Abstract: A jack assembly and a system for supporting a partially submerged structure. The jack assembly may include a fluid jack including a cylinder and a ram, the cylinder having at least one fluid chamber configured to receive a pressurized fluid to move the ram; and a valve housing removably coupled to the fluid jack for providing fluid communication between the fluid jack and at least one fluid conduit, the valve housing including a link movable from a first position toward a second position, the valve housing being secured to the jack while the link is in the first position, the valve assembly being disconnectable from the jack while the link is in the second position.

Abstract: A connector includes a cavity for stowing a pre-installed sealing member. The cavity is defined by a first or coupler seal cavity formed on the inside surface of a coupler and a second or insert seal cavity formed on the outer periphery of an insert. Relative motion of the coupler and the insert during assembly causes the sealing member to be displaced from a stowed or inactive seal position to an assembled or active seal position.

Abstract: A connector includes a cavity for stowing a pre-installed sealing member. The cavity is defined by a first or coupler seal cavity formed on the inside surface of a coupler and a second or insert seal cavity formed on the outer periphery of an insert. Relative motion of the coupler and the insert during assembly causes the sealing member to be displaced from a stowed or inactive seal position to an assembled or active seal position.

Abstract: A restrained pipe joint with improved deflection including a first pipe having a bell socket end, a second pipe having a spigot end inserted into and pivotable within the bell socket, a pivot plane, a sealing plane and an impingement plane, each of the sealing plane and the impingement plane being spaced a desired distance from the pivot plane, the desired distance being less than 15% of the outer diameter of the spigot end.

Abstract: An extendable pressurized fluid coupler is disclosed. The extendable pressurized fluid coupler has a guiding portion having a central fluid channel. The extendable pressurized fluid coupler further has a piston having a central fluid channel, the guiding portion and the piston having a common central axis. The extendable pressurized fluid coupler also has a drive circuit for driving the piston. The piston is extendable with respect to the guiding portion. The guiding portion is arranged for guiding the piston along the central axis. The piston is arranged for connecting the pressurized fluid coupler to a corresponding coupler having a second fluid channel, so that a fluid passage for a main pressurized fluid circuit is established.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connection device (1) for at least one media line (2), such as for a urea-water solution for exhaust gas after-treatment in a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine. The connection device comprises a connection part (4) having a socket (6) for the circumferentially sealed insertion of a line-side plug section (8), and retention means (10) for locking the inserted plug section (8) in place to prevent detachment. The retention means (10) is configured in such a way that starting from a normal operating position the inserted and locked plug section (8) can be moved over a specific travel path relative to the connection part (4) in opposition to a return force (F), in order to enlarge an internal volume inside the connection part (4) to which the medium is admitted.

Abstract: A flow tolerant actuating device includes, a first tubular having a first portion with a first minimum radial dimension, a second tubular surrounding the first tubular that is cyclically movable relative thereto having a second minimum radial dimension, and a protrusion extending from the second tubular having a third minimum radial dimension. The third minimum radial dimension is greater than the first minimum radial dimension and less than the second minimum radial dimension. The protrusion is positioned relative to the first minimum radial dimension in an upstream direction relative to an anticipated fluid flow direction, and the protrusion is configured to reduce downstream forces on the first tubular due to fluid flow.

Abstract: A quick connect and quick release coupling for connecting two pipes, including a male element and a female element that are axially fitted and interlocked one inside the other and wherein a locking mechanism retains the male element in a coupled position and a temporarily retaining mechanism immobilizes the male element, after its release by the locking mechanism, in a position for flushing a pipe connected to the male element. The locking mechanism is controlled by a sleeve that slides relative to a body of the female element. When the temporarily retaining mechanism retains the male element in flushing position, it is subjected to a first force (E1) derived from a pressure (P) of the fluid flowing (F) from the male element outwards and to a second force (E2), opposite to the first, exerted by elastic return means which, when the pressure (P) drops to a safety threshold, moves the temporarily retaining mechanism into a position for releasing the male element from the female element.

Abstract: A hydraulic connector for a wellhead hub is provided that includes a piston and a bottom portion configured to move in an axial direction via hydraulic pressure applied to one or more hydraulic ports in the connector. The movement of the piston and the bottom portion moves a ring and a segment of the connector in a radial direction to engage recesses in the wellhead hub. The connector may be unlocked by applying hydraulic pressure to a hydraulic port of the connector. A system and method of operating the connector are also provided.

