Patents by Inventor W. Watson

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: 11566498
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew M. Ferguson, Brock W. Watson, Roger L. Schultz
  • Patent number: 11560756
    Abstract: A rotary actuator assembly can include a fluid motor with a rotor that displaces with hypocyclic precessional motion within a stator in response to fluid flow through the fluid motor, and a gear reducer section including an input gear that is fixed relative to the rotor and displaces with the hypocyclic precessional motion relative to an output gear. Another rotary actuator assembly can include a fluid motor with a rotor having a central longitudinal axis that rotates about a central longitudinal axis of a stator, and a gear reducer section including an input gear that rotates with the rotor and displaces relative to an output gear, and the input gear having the same central longitudinal axis as the rotor. A well system can include at least two fluid motors, and fluid flow through one fluid motor causes rotation of the other fluid motor in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: THRU TUBING SOLUTIONS, INC
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Brock W. Watson, Brett Fears
  • Patent number: 11519240
    Abstract: A method can include positioning a flow restrictor in a wellbore that penetrates a formation interval, then displacing the flow restrictor along the wellbore away from the surface, thereby permitting flow into an interval section from a wellbore section between the flow restrictor and the surface, blocking the flow from the wellbore section into the interval section, and displacing the flow restrictor away from the surface, thereby permitting flow from the wellbore section into another interval section farther along the wellbore from the surface. A system can include a flow restrictor that restricts flow through an annulus surrounding the flow restrictor, and plugging devices disposed in a wellbore section positioned between the flow restrictor and a surface of the well. Flow from the wellbore section into a formation interval section is permitted prior to being blocked by the plugging devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary P. Funkhouser, Brock W. Watson
  • Publication number: 20220356951
    Abstract: A valve body, for use in a valve housing having an inlet and outlet, includes a spherical outer surface. A flow opening extends diametrically from one side of the outer surface to an opposing side. A plurality of flow control passageways extend from the outer surface into the valve body. The valve body is moveable relative to the valve housing between a closed position, a restricted flow position, and a free flow position. In the closed position, the flow opening and all of the plurality of flow control passageways are out of alignment with the inlet and outlet. In the restricted flow position, at least one flow control passageway is moved into fluid communication with the inlet and outlet to facilitate fluid communication therebetween. In the free flow position, the flow opening is moved into fluid communication with the inlet and outlet to facilitate fluid communication therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2022
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Inventors: Stephen Freitas, Ruben Mendoza, Daniel W. Watson, Shane Gillette, Raymond R. Newton
  • Publication number: 20220348819
    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: July 19, 2022
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Inventors: Roger L. SCHULTZ, Brock W. WATSON, Andrew M. FERGUSON, Gary P. FUNKHOUSER
  • 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: 11434693
    Abstract: A rotary actuator assembly can include a fluid motor with a rotor that displaces with hypocyclic precessional motion within a stator in response to fluid flow through the fluid motor, and a gear reducer section including an input gear that is fixed relative to the rotor and displaces with the hypocyclic precessional motion relative to an output gear. Another rotary actuator assembly can include a fluid motor with a rotor having a central longitudinal axis that rotates about a central longitudinal axis of a stator, and a gear reducer section including an input gear that rotates with the rotor and displaces relative to an output gear, and the input gear having the same central longitudinal axis as the rotor. A well system can include at least two fluid motors, and fluid flow through one fluid motor causes rotation of the other fluid motor in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Brock W. Watson, Brett Fears
  • Publication number: 20220275696
    Abstract: A method can include directing fluid flow longitudinally through a well tool connected in a tubular string downstream of a longitudinally compressed circulating valve assembly, thereby causing the well tool to operate, and longitudinally elongating the circulating valve assembly while the fluid flow is ceased, and then increasing the fluid flow, thereby causing the fluid flow after the elongating to pass outwardly through a housing of the circulating valve assembly to an external annulus. Another method can include directing a fluid flow through a well tool connected in a tubular string downstream of a circulating valve assembly, thereby causing the well tool to operate, and decreasing then increasing a flow rate of the fluid flow, thereby causing the fluid flow to pass outwardly through a housing assembly of the circulating valve assembly to an external annulus. Circulating valve assemblies are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2022
    Publication date: September 1, 2022
    Inventors: Brock W. WATSON, James C. TUCKER
  • Patent number: 11427751
    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: October 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Brock W. Watson, Andrew M. Ferguson, Gary P. Funkhouser
  • Publication number: 20220235622
    Abstract: A method can include conveying a dispensing tool through a wellbore, the dispensing tool including an enclosure containing plugging devices, and then opening the enclosure by cutting a material of the enclosure, thereby releasing the plugging devices from the enclosure into the wellbore at a downhole location. A dispensing tool can include a container having an enclosure therein, the enclosure including a flexible material that contains the plugging devices, and an end of the enclosure being secured to a member displaceable by an actuator. The enclosure material is cut in response to displacement of the member by the actuator. A plugging device can include at least one body configured to engage an opening in the well and block fluid flow through the opening, and multiple fibers including staple fibers or filaments formed into yarn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2022
    Publication date: July 28, 2022
    Inventors: Brock W. WATSON, Gary P. FUNKHOUSER
  • Publication number: 20220228456
    Abstract: A plugging device launcher for use with a subterranean well can include a release mechanism. The release mechanism can include an actuator operative to displace at least one elongated member. The elongated member is engaged with at least one plugging device. A method of releasing plugging devices into a subterranean well can include placing a plugging device launcher in communication with a wellbore of the well, and operating an actuator of the plugging device launcher, thereby displacing at least one elongated member of the plugging device launcher. The displacing step can include disengaging the elongated member from at least one of the plugging devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Inventors: Brock W. WATSON, Erik JORGENSEN
