Abstract: A radially expandable multiple tubular member apparatus includes a first tubular member and a second tubular member engaged with the first tubular member forming a joint. A sleeve overlaps and couples the first and second tubular members at the joint.

Abstract: A sealing device and method for sealing a length of tubing with a fitting are provided, where the sealing device includes at least one sealing surface formed with a plurality of ridges. The sealing device is particularly useful for sealing at least an end corrugation of tubing in a fitting used in gas and liquid piping systems. The fitting is sized to maintain a generally circular shape of the end corrugation after the corrugation is collapsed between the ridged sealing surface and another sealing surface. In particular, an inner diameter of one or more components of the fitting can be sized such that the corrugated tubing will have a circular profile to provide an optimal seal.

Abstract: A hands-free connection system is provided for coupling downhole tools for use in well operations. The connection system includes two downhole tools connectable together in threaded engagement. The connection system further includes a compressible locking sleeve positioned between the coupled downhole tools for maintaining the tools in threaded engagement and in a predetermined alignment for deployment downhole.

Abstract: The invention is directed to breechblock connections to and between oil field equipment and oil field lines for use with oil field equipment associated with oil and gas exploration, drilling, and production. The oil field lines and oil field equipment of the invention include a breechblock connection for quick and easy removal and installation of the oil field lines to oil field equipment and to other oil field lines, and connections between different pieces of oil field equipment. Methods of connecting lines to oil field equipment and connecting one piece of oil field equipment to a second piece of oil field equipment are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for aligning tubulars is provided, comprising at least one guide, a tong, and a backup unit, wherein the guide is arranged on or between the tong and the backup unit, and wherein the guide is, in use, movable towards and away from the tubular with respect to the backup unit. In another aspect, an apparatus for aligning tubulars is provided, comprising a tong, a backup unit, at least one torsion post arranged therebetween, and at least one guide, the guide mounted on the torsion post. In another aspect, a method for aligning tubulars using the apparatus of the invention is provided, comprising moving the guide towards and away from the tubular with respect to the backup unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dialysis coupler assembly comprising a pair of rubber-like elastic tubular couplers, and a pair of joint members for joining the couplers together. Each of the couplers includes an inner channel 14 allowing a connector associated with a medical device to be fitted therein, and a smooth surface 15, 16 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the coupler. The couplers are adapted to be joined together through the joint members in such manner that the smooth surfaces are in liquid-tight contact with one another. Each of the joint members is adapted to be attached slidably and rotatably onto corresponding one of the couplers, the joint members having first and second engagement portions, respectively. The first and second engagement portions are disposed opposed to one another and adapted to cooperatively engage the joint members with one another so as to allow the smooth surfaces to be brought into liquid-tight contact with one another.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting two flanged pipes comprises at least one piston arrangement having a pair of opposed pistons slidable within a hydraulic cylinder. Each pair of pistons has a rod extending therefrom and is adapted to receive a threaded fastener at its end remote from the piston. Each rod extends through an aperture at the respective cylinder end and is adapted to pass through a respective aperture in the flange of a flanged pipe. Each piston has an associated biasing means in the form of a spring or similar which urges the piston away from its respective cylinder end. Pressurization of the hydraulic fluid in the cylinder causes the piston to move towards its respective cylinder end against the urging action of the biasing means, to allow the hand tightening of the threaded fastener. When the pressure is removed the action of the spring biases the flanges of the flanged pipes together to energize the ring seal between each flange and the apparatus.

Abstract: A fluid manifold defining a body has a surface defining a plane. A bore extends into the body from the surface and defines a seat. The bore is adapted to receive a tube nut into a seated position against the seat. A first tube nut and a second tube nut having respective bodies with first and second lengths and first and second flanges positioned at one end of each body are provided. A tube nut stop is disposed adjacent the bore and is sized to engage the flange of the first tube nut when placed into the manifold at the bore, thereby preventing the first tube nut from being seated against the seat. The tube nut stop is of insufficient size to engage the flange of the second tube nut when seated against the seat in the bore, thereby allowing the second tube nut to be seated against the seat.

