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).

  • Publication number: 20230332675
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventor: Kyle Sommerfeld
  • Patent number: 11746862
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kyle Sommerfeld
  • Patent number: 11499387
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Levert, Jr., Kyle Sommerfeld, Gavin Robottom
  • Publication number: 20220205518
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2021
    Publication date: June 30, 2022
    Inventor: Kyle Sommerfeld
  • Publication number: 20200392806
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Publication date: December 17, 2020
    Inventors: Michael Levert, Jr., Kyle Sommerfeld, Gavin Robottom
  • Patent number: 10689935
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Levert, Jr., Kyle Sommerfeld, Gavin Robottom
  • Patent number: 10550657
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Levert, Jr., Kyle Sommerfeld, Robert Cridland
  • Patent number: 10422196
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Levert, Jr., Kyle Sommerfeld
  • Publication number: 20190063174
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Applicant: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Levert, JR., Kyle Sommerfeld
  • Publication number: 20180313180
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Inventors: Kyle A. Sommerfeld, Kevin P. Minnock, Hao Bin Huang
  • Publication number: 20180258726
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Applicant: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Levert, JR., Kyle Sommerfeld, Gavin Robottom
  • Publication number: 20180258725
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Applicant: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Levert, JR., Kyle Sommerfeld, Robert Cridland
  • Patent number: 9689229
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew R. Hanson, James D. Cavanagh, Michael F. Levert, Jr., Brandon B. Shirley, Kyle A. Sommerfeld, Timothy W. Lim, Adam J. Christopherson
  • Publication number: 20170159399
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventors: Kyle A. Sommerfeld, Hao Bin Huang, Jay P. Painter
  • Patent number: 9388655
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Kyle A. Sommerfeld, Hao Bin Huang, Jay P. Painter
  • Patent number: 9115562
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Kirk P. Guidry, Michael F. Levert, Jr., Kyle A. Sommerfeld
  • Publication number: 20150101830
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Kyle A. Sommerfeld, Hao Bin Huang, Jay P. Painter
  • Publication number: 20150000901
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Kirk P. Guidry, Michael F. Levert, JR., Kyle A. Sommerfeld
  • Publication number: 20140311753
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Andrew R. Hanson, James D. Cavanagh, Michael F. Levert, JR., Brandon B. Shirley, Kyle A. Sommerfeld, Timothy W. Lim, Adam J. Christopherson