Abstract: At least one fastener and its method of use to securely fasten joints, preferably in pressure vessels, pipes, and other structures, intended to isolate internal volumes from the external environment, or in structural joints. The fastener preferably comprises at least one force reacting or force producing element capable of maintaining a gap between the end of at least one clamp segment of a clamp connector used on flanged structures to isolate a structure's internal environment from its external environment to provide controlled contact with the flange members wherein uniform seal integrity is secured and contact surface wear is dispelled. In a preferred method of use, each fastener is used in conjunction with delayed cokers, wherein extremely high temperature and relatively low pressures are generated.

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 clamping connector that can be remotely actuated and locked which is particularly useful in subsea applications for attaching subsea Christmas trees to marine wellheads. The clamping connector includes clamp halves linked by a locking stem. The locking stem is forced into a pre-stressed state by moving the locking stem from a first relaxed to a second pre-stressed position and retained in the second pre-stressed position by a locking collet. A locking collet through which the locking stem extends is moved from a first unlocked position to a second locked position wedged between the locking stem and one or the other of the clamp halves. When the locking collet is in the second locked position, it resists movement of the locking stem from the second pre-stressed position to the first relaxed position. The locking collet is then locked in the second locked position.

Abstract: In the coupling assembly, after a plug member 42 is slightly inserted into a socket member 15 with a slight push of the plug member 42 relative to the socket member 15, air pressure enables the plug member 42 to reach its innermost position inside the socket member 15 so that the plug member 42 is connected with the socket member 15. The coupling assembly comprises: the socket member 15 for receiving therein a valve 16 which is opened when pushed; and, a cylindrical slider 25 for slidably receiving therein the socket member 15. The slider 25 is provided with a piston 28 and an engaging means 34 in its rear and its forward end portion, respectively. Through the engaging means 34, a plug member 42 is connected with the forward end portion of the slider 25.

Abstract: A coupling arrangement for coupling a working implement to a working machine and being of the kind in which the two coupling parts are mutually connected both mechanically and hydraulically with no manual handling of the coupling arrangement. The machine-mounted coupling part has a drive means for moving associated hydraulic coupling connection means into coupling engagement with hydraulic coupling means on the implement-mounted coupling part, when coupling the machine and implement. The hydraulic coupling connection on the implement-mounted coupling part is movable in the direction of maneuvering movement of the hydraulic coupling, and is moved by the drive means via the hydraulic coupling connection on the machine-mounted coupling part until coming into abutment with an abutment means on the machine-mounted coupling part. The arrangement includes springs that function to exert a pressure that is opposed to this movement.

Abstract: A pipeline connection assembly includes a landing platform and rotary or swivel connection hub which may be attached to a pipeline branch, termination, or manifold. The landing platform is mounted so that it may be rotated about the connection hub. This permits the installation of a subsea connection on a near level platform and allows the pipeline to be laid subsea with greater roll angles than would be acceptable otherwise. Orientation of the landing porch horizontally removes the requirement to manufacture the connection jumper to compensate for the roll differences in the hubs. In the preferred construction, the elevation of the platform can be adjusted by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and locked into place once the adjustment is completed.

Abstract: An apparatus for joining two flowlines, one having an external flanged end and the other an enlarged flaring portion at one end. A ball with an axial flow passage is seated in receptacle cavities formed in said ends and in fluid-tight sealing engagement therewith. A collar is sleeved and clamped about the flared end of the second flowline by bolts which connect the first flowline flange with the collar. Piston drive means are provided for driving against the collar to stretch the bolts by an amount sufficient to release the second flowline member and allow limited articulated movement of the second flowline without compromising the seal effectiveness of the joint.

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.

Abstract: My invention comprises a male assembly, including a plurality of male connectors in functional communication with a first set of electric/hydraulic lines, a female assembly, including a plurality of female connectors in functional communication with a second set of electric/hydraulic lines, a means for vertically aligning, and a means for horizontally aligning. Male assembly is fixed in the appropriate underwater location, and female assembly is transported, normally by an ROV, to such underwater location. Female assembly is then positioned into a properly aligned position in relation to male assembly in preparation for their coupling. Means for vertically aligning first ensures that male and female connecting elements are properly aligned in the vertical direction during their coupling. Thereafter, means for horizontally aligning ensures that male and female connecting elements are properly aligned in the horizontal direction during their coupling.