Abstract: A frame is used to land on a base and soft land a connector receptacle on the end of a flowline to a mandrel protruding from the base. After the frame lands on the base, the frame and the receptacle are pushed toward the base, which causes frame latching members to latch the frame to the base. The frame holds the base and the receptacle is still above the mandrel. The frame and receptacle are pushed further towards the base and the connector receptacle abuts the mandrel. The connector receptacle moves relative to the frame as the frame is pushed closer to the base, which causes an actuator on the frame to move dogs on the receptacle to engage the mandrel and lock the receptacle to the mandrel. The frame can move away from the mandrel and continue to be latched to the base while disengaging the receptacle from the mandrel.

Abstract: An apparatus for urging two members apart or together that includes a first clamp adapted to be received by a first piece, a second clamp adapted to be received by a second piece and a plurality of power screws coacting with the first clamp and the second clamp, whereby moving the power screws in a first direction causes the first clamp to move relative to the second clamp and the first piece to move relative to the second piece. The present invention is suited for separating muffler pipes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting arrangement (1) for coolant lines (2) and especially for motor vehicle climate control systems operated with CO2. The connecting arrangement (1) includes a first coupling piece (4) connected seal-tight to a first line endpiece (3) and a second coupling piece (6) connected seal-tight to a second line endpiece (5). Both coupling pieces (4, 6) are joined to each other via an attachment device in such a manner that the line endpieces (3, 5) are connected to each other via respective bores (16) in the coupling pieces (4, 6). For this purpose, the two coupling pieces (4, 6) each have a radially extending sealing surface (8, 9) on the side facing toward the other coupling piece (6, 4). A sealing ring (10) is mounted between the sealing surfaces (8, 9). Only a single screw (11) is provided as attachment device and is arranged laterally offset from the sealing surfaces (8, 9).

Abstract: This invention is a method and apparatus for making a pressure-containing threaded tubular connection, suitable for remotely operated connection and separation, utilizing electrical heating to reduce the amount of makeup torque required to produce reliable preloading of the connection. One aspect of the present invention comprises: 1) a first hub with male threads on its exterior and having a sealing face and axial flow passage, b) a second hub having an axial flow passage and carrying an annular seal which can be mated with the sealing face of the first hub and mounting a rotatable nut having female threads on its interior and integral nut heating means. After stabbing and initial make-up of the connection, the nut is heated and thereby expanded in a controlled manner and the connection retightened. Following cooling, the structural connection is fully preloaded and the annular seal fully compressed so that it seals. Reversing the procedure permits disconnection.

Abstract: The invention provides a corrosion resistant graft coated metal substrate and a polymeric graft coating covalently bonded thereto. Water-based graft coating compositions and methods for graft coating metal substrates to provide for long term protection from rust and corrosion are also provided.

Abstract: A connection assembly is described which includes a first connector, a second connector, a sensor and an actuator. The second connector is configured to mate with the first connector and the sensor is mounted in proximity to the first connector. The actuator for the sensor is mounted in proximity to the second connector, and is positioned with respect to the second connector so as to align with and actuate the sensor when the first connector and the second connector are properly aligned and connected. The sensor is configured to supply a signal which indicates whether or not the connectors are properly aligned and connected.

Abstract: A support (1) through which first and second outlet pipes (7) from a first tank (9) is connected to a second tank (42). The support (1) has rear wall (17) separated from a front wall (37) by a spacer (39) to define rectangular cavities (33) therein. The rear wall (17) has a first and second sleeves (5) that extend therefrom and are correspondingly located in the outlet pipes (7). The front wall (37) has openings (35) therein that are aligned with openings (3) defined by the first and second sleeves (5). First and second claw rings (15) are correspondingly attached to the first and second sleeves (5) and first and second tubular pipes (41.1,41.2) are pushed through the claw rings (15) and into the first and second outlet pipes (7). Radial protrusions (13) on the claw rings (15) engage the tubular pipes (41.1,41.2) to define a sealed connection.

