Patents by Inventor Micheal Cole Thomas

Micheal Cole Thomas 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: 20230383784
    Abstract: A modular crankshaft configured for use within a power end assembly. The modular crankshaft is configured to interconnect a drive shaft and a plurality of linear drive assemblies. The various embodiments of modular crankshafts disclosed herein are assembled by interconnecting a plurality of individual main bearing journals using a plurality of fasteners. One or more embodiments of modular crankshafts may also include individual connecting rod journals that are attached to individual main bearing journals using a plurality of fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: Micheal Cole Thomas, Christopher Todd Barnett, Kelcy Jake Foster, Nicholas Son, John Keith
  • Patent number: 11808364
    Abstract: A valve configured to seal against a valve seat. The valve and valve seat are configured to be installed within a fluid end. A recess is formed within the valve for receiving a seal. A shape of the recess and a shape of the valve are designed to reduce wear to the seal during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Kerr Machine Co.
    Inventors: Micheal Cole Thomas, Christopher Todd Barnett, Nicholas Son, John Keith, Kelcy Jake Foster
  • Patent number: 11808254
    Abstract: A fluid end assembly comprising a plurality of fluid end sections positioned in a side-by-side relationship. Each fluid end section comprises a housing made of multiple-piece construction. One or more pieces of the housing are configured to have a plurality of stay rods attached thereto. The stay rods interconnect the fluid end assembly and a power end assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Kerr Machine Co.
    Inventors: Micheal Cole Thomas, Christopher Todd Barnett, Kelcy Jake Foster, Nicholas Son, John Keith
  • Publication number: 20230340948
    Abstract: A linear drive assembly configured for use within a power end assembly. The linear drive assembly is configured to interconnect a crankshaft and a pony rod and comprises a crosshead assembly attached to a connecting rod assembly. In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the connecting rod assembly is configured to attach to opposite sides of the crosshead assembly so that no portion of the connecting rod assembly is disposed within an interior of a crosshead included in the crosshead assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2023
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Kelcy Jake Foster, Micheal Cole Thomas, Christopher Todd Barnett, Nicholas Son, John Keith, Guy J. Lapointe
  • Publication number: 20230332584
    Abstract: A fluid routing plug for use with a fluid end section. The fluid end section being one of a plurality of fluid end sections making up a fluid end side of a high pressure pump. The fluid routing plug is installed within a horizontal bore formed in a fluid end section and is configured to route fluid throughout the fluid end section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Nicholas Son, Micheal Cole Thomas, Christopher Todd Barnett, Kelcy Jake Foster, John Keith
  • Patent number: 11788527
    Abstract: A flangeless fluid end comprising a fluid end body releasably attached to a connect plate. The connect plate is attached to a power source using stay rods. The flow bores of the fluid end are sealed without threading a retainer nut into the walls of each bore. Instead, the flow bores are sealed by bolting a retainer to the fluid end body. Plungers to drive fluid through the fluid end body are installed within removable stuffing box sleeves. These sleeves are maintained within the plunger bores by the bolted retainers. A number of features, including the location of seals within bore walls and carbide inserts within valve structures, aid in reducing or transferring wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Kerr Machine Co.
