Abstract: A pipe connector has a pin initially stabbed into a box, the pin and box then being axially loaded together at confronting transverse surfaces while the pin and box are pressurized to expand the box and compress the pin, so that when the pressure is relieved a pressure energized shrink fit is provided and the connector is rendered rigid to enhance tensile, compressive and bending strength and provide a fluid tight joint useful in making up lengths of pipe such as piles and pipelines. A lock ring holds the connector against axial separation to maintain the pin under axial compression and maintain the box under axial tension.

Abstract: A pipe connector has a pin initially stabbed into a box, the pin and box then being axially loaded together at confronting transverse surfaces while the pin and box are pressurized to expand the box and compress the pin, so that when the pressure is relieved a pressure energized shrink fit is provided and the connector is rendered rigid to enhance tensile, compressive and bending strength and provide a fluid tight joint useful in making up lengths of pipe such as piles and pipelines. Lock means hold the connector against axial separation to maintain the pin under axial compression and maintain the box under axial tension, including circumferentially spaced locking elements projecting radially from one of said pin and box into a locking recess of the other of said pin and box.

Abstract: A pipe connector has a pin initially stabbed into a box, the pin and box then being axially loaded together at confronting transverse surfaces while the pin and box are pressurized to expand the box and compress the pin, so that when the pressure is relieved a pressure energized shrink fit is provided and the connector is rendered rigid to enhance tensile, compressive and bending strength and provide a fluid tight joint useful in making up lengths of pipe such as piles and pipelines.

Abstract: A pipe connector has a pin initially stabbed into a box, the pin and box then being axially loaded together at confronting transverse surfaces while the pin and box are pressurized to expand the box and compress the pin, so that when the pressure is relieved a pressure energized shrink fit is provided and the connector is rendered rigid to enhance tensile, compressive and bending strength and provide a fluid tight joint useful in making up lengths of pipe such as piles and pipelines. Locking means are installed while the connector is pressurized, is axially loaded by a loading tool and before pressure is relieved, the locking means engaging between opposed pin and box shoulders to retain the pin in compression and the box in tension when the pressure is relieved and the loading tool removed. The locking means is a wire, discs, balls or a split ring.

Abstract: A quick operating connector for pipe or the like including a pair of coupling members, each adapted to be connected at one end thereof to one of said pipes. The first coupling member has an annular radially outward extending flange having a forward side and a rearward side with a radially inner portion and a radially outer portion. Both of the portions define the shape of a frustrum having a forwardly facing base, and the slope of the radially inner portion relative to the central axis of first coupling member is greater than that of the radially outer portion. The second coupling member has a housing for receiving the flange in mating engagement therewith. Disposed circumferentially about the housing is a plurality of self-locking cams which are radially inwardly and outwardly movable between a retracted position in which flange is receivable within the housing and an extended position in which the self-locking cams engage the radially inner portion of the flange in self-locking fashion.

Abstract: An inner conduit is received in an outer conduit in overlapping relationship. A locking member is received in the outer conduit for lateral shifting into locking engagement with the inner conduit. There are two spaced apart abutment surfaces on the outer conduit, and a toggle member is received in the outer conduit. When the toggle member is expanded, a clamping force is exerted from one of said abutment surfaces to the other through the locking member and the inner conduit, to hold the conduit members tightly together. The locking member and the toggle member can be operated by manual screws, or by a piston powered cam. Seals can be inserted between the inner and outer conduits to establish a fluid-tight seal.

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: An apparatus for handling hose underwater and specifically for hose connection to an underwater pipe including a saddle adapted to receive a hose, a clamp for retaining the hose in the saddle, said saddle being movable, means for pulling a hose underwater into said saddle, and means for pulling the hose, after it has been brought into alignment with the underwater pipe, into sufficiently close proximity to the end of the underwater pipe for completing the connection. The method of making an underwater hose connection including the steps of pulling a hose down in the water, orienting a saddle to a position in which its axis is parallel to the axis of the hose, pulling the hose into the saddle, clamping the hose in the saddle, orienting the saddle to position the hose in axial alignment with the pipe to which the hose is to be connected and moving the hose into sufficiently close proximity for its connection to the underwater pipe.

Abstract: An adaptor means for aligning two members to be connected in coaxial, sealed relationship in which the adaptor means includes an adaptor body member having an inner central portion with a throughbore and of preselected length, at least two-part cylindrical or arcuate segments spaced radially outwardly of said inner portion and in concentric relation thereto, said arcuate segments having a length greater than the length of the inner portion; and tubular nipple members carried in passageways in said body member, said tubular members having a length not greater than the length of the inner portion or the segments and lying on a radian between a segment and the inner portion. The arcuate segments each subtend a different angle and are slidably, precisely received in corresponding arcuate recesses provided on a mandrel end of a well tool for precise alignment of the tubular nipple member with a passageway in the well tool.

