Patents by Inventor Brian C. Witkowski

Brian C. Witkowski 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: 20240117889
    Abstract: In some implementations, a clapper valve assembly includes a valve body defining a longitudinal flow bore, a hanger disposed in the valve body, a link piece coupled to the hanger, a first pin coupled between the hanger and the link piece, wherein the link piece is configured to rotate, relative to the hanger, about the first pin, a clapper coupled to the link piece, and a second pin coupled between the link piece and the clapper, wherein the clapper is configured to rotate, relative to the link piece, about the second pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2023
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Applicant: SPM Oil & Gas Inc.
    Inventors: Nadiya V. Fuller, Brian C. Witkowski
  • Publication number: 20230116368
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body that defines an internal flow passageway between an inlet and an outlet, and a valve seat disposed in the valve body with a sealing surface perpendicular to the flow passageway. The valve assembly further includes a clapper pivotally correlated to the valve seat having a closed configuration extending across the valve seat configured to substantially close off the flow passageway, and an open configuration configured to substantially allow fluid flow in the flow passageway from the inlet to the outlet through the valve body. An annular valve seat seal is disposed within an annular groove formed in a surface of the valve seat, where the annular valve seat seal is disposed at an interface between the valve seat and the clapper when the clapper is in the closed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2022
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Applicant: SPM Oil & Gas Inc.
    Inventor: Brian C. Witkowski
  • Patent number: 11530591
    Abstract: A plug valve including a valve body defining an internal cavity, a first passage, and a second passage, a plug defining a third passage and being rotatable within the internal cavity, and an insert extending within the internal cavity between the valve body and the plug. The insert defines an interior surface and an opening aligned with the first passage of the valve body. The insert may also define a sealing surface extending around the opening and standing in relief against the interior surface to sealingly engage the plug. In addition to, or instead of, the sealing surface, the insert may define a projection at least partially defining the interior surface. In addition, a boot may be connected to the valve body and interlocked with the projection to prevent, or at least reduce, rotation of the insert relative to the valve body when the plug rotates within the internal cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: SPM Oil & Gas Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Witkowski, Nuder Said, Duc Thanh Tran
  • Patent number: 11512781
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body that defines an internal flow passageway between an inlet and an outlet, and a valve seat disposed in the valve body with a sealing surface perpendicular to the flow passageway. The valve assembly further includes a clapper pivotally correlated to the valve seat having a closed configuration extending across the valve seat configured to substantially close off the flow passageway, and an open configuration configured to substantially allow fluid flow in the flow passageway from the inlet to the outlet through the valve body. An annular valve seat seal is disposed within an annular groove formed in a surface of the valve seat, where the annular valve seat seal is disposed at an interface between the valve seat and the clapper when the clapper is in the closed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: SPM Oil & Gas Inc.
    Inventor: Brian C. Witkowski
  • Patent number: 11421504
    Abstract: An apparatus according to which a subterranean formation in which a wellbore extends is hydraulically fractured, the apparatus comprising first and second manifolds, the first manifold including first and second flow lines adapted to be in fluid communication with first and second pumps, respectively, the first pump being adapted to pressurize fluid received from the first flow line, and the second pump being adapted to pressurize fluid received from the second flow line, and the second manifold including a third flow line adapted to convey pressurized fluid from the first and second pumps to the wellbore to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore extends. The apparatus is adapted to be connected to another apparatus used to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore extends by moving one, or both, of the first and second flow lines relative to the third flow line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: SPM Oil & Gas Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Witkowski, Nadiya Fuller, Nuder Said, Duc Thanh Tran, Peter Walter
  • Patent number: 11365819
    Abstract: A valve assembly adapted for use in oil and gas operations. In one aspect, the valve assembly includes a valve body defining an internal region, an inlet passageway, and an outlet passageway, the inlet and outlet passageways extending into the internal region; a valve seat connected to the valve body and defining a fluid passageway; a clapper extending within the internal region and defining an annular groove; and a seal extending within the annular groove of the clapper and adapted to sealingly engage the valve seat. In an example embodiment, the clapper is actuable between an open configuration, in which fluid flow is permitted through the fluid passageway; and a closed configuration, in which the seal sealingly engages the valve seat to at least partially restrict fluid flow through the fluid passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: SPM Oil & Gas Inc.