Abstract: A plug-type connector for pipelines, having a first and a second connection end, with a first connection end being in the form of a first support body, the first support body being provided with a closure ring, the closure ring and the first support body forming an annular space for accommodating a pipe end, and for securing the pipe end, which is inserted into the annular space in a clamping manner, against axially acting withdrawal forces. The plug-type connector is distinguished in that the closure ring has at least one latching projection or latching recess with which the clamping ring can be axially secured.

Abstract: A pipe coupling capable of being safely connected and disconnected. The pipe coupling has a tubular housing (16), a first locking member (18), a pressing member (24), a valve member (30), and a second locking member (50) provided between the valve member (30) and the pressing member (24). When the housing is communicated with a fluid source with the pressing member (24) placed in a standby position (FIGS. 1 to 4), the second locking member is displaced by the valve member, which is displaced toward an open position by fluid pressure. In this process, the second locking member engages with the pressing member (24) before the valve member reaches the open position (FIG. 2), thereby preventing the valve member from reaching the open position and, at the same time, preventing the pressing member from being displaced to a pressing position. When the housing is communicated with the fluid source with the pressing member (24) placed in the pressing position (FIG.

Abstract: This tubular joint includes a bell end (4) which is equipped with an internal groove (18) and in which is inserted a spigot end (6), a seal (8) and a locking element (12). The groove forms a groove wall (20). The spigot end (6) and the bell end (4) define a radial clearance (J). The locking element (12) includes a fixing tooth (36) and a contact face (28) for application against the wall (20) when the clearance (J) is within a first range of clearances. When the clearance is within a second range of clearances, the locking element (12) forms a rocking point (34) for rocking round the groove wall (20) and the fixing tooth (36) bites into the external surface (22) by a flying buttress effect of the locking element (12).

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum brake booster (10) comprising a housing (12) and a bent connecting element (16) for connecting the vacuum brake booster to a vacuum source, wherein the connecting element (16) comprises a first connecting piece (22) which extends through an opening (28) in the brake booster housing (12) into a vacuum chamber (14) of the vacuum brake booster, and a second connecting piece (26) for connecting the connecting element (16) to the vacuum source, and a multi-part housing (18) with a first housing part (20) which carries the first connecting piece (22) and a second housing part (24) which carries the second connecting piece (26) arranged at a first angle (?) to the first connecting piece (22).

Abstract: A fitting for releasably coupling two structures and for maintaining fluid communication between the two structures has a first and second fitting member. The first fitting member includes a first ferromagnetic coupling element, and the second fitting member includes a second ferromagnetic coupling element. The first and second fitting members are constructed and arranged so as to be moved into engaged relation with one another and to be moved apart from on another so as to be separate from one another. Magnetic attraction between the first and second fitting members maintains the fitting members in engagement, and the fitting members are decoupled by applying force sufficient to overcome the magnetic attraction.

Abstract: Hose coupling incorporates male part and a female part being provided with elements which in corporation with a slide axially displaceable sleeve on the female part renders possible pressure relief at disconnection. These elements are constituted by an angular locking pawl one portion of which is insert able in an axial groove in the female part and has such length that always at least some part thereof is surrounded by the sleeve. The other inwardly directed part of the locking pawl has such length that it extends into the groove of the male part when locking pawl is influenced by the sleeve. The locking pawl is a combined element. To lock the male part when the coupling is connected and lock the male part in an alternative position when it's pressure relieved.

Abstract: A wellhead connector for connecting a riser or production tree to a wellhead of a subsea well utilizes a singular annular piston to lock the connector onto the wellhead. The wellhead connector includes a housing that contains dogs for engagement with the exterior of the wellhead housing. A cam ring is also included, which has an inner side for engaging the dogs and moving them inward into a locked position with the wellhead housing. Connecting rods connect the piston to the cam rings. As the piston moves downward, the cam ring also moves downward, forcing the dogs inward into a locked position. As the piston moves upward, the cam ring also moves upward, thereby unlocking the connector. A secondary annular piston is also provided to guarantee unlocking.

Abstract: A coupling is formed from inner and outer members. The inner member is attached to a pipe wall and is formed with a bulge. The outer member is retained by the inner member and is formed with a clamp that surrounds the bulge.

