Patents by Inventor Kyle A. Sommerfeld
Kyle A. Sommerfeld 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: 20230332675Abstract: An actuator assembly includes a threaded shaft, a threaded nut that is threadably coupled to the threaded shaft, an annular ratchet positioned about the threaded shaft and comprising one or more tracks, and a pin that extends from the threaded shaft and into the one or more tracks. The threaded nut may include a first circumferentially-facing surface, the annular ratchet may include a second circumferentially-facing surface, and the first and second circumferentially-facing surfaces are configured to contact one another to enable the threaded nut to block rotation of the annular ratchet with the threaded shaft. The actuator assembly may enable the threaded nut to move to a limit position and hold full motor torque, but also to break free from the limit position with relatively low torque (e.g., less than the full motor torque; as compared to actuator systems that are devoid of certain features of the actuator assembly).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2023Publication date: October 19, 2023Inventor: Kyle Sommerfeld
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Patent number: 11746862Abstract: An actuator assembly includes a threaded shaft, a threaded nut that is threadably coupled to the threaded shaft, an annular ratchet positioned about the threaded shaft and comprising one or more tracks, and a pin that extends from the threaded shaft and into the one or more tracks. The threaded nut may include a first circumferentially-facing surface, the annular ratchet may include a second circumferentially-facing surface, and the first and second circumferentially-facing surfaces are configured to contact one another to enable the threaded nut to block rotation of the annular ratchet with the threaded shaft. The actuator assembly may enable the threaded nut to move to a limit position and hold full motor torque, but also to break free from the limit position with relatively low torque (e.g., less than the full motor torque; as compared to actuator systems that are devoid of certain features of the actuator assembly).Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2021Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventor: Kyle Sommerfeld
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Patent number: 11499387Abstract: A system includes a hanger running tool that has a first lock ring configured to secure the hanger running tool to a hanger when a first axial force is applied to the hanger running tool and a tool body configured to direct a push ring of the hanger in an axial direction when a second axial force is applied to the hanger running tool, where the push ring is configured to direct a second lock ring of the hanger radially outward toward a tubular, and where the hanger running tool is configured to secure the hanger to the tubular without rotating the hanger running tool.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2020Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventors: Michael Levert, Jr., Kyle Sommerfeld, Gavin Robottom
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Publication number: 20220205518Abstract: An actuator assembly includes a threaded shaft, a threaded nut that is threadably coupled to the threaded shaft, an annular ratchet positioned about the threaded shaft and comprising one or more tracks, and a pin that extends from the threaded shaft and into the one or more tracks. The threaded nut may include a first circumferentially-facing surface, the annular ratchet may include a second circumferentially-facing surface, and the first and second circumferentially-facing surfaces are configured to contact one another to enable the threaded nut to block rotation of the annular ratchet with the threaded shaft. The actuator assembly may enable the threaded nut to move to a limit position and hold full motor torque, but also to break free from the limit position with relatively low torque (e.g., less than the full motor torque; as compared to actuator systems that are devoid of certain features of the actuator assembly).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2021Publication date: June 30, 2022Inventor: Kyle Sommerfeld
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Publication number: 20200392806Abstract: A system includes a hanger running tool that has a first lock ring configured to secure the hanger running tool to a hanger when a first axial force is applied to the hanger running tool and a tool body configured to direct a push ring of the hanger in an axial direction when a second axial force is applied to the hanger running tool, where the push ring is configured to direct a second lock ring of the hanger radially outward toward a tubular, and where the hanger running tool is configured to secure the hanger to the tubular without rotating the hanger running tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2020Publication date: December 17, 2020Inventors: Michael Levert, Jr., Kyle Sommerfeld, Gavin Robottom
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Patent number: 10689935Abstract: A system includes a hanger running tool that has a first lock ring configured to secure the hanger running tool to a hanger when a first axial force is applied to the hanger running tool and a tool body configured to direct a push ring of the hanger in an axial direction when a second axial force is applied to the hanger running tool, where the push ring is configured to direct a second lock ring of the hanger radially outward toward a tubular, and where the hanger running tool is configured to secure the hanger to the tubular without rotating the hanger running tool.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2017Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventors: Michael Levert, Jr., Kyle Sommerfeld, Gavin Robottom