    Inventors: Nadiya Fuller, Nuder Said, Brian C. Witkowski
  • Publication number: 20220018446
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body that defines an internal flow passageway between an inlet and an outlet, and a valve seat disposed in the valve body with a sealing surface perpendicular to the flow passageway. The valve assembly further includes a clapper pivotally correlated to the valve seat having a closed configuration extending across the valve seat configured to substantially close off the flow passageway, and an open configuration configured to substantially allow fluid flow in the flow passageway from the inlet to the outlet through the valve body. An annular valve seat seal is disposed within an annular groove formed in a surface of the valve seat, where the annular valve seat seal is disposed at an interface between the valve seat and the clapper when the clapper is in the closed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Inventor: Brian C. Witkowski
  • Patent number: 11149514
    Abstract: An apparatus according to which a subterranean formation in which a wellbore extends is hydraulically fractured, the apparatus comprising first and second manifolds, the first manifold including first and second flow lines adapted to be in fluid communication with first and second pumps, respectively, the first pump being adapted to pressurize fluid received from the first flow line, and the second pump being adapted to pressurize fluid received from the second flow line, and the second manifold including a third flow line adapted to convey pressurized fluid from the first and second pumps to the wellbore to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore extends. The apparatus is adapted to be connected to another apparatus used to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore extends by moving one, or both, of the first and second flow lines relative to the third flow line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: SPM Oil & Gas Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Witkowski, Nadiya Fuller, Nuder Said, Duc Thanh Tran, Peter Walter
  • Patent number: 11149885
    Abstract: A high pressure swivel comprises a first tube; a second tube; and a plurality of balls contained between a plurality of bearing races and a plurality of complimentary bearing races, wherein the first tube and the second tube comprise a carburizing grade micro-alloy steel, wherein the carburizing grade micro-alloy steel comprises a yield strength of greater than about 110,000 psi, a tensile strength of greater than about 130,000 psi, an elongation of greater than about 14%, a reduction area of greater than about 45%, and a longitudinal Charpy v-notch of greater than about 31 ft/lbs longitudinal at about ?40° C., and a nickel concentration of less than about 1 wt. %, by weight of the carburizing grade micro-alloy steel, and a carbon content of less than about 0.15 wt. %, by weight of the carburizing grade micro-alloy steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: S.P.M. Flow Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Witkowski, Matt Treida, Ben Ward
  • Publication number: 20210017830
    Abstract: An apparatus according to which a subterranean formation in which a wellbore extends is hydraulically fractured, the apparatus comprising first and second manifolds, the first manifold including first and second flow lines adapted to be in fluid communication with first and second pumps, respectively, the first pump being adapted to pressurize fluid received from the first flow line, and the second pump being adapted to pressurize fluid received from the second flow line, and the second manifold including a third flow line adapted to convey pressurized fluid from the first and second pumps to the wellbore to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore extends. The apparatus is adapted to be connected to another apparatus used to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore extends by moving one, or both, of the first and second flow lines relative to the third flow line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Applicant: S.P.M. Flow Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Witkowski, Nadiya Fuller, Nuder Said, Duc Thanh Tran, Peter Walter
  • Publication number: 20200393054
    Abstract: A valve assembly adapted for use in oil and gas operations. In one aspect, the valve assembly includes a valve body defining an internal region, an inlet passageway, and an outlet passageway, the inlet and outlet passageways extending into the internal region; a valve seat connected to the valve body and defining a fluid passageway; a clapper extending within the internal region and defining an annular groove; and a seal extending within the annular groove of the clapper and adapted to sealingly engage the valve seat. In an example embodiment, the clapper is actuable between an open configuration, in which fluid flow is permitted through the fluid passageway; and a closed configuration, in which the seal sealingly engages the valve seat to at least partially restrict fluid flow through the fluid passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Publication date: December 17, 2020
    Inventors: Nadiya Fuller, Nuder Said, Brian C. Witkowski
  • Patent number: 10808488
    Abstract: An apparatus according to which a subterranean formation in which a wellbore extends is hydraulically fractured, the apparatus comprising first and second manifolds, the first manifold including first and second flow lines adapted to be in fluid communication with first and second pumps, respectively, the first pump being adapted to pressurize fluid received from the first flow line, and the second pump being adapted to pressurize fluid received from the second flow line, and the second manifold including a third flow line adapted to convey pressurized fluid from the first and second pumps to the wellbore to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore extends. The apparatus is adapted to be connected to another apparatus used to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore extends by moving one, or both, of the first and second flow lines relative to the third flow line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: S.P.M. Flow Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Witkowski, Nadiya Fuller, Nuder Said, Duc Thanh Tran, Peter Walter
  • Patent number: 10753490
    Abstract: A valve assembly adapted for use in oil and gas operations. In one aspect, the valve assembly includes a valve body defining an internal region, an inlet passageway, and an outlet passageway, the inlet and outlet passageways extending into the internal region; a valve seat connected to the valve body and defining a fluid passageway; a clapper extending within the internal region and defining an annular groove; and a seal extending within the annular groove of the clapper and adapted to sealingly engage the valve seat. In an example embodiment, the clapper is actuable between an open configuration, in which fluid flow is permitted through the fluid passageway; and a closed configuration, in which the seal sealingly engages the valve seat to at least partially restrict fluid flow through the fluid passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: S.P.M. Flow Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Nadiya Fuller, Nuder Said, Brian C. Witkowski
  • Publication number: 20200256149
    Abstract: A plug valve including a valve body defining an internal cavity, a first passage, and a second passage, a plug defining a third passage and being rotatable within the internal cavity, and an insert extending within the internal cavity between the valve body and the plug. The insert defines an interior surface and an opening aligned with the first passage of the valve body. The insert may also define a sealing surface extending around the opening and standing in relief against the interior surface to sealingly engage the plug. In addition to, or instead of, the sealing surface, the insert may define a projection at least partially defining the interior surface. In addition, a boot may be connected to the valve body and interlocked with the projection to prevent, or at least reduce, rotation of the insert relative to the valve body when the plug rotates within the internal cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Applicant: S.P.M. Flow Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. WITKOWSKI, Nuder Said, Duc Thanh TRAN
  • Publication number: 20200115986
    Abstract: An apparatus according to which a subterranean formation in which a wellbore extends is hydraulically fractured, the apparatus comprising first and second manifolds, the first manifold including first and second flow lines adapted to be in fluid communication with first and second pumps, respectively, the first pump being adapted to pressurize fluid received from the first flow line, and the second pump being adapted to pressurize fluid received from the second flow line, and the second manifold including a third flow line adapted to convey pressurized fluid from the first and second pumps to the wellbore to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore extends. The apparatus is adapted to be connected to another apparatus used to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore extends by moving one, or both, of the first and second flow lines relative to the third flow line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Applicant: S.P.M. FLOW CONTROL, INC.
