Abstract: A ratcheting and threaded connector for connecting an upper and lower tubular member which allows an upper member to be connected to a lower member with a ratcheting action and on subsequent rotation causes a threaded spring to move into position to engage shoulders on both the upper and lower members to place them in a rigid and tight relationship. Multiple load bearing shoulders on each of the members coact with load bearing shoulders on the spring to provide a substantially equal balance load distribution and allows the connector spring to have a minimum thickness.

Abstract: An interlock system acts in conjunction with an arrangement in which selected ones of first and second pluralities of equipment for conveying chemicals are interconnected in accordance with a chosen operation of a process or apparatus. A separate information carrier corresponds to each piece of equipment of the first plurality and a control unit corresponds to each piece of the second plurality. The interlock system establishes an appropriate set of operating parameters for the chosen operation when the information carrier which corresponds to the interconnected first piece of equipment engages the control unit corresponding to the interconnected second piece of equipment.

Abstract: The apparatus transmits a high shifting force reliably and has a simple and rapid assembly. The axial shifting occurs by a clamping device which is in releasable working connection with the roll stub shaft of a rolling-mill roll or the rotating shaft. The disengageable clamping junction is formed between the clamping device and roll stub shaft shaped to fit together. Especially the clamping device is formed as a compact unit comprising a clamping head with at least one axially precompressed compressible spring which acts on a plurality of clamping disks working as a clamping body. The clamping disks force a radially elastic clamping sleeve to grip the roll stub shaft. The clamping disks are releasable from a clamped position by a hydraulic pressurized medium against the action of the compressible spring. The clamping disks are supported axially on the one side on a portion of a housing of the clamping head and on the other side by an axially slidable hollow cylinder acted on by the compressible spring.

Abstract: In a wellbore having a liner hung from a higher string of pipe, a permanent packer and a seal unit are utilized to isolate the annulus between the liner and the wellbore surface. The downhole completion assembly, which comprises an on-off tool, a latch and seal assembly and a tailpipe, can be lowered into the packer and seal unit by the production tubing, with the latch mechanism of the latch and seal assembly snapping into a threaded portion of the packer. The on-off tool can be disconnected and the production tubing withdrawn from the well. Alternatively, the latch mechanism can be disengaged and the entire downhole completion assembly can be withdrawn from the well in a single trip.

Abstract: A well construction includes a spool (12) that is insertable into a vertical well casing (14). The spool (12) has a skirt (28) that seats against a collar (26) of the well casing (14). The skirt (28) and collar (26) are of a pre-selected angle and material so as to create a sliding and non-sticking engagement between the surfaces of the skirt (28) and the collar (26). A support web (50) extends substantially perpendicular to the surface of the skirt (28) at the location of the skirt (28). A pipe is suspended from a sleeve portion (44) of the spool and a ring portion (53) is formed at the junction of the support web (50) and the sleeve (44). The sliding and non-sticking engagement between the skirt (28) and the collar (28), coupled with the geometry of the spool (12), creates a load distribution in the support web (50) of substantially compressive forces between the surfaces of the skirt (28) and the collar (28), thus minimizing the incidence of breakage in the spool (12).

Abstract: A coupling device for ducts comprises locking elements constrained to the flange of a first duct which are connected to movement means to move them toward or away from the flange of a second duct. The movement means are actuated by a thrust ring which is rotated around the axis of the first duct. Along the contact side of the flange of the first duct are provided elastically stressed seals which interact between the flange of the first duct and the flange of said connected duct. Said seals consist of floating rings running and oscillating in recesses made in the flange, said floating rings being acted upon by elastic elements inserted in said recesses.

Abstract: A tieback connector will tieback an upper string of casing to a lower string of casing at the wellhead of a subsea well. The tieback connector has a lower tieback member than latches into the wellhead. A lower landing shoulder is located in the wellhead. When reconnecting, an upper tieback member is lowered with the upper casing string. A landing sleeve carried by the upper tieback member has an upper landing shoulder for engaging the lower landing shoulder. The upper tieback member will move between an upper and a lower position relative to the landing sleeve. The landing sleeve first contacts the lower landing shoulder before the upper tieback member threads contact the lower tieback member threads. Then, the upper tieback member will move down to engage the threads.