Abstract: An attachment (5) is detachably mounted on the lower end of a main shaft ram (4) in such a manner that the attachment (5) can rotate about horizontal and vertical axes. The power line of a motor installed in the attachment (5) is inserted through a pair of flexible tubes (13, 25) with its ends connected to a terminal box of the attachment (5) and a terminal box (29) of the main shaft ram (4). The flexible tubes (13, 25) have a pair of connectors (15, 26) which are coupled to each other by a coupling mechanism (27) when the attachment (5) is mounted on the main shaft ram (4). A drum (30) and a rodless cylinder 32 provided above the connector (26) constitute a mechanism (36) for lifting the flexible tubes (13, 25). When the rotation of the attachment (5) about either or both of the axes causes slack in the flexible tube (13), the lifting mechanism (36) eliminate the slack bay pulling up the drum (30) and thus the flexible tube (25).

Abstract: A boltless, reusable flange system for joining metal piping includes a circular, wedge-shaped tongue on an upper flange for mating with a groove containing a fusible alloy in a lower flange. The lower flange includes a heating element for melting the fusible alloy, and a thermocouple device to sense the alloy temperature. Heat can be controlled and supplied from a remote source and monitored by a remote temperature indicator. The upper flange is positioned above the lower flange, tongue and groove aligned, and the lower flange is heated until the fusible alloy melts to allow the upper tongue to settle down within the lower groove. Upon removal of the heat, the alloy hardens to further bring the two flanges together in a solid and sealed couple, compressing an optional gasket.

Abstract: A coupling for quickly connecting a cement head to a casing of an oil or gas well comprises tube-shaped upper and lower bodies that connected to each other and are telescopically adjustable. The upper body receives the cement head and the lower body attaches to the casing. A clamp mechanism utilizing split ring segments is located in the lower body and is actuated by a piston for quickly attaching or releasing the lower body to and from the casing.

Abstract: A device for connecting two tubes end-to-end. At least one of the tubes is movable longitudinally to be connected to the other tube. A screwthreaded nut joins the two tubes. The first tube has at its end an outside screwthread of diameter d1 and pitch p1. The second tube has at its end an inside screwthread of diameter d2 greater than d1 and pitch p2 different than that p1 of the first tube. One of the screwthreads is continuous and the other is discontinuous by virtue of longitudinal lands subtending an angle at the center of the tube equal to that of the screwthreaded longitudinal lands. The nut 3 has an inside first screwthread compatible with that of the first tube and an outside second screwthread compatible with that of the second tube. The device further includes a system for immobilizing the tubes against rotation and a system for rotating the nut.

Abstract: A fluid handling installation for selectively connecting any one of a plurality of inlet conduits to any one of a plurality of outlet conduits includes a frame supported manifold configuration of a plurality of perpendicular conduits and corresponding connection modules that can be selectively operated to connect inlet and outlet conduits.

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 remote waveguide flange clamp system (10, 11) detachably connects a first waveguide section (20) to a second waveguide section (30, 37). System (10, 11) is controlled remotely by a controller (60). A pair of elongated clamping levers (40) is mounted pivotally to pins (42) on bracket arms (39) of section (30, 37). Levers (40) rotate about pins (42) when a motor assembly (51) moves driving ends (47) of levers (40) outwardly or inwardly relative to section (30, 37). When ends (47) move outwardly, clamping ends (44) of levers (40) apply a compressive force to flanges (22, 32) of sections (20, 30) to provide a gasketed seal (80) inhibiting RF leakage therebetween. Assembly (51) includes a torque sensor (66) for continuously applying current to a motor (50) in assembly (51) until sensor (66) measures current substantially equaling a predefined value.

