Patents by Inventor Keith M. Adams

Keith M. Adams 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: 11920687
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes an actuator adapted to drive movement of a valve member. The valve assembly also includes a bonnet coupled to the actuator, a valve body coupled to the bonnet, and a fluid end coupled to the valve body. The valve assembly further includes a quick connection system adapted to couple the fluid end to the valve body. The quick connection system includes a plurality of valve body lugs separated by a plurality of spaces, the plurality of valve body lugs extending radially outward from an axis. The quick connection system also includes a plurality of fluid end lugs configured to interact with the plurality of valve body lugs, the plurality of valve body lugs being arranged to axially align with the plurality of fluid end lugs to block axial movement of the fluid end with respect to the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy Choate, Keith M. Adams, Lloyd Cheatham
  • Publication number: 20230383619
    Abstract: A system includes a Christmas tree (XT) having at least one valve, the XT being coupled to a wellbore. The system also includes a pressure boundary tool adapted to provide a secondary boundary for the XT. The pressure boundary tool includes a plug body to be positioned against a valve member of the at least one valve; a seal to be energized into a valve body of the at least one valve; and a plate arranged proximate the seal, the plate being moveable between a first position and a second position, the first position energizing the seal and a second position deenergizing the seal. The pressure boundary tool is positioned within the XT on a side of the valve member closer to the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2022
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Javier Garcia, Mahesha Udipi, Guy Mitelman, Brian Munk, Keith M. Adams
  • Patent number: 11585462
    Abstract: An actuator assembly for moving a valve between an open position and a closed position includes an actuator housing forming at least a portion of a chamber. The actuator assembly also includes a support plate arranged within the actuator housing. The actuator assembly further includes a diaphragm coupled to the actuator housing and the support plate, the diaphragm expanding and contracting in response to a working fluid within the chamber. The actuator assembly also includes an indicator rod extending through the chamber and out of the actuator housing, the indicator rod being removably coupled to the support plate, wherein the indicator rod is arranged within an opening formed in the support plate, the indicator rod secured to the support plate via a coupling mechanism that releases the indicator rod in response to a pressure from the working fluid between the diaphragm and the support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy Ryan Choate, Travis Kyle McEvoy, Lloyd R. Cheatham, Keith M. Adams
  • Patent number: 11466783
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body having a flow bore extending along a valve body axis from a first end to a second end, wherein at least one of the first end or the second end includes an opening adapted to receive a fluid end, the opening having an opening diameter sized to enable at least one of a valve member, a valve stem, or a valve seat to be installed through the opening. The valve assembly also includes an actuator adapted to drive movement of a valve member between an open position and a closed position. The valve assembly further includes a bonnet coupled to the actuator, the bonnet being coupled to the valve body at a top location, the bonnet being coupled to the valve body while at least one of the valve member, the valve stem, or the valve seat is installed through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy Choate, Keith M. Adams, Lloyd Cheatham
  • Patent number: 11460116
    Abstract: A valve for regulating a fluid flow includes a body with an opening at a top. The valve also includes a bonnet arranged within the opening, The valve further includes a coupling mechanism joining the body to the bonnet. The coupling mechanism includes a plurality of body lugs extending radially inward toward a stem axis, each body lug of the plurality of body lugs being separated from an adjacent body lug by a body opening. The coupling mechanism also includes a plurality of bonnet lugs extending radially outward from the stem axis, each bonnet lug of the plurality of bonnet lugs being separated from an adjacent bonnet lug by a bonnet opening. Each bonnet lug is adapted to axially move through a corresponding body opening to transition an axial position of the bonnet relative to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy Choate, Keith M. Adams
  • Patent number: 11365815
    Abstract: A system for converting operation of a valve between an unbalanced operation mode and a balanced operation mode includes a housing adapted to couple to a valve body. The system also includes a lower stem, including lugs, the lugs having a lug diameter that is larger than an adjacent lower stem diameter. The system further includes a valve member nut coupled to a valve member, the valve member nut having an opening to receive the lower stem, and pins extending into the opening, the pins forming a reduced diameter portion of the opening. In the system, the lower stem couples to the valve member, via the valve member nut, when the lugs are axially aligned with the reduced diameter portion and the lower stem decouples from the valve member when the lugs are axially misaligned with the reduced diameter portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy Ryan Choate, Keith M Adams, Travis Kyle McEvoy
  • Patent number: 11326712
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes an actuator adapted to drive movement of a valve member between an open position and a closed position. The valve assembly also includes a bonnet coupled to the actuator and a valve body coupled to the bonnet, the bonnet arranged between at least a portion of the actuator and the valve body. The valve assembly further includes a quick connector adapted to couple the bonnet to the valve body. The quick connector includes a plurality of bonnet lugs separated by a plurality of spaces, the plurality of bonnet lugs extending radially outward from an axis. The quick connector also includes a plurality of valve body lugs configured to interact with the plurality of bonnet lugs, the plurality of bonnet lugs being arranged to axially align with the plurality of valve body lugs to block axial movement of the bonnet with respect to the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy Ryan Choate, Keith M Adams, Lloyd Cheatham, Robert K Law
