Abstract: A fitting assembly includes a fitting and a tube. The fitting has a fitting body having a straight through hole and an attachment or base port, connected to the through hole by a first passageway generally perpendicular to the through hole. The tube has an outer diameter smaller than the through hole allowing a first end of the tube to pass through the through hole. A seal is positioned in one of a circumferential slot in the tube and a circumferential slot in the through hole of the fitting body, the seal sealing a second end of the tube to the fitting body. A cover is sealingly attached to the first end of the through hole. One of the cover and the tube has a portion that extends into an intersection of the through hole and the first passageway, the portion having an aperture that prevents blockage between the attachment or base port and the second end of the through hole.

Abstract: A tool for facilitating the installation of a sealing boot on a cable includes: an arcuate main body having a tapered end, the main body having axially-disposed edges that define a gap therebetween, the main body defining a bore; and a gripping portion attached to an end of the main body opposite the tapered end, the gripping portion extending radially outwardly from the main body.

Abstract: A high pressure swivel system provides fluid communication on a turret-moored vessel between a swivel core member being in fixed rotational alignment with a seabed mooring system and a swivel revolving member being in fixed rotational alignment with the hull of the vessel. The revolving member has upper and lower radially extending surfaces. On each of the radially extending surfaces are a series of radially spaced apart pressure seals. Hydraulic barrier fluid pressure is regulated in each of the volumes formed between the pressure seals. The pressures in the volumes are regulated such that a process fluid pressure higher than could be tolerated by any one individual pressure seal is safely accommodated by sharing the high process fluid pressure between or among two or more of the radially spaced apart pressure seals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-pressure-resistant integrated leakage-free rotating compensator, comprising an inner pipe, an outer sleeve, a connecting pipe and a filler flange. The outer sleeve is arranged on the inner pipe in a sleeved mode. One end of the inner pipe is inserted into the connecting pipe through the outer sleeve. The filler flange is arranged on the inner pipe in a sleeved mode. One end of the filler flange extends into the outer sleeve. An annular inner boss is arranged on the inner surface of the outer sleeve. The portion between the annular inner boss and the end, extending into the outer sleeve, of the filler flange is arranged on gland packing. The outer sleeve and the connecting pipe are of an integrally-formed integrated structure. An anti-impact plate is arranged between the gland packing and the annular inner boss.

Abstract: A seal ring and coupling sleeve assembly usable to join tubing and casing sections includes a rigid coupling sleeve and a resilient seal ring assembly positionable within the coupling sleeve. The seal ring assembly includes a seal ring body and an interior reinforcing ring. The coupling sleeve inner circumference has a plurality of sealing ridge receiving grooves. The outer peripheral surface of the sealing ring body has a plurality of cooperatively shaped and positioned seal ring body sealing ridges. Outer and inner gas grooves extend circumferentially around the outer and inner peripheral surfaces of the seal ring body and are concentric with each other. A plurality of gas ports extend radially between the outer and inner gas grooves of the seal ring body.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a flange joint for joining a first pipe to a second pipe includes an adapter coupled to the first pipe. The adapter includes a convex surface. The flange joint also includes a gasket with a first concave surface and a second convex surface. The first concave surface of the gasket is matingly engageable with the convex surface of the adapter. The second convex surface is matingly engageable with the second pipe. The gasket is supported on the first pipe. The flange joint further includes a clamp that includes a concave surface that is matingly engageable with the second pipe to secure the gasket to the adapter.