Abstract: The invention is an elongated tool for detachably connecting a sand screen and liner assembly to a tubing string. The tool comprises a releasing housing sleeve, a hookup nipple section which partly telescopes within the releasing housing sleeve with the telescoped end closed by a removable hookup nipple plug. A movable hollow piston having a ball valve seat at one end and a cross bore extending through its other end part fits within the other end of the releasing housing sleeve with the cross bore aligned with longitudinally extending slots in the releasing housing sleeve.The hookup nipple has circumferentially extending grooves near its upper end which each mate with an array of bores extending through the releasing housing sleeve. Ball detent elements are disposed in the bores and grooves.

Abstract: A device for connecting successive duct sections, especially between a sea-bed petroleum storage tank and a surface platform, comprising a flexible tubular joint secured at both ends to two cylindrical coupling units slidably mounted respectively within two duct sections to be coupled together, remotely operated means for anchoring each coupling unit within an end-shoe and remotely operated means for forming a tight seal between the external surface of the coupling units and the internal surface of the duct sections.

Abstract: In a suction dredger, the connection between the water tube flange and the water duct flange is more reliable in operation, if the slush tube is adapted to turn by means of a rotary gland with respect to the slush tube flange to be rigidly coupled with the floating body, with the slush tube flange being connected through an arm with a water tube piece, while the water tube piece is connected through a flexible tubing with the water tube.

Abstract: The proposed support and retention mechanism makes it feasible to hot launch missiles or anti-missile missiles especially from aircraft using constant section, open ended, vertical or nearly vertical launch tubes to significantly increase missile range or payload without increasing the missile weight. This bazooka method of launching, results in much lighter launch tubes and support structure and no appreciable reaction on the aircraft. The hot launch feature permits a simplification of the method of storing such missiles as the Polaris, Poseidon and Trident in missile launch submarines. At the same time the jettison feature permits missiles to be stored and released from a vertical position which can increase the load passing through a smaller bomb bay and result in decreased aircraft weight.

Abstract: A pipeline coupling adapted for mounting over a pipe to which connection is to be made. It includes an annular seal ring of elastomeric material supported by the coupling and adapted for deformation to a confined sealing position between the coupling and the pipe. Means such as a plurality of circumferentially spaced about and hydraulically actuatable pistons are arranged for applying a compressive force to the seal ring to thereby deform the seal ring to the confined sealing position. Means are provided which are operably associated with the seal ring for automatically accommodating increases and decreases in the volume of the confined seal ring to thereby reduce variations in the confined pressure of the seal ring caused by variations in temperature. One form of such automatic means includes springs arranged to apply substantially uniform counter forces to the aforesaid pistons.

Abstract: A flowline connector device for subsea well operations in which a connector means on the end of the flowline is moved laterally into position for connection to a fixed connector means on a subsea station. The connector means on the subsea station includes an axially movable mandrel located within a chamber in a body member, the mandrel having sealing surfaces at one end thereof juxtaposed to sealing surfaces on the flowline connector member when laterally positioned. A fluid pressure actuated locking means moves said sealing surfaces on the mandrel into sealed relationship with the sealing surfaces on the flowline connector member and locks the sealing surfaces in fluid tight sealed relation. A mechanical backup lock means for the mandrel is carried by the connector means on the subsea station for positively and unyieldingly mechanically locking the mandrel in fluid tight sealed relation. In the event of a drop in fluid pressure, leakage at the sealing surfaces is prevented by the mechanical locking device.

Abstract: A method of depositing pipe on the seabed which includes providing a vessel of a length greater than the pipe, which vessel has a main winch on one end and an auxiliary winch on the other end, anchoring a cable from the main winch to the seabed, drawing the cable horizontally of the vessel utilizing the auxiliary winch, attaching trolleys carried by a length of pipe to the section of the cable overlying the vessel, using the auxiliary winch to let out the cable and suspend the pipe on the cable from the main winch, utilizing a third cable to lower the pipe, and repeating the process for each length of pipe.