  • Publication number: 20210310569
    Abstract: A valve for regulating a fluid flow includes a body with an opening at a top. The valve also includes a bonnet arranged within the opening, The valve further includes a coupling mechanism joining the body to the bonnet. The coupling mechanism includes a plurality of body lugs extending radially inward toward a stem axis, each body lug of the plurality of body lugs being separated from an adjacent body lug by a body opening. The coupling mechanism also includes a plurality of bonnet lugs extending radially outward from the stem axis, each bonnet lug of the plurality of bonnet lugs being separated from an adjacent bonnet lug by a bonnet opening. Each bonnet lug is adapted to axially move through a corresponding body opening to transition an axial position of the bonnet relative to the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy Choate, Keith M. Adams
  • Publication number: 20210301938
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes an actuator adapted to drive movement of a valve member. The valve assembly also includes a bonnet coupled to the actuator, a valve body coupled to the bonnet, and a fluid end coupled to the valve body. The valve assembly further includes a quick connection system adapted to couple the fluid end to the valve body. The quick connection system includes a plurality of valve body lugs separated by a plurality of spaces, the plurality of valve body lugs extending radially outward from an axis. The quick connection system also includes a plurality of fluid end lugs configured to interact with the plurality of valve body lugs, the plurality of valve body lugs being arranged to axially align with the plurality of fluid end lugs to block axial movement of the fluid end with respect to the valve body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy Choate, Keith M. Adams, Lloyd Cheatham
  • Publication number: 20210301927
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body having a flow bore extending along a valve body axis from a first end to a second end, wherein at least one of the first end or the second end includes an opening adapted to receive a fluid end, the opening having an opening diameter sized to enable at least one of a valve member, a valve stem, or a valve seat to be installed through the opening. The valve assembly also includes an actuator adapted to drive movement of a valve member between an open position and a closed position. The valve assembly further includes a bonnet coupled to the actuator, the bonnet being coupled to the valve body at a top location, the bonnet being coupled to the valve body while at least one of the valve member, the valve stem, or the valve seat is installed through the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy Choate, Keith M. Adams, Lloyd Cheatham
  • Patent number: 11125343
    Abstract: A valve for regulating a fluid flow includes a body portion, a tail portion, and a coupling mechanism joining the body portion to the tail portion. The coupling mechanism includes a plurality of body portion lugs, each body portion lug being separated from an adjacent body portion lug by a body portion opening. The coupling mechanism also includes a plurality of tail portion lugs, each tail portion lug being separated from an adjacent tail portion lug by a tail portion opening. In operation, each body portion lug is adapted to axially move through a corresponding tail portion opening to transition an axial position of the tail portion relative to the body portion, at least one of the tail portion or the body portion being rotatable axially a body portion lug with a tail portion lug to block axial movement of the tail portion relative to the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Vault Pressure Control LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy Choate, Keith M. Adams, Mahesh Udipi
  • Publication number: 20210199201
    Abstract: A system for converting operation of a valve between an unbalanced operation mode and a balanced operation mode includes a housing adapted to couple to a valve body. The system also includes a lower stem, including lugs, the lugs having a lug diameter that is larger than an adjacent lower stem diameter. The system further includes a valve member nut coupled to a valve member, the valve member nut having an opening to receive the lower stem, and pins extending into the opening, the pins forming a reduced diameter portion of the opening. In the system, the lower stem couples to the valve member, via the valve member nut, when the lugs are axially aligned with the reduced diameter portion and the lower stem decouples from the valve member when the lugs are axially misaligned with the reduced diameter portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy Ryan Choate, Keith M. Adams, Travis Kyle McEvoy
  • Publication number: 20210156485
    Abstract: A valve for regulating a fluid flow includes a body portion, a tail portion, and a coupling mechanism joining the body portion to the tail portion. The coupling mechanism includes a plurality of body portion lugs, each body portion lug being separated from an adjacent body portion lug by a body portion opening. The coupling mechanism also includes a plurality of tail portion lugs, each tail portion lug being separated from an adjacent tail portion lug by a tail portion opening. In operation, each body portion lug is adapted to axially move through a corresponding tail portion opening to transition an axial position of the tail portion relative to the body portion, at least one of the tail portion or the body portion being rotatable axially a body portion lug with a tail portion lug to block axial movement of the tail portion relative to the body portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Applicant: Vault Pressure Control LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy Choate, Keith M. Adams, Mahesh Udipi
  • Patent number: 11015733
    Abstract: A system includes an actuator housing having a plurality of adapter lugs extending radially inward toward an axis, each adapter lug of the plurality of adapter lugs secured to the housing via a respective connector. The system also includes a bonnet having a plurality of bonnet lugs extending radially outward away from the axis, each bonnet lug of the plurality of bonnet lugs being separated by a respective space, the space being sized to permit axial movement of an adapter lug of the plurality of adapter lugs toward a lower flange arranged axially lower than the plurality of bonnet lugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: GE Oil & Gas Pressure Control LP