Abstract: A hydraulic or pneumatic assembly tool with an electronic microprocessor control unit for preparatory manufacture or preassembly of tube or hose connectors. The tool includes a hydraulic or pneumatic drive unit, a function indicator and a hydraulic or pneumatic piston with a tool carrier for the insertion of different workpiece tools. The workpiece tools are selectable according to the workpieces to be machined. The equipment parameters of the workpiece tools, each having certain workpieces to be machined allocated to them, can be transmitted to the microprocessor control unit of the assembly tool. The data of the equipment parameters of each workpiece tool are each transmitted to a transponder system of the control unit by laser radiation or electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A system for connecting and disconnecting a lower end of a marine riser (25) to and from a blow out preventer stack on a subsea Wellhead comprises gripping members (26) for the marine riser and a lock element (27) for locking the gripping members (26). The system comprises first primary actuators (28), second primary actuators (29) and secondary actuators (30) for moving the lock element (27) to an unlock position, and hydraulic circuitry for actuating the actuators. The system further comprises a hydraulic backup unlock circuit (9, 11, 16) comprising a triple flow divider (8) for dividing fluid flow from a source (16) into one flow for actuating the first primary actuators (28), one flow for actuating the second primary actuators (29) and one flow for actuating the secondary actuators (30).

Abstract: A device for coupling multiple connectors, comprising two connector supporting plates, one fixed and one movable, and two threaded members which are supported by the two plates; one of the members has a combined rotary and translatory motion for the coupling and uncoupling of the plates; the member provided with combined rotary and translatory motion is associated with a fluid-actuated actuator for the approach and spacing of the threaded members.

Abstract: A method for connection of a first, stationary pipe (21) with a second, movable pipe on a seabed (20). The first pipe (21) is initially enclosed with clearance by a first sleeve (6) of a rigid frame (1). The second pipe is pulled into the frame (1) and enclosed by a second sleeve (7) of the frame (1). From each sleeve (6,7) there protrudes a pipe connection. The pipe connections are interconnected via an interconnecting pipe. Between each sleeve inside the pipe connections and the pipes (21) connected thereto, a gasket is mounted. The gasket is clamped between the sleeves and the pipes by means of jacks. A perforating device finally provides holes through each sleeve (6,7) and the wall of the associated pipe (21), whereby a communication is obtained between the pipes via the pipe connections and the interconnecting pipe. A device for implementing the method and a device for sealing connection of a sleeve with a pipe.

Abstract: A connection device for connecting a submerged tubular structure to a floating support structure. The connection device includes first and second tubular connection elements that connect the submerged tubular structure to the floating support structure. The first tubular connection element cooperates with the second tubular connection element to form a first axial abutment in a pulling direction in which the submerged tubular structure is pulled, and a second axial abutment in a direction opposite from the pulling direction. The device further includes a locking and tensioning device that includes at least one actuator secured to the floating support structure and is mounted to pivot on the second tubular connection element about a hinge axis and against the effect of a return spring surrounding the pin so as to enable the first tubular connection element to snap-fasten onto the second tubular connection element.

Abstract: A subsea wellhead with a tension latching system for a casing hanger or a tubing hanger, a tension latching system for hangers, and a method for adjusting the tension on a casing hanger or tubing hanger for subsea wells.

Abstract: A well production apparatus includes a down-hole gear pump and a transport assembly to which the gear pump is attached. The transport assembly is formed from a string of modular pipe assemblies having one or more passages for carrying production fluid from the bottom of the well to the surface. The passages can be arranged in a side-by-side configuration, and include pressure and return lines such as used to drive a hydraulic motor connected to the gear pump. The modular pipe assemblies can have two, three, four, or more passages, and can be stepped relative to each other to give a unique assembly orientation. The modular assemblies have mating fitting that can be tightened without the need to spin the pipe joints at the same time.