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Patent number: 10550657Abstract: A system includes a running tool that has a tool body, a first piston configured to move a sealing member of a seal assembly between sealed and unsealed positions between the seal assembly and a first tubular, and a second piston configured to move a lock member between locked and unlocked positions between the seal assembly and a second tubular.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2017Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventors: Michael Levert, Jr., Kyle Sommerfeld, Robert Cridland
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Patent number: 10422196Abstract: A system includes a rotatable fluid distribution system having a first block and a second block, the first block is configured to receive a supply of pressurized fluid, the second block is configured to distribute the supply of pressurized fluid to one or more actuators of a running tool, a wellhead component, or both, and the first block and the second block are configured to rotate with respect to one another about an axis to adjust which of the one or more actuators of the running tool, the wellhead component, or both, receives the supply of pressurized fluid.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2017Date of Patent: September 24, 2019Assignee: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventors: Michael Levert, Jr., Kyle Sommerfeld
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Publication number: 20190063174Abstract: A system includes a rotatable fluid distribution system having a first block and a second block, the first block is configured to receive a supply of pressurized fluid, the second block is configured to distribute the supply of pressurized fluid to one or more actuators of a running tool, a wellhead component, or both, and the first block and the second block are configured to rotate with respect to one another about an axis to adjust which of the one or more actuators of the running tool, the wellhead component, or both, receives the supply of pressurized fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2017Publication date: February 28, 2019Applicant: Cameron International CorporationInventors: Michael Levert, JR., Kyle Sommerfeld
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Publication number: 20180313180Abstract: A locking assembly and a retaining ring for retaining the locking assembly within a bore of a wellhead component are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes an inner component disposed within a bore of a wellhead component and a locking assembly disposed within the bore to secure the inner component within the bore. The locking assembly includes a lock ring that extends into a recess in a wall of the bore of the wellhead component and an actuator radially disposed between the inner component and the lock ring. The system also includes a retaining ring that limits movement of the actuator along the inner component and maintains the actuator between the inner component and the lock ring to retain the lock ring within the recess. The actuator and the retaining ring have mating tapered surfaces that inhibit movement of the actuator out of engagement with the lock ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2017Publication date: November 1, 2018Inventors: Kyle A. Sommerfeld, Kevin P. Minnock, Hao Bin Huang
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Publication number: 20180258726Abstract: A system includes a hanger running tool that has a first lock ring configured to secure the hanger running tool to a hanger when a first axial force is applied to the hanger running tool and a tool body configured to direct a push ring of the hanger in an axial direction when a second axial force is applied to the hanger running tool, where the push ring is configured to direct a second lock ring of the hanger radially outward toward a tubular, and where the hanger running tool is configured to secure the hanger to the tubular without rotating the hanger running tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2017Publication date: September 13, 2018Applicant: Cameron International CorporationInventors: Michael Levert, JR., Kyle Sommerfeld, Gavin Robottom
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Publication number: 20180258725Abstract: A system includes a running tool that has a tool body, a first piston configured to move a sealing member of a seal assembly between sealed and unsealed positions between the seal assembly and a first tubular, and a second piston configured to move a lock member between locked and unlocked positions between the seal assembly and a second tubular.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2017Publication date: September 13, 2018Applicant: Cameron International CorporationInventors: Michael Levert, JR., Kyle Sommerfeld, Robert Cridland
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Patent number: 9689229Abstract: Rotating mandrel casing hangers are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a casing hanger having a lower end configured to engage a casing string and a running tool configured to engage the casing hanger. The system is configured to facilitate rotation of the casing hanger within a casing head to rotate the casing string while cementing the casing string within a well. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2013Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventors: Andrew R. Hanson, James D. Cavanagh, Michael F. Levert, Jr., Brandon B. Shirley, Kyle A. Sommerfeld, Timothy W. Lim, Adam J. Christopherson
