Patents Assigned to FHE USA LLC
  • Patent number: 11692408
    Abstract: A remotely-operated fluid connection assembly to hold higher internal pressures in larger diameters. The assembly comprises a fluid connection adapter and a fluid connection housing assembly. When the adapter enters the housing assembly: (A) locking elements on the housing assembly constrict about the adapter; and (B) at least a first seal section on the adapter sealingly contacts a first seal bore on the housing assembly. Progressive engagement of a locking ring upon the locking elements urges the locking elements to tighten against the adapter. Internal pressure encourages adapter displacement, which then further tightens the adapter against the locking elements as now restrained by the locking ring. Internal pressure further encourages the first seal section on the adapter to expand radially to tighten the contact with the first seal bore in the housing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: FHE USA LLC
    Inventors: Matthew E. Kibler, Kyle Scholl, Keith C. Johansen, Nicolas G. Snoke
  • Patent number: 11680456
    Abstract: Seals for pressure control fittings are disclosed, where such pressure control fittings are located at a wellhead, for example. Embodiments of cam lock seals, a spring-driven ball race seal and wedge seals are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: FHE USA LLC
    Inventors: Keith C. Johansen, Nicolas G. Snoke
  • Patent number: 11662747
    Abstract: An articulated fluid delivery unit (FDU) is disposed to deliver fluid remotely to, for example, a mating fluid connection housing assembly provided on a wellhead. Flow iron on the FDU preferably includes at least one swivel joint rated for high fluid pressure and high fluid volume flow. More preferably, the swivel joint has an internal diameter of not less than about 5 inches and is further capable of rotation while retaining an internal pressure of not less than about 10,000 psi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: FHE USA LLC
    Inventors: Matthew E. Kibler, Kyle Scholl, Nicolas G. Snoke
  • Patent number: 11319766
    Abstract: High pressure seals for pressure control fittings are disclosed, where such pressure control fittings are located at a wellhead, for example. Embodiments of cam lock seals, a spring-driven ball race seal and wedge seals are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: FHE USA LLC
    Inventors: Keith C. Johansen, Nicolas G. Snoke
  • Patent number: 11313195
    Abstract: A remotely-operated fluid connection assembly to hold higher internal pressures in larger diameters. The assembly comprises a fluid connection adapter and a fluid connection housing assembly. A first seal section on the housing assembly sealingly contacts a first seal bore on the adapter when the adapter enters the housing assembly. Engagement of an externally-disposed locking ring on locking element outer surfaces causes inner surfaces on the locking elements to retain the adapter to the housing assembly via a lock engagement surface. The first seal section is further disposed to expand radially such that when the first seal section expands radially, the first seal section further tightens sealing contact against the first seal bore. Adapter displacement relative to the housing assembly preferably further tightens the adapter against the locking elements as now restrained by the locking ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: FHE USA LLC
    Inventors: Matthew E. Kibler, Kyle Scholl, Keith C. Johansen, Nicolas G. Snoke
  • Patent number: 10996685
    Abstract: A spatially positioned assembly comprising, in preferred embodiments, first and second boom sections concatenated in articulated fashion to a turret at a proximal end thereof, and rotatably connected with a fluid connection adapter at a distal end thereof. The fluid connection adapter is preferably configured for connection to a mating fluid connection housing assembly provided on a wellhead. Independent control of rotation at each of multiple axes on the spatially positioned assembly allows an operator to establish corresponding desired spatial positions for the spatially positioned assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: FHE USA LLC
    Inventors: Matthew E. Kibler, Kyle Scholl, Nicolas G. Snoke
  • Patent number: 10996686
    Abstract: A spatially positioned assembly comprising, in preferred embodiments, a fluid inlet in fluid flow communication with a fluid connection adapter. A plurality of boom sections are concatenated in articulated fashion. The plurality is rotatably connected to a turret at a proximal thereof, and is rotatably connected with the fluid connection adapter at a distal end thereof. The fluid connection adapter is disposed for connection to a mating fluid connection housing assembly provided on a wellhead. Independent control of rotation at multiple axes on the spatially positioned assembly allows an operator to establish measured directional bearings at axes, such that sets of measured directional bearings values contribute to defining corresponding spatial positions for the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: FHE USA LLC
    Inventors: Matthew E. Kibler, Kyle Scholl, Nicolas G. Snoke
  • Patent number: 10907435
    Abstract: A remotely-operated fluid connection assembly to hold higher internal pressures in larger diameters. The assembly comprises a fluid connection adapter and a fluid connection housing assembly. When the adapter enters the housing assembly: (A) locking elements on the housing assembly constrict about the adapter; and (B) at least a first seal section on the adapter sealingly contacts a first seal bore on the housing assembly. Progressive engagement of a locking ring upon the locking elements urges the locking elements to tighten against the adapter. Internal pressure encourages adapter displacement, which then further tightens the adapter against the locking elements as now restrained by the locking ring. Internal pressure further encourages the first seal section on the adapter to expand radially to tighten the contact with the first seal bore in the housing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: FHE USA LLC
    Inventors: Matthew E. Kibler, Kyle Scholl, Keith C. Johansen, Nicolas G. Snoke
  • Patent number: 10794137
    Abstract: A remote operator interface and control unit configured to monitor status of, and control over, fluid connections at wellheads. Independent and concurrent status monitoring and control communication with fluid connections is provided at each of a plurality of wells. The operator interface and control unit allows a remote operator to lock and unlock fluid connection assemblies on wellheads, while at the same time viewing wellhead conditions accompanying such actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: FHE USA LLC
    Inventors: Matthew E. Kibler, Kyle Scholl, Nicolas G. Snoke, Steven M. Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 10571065