    Inventors: Mark S. Nowell, Kelcy Jake Foster, Christopher Todd Barnett, Brandon Scott Ayres, Michael Eugene May, Guy J. Lapointe, Micheal Cole Thomas
  • Publication number: 20230323873
    Abstract: A multi-piece fluid end that can be produced with fewer raw materials and at a lower cost. In one embodiment, a fluid end is formed from a first body attached to a separate second body. Their respective external surfaces may be engaged flushly, partially, or via one or more spacer elements. In some embodiments, the body pieces are flangeless to reduce stress on the fluid end. The second body may have a plurality of bores that are alignable with a plurality of corresponding bores formed in the first body. The second body may be connected to a power end using a plurality of stay rods. In other implementations, more than two body pieces may be utilized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2023
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Inventors: Mark S. Nowell, Kelcy Jake Foster, Christopher Todd Barnett, Brandon Scott Ayres, Michael Eugene May, Guy J. Lapointe, Micheal Cole Thomas
  • Publication number: 20230313890
    Abstract: A valve having a nose joined to a strike face. The strike face is configured to engage a tapered sealing surface formed on a component having a central fluid bore. The valve and component are configured to be installed within a fluid end. When the strike face of the valve engages the tapered sealing surface of the component, the nose is installed within the central fluid bore of the component. In operation, fluid is restricted from flowing between the strike face and the tapered sealing surface until fluid pressure has pushed the nose entirely out of the central fluid bore, thereby increasing the cross-sectional area available for fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Kelcy Jake Foster, Micheal Cole Thomas, Christopher Todd Barnett, Nicholas Son, John Keith
  • Publication number: 20230279956
    Abstract: A fluid end assembly comprising a housing having multiple conduits formed therein. A tubular sleeve is installed within one of the conduits and is configured to house a plurality of packing seals. A seal is installed within a groove formed in the walls of the housing surrounding the tubular sleeve such that the seal engages an outer surface of the tubular sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2023
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Inventors: Mark S. Nowell, Kelcy Jake Foster, Michael Eugene May, Brandon Scott Ayres, Christopher Todd Barnett, Micheal Cole Thomas, Guy J. Lapointe
  • Publication number: 20230272786
    Abstract: A fluid end comprising a plurality of fluid end sections positioned in a side-by-side relationship. Each fluid end section is releasably attached to a connect plate. Each connect plate is attached to a power source using a plurality of stay rods. Each fluid end section comprises a housing in fluid communication with a pair of intake manifolds and a discharge conduit. A fluid routing plug is installed within each housing and is configured to route fluid throughout the housing. A plunger is installed within stuffing box attached to each housing. A number of features, including the location of seals within bore walls and carbide inserts within valve guides, aid in reducing or transferring wear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2023
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Inventors: Micheal Cole Thomas, Christopher Todd Barnett, Kelcy Jake Foster, Nicholas Son, John Keith, Mark S. Nowell
  • Publication number: 20230258291
    Abstract: A manifold assembly configured for use with a fluid end used in oil and gas operations. The manifold assembly comprises upper and lower manifolds supported on side posts such that the manifolds and posts define a central opening. In operation, the fluid end is positioned within the central opening such that the manifold assembly surrounds the fluid end. The manifold assembly is not attached to the fluid end other than flexible conduits interconnecting the fluid and the manifolds. The manifold assembly is modular and when assembled, may be moved together as a single unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2023
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Inventors: Kelcy Jake Foster, Micheal Cole Thomas, Christopher Todd Barnett, John Keith, Nicholas Son
  • Patent number: 11686296
    Abstract: A fluid routing plug for use with a fluid end section. The fluid end section being one of a plurality of fluid end sections making up a fluid end side of a high pressure pump. The fluid routing plug is installed within a horizontal bore formed in a fluid end section and is configured to route fluid throughout the fluid end section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Kerr Machine Co.
    Inventors: Nicholas Son, Micheal Cole Thomas, Christopher Todd Barnett, Kelcy Jake Foster, John Keith
  • Publication number: 20230193884
    Abstract: A fluid end for use with a power end. The fluid end comprises a plurality of fluid end sections positioned adjacent one another. Each section includes a single horizontally positioned bore. A plunger is installed within the bore and includes a fluid passageway. Low-pressure fluid enters the bore through the plunger and high-pressure fluid exits the fluid end through an outlet valve installed within the bore. The intake of low-pressure fluid within the fluid end section is regulated by an inlet valve installed within the plunger. Low-pressure fluid enters the plunger through an inlet component attached to both the plunger and an inlet manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2023
