Patents by Inventor Lloyd R. Cheatham
Lloyd R. Cheatham 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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Patent number: 11585462Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 17, 2019Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLCInventors: Jeremy Ryan Choate, Travis Kyle McEvoy, Lloyd R. Cheatham, Keith M. Adams
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Publication number: 20210018115Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2019Publication date: January 21, 2021Applicant: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLCInventors: Jeremy Ryan Choate, Travis Kyle McEvoy, Lloyd R. Cheatham, Keith M. Adams
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Patent number: 10774945Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 12, 2018Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: GE OIL & GAS PRESSURE CONTROL LPInventors: Travis Kyle McEvoy, Robert Kevin Law, Keith M. Adams, Lloyd R. Cheatham
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Patent number: 10480675Abstract: A system for securing a valve actuator to body of a valve assembly includes an actuator housing having housing lugs protruding radially to define a plurality of housing slots therebetween. A bonnet has bonnet lugs protruding radially to define a plurality of bonnet slots therebetween. Each of the housing lugs are sized to pass axially through a respective one of the bonnet slots when the actuator housing is in a released position and, after passing through the bonnet slots, the actuator housing is rotatable to a locked position where at least a portion of one or more of the housing lugs is axially aligned with a portion of a respective bonnet lug to prevent axial movement of the actuator housing, the actuator housing rotating less than one full revolution between the released and locked positions. A securing mechanism prevents relative rotation between the actuator housing and the bonnet.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2017Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: GE Oil & Gas Pressure Control LPInventors: Travis Kyle McEvoy, Keith M. Adams, Lloyd R. Cheatham
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Patent number: 10302222Abstract: A valve assembly having a dynamic stem seal assembly includes a valve stem for moving a valve member from a closed position to an open position, the valve stem extending through a stem opening of a valve assembly body and having an axis. A packing assembly seals between the valve stem and the stem opening. The packing assembly has a seal assembly circumscribing the valve stem. The packing assembly also has a packing retainer assembly releasably secured to the valve stem. The packing assembly is axially static relative to the valve stem.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2018Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: GE Oil & Gas Pressure Control LPInventors: Travis Kyle McEvoy, Keith M. Adams, Lloyd R. Cheatham
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Publication number: 20190040973Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2018Publication date: February 7, 2019Applicant: GE Oil & Gas Pressure Control LPInventors: Travis Kyle McEvoy, Robert Kevin Law, Keith M. Adams, Lloyd R. Cheatham
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Patent number: 10132422Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 7, 2016Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: GE Oil & Gas Pressure Control LPInventors: Travis Kyle McEvoy, Robert Kevin Law, Keith M. Adams, Lloyd R. Cheatham
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Patent number: 10107413Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body with a flow passage intersected by a valve cavity. A valve member is axially movable in the valve cavity between a closed position and an open position, the valve member having an opening that registers with the flow passage when the valve member is in the open position. A valve stem is threadingly connected to the valve member, the valve stem rotatable to move the valve member between the closed position and the open position. A collar assembly is located within a slot of the valve member and circumscribes the valve stem, the collar assembly having an annular collar shoulder. The valve stem has an annular load shoulder sized to engage the collar shoulder, limiting axial movement of the valve member.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2016Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: GE Oil & Gas Pressure Control LPInventors: Samuel Heung Yeung Cheng, Andrew Browne Helvenston, Keith M. Adams, Lloyd R. Cheatham, Travis Kyle McEvoy
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Publication number: 20180128396Abstract: A valve assembly having a dynamic stem seal assembly includes a valve stem for moving a valve member from a closed position to an open position, the valve stem extending through a stem opening of a valve assembly body and having an axis. A packing assembly seals between the valve stem and the stem opening. The packing assembly has a seal assembly circumscribing the valve stem. The packing assembly also has a packing retainer assembly releasably secured to the valve stem. The packing assembly is axially static relative to the valve stem.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2018Publication date: May 10, 2018Applicant: GE Oil & Gas Pressure Control LPInventors: Travis Kyle McEvoy, Keith M. Adams, Lloyd R. Cheatham
