Abstract: A system and method is provided for converting a drilling rig between conventional hydrostatic pressure drilling and managed pressure drilling or underbalanced drilling using a docking station housing mounted on a marine riser or bell nipple. This docking station housing may be positioned above the surface of the water. When a removable rotating control device is remotely hydraulically latched with the docking station housing, the system and method allows for interactive lubrication and cooling of the rotating control device, as needed, along with a supply of fluid for use with active seals.

Abstract: A subsea pipe connection assembly has a first flange, a nut magazine positioned against a side of the first flange and having a plurality of nuts therein corresponding to the plurality of holes of the first flange, a second flange having a plurality of holes in alignment with the holes of the first flange, and a plurality of studs extending through holes of the first and second flanges such that the nuts in the nut magazine are affixed to the ends of the studs. A sleeve is affixed to and extending from the second flange. An ROV-delivered frame can be supported on the sleeve of the pipe such that a torquing tool connected to the frame can apply torque to a nut on the stud. The sleeve has a guide surface thereon so as to direct the torquing tool to nuts on the plurality of studs.

Abstract: A connector for a hydrocarbon system includes a first duct section, a first connector part slidably attached to the first duct section for connecting to a complementary connector part attached to a second duct section and a retraction member for moving the first connector part in an axial direction between an extended position and a retracted position.

Abstract: A fluidic compression connection includes a first sealing device having a fluid inlet at an entry opening and a first mating surface at an exit opening end; a second sealing device having an interchangeable plug-and-play consumable insert, a second mating surface at the entry opening end and a third mating surface at the exit opening end; a third sealing device having a fluid outlet at the exit opening and a fourth mating surface at the entry opening end; a mechanical support; and a drive force mechanism, wherein the first mating surface opposes the second mating surface and the third mating surface opposes the fourth mating surface, and wherein the drive force mechanism is configured to apply a substantially axial drive force opposed by the mechanical support, to compress the first, second, and third sealing devices and create a leak-resistant seal in the connection between the sealing devices.

Abstract: The invention provides an actuator apparatus which may be used to adjust flow of fluid or air in conjunction with a rack and pinion system. The device is able to rotate both vertically and horizontally via a mechanism that transforms axial movement into rotary movement. The device is useful in a range of circumstances where required specific and controllable rotary motion is required.

Abstract: A high pressure monitor includes an outlet body with a transverse passage, which extends through the body to form two inlets of the outlet body, and a second passage, which is in communication with the transverse passage and extends through the outlet body to form an outlet. The monitor further includes first and second bodies, with the outlet body mounted between the first and second bodies. Each of the first and second bodies has a transverse passage, which are in fluid communication with the inlets of the outlet body. A first swivel joint is provided between the outlet body and the first body. A second swivel joint is provided between the outlet body and the second body. Further, each of the swivel joints comprises a pressure balanced hydraulic fitting with seals and bearings, wherein the seals and bearings are oriented to reduce the axial pressure on the bearings from fluid flowing through the monitor.

Abstract: A connector (1) for connecting components of a subsea system, the connector comprising male and female components (3, 2), guide means (11) for assisting preliminary orientation of the male component within the female component and means (18; 20; 21) for drawing the male component into the female component and latch means (22) for securing the male component within the female component.

Abstract: An assembly and method for connecting a movable plate to a fixed plate for connecting hydraulic, pneumatic and/or electric circuits and wherein the movable plate and the fixed plate have matching connector elements. The movable plate includes at least one centering component capable of interacting with the fixed plate. The assembly includes an actuator having a fixed support, a movable component for moving the movable plate relative to the fixed support, between a first retracted position corresponding to a disconnected state of the plates and a second position corresponding to a connected state. The assembly also includes a device for moving the movable plate relative to the actuator, and the movable plate and the fixed support respectively have at least one positioning member and at lest one positioning component which interact to position the movable plate relative to the fixed support when the movable plate is in the first position.

Abstract: A control system for a fire fighting component includes a detector for detecting a position of at least a portion of a fire fighting component relative to an axis, which generates an output position signal indicative of the position of the at least a portion of the fire fighting component, and a controller in communication with the detector and receiving the output position signal. The controller generates a display output signal based on the output position signal. The system further includes a display that is in communication with the controller and receives the display output signal. The display generates an icon that is a graphical representation of the fire fighting device, and configures the icon based on the output display signal wherein the configuration of the icon indicates the position of the at least a portion of the fire fighting device.