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Publication number: 20170159399Abstract: A packoff and a locking assembly installed in a bore of a wellhead component are provided. In one embodiment, a packoff includes inner and outer annular seals and an energizing ring shaped to be wedged between the inner and outer annular seals so as to apply a radially inward biasing force on the inner annular seal and a radially outward biasing force on the outer annular seal. In another embodiment, a locking assembly includes a lock ring that extends into a recess in a wall of the bore of the wellhead component and an actuator radially disposed between an inner component within the bore and the lock ring to retain the lock ring within the recess. The actuator can have an interference fit with the inner component to inhibit movement of the actuator between the lock ring and the inner component. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2016Publication date: June 8, 2017Inventors: Kyle A. Sommerfeld, Hao Bin Huang, Jay P. Painter
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Patent number: 9388655Abstract: A packoff and a locking assembly installed in a bore of a wellhead component are provided. In one embodiment, a packoff includes inner and outer annular seals and an energizing ring shaped to be wedged between the inner and outer annular seals so as to apply a radially inward biasing force on the inner annular seal and a radially outward biasing force on the outer annular seal. In another embodiment, a locking assembly includes a lock ring that extends into a recess in a wall of the bore of the wellhead component and an actuator radially disposed between an inner component within the bore and the lock ring to retain the lock ring within the recess. The actuator can have an interference fit with the inner component to inhibit movement of the actuator between the lock ring and the inner component. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2013Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventors: Kyle A. Sommerfeld, Hao Bin Huang, Jay P. Painter
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Patent number: 9115562Abstract: A ball launcher system is provided. In one embodiment, such a system includes a ball launcher having a rotatable sleeve installed within an internal bore of a hollow body. The hollow body has ball chutes extending from an external surface to the internal bore. The rotatable sleeve has one or more holes that can be sequentially aligned with the ball chutes by rotation of the sleeve to enable balls within the ball chutes to pass sequentially into a well through the one or more holes. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2013Date of Patent: August 25, 2015Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventors: Kirk P. Guidry, Michael F. Levert, Jr., Kyle A. Sommerfeld
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Publication number: 20150101830Abstract: A packoff and a locking assembly installed in a bore of a wellhead component are provided. In one embodiment, a packoff includes inner and outer annular seals and an energizing ring shaped to be wedged between the inner and outer annular seals so as to apply a radially inward biasing force on the inner annular seal and a radially outward biasing force on the outer annular seal. In another embodiment, a locking assembly includes a lock ring that extends into a recess in a wall of the bore of the wellhead component and an actuator radially disposed between an inner component within the bore and the lock ring to retain the lock ring within the recess. The actuator can have an interference fit with the inner component to inhibit movement of the actuator between the lock ring and the inner component. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2013Publication date: April 16, 2015Applicant: Cameron International CorporationInventors: Kyle A. Sommerfeld, Hao Bin Huang, Jay P. Painter
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Publication number: 20150000901Abstract: A ball launcher system is provided. In one embodiment, such a system includes a ball launcher having a rotatable sleeve installed within an internal bore of a hollow body. The hollow body has ball chutes extending from an external surface to the internal bore. The rotatable sleeve has one or more holes that can be sequentially aligned with the ball chutes by rotation of the sleeve to enable balls within the ball chutes to pass sequentially into a well through the one or more holes. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2013Publication date: January 1, 2015Applicant: Cameron International CorporationInventors: Kirk P. Guidry, Michael F. Levert, JR., Kyle A. Sommerfeld
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Publication number: 20140311753Abstract: Rotating mandrel casing hangers are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a casing hanger having a lower end configured to engage a casing string and a running tool configured to engage the casing hanger. The system is configured to facilitate rotation of the casing hanger within a casing head to rotate the casing string while cementing the casing string within a well. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2013Publication date: October 23, 2014Inventors: Andrew R. Hanson, James D. Cavanagh, Michael F. Levert, JR., Brandon B. Shirley, Kyle A. Sommerfeld, Timothy W. Lim, Adam J. Christopherson