Abstract: Method of fixedly connecting together externally and internally threaded tubes by tight engagement of externally and internally threaded portions of the tubes, wherein a wrenching operation is performed to rotate the externally and internally threaded tubes relative to each other with the externally and internally threaded portions engaging each other while an axial force is applied between the tubes. A physical quantity relating to a coefficient of friction between said tubes is obtained on the basis of a detected wrenching torque applied to rotate the tubes relative to each other and the axial force, and a terminating condition for terminating the wrenching operation is determined on the basis of the obtained physical quantity. The wrenching operation is terminated when the terminating condition has been satisfied. Apparatus for practicing the method and recording medium storing a control program for the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A detachable connection of first and second hollow shafts having first and second end faces is provided by axially insetting the first and second end faces into one another, wherein the first end face has an inner annular flange and the second end face has an outer annular flange. The annular flanges overlap one another when inserted. The inner annular flange has several radially displaceable locking bolts. The locking bolts have first locking bolt ends facing the outer annular flange and second locking bolt ends threadedly guided in the inner annular flange. The outer annular flange has locking bushings for the locking bolts. The locking bolts have a central circumferential pinion having teeth. The inner annular flange has a rotary ring with lateral teeth meshing with the circumferential pinions. The first locking bolt ends have receptacles for a rotary tool for rotating the locking bolts about the bolt axis.

Abstract: A bendable hard type water tube includes a first tube with one end installed with a first seat, a second tube having one end installed with a second seat, a first buckle, a second buckle, a rotary shaft installed between the second buckle and the first buckle, a third buckle, an elastic body. The outer sides of the first buckle, second buckle, and third buckle are formed with a plurality of teeth. A resisting portion is installed on the press and resists against the third buckle. When a force is applied to the press, the angle between the first tube and second tube can be changed. When the press is released, the first tube is buckled with the second tube so as to change the direction of water flow to match the requirement of spraying water.

Abstract: The device comprises a tubular insert (1) possessing external means (2) for fixing it in a bore (34) of the rigid element (30) and internal means for axially locking the tube inside the insert (1). The axial locking means comprise a sleeve (69) disposed inside the tubular insert (1) and possessing a broad end arranged to bear against an internal abutment member (75) of the tubular insert (61) and a narrow end that is elastically deformable in a radial direction between a small rest configuration where it forms an abutment for a shoulder (93) of the tube (90) and an enlarged elastically deformed configuration allowing the shoulder of the tube to pass through while it is being inserted.

Abstract: A device for coupling pipelines for running cryogenic liquid has: a pair of flanges which are pierced by coupling units respectively and which support the coupling units with the coupling units freely approaching and separating from each other and which form compartments around the coupling units; a pair of inner cover units which open and shut the insides of the coupling units; a pair of outer cover units which open and shut the insides of the compartments of the flanges; and purge lines for purging the insides of the compartments. The process of coupling pipelines by this device has the steps of: opening the outer cover units with the insides of the coupling units shut by the inner cover units; coupling the flanges to each other; purging the inside of a compartment which is formed in the flanges; opening the inner cover units; and coupling the coupling units to each other with the coupling units isolated from the outside air.

Abstract: A connector adapter includes an embracing holder and a connector piston. The connector piston sleeve is axially movable relative to the embracing holder by an actuating device and bears against a mating connector in sealed manner in a connected position. A backing plate supports the mating connector and is interchangeably attached to the connector adapter.

Abstract: A sectional, modular and orientable element for the formation of fairlead raceways (7) for wires (8), including a central body (2) provided with a plurality of shaped and aligned arms (6) which extend radially from said central bodies (2) and with means for their coupling. Said coupling means includes at least two sequential coaxial cavities (4, 5) obtained at an end (2) of said central body (2), and an extension provided at the free end of an hemispheric coaxial bull (3) obtained at the opposite end of said central body (2) and coaxial to said cavities (4, 5). The modular concatenation takes place by fitting the hemispheric bulb (3) of a first modular element with one of the cavities (4, 5) of a second modular element. The fitting in either the first (4) or the second sequential cavity (5) allows obtaining of concatenations that can be oriented following direction variations of the raceways, or that can be straight for linear raceways.