Abstract: A swivel-less coupling suitable for producing oil from an underwater well through a riser to a floating vessel or for transferring fluids to or from such a vessel is formed of an inner drum and a surrounding annular surface. The surface carries one or more flexible pipes which can wind and unwind helically across it to accommodate limited relative rotation as between the inner end(s) of the pipe(s) which is fixed to the drum and the outer end(s) and the pipe(s) which is fixed at a point which is rotatable relative to the drum. The pipe or pipes may be carried on cradles which can move across the surface. Relative movement as between the inner and outer ends of the pipe may be regulated by a motor, which may be controlled by sensors noting any tendency for change in the relative positions due to forces acting on the vessel.

Abstract: Connectors for connecting coilable tubing and other relatively thin walled tubing strings to downhole tools are provided which are releasable to permit withdrawal of the tubing without a member connected to the tubing that is substantially larger in diameter than the tubing itself. One embodiment of the connector includes a body member having plural collet fingers which are engagable with the tubing distal end through cooperating circumferential grooves and lands. The collet fingers are retained in gripping engagement with the tubing by a retainer sleeve having a piston head which catches a pump down ball to block a flow passage in the retainer and allow a fluid pressure force to shear plural shear screws which hold the retainer in the finger engaging position. Alternate embodiments includes recesses formed in the wall of the tubing for receiving ball keys which are held in registration with the recesses by the connector body and a cooperating slidable sleeve member.

Abstract: An improved wellhead casing hanger for suspension of successive casing strings with particularly small annular spacings having an adapter sleeve of double wall construction which is utilized with a load bearing shoulder on the inside of the inner member for receiving a conventional expanding type hanger, with the annulus between the inner and outer walls providing an improved fluid return path without restricting the bore of the sleeve, packoff for sealing the annulus at the appropriate time and an installation tool.

Abstract: A mechanism for locking a casing in a stationary support has an intermediate element which can move elastically in a receptacle of the support. The receptacle has upper and lower conical flanks. Conical inner grooving of the intermediate element has conical flanks of an angle at the apex greater than the angle at the apex of the upper flanks of the receptacle and less than the angle at the apex of the corner flank. The resultants of the forces to which the intermediate element is subjected has a radial component. When pulled upward, the radial component is outward. Under a downward force, the radial component is inward.

Abstract: Apparatus for the transfer of material from one container to another container. The one container is placed in an attachment having a 45.degree. coupling joined by a straight bend to a fixed part with a 45.degree. second coupling. A motor rotates bend relative to the fixed part. Gears ensure an equivalent joint rotation of the attachment with respect to the bend. The one container is turned over and its content flows into the other container. This apparatus is particularly useful with polluting, toxic and radioactive products.

Abstract: A resilient gasket having an outer flange positioned within a manhole opening and held by a compression band. The gasket has a central opening with an enlarged beaded periphery to encircle a pipe. A tapered intermediate section is joined to the outer flange and the beaded periphery. The intermediate section folds after insertion and clamping in an opening to form diagonally aligned annular portions defining a V-shaped yieldable gasket to maintain a watertight seal between opening and pipe, even when misaligned. A strap encircling the gasket next to the beaded periphery enhances the watertight seal between gasket and pipe. The clamping band has grooves which cooperate with projections of a piston cylinder assembly. The clamping band is formed of material impervious to the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A tool for setting the packoff between the casing hanger and the wellhead utilizes differential area pistons. The tool has a mandrel which connects to a string of drill pipe. The mandrel carries a body and is axially movable relative to the body. A setting sleeves is carried by the body for connection to the packoff. A setting sleeve piston is carried by the body for relative movement relative to the body. A mandrel piston is carried by the mandrel for movement with the mandrel. Passages in the body communicate the mandrel piston with a setting sleeve piston and contain an incompressible fluid. Axial movement of the mandrel causes the pressure to increase to drive the setting sleeve piston downward to set the packoff.

