets. The magnetometer detects changes in magnetic field and/or magnetic flux caused by the device's proximity to or passage through various features in the wellbore. The device can self-activate to deploy an engagement mechanism to engage a target tool downhole from the target location. The engagement mechanism comprises a seal supported by two expandable support rings, each having a respective elliptical face for engagement with the elliptical face of the other support ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Advanced Upstream Ltd.
    Inventors: Tom Watkins, Jeyhun Najafov, Ratish Suhas Kadam, Henryk Kozlow
  • Patent number: 11746613
    Abstract: A device for wellbore operations is configured to self-determine its downhole location in a wellbore in real-time and to self-activate upon arrival at a preselected target location. The device determines its downhole location based on magnetic field and/or magnetic flux signals provided by an onboard three-axis magnetometer. The device optionally comprises one or more magnets. The magnetometer detects changes in magnetic field and/or magnetic flux caused by the device's proximity to or passage through various features in the wellbore. The device can self-activate to deploy an engagement mechanism to engage a target tool downhole from the target location. The engagement mechanism comprises a seal supported by two expandable support rings, each having a respective elliptical face for engagement with the elliptical face of the other support ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Advanced Upstream Ltd.
    Inventors: Tom Watkins, Jeyhun Najafov, Ratish Suhas Kadam, Henryk Kozlow
  • Patent number: 11746612
    Abstract: A device for wellbore operations is configured to self-determine its downhole location in a wellbore in real-time and to self-activate upon arrival at a preselected target location. The device determines its downhole location based on magnetic field and/or magnetic flux signals provided by an onboard three-axis magnetometer. The device optionally comprises one or more magnets. The magnetometer detects changes in magnetic field and/or magnetic flux caused by the device's proximity to or passage through various features in the wellbore. The device can self-activate to deploy an engagement mechanism to engage a target tool downhole from the target location. The engagement mechanism comprises a seal supported by two expandable support rings, each having a respective elliptical face for engagement with the elliptical face of the other support ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Advanced Upstream Ltd.
    Inventors: Tom Watkins, Jeyhun Najafov, Ratish Suhas Kadam, Henryk Kozlow
  • Publication number: 20230012820
    Abstract: A port assembly for controlling fluid flow through a flow port of a port sub. The port assembly comprises a dissolvable barrier, a burst disk for protecting the dissolvable barrier from fluids inside the port sub, and optionally a protective layer for protecting the dissolvable barrier from external fluids. When the burst disk is ruptured by increased fluid pressure inside the port sub, the dissolvable barrier starts disintegrating from exposure to the fluid. When the dissolvable barrier and protective layer are broken through, a flow passage is opened in the port assembly to permit fluid flow therethrough. The flow passage may be positioned tangentially in the port sub. The breakthrough time of the dissolvable barrier may be preconfigured by providing one or more thinner areas therein and/or placing a corrosive material in the port assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Applicant: ADVANCED UPSTREAM LTD.
    Inventors: Tom WATKINS, Todd MACHACEK, Bashkim VEIZAJ, Scott SHERMAN
  • Patent number: 11454087
    Abstract: A port assembly for controlling fluid flow through a flow port of a port sub. The port assembly comprises a dissolvable barrier, a burst disk for protecting the dissolvable barrier from fluids inside the port sub, and optionally a protective layer for protecting the dissolvable barrier from external fluids. When the burst disk is ruptured by increased fluid pressure inside the port sub, the dissolvable barrier starts disintegrating from exposure to the fluid. When the dissolvable barrier and protective layer are broken through, a flow passage is opened in the port assembly to permit fluid flow therethrough. The flow passage may be positioned tangentially in the port sub. The breakthrough time of the dissolvable barrier may be preconfigured by providing one or more thinner areas therein and/or placing a corrosive material in the port assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Advanced Upstream Ltd.
    Inventors: Tom Watkins, Todd Machacek, Bashkim Veizaj, Scott Sherman
  • Publication number: 20220178249
    Abstract: A device for wellbore operations is configured to self-determine its downhole location in a wellbore in real-time and to self-activate upon arrival at a preselected target location. The device determines its downhole location based on magnetic field and/or magnetic flux signals provided by an onboard three-axis magnetometer. The device optionally comprises one or more magnets. The magnetometer detects changes in magnetic field and/or magnetic flux caused by the device's proximity to or passage through various features in the wellbore. The device can self-activate to deploy an engagement mechanism to engage a target tool downhole from the target location. The engagement mechanism comprises a seal supported by two expandable support rings, each having a respective elliptical face for engagement with the elliptical face of the other support ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2022
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Applicant: ADVANCED UPSTREAM LTD.
