Abstract: A remotely operable closure device is disclosed. The device includes a base hub, a clamping mechanism, a closure mechanism, and a drive mechanism. The base hub is attached to a conduit and allows access to the conduit. The clamping mechanism is disposed about the base hub and is actuatable to clamp or unclamp about the base hub and a blind hub. The closure mechanism is movably connected to the clamping mechanism and is actuatable therewith to move the blind hub into or out of engagement with the base hub. The drive mechanism is remotely operable to simultaneously actuate the clamping mechanism and the closure mechanism.

Abstract: A remotely operable coupling device is disclosed. The device is suitable for coupling misaligned first and second conduits. The device includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector is attached to the first conduit and includes a first flange with a ball end extending therefrom. The second connector is attached to the second conduit and receives the first connector. The second connector includes a first mechanism operable to position a second flange adjacent the first flange and to dispose the ball end into a socket member. The second connector also includes a second mechanism disposed about the adjacent first and second flanges and operable to hold the flanges adjacent one another and maintain the ball end disposed within the socket.

Abstract: A remotely operable closure device is disclosed. The device includes a base hub, a clamping mechanism, a closure mechanism, and a drive mechanism. The base hub is attached to a conduit and allows access to the conduit. The clamping mechanism is disposed about the base hub and is actuatable to clamp or unclamp about the base hub and a blind hub. The closure mechanism is movably connected to the clamping mechanism and is actuatable therewith to move the blind hub into or out of engagement with the base hub. The drive mechanism is remotely operable to simultaneously actuate the clamping mechanism and the closure mechanism.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus is disclosed. The coupling apparatus includes a first connector, a second connector and a plurality of clamp devices. The first and second connectors each have a substantially hollow interior cylindrical shape with a circumferential flange with a flat surface normal to the axis of the cylinder. The flange of the second connector has a circular diameter substantially equal to a diameter of the flange of the first connector. The plurality of clamp devices has interior dimensions substantially equal to the combined thickness of first connector flange and the second connector flange when placed together along their flat surfaces and with the cylindrical portions of the first connector and the second connector substantially oriented along the same axis.

Abstract: A ball and socket misalignment coupling includes a socket flange, ball member, retaining flange, threaded studs, and threaded retaining rings of limited shear strength. The threaded retaining rings function to permit the coupling to be pre-assembled. When the pre-assembled coupling is installed into service by using the threaded studs and associated nuts to bolt the coupling to a standard flange, the threaded rings are stripped out and remain in the assembly without obstructing the function of the coupling. The threaded retaining rings fit into recesses in the flanges through which the studs insert. The threaded retaining rings may made as a single-piece construction made from a material that has a yield and shear strength lower than that of the threaded studs about which they are mounted, or may be made as a two-piece threaded ring having inner threaded portion and a separate outer portion, each with differing material construction.

Abstract: A dual seal is provided for establishing fluid tight engagement between conduits subjected to both internal and external pressure. The dual seal comprises four seal portions disposed between an inner and an outer cylindrical surface.

Abstract: An improved misalignment flange and method for use is provided by a socket member having a substantially spherical inside diameter surface seat which engages, in fluid-tight fashion, a ball member having a substantially spherical outside diameter surface and associated therewith a stored-energy seal. A retaining member is also utilized to clamp the ball member and spherical seal into fluid-tight engagement with the inside spherical surface of the socket member. The misalignment flange of the present invention provides up to 20.degree. of off-axis misalignment and service in hostile environments.

Abstract: An annular bore seal for sealing between connected first and second coaxially aligned members, each of which is provided with an internal frusto-conical seating surface tapering inwardly from their adjoining ends. The seal comprises: an inner cylindrical surface; annular end surfaces at opposite ends thereof; frusto-conical outer sealing surfaces adjacent each of the end surfaces and tapering outwardly therefrom; an outer alignment ring surface midway between the end surfaces; and annular relieved areas between the alignment ring surface and the frusto-conical sealing surfaces.

Abstract: Coupling apparatus capable of joining first and second conduits in a nonaligned articulated relationship may comprise: a male member having a radially enlarged end portion thereon; a female member into which the male member may be inserted; a seal assembly for sealing between the male and female members; a gripping assembly carried by the female member and radially movable from a normally expanded position, in which the male member may be freely inserted and removed from the female member, to a contracted position gripping the enlarged end portion of the male member, preventing its removal and locking it in a fixed, articulated relationship with the female member; and a load ring carried by the female member and axially movable from a first position, allowing the gripping assembly to assume its normal expanded position, to a second position engaging and forcing the gripping assembly into its contracted position.

Abstract: A hydraulic wrench comprising: an elongated body; a drive assembly mounted at one end of the body for rotating a socket member connected thereto; a hydraulic power member connected to the drive assembly and the body for rotating the drive assembly; and an elongated reaction member engageable with the body and extendable therefrom for engagement with any suitable fixed object to provide a reaction force for operation of the wrench.

Abstract: A subsea connection unit for remotely connecting a first flowline to a complementary second flowline at a submerged location. The unit is comprised of a connector assembly which is attached to the end of the first flowline and a base structure adapted to be positioned on the marine bottom and to hold the end of the second flowline. A pulldown line is attached to the connector assembly and extends downward through the base structure and back to the surface. As the first flowline is pulled downward to the marine bottom, a guide cone on the connector assembly is pulled into a cone receiver on the base structure to properly align the two flowlines. A special guide assembly on the base structure insures that the guide cone will enter the cone receiver.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for placing and holding tension on a fastener device of the type having a shaft and a cooperable member engageable therewith. The apparatus may comprise a housing member for surrounding the fastener shaft in a fixed relationship; a piston member disposed within the housing member for seating axial movement therein between first and second positions; a passageway centrally disposed in the housing and piston member through which the fastener shaft may extend and be affixed to the piston member; an annular chamber defined by the housing and piston members; and one or more ports communicating with the chamber through which pressure may be applied to the piston member for movement thereof between the first and second positions so as to place the fastener shaft in tension. A method of utilizing the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A ball and socket type coupling for connecting the ends of two pipes which may be axially misaligned by as much as several degrees. It includes a pair of coupling members, each of which is arranged for connection to one of the pipes to be connected. One of the members has attached at the other end thereof a ball portion, and the other coupling member has attached thereto a housing arranged for receiving in mating relationship therewith the forward surface of the ball portion. Seal means are disposable between the ball and the housing member for providing a fluid seal therebetween.