Abstract: A device for coupling a male piping member to a female piping member includes a compressible sealing gasket and a gripping ring surrounding the male piping member, the gripping ring including at least one gripping member and at least one overlapping surface. An intermediate ring surrounding the male piping member at least partially overlaps an overlapping surface of the gripping ring and communicates with the compressible sealing gasket. A locking ring surrounding the male piping member communicates with the gripping ring, wherein through a tightening connection between the locking ring and the female piping member, the locking ring communicates with the gripping ring forcing the intermediate ring into the compressible sealing gasket to form a seal between the male piping member and the female piping member and subsequently to force the gripping ring to grip the male piping member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fluid coupling system and method. The system may include a supply bladder, a discharge bladder, and a ball valve. The supply bladder having a supply inflation portion, the supply housing having a supply inflation passage that provides fluid communication between a central fluid passage and the supply inflation portion, the discharge bladder having a discharge inflation portion, and the ball valve secured in the supply housing or the discharge housing, wherein the discharge inflation portion may be placed in fluid communication with the central fluid passage by twisting the supply housing while the discharge housing remains stationary, and wherein the ball valve may block the central fluid passage while in a first position and may open a fluid passage through the supply housing and the discharge housing while in a second position.

Abstract: A hydraulic hose coupling, and method of assembling such to a hydraulic hose in a no-skive fashion. This is accomplished in many ways, some of which include the provision of a plurality of hose retention and sealing zones within the coupling, each of which include various combinations of radially inwardly directed barbs and radially inwardly and outwardly directed surface features on the inner stem of the coupling. With specific regard to the zone primarily directed to sealing, it includes a radially inwardly directed barb which works in conjunction with a straight cylindrical surface flanked by first and second radially inwardly directed recesses.

Abstract: A recess is formed in an outer circumferential surface of a first fitting cylinder. A flange and a second fitting cylinder are provided at one end of a second cylindrical member which is part of a dust cover. A sealing member is attached to the flange. A protruding portion is provided on an inner circumferential surface of the second fitting cylinder. The sealing member is strongly pressed by the first fitting cylinder and the flange in the state where the first fitting cylinder is fitted into the second fitting cylinder, and where the recess and the protruding portion are fitted to each other. Due to this structure, up-and-down movement of the both fitting cylinders is limited, and the sealing member is strongly pressed, thereby maintaining sealing.

Abstract: A wet connection system including a first connector configured to connect to a first control line. The first connector including at least one first pathway arranged to fluidly communicate with the first control line, and a biased movable plug movable within the first connector; and, a second connector configured to connect to a second control line. The second connector including a second pathway in fluid communication with the second control line and a biased sleeve movable within the second connector; wherein the first and second connectors are each pressure balanced to prevent internal control line pressure. External borehole pressures from moving the plug and sleeve from their biased positions blocking the respective first and second pathways in the disconnected condition of the wet connection system.

Abstract: A hydraulic fluid coupling for attaching two hydraulic hoses that comprises an inline swivel joint to prevent twisting of the hoses. The coupling comprises a first and second coupling portion, with the second coupling portion rotatable relative to the first coupling portion. There are two bearings and a ring shaped piston that slides toward the second bearing in response to fluid pressure inside the coupling. Engagement of the piston with the second bearing urges the second coupling portion towards the first coupling portion, against the action of fluid pressure between the first and second couplings. This reduces the load on the first bearing and transfers some of that load to the second bearing, thereby making it easier to rotate the second coupling portion.

Abstract: A coupling element of a fluid circuit. The coupling element includes a tubular body externally provided with an annular shoulder in which a groove is provided having an end wall flanked by an outer side and by an inner side so as to receive an annular seal designed to bear against a surface surrounding an inlet orifice of a channel of a member to which the element is designed to be coupled. The body defines at least one passage for bringing the fluid into the groove so as to push the seal back against the outer surface of the groove, and against the surface surrounding the inlet orifice of the channel.

Abstract: A coupling device for a sealed coupling of first and second pipe sections, which are movable with respect to one another and at the ends of which respective flanges are fastened to be mutually sealed. The end face of the second flange, which is directed toward the first flange, includes an annular groove and a sealing element is disposed within the annular groove. The annular groove is configured to be subjected to pressure so as to press the sealing element against the end face of the first flange. The sealing element is a sealing ring made of elastic material.

