Abstract: A crown-type probe seal for a female hydraulic coupling member has one or more circumferential, spring-energized seals. One particular preferred seal comprises a closely-wound helical spring which imparts an inwardly-directed radial force to the crown seal. In certain embodiments, the helical spring is substantially encased in a polymer jacket. In yet other embodiments, a liner is interposed between the outer surface of the helical spring and the polymer jacket. An optional, axial extension on at least one end of the crown seal provides a bore liner for a female hydraulic coupling member in which the crown seal is installed.

Abstract: A crown-type probe seal for a female hydraulic coupling member has one or more pressure-energized seals for sealing between the probe seal and the body of the coupling member which retains the probe seal. The generally ring-shaped probe seal has one or more annular fluid chambers in the wall of the seal's body. Each annular fluid chamber is open to the outer circumference of the probe seal. Hydraulic fluid under pressure may enter an annular fluid chamber through its opening an exert a generally radial force as a result of a pressure differential. This radial force can act to increase the sealing effectiveness of the probe seal both to the body of the coupling member retaining the probe seal and to the probe of a male coupling member inserted in the receiving chamber of the female member.

Abstract: A hydraulic coupling member is equipped with dual, electrically conductive contacts one of which is configured to contact a junction plate or junction plate holding the coupling member while the other is configured to contact an opposing coupling member when the coupling is fully made up thereby electrically bonding the coupling system.

Abstract: Male and/or female members of a hydraulic coupling have an internal poppet valve that is held in the closed position by a flat wire, helical compression spring. The spring is configured such that when the poppet valve is moved to its fully open position, the coils of the spring are completely compressed thereby forming a substantially smooth bore tube for the flow of hydraulic fluid. The flat wire, helical compression spring may also act as a valve stop, limiting movement of the poppet valve and providing the necessary resistance to move the valve actuator of a corresponding valve in a mating member.

Abstract: A probe seal for a female hydraulic coupling member has both internal and external pressure-energized seals. The outer wall or opposing ends of the seal have one or more pressure-energized seals for sealing between the body of the probe seal and the body of a coupling member in which the probe seal is installed. In certain embodiments, the generally ring-shaped probe seal has an annular fluid chamber in one or both end walls of the body of the seal. Hydraulic fluid under pressure may enter the annular fluid chamber and exert a generally radial force in response to a pressure differential. This radial force can act to increase the sealing effectiveness of the probe seal to the body of the female coupling member having such a probe seal. In “negative pressure” situations (i.e.

Abstract: A female undersea hydraulic coupling member is equipped with a pressure-energized seal configured to seal between the body of the female member and the probe of a corresponding male hydraulic coupling member in response to ambient hydrostatic pressure. In one particular preferred embodiment, the pressure-energized seal is a metal J seal retained within a removable seal cartridge.

Abstract: A female hydraulic coupling member includes a bidirectional, pressure-energized probe seal for sealing between the body of the female coupling member and the cylindrical probe section of a male coupling member seated in the receiving chamber of the female member. In one embodiment, the pressure-energized seal comprises a first curved section which is oriented towards the external end of the receiving chamber in which it is installed and a second curved section oriented towards the interior end of the receiving chamber. The two curved sections are joined by a substantially straight back section. When the pressure of fluid within the coupling member is above the ambient fluid pressure, the first curved section is pressure-energized so as to increase its sealing effectiveness. When external pressure (e.g., the hydrostatic head) exceeds the pressure of fluid within the coupling member, the second curved section is pressure-energized so as to increase its sealing effectiveness.

Abstract: A female hydraulic coupling member and/or a male hydraulic coupling member is equipped with an electrically conductive contactor which contacts the opposing coupling member when the coupling is fully made up thereby electrically bonding the coupling members.

Abstract: A pressure-balanced hydraulic coupling suitable for undersea use comprises a male member having one or more flow ports on the side of its probe section and a poppet valve actuator extending from the end of the probe section which has a fluid-tight seal around the actuator. The female member has a removable annular flow piece for fluid communication with the flow ports in the probe of the male member. In certain embodiments the annular flow piece has integral probe seals. In other embodiments, the removable annular flow piece comprises a seal retainer. In yet other embodiments, the removable annular flow piece comprises the inner part of a two-part seal cartridge.

Abstract: A female hydraulic coupling member has an elastomer probe seal molded to or abutting a ring-shaped metal base which is adapted to exert a compressive force on the probe seal when exposed to hydraulic fluid pressure. The compressive force causes the seal to expand in a radial direction thereby increasing its sealing effectiveness. A retainer nut for holding the seal in the receiving chamber may have a angled surface which acts to urge the seal in an inward, radial direction when an axial, compressive force is applied to the seal.

