Patents Assigned to National Coupling Company Inc.
  • Patent number: 11920704
    Abstract: A female undersea hydraulic coupling member is equipped with a plurality of pressure-energized metal seals configured to seal between the body of the female member and the probe of a corresponding male hydraulic coupling member in response to ambient hydrostatic pressure and/or hydraulic fluid pressure. Pressure-energized metal seals may also be provided to seal between the body of the female coupling member and a removable seal retainer or seal cartridge. In one particular preferred embodiment, the pressure-energized seals are back-to-back metal C-seals separated by annular seal supports having a generally T-shaped cross section and retained on one or more shoulders in the body of the female member by a removable seal cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Smith, III, Scott Stolle, Chris Roy
  • Patent number: 11905782
    Abstract: A regulator valve has a check valve manifold for use in subsea control circuits. For example, the regulator valve having the check valve manifold can be used in a circuit between a directional control valve and an actuator for a gate valve. The check valve manifold can be a flange that attaches to the regulator valve to communicate with the supply and outlet of the regulator valve. Internal communication inside the manifold includes a check valve. If the pressure in the circuit downstream of the regulator valve needs to be vented, the check valve can open to allow the pressure to bleed from the outlet back to the supply without needing to pass through the internal pressure control valve of the regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Roy, Frank Harold Hollister, Nathan Zepeda, Robert E. Smith, III, Josh Williams
  • Patent number: 11614187
    Abstract: A female undersea hydraulic coupling member is equipped with a plurality of pressure-energized metal seals configured to seal between the body of the female member and the probe of a corresponding male hydraulic coupling member in response to ambient hydrostatic pressure and/or hydraulic fluid pressure. Pressure-energized metal seals may also be provided to seal between the body of the female coupling member and a removable seal retainer or seal cartridge. In one particular preferred embodiment, the pressure-energized seals are back-to-back metal C-seals separated by annular seal supports having a generally T-shaped cross section and retained on one or more shoulders in the body of the female member by a removable seal cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Smith, III, Scott Stolle, Chris Roy
  • Patent number: 11454329
    Abstract: A gate valve controls fluid communication from an inlet to an outlet relative to a reference pressure. A body defines a passage disposed in communication with the inlet, and an outlet port disposed in the passage communicates the passage with the outlet. A piston disposed in the passage is movable therein between first and second positions relative to the outlet port. The piston is movable in a first direction from the first position to the second position in response to an inlet pressure at the inlet. A gate disposed on the piston is biased transversely toward the outlet port. The gate moved by the piston adjusts flow from the passage to the outlet port. A pressure compensator disposed opposite the piston biases the piston in a second opposite direction from the second position to the first position. The pressure compensator has a chamber in communication with the reference pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Max Stetzer, Josh Williams, Robert E. Smith, III, Chris Roy
  • Patent number: 11181216
    Abstract: A probe seal for a female hydraulic coupling member has both internal and external pressure-energized seals. The outer wall or opposing ends of the seal have one or more pressure-energized seals for sealing between the body of the probe seal and the body of a coupling member in which the probe seal is installed. Annular, L-shaped, T-shaped or angled grooves in the inner wall of the seal form cavities and sealing projections that can be urged in an inward, radial direction by fluid pressure within an associated cavity to increase the sealing effectiveness between the body of the seal and the probe of a male hydraulic coupling member inserted in the receiving chamber of the female coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Patent number: 11085545
    Abstract: A pilot-actuated spool valve comprises a generally cylindrical valve cage having a central axial cavity open at both ends and a plurality of generally radial openings connecting the central axial cavity to the external cylindrical surface of the cage; a valve sleeve sized to slide within the central axial cavity of the cage and having a first sealing surface at a first end and a second sealing surface at an opposing second end; a piston responsive to fluid pressure at a pilot inlet of the valve; a piston rod connected at a first end to the piston and having a threaded second end opposite the first end; and a cap nut in threaded engagement with the second end of the piston rod securing the valve sleeve to the piston rod. The cap nut is sized and configured to provide a clearance gap between the cap nut and the valve sleeve when the cap nut is fully tightened onto the threaded second end of the piston rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Max Stetzer, Robert E. Smith, III, Frank Harold Hollister, Chris Roy, Stephen L. Wells
