Patents by Inventor Keith C. Johansen
Keith C. Johansen 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: 12252949Abstract: 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) a first seal section on the adapter sealingly contacts a first seal bore on the housing assembly. Progressive engagement of a locking ring tightens the locking elements against the adapter. Internal pressure further tightens the adapter against the locking elements and the first seal section against the first seal bore. The fluid connection adapter also provides a release collar in adapter release embodiments. Extension of the locking ring away from the fluid connection housing during disengagement contacts the release collar and separates the fluid connection adapter from the fluid connection housing assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2023Date of Patent: March 18, 2025Assignee: FHE USA LLCInventors: Matthew E. Kibler, Kyle Scholl, Keith C. Johansen, Nicolas G. Snoke, Steven M. Hutchinson
-
Publication number: 20250043648Abstract: A fluid connection assembly includes a fluid connection adapter and a fluid connection housing assembly. A seal forms when the adapter enters the housing assembly. Wedge-style locking elements on the housing assembly constrict about the adapter. A displaceable locking ring urges the wedges to tighten against the adapter. Internal pressure further encourages the adapter to tighten against the wedges. Some embodiments enable locking on the exterior of the adapter and sealing on the interior. The housing assembly is movable to the adapter when the adapter is connected to a stationary fixture such as a wellhead. The wedge assemblies may affix to a flanged connector so that wedge constriction loads transmit to the flanged connector in the first instance. A locking tab feature guards against accidental separation of the connection assembly when pressurized. A quick test system resides entirely on the housing assembly in order to simplify the adapter.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2024Publication date: February 6, 2025Inventors: Matthew E. Kibler, Kyle Scholl, Keith C. Johansen, Nicolas G. Snoke, Steven M. Hutchinson
-
Patent number: 12173577Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 29, 2023Date of Patent: December 24, 2024Assignee: FHE USA LLCInventors: Matthew E. Kibler, Kyle Scholl, Keith C. Johansen, Nicolas G. Snoke
-
Publication number: 20230340851Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2023Publication date: October 26, 2023Inventors: Matthew E. Kibler, Kyle Scholl, Keith C. Johansen, Nicolas G. Snoke
-
Publication number: 20230272687Abstract: 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) a first seal section on the adapter sealingly contacts a first seal bore on the housing assembly. Progressive engagement of a locking ring tightens the locking elements against the adapter. Internal pressure further tightens the adapter against the locking elements and the first seal section against the first seal bore. The fluid connection adapter also provides a release collar in adapter release embodiments. Extension of the locking ring away from the fluid connection housing during disengagement contacts the release collar and separates the fluid connection adapter from the fluid connection housing assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2023Publication date: August 31, 2023Inventors: Matthew E. Kibler, Kyle Scholl, Keith C. Johansen, Nicolas G. Snoke, Steven M. Hutchinson
-
Patent number: 11692408Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 18, 2020Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: FHE USA LLCInventors: Matthew E. Kibler, Kyle Scholl, Keith C. Johansen, Nicolas G. Snoke
-
Patent number: 11680456Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 29, 2022Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: FHE USA LLCInventors: Keith C. Johansen, Nicolas G. Snoke
-
Publication number: 20220251916Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2022Publication date: August 11, 2022Inventors: Keith C. Johansen, Nicolas G. Snoke
-
Patent number: 11319766Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 16, 2020Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: FHE USA LLCInventors: Keith C. Johansen, Nicolas G. Snoke
-
Patent number: 11313195Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 29, 2021Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: FHE USA LLCInventors: Matthew E. Kibler, Kyle Scholl, Keith C. Johansen, Nicolas G. Snoke
-
Publication number: 20210246753Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2021Publication date: August 12, 2021Inventors: Matthew E. Kibler, Kyle Scholl, Keith C. Johansen, Nicolas G. Snoke
-
Publication number: 20210102436Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2020Publication date: April 8, 2021Inventors: Matthew E. Kibler, Kyle Scholl, Keith C. Johansen, Nicolas G. Snoke
-
Patent number: 10907435Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 7, 2019Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: FHE USA LLCInventors: Matthew E. Kibler, Kyle Scholl, Keith C. Johansen, Nicolas G. Snoke
-
Publication number: 20200408057Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2020Publication date: December 31, 2020Inventors: Keith C. Johansen, Nicolas G. Snoke
-
Publication number: 20200072010Abstract: A remotely-operated fluid connection assembly to hold higher internal pressures in larger diameters. Disclosed embodiments gain advantage from the internal work pressure to provide improved seal performance. 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: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2019Publication date: March 5, 2020Inventors: Matthew E. Kibler, Kyle Scholl, Keith C. Johansen, Nicolas G. Snoke
-
Patent number: 10550659Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 14, 2018Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: FHE USA LLCInventors: Matthew E. Kibler, Kyle Scholl, Keith C. Johansen, Nicolas G. Snoke
-
Publication number: 20200016611Abstract: A solids separator includes a housing having a fluid inlet, the fluid inlet oriented to induce helical flow of fluid entering the housing. A flow reversing device is disposed within the housing and is arranged to reverse a longitudinal direction of the helical flow within the housing. A fluid outlet is disposed at an upper end of the housing. The fluid outlet includes within its cross-section a radial center of the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2018Publication date: January 16, 2020Inventors: Matthew Kibler, Kyle Scholl, Nicolas G. Snoke, Keith C. Johansen
-
Publication number: 20190301249Abstract: A remotely-operated fluid connection assembly to hold higher internal pressures in larger diameters. Disclosed embodiments gain advantage from the internal work pressure to provide improved seal performance. 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: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2018Publication date: October 3, 2019Inventors: Matthew E. Kibler, Kyle Scholl, Keith C. Johansen, Nicolas G. Snoke
-
Publication number: 20190301260Abstract: A fluid connection has a housing affixable to a fluid coupling and a seal bore in the interior. An adapter has a seal on an exterior engageable with the seal bore and a lock engagement surface, the adapter has a maximum outer diameter section. Locking elements are coupled to the housing by respective pivots, and each element has an inner and outer working surface on one side of the pivot and a contact surface on the other side of the pivot. The inner working surface has a taper opposed to the lock engagement surface. The contact surfaces and the maximum outer diameter section are such that the inner working surfaces contact the lock engagement surface. A lock ring is coupled to the housing by an actuator. When the actuator is extended the lock ring exposes the outer working surfaces, and when retracted the lock ring surrounds the outer working surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2018Publication date: October 3, 2019Inventors: Matthew Kibler, Kyle Scholl, Nicolas H. Snoke, Keith C. Johansen
-
Publication number: 20190277104Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2019Publication date: September 12, 2019Inventors: Keith C. Johansen, Nicolas G. Snoke