Abstract: There is disclosed a subsea wellhead connector comprised of a lower tubular member mounted on the upper end of a lower wellhead member, and an upper tubular member suspended from an upper wellhead member for lowering into end-to-end connection with the lower tubular member. Locking teeth are formed about the ends of the tubular members, and circumferentially spaced locking segments are carried by the upper tubular member for movement radially into or out of locking engagement with the grooves about the upper and lower tubular members. The locking segments are moved inwardly to locking position by means of a cam ring which surrounds them, and are withdrawn from locking position by spreader dogs carried by the cam ring and extending between the ends of adjacent locking segments.

Abstract: A system for maintaining a tightness between two parts rotatable relative to each other. The system includes at least two sealing units, with each of the sealing units having at least two possible states or conditions, namely, a first state or condition for ensuring a tightness between the two parts and a second state or condition wherein it does not ensure a tightness. Each sealing unit is deformable and includes a drive arrangement for intermittently actuating each of the sealing units.

Abstract: A fluid coupling particularly suitable for use with pressurized systems such as refrigeration circuits wherein the coupling parts may be quickly interconnected solely by axial insertion of the male part into the female part. Yet separation of the parts is controlled by a threaded nut. An annular radially expandable and contractible retainer ring is axially positioned relative to the female part by a nut threaded on the female part and the male part includes an annular shoulder which radially expands the retainer during insertion into the female part. Upon complete insertion of the male part the retainer engages the shoulder and prevents withdrawal of the male part due to abutment of the retainer against the nut. The nut includes a retainer engaging surface for reinforcing the retainer configuration, while in another embodiment the nut aids in withdrawing the male part from the female part during uncoupling.

Abstract: A tubular body supports a fluid actuated tubular piston connected to operate a coupling mechanism for releasably securing the body to a valve or inlet fitting on a refrigerant or coolant receiving system. The body encloses components which define a center passage connected to the fitting for first evacuating air from the system and then for directing liquid refrigerant or coolant into the system. In one embodiment, the passage receives an elongated valve opening member which is fluid actuated to a position opening the valve fitting, and a movable valve member closes the passage to the flow of refrigerant. The fluid actuated coupling mechanism provides for convenient and simple insertion of the tool assembly onto the fitting with no insertion force and also for automatic release of the tool assembly from the fitting after charging is completed. A fluid actuated valve member minimizes the loss of coolant or the volume of residue refrigerant which vaporizes when the tool assembly is removed from the fitting.

Abstract: The improved joint of the present invention includes a first tubular member having a central bore, a counterbore, and an axially extending first rim having an interior land and groove recess therein and internal seal means near the end of said first rim, a second tubular member having a central bore, a counterbore, an axially extending second rim having an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of said first rim on said first tubular member, an external sealing surface near the base of said second rim and an axially facing stop shoulder at the base of said second rim and extending outward from the exterior of said second rim, a sleeve positioned within and spaced slightly inward from said second rim and sealed to the interior of said second rim at a position near the base thereof and at a position near the outer end thereof, and a port extending through said second tubular member providing communication between the exterior of said second tubular member and the space between said sleeve and the interior

Abstract: A side entry sub logging system has features for removing the cable should the drill pipe become stuck. A release sub is connected between the drill pipe and the side entry sub. A mandrel is carried in the side entry sub and extends into the release sub. Logging cable which passes through the side entry sub sidewall passage also passes through a passage in the mandrel. The mandrel will move between upper and lower positions. The connection between the side entry and the release sub will release when contacted by the mandrel in the lower position. This enables the side entry sub to be pulled straight upward, bringing along with it the cable. A plug dropped into the drill pipe from the surface blocks the passage through the mandrel, enabling fluid pressure to be applied to push the mandrel downwardly to actuate the connection between the release sub and the side entry sub.