Abstract: A connection for sub-sea use employs locking dogs that are isolated from seawater and a backup system for operating the backup sleeve to the dogs. The normal actuation system for the backup sleeve is also isolated from seawater exposure. The set position of the backup sleeve is positively retained against the prospect of axial movement that could be triggered by transmitted vibration into the connection.

Abstract: A modular connector system that permits changes to the connector, for example changes in the type of connection interface that is used and/or changes in the type of actuator that is used to actuate the connector. By making parts of the connector changeable, the connector can be changed so as to be able to connect to different fluid systems. This eliminates the need to have separate connectors for different fluid systems.

Abstract: A subsea connector is disclosed. The connector includes a guide funnel assembly that may be coupled to a subsea structure. The guide funnel assembly may receive a shaft. The shaft may be coupled to a bend restrictor/limiter or a bend stiffener. The shaft may be received inside the guide funnel assembly. The shaft may include a recess. A latch assembly may be coupled to the guide funnel assembly. The latch assembly may include one or more dogs and a latch operating device. The dogs may be radially moveable in and out of the interior of the guide funnel assembly. The dogs may be inserted into the recess of the shaft to inhibit longitudinal axial movement between the shaft and the guide funnel assembly. The latch operating device may control the in and out radial movement of the dogs.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for converting a drilling rig between conventional hydrostatic pressure drilling and managed pressure drilling or underbalanced drilling using a docking station housing mounted on a marine riser or bell nipple. This docking station housing may be positioned above the surface of the water. When a removable rotating control device is remotely hydraulically latched with the docking station housing, the system and method allows for interactive lubrication and cooling of the rotating control device, as needed, along with a supply of fluid for use with active seals.

Abstract: A connection for sub-sea use employs locking dogs that are isolated from seawater and a backup system for operating the backup sleeve to the dogs. The normal actuation system for the backup sleeve is also isolated from seawater exposure. The set position of the backup sleeve is positively retained against the prospect of axial movement that could be triggered by transmitted vibration into the connection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a quick coupling comprising a base plate and a support plate, with the mounting frame being guided movably at the base plate and having means for connection to the support plate. In accordance with the invention, the support plate is moved toward the base plate by means of the mounting frame to close the coupling.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for a coupler comprises at least one clamping module which includes a clamping jaw (12) that is designed for connecting the coupler to a complementary means device and an actuating system that comprises a device of the screw/nut type which is driven by a motor. The actuating system is connected directly to the clamping jaw, and the clamping jaw is swivel-mounted to a support about a point that is fixed relative to the coupler.

Abstract: A connector for connecting sections of drilling riser pipe wherein a first riser contains a pin assembly with an external first grooved profile and a second riser contains a housing assembly. An internal split pivoting latch segment assembly carried by the housing assembly contains a second grooved profile adapted to mate to the first grooved profile and a split actuation ring movably carried by the housing assembly forces the second grooved profile of the latch segment assembly into engagement with the first grooved profile of the pin assembly. A plurality of retraction links engage an upper edge of the latch segment assembly to disengage the second grooved profile of the latch segment assembly from the first grooved profile of the pin assembly if the risers are to be disconnected.

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 joint for joining the ends of two pipes has a socket (or box) on the end of one pipe into which the end of the other pipe is inserted. The part of the socket which surrounds the inserted pipe has an external tapered surface. A correspondingly tapered sleeve surrounds the socket and can be moved axially to apply a compressive force to the taper on the socket which is thus compressed inward against the inserted pipe end to frictionally grip the inserted pipe end.

Abstract: A chromatography and fluidic device with connections capable of automated component changing, diagnostic leak and current sensing. The chromatography-electrospray device contains a chromatography column, a pre-column, a spray emitter, or other fluidic component imbedded within one or more inserts. The inserts are robotically placed in receiving hardware, and a “plug and play” compression fitting connection mechanism makes the fluidic seals in an automated fashion. A plurality of sensors capable of detecting leaks is situated in the device near leak-prone regions. The electrospray emitter has a current sensing electrode in proximity of the electrospray region, capable of detecting the electrospray current. In conjunction with an electronics system, these sensors allow for system and component diagnostics. The diagnostic information may then be used for manual or automated system repair.