    Inventors: Brian C. Witkowski, Nadiya Fuller, Nuder Said, Duc Thanh Tran, Peter Walter
  • Patent number: 10526862
    Abstract: An apparatus according to which a subterranean formation in which a wellbore extends is hydraulically fractured, the apparatus comprising first and second manifolds, the first manifold including first and second flow lines adapted to be in fluid communication with first and second pumps, respectively, the first pump being adapted to pressurize fluid received from the first flow line, and the second pump being adapted to pressurize fluid received from the second flow line, and the second manifold including a third flow line adapted to convey pressurized fluid from the first and second pumps to the wellbore to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore extends. The apparatus is adapted to be connected to another apparatus used to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore extends by moving one, or both, of the first and second flow lines relative to the third flow line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: S.P.M. Flow Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Witkowski, Nadiya Fuller, Nuder Said, Duc Thanh Tran, Peter Walter
  • Publication number: 20190234171
    Abstract: An apparatus according to which a subterranean formation in which a wellbore extends is hydraulically fractured, the apparatus comprising first and second manifolds, the first manifold including first and second flow lines adapted to be in fluid communication with first and second pumps, respectively, the first pump being adapted to pressurize fluid received from the first flow line, and the second pump being adapted to pressurize fluid received from the second flow line, and the second manifold including a third flow line adapted to convey pressurized fluid from the first and second pumps to the wellbore to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore extends. The apparatus is adapted to be connected to another apparatus used to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore extends by moving one, or both, of the first and second flow lines relative to the third flow line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Publication date: August 1, 2019
    Inventors: Brian C. Witkowski, Nadiya Fuller, Nuder Said, Duc Thanh Tran, Peter Walter
  • Publication number: 20190128435
    Abstract: A valve assembly adapted for use in oil and gas operations. In one aspect, the valve assembly includes a valve body defining an internal region, an inlet passageway, and an outlet passageway, the inlet and outlet passageways extending into the internal region; a valve seat connected to the valve body and defining a fluid passageway; a clapper extending within the internal region and defining an annular groove; and a seal extending within the annular groove of the clapper and adapted to sealingly engage the valve seat. In an example embodiment, the clapper is actuable between an open configuration, in which fluid flow is permitted through the fluid passageway; and a closed configuration, in which the seal sealingly engages the valve seat to at least partially restrict fluid flow through the fluid passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Publication date: May 2, 2019
    Inventors: Nadiya Fuller, Nuder Said, Brian C. Witkowski
  • Patent number: 10197172
    Abstract: A valve assembly adapted for use in oil and gas operations. In one aspect, the valve assembly includes a valve body defining an internal region, an inlet passageway, and an outlet passageway, the inlet and outlet passageways extending into the internal region; a valve seat connected to the valve body and defining a fluid passageway; a clapper extending within the internal region and defining an annular groove; and a seal extending within the annular groove of the clapper and adapted to sealingly engage the valve seat. In an example embodiment, the clapper is actuable between an open configuration, in which fluid flow is permitted through the fluid passageway; and a closed configuration, in which the seal sealingly engages the valve seat to at least partially restrict fluid flow through the fluid passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: S.P.M. FLOW CONTROL, INC.
    Inventors: Nadiya Fuller, Nuder Said, Brian C. Witkowski
  • Publication number: 20180306358
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to a high pressure swivel joint comprising: (a) a first tube comprising: a first tube central longitudinal axis; a first tube interior circumferential surface; a first tube circumferential surface; a first tube first end comprising a male connector comprising a plurality of bearing races; and a first tube second end; (b) a second tube having: a second tube central longitudinal axis; a second tube interior circumferential surface; a second tube circumferential surface; and a second tube first end comprising a female connector comprising a plurality of complimentary bearing races; and (c) a plurality of balls contained between the plurality of bearing races and the plurality of complimentary bearing races, wherein the first end of the first tube and the proximal end of the second tube are configured to connect to form an articulating joint, and wherein the first tube and the second tube comprise a carburizing grade micro-alloy steel, wherein the car
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Brian C. Witkowski, Matt Treida, Ben Ward