Abstract: Apparatus for connecting together flowlines including separately actuated gripping and sealing assemblies which are actuated by hydraulic pressure but are held in actuated positions utilizing internally mounted mechanical-type mechanisms.

Abstract: The remotely operable ball connector includes a female member having a remotely operable locking assembly thereon which receives an articulated ball member, which ball member has mounted thereon an over-center locking ring assembly for moving the ball member into a locking position in the female member and for receiving a plurality of inwardly moving radial locking fingers to connect the ball member to the female member.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting together a ball and a cup wherein the ball has mounted thereover a hydraulic flange assembly which includes extendable guide arms which extend outwardly for initial centering of the ball in alignment with the cup and includes a mechanism for pulling the ball into the cup. After the ball is fully aligned within the cup, radial latching segments move down and finally latch the ball and cup together. The entire apparatus is hydraulically operated such that it may be used for diverless connections of flowline portions together.

Abstract: A remotely actuable device for connecting together pipeline end portions that may be positioned at varying distances from each other including a hydraulic actuation mechanism utilized in combination with a series of housing and camming surfaces to effect gripping and sealing action.

Abstract: A modular valve including an outer housing having a longitudinal bore adapted to be aligned with the pipeline bore of a pipeline and a transverse bore which receives a modular housing assembly which includes a rotatable valve element for controlling flow through the outer housing longitudinal bore and thus through the pipeline in which the valve is mounted. The internal housing assembly is modular and can be removed and replaced should the valve need repair without the necessity of having to remove the entire housing from the pipeline in which it is installed.

Abstract: An apparatus for machining spherical objects to a high degree of roundness. The apparatus includes rotating a work piece about a first axis and concurrently rotating a grinding device about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis to engage the work piece. The grinding device includes a plurality of grinding wheels which rotate about a third axis radially extending from second axis.

Abstract: The apparatus for tensioning a stud and a method of doing same, with the apparatus including a body adapted to be removably mounted with the stud, the body including a first body member and a second body member movable with respect thereto, with the second body member having a gripper assembly therewith for gripping the stud as desired, and high and low pressure force means with the body for moving the second body member with respect to the first body member from a contracted position wherein the gripper assembly engages the stud and in an expanded position wherein the gripper assembly tensions the stud.

Abstract: An apparatus for tensioning a stud and a method for doing same, with the apparatus including a body adapted to be removably mounted with the stud, the body including a first body member and second body member movable with respect thereto, with the second body member having a gripper assembly therewith for gripping the stud as desired, and moving means with the body for moving the second body member with respect to the first body member from a contracted position wherein the gripper assembly engages the stud and in expanded position wherein the gripper assembly tensions the stud.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting first and second flowline members for fluid flow therethrough and a method of utilizing same for effectuating such a repair, with the apparatus including a first housing member adapted to be mounted with the first flowline member and having a seal ring mounted therein for sealably engaging the butt end of a second flowline member for effecting a fluid-tight relation therebetween, a second housing member mounted for axial movement with respect to the first housing member and gripping means with the second housing member for moving radially inwardly into gripping engagement with the second flowline member upon axial movement of the second housing member toward the first housing member.

Abstract: A grip-seal apparatus for connecting together flowline end portions having first and second housings having alignable bores therethrough, with gripper member mounted in the first housing for moving radially inwardly into gripping engagement with the first flowline member. A sealing assembly is mounted with the second housing for moving radially inwardly into sealing engagement with the first flowline member. An activating sleeve mounted in the second housing and with the gripper members moves longitudinally into engagement with the gripper members and the sealing assembly.

Abstract: A ball valve housing including a main housing section and an actuator housing section wherein a ball valve is mounted in the actuator housing section for movement into the main housing section, the ball valve being pivotally connected to an actuator shaft for axial and rotational movement to a seated position against one of two opposing annular seating surfaces in the main housing section.

Abstract: A hot tap housing for mounting over a main pipeline located underwater or in another restrictive environment adapted for use with a hot tap machine to connect a branch pipeline to the main pipeline. The hot tap housing includes a central housing section and a lateral housing section. The central housing section includes a central bore for receiving the main pipeline and first and second central housing grip and seal assemblies are mounted in the central housing bore for gripping and sealing off the main pipeline on either side of the lateral housing section. An access sealing assembly is mounted with the lateral housing section and includes an access sealing member which is movable in the lateral housing section bore into sealing engagement with the outer surface of the main pipeline in order to isolate an approximately circular area which is to be cut out and removed by a hot tap machine.

Abstract: An improved articulated ball connector for use with pipelines as disclosed. In the illustrated embodiment, a sphere is attached to the end of a pipeline. A collar is fitted about the sphere. The collar has a surface contoured to match the surface of the sphere and its rotates or deflects through a designated angle. The collar has an encircling outer groove. A cup shaped receptacle receives the curved surface of the ball. The collar is abutted against a transverse shoulder on the cup shaped receptacle. The ball is pivoted relative to the cup shaped receptacle and the collar. A ring having a cross section which is U-shaped latches about the cup shaped receptacle and the collar. The U-shaped cross section includes upper and lower shoulders which protrude inwardly and engage the cup shaped receptacle and the groove in the collar. The ring is squeezed radially inwardly to clamp the cup shaped receptacle and the collar together.