Abstract: A remotely releasable brake hose coupler for pressure fluid operated brake systems, such as on a motor truck and semi-trailer unit, and a retrieval mechanism for retrieving flexible hoses connected to the coupler. Pressure air from the truck tractor brake system is conducted through a valve to an actuator for effecting movement of a coupler member to release engagement with a corresponding coupler fitting mounted on a trailer. One or more air brake hoses connected to respective remotely releasable couplers are connected to tensioning mechanisms and to a movable boom mounted on the truck tractor for extending the hoses during a remote release operation and then retracting the hoses and couplers to a stored position when the remotely releasable couplers are disconnected from the trailer fittings.

Abstract: A remotely actuated quick-release coupling having a male assembly and a female assembly. The female assembly has an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve, with the male assembly being removably insertable into the inner sleeve. A spring-loaded latching mechanism is located in the female coupling and is automatically engaged when the male assembly is inserted into the female assembly, connecting the coupling. The cylinder defined by the inner and outer sleeve can be pressurized through an external port using either air pressure or hydraulics. When the cylinder is pressurized, the latching mechanism is disengaged, allowing the male assembly to be removed from the female assembly, disconnecting the coupling.

Abstract: A tube joint includes a body into which a tube is inserted, a guide member which is arranged in the body, a chuck which engages with the outer circumferential surface of the tube to retain the tube, fastening pawls which protrude while being inclined by predetermined angles toward the inner circumference facing the tube on the chuck, a release bush which releases the tube from a fastened state, and a packing which is installed in the body. The packing surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the tube, and is displaceable in the axial direction of the body when a pressure fluid is supplied.

Abstract: A spring-biased holder 42 for pressing a locking ball (41) is accommodated between an outer sleeve (30) fitted onto an outer surface of a coupling part (21) of a coupler main body (20) and the outer surface of the coupling part (21) so as to be capable of moving back and forth. A coupler (10) can be attached to a plug (51) of a dialyzer (50) easily with a single operation by moving the holder (42) back and forth. In cleaning using a cleaning adapter (60), the coupler (10) is attached to the adapter (60) while releasing the locking ball (41) with a pressing protrusion (67) of the adapter (60), so that the inside of the coupling part (21) can be surely cleaned.

Abstract: The quick coupler according to the invention comprises a male element adapted to be fitted in a female element and maintained in this position by a latch forming stop and opposing a movement of withdrawal thereof.

Abstract: A pipe coupling (10) for joining together the ends of two adjacent pipes includes a housing (12) which defines a generally central bore (13) along a central axis of the housing for receiving the ends of the two adjacent pipes, and a locking arrangement (14) at each end of the housing (12) for locking the pipes to the coupling. Each locking arrangement (14) includes an annular chamber (23) within the housing, an inlet for allowing fluid into the chamber, an outlet for allowing fluid out of the chamber, and an annular seal (24) which is arranged to move within the annular chamber axially of the housing. A locking ring (26) is provided between the annular seal (24) and a plurality of radially movable grippers (30) for locking the grippers to a pipe end within the housing.

Abstract: An improved quick-disconnect connector assembly for connecting hoses, having a female element for connection to a first hose and a male element for connection to a second hose. The female element has an axial bore having a sealing mechanism for sealably receiving a tubular portion of the male element. The male element further comprises resettable valve including a coil spring that extends into the bore in the female element and is retained therein by a U-shaped clip. The spring is sized to hold the male element axially within the sealing mechanism up to a desired inline pressure. When the pressure limit is exceeded, the male element spring is extended until the seal is broken, relieving the overpressure condition. When the un-sealing force has been relieved, the extended spring biases the male element back into sealing relationship with the female element, thereby automatically resetting the relief valve.

Abstract: A radially offset valve is mounted in a bypass passage that extends through two movable members that are jointly moved during coupling between two couplers. The valve is moved from a closed position in which the flow of a pressurized fluid through a flow channel of an outer tubular body is prevented from being discharged through a discharge passage, to an open position in which the fluid is permitted to flow to the discharge passage, thereby resisting fluid leakage to the environment during coupling.

