Abstract: A coupling for attachment to the end of a pipe comprising: a tubular housing open at opposite ends, one end being adapted to fit over the outside of a pipe end to which the coupling is to be attached and the other end being adapted to have a valve connected thereto; a clamping device within said housing for clamping the housing to the outside of the pipe end, the device including a plurality of circumferentially-arranged tapered radially adjustable segments and a mechanism for moving the segments radially inward into edge-to-edge abutment with each other so as to form a frusto cone having its larger end facing the pipe end, each segment at its wider end being in sliding sealing engagement with the inner surface of the housing and each segment at its smaller end having at least one gripping surface which faces radially inward so as to form a circumferentially continuous gripping surface when the segments are in their radially inward position, there being a space between the outer surfaces of the segments and t

Abstract: Subsurface apparatus and method for using same in a hydrocarbon producing well to enable retrieval of a full opening subsurface safety valve mounted in the well tubing without disturbing the major portion of the well tubing located below the safety valve. The apparatus includes a subsurface tubing hanger below the safety valve from which the major portion of the well tubing is suspended and through which tubing the hydrocarbons flow to the surface. Disposed above the safety valve is a tubing holddown apparatus and a controllable safety joint. The holddown apparatus provides a lower anchor for the portion of the tubing disposed above the tubing hanger and the stinger which is received in and seals with the tubing hanger.

Abstract: A pipe coupling device, especially suitable for use in cryogenic systems, including a plurality of arcuate collar segments each having a radially extending inner groove with cam surfaces to grasp flanges at the ends of a pair of pipes to be coupled together in a fluid-tight arrangement. The ends of the collar segments are pivotally interconnected to a generally circular configuration having a pair of adjacent unconnected end portions. Means are provided for clamping the end portions of the collar together and for pressing the collar segments against the pipe flanges. A hydraulic jack is provided for forcing the end portions of the collar segments apart and for pivotally moving the collar segments radially outward from the pipe flanges when the pipes are to be disconnected. Flexible protectors about the pivot connections facilitate the breaking of ice which may form around the coupling device.

Abstract: A quick-release connection device is provided for flanged hydraulic components, which is able to operate with complete reliability both at ambient temperature and at very low temperature, and in the presence of ice.

Abstract: A coupling device, especially for well tools, for connecting a load, such as a tubing hanger from which tubing strings depend, to an upper member, such as a handling tool, from which the load is to be suspended, with capability of remote operation of the coupling device to disconnect the load and to reconnect. To provide heavy load capability when only a relatively small space is available for the coupling, coupling segments of generally C-shaped radial cross section are employed, the segments being actuated by a piston moved axially of the coupling.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for installing multiple strings of pipe in underwater wells in which, just prior to landing of the hanger for the multiple pipe strings, the weight of the strings is carried by a support ring releasably secured to a body member through an antifriction bearing so that rotational orientation can be accomplished.

Abstract: A rotatable connecting device which provides for quick and positive interfitment between a venipuncture unit and an intravenous administration set without rotation or twisting of the venipuncture unit or intravenous tubing. A rotatable collar is provided on one of the members constituting the connecting device and is captively held thereon while permitting longitudinal movement. Frictional engaging means are disposed on the body member retaining the collar as well as the collar to provide an interference fitment. Internal threads are defined in the rotatable collar for engagement with a flange member disposed on the catheter hub. A luer lock fitment is afforded between the catheter member and the member carrying the rotatable collar.

Abstract: A plurality of distributing pipes arranged in a circular pattern around a central pipe are selectively interconnected with the central pipe by a rotary pipe switch which includes a pipe elbow having a rotary joint at one end thereof connecting the elbow to the central pipe to enable rotary motion of the elbow relative to the central pipe and an axial compensator at the other end of the elbow with a connector attached to the axial compensator for effecting connection and disconnection of the other end of the elbow with each of the plurality of distributing pipes. A driving device is provided to effect compression and expansion of the axial compensator in order to effect selective connection and disconnection of the connector with the various distributing pipes.