    Inventors: Tom WATKINS, Jeyhun NAJAFOV, Ratish Suhas KADAM, Henryk KOZLOW
  • Publication number: 20220145749
    Abstract: A device for wellbore operations is configured to self-determine its downhole location in a wellbore in real-time and to self-activate upon arrival at a preselected target location. In embodiments, the device is configured to self-determine its direction of travel and self-deactivates if the device determines that it is not travelling in the downhole direction. In embodiments, the device has a flowback valve that blocks fluid flow therethrough when the device is inactivated but permits fluid flow through the device to exit at the device's trailing end when the device is activated. In embodiments, at least a portion of the device is dissolvable in the presence of wellbore fluids. In embodiments, at least a portion of the device is coated with a protective coating to shield the device from treatment fluids. A downhole tool having a pass-through constriction configured to be overcome by the device is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2022
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Applicant: ADVANCED UPSTREAM LTD.
    Inventors: Tom WATKINS, Jeyhun Najafov, Ratish Suhas Kadam, Henryk Kozlow
  • Publication number: 20220112780
    Abstract: A pneumatic transport system is used to deliver objects to the wellhead of a wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2021
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Inventors: Tom WATKINS, Jeyhun NAJAFOV
  • Publication number: 20220065070
    Abstract: A port sub comprises one or more standard flow ports, each having a low-pressure port assembly positioned therein to, and at least one control flow port having a high-pressure port assembly positioned therein. The low-pressure port assembly comprises an inner layer having a first rupture pressure and an outer layer configured to remain intact upon the rupturing of the inner layer. The high-pressure port assembly comprises an inner layer having a second rupture pressure that is greater than the first rupture pressure. The high-pressure port assembly is configured to be broken through upon the rupturing of its inner layer to allow fluid flow through the at least one control flow port, thereby allowing a dissolve fluid to flow therethrough to facilitate the disintegration of the outer layer of the low-pressure port assembly to open the one or more standard flow ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Inventors: Tom WATKINS, Jeyhun NAJAFOV
  • Patent number: 11215020
    Abstract: A dart for effecting wellbore operations has an inactivated position and an activated position wherein the exterior profile of the dart is changed when the dart is activated. The change in profile may be achieved by moving (for example, rotating) a portion of the dart relative to the remaining portion. When inactivated, the exterior profile allows the dart to pass freely through a valve. When activated, the dart cannot pass through the valve because the changed exterior profile is caught by the interior profile of the valve. Once caught, the dart creates a seal to open the valve when fluid pressure above the seal is increased. The dart can thus be used in multiple stage applications with valves having seats of the same size so that the dart can be selectively activated to engage a desired valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Advanced Upstream Ltd.
    Inventors: Tom Watkins, Jeyhun Najafov
  • Publication number: 20210355815
    Abstract: A device for wellbore operations is configured to self-determine its downhole location in a wellbore in real-time and to self-activate upon arrival at a preselected target location. The device determines its downhole location based on magnetic field and/or magnetic flux signals provided by an onboard three-axis magnetometer. The device optionally comprises one or more magnets. The magnetometer detects changes in magnetic field and/or magnetic flux caused by the device's proximity to or passage through various features in the wellbore. The device can self-activate to deploy an engagement mechanism to engage a target tool downhole from the target location. The engagement mechanism comprises a seal supported by two expandable support rings, each having a respective elliptical face for engagement with the elliptical face of the other support ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2021
    Publication date: November 18, 2021
    Applicant: ADVANCED UPSTREAM LTD.
    Inventors: Tom WATKINS, Jeyhun NAJAFOV, Ratish Suhas KADAM, Henryk KOZLOW
  • Publication number: 20210340829
    Abstract: A setting tool for setting a downhole tool comprises a housing attached at its downhole end to a setting mandrel. A piston is slidably movable axially inside the housing and defines an upper and lower pressure chambers within the housing. A power charge is disposed in the piston. A crosslink sleeve supported on the setting mandrel is coupled to a crosslink key that extends into a slot in the wall of the setting mandrel, such that movement of the crosslink key along the slot also moves the crosslink sleeve axially relative to the mandrel. To actuate the setting tool, the power charge is ignited to increase pressure in the upper pressure chamber, thereby exerting an axial force on the piston to directly push the crosslink key, along with the crosslink sleeve, to shift downhole relative to the housing. The shifting of the crosslink sleeve sets the downhole tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Tom WATKINS, Jeyhun Najafov