Abstract: A system and method for improving the seal integrity and useful life of tubing and casing strings fills the volume between the nose ends of facing tubing sections and the collar to which they are mutually joined with a temperature and corrosion resistant element having a smooth interior surface substantially flush with the inner diameter of the tubing or casing. During makeup of each successive section of the drill string, a center fill tool including an expansible tubular element is seated below the coupling area to be self-retained, by the use of pressure expansion of a cylindrical surface. A precise amount of a curable material is inserted into the volume bounded by the nose ends and the collars (the so-called "J area") and while the material is still flowable the coupling is made up by threading in of the next tubular element.

Abstract: A connector for tapered glass joints includes a first glass tubing section having a tapered sealing surface on an inner end surface thereof and threads on an outer surface of said end. A second glass tubing section has an end adapted to be telescoped into the end of said first tubing section, and a replaceable, resilient sealing sleeve is adapted to be sealingly engaged concentrically between the outer end surface of the second tubing section and the inner end surface of the first tubing section. A threaded cap is adapted to be threaded onto said threads of said first tubing section to secure the parts together and to force the sealing sleeve into tight sealing engagement with the respective tubing surfaces.

Abstract: A valve mounting for securing a valve body between two spaced apart mounting members having hydraulic studs which are elongated by pressure for release of the clamping engagement of the valve body for its quick and easy installation and removal. A preferred form of the present invention includes the application of a plurality of valve modules connected to the exterior of an elongate block manifold body through the use of hydraulic studs to control the flow into one of the longitudinal passages extending through the manifold body.

Abstract: A system and method for improving the seal integrity and useful life of tubing and casing strings fills the volume between the nose ends of facing tubing sections and the collar to which they are mutually joined with a temperature and corrosion resistant element having a smooth interior surface substantially flush with the inner diameter of the tubing or casing. During makeup of each successive section of the drill string, a center fill tool including an expansible tubular element is seated below the coupling area to be self-retained, by the use of pressure expansion of a cylindrical surface. A precise amount of a curable material is inserted into the volume bounded by the nose ends and the collars (the so-called "J area") and while the material is still flowable the coupling is made up by threading in of the next tubular element.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for retrieving a running tool/guideframe assembly without the use of winch wires. A portion or each guidepost assembly can be unlatched from the seafloor-mounted template to permit that portion to be retrieved using the guidewires. The unlatchable portion of the guidepost system is formed with a load support that engages and supports the running tool/guideframe assembly so that the assembly is retrieved concurrently with the unlatchable portions of the guidepost assemblies.

Abstract: A conduit coupler (10) for connecting adjacent sections (12,14) of a conduit system having a plurality of inner ducts (16) contained in an outer cylindrical conduit (18). The conduit coupler (10) is a one-piece cylindrical body of resilient rubberlike material with a plurality of spaced sets of circumferentially extending gripper ribs (28) at the outer surface of each end of the coupler (10). Cylindrical chambers (30) for the inner ducts (16) have inner seals extending circumferentially around the surface of the chambers (30) to seal the space between adjacent sections of the inner ducts (32,34).

Abstract: A hydraulic stab sub with multiple seals especially for use in remote and harsh environments with the ability to move the seals radially inward to a retracted position in which the hydraulic stab sub can be easily inserted into a mating receptacle and alternately to move the seals radially outward to perform useful functions such as sealing or locking into the receptacle.

Abstract: A drill bit latch assembly for releasably securing an earth drill bit to the bottom end of a drill string comprises a tubular housing adapted to be secured to the bottom end of a tubular drill string, drill bit holder adapted to be secured to a drill bit, and a latch assembly. The drill bit holder is telescopically movably received in one end of the housing and coupled thereto for rotation with the housing. The latch assembly is telescopically received in the other end of the housing. The latch assembly releasably engages the holder and is operative with the housing for maintaining the holder in a predetermined operative position within the housing. The latch assembly is responsive to an unlatching tool lowered down the drill string to unlatch the holder.

