Abstract: An articulating flow line connector for connecting two sections or portions of a flow line, which may be a pressurized flow line. The connector may be configured to provide a sealed connection between the two sections or portions of the flow line, and may provide for a rotating or swiveling connection between the two sections. The articulating flow line connector may generally have a seal carrier ring arranged between two flow lines hubs. Each flow line hub may connect to an end of a flow line section. The seal carrier ring may be configured to provide both a sealing surface and at least one bearing surface. The seal carrier ring may have a sealing flange, a bearing flange, and a web portion extending between the flanges. The connector may additionally have a clamp arranged around or over the seal carrier ring and a portion of the two hubs.

Abstract: An articulating flow line connector for connecting two sections or portions of a flow line, which may be a pressurized flow line. The connector may be configured to provide a sealed connection between the two sections or portions of the flow line, and may provide for a rotating or swiveling connection between the two sections. The articulating flow line connector may generally have a seal carrier ring arranged between two flow lines hubs. Each flow line hub may connect to an end of a flow line section. The seal carrier ring may be configured to provide both a sealing surface and at least one bearing surface. The seal carrier ring may have a sealing flange, a bearing flange, and a web portion extending between the flanges. The connector may additionally have a clamp arranged around or over the seal carrier ring and a portion of the two hubs.

Abstract: A wellbore dart or pill is provided such that each time the dart passes through a downhole tool having a seat, an externally extending finger is forced radially inward into the dart. As the finger moves inward to its depressed position, the finger moves a ball or other placeholder from a first position to a second position. When the ball is moved to the second position it may be released into the interior of the well bore or into a chamber in the tool. Once each of the balls have been released from the second position the finger is locked radially outward causing the dart to land and be locked in place at the next seat that is encountered by the dart.

Abstract: In order to overcome the limitation of being able to utilize a limited number of sliding sleeves with progressively more restrictive internal diameters in a particular wellbore when selectively opening the sliding sleeve or tool with progressively smaller balls or darts, an indexing dart may be utilized. A wellbore dart or pill is provided such that each time the dart passes through a downhole tool having a seat and externally extending finger is forced radially inward into the dart. As the finger moves inward to its depressed position, the finger moves a ball or other placeholder from a first position to a second position. When the ball is moved to the second position it may be released into the interior of the wellbore or it may be released into a chamber in the tool. In any event the ball is moved to a second position such that it may not return to the first position when the finger returns from its depressed position to its extended position.