Abstract: A coupling element of a fluid circuit. The coupling element includes a tubular body externally provided with an annular shoulder in which a groove is provided having an end wall flanked by an outer side and by an inner side so as to receive an annular seal designed to bear against a surface surrounding an inlet orifice of a channel of a member to which the element is designed to be coupled. The body defines at least one passage for bringing the fluid into the groove so as to push the seal back against the outer surface of the groove, and against the surface surrounding the inlet orifice of the channel.

Abstract: A seal member has a configuration including a ring-shaped main body portion, an inner peripheral lip portion protruding from a ring inner peripheral portion of the main body portion and an outer peripheral lip portion protruding from a ring outer peripheral portion of the main body portion. The inner peripheral lip portion takes an O-ring shape deformable in a protruding direction. The outer peripheral lip portion takes a structure deformable in a direction different from an extending direction, corresponding to a pressure in a sealed area. The member preferably seals when in communication with a plurality of spaces separated from an external space, the plurality of spaces from an external environment.

Abstract: A threaded joint comprises a pin coupled to a box with an annular groove, one or a pair of seal rings, and hydraulic actuating means to pressurize the seal ring or rings against the pin to provide improved scalability of the joint. The seal ring or rings comprise a frustoconical surface, an external surface, and an internal surface with one or more protruding annular ribs. In the unpressurized state, the seal ring or rings do not protrude from the groove. In the pressurized state, the frustoconical surface of the sealing ring is in sealing contact with an internal surface of the annular groove of the box, and the annular ribs of the sealing ring are in sealing contact with the external surface of the pin.

Abstract: A pressure-balanced hydraulic coupling suitable for undersea use comprises a male member having one or more flow ports on the side of its probe section and a poppet valve actuator extending from the end of the probe section which has a fluid-tight seal around the actuator. The female member has a removable annular flow piece for fluid communication with the flow ports in the probe of the male member. In certain embodiments the annular flow piece has integral probe seals. In other embodiments, the removable annular flow piece comprises a seal retainer. In yet other embodiments, the removable annular flow piece comprises the inner part of a two-part seal cartridge.

Abstract: A flange joint for connecting two objects in a fluid connection so that fluid can flow between the objects. The flange joint has a gasket and the gasket is installed in the flange joint. The flange joint has at least one channel for feeding additional fluid from outside of the flange joint through the gasket into fluid flowing between the two objects.

Abstract: A pipe coupling for joining together the ends of two adjacent pipes includes a housing for receiving the ends of the two adjacent pipes, and a locking arrangement which includes an annular chamber, and a plurality of grippers radially moveable towards the central axis of the housing from an inoperative condition to an operative condition. Each gripper includes a gripping formation for operatively gripping a pipe inserted into a bore of the housing, and a locking formation for operatively engaging a corresponding locking formation on the housing so as to axially lock the gripper to the housing. Each locking arrangement also includes a locking ring for locking the grippers to the housing so that axial displacement of the locking ring under fluid pressure within the annular chamber causes radial displacement of the grippers into the operative condition.

Abstract: A rotating table provided with a determined gap Db and serving as a rotating body is rotatably mounted on a fixed base. Seal-member accommodating spaces serving as annular grooves are partitioned and formed in a fixed surface. Annular seal members are disposed in the seal-member accommodating spaces. When a vacuum is supplied to a communication passage, the absorbed seal members contact with the fixed surface and a rotated surface to seal gaps therebetween. When a positive pressure is supplied to the communication passage, the seal members are relocated in the seal-member accommodating spaces. The seal-member accommodating space has a taper portion, thereby preventing the seal members from biting. While the rotating table is being rotatably driven, no vacuum is supplied to the communication passage.

Abstract: A device for a pressure-compensated swivel comprising a swivel housing and a swivel pipe rotatably arranged in the swivel housing, wherein pressure from fluid in the swivel acts on opposing compensating areas in the swivel, whereby an axially compressive force is established between the swivel housing and the swivel pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus that facilitates tight sealing between a first space and a second space. The second space is at least partially enclosed by a member. The apparatus includes or performs creating or maintaining a pressure difference between a pressure in a third space at a seal assembly and pressure in each of the first space and the second space; and pushing, caused by the pressure difference, against a seal in the seal assembly to tighten sealing provided by the seal.