Abstract: Systems for actuating a pair of pipe flanges to cause the flanges to be sealingly engaged. In one embodiment, a connection includes a first flange, a second flange and a coupling. The first and second flanges have complementary mating surfaces. The coupling engages both the first and second flanges, with the flanges oriented so that their mating surfaces face each other. The coupling movably engages the first flange to form a cavity between the coupling and the flange. When fluid is forced into the cavity, expansion of the cavity moves the first mating surface toward the second mating surface. This is continued until the mating surfaces make contact and a desired amount of pressure is applied between them to create a seal. The pressure of the fluid is distributed evenly through the cavity, so the contact pressure between the mating surfaces of the flanges is also evenly distributed.

Abstract: A latch assembly is connectable to a riser. A rotating control device can be positioned with the riser, sealing the rotating control device with the latch assembly and removably latching the rotating control device to the latch assembly and to the riser. The latch assembly can be remotely actuated. The latch assembly can provide an auxiliary safety mechanism to provide a backup actuation mechanism to unlatch the rotating control device from the latch assembly. The latch assembly can be bolted to the riser. Alternately, the latch assembly can be latched with the riser using a similar latching mechanism as used to latch the latch assembly to the rotating control device. A pressure transducer protector assembly can protect a transducer for monitoring wellbore pressure in the riser. A remote indicator panel can indicate the status of the latch assembly.

Abstract: A device for at least one of a pig launching/receiving device or a connecting pipe to a submerged pipeline. A deflection bend is operatively connected to the pipeline. A blind pipe projects from the deflection bend. The blind pipe is substantially concentric with and extends in an opposite direction to the pipeline. The blind pipe is not in fluid communication with the deflection bend.

Abstract: A connection device for connecting a tubular member to another member comprises a clamp ring, which is arranged in an inner bore of an outer housing, and includes a plurality of clamping fingers which are deflectable essentially in radial direction relative to the inner bore and a deflecting bushing which is displaceable by at least one driving means in axial direction of the inner bore between a stand-by position and a deflecting position. The deflecting bushing in its deflecting position deflects the clamping fingers radially inwardly. The driving means comprises a rotatable, axially not displaceable spindle along which the deflecting bushing is movable.

Abstract: A hydraulic quick coupling is described for the coupling of structural components. Two interacting quick-coupling parts are provided which are arranged respectively on the structural components, one quick-coupling part having at least one guide bolt which can engage in a centering bore of the quick-coupling part lying opposite it, each quick-coupling part being provided with coupling plugs or coupling sleeves for the connection of the hydraulic lines, and at least one quick-coupling part being arranged movably on one structural component in order to connect or separate the two quick-coupling parts.

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 make up 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: 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 spool piece termination structure to be mounted to a spool piece so as to support a spool piece hub during the connection of the spool piece hub to a corresponding pipeline hub. The termination structure includes a clamping device for clamping together the spool piece hub and pipeline hub, and a base frame openly shaped downwards so as to allow the termination structure to receive a pipeline end section provided with the pipeline hub by lowering the termination structure downwards onto the pipeline end section. A connection arrangement includes such a spool piece termination structure and a method for subsea connection of a pipeline to a spool piece.

Abstract: A connector for piping including two tubular fitting parts and quick-coupling and quick release connector having a plurality of locking segments circumferentially distributed in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the fitting parts and housed in radial slots of an axial projecting portion of a first fitting part that, during the coupling stage, is superimposable to a corresponding projecting axial portion of the second fitting part. A revolving ring can be controlled to rotate in order to work on the locking segments so as to push them into at least one radial seat of the projecting portion of the second part of a joint or to house them in its own radial seat, respectively for the coupling and the uncoupling of the fitting parts. Two independently operable hydraulic cylinders are arranged substantially at 180° from each other in the rotation plane of the revolving ring and they react, each one, between a first lever fastened to the first fitting part and a second lever fastened to the revolving ring.

Abstract: A joint for joining the ends of two pipes (12, 14) has a socket (or box) on the end of one pipe (14) into which the end (30) of the other pipe is inserted. The part (36) of the socket which surrounds the inserted pipe has an external tapered surface (38). A correspondingly tapered sleeve (42) surrounds the socket and can be moved axially to apply a compressive force to the taper on the socket which is thus compressed inward against the inserted pipe end to frictionally grip the inserted pipe end.