Abstract: A pipe suspension system for suspending vertically oriented well casings within other well casings and being adapted particularly for well casing hanger systems especially adapted for underwater installation wherein casing hanger suspension systems may be installed at or near the bottom of the body of water. A releasable locking mechanism is employed which includes a self contracting expandable lock positioning ring that is transported during installation of an inner pipe by a physical interconnection with the inner well casing. The lock positioning ring functions to control a locking ring that transfers the weight of the inner pipe to the outer casing and further functions in a weight supporting capacity to assist the locking ring in supporting the weight of the inner casing. Upon raising of the inner well casing relative to the outer casing, the lock positioning ring retracts wtihin a receptacle provided in the inner casing so as not to interfere with casing removal.

Abstract: Well tubing coupling apparatus of the tubing seal divider type adapted for remote hydraulic release control to permit a tubing string including well tools above a packer to be removed for servicing from a lower tubing string extending through a packer while temporarily plugging the lower tubing string, such apparatus including a lower tubular housing section connectible on a lower tubing string and having a hydraulic lock and an upper housing section connectible on an upper tubing string adapted to mate with the lower housing section and having a latch operable with the hydraulic lock to releasably couple the housing sections together. Both annulus responsive and tubing responsive forms of the coupling apparatus are shown. An upper tubing string and the upper housing section is released from and reconnected with the lower tubing string and lower housing section by hydraulic pressure.

Abstract: A quick connectable manually separable fluid conduit coupling includes a tubular male member having a tapered forward portion including a sealable bearing surface, and a radially inwardly directed shoulder adjacent the rearward part of the forward portion and adjoining a recessed circumference. A female sleeve includes plural stiff, yet resilient, substantially parallel, circumferentially disposed fingers. Radially inwardly extending lips on the fingers have latching surfaces for automatically snapping behind and grasping the shoulder of the male member upon assembly, and further have wedge surfaces radially outwardly movable by axial motion of the tapered forward portion of the male member into the female sleeve during assembly.

Abstract: A sealing device for insertion in a flanged pipe coupling comprises a split ring with an annular sealing member seated in a groove in one axially facing side of the ring. At intervals around the ring there are screws which project radially inwardly into the base of the groove to co-operate with the concealed face of the sealing member. This face and the adjacent screw ends combine in a wedging or camming action as the screws are turned to urge the sealing member out from the groove. When placed between the flanges of a pipe coupling this action forms an effective seal which can be completed by injecting sealing compound through the ring. The ring, if not the sealing member, is re-usable if the seal has to be broken.

Abstract: An orifice flange clamp for use with a pair of butted together pipe line orifice flanges. The clamp is comprised of a pair of semi-circular bands adapted to be clamped together around the periphery of the butted together orifice flanges at their interface. The bands have cut-out sections fitting around the conventional test plugs on the orifice flanges. Plugs are provided for sealing off the break-away bolt holes. A specially devised pumping collar is provided for pumping sealant through a flange bolt hole. This pumping collar comprises an elongated bolt-like member having a reduced diameter fitted through opposed flange holes with nuts at both ends in order that a pumping collar having a loose fit over the elongated bolt-like member can be drawn tight. The pumping collar is provided with a port which receives a sealant line for pumping sealant at high pressure through the port and through the collar to the interface between the butted together flanges.

Abstract: A device for connecting the flanges of two pipelines including a series of radially equally spaced gripping dogs on one of the pipelines for gripping the flange on the other of the pipelines means for moving the gripping dogs axially and radially whereby the gripping dogs axially pull the flanges toward the other pipeline into sealing relationship.

Abstract: An apparatus or tool for applying tension to a tubing string. The tool comprises a housing and a sleeve within the housing. One end of the housing is attached to the tubing string and the opposite end of the sleeve is attached to the tubing string. Hydraulic fluid pressure acts upon a piston carried by the sleeve to contract the sleeve relative to the housing and apply tension to the tubing string. The hydraulic tubing tensioner can be used to apply tension to tubing between two packers or to apply tension to a tubing string extending from a downhole packer to the well surface.