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Publication number: 20180023725Abstract: A system for securing a valve actuator to body of a valve assembly includes an actuator housing having housing lugs protruding radially to define a plurality of housing slots therebetween. A bonnet has bonnet lugs protruding radially to define a plurality of bonnet slots therebetween. Each of the housing lugs are sized to pass axially through a respective one of the bonnet slots when the actuator housing is in a released position and, after passing through the bonnet slots, the actuator housing is rotatable to a locked position where at least a portion of one or more of the housing lugs is axially aligned with a portion of a respective bonnet lug to prevent axial movement of the actuator housing, the actuator housing rotating less than one full revolution between the released and locked positions. A securing mechanism prevents relative rotation between the actuator housing and the bonnet.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2017Publication date: January 25, 2018Applicant: GE Oil & Gas Pressure Control LPInventors: Travis Kyle McEvoy, Keith M. Adams, Lloyd R. Cheatham
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Patent number: 9863551Abstract: A valve assembly having a dynamic stem seal assembly includes a valve stem for moving a valve member from a closed position to an open position, the valve stem extending through a stem opening of a valve assembly body and having an axis. A packing assembly seals between the valve stem and the stem opening. The packing assembly has a seal assembly circumscribing the valve stem at a portion of the valve stem with a reduced outer diameter. The packing assembly also has a packing retainer assembly releasably secured to the valve stem at the portion of the valve stem with the reduced outer diameter. The packing assembly is axially static relative to the valve stem.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: GE OIL & GAS PRESSURE CONTROL LPInventors: Travis Kyle McEvoy, Keith M. Adams, Lloyd R. Cheatham
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Publication number: 20170335976Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body with a flow passage intersected by a valve cavity. A valve member is axially movable in the valve cavity between a closed position and an open position, the valve member having an opening that registers with the flow passage when the valve member is in the open position. A valve stem is threadingly connected to the valve member, the valve stem rotatable to move the valve member between the closed position and the open position. A collar assembly is located within a slot of the valve member and circumscribes the valve stem, the collar assembly having an annular collar shoulder. The valve stem has an annular load shoulder sized to engage the collar shoulder, limiting axial movement of the valve member.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2016Publication date: November 23, 2017Applicant: GE Oil & Gas Pressure Control LPInventors: Samuel Heung Yeung Cheng, Andrew Browne Helvenston, Keith M. Adams, Lloyd R. Cheatham, Travis Kyle McEvoy
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Patent number: 9759240Abstract: A system for securing a valve actuator to body of a valve assembly includes an actuator housing having housing lugs protruding radially to define a plurality of housing slots therebetween. A bonnet has bonnet lugs protruding radially to define a plurality of bonnet slots therebetween. Each of the housing lugs are sized to pass axially through a respective one of the bonnet slots when the actuator housing is in a released position and, after passing through the bonnet slots, the actuator housing is rotatable to a locked position where at least a portion of one or more of the housing lugs is axially aligned with a portion of a respective bonnet lug to prevent axial movement of the actuator housing, the actuator housing rotating less than one full revolution between the released and locked positions. A securing mechanism prevents relative rotation between the actuator housing and the bonnet.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2015Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: GE Oil & Gas Pressure Control LPInventors: Travis Kyle McEvoy, Keith M. Adams, Lloyd R. Cheatham
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Patent number: 9568117Abstract: An apparatus for actuating a valve includes an actuator with a cap. A plate that engages the inner diameter of the actuator housing is positioned within the actuator housing. A pressure chamber is located within the actuator housing between the plate and cap. A cap seal fluidly seals the pressure chamber between the cap and the actuator housing. The pressure chamber is fluidly sealed at the plate by one of a first plate seal assembly and a second plate seal assembly. The first plate seal assembly is formed by the diaphragm being secured between a seal nut and the plate. The second plate seal assembly is formed by an outer diameter sidewall seal located between the inner diameter of the actuator housing and the outer diameter of the plate and a retainer seal located between an outer diameter of the seal nut and an inner diameter of the plate.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2015Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: GE OIL & GAS PRESSURE CONTROL LPInventors: Keith M. Adams, Lloyd R. Cheatham, Travis Kyle McEvoy