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 releasable connector connects between coiled tubing, a pipe string or similar tubular string and a tool/piece of equipment. Two sleeve-shaped inter-connectable parts are configured to be releasable, wherein one is connected to the coiled tubing, and the other is connected to the tool/equipment. A locking device holds the two sleeve-shaped parts of the connector in a blocked non-released position, and a retaining sleeve keeps the locking device in its locking position. The retaining sleeve is axially displaceable for releasing the connector by a sufficient, axial displacing movement. A coaxial displaceable piston body with a transversal end surface can be influenced by fluid pressure in order to start a releasing process. The piston body has a spring, which resists the displacement of the piston and is arranged in a spring chamber. In an initial position of the connector, the spring chamber is filled with a medium which can be forced out through a cavity and an opening.

Abstract: A quick safety connection for the removable joining of pipes, comprising a male connector and a female element adapted to fit and to be locked inside one another. A controlled locking mechanism is adapted to immobilized the male connector axially in a position of connection, while at least one retention member is provided to immobilize the male connector, after release of the connector by said locking mechanism, in an intermediate position of discharge of the pipe connection. The locking mechanism and retention member are controlled by a sleeve sliding around the female element. Vents and safety stops are provided to limit the movement of the sleeve under the effect of the pressure prevailing due to the discharge of the connection in the intermediate position between the female element and the sleeve.

Abstract: A flat-face quick coupling (1), comprising an outer tubular body (5) and a bushing (6) threaded in the tubular body for receiving, in an axially displaceable manner, a tubular element (8) coupled, in a per se known way, to means (11) for providing a flat-face quick coupling, by providing that the tubular element (8) is rigid with a tubular body (7) which, on an outer circumference thereof, comprises sealing ring elements (12, 13), that through a body of tubular element (8) a throughgoing hole (22) is formed, which, through a cross hole (20) communicates with a chamber (3) of the quick coupling (1), that the throughgoing hole (22) has a valve seat (23) which can be shut-off by a valve stem (24) preloaded by a spring (25), that the valve stem (24) comprises an extension (26) projecting into a chamber (28) formed between the tubular body (7) and tubular body (5), and that from the chamber (28) extends a throughgoing hole (30) connected to a discharging fitting (31).

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: A rotatable hose coupling is provided for use with a pool cleaner, particularly of the type powered by a suction or vacuum source via a flexible vacuum hose or the like connected to the suction side of conventional pool water filtration equipment, wherein the rotatable hose coupling is mounted in-line along the vacuum hose and responds to cyclic pressure differentials to index the hose through a rotational increment each time the filtration equipment is turned on and off. The rotatable hose coupling comprises a tubular plunger having one end received axially and slidably within a cam housing defining an axially opposed and spaced-apart pair of cam surfaces. At least one radially extending cam pin carried by the plunger engages the cam surfaces to rotatably index the cam housing relative to the plunger in response to axial back-and-forth displacement of the plunger within the cam housing.

Abstract: An air pressure actuated stop assembly (50) is disposed in at least one of first and second rotatably engaging housings of a coupling assembly (10), the housings (14) being affixed to ends of respective associated hoses 70) to complete an air passageway (24) therebetween when coupled. Each housing (14) has a portion with an exterior surface adjacent an interior surface of a complementary portion of the other housing (14) and rotatably slidable therealong during coupling and uncoupling of the assembly (10). The stop assembly (50) includes a spring biased pin (52) that moves when actuated by air pressure in the air brake hose (70) to a position to obstruct the path traveled by the portion of the opposite housing (14) in a direction uncoupling the two housings (14) thereby preventing rotational uncoupling of the housings (14) when the air brake system is pressurized. The pin (52) is automatically retracted when the air pressure is released thus permitting the housings (14) to be uncoupled.

Abstract: An automatic tension-activated in-line connector for a pressurized hose is provided with pressure compensation means by which the necessary tension to effect decoupling is rendered less responsive to resistance created by high line pressures.

Abstract: A pressure-locked coupling including a coupler and nipple, said coupler having a locking means which locks the nipple to said coupler in response to pressure applied to said coupler. A locking sleeve is employed having various locking diametrical surfaces and locking shoulders to secure said nipple to said coupler.

Abstract: A coupling which can be used in fueling lines (L1, L2) or the like, the coupling having a closure device which blocks the flow path of the fluid and are brought automatically into closed position as a function of a sensor-recorded displacement of the feed line with respect to the discharge line; in order to achieve a functionally optimized solution, the coupling is developed as rapid-closure coupling (K) having an ejector ram (41) acted on by pressure fluid as a result of the action of a sensor, for the separation of the two coupling halves (I, II) which have previously been brought individually into the closed position (closing of the shut-off valves V1, V2), also due to the action of a sensor.