Abstract: A connection for transition from a cutting ring joint to a flange joint. In a conventional connection piece for cutting ring joints is applied an insertion piece for abutment against a fixed flange. On the end thread of the connection piece is screwed a flange which is secured to the fixed flange.

Abstract: A wireline releasable sealing connector is connected in a tubular pipe string together with a packer which is adapted to be set in the well casing. The connector is releasable and connectable without rotation of the pipestring. Tension is transmitted through the connector by a latching collet which is locked against release in response to relative longitudinal movement between an outer body and an inner sealing mandrel, unless, while the connector is in compression, a wireline tool is seated within the connector and engages a connector collet and thereby prevents locking of the latching collet.

Abstract: A well pipe hanger assembly for suspending an inner pipe from an outer pipe. A hanger body with an annular recess in its outer peripheral surface in which a resiliently expandable and contractible locking ring is positioned in the recess between two stop shoulders for engagement with a matching profile on the inner peripheral surface of the outer pipe. The locking ring includes first and second telescoping portions with a re-engageable releasing means betweeen the first and second portions, initially holding the portions together but allowing longitudinal disengagement and re-engagement of the telescoping portions. Preferably, the re-engagable releasing means includes beveled cam surfaces on each portion thereby providing a recockable expanding hanger which automatically allows recocking of the locking means upon upward movement of the hanger body.

Abstract: A remote, automatic make-up, stab-in sealing system for providing metal-to-metal seals between a projecting structure and a surrounding bore telescopically receiving the projecting structure is disclosed. The sealing system includes the projecting structure, such as a pipe hanger or pack-off nipple. The sealing system further includes apparatus having the bore for receiving the projecting structure, such as a wellhead or tubing hanger. The sealing system also includes a seal assembly. The seal assembly includes at least one frusto-conical shaped metal gasket, a split ring and an actuator ring. The rings force the frusto-conical shaped metal gasket into metal-to-metal sealing engagement with the walls of both the projecting structure and the bore as the projecting structure is telescopically received by the bore.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a tight seal between a coupling and a tube of variable sizes. A cylindrical housing defining an opening therein is provided such that a plurality of jaws having gripping teeth and gear teeth are mounted within the housing by being rotatably secured on a pin. A sleeve having rack teeth for engaging the gear teeth of the jaws is provided for rotating the jaws such that the inward extension of the gripping teeth may be varied. A piston having a seal mounted thereon and a projecting member extending therethrough is slidably maintained within the cylindrical opening such that a joint may be formed between the tube and the coupling. The piston defines together with the housing an expansible chamber which may be filled with a pressurized fluid to move the piston against the tube to assure a tight seal. A limit switch may additionally be provided such that if the gripping teeth do not properly engage the exterior of the tube the piston will be displaced sufficiently to engage the limit switch.

Abstract: Swivel apparatus suspended for handling pipe joints to be added to or taken from a drill string including powered apparatus connected to a cable for raising and lowering the swivel apparatus. The swivel apparatus may comprise an upper stationary section and a lower rotatable tubular section adapted to receive one end of a pipe joint and having a radially movable latch assembly for engagement therewith. The lower section may be provided with cam apparatus movable, relative to the latch assembly, from an inoperative position to an operative position camming the latch assembly from a first position, permitting free entry of the pipe joint end into the lower section, to a second, latching the pipe joint end in the lower section.

Abstract: An over-the-center toggle mechanism for actuating locking dogs for connecting and disconnecting two underwater members. The first member includes a locking notch and the second member slideably carries locking dogs for transverse movement for engagement and disengagement with the locking notch. A toggle linkage includes a first pivot connection connected to the dogs and a second pivot connection longitudinally actuated by a piston whereby longitudinal movement of the second pivot connections transversely moves the locking dogs. A resilient load spring acts against the second pivot connections and towards said first pivot connections for locking the second pivot connections in a past dead center position relative to the first pivot connections. The second member includes a tubular body having an annular cavity with a longitudinally reciprocal carriage mounted in the cavity and actuated by the piston.