  • Patent number: 10844986
    Abstract: A probe seal for a female hydraulic coupling member has both internal and external pressure-energized seals. The outer wall or opposing ends of the seal have one or more pressure-energized seals for sealing between the body of the probe seal and the body of a coupling member in which the probe seal is installed. Annular, L-shaped, T-shaped or angled grooves in the inner wall of the seal form cavities and sealing projections that can be urged in an inward, radial direction by fluid pressure within an associated cavity to increase the sealing effectiveness between the body of the seal and the probe of a male hydraulic coupling member inserted in the receiving chamber of the female coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Patent number: 10495245
    Abstract: A probe seal for a female hydraulic coupling member has both internal and external pressure-energized seals. The outer wall or opposing ends of the seal have one or more pressure-energized seals for sealing between the body of the probe seal and the body of a coupling member in which the probe seal is installed. Annular, L-shaped, T-shaped or angled grooves in the inner wall of the seal form cavities and sealing projections that can be urged in an inward, radial direction by fluid pressure within an associated cavity to increase the sealing effectiveness between the body of the seal and the probe of a male hydraulic coupling member inserted in the receiving chamber of the female coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Patent number: 10415715
    Abstract: A subsea hydraulic system comprises a dual (or dual action) check valve on a port for connection to a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). The check valve provides backpressure to flow in either direction. This keeps hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic system, and seawater out. If flow needs to return to the ROV, it may flow out the port, subject to a selected back pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Smith, III, Timothy Goggans, Frank Harold Hollister
  • Patent number: 10174857
    Abstract: A subsea hydraulic system comprises a dual (or dual action) check valve on a port for connection to a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). The check valve provides backpressure to flow in either direction. This keeps hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic system, and seawater out. If flow needs to return to the ROV, it may flow out the port, subject to a selected back pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Smith, III, Timothy Goggans, Frank Harold Hollister
  • Patent number: 9841130
    Abstract: A probe seal for a female hydraulic coupling member has both internal and external pressure-energized seals. The outer wall or opposing ends of the seal have one or more pressure-energized seals for sealing between the body of the probe seal and the body of a coupling member in which the probe seal is installed. Annular, L-shaped, T-shaped or angled grooves in the inner wall of the seal form cavities and sealing projections that can be urged in an inward, radial direction by fluid pressure within an associated cavity to increase the sealing effectiveness between the body of the seal and the probe of a male hydraulic coupling member inserted in the receiving chamber of the female coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Patent number: 9523262
    Abstract: A control program for a positive displacement metering system measures the time required for the travel of a free piston in a cylinder of known volume to determine an average flow rate during a full stroke of the piston. The system may also measure and record the inlet and outlet pressures or the differential pressure between the fluid inlet and outlet. The control program positions a four-way valve which may function as an adjustable metering orifice in response to the measured average flow rate and/or changes in the inlet and outlet pressures to achieve the desired flow rate. At the end of each stroke, the four-way valve is repositioned to reverse fluid flow through the metering cylinder. The system may revise the valve position settings for both forward and reverse strokes based on the measured time required for a full stroke at a certain valve position. In this way, the system automatically and iteratively compensates for changes in fluid properties and fluid pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Smith, IV, Maurice Slot, Richard R. Watson
  • Patent number: 9416886
    Abstract: A poppet valve for a hydraulic coupling member has an internal, spring-loaded check valve (which may be a ball check valve) in fluid communication with a bleed passage. The check valve may be configured as a pressure-relief valve which bleeds off excess hydraulic fluid pressure within the coupling member to a preselected value. A poppet valve according to the invention may be used in female coupling members and/or male coupling members. Certain embodiments of the invention may be retrofitted to coupling members of the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Patent number: 9255465