Abstract: An articulating connector system including an active connector coupled to a first line and a hub assembly coupled to a second line. The active connector includes a swivel coupling element intermediate a grip and a ball nose to allow rotational and articulating motion. A seal is coupled to the ball nose and is protected and guided by an alignment lip into mating engagement with a sealing surface defined by the hub. A clamp closes about the swivel coupling element and hub to draw together the seal and sealing surface into sealing contact to connect the first line to the second line.

Abstract: A connector device (10) for use in a fluid transport system (2). The connector device comprises a body (12), a threaded coupling means (52) rotatably arranged at said body (12), and a fluid transport channel (22, 57) extending from said coupling means (52). Further it comprises a string shaped driving means (14) arranged for rotation of said threaded coupling means (52).

Abstract: The present invention refers to a connection device (14, 15), particularly for the connection of a rigid duct to a flexible duct in a submarine system for petroleum exploration, comprising a base (16); a hub fixed on the base; a hoisting/launching device, and a tube (20) with its first end connected to the hub and its second end being free, the novelty basically consisting in that the hoisting/lauching device (22) is placed above the center of gravity of the connection device (14, 15) and the second end (21) of the tube (20) is movable.

Abstract: An automatic locking mechanism for a telescoping joint for a riser functions in several modes. In an operating mode, the joint is free to have its inner and outer barrels move with respect to each other without engaging each other in a locking relationship. In a second position, the telescoping joint locks when it is fully retracted. In a third position, the system locks the inner and outer barrels together to hold them in a fixed position. The inner and outer barrels are locked when a movable sleeve is properly positioned to allow spring-loaded dogs to be biased through windows in the sleeve so as to act as a landing shoulder to catch a groove on the outer barrel. By putting the actuating sleeve in a variety of positions, the various modes of the locking assembly can be deployed.

Abstract: A device for coupling pipelines for running cryogenic liquid has: a pair of flanges which are pierced by coupling units respectively and which support the coupling units with the coupling units freely approaching and separating from each other and which form compartments around the coupling units; a pair of inner cover units which open and shut the insides of the coupling units; a pair of outer cover units which open and shut the insides of the compartments of the flanges; and purge lines for purging the insides of the compartments. The process of coupling pipelines by this device has the steps of: opening the outer cover units with the insides of the coupling units shut by the inner cover units; coupling the flanges to each other; purging the inside of a compartment which is formed in the flanges; opening the inner cover units; and coupling the coupling units to each other with the coupling units isolated from the outside air.

Abstract: A connection for oilfield use is disclosed. It features male and female components held together by dogs actuable through one of the members and into the other. Different configurations of the connections envision a built-in preload to the connection when made-up. This is accomplished by a cantilevered component at the extremity of one of the components of the connection. Alternatively, the preload feature can be incorporated into the dog or other locking assembly that holds the components of the connection together. The connection is particularly useful in subsea chokes which have a removable insert which can be mounted to or removed from the choke body which is located subsea.

Abstract: Liquid dispensing apparatus having a pressure loaded quick disconnect assembly. The apparatus includes a first liquid containing component having at least one liquid passage, a second liquid containing component including at least one liquid passage, a movable connecting member having portions contained in the passages of the first and second liquid containing components, and a force transmitting member connected with the movable connecting member. The force transmitting member directs force against the first liquid containing component when the liquid passages of the first and second liquid containing components contain the pressurized liquid. This securely connects the first and second liquid containing components together using force generated by the internal pressurized liquid. When the pressure is removed, the force transmitting member may be quickly removed to disconnect the components.

