Abstract: A small and light weight microconical interface fitting may be attached to the surface of a space vehicle or equipment to provide an attachment device for an astronaut or robot to capture the space vehicle or equipment. The microconical interface fitting of the present invention has an axisymmetrical conical body having a base portion with a torque reaction surface for preventing rotation of the interface grasping tool; a cavitated, sunken or hollowed out intermediate locking portion which has a cavity shaped for receiving the latches of the grasping tool and an upper guiding portion for guiding the grasping tool into axial alignment with the microconical interface fitting. The capture is accomplished with an interface grasping tool. The grasping tool comprises an outer sleeve with a handle attached, an inner sleeve which may be raised and lowered within the outer sleeve with a plurality of latches supported at the lower end and a cam to raise and lower the inner sleeve.

Abstract: A running tool is used to set a seal on a casing hanger in a wellhead. The running tool has a holder for connecting the running tool to the casing hanger as it is lowered into the wellhead. A piston is carried on the running tool above the seal. An actuating passage extends from an axial passage in the running tool to the piston. A release passage extends from the axial passage to the holder. A pin and slot enables the upper section of the tool to be lowered relative to the lower section. The combination of a sliding valve, moved by a plug pumped from the surface, and the pin and slot, places the running tool in a mode for setting the seal and a mode for releasing the running tool from the casing hanger.

Abstract: A subsea well assembly has a casing hanger that lands inside the wellhead with a locking device to lock the hanger in the wellhead. The locking device includes a collar mounted to the hanger body and movable relative to the body between a lower storage position and an upper set position. The collar contacts a landing shoulder located in the wellhead to move to the set position. Washers located between the collar and the hanger body allow the hanger body to move downward when the collar contacts the landing shoulder. The washers deflect downwardly due to interference fit when the hanger moves to the set position to resist upward movement. As the hanger body moves downward, a split ring is pushed outwardly by inclined surfaces to engage locking grooves formed in the interior of the wellhead for supporting the casing hanger.