Abstract: Systems for actuating a pair of pipe flanges to cause the flanges to be sealingly engaged. In one embodiment, a connection includes a first flange, a second flange and a coupling. The first and second flanges have complementary mating surfaces. The coupling engages both the first and second flanges, with the flanges oriented so that their mating surfaces face each other. The coupling movably engages the first flange to form a cavity between the coupling and the flange. When fluid is forced into the cavity, expansion of the cavity moves the first mating surface toward the second mating surface. This is continued until the mating surfaces make contact and a desired amount of pressure is applied between them to create a seal. The pressure of the fluid is distributed evenly through the cavity, so the contact pressure between the mating surfaces of the flanges is also evenly distributed.

Abstract: A fitting for sealing against the inner surface of an inlet includes an elongate mandrel and one or more resilient bushings supported on the mandrel. The fitting has a first condition wherein the resilient bushing can be received within the inlet. The fitting can be actuated to a second condition the resilient bushing expands radially to sealingly engage the inner surface of the inlet. When the inlet is sealingly engaged by the resilient bushing in the second condition, fluid may be admitted to the inlet through an axial bore in the mandrel. When the fitting is used to fill a pipe system, fluid supplied to the inlet may be pressurized to facilitate monitoring the pipe system for leaks. The fitting may include a sealing member configured to seal against a terminal end of the inlet when the bushing is radially expanded to seal against the inner surface of the inlet in the second condition.

Abstract: A rotating passage feed system for admitting pressure means into two machine parts (hub part (2), shaft (3)) which rotate relative to one another about a common axis. Conduits (17) that convey the pressure means are located in the shaft (3) and are joined to pressure means connections (6) via tapped holes while a connecting part (5) in which ring channels (8) are provided is also joined thereto. A central sleeve (9) is joined to the connecting part (5) in a non-rotatable manner. The connecting part (5) and the central sleeve (9) are produced in an inexpensive manner as lightweight structure formed from sheet metal through a shaping process.

Abstract: In the preferred embodiments, a hollow shaft rotary fluid joint assembly includes: (a) a hollow shaft through which electrical cables are passed; (b) a rotary fluid joint surrounding an outer diameter of the hollow shaft through which a fluid medium is passed, the rotary fluid joint including inner and outer races defining an interior chamber that are rotatably connected together and that include one or more respective inlet or outlet port.

Abstract: A pressure-balanced hydraulic coupling suitable for undersea use comprises a male member having one or more flow ports on the side of its probe section and a poppet valve actuator extending from the end of the probe section which has a fluid-tight seal around the actuator. The female member has a removable annular flow piece for fluid communication with the flow ports in the probe of the male member. In certain embodiments the annular flow piece has integral probe seals. In other embodiments, the removable annular flow piece comprises a seal retainer. In yet other embodiments, the removable annular flow piece comprises the inner part of a two-part seal cartridge.

Abstract: Relative and controlled sealing between a pipe (1) and a ceramic tube (7) utilizes a cylindrical chamber (5) that is attached in a sealed manner to the pipe (1), and to one end of the ceramic tube that is placed inside the chamber. At least two sets of sealing fixtures (3, 3?) are placed in an annular space between the ceramic tube and the chamber. A crosspiece (4) is interposed between the two sets sealing of fixtures (3, 3?). A metal mating flange (6) is pressed against a compression ring (4?) to compress the sealing fixtures (3, 3?). Injection of a fluid (8) between the two sets of sealing fixtures (3, 3?) applies a pressure differential that is determined on each of the fixtures.

Abstract: A coupling for attachment to the end portion of a pipe includes jaw members adapted to slide along an inner end taper in the coupling body so that linear movement of the jaw members toward the end of the inner end taper adjacent an end of the coupling body causes movement of the jaw members radially inwardly of the coupling body against the end portion of the pipe when received in the coupling body. The coupling may include a bell type gasket to function as a spring and the spring action of the gasket may be augmented by installing a springy crib ring around the gasket inside the coupling body.