Abstract: An articulating connector system including an active connector coupled to a first line and a hub assembly coupled to a second line. The active connector includes a swivel coupling element intermediate a grip and a ball nose to allow rotational and articulating motion. A seal is coupled to the ball nose and is protected and guided by an alignment lip into mating engagement with a sealing surface defined by the hub. A clamp closes about the swivel coupling element and hub to draw together the seal and sealing surface into sealing contact to connect the first line to the second line.

Abstract: A connector for tying back a riser from a subsea wellhead to a platform, wherein the wellhead has an internal wellhead housing with external grooves thereon. The connector having a plurality of dog members carried within a cavity which engage the external grooves. The dog members are actuated by axial movement of a piston linked to a cam ring. The connector has a plurality of transfer members located within the cavity to support the dog members and transfer upward loading to the wellhead housing during tension on one side due to bending. Further, the connector has a release ring which forces the dog members out of engagement with the external grooves when the connector is released.

Abstract: A servicing device for compressed air handling is proposed, which possesses a principal body (2) and a receiving shell (4) releaseably attached thereto by means of a bayonet connecting device (12). The rotary movement necessary for producing the bayonet connection of the receiving shell (4) is produced using a rotary drive means (33), which is arranged on a holding body (34), on which the receiving shell (4) is mounted in a rotary fashion. It is in this manner that simple mounting and removal of the receiving shell is rendered possible even when there is little space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to safety joints which permit separation of a downhole assembly at the location of the joint. The invention provides a safety joint characterized by the provision of auxiliary interconnecting means on a body (2) for interconnecting said body (2) to an auxiliary shaft after removal of a main shaft (3) from said body (2). Axial loading between the auxiliary shaft and said body (2) may be thereby transferred. Furthermore, torque may also be transferred between the auxiliary shaft and said body (2) in a direction opposite to that in which torque may be transferred from the main shaft (3) to said body (2). Thus, the present invention allows a length of downhole assembly located above said body (2) to be removed from a wellbore by rotation of said length of assembly in a first direction and then allows rotation of said body (2) in the same first direction by means of the auxiliary shaft in an attempt to remove a length of assembly stuck in the wellbore downhole of said body (2).

Abstract: A connection for oilfield use is disclosed. It features male and female components held together by dogs actuable through one of the members and into the other. Different configurations of the connections envision a built-in preload to the connection when made-up. This is accomplished by a cantilevered component at the extremity of one of the components of the connection. Alternatively, the preload feature can be incorporated into the dog or other locking assembly that holds the components of the connection together. The connection is particularly useful in subsea chokes which have a removable insert which can be mounted to or removed from the choke body which is located subsea.

Abstract: A connector for tying back a riser from a subsea wellhead to a platform, wherein the wellhead has an internal wellhead housing with external grooves thereon. The connector having a plurality of dog members carried within a cavity which engage the external grooves. The dog members are actuated by axial movement of a piston linked to a cam ring. The connector has a plurality of transfer members located within the cavity to support the dog members and transfer upward loading to the wellhead housing during tension on one side due to bending. Further, the connector has a release ring which forces the dog members out of engagement with the external grooves when the connector is released.

Abstract: A device for coupling and uncoupling the media supply lines at bearing chocks of rolls, particularly back-up rolls, mounted in roll housings, wherein the coupling elements of the media supply lines are arranged commonly in a carrier member so as to face the media connections in the bearing chock, wherein the carrier member is guided in a guide frame so as to be movable parallel to the direction of the adjustment movement of the bearing chocks, and wherein the guide frame is mounted in guide members connected to the roll stand so as to be movable in the axial direction of the rolls toward the bearing chock and away from the bearing chock.