Abstract: A connecting mechanism for two parts, which are at least partially insertable into one another, presents a cam-operated component, which runs on bearings and which is adjustable between a passive and an active position, on the one part, for shifting a number of contact elements between a withdrawal and a contact position, whereby the contact elements, when in the contact position, mesh in a retaining indentation on the other part, and a driving device for the adjustment of the cam-operated component between the active and passive positions. In order to ensure a secure and stable connection of these parts, using simple design means without additional pre-stressing or restraining devices, even when the parts are only partially inserted into one another, the contact elements are arranged in two or more levels essentially parallel to the insertion direction of the two parts and the cam-operated component for shifting the contact elements between the withdrawal and contact positions is allocated to each level.

Abstract: A radio controlled liquid monitor, capable of rotation about a vertical axis through an infinite arc is disclosed. A rotatable body is rotatably mounted onto a base element for rotation about a vertical axis, and a discharge elbow is rotatably mounted on the rotatable body for rotation about a horizontal axis. A horizontal drive unit and a vertical drive unit operate on gears on the rotatable body and the elbow, to enable the rotatable body to rotate about a vertical axis, and the discharge elbow to rotate about a horizontal axis. A control module is attached to the rotatable body which receives radio control commands from an operator via a portable transmitter apparatus or a fixed transmitter apparatus. The control module and drive unit receive electrical power and control signals through a rotating connector positioned within the base element and rotatable body so that the control module and drive units receive electrical power and control signals regardless of the rotational position of the rotatable body.

Abstract: A junction plate assembly for subsea hydraulic couplings has gear-driven cam followers on the circumference of one, generally circular, junction plate and curved cam tracks on a corresponding junction plate to urge the plates together or apart. The gears can provide significant mechanical advantage in moving the junction plates. Accordingly, larger junction plates with a greater number of hydraulic coupling members may be joined together when using the apparatus of the invention. The mechanical advantage provided by the junction plate mechanism allows the use of smaller, less powerful Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) to make hydraulic connections in the subsea environment.

Abstract: A fire-fighting monitor for directing the flow of fluid from a fluid source includes a base, which is adapted to connect to a fluid source, and a monitor housing. The monitor housing includes an inlet and an outlet, with the inlet releasably mounted on the base and for receiving fluid through the base. The outlet is in fluid communication with the inlet for discharging fluid from the housing. A rotatable connection is provided between the inlet and the base. The inlet is rotatable about the base at the rotatable connection about a first axis. A drive mechanism is associated with the rotatable connection for rotating the inlet about the base at the rotatable connection. The monitor further includes a control system for selectively actuating the drive mechanism and includes a receiver for receiving an input signal from a transmitter remote from the monitor. The control system actuates the drive mechanism in response to the receiver receiving the input signal.

Abstract: A locking ring-type pipe joint has a spigot ring provided on a first pipe section, a bell ring provided on a second pipe section, and a locking ring that may be contracted to engage the spigot ring to the bell ring. First and second circumferential grooves formed in the spigot ring are configured to receive a test gasket and a pipe seal gasket respectively. An annular test space between the gaskets is in closed connection with a pressure port, whereby the pressure seal of the pipe seal gasket may be evaluated after the pipe sections are joined and prior to activating the joint restraint feature, installing the next pipe, and back-filling the pipe sections.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously moving male and female coupling members attached to manifold or junction plates together or apart includes sloped cam surfaces on the first or rear junction plate, a central shaft having cam followers that move up the sloped cam surface to urge the two junction plates together, and thereby connect male and female coupling members and corresponding sloped cam surfaces on the opposite side of the first junction plate with cam followers that move across the sloped cam surface to disconnect the coupling members.

Abstract: A gear operated coupler is provided for coupling and uncoupling mating first and second coupling portions of a piping system component. A sleeve with an attached spur gear includes threads that engage the first coupling portion, and the sleeve slidingly receives the second coupling portion. The coupling portions are maintained in a metal-to-metal seal arrangement by a compensation ring in the sleeve. A pinion plate, carrying an associated pinion gear, is attached to the second coupling portion so that the pinion gear engages the spur gear. A torque applied to an operating nut connected to the pinion gear shaft causes the pinion gear and spur gear to rotate. Depending on the direction of rotation of the pinion gear, the threads of the sleeve advance the first coupling portion toward the second coupling portion until the two are coupled, or the first coupling portion is retracted from the second coupling portion.

