Patents by Inventor Nicolas G. Snoke
Nicolas G. Snoke 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: 12079017Abstract: An articulated fluid delivery unit (FDU) is disposed to deliver fluid remotely to, for example, a mating fluid connection housing assembly provided on a wellhead. Flow iron on the FDU preferably includes at least one swivel joint rated for high fluid pressure and high fluid volume flow. More preferably, the swivel joint has an internal diameter of not less than about 5 inches and is further capable of rotation while retaining an internal pressure of not less than about 10,000 psi.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2023Date of Patent: September 3, 2024Assignee: FHE USA LLCInventors: Matthew E. Kibler, Kyle Scholl, Nicolas G. Snoke
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Publication number: 20240167607Abstract: An elbow fitting including an elbow body having an inlet, an outlet and an internal flow path formed therein. The inlet is in fluid communication with the outlet via the flow path. The elbow body, the inlet and the outlet together form a unitary workpiece. The unitary workpiece has a dead weight in a range between about 350 lbs and about 1,400 lbs. The inlet and the outlet each have an internal diameter of not less than about 7 inches. The elbow body is further capable of retaining an internal pressure of at least about 10,000 psi. The flow path may further include an enlarged chamber also formed within the elbow body. The enlarged chamber may be generally spherically shaped. An enclosed portion may be in fluid communication with the enlarged chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2024Publication date: May 23, 2024Inventors: Matthew E. Kibler, Kyle Scholl, Nicolas G. Snoke
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Publication number: 20240141768Abstract: A Dynamic Manifold Locking System (DMLS) enables remote-controlled disconnections and reconnections of pumping units from a pressurized (“hot”) fracking fluid manifold while the manifold remains pressurized and serving a well. The DMLS's connector assemblies integrate high-pressure and low-pressure connections, and remote testing of those connections, in order to enable the disconnections and reconnections of pumping units while the manifold remains pressurized. A Universal Positioning System (UPS) enables remote alignment and connection of two fluid connector assemblies integrated into the DMLS.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2023Publication date: May 2, 2024Inventors: Matthew E. Kibler, Nicolas G. Snoke, Steven M. Hutchinson, Kyle W. Scholl, Srikar S. Nittala
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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
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Publication number: 20230305583Abstract: An articulated fluid delivery unit (FDU) is disposed to deliver fluid remotely to, for example, a mating fluid connection housing assembly provided on a wellhead. Flow iron on the FDU preferably includes at least one swivel joint rated for high fluid pressure and high fluid volume flow. More preferably, the swivel joint has an internal diameter of not less than about 5 inches and is further capable of rotation while retaining an internal pressure of not less than about 10,000 psi.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2023Publication date: September 28, 2023Inventors: Matthew E. Kibler, Kyle Scholl, Nicolas G. Snoke
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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
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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
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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
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Patent number: 11662747Abstract: An articulated fluid delivery unit (FDU) is disposed to deliver fluid remotely to, for example, a mating fluid connection housing assembly provided on a wellhead. Flow iron on the FDU preferably includes at least one swivel joint rated for high fluid pressure and high fluid volume flow. More preferably, the swivel joint has an internal diameter of not less than about 5 inches and is further capable of rotation while retaining an internal pressure of not less than about 10,000 psi.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2021Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: FHE USA LLCInventors: Matthew E. Kibler, Kyle Scholl, Nicolas G. Snoke
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Publication number: 20210232162Abstract: An articulated fluid delivery unit (FDU) is disposed to deliver fluid remotely to, for example, a mating fluid connection housing assembly provided on a wellhead. Flow iron on the FDU preferably includes at least one swivel joint rated for high fluid pressure and high fluid volume flow. More preferably, the swivel joint has an internal diameter of not less than about 5 inches and is further capable of rotation while retaining an internal pressure of not less than about 10,000 psi.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2021Publication date: July 29, 2021Inventors: Matthew E. Kibler, Kyle Scholl, Nicolas G. Snoke
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Patent number: 10996686Abstract: A spatially positioned assembly comprising, in preferred embodiments, a fluid inlet in fluid flow communication with a fluid connection adapter. A plurality of boom sections are concatenated in articulated fashion. The plurality is rotatably connected to a turret at a proximal thereof, and is rotatably connected with the fluid connection adapter at a distal end thereof. The fluid connection adapter is disposed for connection to a mating fluid connection housing assembly provided on a wellhead. Independent control of rotation at multiple axes on the spatially positioned assembly allows an operator to establish measured directional bearings at axes, such that sets of measured directional bearings values contribute to defining corresponding spatial positions for the assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2020Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: FHE USA LLCInventors: Matthew E. Kibler, Kyle Scholl, Nicolas G. Snoke
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Patent number: 10996685Abstract: A spatially positioned assembly comprising, in preferred embodiments, first and second boom sections concatenated in articulated fashion to a turret at a proximal end thereof, and rotatably connected with a fluid connection adapter at a distal end thereof. The fluid connection adapter is preferably configured for connection to a mating fluid connection housing assembly provided on a wellhead. Independent control of rotation at each of multiple axes on the spatially positioned assembly allows an operator to establish corresponding desired spatial positions for the spatially positioned assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2019Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: FHE USA LLCInventors: Matthew E. Kibler, Kyle Scholl, Nicolas G. Snoke
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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
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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
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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
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Publication number: 20200386358Abstract: An elbow fitting including an inlet and an outlet. An internal flow path and an internal enclosed portion are formed within the elbow body such that the inlet is in fluid communication with the outlet via the flow path. The enclosed portion generally opposes the inlet and is in fluid communication with the flow path. The elbow fitting may be a casting or a forging. The inlet may have an internal diameter of not less than about 7 inches, and the elbow body may be further capable of retaining an internal pressure of not less than about 10,000 psi. The flow path may further include an enlarged chamber also formed within the elbow body. The enlarged chamber may be generally spherically shaped. In such designs, the enclosed portion is in fluid communication with the enlarged chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2020Publication date: December 10, 2020Inventors: Matthew E. Kibler, Kyle Scholl, Nicolas G. Snoke