Abstract: A flexible joint assembly for interconnecting two conduits that transport fluid under pressure includes an annular housing and a tubular member of smaller diameter than the housing. The housing has adjacent each end an annular flange that extends radially inwardly relative to the housing. Disposed between the flanges of the housing is an annular flange which extends radially outwardly adjacent one end of the tubular member. The other end of the tubular member projects through an opening at one end of the housing for attachment to a fluid conduit. Within the housing and encircling the tubular member is a rigid annulus. On each side of the rigid annulus is an annular flexible element that encircles the tubular member and includes at least one body of elastomer. The flexible elements are joined to the rigid annulus and to adjacent flanges of the tubular member and the housing so as to define a fluid-tight seal and load bearing connection between the tubular member and the housing.

Abstract: A universally angularly adjustable sealable pipe coupling comprises a first coupling member including a first outer internally threaded pipe engaging section and an inner socket section of increasing radii of curvature approaching its open end and a second coupling member including an inner ball section with inside and outside faces of increasing radii of curvature approaching an open free end, the ball section registering with the socket and a second outer internally threaded pipe engaging section. A tubular plastic locking member includes a locking section having a curved outside face engaging the ball section inside face and a coaxial tubular shank slideably engaging the inner end of the first pipe engaging section. The first and second coupling members are relatively universally angularly adjustable and are locked in the present position by tightening a pipe in the first coupling section to advance the locking member.

Abstract: A flexible riser connector for connecting an offshore well pipe to a riser extending upward from the ocean floor is provided. An annular cup-shaped housing with an upfacing central cavity and a cylindrical bottom port is axially adjoined to the well pipe. A nipple having an inner bore and a downfacing and flared lower end is axially adjoined to the riser, and depends into the upfacing central cavity of the annular housing. The riser is supported by a guide ring slidably mating with the inner surface of the flared lower end of the nipple, and mounted to the bottom of the cup portion of the annular housing. An elastomeric body including an assembly of concentric spherical rings radially spaced apart by elastomeric pads is adhered to the outer surface of the flared end of the nipple, and to the lower surface of a collar in sealed relation with the inner surface of the annular housing. The collar is captured within the annular housing by a retainer.

Abstract: A flexible piping joint in the form of a fluid-tight coupling and sealing apparatus for two tubes having high pressure fluid flowing therethrough, the joint having angular, axial and rotational flexibility and comprising a metallic, resilient annular sealing element on the first tube in an interference fit with the interior surface of the second tube, and a guiding mechanism for maintaining the intersection point of the tubes' centerlines during angular misalignment in the plane containing the line of contact of the sealing element and the interior surface of the second tube.

Abstract: A pressure compensated slide joint for sealing first and second tubes having high pressure fluid flowing therethrough comprising a metallic, resilient sealing element extending from the first tube into an interference fit with the interior surface of the second tube, and an annular chamber, variable lengthwise in the axial direction, formed from two parts, each coupled to one of the tubes and in a slidable, sealing relationship with the other, and which has a vent communicating with the interior of the second tube. The sealing element is formed of a frustoconical portion and a ring portion having a curved outer surface contacting the interior surface of the second tube.

Abstract: A flexible pipe line joint having an annular housing with a central cavity in which a nipple is partially submerged. The nipple has a flared end on the submerged portion to the inner surface of which an elastomeric ring is adhered. The ring is internally contoured spherically with reference to a common center point spaced from the flared end and located on the longitudinal axis of the joint. An elastomeric body has an assembly of embedded concentric spherical rings and is adhered to the outer surface of the flared end. The spherical rings are contoured and positioned in symmetry to the common center point. A collar secured to the housing encircles the nipple and engages the outer surface of the elastomeric body to maintain the body in position. Support structure secured to the housing has an outward facing spherical surface mating in sliding relation with the internal surface of the first elastomeric body.

Abstract: A universal flexible joint for fluid conduits includes an upper body connectible to an upper conduit and a separate lower body connectible to a lower conduit. A housing surrounds both bodies, there being an upper spherical laminated bearing structure, embodying elastomer elements, between the upper body and upper portion of the housing, and a lower spherical laminated bearing structure, embodying elastomer elements, between the lower body and lower portion of the housing, allowing tensile force to be transmitted from the upper body through the upper bearing structure to the housing and through the lower bearing structure to the lower body, while permitting universal movement between the upper body and lower body relative to the housing.

Abstract: This invention provides a pipe joint which includes a first pipe end and a second pipe end juxtaposed in substantial alignment. The pipe joint is capable of providing for movement of one pipe end with respect to the other, and also for pressure-compensation. A sleeve member spans between and externally of both pipe ends. Two annular ring structures are positioned between the pipe ends and respective ends of the sleeve member. Sealing surface engagement takes place between each annular ring structure, its respective pipe end, and the sleeve member. Articulating means are provided for interconnecting each annular ring structure with the opposite pipe end, thereby to permit the pressure-compensation.