Abstract: A radio controlled liquid monitor, capable of rotation about a vertical axis through an infinite arc is disclosed. A rotatable body is rotatably mounted onto a base element for rotation about a vertical axis, and a discharge elbow is rotatably mounted on the rotatable body for rotation about a horizontal axis. A horizontal drive unit and a vertical drive unit operate on gears on the rotatable body and the elbow, to enable the rotatable body to rotate about a vertical axis, and the discharge elbow to rotate about a horizontal axis. A control module is attached to the rotatable body which receives radio control commands from an operator via a portable transmitter apparatus or a fixed transmitter apparatus. The control module and drive unit receive electrical power and control signals through a rotating connector positioned within the base element and rotatable body so that the control module and drive units receive electrical power and control signals regardless of the rotational position of the rotatable body.

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 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 subsea connector is remotely actuated to connect a subsea flowline to a subsea connector hub. The connector has a frame with a tubular mandrel located within it. The mandrel connects to the flowline and has a forward end that engages the connector end. The mandrel moves axially relative to the frame between retracted and extended positions. A lock member on the forward end of the mandrel will engage the profile of the connector hub. An actuator mounted to the mandrel causes the lock member to move into engagement with the connector hub after the mandrel has been moved into engagement with the connector hub. A portable telescoping jack assembly has an ROV interface for receiving power from the ROV. The jack assembly fits within a first pocket in the frame to move the mandrel to the extended position. The jack assembly is retrievable from the first pocket and fits within a second pocket in the frame to move the actuator and the lock member into locking engagement with the profile.

Abstract: Mechanical lock system for preventing disengagement of a marine loading arm from an inlet/outlet port of a marine tanker by physically restraining rotation of a collar of a quick-connect coupler relative to a main body of the quick-connect coupler.

Abstract: A self-aligning coupling for mating a pair of corresponding flanged fittings, generally for pipe couplings. The self-aligning coupling includes a first arm, a second arm, and a rotational assist mechanism adapted to mechanically synchronize the closing of the first and second arms relative to the flanged fittings to be connected. The rotational assist mechanism is further adapted to provide motion between the first arm and the second arm to receive and secure the flanged fittings in axial alignment.

Abstract: A tubular connection 7 is provided for connecting an upper tubular member 10 with a lower tubular member 12. A radially movable latch body 20 is positioned outward of the tubular members. Outer load flanks 25 on the latch body are slidably engageable with inner load flanks 24 on the tubular members. A radially projecting member 32 and a corresponding guide recess 34 are provided for guiding the latch body with respect to one of the tubular members. A safety actuator 30 and corresponding mating surface 38 may also be provided for urging the latch body outward.

Abstract: A quick connector including a first connecting member attached to an object, a second connecting member releasably attached to the first connecting member and a release mechanism for detaching the first and second connecting members, wherein the release mechanism automatically disconnects the first connecting member from the second connecting members when the connecting members are pulled away from the object.

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 two-part connector (1) is provided for use in connecting and disconnecting fluid carrying conduits. The connector comprises lower and upper parts (2, 3) each having four fluid carrying duct (15) therethrough, and a valve member (17) for each duct. Each duct in the lower part (2) is aligned with its respective duct in the upper part (3) when the two connector parts are connected together. The connector has clamps (24) for retaining the lower and upper parts (2, 3) together in sealing engagement. The clamps are mounted on the upper connector part (3) and are pivotable thereabout. Hydraulic pistons are used to move the clamps, the clamps being located in a first position pivoted away from the connector whilst the lower and upper parts (2, 3) are being aligned relative to each other.

Abstract: A connector for the connection of pressure vessels utilizing toroidal surfaces to achieve a maximum of contact area sliding parallel to motion of locking segment when achieving high preload to minimize high stress contact points and the resultant wear when subjected to multiple operations and orientation means to cause any wear to be repeatedly in the same area such that selected critical areas will not be subjected to high contact stress wear.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a first tubular member to a second tubular member is disclosed, for example for connecting a riser to a wellhead in a subsea oilfield location. The second tubular member has a seating surface and comprises an engagable locking profile. The connector comprises a housing for securing the connector to the end portion of the first tubular member, the housing comprising a seating surface for contacting the seating surface of the second tubular member.

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.