Abstract: A high pressure seal consists of a minimal convex excess which induces a plastic-elastic deformation on the flat opposing surface. The excess can also be formed by means of a ring with a circular cross section which after tightening of the screw coupling likewise forms a small convex excess. Removal of the ring without damage is accomplished by application of pressure by means of a smaller additional groove and a pressure feeding bore discharging into the additional groove.

Abstract: A swivel (40) includes an outer (41) and inner annular wall (42). A toroidal chamber (44) is defined between the outer and inner walls and opposing peripheral faces of the walls define an upper (45) and lower gap (52) extending respectively upwardly and downwardly from the toroidal chamber. The upper and/or lower gap has a first section (46) extending axially, a second section (47) transverse to the first section (46) and a third section (48) extending substantially parallel to the first section (46). A seal (50, 51) is placed in the second (47) or the third (48) section of the upper and/or lower gap (25, 52), the seal having two flexible legs (61, 62) arranged in a generally u-shaped or v-shaped orientation. The gap near the area of the seal is filled with a sealing fluid during use.

Abstract: A joint assembly for connecting two ceramic material tubes has a cup-ball interface. One of the tubes has at a first end a cup shaped member, and the other tube has at a first end a ball shaped member adapted to be received in the cup shaped member. The ball shaped member and the cup shaped member define the cup-ball interface. The cup shaped member is provided with a gas feed channel discharging at a first end into an annular groove at the cup-ball interface. At the other end, the cup shaped member is connected to a conduit outside the cup shaped member. The conduit is connected to an inert gas source having a pressure above atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A multi-channel rotary joint comprising-elastic seal rings each having an annular groove that are used to form a low-pressure channel space and a high-pressure channel space between the opposing peripheral surfaces of a joint housing and a rotator that rotates inside the joint housing. Seal rings that seal the low-pressure channel space which forms part of a vacuum suction route are engaged with and supported by one of the opposing peripheral surfaces such that annular grooves are disposed symmetrically and opening into spaces adjacent to the low-pressure channel space. The seal rings that seal the high-pressure channel space which forms part of a pressurized fluid supply route are engaged with and supported by one of the opposing peripheral surfaces such that the annular grooves are disposed symmetrically and opening into this high-pressure channel space.

Abstract: A connector for a plain end pipe comprising a housing (7) for location over the pipe, an annular recess (4) formed in an inner surface of the housing (7), a seal (1) located in the recess (4), a nipple (8) for the supply of grease under pressure, and segmental grippers of L-shaped cross section comprising a leg (6) and a foot (5) having a serrated inner surface for engagement with the pipe. Such connectors have wide tolerance within a certain range of nominal pipe outside diameter.

Abstract: A device for connecting two bodies, especially a quartz body and a metallic body, which assures with few and simply formed components a high sealing ability at high temperature differences and at very low pressures and makes possible an easy assembly and disassembly. The device for the vacuum-tight connecting of two bodies of different materials, each of which has an essentially tubular end section (20, 30) and in the connected state of which the tubular end section (30) of the first body surrounds at least partially the end section (20) of the second body, includes an intermediate conduit (13) for intermediate suction removal of gases and is formed between the tubular end sections (20, 30) of the bodies with two seals (100, 150) which seal off the intermediate conduit (130).

Abstract: A rotating connector for the transfer of at least one pressurized process fluid, and comprising a central stem (2) on which there is placed a number of ring elements (3, 4) comprising at least one annulus element (3) for fluid transfer between an associated course (8) in the stem (2) and an outlet (9) from the connector, and a bearing ring element (4) arranged on each side of the annulus element (3) and sealed there-against by dynamic seals (14) operated by means of a barrier liquid having a higher pressure than the process fluid pressure, and a looking nut (21) to keep the ring elements (3, 4) preloaded against a shoulder (20) on the stem (2).

