Abstract: An improved quick connector substantially simplifies string make-up by eliminating the need for a perfect longitudinal alignment between adjacent sections before engagement. An elongated recess in either the pin or box connector permits the pin to be inserted into the box at an angle. Interaction between the recess face and a surface on the opposite connector causes the pin to automatically align with the box. When the pin reaches its fully engaged position in the box, a spring tension snap lock ring having multiple annular teeth meshes with complementary grooves to lock the pin and box together.

Abstract: There are disclosed several forms of subsea wellhead equipment of the type in which casing hangers connected to the upper ends of successively smaller diameter casing strings are adapted to be lowered into and landed within the bore of a casing head, which is connected to an outermost string at the subsea level, to suspend the strings within the outermost casing of the well bore, and wherein openings in each hanger which connect the annulus between each casing string and the next outer string with the space between the hanger and the bore of the head, to permit cement returns to circulate therethrough as the string is cemented within the well bore, are adapted to be closed off, when the casing has been cemented, by means of a seal assembly lowered into and locked down within the space.

Abstract: A connector assembly includes a pin connector for receipt by a box connector. An external surface of the pin features a helical groove; a generally complementary internal surface of the box features a helical groove of the same rotational sense and pitch. A helical latch coil is carried in one of the grooves, extending partly out of the groove. The connectors are latched together by stabbing the pin into the box, whereby the latch coil is ratcheted into place, partly extending into the groove of the connector not carrying the coil. Subsequent mutual rotation between the connectors in one rotational sense tightens the latched connection; rotation in the opposite sense releases the latching.

Abstract: A connector assembly includes a pin connector for receipt by a box connector. The pin connector features a neck portion having external threads; the box connector features a collar portion having internal threads, generally complementary for meshing with the external threads. The connectors may be threadedly joined together by longitudinally inserting the pin connector into the box connector, whereupon the two connectors are mutually sealed at two locations on opposite sides of the internal and external threads to define, with the threads, an annular region. Application of fluid pressure to the annular region may radially expand the region to permit further insertion of the pin connector into the box connector to mutually align the internal and external threads. Release of the fluid pressure permits mutual meshing between the threads to threadedly connect the pin and box connectors.

Abstract: Proper alignment of threads when joints of casing are made up in hostile environments, such as on off-shore floating platforms subject to being buffeted by wave action, is provided by means of an improved box and pin connector. The pin has a substantially tapered threaded section whose small diameter end terminates in a lower guide section and whose large diameter is adjacent a larger diameter upper guide section. The box has a complementary section of internal oppositely tapered threads to mate with those on the pin as well as a smaller lower receptacle to receive the lower guide section on the pin and a larger receptacle to receive the upper guide section on the pin. In another version, both sets of threads are straight. The upper and lower guide sections on the pin and complementary receptacles in the box are mutually, partially engaged prior to engagement of the threads to guide the threads into proper alignment.

Abstract: Connector apparatus includes a guide surface, or edge, spaced from interval threads on one member for receiving external threads on a second member, whereby the two members may be threadedly engaged with the guide surface constraining relative orientation between the two members prior to threaded engagement to avoid cross-threading.

Abstract: There are disclosed two embodiments of wellhead apparatus for use in suspending concentric strings of casing of an offshore well at the ocean floor. For this purpose, an inner hanger to which the inner casing is connected is adapted to be landed within an outer hanger to which the outer casing is connected, each at the ocean floor or "mudline". Seating surfaces are formed on the bore of the tubular body of the outer hanger body, and landing surfaces are formed on a circumferentially split landing ring arranged about the tubular body of the inner hanger and having landing surfaces formed thereabout for expansion and contraction within a recess about the tubular hanger body between a contracted position as it is moved vertically within the outer casing and bore of the tubular body of the outer hanger, and an expanded position in which the landing surfaces thereon are landed upon the seating surfaces when disposed opposite thereto.

