Abstract: An undersea hydraulic coupling includes a male member and female member, and a two-piece retainer for restraining radial movement of a wedge-shaped annular seal into the central bore of the female member. The two-piece retainer includes a cylindrical retainer sleeve member slidably received within the female member bore, and a threaded retainer-locking member threadable to mating threads in the wall of the central bore. The retainer-locking member holds the retainer sleeve member in place within the female member bore. The annular seal is restrained from radial movement by a dovetail interfit with a mating shoulder on at least one of the retainer sleeve and the retainer-locking members.

Abstract: A coupling having a seal member with an annular flexible metal seal surface for sealing with a male member or probe. The metal seal surface is integral with the seal member and extends into the bore of the female member. The metal seal surface is urged radially inwardly against the male member in response to internal fluid pressure in the coupling.

Abstract: A coupling having an internal pressure-loaded V-seal between a male member and a female member incudes a sleeve member insertable into the female member bore. The V-seal is repeatably positionable in the sleeve member such that insertion of the male member serves to slightly compress the V-seal and thereby preload the seal before pressurization. Upon pressurization of the coupling, the lips of the V-seal are urged to expand longitudinally against the leading face of the male member and an internal shoulder in the sleeve member. The pressurization of the coupling also tends to urge the sleeve member toward the male member, to enhance the seal and to compensate for any tolerances between the coupling halves.

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: An undersea hydraulic coupling includes a male member and female member, and a two-piece retainer for restraining radial movement of a wedge-shaped annular seal into the central bore of the female member. The two-piece retainer includes a cylindrical retainer sleeve member slidably received within the female member bore, and a threaded retainer-locking member threadable to mating threads in the wall of the central bore. The retainer-locking member holds the retainer sleeve member in place within the female member bore. The annular seal is restrained from radial movement by a dovetail interfit with a mating shoulder on at least one of the retainer sleeve and the retainer-locking members.

Abstract: A coupling having a metal-to-metal seal between a male member and a female seal member, the seal being "preloaded" by means of an internal preload mechanism. The male member engages the seal member, forming the sealing relation between the two. The seal member is allowed to float, or slide, longitudinally within the bore of the female coupling member between a first, extended position and a second, compressed position. The seal member is biased by the preload mechanism into its first, extended position. A force resulting from engagement of the male member and the seal member tends to urge the seal member toward its second, compressed position and that force is opposed by the preload mechanism. The sealing relation between the male member and the seal member is thereby enhanced. An annular metal ring seal may be used to provide a sliding fluid seal between the outer circumference of the seal member and the bore of the female.

Abstract: A joint for forming a sealed junction between two large diameter cylinders or rocket motor casings. A tongue-and-groove arrangement employs a pressure-energized metal seal which expands radially when the cylinders are internally pressurized. The radial expansion enhances the sealing effect of the metal seal between the tongue and the groove. The metal seal will withstand extreme pressures and temperatures which can adversely affect the sealing capability of elastomer O-rings.

Abstract: An integral metal-to-metal seal for a subsea hydraulic connector, the seal having a concave leading face extending from the male member body, the concave leading face having a flexible outer rim which seals against the wall of the female member bore. The outer rim is biased against the wall of the female member bore, and further is responsive to hydraulic pressure to flex against the wall of the female member bore.

Abstract: A pressure-balanced hydraulic coupling having a male and female member wherein the male member includes at least one balancing port communicating between the leading face and outer side wall. When the male member is sealed in relation to the annular elastomeric seal in the receiving chamber of the female member, and the poppet valves of each member are closed, the balancing port is used to bleed seawater into or out from the annulus between the coupling members.

Abstract: A coupling and metal seal are disclosed, primarily for use in undersea hydraulic applications. The female member of the coupling is of three-piece construction. The main body portion accepts a cylindrical retainer which is held captive within the body by means of a spring clip or snap ring. The metal seal is generally ring-shaped and is positioned within the body and held captive by the retainer and clip. The male member, or probe, of the coupling fits within the retainer and body and protrudes through the ring of the metal seal. The seal engages the circumference of the probe and, when the coupling is pressurized, the seal is urged against the probe circumference and against the interior wall of the body, effectuating a fluid seal within the coupling. The metal seal is not irrevocably deformed in use and may be used repeatedly.