    Inventors: Jeremy Ryan Choate, Travis Kyle McEvoy, Lloyd Cheatham, Keith M Adams, Robert Law
  • Publication number: 20210062920
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body, a valve bonnet, coupled to the valve body, an opening extending through the valve body and the valve bonnet, along a longitudinal axis, and a valve stem. The valve assembly also includes a valve member positioned at an end of the valve stem and arranged within the opening, the valve member being movable, along the longitudinal axis, between an open position and a closed position, an actuator housing coupled to the bonnet, and an adapter assembly coupled to the actuator housing. The adapter assembly includes an adapter element, the adapter element coupled to the valve stem and a force converter coupled to the adapter element, the force converter translating an external rotating force into an axial force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2020
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy Ryan Choate, Keith M. Adams, Lloyd Cheatham
  • Publication number: 20210018115
    Abstract: An actuator assembly for moving a valve between an open position and a closed position includes an actuator housing forming at least a portion of a chamber. The actuator assembly also includes a support plate arranged within the actuator housing. The actuator assembly further includes a diaphragm coupled to the actuator housing and the support plate, the diaphragm expanding and contracting in response to a working fluid within the chamber. The actuator assembly also includes an indicator rod extending through the chamber and out of the actuator housing, the indicator rod being removably coupled to the support plate, wherein the indicator rod is arranged within an opening formed in the support plate, the indicator rod secured to the support plate via a coupling mechanism that releases the indicator rod in response to a pressure from the working fluid between the diaphragm and the support plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy Ryan Choate, Travis Kyle McEvoy, Lloyd R. Cheatham, Keith M. Adams
  • Patent number: 10851905
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body and a valve member configured to translate between an open and a closed position. The valve assembly also includes a bonnet coupled to the valve body and a valve stem coupled to the valve member. The valve assembly also includes an actuator coupled to the bonnet. The actuator includes a first drive mechanism positioned to translate a first driving force to the valve stem, the first drive mechanism being in operation during a normal operating condition. The actuator also includes a second drive mechanism positioned to translate a second driving force to the valve stem, the second drive mechanism being in operation during a fail-safe operating condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Travis Kyle McEvoy, Keith M. Adams, Jeremy Choate, Guy Mitelman, Paul Cody
  • Patent number: 10774945
    Abstract: A system for securing a valve actuator to a valve assembly includes an actuator housing with a plurality of housing lugs protruding radially. A cylinder assembly is located within the actuator housing and has a horseshoe connector to engage a valve stem nub of a valve stem and transfer axial movement of the horseshoe connector to axial movement of the valve stem. A bonnet has a plurality of bonnet lugs protruding radially from the bonnet to define a plurality of bonnet slots therebetween, wherein each of the plurality of housing lugs are sized to pass axially through a respective one of the plurality of bonnet slots when the actuator housing is in a released position, the actuator housing being rotatable to a locked position such that the plurality of bonnet lugs prevent axial movement of the actuator housing in at least one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: GE OIL & GAS PRESSURE CONTROL LP
    Inventors: Travis Kyle McEvoy, Robert Kevin Law, Keith M. Adams, Lloyd R. Cheatham
  • Patent number: 10745991
    Abstract: An overpressure safety system for use with a distribution of pressurized fluid associated with hydrocarbon production operations includes a safety valve in fluid communication with a main bore of a fluid control manifold assembly. The safety valve has a blocking condition where the safety valve blocks a flow of pressurized fluid through the safety valve, and a venting condition where the safety valve provides a fluid flow path for the pressurized fluid at a set overpressure to pass through the safety valve. A valve member is moveable within the safety valve between a first position where a pressure side of the valve member blocks the flow of the pressurized fluid at a pressure below the set overpressure from passing through the safety valve, and a second position where the valve member provides a fluid flow path for the pressurized fluid at any pressure to pass through the safety valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: GE OIL & GAS PRESSURE CONTROL LP
    Inventors: Saurabh Kajaria, Robert Ripple, Travis Kyle McEvoy, Keith M. Adams, Gerald Schofield
  • Publication number: 20200208490
    Abstract: An overpressure safety system for use with a distribution of pressurized fluid associated with hydrocarbon production operations includes a safety valve in fluid communication with a main bore of a fluid control manifold assembly. The safety valve has a blocking condition where the safety valve blocks a flow of pressurized fluid through the safety valve, and a venting condition where the safety valve provides a fluid flow path for the pressurized fluid at a set overpressure to pass through the safety valve. A valve member is moveable within the safety valve between a first position where a pressure side of the valve member blocks the flow of the pressurized fluid at a pressure below the set overpressure from passing through the safety valve, and a second position where the valve member provides a fluid flow path for the pressurized fluid at any pressure to pass through the safety valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Applicant: GE Oil & Gas Pressure Control LP
    Inventors: Saurabh Kajaria, Robert Ripple, Travis Kyle McEvoy, Keith M. Adams, Gerald Schofield