Abstract: A sealing arrangement for a swivel (1) comprising inner and outer mutually rotatable swivel members (2, 3), wherein the swivel members have respective inner fluid paths communicating with each other through one or more associated annular spaces (7) at the interface between the swivel members. A first one (3) of the swivel members on each side of the annular space (7) is provided with a peripheral groove (16) receiving a radially displaceable ring element (17) provided with sealing means (18, 19) which are arranged for static sealing against the other swivel member (2) and for dynamic sealing between the ring element (17) and the side walls of the peripheral groove (16), so that the first swivel member (3) apart from the ring elements (17) is rotatable in relation to the other swivel member (2).

Abstract: A pressure balanced hydraulic coupling for use in undersea drilling and production operations is shown. The coupling has radial passages connecting between the male and female members such that fluid pressure is not exerted against the face of either member during coupling or uncoupling. The female member has a split body with a first part and a second part, each having a longitudinal passage and a radial fluid passage. A radial seal is positioned on the junction between the first and second parts of the female member body to facilitate removal and replacement of the radial seal when the split body is disassembled. The male member may be inserted through the first and second parts of the female coupling member, thereby establishing fluid communication between the coupling members in a direction transverse to the coupling member bores.

Abstract: A dynamic sealing arrangement for connectors carrying high pressure fluids such as are used in the oil and gas industry for transferring production fluids from drilling installations to transport vessels. The sealing arrangement comprises a primary and a secondary U-shaped hydraulically operated sealing ring with open sides facing away from the junction of the connectors in the direction of the fluid leakage path. Barrier fluid under a pressure higher than that of the production fluid is supplied to the chamber between the sealing rings and independently to the open side of the secondary seal. The primary seal thus experiences a pressure differential and is activated. The secondary seal experiences a pressure differential and is activated only if the primary seal fails. Thus the secondary seal does not wear under normal usage of the connectors and is brought into operation automatically, efficiently and without delay when the primary seal is damaged. Substantial cost savings are achieved.

Abstract: In a pitless well adapter, an adapter insert from which a flow pipe and pump depends, is normally vertically, slidably and removably held by wedge ribs in an adapter housing. The top surfaces of the adapter insert and adapter housing are similarly formed such that sliding the adapter insert out of engagement with the adapter housing will enable the adapter insert to be deflected into the casing in a manner which will spare damage to the adapter insert. The bottom surface of the adapter insert and the adapter housing are of matching contours so as to permit proper seating of the adapter insert in the adapter housing. The uppermost portion of the wedge ribs are tapered to form a guide surface engageable with the adapter insert upon installation of the adapter insert in the adapter housing.

Abstract: An evaporative cooling system externally mounted around an air cooled condenser to increase the rate of heat transfer. Spray cooling takes place in stages around succeeding portions of the condenser as determined by thermostats which respond to increasing condenser air discharge temperature.

Abstract: A vacuum seal for a ball junction between a low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) chamber and a vacuum system. In one implementation, the LPCVD chamber is a quartz tube used for deposition of certain chemicals onto and into semiconductor substrates placed therein. The ball junction is formed by the combination of a ball socket coupled at the neck of the LPCVD chamber and a metal ball cover coupled to the vacuum system. In one implementation, the metal ball cover is stainless steel. In lieu of using an elastomer O-ring that can denature under certain temperature ranges, the novel vacuum seal contains a series of annular channels cut into the inside surface of a ball cover. When the ball socket is inserted into the metal ball cover, the channels are bounded by metal on three sides and by the outside surface of the ball socket on the fourth side. Each channel contains a hole coupled to a second vacuum system.

Abstract: A fluid swivel is described, of the type that carries oil, water or natural gas at high pressure between an undersea well and a weathervaning ship, which has a seal device of increased lifetime. The seal device (56, FIG. 2 ) lies in a cavity of a first swivel part (12) and includes a rigid seal ring (62) that is slidable toward and away from a sealed surface (66). A deformable seal (60) can be backed up by the seal ring, with the seal ring sliding to close the extrusion gap (70) into which the seal could extrude when high pressure fluid enters the swivel. A pressure source (80) coupled to the cavity urges the backup part to deform radially and slide toward the sealed surface with a force that increases as the pressure of fluid in the swivel increases.