Abstract: The ends of submerged pipes are connected using a receiver provided with two apertures through which the pipe ends extend, the receiver being adapted to form a watertight enclosure with an intervention unit and housing means for closing the ends of the pipes comprising two stoppers bearing seal means to be applied against the inner walls of the pipe ends and being maintained spaced apart by a first boom, the receiver including means for supporting a sleeve to be connected to the ends of the pipes and a replacement boom located in the sleeve, the connection being performed by introducing the ends of the pipes to be connected into the receiver through the apertures, at least one of the pipe ends being introduced by movement of the receiver relative thereto, closing the ends of the pipes with the stoppers, causing an intervention unit to descend on to the receiver, providing a watertight enclosure therewith, removing the water from the enclosure and placing it under atmospheric pressure, placing the receiver und

Abstract: Pipe connectors particularly useful in securing sections of an underwater marine riser together, including a pin received in a box which are secured to one another by a plurality of lock dogs mounted in the box and movable radially inwardly against a portion of the pin by fluid actuated pistons to force the pin and box firmly together, the dogs being retained in position by fluid operated lock pistons. The lock pistons are operated by fluid pressure to shift them to an unlocking position, the fluid actuated pistons being operated by fluid pressure to shift the dogs outwardly and disconnect the pin and box from each other.

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: An apparatus for rigidly interconnecting the ends of two pipes, such as two pipes whose axes are misaligned. It includes a pair of coupling members, each of which is adapted for connection at one end thereof to one of the pipes which are to be interconnected. One of the coupling members has attached thereto an annular radially outwardly enlarged portion having forward and rearward sides, with the forward sides being generally spherical shaped. The other coupling member has attached thereto a housing having a seat portion adapted for receiving the forward side of the enlarged portion in generally mating engagement therewith, to thereby accommodate axial misalignment between said coupling members. Gripping means, such as a plurality of slips or a split ring, are supported generally between the housing and the enlarged portion.

Abstract: In a sealing device for sealing the gap between a tubular leg or a tubular piling can and a pile passing therethrough for supporting a permanent platform at sea, which sealing device comprises a first part in the form of an annular sealing element and a second part, through which the pile can pass, in the form of an annular protective guard for the sealing element, both parts being coaxial with the leg or can, the guard, before a seal is made with the pile, lying between the sealing element and the pile, there being means provided which, in use, enable such relative movement in an axial direction between the guard and the sealing element, that the guard no longer protects the sealing element which is thus free to make sealing contact between the pile and the leg or can, the provision of a plurality of support members pivotally connected adjacent the sealing element, the support members lying between the sealing element and the guard before a seal is made with the pile such that, when relative axial movement t

Abstract: A method of installing a spool between misaligned underwater pipeline sections to effect connection thereof, as in the repair of a pipeline, the hook-up of a riser flow pipe to an underwater pipeline, or the connection of two underwater pipelines, is disclosed. The method is based upon the precise determination of the spatial relation between the pipe ends and the determination of an angle of entry of the spool in a direction to avoid binding between the pipe and spool ends. The method involves placement of guides defining surfaces extending beyond the perimeter of both the pipe and spool ends which define the direction of entry of the spool between the pipe ends and protect the surfaces from damage. The manner of placement of the guide surfaces is determined when the spool is constructed, so that once the spool is lowered underwater, the angle of entry can be readily perceived by aligning the guide surfaces. This minimizes the necessity for orientation of the spool underwater.

Abstract: Apparatus for joining two conduits in an articulated relationship comprising: a male member attached to one of the conduits and having a radially enlarged portion thereon; a female member attached to the other of said conduits and into which the male member may be inserted; a gripping assembly carried by the female member and movable from a radially expanded position, in which the male member may be freely inserted and removed from the female member, to a radially contracted position gripping the enlarged portion of the male member, preventing its removal and locking it in a fixed articulated relationship with the female member; and an actuating assembly, carried by the female member, engageable with the gripping assembly and being operable by a force applied externally of the apparatus for moving the gripping assembly between its expanded and contracted positions.

Abstract: An oil well tool containing a well packer and which is particularly suitable for use in well bores located in extremely cold climates utilizes an hydraulically actuated packer which is actuable when the well head is flanged up and releasable thermal expansion means for compensation against thermal expansion and contraction in the tool string.