Abstract: The present invention discloses method and apparatus for connecting together two members having mating surfaces by means of a plurality of fasteners such that equal compression forces are exerted on the members along force lines normal to a common plane. To accomplish the foregoing objectives, a plurality of pins are carried by one member and pass through bores in the opposite member. The pins are longitudinally extended simultaneously with a common internal extending force and stops are affixed to the ends extending through the second member snugly against the surface thereof. Upon release of the common extending force, all the pins attempt to restore to their original positions with equal restorative forces being equal and opposite to the common extending force applied thereto.

Abstract: Mechanism for securing the end plates, or flanges, of two in-line pipe sections is disclosed. A clamp member, having two jaws which remain fixed during clamping, is pivotally mounted on a standard secured to one of the pipes. A rotary locking member has an arcuate wedge segment and an abutment surface. The locking member is powered to rotate in one direction, to raise the clamp member by engagement of said abutment surface therewith. The locking member is powered to rotate in the opposite direction to release the clamp member for movement over the flanges and to wedge the wedge segment with said flanges between said jaws.

Abstract: A pipe coupling comprises a tubular member to be coupled to a flange, and a ring slidable on the tubular member carrying pivotable hooks which co-operate with cams on the tubular member to engage behind the flange as the ring is moved along the tubular member. A second ring is provided for locking the first ring in position after coupling of the pipes has taken place.

Abstract: A connector for subsea flowlines is disclosed having a metal-to-metal seal affording minimum flexure of the flowline. Each end of the flowline to be connected is provided with a mandrel. One mandrel, designated the flowline mandrel, is provided with a seating surface and an external locking surface. The second mandrel, designated the connector mandrel, is provided with a seating surface adapted for mating relationship with the seating surface of the flowline mandrel with a metal seal disposed therebetween. Additionally, the connector mandrel carries a first sleeve disposed concentrically about it adapted to slide over the end of the connector mandrel into circumferential engagement with the flowline mandrel. A plurality of locking dogs are carried by the first sleeve adapted for engagement with the external locking surface of the flowline mandrel.

Abstract: A pipe coupler for releasably connecting two flanged pipes together in end-to-end manner, and with a means for positively disconnecting the pipes when the cpupler's grip thereof is released. A plurality of the couplers are mounted on and spaced around one of the pipe flanges, and each coupler has an arm with a jaw for gripping the opposing pipe flange and a stem slip-fitted into a housing so as to be rotatable and translatable relative thereto for effecting clamping and unclamping movement. A drawbolt is threaded into a bore in the stem to move the stem forward or backward with respect to the housing. A radially extending finger connected to the stem applies force against the opposing pipe flange to push the two flanges apart and positively separate the pipes as the stem moves outward from the housing.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting tubular members, particularly subsea pipeline sections, the apparatus including, in various combinations, a slip joint, which, following adjustment, can be sealed and fixed against further relative axial movement, a first boltless connection apparatus employing a force imparting system disposed between mating male and female bodies forming the connection apparatus, the force imparting system serving to urge engageable stop surfaces in the male and female bodies into engagement with one another and a second connection apparatus providing relative, universal type movement between components adjoined by the second connection apparatus.

Abstract: A riser column particularly for use in deep water comprises a central tube connectable by its lower end to a submerged installation, for example a well, and including means permitting the central tube to oscillate relative to the installation, and connected at its upper end to a suspension table associated with a surface support, for example a platform, and bearing support means intermediate its ends at a level below that at which waves are effective, and a plurality of satellite tubes arranged around the central tube, each satellite tube having a bottom part extending from the intermediate support means to the submerged installation and a removable top part extending from the support means to suspension table and releasably connected to the bottom part thereof for withdrawal from the column following disconnection of the column from the installation, for example, in the event of a storm.

