Abstract: To mate two complementary insulated electrical connectors while they are bathed in an electrically conductive medium, such as sea water, the two are first brought into mechanical contact with their respective matable electrical parts presented in axial alignment across a chamber defined therebetween. A non-conductive fluid is pumped under pressure through the chamber to flush electrically conductive medium and possible contaminants therefrom. Then an axial force is applied to the matable electrical part of one connector, forcing it axially across the chamber and into mating relation with the matable electrical part of the other connector. By preference, the matable electrical parts are pins and sockets and the interfacial chamber is flushed via ported bores in the sockets, using compressed air or a thick fluid such as hydraulic oil, transformer oil or polybutene. A typical use is to make and break an electrical connection for an electrically operated subsea oil wellhead flow control device.

Abstract: A valve seat - to - body connection, and an installation therefor. A resilient metallic ring having an inside diameter slightly smaller than the outside diameter of a valve body in which the seat member is to be installed, is placed around the section of the seat member. When the seat member is then inserted in the body, it provides initial sealing pressures, but is still readily detachable. Apparatus is provided for injecting a material of plastic consistency or the like into the area surrounding the metallic ring, which deforms the ring into fluid tight engagement with the seat member and the body. Additional seals may also be provided associated with the seat member.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for sealing a shaft extending between a high-pressure region and a low-pressure region so that the seal life is long, and so that stem torque as a result of the sealing is kept to a minimum. A plurality of sealing elements are provided and arranged so that the differential pressure across any one sealing element is only a fraction of the pressure differential between the high-pressure and the low-pressure regions. Flowable plastic or the like under selected pressures is injected and maintained between adjacent sealing elements.