Abstract: Proper alignment of threads when joints of casing are made up in hostile environments, such as on off-shore floating platforms subject to being buffeted by wave action, is provided by means of an improved box and pin connector. The pin has a substantially tapered threaded section whose small diameter end terminates in a lower guide section and whose large diameter is adjacent a larger diameter upper guide section. The box has a complementary section of internal oppositely tapered threads to mate with those on the pin as well as a smaller lower receptacle to receive the lower guide section on the pin and a larger receptacle to receive the upper guide section on the pin. The upper and lower guide sections on the pin and complementary receptacles in the box guide the threads into proper alignment. The threads are sufficiently tapered so that the guide sections and complementary receptacles are mutually, partially engaged prior to engagement of the threads.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for use in suspending concentric strings of casing of an offshore well at the ocean floor, wherein at least one hanger for suspending an intermediate casing string is provided with a plurality of vertically spaced, upwardly facing seating surfaces which extend radially inwardly from its bore, and the outer side of such hanger body has a recess thereabout in which a radially expandable ring having a plurality of vertically spaced, downwardly facing landing surfaces is received. As the intermediate hanger body is lowered into the bore of an outer hanger having vertically spaced, upwardly facing seating surfaces extending radially outwardly from its bore, the ring expands radially outwardly to move its landing surfaces into supported positions on the seating surfaces of the outer hanger.

Abstract: Proper alignment of threads when joints of casing are made up in hostile environments, such as on off-shore floating platforms subject to being buffeted by wave action, is provided the means of an improved box and pin connector. The pin has a substantially tapered threaded section whose small diameter end terminates in a cylindrical lower guide section and whose large diameter is adjacent a larger diameter cylindrical upper guide section. A stop above the upper guide section is provided by an upset. The box has a complementary section of internal oppositely tapered threads to mate with those on the pin as well as a smaller lower cylindrical receptacle to receive the lower guide section on the pin and a larger cylindrical receptacle to receive the upper guide section on the pin. The upper and lower guide sections on the pin and complementary receptacles in the box guide the threads into proper alignment.

Abstract: A connector assembly for connecting a production casing (38) to a subsea wellhead (10) from a tensioned leg platform. A funnel (46) external to the wellhead, guides and aligns the conductor during installation and places a limit on the angular deflection of the conductor relative to the wellhead. The conductor includes at its lower end a tieback joint (44) which is pulled down, aligned, and sealed against the casing hanger (24) with a floating bushing (64) which also preloads the seal (66). The flexibility of the tieback joint (44) in relation to the angular deflection permitted is such that the surfaces of the seal (66) will not move; and preferably the preload on the seal is not removed.

Abstract: Connector apparatus includes a guide surface spaced from internal threads on one member for receiving external threads on a second member, whereby the two members may be threadedly engaged with the guide surface constraining relative orientation between the two members prior to threaded engagement to avoid cross-threading.

Abstract: A pack-off seal assembly 26 particularly suitable for use for purposes of effecting a seal between a wellhead housing 18 and a casing hanger 16. The subject pack-off seal assembly 26 is designed to be interposed between the cylindrical wall surface 18a of the wellhead housing 18 and that of a casing hanger 16 so as to be movable between a non-sealing position and a sealing position relative thereto in response to an actuating force of low torque magnitude being applied thereto. The pack-off sealing assembly 26 includes an upper metal seal 30 having downwardly extending lips 44, a lower metal seal 32 having upwardly extending lips 46, and a plurality of independent non-bonded elastomeric members 36, 38 of differing diameters suitably supported between the upper and lower metal seals 30, 32.

Abstract: A connector for securing adjacent pile sections, or other pipe sections, to each other, including a box disposed over a pin, with the end of the box engaging a companion pin shoulder, the pin and box being rigidly secured together by a plurality of lock dogs forced radially within companion grooves in the pin, the dogs and grooves having coengaging cam surfaces exerting an axial thrust between the box end and pin shoulder upon inward movement of the dogs, to provide a large bearing area and preload between the pin and box under substantial compression to prevent separation between the pin and box due to rebound during the pile driving operation.