Abstract: Two or more lengths of seamless tubing, for example artificial sausage casing are assembled by longitudinally aligning the end portions thereof overlapping and joined to each other by an adhesive strip band but for the time without internal communication therebetween. Internal communication between the lengths of tubing is established, for example, by introducing compressed gas into one tubing length remote from junction zone which causes this tubing length to take a cylindrical configuration moving its side walls (defined by its initially flattened shape) apart and thereby the side walls of the second joined tubing length are drawn with the corresponding side walls of the first tubing length by means of the adhesive strip band. As a result thereof the end portions of the side walls initially in contact with each other slide along each other and then out of contact in order to provide continuous internal communication in the tubular assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting and disconnecting a buoyant structure and tower jacket characterized by mutually telescope portions of mated stanchions extending between the buoyant structure and tower jacket, which telescopingly mated stanchion portions are mutually secured by clamping means guidingly carried by the buoyant structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drill bit for use in percussion drilling. The drill bit has a solid bit body, has cutting members on its face and a centrally disposed rod-receiving hole in its rear portion. The hole has, in part, a conical internal surface and a cylindrical internal surface in front of said conical internal surface. Said cylindrical internal surface is provided with an internal thread at a distance remote from the bottom of the hole. A cooperating drill rod has a forwardly tapering portion with a conical exterior face complementary to the conical interior surface in the hole of the drill bit and an external thread on its forepart.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for running a compression-type annulus packoff on a drill or other pipe string into an oil or gas well, setting the packoff without rotating the drill string, and then shifting the axial load of the drill string from the packoff to a casing hanger or other suitable well element so that the packoff can be pressure tested under conditions closely simulating normal service conditions. The apparatus comprises an hydraulically actuated well tool that functions both as a means for connecting the packoff to the drill string on which the tool and packoff are run as an assembly into the well, and also as a means for converting hydraulic pressure in the drill string into torque and then transmitting this torque to the packoff for rotating its seal-compressing element, thereby compressing its seal into fluid-tight engagement with the adjacent well elements.

Abstract: A subsea pipeline hub is connected to the hub of an adjacent spool piece connected to an in-place manifold of a subsea structure used in the production of oil and/or gas. The pipeline hub is positioned relative to the opposing spool hub and a remotely operated pipeline connecting tool is lowered from the water's surface to the subsea structure using guidelines and structural guidance for alignment of the pipeline hub with the spool piece hub. The spool piece hub is then drawn to the pipeline hub and the hubs are clamped together by operation of the connecting tool. The seal in the connection can be tested by means of the connecting tool. The spool piece may be retrieved and replaced by the connecting tool if maintenance is needed. Connecting tool operations are powered by hydraulic fluid and controlled from the surface. The pipeline hub may be lowered vertically and pivoted into its position adjacent the spool piece or may be pulled into that position.

Abstract: A pipe connector having tubular members whose telescopically interfitting end portions are latched against separation, wherein one of the tubular members is stretchable to preload the latch means and move a shoulder thereon in an axial direction away from the latch means, and a nut is threadedly mounted on the other tubular member to permit a shoulder thereon to be moved against the shoulder on the one member to hold the preload on the latch means.

Abstract: Apparatus for locking together two mutually telescoping tubular members against relative axial movement, the combination comprising; annular bowl means housed within one of the tubular members and including a pair of axially and oppositely tapered annular surfaces; a plurality of gripping elements circumferentially disposed within the annular bowl means, each gripping element including a pair of oppositely tapered surfaces mateably engaged with respective tapered surfaces of the bowl means; the bowl means and gripping elements being movable between a retracted position in which the tubular members are freely assemblable in the mutually telescoping relationship aforesaid and an extended and locked position in which the bowl means applies opposing forces against both tapered surfaces of each gripping element to squeeze the latter into tight gripping engagement with the other tubular member whereby both tubular members are locked against relative axial movement, and means for moving the bowl means and gripping e

Abstract: In the connection of a relatively inflexible pipe to a submerged well head at a depth which may be greater than that to which divers can descend, a pipe placing structure is first locked onto the well head and the pipe is then lowered and automatically connected to the placing structure, a bell housing a sub-assembly including the master valve is next lowered onto the well head and locked thereon by a bearing structure to which the bell is attached. A crew is transferred to the bell to connect the sub-assembly to the well head and to a connector which is automatically connected to the pipe.

Abstract: A gas-actuated release system is incorporated into a conventional ejection seat of an aircraft for freeing a pilot from his survival gear which could hinder his escape from the aircraft in a ground emergency. The system includes fail-safe features which prevent its operation when the pilot ejects from the aircraft via the ejection seat system. Flexible gas lines between the survival gear and the ejection seat are equipped with tension release connectors which pull apart upon separation of the pilot and survival gear from the ejection seat after ejection from the aircraft.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting a cylindrical first member to a second cooperating member comprising: a tubular housing adapted for connection to the second member and to coaxially receive a portion of the cylindrical first member; a gripping assembly carried by the housing and movable from a radially expanded position, in which the first member portion may be axially received in and displaced from the housing, to a radially contracted position gripping the exterior of the first member and preventing its axial displacement from the housing; and an actuating assembly carried by the housing, engageable with the gripping assembly and being operable by a force applied externally of the housing for moving the gripping assembly between its expanded and contracted positions, the actuating assembly being self-locking so that upon removal of the externally applied force the gripping assembly remains in its gripping contracted position.