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Publication number: 20160281876Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2016Publication date: September 29, 2016Applicant: GE Oil & Gas Pressure Control LPInventors: Travis Kyle McEvoy, Robert Kevin Law, Keith M. Adams, Lloyd R. Cheatham
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Publication number: 20160178087Abstract: A valve assembly having a dynamic stem seal assembly includes a valve stem for moving a valve member from a closed position to an open position, the valve stem extending through a stem opening of a valve assembly body and having an axis. A packing assembly seals between the valve stem and the stem opening. The packing assembly has a seal assembly circumscribing the valve stem at a portion of the valve stem with a reduced outer diameter. The packing assembly also has a packing retainer assembly releasably secured to the valve stem at the portion of the valve stem with the reduced outer diameter. The packing assembly is axially static relative to the valve stem.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2015Publication date: June 23, 2016Applicant: GE OIL & GAS PRESSURE CONTROL LPInventors: Travis Kyle McEvoy, Keith M. Adams, Lloyd R. Cheatham
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Publication number: 20160102765Abstract: A system for securing a valve actuator to body of a valve assembly includes an actuator housing having housing lugs protruding radially to define a plurality of housing slots therebetween. A bonnet has bonnet lugs protruding radially to define a plurality of bonnet slots therebetween. Each of the housing lugs are sized to pass axially through a respective one of the bonnet slots when the actuator housing is in a released position and, after passing through the bonnet slots, the actuator housing is rotatable to a locked position where at least a portion of one or more of the housing lugs is axially aligned with a portion of a respective bonnet lug to prevent axial movement of the actuator housing, the actuator housing rotating less than one full revolution between the released and locked positions. A securing mechanism prevents relative rotation between the actuator housing and the bonnet.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2015Publication date: April 14, 2016Applicant: GE Oil & Gas Pressure Control LPInventors: Travis Kyle McEvoy, Keith M. Adams, Lloyd R. Cheatham
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Patent number: 9212758Abstract: An actuator for operating a linear valve, such as a gate valve, includes a quick connect coupling between the housing and at least one of a bonnet and a power head assembly. In embodiments, the quick connect coupling includes a plurality of lugs spaced apart around an annular actuator housing surface, and a plurality of lugs spaced apart around an annular surface of another member such as a bonnet or power head, each of the lugs defining a plurality of slots therebetween. The lugs pass through corresponding slots, and then the housing is rotated relative to the other member until at least a portion of the lugs of each component are axially aligned in a locked position. The rotation is less than one full revolution of the rotated component. A latch prevents the component from rotating out of the locked position.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: GE Oil & Gas Pressure Control LPInventors: Keith M. Adams, Lloyd R. Cheatham
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Publication number: 20150204456Abstract: An apparatus for actuating a valve includes an actuator with a cap. A plate that engages the inner diameter of the actuator housing is positioned within the actuator housing. A pressure chamber is located within the actuator housing between the plate and cap. A cap seal fluidly seals the pressure chamber between the cap and the actuator housing. The pressure chamber is fluidly sealed at the plate by one of a first plate seal assembly and a second plate seal assembly. The first plate seal assembly is formed by the diaphragm being secured between a seal nut and the plate. The second plate seal assembly is formed by an outer diameter sidewall seal located between the inner diameter of the actuator housing and the outer diameter of the plate and a retainer seal located between an outer diameter of the seal nut and an inner diameter of the plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2015Publication date: July 23, 2015Applicant: GE OIL & GAS PRESSURE CONTROL LPInventors: Keith M. Adams, Lloyd R. Cheatham, Travis Kyle McEvoy
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Patent number: 8998166Abstract: An actuator for operating a linear valve, such as a gate valve, includes a sealing plate that extends across the diameter of a housing. A diaphragm is located on, and fully supported by, the plate. When pressure media urges the diaphragm and sealing plate downward, the sealing plate urges a step downward to actuate a valve. A hub and an annular support plate can be assembled to form the plate, and the plate can be different sizes by selecting different sized annular support plates.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2012Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: GE Oil & Gas Pressure Control LPInventors: Keith M. Adams, Lloyd R. Cheatham