Abstract: Well bore apparatus is installed in a well casing on a tubular string having a packer anchored in and forming a seal within the casing. In the tubing string above the packer is a safety valve structure held open by the pressure of fluid supplied through control fluid tubing extending to the top of the well between the exterior of the tubing string and the casing. A long tubing seal structure has a lock releasable by the pressure of fluid supplied through the annulus, or alternatively by rotation of the tubing in an emergency.The tubing seal structure is released to enable the tubing string to move freely in either direction, in response to pressure and/or temperature changes, whereby tension and compression reversals are eliminated. The tubing string above the sealing receptacle can be pulled from above the packer and other downhole structures.

Abstract: First and second pipes supported substantially vertically in a subsea location with a breech block connector connecting the pipes together, the said breech block connector comprising male and female elements, one of which has longitudinally extending circumferentially spaced lugs thereon and the other of which has at least one longitudinally extending stop positioned to engage one of the lugs to limit relative rotation of the members when making up the connection, a longitudinally movable latch member on the other breech block element resiliently biased in a position to engage one of said lugs on the side opposite the stop to prevent relative rotation of the breech block elements in a direction to disconnect them, and a hydraulic cylinder having a piston and piston rod therein connected to the latch member, with biasing means applied to the piston to bias the latch into engagement with the lug and means for applying hydraulic fluid under pressure to both ends of said hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A locking slip joint has primary utility in the making up of a tie-in in pipeline laying and repair operations. In a preferred embodiment the slip joint comprises an inner sleeve telescopically received within an outer sleeve. Means for locking the sleeves together is disposed in an annulus between the sleeves and comprises a seal ring having annular teeth in communication with both sleeves. A pair of opposed tapered annular pistons engage mating recesses in the seal ring and are hydraulically actuated to deform the seal ring outwardly thereby embedding the teeth into both sleeves. The embedment provides an irreversible metal-to-metal seal.

Abstract: A large diameter duct structure is adapted for vertical disposition in an ocean. An elongate tensile core assembly is adapted to be supported at one end, as from a floating platform, and to extend downwardly a desired distance. A plurality of duct wall sections, each of selected length, are alignable in serial order to define a tubular assembly having a diameter substantially greater than that of the core. Support means are engageable with the core at selected locations along the core and with the wall sections. The support means support the wall section substantially concentrically about the core and secure the wall sections from movement relatively along the core. Seals are engageable between the ends of adjacent wall sections disposed about and along the core, and define substantially liquid-tight connections between the wall sections.

Abstract: A releasing tool for use in gravel packing operations comprising case means for releasably attaching the releasing tool to a tubing string, releasing block means retained within the case means for releasably attaching the releasing tool to the hook-up nipple of a gravel pack screen assembly and releasing mandrel means slidably disposed within the case means for alternately allowing the releasing block means to engage and disengage the hook-up nipple of a gravel pack screen assembly.

Abstract: An adaptor assembly is disclosed in two embodiments. Each embodiment is for connecting a tubing to a fitting of different size. The alternate embodiment is similar to the first embodiment except that it cooperates with a male fitting as opposed to a female fitting. In the embodiment for connection to a female fitting, a hollow threaded nut drives a tapered spool into a tubular seat, and the tubing is placed on the interior of the nut, spool and seat. All of this is placed in a hollow threaded adaptor which abuts a larger tapered spool, all of which threads into the female fitting. When the components are threaded together, they squeeze and clamp the tubing. The tubing, once clamped, is held securely and cannot be pulled free. The threaded adaptor has a wall thickness enabling it to mate with a fitting of any suitable size.

Abstract: There is disclosed a riser pipe having telescoping sections which are held in retracted position by a part which is adapted to sever upon application of a predetermined tensile load, and a fluid-actuated connector at its lower end which is adapted to be released from connection with a blowout preventer stack at the upper end of an underwater wellhead automatically in response to extension of said sections upon severance of said part.