Abstract: Fluid handling devices comprise a body having a fluid passage therethrough and a fluid inlet and outlet at passage ends. The body is formed from a non-metallic material in a number of different forms, e.g., pipe fittings, pipes, valves and the like. The body includes weldable stubs that extend outwardly therefrom that are designed to facilitate welded attachment with the weldable stubs of an adjacent fluid handling device. To facilitate accurate rotational positioning of the device vis-a-vis other adjacent devices, one or more alignment marks are positioned along the device surface. The alignment marks are positioned on the device to provide an indication of rotational position of the device about an axis running through at least one of the weldable stubs. In one embodiment, the alignment marks are integral with and placed along an outside surface of the device body. In another embodiment, the alignment marks are integral with and placed along an outside surface of the weld stubs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for installing a branch connector on a buried pipe for transporting a fluid, and to do so by means of a multi-purpose long handle from the top of an excavation. The apparatus comprises a bottom saddle positioner having a support structure on which there are disposed firstly clamping connection means adapted to the diameter of the pipe together with a support adaptor for supporting a bottom saddle, and secondly means for releasably fixing the positioner to the end of the multi-purpose long handle and situated on the side of the support structure opposite from its side on which the clamping connection means are situated.

Abstract: A subsea wellhead connector has an upper body that abuts the rim of a wellhead member. A hydraulic wellhead connector is carried by the upper body and extends over the wellhead member. The hydraulic wellhead connector carries dogs for moving into an engaged position with a profile on the exterior of the wellhead member. The mating or complementary stepped profile at the top or rim of the wellhead housing is designed to engage at three surfaces. The first surface is the flat surface at the inner diameter. The second surface is the tapered surface at the step. The third surface is the flat surface on the rim from the tapered surface to the outer diameter of the rim. The profiles are dimensioned with bias toward initial contact at the outer diameter flat on the rim of the well housing, second contact is at the inner diameter flat on the rim of the well housing, and the third contact is at the tapered step.

Abstract: A coiled tubing drilling hydraulic disconnect for use in disconnecting a tool from a length of tubing or other tool string. The apparatus has an upper housing and a lower housing with a splined ring threadingly engaged with the lower housing. A spline in the splined ring engages a spline on the upper housing so that torque may be transmitted therebetween. Lugs are disposed through windows in the lower housing below the splines, and a bushing is disposed between the splined ring and the lugs. Relative rotation between the upper and lower housings causes the splined ring to tighten against the bushing and lugs, thereby eliminating play therebetween. A lug prop disposed in the upper housing may be hydraulically actuated so that the lugs may move to a disconnect position, thereby releasing the upper housing from the lower housing. Because the windows are disposed below the splines, no torque or bending are applied to the windows, and the windows and lugs are shaped to minimize stress concentrations.

Abstract: The assembly of a connection that uses cooperating grooved surfaces to provide an easily disassembled and assembled connection is improved by a tool that clamps separate brackets onto the two ends of the pipe connection and radially and axially aligns pipe ends as a bolt draws the two brackets together. Drawing the brackets together causes contact between alignment surfaces that provide radial and axial alignment of the separate connection halves for installation of pipe connection links. No additional clamping means is needed to provide any necessary force to keep the connector faces of the connection ends sufficiently close together for placement of the links and the addition of the locking ring or other retaining means. The tool prevents disengagement of the link members from engagement with the grooves on either connection end before the locking sleeve is placed over the links. The tool also provides a recess for retaining the locking ring until needed for holding the links in place.

Abstract: A joint design particularly useful in subsea risers is disclosed. The joint is preferably of a pin and box design where one of the components is held in a stressed condition as the joint is made up and locked together. A portion of the applied stress is then removed, leaving a preload in the assembled joint. A hydraulically operated tool is used to apply the stress while at the same time supporting the riser string. The joint can seal with resilient seals or metal-to-metal contact, or both. The locking device can be of a variety of types including but not limited to breech lock, threads, or lock rings. The pin and box may be made of different materials that have different yield strengths and moduli of elasticity.

Abstract: This invention relates to a coupling system for connecting one or more fluid conduits wherein the system is adapted for lateral entry of one pipe or conduit to the other. The coupling system is also suited for making a connection in an environment which is relatively inaccessible to personnel and may be remotely operated.