Abstract: A metal sleeve having a substantially cylindrical outer surface and having first and second inner surfaces tapering outwardly longitudinally from at least adjacent the center thereof is formed to provide equal angles with abutting ends of two hollow cylindrical members such as pipe; the center inner surface of the sleeve is formed to contact abutting ends of the two hollow cylindrical members at least adjacent the ends thereof. The sleeve has a high explosive mass placed circumferentially thereon and is formed of a circumferential body having a greater thickness at least adjacent the center of the mass than at its ends such that on detonation maximum explosive impact is exerted inwardly toward said sleeve to weld the abutting ends together.

Abstract: A hydraulically actuated coupling for effecting a connection to a pipe member or the like which has axially spaced apart pluralities of oppositely biased gripping slips which are continuously urged into gripping engagement between the housing and the pipe. This arrangement permits the pipe coupling to withstand both tension and compression forces thereon and to continuously maintain slips in positive engagement with the pipe. The coupling also has separate seal means which are separately operated by a thrust member which applies axial force to thereby radially deform elastomeric seal members into sealing engagement between the pipe and the housing. The separate actuation means for the slips and for the seal means provides a more fail-safe coupling and one which can be adapted to various pipe sizes and pressure requirements.

Abstract: There are disclosed two embodiments of an apparatus for releasably connecting with one end of a member at an underwater location, wherein the member has a seating surface which faces toward its one end and a conical locking shoulder which faces away from its one end. The apparatus comprises a body having a seating surface engageable with the seating surface on the member, and a circumferentially discontinuous locking ring carried by the body and having a conical locking surface which is circumferentially expandible and contractible to permit it to be moved past a portion of the member into a position radially opposite the locking shoulder, as the seating surfaces are so engaged, and remotely operable means which is mounted on the body for movement in one direction to force the locking ring to locking position with respect to the locking shoulder and in the opposite direction to permit the locking ring to return to unlocking position with respect to the shoulder.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus for making a coupling to a pipe or the like and which apparatus is provided with detachable and removable setting means in the form of hydraulic cylinders which may be reused to subsequently actuate other couplings. The coupling includes a housing which contains gripping and seal means for gripping and sealing with the pipe to which connection is to be made. Thrust means are provided and interposed between the aforesaid actuation means and the sealing and gripping means for urging the latter to the set position. Means in the form of either a split gripping ring or a plurality of gripping slips which are arranged for engaging the internal surface of the housing and retaining the first mentioned gripping means and seal means in the set position when the actuation means are removed.

Abstract: A locking assembly for use in a well for locking a first member to a second tubular well member which includes a locking notch. The assembly includes a locking dog carried by the first member and a locking sleeve positioned for longitudinal movement towards and away from the back side of the locking dog for locking and releasing the dog from the notch. The first member and sleeve are telescopically positioned relative to each other for longitudinal movement with a limited longitudinal lost motion between the first member and sleeve allowing longitudinal movement therebetween for setting and releasing the lock, but preventing disengagement between the first member and the sleeve so that the first member may be retrieved by retrieving the sleeve.

Abstract: An improved underwater connection apparatus is provided for selectively making fluid connection between a Christmas tree flowline and a flowline extending underwater from surface storage facilities, the storage flowline being pulled into a position of partial alignment with the Christmas tree flowline by a wireline device and completely axially aligned by a remotely operable hydraulic mechanism, the two flowlines being thereafter secured together for fluid transfer.

Abstract: A sealing device for sealing the gap between a tubular leg or a tubular piling can and a pile passing therethrough and supporting a permanent platform at sea, the sealing device comprising a first part in the form of an annular sealing element and a second part, through which the pile can pass, in the form of an annular protective guard for the sealing element, both parts being coaxial with the leg or can, the guard, before a seal is made with the pile, lying between the sealing element and the pile, there being means provided which, in use, enable such relative movement in an axial direction between the guard and the sealing element, that the guard no longer protects the sealing element which is thus free to make sealing contact between the pile and the leg or can.

Abstract: Running apparatus is releasably connected to a packing assembly, the combination being lowered on a tubular running string until the packing assembly is disposed between a hanger body and a surrounding wellhead underlying a body of water. The apparatus is responsive to weight to effect setting of the packing in the annular space between the hanger body and wellhead. Test pressure is applied to the packing and more firmly sets it. The apparatus is rotated relative to the packing to shift a locking nut to lock the packing in place, the apparatus then being retrieved to the drilling rig at the water surface.