    Abstract: Techniques for refurbishing an existing host pipe, useful in deployments in confined spaces or providing limited access to the host pipe. In currently preferred embodiments, a plurality of cartridges each include (1) a liner pipe section, (2) at least one rod and (3) at least one centering ball, wherein each rod and centering ball is received inside its corresponding liner pipe section such that each rod is stabilized within its corresponding liner pipe section via contact between at least one centering ball and the liner pipe section. Once the first cartridge is inserted into the host pipe, a second cartridge is concatenated to the first by connection of their respective rods and liner pipe sections. The second cartridge is inserted into the host pipe, and so on. Upon completion, the rods and centering balls may be withdrawn from the concatenated string of liner pipe sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: FHE USA LLC
    Inventor: Roger W. Thompson
  • Patent number: 10550659
    Abstract: A remotely-operated fluid connection assembly to hold higher internal pressures in larger diameters. The assembly comprises a fluid connection adapter and a fluid connection housing assembly. When the adapter enters the housing assembly: (A) locking elements on the housing assembly constrict about the adapter; and (B) at least a first seal section on the adapter sealingly contacts a first seal bore on the housing assembly. Progressive engagement of a locking ring upon the locking elements urges the locking elements to tighten against the adapter. Internal pressure encourages adapter displacement, which then further tightens the adapter against the locking elements as now restrained by the locking ring. Internal pressure further encourages the first seal section on the adapter to expand radially to tighten the contact with the first seal bore in the housing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: FHE USA LLC
    Inventors: Matthew E. Kibler, Kyle Scholl, Keith C. Johansen, Nicolas G. Snoke
  • Patent number: 10466719
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system including an articulated fluid delivery unit (FDU) comprising, in preferred embodiments, first and second boom sections concatenated in articulated fashion to a turret. A stinger assembly is provided at a distal end of the FDU. The stinger assembly includes a fluid connection adapter for connection to a mating fluid connection housing assembly provided on a wellhead. Independent control of rotation at each of multiple axes on the FDU allows an operator to establish a measured directional bearing at each axis, such that a set of directional bearings values defines the FDU's current spatial position. In preferred embodiments, the FDU may “learn” a desired spatial position by storing the set of directional bearings values corresponding to that spatial position. The FDU may then return to that stored spatial position robotically when instructed to recall and take up again the corresponding set of directional bearings values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: FHE USA LLC
    Inventors: Matthew E. Kibler, Kyle Scholl, Nicolas G. Snoke
  • Patent number: 10392894
    Abstract: A method for conducting well intervention operations includes disposing a combination well intervention apparatus proximate a pressure control apparatus coupled to the wellbore. The apparatus has a pressure control device adapter and at least one other type of well intervention device coupled to the adapter such that either the adapter or the at least one other apparatus is disposed over the pressure control apparatus. The method includes at least one of, (i) locking the adapter in the pressure control apparatus by operating a remotely operable locking device on the pressure control apparatus or (ii) disposing the other type of well intervention device over the pressure control apparatus. The method includes locking the adapter in the pressure control apparatus when the adapter is disposed over the pressure control apparatus, or operating the at least one other type of well intervention device when disposed over the pressure control apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: FHE USA LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Kibler, Kyle Scholl, Nicolas G. Snoke, Randy Cassady
  • Patent number: 10309180
    Abstract: High pressure seals for pressure control fittings are disclosed, where such pressure control fittings are located at a wellhead, for example. Embodiments of cam lock seals, a spring-driven ball race seal and wedge seals are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: FHE USA LLC
    Inventors: Keith C. Johansen, Nicolas G. Snoke
  • Patent number: 10072474
    Abstract: Embodiments of cam lock pressure seals, a spring-driven ball race pressure seal and wedge pressure seals, each suitable to be deployed in multiple applications (such as wellhead pressure control applications, hydraulic fracturing applications and drilling applications) where it is advantageous to actuate a pressure seal remotely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: FHE USA LLC
    Inventors: Keith C. Johansen, Nicolas G. Snoke
  • Patent number: 10030461
    Abstract: High pressure seals for pressure control fittings are disclosed, where such pressure control fittings are located at a wellhead, for example. Embodiments of cam lock seals, a spring-driven ball race seal and wedge seals are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: FHE USA LLC
    Inventors: Keith C. Johansen, Nicolas G. Snoke
  • Patent number: 9879496
    Abstract: High pressure seals for pressure control fittings are disclosed, where such pressure control fittings are located at a wellhead, for example. Embodiments of cam lock seals, a spring-driven ball race seal and wedge seals are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: FHE USA LLC
    Inventors: Keith C. Johansen, Nicolas G. Snoke
  • Patent number: 9670745
    Abstract: High pressure seals for pressure control fittings are disclosed, where such pressure control fittings are located at a wellhead, for example. Embodiments of cam lock seals, a spring-driven ball race seal and wedge seals are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: FHE USA LLC
    Inventors: Keith C. Johansen, Nicolas G. Snoke
  • Patent number: 9644443
    Abstract: A wellhead pressure control fitting comprising a generally tubular Pressure Control Equipment (PCE) adapter configured to mate with pressure control equipment at a first adapter end, and with a receptacle inside a generally tubular pressure control assembly at a second adapter end. The pressure control assembly is configured to mate with a wellhead. Cooperating abutment surfaces form a high pressure seal when the second adapter end is compressively received into the receptacle. A plurality of cam locks on the exterior of the pressure control assembly rotate responsive to extension and retraction of the cam lock pistons. Cam lock rotation causes perimeter curvatures on the cam locks to bear down on corresponding curvatures on the second adapter end, which in turn compresses the second adapter end into the receptacle to form the seal. A locking ring may restrain the cam locks from rotation while the seal is enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: FHE USA LLC
    Inventors: Keith C. Johansen, Nicolas G. Snoke