Abstract: A telescoping boom assembly supported articulated well service pipeline for the transfer of pressurized fluids from service vehicles to petroleum wellheads for the treatment and stimulation of production oil wells. The boom assembly is mounted on a truck, trailer, or other suitable mobile transport, and the articulated pipeline comprises a pair of long straight end pipe sections interconnected by a plurality of shorter intermediate pipe sections and by swivel joints. The two end pipe sections are aligned generally parallel with the telescoping boom and the intermediate pipe sections flip-flop to change their direction of alignment as the pipeline is extended and retracted. The flip-flop feature provides a maximum change in length of the pipeline between the extended and the retracted positions with a minimum number of pipe swivel joints.

Abstract: A mono-rail boom supported articulated pipe well service line for the transfer of pressurized fluids from service vehicles to petroleum wellheads for the treatment and stimulation of production oil wells. The boom is mounted on a truck, trailer, or other suitable mobile transport, and the articulated pipe line which comprises a plurality of pipe sections interconnected by swivel joints to provide the required rotational freedom and flexibility, is suspended from the boom by trolleys to facilitate extension and retraction of the pipe line either independently of movement of the boom, or concurrently therewith.

Abstract: An adapter especially suited for transferring petroleum fluids from a single large-diameter loading arm to a plurality of smaller tanker manifolds, including a generally T-shaped connector having a large-diameter inlet housing at one end and a plurality of smaller diameter outlet housings at the other end thereof. The inlet housing of the connector is connected to the outboard end of the loading arm by a pair of large-diameter swivel joints and a pipe elbow. A plurality of eccentric fluid couplers are each connected to a corresponding one of the smaller outlet housings by one of a plurality of smaller swivel joints. These eccentric fluid couplers can be rotated into various positions to adapt to differences in spacings between the manifolds of various marine tankers.

Abstract: A torsionally controlled swivel joint having at least one axis of rotation is provided with a torque element, either in the form of a helical torsion spring or one or more torsion bars, completely enclosed within the flow passage of the joint to counteract torsional forces applied to one section of the joint relative to another section. One end of the torque element is rigidly connected to one section of the joint while the other end is rigidly connected to a cylindrical adjustment disc rotatable with and sealed in fluid tight engagement to the other section of the swivel joint. In the preferred embodiment, torsional preloading of the torque element is achieved by a plurality of locking balls in a ball race formed in the mating surfaces of the adjustment disc and swivel joint section.

Abstract: A dry-break coupler attaches to an adapter for loading fluid into the bottom of a tank. The coupler and the adapter can be connected or separated without the loss of fluid, while both fittings are subjected to internal fluid pressure. The coupler is of the type used on a gasoline tank truck loading arm, and the adapter is in accordance with the standards of the American Petroleum Institute. The coupler has a tubular body that defines a central flow passage and a movable valve closure element that opens and closes the coupler flow passage. This valve closure element also actuates a central valve of an adjacent adapter. An adapter latch is mounted upon a first rotatable shaft that is pivotally mounted on the coupler tubular body. A second rotatable shaft that operates the valve closure element is mounted within the tubular body. Portions of both the first and second rotatable shafts extend in substantially parallel relationship.

Abstract: A torsionally controlled swivel joint having at least one axis of rotation is provided with a torque element, either in the form of a helical torsion spring or one or more torsion bars, completely enclosed within the flow passage of the joint to counteract torsional forces applied to one section of the joint relative to another section. One end of the torque element is rigidly connected to one section of the joint while the other end is rigidly connected to a cylindrical adjustment disc rotatable with and sealed in fluid tight engagement to the other section of the swivel joint. In the preferred embodiment, torsional preloading of the torque element is achieved by a plurality of locking balls in a ball race formed in the mating surfaces of the adjustment disc and swivel joint section.

Abstract: A dry-break coupler, of the type used on a gasoline tank truck loading arm, is connectable with a standard A.P.I. adapter, that is located near the bottom of a truck tank, for loading fluid into the tank. The coupler and the adapter can be connected together or they can be separated, without the loss of fluid, while both fittings are continuously subjected to internal fluid pressure. The coupler has a tubular body that defines a central flow passage. Located within the tubular body is a movable valve closure element. This element opens and closes the flow passage of the coupler, and it also actuates a central valve of an adjacent adapter. An adapter latch and a first rotatable shaft that operates the adapter latch are pivotally mounted on the tubular body. A second rotatable shaft that operates the valve closure element is mounted within the tubular body. Portions of both the first and second rotatable shafts extend in substantially parallel relationship.