    Abstract: A control program for a positive displacement metering system measures the time required for the travel of a free piston in a cylinder of known volume to determine an average flow rate during a full stroke of the piston. The system may also measure and record the inlet and outlet pressures or the differential pressure between the fluid inlet and outlet. The control program positions a four-way valve which may function as an adjustable metering orifice in response to the measured average flow rate and/or changes in the inlet and outlet pressures to achieve the desired flow rate. At the end of each stroke, the four-way valve is repositioned to reverse fluid flow through the metering cylinder. The system may revise the valve position settings for both forward and reverse strokes based on the measured time required for a full stroke at a certain valve position. In this way, the system automatically and iteratively compensates for changes in fluid properties and fluid pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Smith, IV, Maurice Slot, Richard R. Watson
  • Publication number: 20140159363
    Abstract: A probe seal for a female hydraulic coupling member has both internal and external pressure-energized seals. The outer wall or opposing ends of the seal have one or more pressure-energized seals for sealing between the body of the probe seal and the body of a coupling member in which the probe seal is installed. Annular, L-shaped, T-shaped or angled grooves in the inner wall of the seal form cavities and sealing projections that can be urged in an inward, radial direction by fluid pressure within an associated cavity to increase the sealing effectiveness between the body of the seal and the probe of a male hydraulic coupling member inserted in the receiving chamber of the female coupling member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Publication number: 20140150907
    Abstract: A poppet valve for a hydraulic coupling member has an internal, spring-loaded check valve (which may be a ball check valve) in fluid communication with a bleed passage. The check valve may be configured as a pressure-relief valve which bleeds off excess hydraulic fluid pressure within the coupling member to a preselected value. A poppet valve according to the invention may be used in female coupling members and/or male coupling members. Certain embodiments of the invention may be retrofitted to coupling members of the prior art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Publication number: 20140131606
    Abstract: A dummy undersea hydraulic coupling member protects an opposing undersea hydraulic coupling member when the hydraulic lines are not operating. The dummy undersea hydraulic coupling member has a water displacement expansion chamber with a piston in the chamber that allows trapped water and/or air to move from the receiving chamber into the water displacement expansion chamber during connection of the dummy coupling member to the opposing coupling member. The piston has both a primary seal and a secondary, hydrostatic seal for preventing seawater from entering the portion of the water displacement expansion chamber that is contacted by the primary seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Patent number: 8689828
    Abstract: A poppet valve for a hydraulic coupling member has an internal, spring-loaded check valve (which may be a ball check valve) in fluid communication with a bleed passage. The check valve may be configured as a pressure-relief valve which bleeds off excess hydraulic fluid pressure within the coupling member to a preselected value. A poppet valve according to the invention may be used in female coupling members and/or male coupling members. Certain embodiments of the invention may be retrofitted to coupling members of the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Patent number: 8662503
    Abstract: A female hydraulic coupling member has an elastomer probe seal molded to or abutting a ring-shaped metal base which is adapted to exert a compressive force on the probe seal when exposed to hydraulic fluid pressure. The compressive force causes the seal to expand in a radial direction thereby increasing its sealing effectiveness. A retainer nut for holding the seal in the receiving chamber may have an angled surface which acts to urge the seal in an inward, radial direction when an axial, compressive force is applied to the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Patent number: 8555914
    Abstract: A control program for a positive displacement metering system measures the time required for the travel of a free piston in a cylinder of known volume to determine an average flow rate during a full stroke of the piston. The system may also measure and record the inlet and outlet pressures or the differential pressure between the fluid inlet and outlet. The control program positions a four-way valve which may function as an adjustable metering orifice in response to the measured average flow rate and/or changes in the inlet and outlet pressures to achieve the desired flow rate. At the end of each stroke, the four-way valve is repositioned to reverse fluid flow through the metering cylinder. The system may revise the valve position settings for both forward and reverse strokes based on the measured time required for a full stroke at a certain valve position. In this way, the system automatically and iteratively compensates for changes in fluid properties and fluid pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Smith, IV, Maurice Slot, Richard R. Watson