Abstract: A wellhead connector for connecting a riser to a wellhead in a subsea well remains connected even though hydraulic pressure is removed. The wellhead connector has a housing which slides over the wellhead, and dogs are carried by the housing for radial movement into engagement with grooves formed on the exterior of the wellhead. An axially moveable cam ring moves downward to push the dogs radially inward to a locked position. A wedge ring is carried on the inner side of the cam ring. The wedge ring locates between the dogs and the cam ring. The wedge ring has sides that are conical and converge in a downward direction. The wedge ring locks the cam ring in a lower position. A release ring carried by a piston shaft will move the wedge ring upward relative to the cam ring when the piston shaft is moving to the released position, to release the cam ring.

Abstract: A shaft connection (10) for rapid mounting and dismounting of a tire building drum by rotating a clamping ring (38) on a sleeve member (20) of a main shaft (14) around an end piece (24) of a drum shaft (12) positioned in the sleeve member (20) to engage or disengage overlapping lugs (42,44) on the clamping ring (38) and end piece (24). Screw members (56,58) connect the clamping ring (38) to a segmental ring (54) in a circumferential slot (68) in the sleeve member (20) for rotating the clamping ring (38). Resilient means (60) are associated with at least some of the screw members (56) and biasing the clamping ring (38) and outer lugs (42) against the inner lugs (44) of the end piece (24) to provide a tight fit between the sleeve member (20) and end piece (24). A central shaft (104) has a sliding connection 112' between a retractable inboard section (116) with a sliding connection (112') with an outboard section (114) for engagement after mounting of the sleeve member (20) over the end piece (24).

Abstract: A ratcheting connector for providing a radial connection between two concentric tubular members, with one of the members having a recess in which a split latching ring is mounted with coarse threaded engagement between said split latching ring and said one member and fine threads on the side of said split latching ring facing the other member which has mating fine threads with a shape which cams said split latching ring into its recess as the threads move past each other in the direction of installation. Setting of the connector is accomplished after full engagement of the fine threads by rotation of the central tubular member less than a full revolution.

Abstract: An improved tubular connector having a first tubular member with an external hub, an internal sealing surface and an external rib spaced from the hub, a second tubular member with an external hub, an internal sealing surface and an external dividing rib, a sleeve surrounding and slidable on the second tubular member and having an enlarged end extending beyond the end of the tub of the second tubular member in the retracted position of the sleeve, the sleeve having an internal rib engaging the exterior of the second tubular member and an internal tapered surface, a plurality of latching fingers supported between the interior of the sleeve and the exterior of the second tubular member, means for delivering fluid pressure to the space between the sleeve and the exterior of the second tubular member for movement of the sleeve in the direction toward the hub end of the second tubular member, means for limiting the movement of the latching members in the direction of movement of the sleeve whereby engagement of the

Abstract: A pipeline safety joint to provide a controlled point of weakness in at least one pipeline, said safety joint comprising a pair of tubular mandrels sized to be securable to a pipe-end of a pipeline, a portion of one mandrel being insertable into a part of the other mandrel thereof, to provide fluid communication between said pipe-ends. A latch mechanism on the portion of one mandrel is engagable with the part of the other mandrel, to hold said mandrel against axial separation. Retaining means on said one mandrel hold the latch mechanism in engagement. At least one seal assembly includes a metal sealing ring positioned to seal between a radially outer and inner substantially cylindrical surfaces on the mandrels. An annular cylinder and a co-operating annular piston formed on one mandrel and on a ring attached to the mandrel, to form a pressure compensation chamber surrounding said portion rings provide a fluid tight seal between said annular piston and cylinder.

Abstract: A means of sealing a multipath, multipass swivel whereby that part of the structure housing the seal element deflects under pressure to compensate for the overall structural deflections, such that a constant seal gap is maintained. A means of lubricating and flushing seal surfaces is also disclosed whereby a controlled liquid is injected between two seals at a higher pressure than the production fluid such that the seal between the injected liquid and the production fluid is less capable than the seal between the controlled liquid and ambient.