Abstract: A multiline fluid distribution system having an articulated fluid loading arm, which is swingable in vertical and horizontal planes, for selectively coupling the swingable fluid outlet end of the loading arm to any one of a plurality of parallel fluid transfer lines extending horizontally in a honey comb-like array. The fluid outlet end of the loading arm is supported on and transported by a carriage to the designated fluid transfer line for coupling therewith.

Abstract: A preloaded connection for use between subsea tubular members including a flange surrounding one end of one of the tubular members, connecting means surrounding the exterior of the other tubular member, a ring, studs extending through said flange and said ring to secure the ring to said flange, nuts on said studs to secure the flange to the ring, pressure responsive means between said ring and said flange to urge said ring away form said flange to introduce tension in said studs, means carried by said ring for engaging with the external connecting means of said other tubular member, means for moving said engaging means carried by said ring into engagement with said external connecting means, and means for venting said pressure responsive means after engagement is achieved between said engaging means and said external connecting means.

Abstract: Connector for quick release under load, particularly for pipes for transporting fluids such as hydrocarbons, characterized by the fact that it comprises, between two opposite structural elements (1, 2) or between two parts of an element connecting the two structural elements, at least a connecting device comprising an internally shaped annular ring (7) consisting of at least two segments of complementary shape, a rod (4) equipped with an outside shaping corresponding to the inside shaping of the ring, engaged internally in said ring and extending over at least a part of its height and an annular sleeve (6) engaged on said nut and able to be moved axially in relation to it under the effect of an actuating element, such as a cylinder (12) acting directly or indirectly on said sleeve.

Abstract: A rotary drilling head having an upper body incorporating a kelly bushing removably clamped onto a stationary spool. The clamp assembly is hydraulically controlled to permit remote operation and access to the drive bearings and stripper rubbers within the drilling head. Secondary manual means for unclamping the assembly are also provided. The hydraulic clamp includes an annular piston movably disposed within a cylinder and acting upon bearing members to lock and unlock the clamp assembly. Hydraulic pressure is utilized to move the piston within the cylinder. A spring biases the piston towards the locked position to prevent inadvertent unclamping.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for use in drilling an offshore well wherein a drill string suspended from a drill ship for extension within a riser pipe, lower marine riser package and subsea wellhead including a blowout preventer stack may be sheared at a location intermediate the lower end of the riser pipe and a flex or ball joint of the riser package.

Abstract: A bolted pipe joint releasable by remote control includes two flanges each eing disposed at a respective one of two pipe ends. A centering aid cooperates with both of the flanges. A seal is provided for the pipe ends. A fastening screw presses the two flanges together. The fastening screw has first and second threaded regions being successively engaged upon pressing the flanges together. The first threaded region has a substantially greater pitch than the second threaded region.

Abstract: Elastic, heat-insulating shapes of ceramic, refractory or fireproof fibers and, where needed, further refractory or fireproof substances, and temporary or inorganic binders, as well as a process for the preparation thereof. The heat-insulating shapes are characterized by the fact that they contain 5 to 40 weight % of fibrids comprised of organic polymers, as a result of which they have elastic properties and can be formed with ease at moderate temperatures. In preparing these shapes, a customary aqueous dispersion containing the fibers and binder is mixed with the fibrids of the organic polymer, and water is removed therefrom and the shapes are otherwise produced in a known manner.

Abstract: A coupling device for ducts comprises locking elements constrained to the flange of a first duct which are connected to movement means to move them toward or away from the flange of a second duct. The movement means are actuated by a thrust ring which is rotated around the axis of the first duct. Along the contact side of the flange of the first duct are provided elastically stressed seals which interact between the flange of the first duct and the flange of said connected duct. Said seals consist of floating rings running and oscillating in recesses made in the flange, said floating rings being acted upon by elastic elements inserted in said recesses.

Abstract: An apparatus for locking together simultaneously one or more male and female coupling members is disclosed, primarily for use in undersea hydraulic applications. The apparatus comprises a sliding lock plate supported by a first junction plate, the plate being slideable perpendicular to the coupling axis between an unlocked position and a locked position. The sliding lock plate has a number of passages configured to receive each coupling member therethrough in the unlocked position. In the locked position, the passages are configured to engage the circumference of the male and female coupling members and restrict axial movement of the members.