Abstract: A hydraulic setting and release tool has a shear out setting assembly attached to a string coupling member. Upon reaching a predetermined hydraulic pressure, a piston of the tool shears restraining shear pins and moves in a body of the tool to release dogs that engage the coupling member. When used in running in a liner, the coupling member is a running head that rotates the liner during running in and cementing. When used as a drill string release tool, the coupling member is a release sub, the tool being placed serially with other string components. If the drill string gets stuck, it is separated by merely increasing the hydraulic pressure sufficiently to shear the pins and allow the piston to move and the dogs to retract to separate the release sub from the shear out assembly.

Abstract: A pressure compensation multi tubular safety joint for use with tubular sections is disclosed wherein a weak link is included that causes the joint to separate under axial load before permanent damage is done to the tubular sections but which compensates for pressure changes in the tubular sections. The joint includes two members, one of which has means for permitting the separation under conditions where the load is only partially axial. The joint further includes means for pre-stressing the joint to relieve the load on the weak link while the joint is lowered into position and further means for relieving the pre-stress through the flowing fluid in the sections.

Abstract: A safety device for gas welding is provided between a gas supply source and a burner torch to prevent counter-flow and back-fire from the burner torch in the direction of the gas supply source, and further, to positively cut off the flow path, so that explosion of the gas supply source is prevented. The gas welding safety device comprises a socket-side coupling providing a flow path, a plug-side coupling separably connected with the socket-side coupling and having a flow path communicating with the flow path of the socket-side coupling, and a mechanical mechanism for separably connecting both couplings. Within the flow path of the socket-side coupling, a movable valve seat confining a movable valve body for cutting off the normal gas flow are incorporated. The valve body has a valve seat portion and in turn houses a check valve for preventing dangerous counter-flow.

Abstract: A tension actuated fuel (e.g. gasoline) delivery hose uncoupler is disclosed in which, upon a predetermined tension load being applied to the delivery pump hose, the coupling will automatically uncouple thus releasing one end of the hose which, for example, may remain inserted in the fuel tank of a vehicle driving away from the fuel dispensing pump, and the other portion of the hose which is permanently affixed to the pump. The coupler includes normally closed check valves which, upon uncoupling of the coupler, close thereby preventing spillage of fuel. Further, the coupler is adjustable so that it may be calibrated to uncouple at predetermined tension loads. The uncoupler is structured so as to substantially eliminate the effects of fluid (e.g., gasoline) delivery pressure on the tension load required for uncoupling.

Abstract: The loading and locking mechanism includes a first cylindrical member with means defining a circumferential groove therein having a first surface of revolution disposed at an angle with the axis of the first cylindrical member. Cooperating with the first cylindrical member is a second cylindrical member having an axial opening sized to accommodate the first cylindrical member and an inside surface groove having a second surface of revolution disposed at an angle with the axis of the second cylindrical member. A continuous ellipsoidal spring having canted coils is disposed in both first and second cylindrical member grooves for forcing the first and second surfaces of revolution away from one another to cause axial loading between the first and second cylindrical members. Additional locking surfaces may be provided each of the first and second grooves which are disposed generally perpendicular to the first and second cylindrical member axis.

Abstract: A connector useful in releasably connecting well servicing equipment to wellheads. A male connector member houses resilient seals sealingly engageable in the female member on connection. The female connector member houses radially moveable dogs which may be locked in connecting engagement in a groove on the male connector by a lock sleeve longitudinally moveable over the dogs. The sleeve is longitudinally moveable in response to pressure and is biased toward dogs locked position and may be retained there by application of pressure through a first inlet in the sleeve. The female connector houses a pressure lock which prevents movement of the lock sleeve on application of pressure to a second lock sleeve inlet, if there is pressure in the connector bore.

Abstract: The union is made up of two parts normally locked together by at least one radial screw with sized cross section. Under severe pulling stress applied to the union from the outside the locking screw breaks and frees the two parts of the union, which separate together with the pipes to which they are attached. Under normal working conditions elastically stressed sealing devices ensure maintenance of watertightness between the union parts.