Abstract: A connector for tying back a wellhead (10) to a floating platform rigidly attaches to the wellhead housing (12). It is engaged with the casing hanger (14) through a bellows (86) arrangement. Strain cycling of the connection is reduced while thermal expansion and manufacturing tolerance are readily tolerated.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for reducing the local high tensile stress concentrations of a latch of a connector whereby the latch is loaded during make-up such that it is placed in bending, to the extent that the induced bending produces a compressive stress in the area of high tensile stress concentration. When this stress is added to normal stresses, the resultant tensile stress is reduced to an acceptable level.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of utilization thereof of a quick disconnect coupling for attaching an end of arm tool (EOAT) to a robot or like wherein there is fluid communication between the robot end of the coupling and the EOAT of the coupling. The coupling of the present invention also is designed so that fluid communication can only occur after the coupling halves are joined and sealed together. Fluid communication is cut off before the coupling halves can separate from each other thereby minimizing leakage during the coupling operation.

Abstract: A side entry sub logging system has features for removing the cable should the drill pipe become stuck. A release sub is connected between the drill pipe and the side entry sub. A mandrel is carried in the side entry sub and extends into the release sub. Logging cable which passes through the side entry sub sidewall passage also passes through a passage in the mandrel. The mandrel will move between upper and lower positions. The connection between the side entry sub and the release sub will release when contacted by the mandrel in the lower position. This enables the side entry sub to be pulled straight upward, bringing along with it the cable. A plug dropped into the drill pipe from the surface blocks the passage through the mandrel, enabling fluid pressure to be applied to push the mandrel downwardly to actuate the connection between the release sub and the side entry sub.

Abstract: The device comprises a plurality of pipes (7a to 7h) which may contain liquid under pressure and whose ends are radially fixed in a circle in a plane, a coupling unit (17) having an end communicating with another pipe (40) and rotatively mounted in the plane within the circle, means (16) for driving the unit in rotation, and means (21) for bringing its end in succession in coincidence with the ends of the plurality of pipes. The coupling unit is telescopic, its axis of rotation (12) extends through a bowl (2) and its movable end (26) communicating with the other pipe (40) cooperates with the ends of the pipes (7a to 7h) which are closed by automatic valves.

Abstract: A seal assembly for providing reliable sealing between a subsea wellhead and a casing hanger suspended within the wellhead which provides a metal band between the top and the bottom of the seal section for strength, setting force acting against the portion of the seal outside of the metal band, collapsing of the metal band by pressure generated in the portion of the seal, and the movement of the metal band setting the seal within the seal onto the casing hanger.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for limiting tension produced in a tubular string extending from a packer set in a subterranean well to the well surface. Such apparatus comprises a receptacle secured to the packer and defining an elongated seal bore, and a mandrel telescopically and sealably related to the seal bore, the mandrel being connected to the bottom end of the tubing string. In one embodiment, a collet, incorporated in the receptacle for cooperating with an abutment formed on the mandrel, thereby securing the mandrel and the receptacle in a telescopically contracted position until sufficient tensile force is exerted on the mandrel to cause the collet arms to be expanded by the abutment to permit upward movement of the mandrel relative to the receptacle.

Abstract: A packaged food casing article includes a dispensing carton, a roll of casing rotatably supported within the carton, and a strip of splice tape releasably attached to a carton closure flap. The tape as oriented on the flap extends transverse to the casing dispensing direction and is attachable to an end of the casing when effecting a splice to the casing length being dispensed from the carton. The flap maintains the splice tape in a proper orientation during splicing and provides a work surface against which the casing is pressed for effecting the splice.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for displacing the juxtaposed ends of pipes towards or away from one another comprising; apparatus for separating and drawing together the juxtaposed ends of pipes comprising; a first gripping member engageable with a first pipe; a second gripping member engageable with a second pipe; a first and second clamping means for clamping the first and second pipes to the first and second gripping members respectively; a guide means for permitting movement of the gripping members towards and away from one another in a guided manner; and a displacing means for displacing the gripping members towards and away from one another.