Abstract: A connector assembly for connecting together fluid carrying lines comprises two hubs having the bores of the fluid carrying lines extending therethrough. Openings are provided in the hubs and a clamp is provided in the openings. The clamp is connected to one of the hubs and comprises a clamp body, an operating member and clamping members movable radially outwardly to clamp the juxtaposed hubs together, movement of the clamping members being caused by sliding of the operating member in the clamp body, the inclined external surfaces of the operating member co-operating with the similarly inclined inner ends of the clamping members. The interior of the operating member is hollow and defines a cylindrical internal cavity. A piston is provided in the cavity to form a piston and cylinder assembly for moving the operating member. A releasable lock prevents inadvertent release of the clamping members.

Abstract: There is disclosed a subsea wellhead connector comprised of a lower tubular member mounted on the upper end of a lower wellhead member, and an upper tubular member suspended from an upper wellhead member for lowering into end-to-end connection with the lower tubular member. Locking teeth are formed about the ends of the tubular members, and circumferentially spaced locking segments are carried by the upper tubular member for movement radially into or out of locking engagement with the grooves about the upper and lower tubular members. The locking segments are moved inwardly to locking position by means of a cam ring which surrounds them, and are withdrawn from locking position by spreader dogs carried by the cam ring and extending between the ends of adjacent locking segments.

Abstract: Connector for quick release under load, particularly for pipes for transporting fluids such as hydrocarbons, characterized by the fact that it comprises, between two opposite structural elements (1, 2) or between two parts of an element connecting the two structural elements, at least a connecting device comprises an internally shaped annular ring (7) consisting of at least two segments of complementary shape, a rod (4) equipped with an outside shaping corresponding to the inside of the ring, engaged internally in said ring and extending over at least a part of its height and an annular sleeve (6) engaged on said nut and able to be moved axially in relation to it under the effect of an actuating element, such as a cylinder (12) acting directly or indirectly on said sleeve.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in remotely connecting a plurality of lines for carrying fluid terminating in a first hub to a plurality of lines for carrying fluid terminating in a second hub, the hubs being initially arranged with their axes approximately coaxial but spaced apart, comprises a plurality of first engagement members fixed relative to the first hub and comprising generally conical receptor elements forming end portions of elongate tubular members arranged around the first hub with their axes generally parallel to that of the first hub, and a plurality of second engagement members comprising generally conical elements forming end portions of elongate members arranged around the second hub with their axes generally parallel to that of the second hub.

Abstract: An improved clamp connector for securing ends of tubular members together in tight sealed relationship and including a pair of semicircular segments having lips to engage the opposite sides of abutting projections on the tubular members, a pressure responsive actuator to preload the segments on the projections, connecting studs between the segments which are loaded by the actuator and blocks of a preselected size to be positioned in supporting relationship to the actuator in its preload position to maintain such preload on the segments and studs after the fluid pressure on the actuator is released. A pressure responsive portion of the blocks allows their quick and positive release when desired.

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 subsea tieback connector including an annular body having an external downwardly facing shoulder with high pressure gasket type sealing means therein, a sleeve positioned within said annular body and having means preventing relative rotation between the sleeve and the body, a lock ring, an actuator ring threaded into said sleeve and having its lower end in engagement with an internal upwardly facing shoulder on said annular body whereby rotation of said actuating ring causes said lock ring to be set and then tensions said sleeve to load the connection.

Abstract: An improved tubular connector having a first tubular member with an external hub, an internal sealing surface and an external rib spaced from the hub, a second tubular member with an external hub, an internal sealing surface and an external dividing rib, a sleeve surrounding and slidable on the second tubular member and having an enlarged end extending beyond the end of the tub of the second tubular member in the retracted position of the sleeve, the sleeve having an internal rib engaging the exterior of the second tubular member and an internal tapered surface, a plurality of latching fingers supported between the interior of the sleeve and the exterior of the second tubular member, means for delivering fluid pressure to the space between the sleeve and the exterior of the second tubular member for movement of the sleeve in the direction toward the hub end of the second tubular member, means for limiting the movement of the latching members in the direction of movement of the sleeve whereby engagement of the

Abstract: Apparatus and method for reducing the local high tensile stress concentrations of a latch of a connector whereby the latch is loaded during make-up such that it is placed in bending, to the extent that the induced bending produces a compressive stress in the area of high tensile stress concentration. When this stress is added to normal stresses, the resultant tensile stress is reduced to an acceptable level.