Abstract: A quick-acting pipe connector assembly used to join two pipes. The assembly includes a flange connected to the first pipe. The flange has an end face and a plurality of openings around the periphery of the end face. An end fitting is connected to the second pipe. The end fitting has an end face sized to fit against the flange end face. A force ring is attached to the end fitting and has a plurality of openings around its periphery. A plurality of connector bolts are attached to and extend through force ring openings. Each of the connector bolts extend through one of the flange openings. A lock ring is rotatably attached to the flange. The flange is positioned between the lock ring and the force ring. The lock ring rotates relative to the connector bolts to lock the connector bolts to the flange. A force actuator is disposed in the force ring.

Abstract: A pressure-balanced hydraulic coupling for use in undersea drilling and production operations, the coupling having radial passageways communicating between the male and female members such that substantial fluid pressure is not exerted against the face of either member during coupling or uncoupling or during the coupled state. Check valves in both the male and female members are opened when the male member probe is fully inserted into the receiving chamber of the female member. Mutually opposed valve actuators contact one another to effectuate the simultaneous opening of each check valve, and allow fluid to flow through a valve port and then radially through matching fluid passageways in the male and female members. The radial passageways of the male and female members match up at their longitudinal surfaces so that fluid pressure between the male and female members is in a substantially radial direction and is not exerted at the face of either member.

Abstract: A pressure-balanced hydraulic coupling for use in undersea drilling and production operations, the coupling having radial passageways communicating between the male and female members such that substantial fluid pressure is not exerted against the face of either member during coupling or uncoupling or during the coupled state. Check valves in both the male and female members are opened when the male member probe is fully inserted into the receiving chamber of the female member. Mutually opposed valve actuators contact one another to effectuate the simultaneous opening of each check valve, and allow fluid to flow through a valve port and then radially through matching fluid passageways in the male and female members. The radial passageways of the male and female members match up at their longitudinal surfaces so that fluid pressure between the male and female members is in a substantially radial direction and is not exerted at the face of either member.

Abstract: A sealed joint between two relatively movable surfaces. There is a recess in a first surface and a sealing member is received in with a close fit in the recess. The sealing member has a modulus of elasticity such that it does not deform substantially under a predetermined external pressure. The sealing member extends from the recess to contact the second surface. A sealing ring is received in the recess to provide an additional seal for the joint. Pressure applied to one side of the joint can act on that side of the sealing member remote from the second surface to force the sealing member against the second surface. The end of a sealing member is chamfered where it contacts the second surface to reduce the area of contact with the second surface.

Abstract: An adhesive hose coupling which comprises an outer connecting element for fixing and enclosing the end of a hose to be coupled having a soul, an inner sleeve having peripheral openings in a smooth outer surface thereof and being attached from an end element, said inner sleeve with end element being adapted to provide connection for the coupling, said inner sleeve being adapted to be expanded against the soul of a hose to be coupled without appreciably restricting the flow of a flowing medium through the hose, and a space filler for disposition in a space formed between said outer connecting element, end element, and a hose to be coupled.

Abstract: A space vehicle booster has a lower section and an upper section forming a joint with a seal assembly enclosing a closed cavity. The seal assembly has an upper flange joined to the upper section, and has a lower flange joined to the lower section, and has a collar disposed between the flanges. The flanges are joined by bolts, which slightly compress the collar. The collar has a blind slot, which opens into the closed cavity and which separates an upper collar portion from a lower collar portion. The pressurized gas in the closed cavity urges the upper collar portion against the upper flange and urges the lower collar portion against the lower flange. The collar has an inner pair of "O" rings and an outer pair of "O" rings. Upper and lower chambers are disposed between the "O" rings. A passageway to the chambers has an exterior opening for evacuating the chambers for testing the integrity of the seals prior to launch.