Abstract: A lock pin for locking a pipe hanger assembly in a wellhead is hydraulically actuated. The lock pin extends through a radial passage provided in the wellhead. The lock pin moves linearly to an inner position to engage the hanger assembly. A hydraulic piston is coupled to the exterior of the wellhead for providing an inward force to the lock pin. A retainer is mounted to the wellhead by threads. While the lock pin is held in the inner position under hydraulic pressure, the retainer is rotated inward against a shoulder provided on the lock pin to hold the lock pin in the inner engaged position. The hydraulic pressure can then be removed.

Abstract: An improved telescoping joint suitable for use in repair of subsea pipelines including an inner tubular member, an outer tubular member for receiving the inner tubular member therein with an annulus between the members with seals establishing effective piston areas for extending the joint by causing relative extending movement between the members and relative retracting movement between the members, a pressure responsive locking piston for camming gripping elements into tight locking engagement between the members, and a pressure responsive piston and seal for providing a metal-to-metal seal between the members upstream of the extending piston area, the retracting piston area and the lock. Additionally a testing port is provide to establish the fluid tightness of the seal in the subsea location prior to the installation of the joint into the pipeline as a replacement for a damages section which has been removed.

Abstract: A drilling template for multiple wells has a dummy post on the template associate with each wellhead position and a wellhead connector is transferable between the dummy post and wellhead during completion and workover operations. A subsea wellhead is provided with a guide frame on which a dummy post is supported permitting the wellhead connector to be transferred between the dummy post and the wellhead. The wellhead includes a landing nipple and tubing hanger which permit the tubing hanger to tilt relative to the casing head without breaking the seal between the hanger and nipple. The wellhead connector is latched and released from the tubing head by reciprocation of a control sleeve and the connector is held in the unlatched position by a releasable lock. The wellhead connector includes a plug having a metal seal held in compression together with a resilient seal.

Abstract: A self-coupling flange for coupling and at the same time both axially and radially locking two components especially is suited for coupling of an actuator to a valve. The flange includes an upper member to be fixed to or incorporated into one component and a lower part member to be fixed to another component. An annular piston having a locking ring is movable into an inner axial opening in the lower member to move the two members from an offset position to an aligned position with respective sloping contact faces in abutment.

Abstract: An arrangement in a remote-controllable subsea connector wherein the connector components may be locked together by the aid of a ring of collet fingers (5) cooperating with an actuator ring (17) controllable in the axial direction of said connector. In order to provide secure and efficient locking of said connector without the necessity of exerting very high pressures, and in order to permit compensation of tolerance variations in the connector said actuator ring (17) is provided with a maneuver ring (8) and an annular shaped retaining means which may consist of a ring member, for instance of titium alloy or carbon fibres, or a series of retaining members (7) placed in an annular shape on the inside of said maneuver ring (8), in contact with said fingers (5) in said collet finger ring. Said retaining members (7) cooperate with said maneuver ring (8) via conical surfaces (19, 13).

Abstract: A quick release coupling device for securing end flanges of two adjacent pipes includes a clamp assembly. The clamp assembly has a plurality of clamping members disposed to straddle the two end flanges therearound so as to generally circumscribes the two end flanges. Each clamping member either has a spring or is of spring nature for resiliently urging the clamping member radially outwardly of the end flanges. The clamp assembly also has a plurality of connecting members for connecting respective adjacent pairs of clamping members so as to form an annulus provided a gap between two end clamping members. Coupling means is disposed in the gap for releasably connecting one end clamping member and the other end clamping member against the bias of the clamping members so as to complete the annulus.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting together flowlines including separately actuated gripping and sealing assemblies which are actuated by hydraulic pressure but are held in actuated positions utilizing internally mounted mechanical-type mechanisms.