Abstract: A connector device for an underwater pipe system which comprises one or m conduits, for connecting pipe sections together or to valves, well heads or similar, whereby such a pipe section comprises an end flange (2) which can be introduced into grooves extending in the transverse direction of a housing (1) by mutual movement of the pipe section and the housing transversely of their longitudinal direction, said housing containing an axially shiftable sleeve unit (7) having a through going duct for each conduit, and said device comprising means for biasing the end flange against surfaces in the grooves. In order to achieve sealing the sleeve unit or units (7) are equipped with at least one main sealing ring (13,19) for each duct, adapted to be pressed against a seat (15) on an end flange, and the sleeve unit or units are locked against rotation and have external threads which cooperate with internal threads in a socket (6) which partly surrounds the sleeve unit or units (7).

Abstract: A engageable joint having male pipe end and a female pipe end. The male and female pipe ends are removably engaged with gaskets. The gaskets are inflatable and arranged in a plurality of stages in the axial direction to inflatably seal a clearance between the pipe ends, and the joint has a clamp device for clamping the two pipe ends so that the pipe ends can be engaged and disengaged readily and reliably.

Abstract: A self-coupling flange for coupling and at the same time both axially and radially locking two components especially is suited for coupling of an actuator to a valve. The flange includes an upper member to be fixed to or incorporated into one component and a lower part member to be fixed to another component. An annular piston having a locking ring is movable into an inner axial opening in the lower member to move the two members from an offset position to an aligned position with respective sloping contact faces in abutment.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting together flowlines including separately actuated gripping and sealing assemblies which are actuated by hydraulic pressure but are held in actuated positions utilizing internally mounted mechanical-type mechanisms.

Abstract: An apparatus for remotely assembling and disassembling a Graylock type coctor between a pipe and a closure for the pipe includes a base and a receptacle on the base for the closure. The pipe is moved into position vertically above the closure by a suitable positioning device such that the flange on the pipe is immediately adjacent and concentric with the flange on the closure. A moving device then moves two semicircular collars from a position free of the closure to a position such that the interior cam groove of each collar contacts the two flanges. Finally, a tensioning device automatically allows remote tightening and loosening of a nut and bolt assembly on each side of the collar to cause a seal ring located between the flanges to be compressed and to seal the closure. Release of the pipe and the connector is accomplished in the reverse order. Preferably, the nut and bolt assembly includes an elongate shaft portion on which a removable sleeve is located.

Abstract: A quick connection device has a supporting structure for connection elements constrained to the union body by means of radial engagement members engaged in a movable manner with a substantially spherical reaction surface of the union body. In this manner any coplanarity defect or difference in thickness of the end flange of the pipe to be connected is compensated for through appropriate rotation of the supporting structure of the quick connection device along said spherical surface.

Abstract: The collet-type connector (10) comprising an upper body member (20) having a plurality of collet segments (52), a cam ring (64) movable relative to the upper body member (20) to move said collet segments (52) into a detachable connection of the connector to a subsea wellhead (14, 14a). The cam ring (64) and collet segments (52) have sets of camming surfaces whereby a first set (86, 92) cooperate to pivot the collet segments (52) initially toward the wellhead (14, 14a) and whereby a second set (96, 104) serves to urge the collet segments (52) further to clamp the connector (10) to the subsea wellhead (14, 14a). When the second set (96, 104) of camming surfaces function, the first set (86, 92) no longer function to rotate the collet segments, thus reducing the power requirement for urging the collet segments (52) into clamping engagement to only one set at a time, even though both sets together serve to aid in holding the collet segments in clamping engagement with the wellhead after final engagement.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a grouting member, for example, a grouted pile, in deep water comprises a female coupling member for connection to a male coupling member located on the sea bed, a conical guide for guiding the male coupling member into engagement with the female coupling member, a rotatable locking pin having an arcute recess portion, operable by a remotely operated underwater vehicle, for retaining the male coupling member in engagement with the female coupling member, and a connector for connecting the female coupling member to a source of grouting material.