Abstract: A connect-disconnect coupling for a plural-passage fluid line has an outer socket which has an inner plug mounted therein; and an outer plug has an inner socket mounted in it. That inner plug includes a yieldable tube which has one end thereof in fluid-tight engagement with a partition in that outer socket; and the other end of that yieldable tube can automatically align itself with the inner socket in the outer plug as that outer plug is telescoped into that outer socket. The other end of that yieldable tube is capable of automatically returning to a position which is generally central of the outer socket even if that yieldable end had been moved all the way to one side of that outer socket.

Abstract: A releasable coupling has opposite ends adpated to be connected into a tool string or tubing string and run downhole into a borehole. A sealing member is passed down through the tubing string and allowed to become seated within the axial passageway of the releasable coupling. Pressure is applied through the axial passageway above the sealing member whereupon the differential in pressure effected across the sealing member is also effected across a slidable piston reciprocatingly received within the releasable coupling. The piston moves into a position which enables a male member to be released and separated from a female member. When the male and female members are released and separated from one another, the lower part of the tubing string is disconnected from the upper part of the tubing string.

Abstract: A hydraulic connection apparatus for use by divers or an underwater vehicle is disclosed which allows pressurized hydraulic fluid to be supplied to hydraulically-actuated devices carried upon subsea equipment. A pressurized fluid source carried by the underwater vehicle is placed in fluid communication with the hydraulically-actuated devices by the connection apparatus. The connection apparatus comprises a buoyant device that is allowed to float upwardly into a receptacle carried by a portion of the subsea equipment. Co-operating hydraulic connection elements carried by the buoyant device and the receptacle provide a pressure tight seal between the device and the receptacle. Pressurized hydraulic fluid then flows from the buoyant device and through the receptacle to the hydraulically-actuated devices carried upon the subsea equipment.

Abstract: A manually operated, power-assisted, self-sealing fluid coupling which utilizes pressurized fluid to interconnect the coupling parts. A sleeve within one part selectively locks to the other part and utilizes an expansible chamber motor to draw the other part into the one coupling part, and a second expansible chamber motor associated with the sleeve neutralizes the coupling force of the first motor during disconnection and manual operation of the sleeve through a valve component disconnects the coupling parts.

Abstract: An improved quick connect coupling is provided for releasably connecting a pair of conduits, such as ordinary garden hose. The coupling comprises interlocking male and female fittings adapted for respective connection to a pair of hoses, wherein the male fitting includes a male member with an external circumferential groove for axial alignment with a generally opposed pair of arcuate slots in a female member on the female fitting. A C-shaped retainer is carried about the female fitting and includes a central spring base supporting a pair of locking arms which terminate in free ends having axially projecting lock tabs at the radially inner edges thereof, wherein these locking arms extend through the arcuate slots to position the arm free ends in engagement with radially oriented cam surfaces on the female member. In a normal unstressed condition of the retainer, the radially inner edges of the locking arms including the lock tabs extend into the male member groove to lock the coupling.

Abstract: The coupling is provided with a cylinder (15, 49) within which a piston can be moved under pressure in one direction or the other. The piston has attached to it a clamping device in the form of jaws (32) which are adapted to be pressed together radially inwards and which are adapted to be fixed in a spread-apart position. The outer circumferential surface (41, 42) of the cylinder has provided on it a sleeve (4) which is adapted to be displaced and which is capable of occupying several positions, the jaws being pressed together in one of said positions and the jaws being spread apart in another position, and in a third position pressurized air can be applied to a connection.

Abstract: This invention relates to a quick connect type of tube connector which engages the outside diameter of the tube with a self-locking capability and which increases its gripping action on the tube by fluid pressure developed behind a piston in a chamber housing the piston and having seals between the piston and chamber and between the tube and an axially slidable member applying initial gripping action on the tube.

Abstract: A tool stopping device for use in a well flow conductor having a preferably full open bore and an abrupt stop shoulder surrounding the bore and engageable by corresponding stop shoulders of spring biased keys carried on a well tool for stopping the well tool as it moves through the flow conductor to indicate the tool's arrival at the device, the device having lugs remotely actuable from the surface for releasing the keys from engagement with the stop shoulder in the device for movement of the well tool therebeyond. One form of the device is suitable for stopping tools entering from one direction only. Another form of the device is suitable for stopping tools both moving into and out of a well. Either or both types of devices may be used in any quantity to provide known checkpoints in a well system for monitoring the progress of well tools moving therethrough.