Abstract: A locking slip coupling for coupling two tubular elements in sealed relationship. The coupling comprises a first tubular member having an outer end for connection to one tubular element, and having an inner end comprising an axially extending locking sleeve, the locking sleeve having an annular gripping zone defined by the locking sleeve having a plurality of annular gripping teeth along its inner surface in the gripping zone, having cam means along its outer surface in the gripping zone, and by the locking sleeve being radially compressible in the gripping zone. The coupling further comprises a second tubular member having an outer end for connection to another tubular element, and having an inner end comprising an inner barrel located within the locking sleeve.
Abstract: A coupling for coupling two pipe sections in sealed relationship, the coupling comprising a male member for connection to one pipe section, a female member for connection to a second pipe section, a locking member located on the male member, the locking member comprising a locking sleeve having a plurality of circumferentially spaced bendable locking fingers which extend integrally and axially from the locking sleeve, a displacement piston mounted on the male member for displacing the free end portions of the locking fingers radially outwardly, and a locking recess in the female member for receiving the locking fingers when displaced by the displacement means while the members are in mating engagement, the locking recess defining a bearing surface against which the free ends of the locking fingers will bear during displacement to draw the two members into sealing engagement with each other, the bearing surface being shaped to allow displacement of the locking fingers into and over center locking position.
Abstract: A high pressure coupling for releasably coupling high pressure tubular elements in sealed relationship, the coupling comprising a first tubular member having a socket formation, a second tubular member having a spigot formation sealingly engaged with the socket formation in mating relationship therewith, one member having an annular recess and the other member having a radially directed annular bearing surface to cooperate with a locking sleeve, and a radially deformable locking sleeve positioned in the annular recess, the locking sleeve being located against radial deformation out of the recess by the bearing surface engaging with the bearing surface of the locking sleeve. The coupling further includes bias means operative between the tubular members to provide a predetermined bias force to restrain axial separation of the mated formations.
Abstract: A locking slip joint has primary utility in the making up of a tie-in in pipeline laying and repair operations. In a preferred embodiment the slip joint comprises an inner sleeve telescopically received within an outer sleeve. Means for locking the sleeves together is disposed in an annulus between the sleeves and comprises a seal ring having annular teeth in communication with both sleeves. A pair of opposed tapered annular pistons engage mating recesses in the seal ring and are hydraulically actuated to deform the seal ring outwardly thereby embedding the teeth into both sleeves. The embedment provides an irreversible metal-to-metal seal.
Abstract: A marine auto pilot employing a compass with a Hall-effect sensing element in conjunction with a magnetic circuit designed to provide a high intensity magnetic field; electrical circuitry designed to produce high servo-loop gain at frequencies lower than the normal sea wave frequencies, and lower gain at the normal sea wave frequencies; a D.C. Linear Motor drive system in conjunction with a rudder position feedback signal; and a linear ball-screw and nut gearing system for converting the high-speed output of the direct current drive motor to a low-speed high-torque drive at the rudder, having the nut and ball-screw connected through rolling contact balls.