Abstract: A demountable coupling device for submarine pipeline sections (33,34,35) where one or a plurality of conduits can be connected together on the seabed by a remotely controlled operation without the use of divers or guidewires. The connection of the pipeline sections, which are provided with square flanges (2), takes place by a vertical movement of the coupling unit (1) of the coupling device, which is provided with a groove (1') at each of its ends, the grooves being adapted for reception of the largely vertical portions of the pipeline flanges (2) when in an operating position on the seabed. The casing (1) of the coupling unit contains all components which are necessary for the connections.

Abstract: A conductor tieback connector (T) thus having a tubular body (12) connectible to the lower end of a conductor or a string of conductors (C), a downwardly extending funnel (20) with two bearing surfaces and a tapered guide (24). The tapered guide (24) aids in initial stabbing of the connector (T) over a wellhead (W) and the two bearing surfaces (26, 30) operate on the outside of the wellhead (W) to force the tieback connector (T) into angular alignment under the influence of the weight of the conductor string. Seals (14, 16), located between the tieback connector (T) and wellhead (W), are compressed with axial movement of the tieback connector (T). A two-piece internal floating bushing (42, 42a, 42b), threadible (50, 52) on the interior surface of the tieback connector (T), is moved within the interior of the wellhead (W) where locking dogs (46) engage running tool grooves (40) in the bore of the wellhead (W) to clamp the tieback connector (T) onto the wellhead (W).

Abstract: The improved remotely actuated collet connector of the present invention is suitable for joining tubular members with similar or different end preparations or profiles and includes a housing to support the connector from a first tubular member, a plurality of collet fingers or segments mounted within the housing and around the exterior of the first tubular member, an actuator ring surrounding the fingers to move the fingers to release or latch position, pressure responsive means for moving the actuator ring, each of the collet fingers having a first engaging surface and an adapter secured to the finger and having a second engaging surface, said first engaging surfaces mating with the end profile of the first tubular member and said second engaging surfaces of said adapters mating with the end profile of the second tubular member so that when the collet fingers are moved to latch position they secure the first and second tubular members together.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for detachably connecting a pair of wellhead members, includes couplable first and second coupling members. Each coupling member has a central axial bore for accommodating a drill string, and each coupling member is adapted for axially aligned connection to a wellhead member. The first coupling member is axially rotatable relative to the second coupling member, into locking engagement therewith. The coupling also includes sealing means disposed between the coupling members, and means for rotating the first member relative to the second member.

Abstract: The remotely operable ball connector includes a female member having a remotely operable locking assembly thereon which receives an articulated ball member, which ball member has mounted thereon an over-center locking ring assembly for moving the ball member into a locking position in the female member and for receiving a plurality of inwardly moving radial locking fingers to connect the ball member to the female member.

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 invention relates to a retractable connector for interconnecting the ends of two flow lines in a releasable manner.

Abstract: A holddown screw assembly 10 which features a shaft 33, an energizer screw 39 and a detachable contact nose 20 adapted to be assembled in coaxial alignment in a radial bore in a wellhead structure. The shaft is provided with a passage 40 extending from its outer end as the holddown screw is normally used in a wellhead installation to a cross passage 41 at the other end of the shaft. Also, at its outer end, a fitting 32 is attached to facilitate connection to a hydraulic supply line 28. An annular bearing flange 35 is provided on the shaft near its outer end. A packing nut 31 and a set of packing rings 34 are sleeved about the shaft 33 with the nut disposed in abutting relation to the bearing flange 35 where it is held fixed but rotatable thereagainst by means 36. The packing nut is threaded into a threaded section of a bore 11 such as may be provided in the flange 12 of a casing spool 13. By turning the packing nut, the packing ring set may be compressed against a shoulder 37 in the bore 11.