Abstract: Male and/or female members of a hydraulic coupling have an internal poppet valve that is held in the closed position by a flat wire, helical compression spring. The spring is configured such that when the poppet valve is moved to its fully open position, the coils of the spring are completely compressed thereby forming a substantially smooth bore tube for the flow of hydraulic fluid. The flat wire, helical compression spring may also act as a valve stop, limiting movement of the poppet valve and providing the necessary resistance to move the valve actuator of a corresponding valve in a mating member.

Abstract: A crown-type probe seal for a female hydraulic coupling member has one or more pressure-energized seals for sealing between the probe seal and the body of the coupling member which retains the probe seal. The generally ring-shaped probe seal has one or more annular fluid chambers in the wall of the seal's body. Each annular fluid chamber is open to the outer circumference of the probe seal. Hydraulic fluid under pressure may enter an annular fluid chamber through its opening and exert a generally radial force as a result of a pressure differential. This radial force can act to increase the sealing effectiveness of the probe seal both to the body of the coupling member retaining the probe seal and to the probe of a male coupling member inserted in the receiving chamber of the female member.

Abstract: A crown-type probe seal for a female hydraulic coupling member has one or more pressure-energized seals for sealing between the probe seal and the body of the coupling member which retains the probe seal. The generally ring-shaped probe seal has one or more annular fluid chambers in the wall of the seal's body. Each annular fluid chamber is open to the outer circumference of the probe seal. Hydraulic fluid under pressure may enter an annular fluid chamber through its opening an exert a generally radial force as a result of a pressure differential. This radial force can act to increase the sealing effectiveness of the probe seal both to the body of the coupling member retaining the probe seal and to the probe of a male coupling member inserted in the receiving chamber of the female member.

Abstract: A crown-type probe seal for a female hydraulic coupling member has one or more circumferential, spring-energized seals. One particular preferred seal comprises a closely-wound helical spring which imparts an inwardly-directed radial force to the crown seal. In certain embodiments, the helical spring is substantially encased in a polymer jacket. In yet other embodiments, a liner is interposed between the outer surface of the helical spring and the polymer jacket. An optional, axial extension on at least one end of the crown seal provides a bore liner for a female hydraulic coupling member in which the crown seal is installed.

Abstract: A female hydraulic coupling member is equipped with an internal displaced water compensation system comprising a spring-biased piston in a generally axial cylinder bored into the coupling body and that is offset from the central axial bore. The cylinder is in fluid communication with an interior portion of the receiving chamber such that seawater within the receiving chamber that is displaced by the probe of a male coupling member inserted in the receiving chamber may move into the cylinder of the displaced water compensation system. During coupling separation, the process is reversed and seawater retained in the displaced water compensation system moves into the receiving chamber under the influence of the spring-biased piston thereby preventing a vacuum.

Abstract: An undersea hydraulic coupling member having a bore liner that protects the coupling members from galling during assembly or disassembly. The bore liner is removable from the bore of a female undersea hydraulic coupling member. The bore liner may be integral with a seal section that may seal with a male undersea hydraulic coupling member. The bore liner also may have an outer diameter configured to engage and interlock with the bore in which the bore liner is positioned.

Abstract: A crown seal for sealing between the body of a female hydraulic coupling member and the probe section of male hydraulic coupling member has sealing projections on or near its outer diameter to provide enhanced sealing effectiveness between the crown seal and the body of the female member and obviate the need for circumferential O-ring seals. In a first embodiment, the sealing projections have a substantially circular cross section and project both axially and radially from the body of the crown seal. In a second embodiment, the sealing projections have a semicircular cross section and project in an axial direction from certain outside edges of the crown seal. Crown seals according to the invention may be retrofitted to female hydraulic couplings of the prior art. Alternatively, the body of the female coupling or a seal retainer or seal cartridge fitted therein may be provided with grooves or contoured surfaces to fit the sealing projections on the crown seal.

Abstract: A female hydraulic coupling member is equipped with an internal displaced water compensation system comprising a spring-biased piston in a generally axial cylinder bored into the coupling body and that is offset from the central axial bore. The cylinder is in fluid communication with an interior portion of the receiving chamber such that seawater within the receiving chamber that is displaced by the probe of a male coupling member inserted in the receiving chamber may move into the cylinder of the displaced water compensation system. During coupling separation, the process is reversed and seawater retained in the displaced water compensation system moves into the receiving chamber under the influence of the spring-biased piston thereby preventing a vacuum.

Abstract: A female hydraulic coupling member and/or a male hydraulic coupling member is equipped with an electrically conductive contactor which contacts the opposing coupling member when the coupling is fully made up thereby electrically bonding the coupling members.

Abstract: A coupling for tubular goods having male and female coupling halves adapted to provide a straight-through conduit path when joined together. In a preferred embodiment, the male member has a sliding gate which opens automatically when the coupling halves are mated and closes off the central passageway automatically when the coupling halves are separated. The gate prevents debris from entering the central passageway when the coupling is de-mated. This is a particular advantage in undersea environments. The coupling may include seals for providing a fluid-tight connection between the male and female members.