Abstract: A variable length coupling device for connecting together first and second flowlines for the passage of fluid therethrough including first and second housing sections having alignable bores. The first housing section is adapted for connection at various angular positions to the first flowline and the second housing section to receive and is sealingly attached to the second flowline in response to the interconnection of the first and second housing sections. An actuator sleeve, force transfer sleeve and wedging seal ring are mounted within the first and second housing section bores for movement into gripping, sealing engagement against the second flowline in response to connection of the first and second housing sections together.

Abstract: A grip-seal apparatus for connecting together flowline end portions including first and second housings having alignable bores therethrough and an intermediate housing connection section for connection to each of the first and second housings and also having a bore for receiving a first flowline end portion. A radially contractable actuator sleeve is mounted within the bore of the first housing for movement radially inwardly into gripping engagement with the first flowline end portion in response to camming action; and, a sealing assembly is mounted in the bore of the second housing for movement radially inwardly into sealing engagement with the first flowline end portion in response to longitudinal movement of an activating sleeve which is mounted within the second housing bore in engagement with the sealing assembly.

Abstract: For use in connecting first and second pipes, an apparatus which incorporates an external sleeve adapted to be abutted against a flange and positioned about a first pipe and enclosing oppositely facing sets of tapered slips. The slips incorporate serrations to enable them to grip the first pipe. An encircling cavity receives fluid under high pressure and hydraulically forces the two sets of slips to an actuated position, firmly gripping the first pipe. This provides a good mechanical connection of the connector to the first pipe. The second pipe is preferably connected to the flange. A separate set of fluid seals prevent leakage. They are actuated by means of a second set of pistons which hydraulically force the seal members with adequate pressure to cause them to seal the connection of the first and second pipes. The coupling apparatus has a separate mechanical coupling and an isolated seal mechanism which are separately actuated.

Abstract: A new and improved pipeline coupling apparatus is disclosed. This apparatus incorporates an elongate support member having the form of an I-beam where the flanges of the I-beam serve as a guide for a traveling carriage. The traveling carriage is urged along the I-beam by means of a hydraulic cylinder and piston rod. The traveling carriage centers a pipe. It positions the coupling and forces the pipe into the coupling. The coupling itself is supported for sliding movement by a free moving carriage beneath the I-beam.

Abstract: Two embodiments of a hot tap are disclosed. In the first embodiment, a hot tap is formed around a pipeline. It includes an elongate sleeve divided into two semi-cylindrical portions. The two portions preferably bolt together. They divide along two lengthwise edges. In the lowermost half, stationary semicircular gripping devices for gripping the pipe are enclosed. They are formed as inserts in the lowermost portion. In the uppermost portion, a semicircular tapered wedge is included at the remote ends. The wedge is located adjacent to a movable tapered collet. It has a set of serrations or teeth which dig into the pipeline. The collet is driven lengthwise against the wedge by means of hydraulically actuated pistons and cylinders. The pistons and cylinders extend, thereby driving the collets against the tapered wedge to firmly grasp the outer surface of the pipe. This arrangement is located at both ends of the elongate cylindrical member. This secures and locates a laterally directed tubular member.

Abstract: A pipe coupling apparatus is disclosed. This apparatus is adapted for quick connection of two pipes without the use of flanges and the like. The apparatus is adapted for undersea connections and it may be used elsewhere. The present apparatus is comprised of an elongate housing enclosing two tapered sets of slips or collets. They work opposite a tapered surface in the housing. A circular piston is hydraulically pumped against the taper to force the collets against the pipe. This siezes and holds the pipe as a first step in completing the coupling. A second housing is adapted to be connected to the mating pipe. The second housing incorporates a circular piston therein which has an internal face which is tapered. The tapered face is driven past the exterior of an encircling clamp ring. The clamp has a cross section which is defined by a pair of inwardly protruding shoulders.

Abstract: An articulated full gauge opening pipe connector is disclosed. The connector apparatus is particularly adapted for use in under sea applications. The apparatus incorporates a ball which has an axial passage therethrough. The passage opens to the full gauge of a pipeline to avoid constricting flows therethrough. The ball is attached at the end of a short connector pipe preferably terminating in a flange. The ball has a spherical external surface. It stabs into a conforming housing which is formed of a first flange which bolts to an elongate sleeve surrounding a pair of seal members preferably formed of hard material such as bronze. The seal members are preferably pressure actuated to bear against the external surface of the ball. The seals circle the ball, locking it in the tubular housing by positioning the seal members on opposing sides of a plane through the center of the sphere. The seal members open to a space enabling the collection of pressure fluid therein for testing purposes.