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Mark S. Nowell, Kelcy Jake Foster, Micheal Cole Thomas, Christopher Todd Barnett, Guy J. Lapointe, Brandon Scott Ayres
  • Publication number: 20230193887
    Abstract: A fluid routing plug for use with a fluid end section. The fluid end section being one of a plurality of fluid end sections making up a fluid end side of a high pressure pump. The fluid routing plug is installed within a horizontal bore formed in a fluid end section and is configured to route fluid between an intake and discharge bore. The fluid routing plug comprises a plurality of first and second fluid passages. The first and second passages do not intersect and are offset from one another. The first fluid passages are configured to direct fluid delivered to the horizontal bore from intake bores towards a reciprocating plunger. The second fluid passages are configured to direct fluid pressurized by the plunger towards a discharge bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2023
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Micheal Cole Thomas, Christopher Todd Barnett, Kelcy Jake Foster, Nicholas Son, John Keith, Mark S. Nowell
  • Publication number: 20230160382
    Abstract: A fluid end comprising a plurality of fluid end sections positioned in a side-by-side relationship. Each fluid end section is releasably attached to a connect plate. Each connect plate is attached to a power source using a plurality of stay rods. Each fluid end section comprises a housing in fluid communication with a pair of intake manifolds and a discharge conduit. A fluid routing plug is installed within each housing and is configured to route fluid throughout the housing. A plunger is installed within stuffing box attached to each housing. A number of features, including the location of seals within bore walls and carbide inserts within valve guides, aid in reducing or transferring wear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2023
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Inventors: Micheal Cole Thomas, Christopher Todd Barnett, Kelcy Jake Foster, Nicholas Son, John Keith, Mark S. Nowell
  • Patent number: 11649900
    Abstract: Apparatus and method contemplating a high pressure fluid end assembly having a body defining a body bore and defining a recess in the body intersecting the body bore. A closure is joined to the body and forms a sealing surface. A seal is mounted to the body in the recess and configured to extend from the recess beyond the body bore to seal against the sealing surface formed by the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Kerr Machine Co.
    Inventors: Mark S. Nowell, Kelcy Jake Foster, Michael Eugene May, Brandon Scott Ayres, Christopher Todd Barnett, Micheal Cole Thomas, Guy J. Lapointe
  • Patent number: 11649901
    Abstract: A fluid end assembly comprising a housing having multiple conduits formed therein. A tubular sleeve is installed within one of the conduits and is configured to house a plurality of packing seals. A seal is installed within a groove formed in the walls of the housing surrounding the tubular sleeve such that the seal engages an outer surface of the tubular sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Kerr Machine Co.
    Inventors: Mark S. Nowell, Kelcy Jake Foster, Michael Eugene May, Brandon Scott Ayres, Christopher Todd Barnett, Micheal Cole Thomas, Guy J. Lapointe
  • Publication number: 20230141854
    Abstract: A valve configured to seal against a valve seat. The valve and valve seat are configured to be installed within a fluid end. A recess is formed within the valve for receiving a seal. A shape of the recess and a shape of the valve are designed to reduce wear to the seal during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2022
    Publication date: May 11, 2023
    Inventors: Micheal Cole Thomas, Christopher Todd Barnett, Nicholas Son, John Keith, Kelcy Jake Foster
  • Patent number: 11644018
    Abstract: A fluid end comprising a plurality of fluid end sections positioned in a side-by-side relationship. Each fluid end section is releasably attached to a connect plate. Each connect plate is attached to a power source using a plurality of stay rods. Each fluid end section comprises a housing in fluid communication with a pair of intake manifolds and a discharge conduit. A fluid routing plug is installed within each housing and is configured to route fluid throughout the housing. A plunger is installed within stuffing box attached to each housing. A number of features, including the location of seals within bore walls and carbide inserts within valve guides, aid in reducing or transferring wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Kerr Machine Co.
    Inventors: Micheal Cole Thomas, Christopher Todd Barnett, Kelcy Jake Foster, Nicholas Son, John Keith, Mark S. Nowell
  • Patent number: 11635151
    Abstract: A power end assembly includes a crankshaft section, a crosshead section, and a connector section coupled together by one, two, or more sets of stay rods. The power end may include one or more support plates that are coupled to the crankshaft section and/or crosshead section. The crosshead section includes a plurality of individual crosshead frames. The connector section may include a plurality of individual connector plates or may be a unitary connector plate. The power end is configured to be coupled to a fluid end assembly by coupling the fluid end assembly to the connector plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Kerr Machine Co
    Inventors: Kelcy Jake Foster, Micheal Cole Thomas, Christopher Todd Barnett, Nicholas Son, John Keith, Mark S. Nowell, Guy J. Lapointe, Michael Eugene May