Abstract: A multi-channel flexible connector for connecting multiple parallel conduits for relative angular deflection between input and output conduits. In a more specific aspect, offshore well pipes are connected to a surface unit as they extend upward from the ocean floor to accommodate motion of the surface unit. An annular cup-shaped housing with a central cavity and bottom ports therein is adapted to be joined to input pipes. A nipple having a downfacing and flared lower end is adapted to be joined to output pipes and is positioned in the housing cavity. An elastomeric body includes an assembly of concentric spherical rings radially spaced apart by elastomeric pads. The elastomeric body is adhered to the inner and outer surfaces of the flared end of the nipple, to the lower surface of a collar mounted in sealed relation with the inner surface of the housing and to the upper surface of a seat mounted in the bottom of the housing cavity thereby to define a main flow channel through the connector.

Abstract: A flexible tension bearing connector includes a cylinder having a base portion supporting a central rigid spacer therein having an outer spherical surface facing away from the base portion and a center of curvature at the axis of the cylinder. A nipple has an internal spherically shaped surface contiguous to the spacer in a mating relation. An elastomeric bearing has an end inner ring which has a cylindrical center bore to receive the nipple and an end outer ring captured inside the cylinder. An intermediate elastomeric section has spherical geometry centered at the center of curvature of the spacer. The bearing encircles the nipple with annular planar bearing surface facing away from the spaces in a plane normal to the cylinder axis. A stop on the nipple contacts the annular planar bearing surface to transfer through the bearing to the cylinder any forces which would urge the bearing away from the spacer.

Abstract: A ball valve where a housing with inlet and outlet ports encompasses a ported gate having spherical surfaces and mounted for rotation about an axis perpendicular to one of the ports. A linear spring assembly seals the ported gate and includes a structure supported seal ring contoured to mate with the spherical surface of the gate and mounted by means of an elastomeric cylindrical element responsive to pressure in the housing to control the contact force between the ported gate and the sealing ring, and with an elastomeric seal ring concentric to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A flexible pipe line joint having an annular housing with a central cavity in which a nipple is partially submerged. The nipple has a flared end on the submerged portion to the inner surface of which an elastomeric ring is adhered. The ring is internally contoured spherically with reference to a common center point spaced from the flared end and located on the longitudinal axis of the joint. An elastomeric body has an assembly of embedded concentric spherical rings and is adhered to the outer surface of the flared end. The spherical rings are contoured and positioned in symmetry to the common center point. A collar secured to the housing encircles the nipple and engages the outer surface of the elastomeric body to maintain the body in position. Support structure secured to the housing has an outward facing spherical surface mating in sliding relation with the internal surface of the first elastomeric body.