  • Publication number: 20220223061
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system comprising a hearing protection device (13) configured to be worn by a user (10); one or more audio output devices (26) configured to generate one or more audio signals, a computing device (60) comprising a memory and one or more computer processors, wherein the memory comprises instructions that when executed by the one or more computer processors cause the one or more computer processor to: —select a training configuration (25) that defines a set of audio events (74A) that correspond to a set of user reactions (74B), —send a set of control signals to the one or more audio output device (26) that cause the one or more audio output devices (26) to simulate the set of audio events (74A), —receive reaction data (74C) that indicates whether the user (10) provided the set of user reactions (74B) to the set of audio events (74A); and —perform at least one operation based at least in part on whether the user (10) provided the set of user reactions (74B) to the set of audio events (
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Publication date: July 14, 2022
    Inventors: Benjamin W. Watson, Mohammed Saleem, Magnus S. Johansson
  • Publication number: 20220220842
    Abstract: A compression indication tool can include a flow passage and a valve that in a closed configuration prevents fluid communication between the flow passage and an exterior of the tool, and in an open configuration permits fluid communication between the flow passage and the exterior of the tool. The valve is opened in response to application of a predetermined longitudinal compressive load to the compression indication tool. A method can include connecting a compression indication tool in a tool string, the tool including a valve that prevents fluid communication between an interior flow passage and an exterior of the tool, deploying the tool string into the well, and applying a predetermined longitudinal compressive load to the tool string, thereby opening the valve to permit fluid communication between the interior flow passage and the exterior of the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2021
    Publication date: July 14, 2022
    Inventors: Brock W. WATSON, Roger L. SCHULTZ, Brett A. FEARS, Timothy MANKE
  • Publication number: 20220215496
    Abstract: A system includes an article of personal protective equipment (PPE) associated with a first worker and at least one computing device. The article of PPE includes a display device. The at least one computing device configured to receive an indication of audio data from a second worker, the audio data including a message. The at least one computing device is also configured to determine a risk level for the first worker and determine whether to display a visual representation of the message. The at least one computing device is further configured to output the visual representation of the message for display by the display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Publication date: July 7, 2022
    Inventors: Britton G. Billingsley, Claire R. Donoghue, Andrew W. Long, Benjamin W. Watson, Caroline M. Ylitalo, Magnus S. Johansson, Henning T. Urban
  • Patent number: 11377926
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brock W. Watson, Gary P. Funkhouser
  • Publication number: 20220180260
    Abstract: A system includes a plurality of articles of personal protective equipment (PPE) connected to form a network of articles of PPE, wherein each article of PPE is associated with a worker. Each article of PPE receives one or more first safety issue notifications from the network, shares the first safety issue notifications with the worker associated with the article of PPE via an output of the article of PPE, receives safety-related information at an input of the article of PPE, creates a second safety issue notification based on the safety-related information received at the input of the article of PPE, selects one or more of the other articles of PPE to receive the second safety issue notification and transmits the second safety issue notification over the network to the selected articles of PPE.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Inventors: Benjamin W. Watson, Claire R. Donoghue
  • 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
  • Patent number: 11333000
    Abstract: A method can include conveying a dispensing tool through a wellbore, the dispensing tool including an enclosure containing plugging devices, and then opening the enclosure by cutting a material of the enclosure, thereby releasing the plugging devices from the enclosure into the wellbore at a downhole location. A dispensing tool can include a container having an enclosure therein, the enclosure including a flexible material that contains the plugging devices, and an end of the enclosure being secured to a member displaceable by an actuator. The enclosure material is cut in response to displacement of the member by the actuator. A plugging device can include at least one body configured to engage an opening in the well and block fluid flow through the opening, and multiple fibers including staple fibers or filaments formed into yarn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brock W. Watson, Gary P. Funkhouser
  • Publication number: 20220148404
    Abstract: A system includes a piece of equipment and an article of personal protective equipment (PPE) associated with a first worker. The PPE establishes a communications channel between the article of PPE and the piece of industrial equipment, receives status information from the piece of industrial equipment via the communications channel, notifies the worker via the PPE of the status information received from the piece of industrial equipment, receives a response from the worker via the PPE, and transmits to the piece of industrial equipment, via the communications channel and based on the response, commands that cause a change in operation of the piece of industrial equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Inventors: Benjamin W. Watson, Claire R. Donoghue, Nigel B. Boxall
  • Publication number: 20220112779
    Abstract: A method can include directing fluid flow longitudinally through a well tool connected in a tubular string downstream of a longitudinally compressed circulating valve assembly, thereby causing the well tool to operate, and longitudinally elongating the circulating valve assembly while the fluid flow is ceased, and then increasing the fluid flow, thereby causing the fluid flow after the elongating to pass outwardly through a housing of the circulating valve assembly to an external annulus. Another method can include directing a fluid flow through a well tool connected in a tubular string downstream of a circulating valve assembly, thereby causing the well tool to operate, and decreasing then increasing a flow rate of the fluid flow, thereby causing the fluid flow to pass outwardly through a housing assembly of the circulating valve assembly to an external annulus. Circulating valve assemblies are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2020
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Inventors: Brock W. WATSON, Roger L. SCHULTZ, James C. TUCKER