Abstract: A breech block connector for use in securing wash pipe sections together comprising sleeve means, pin means, box assembly means and locking means.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for selective mechanically activated latching and fluid activated locking and unlocking of a tubular string within an anchor assembly in a subterranean bore, wherein the anchor assembly has defined thereon co-engaging elements for selectively latching and locking of a tubular string with the anchor assembly. The apparatus comprises a housing which contains second co-engaging means which are complimentarily operational with the first co-engaging means. A longitudinally shiftable sleeve is initially secured to at least one of the housing and the second co-engaging means and is initially positioned with respect to the second co-engaging means whereby the second co-engaging means is selectively and repeatably latchable with respect to the first co-engaging means.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, irrigation pipe couplings for movable irrigation systems may include a spherical coupling structure that allows articulation of sections of the irrigation pipe during operation of the irrigation system. A sealing element is provided that maintains a positive seal when the various sections of irrigation pipe of the irrigation system are static or are moving. The internal and external components of the coupling structure and the sealing element of each of the couplings cooperate in such manner that the sealing elements are easily and quickly replaceable should they become worn or damaged. It is not necessary to cause longitudinal separation of the sections of irrigation pipe to which the coupling structures are affixed in order to achieve replacement of the sealing element.

Abstract: A hydraulic coupling device for drawing and connecting two pipe flanges together, comprising a pair of clamps one of which is adapted for bolting the coupling device to one of the pipe flanges, and the other of which is movable towards and away from the first clamp by actuation of a hydraulic motor. An externally threaded spindle is connected to the motor and extends through an internally threaded bore in a sleeve on which the movable clamp is mounted, so that actuation of the motor causes the sleeve and movable clamp to slide lengthwise in the body bore as the spindle rotates. When the motor is reversed, the movable clamp swings radially away from the pipe to facilitate disconnecting the two pipe flanges. The coupling device also includes a hydraulic bypass switch to disable the hydraulic motor when the movable clamp arrives at a predetermined position.

Abstract: A pipe coupling comprising a sleeve which is fitted over the adjacent ends of the pipe sections. The sleeve has sealing means for sealing the sleeve against the pipe and gripping means for gripping the pipe. The sealing means comprises an annular groove which accommodates an annular tire the interior of which communicates with the exterior of the sleeve through a bore in the wall of the sleeve. The gripping means comprises arcuate groove sections on the inside of the sleeve which accommodates a tubular member or members which communicate with the exterior through bores in the wall of the sleeve, and jaw sectors with teeth which bite into the outside of the pipe. The tubular member or members and the annular tire are filled with a hardenable composition and maintained under pressure until set to force the sealing member into sealing contact against the outer surface of the pipe and cause the gripping teeth to bite into the outer surface of the pipe.

Abstract: A misalignment connector for large pipelines, conductor pipes or the like, includes an internal, metal seal ring having an external spherical periphery which is axially and circumferentially loaded between opposed internal spherical surfaces of connector structures which are operable by hydraulic piston and cylinder means to be interconnected over a range of angular misalignment. The internal sealing ring is preloaded when the connector parts are secured together. Initially, the internal sealing ring is supported in or nearly in engagement with one of the companion spherical surfaces of the connector parts for proper engagement and angular motion upon the interconnection of the connector parts over the permissible angular range of misalignment. The connector is made up by the application of fluid pressure to the actuator cylinder and piston means after the connector parts have been stabbed together. Radially shiftable locking elements are wedged towards one another by the action of the actuator cylinders.

Abstract: A method for use in connecting flanges of a tubular joint is disclosed. A uniform pressure is applied to the flanges of the joint up to a desired preselected, measurable compression after which the nuts and bolts used to secure the flanges together are made up hand-tight. The preselected compression applied to the flanges is then released.

Abstract: A casting head and clamp arrangement for vacuum aspiration casting of metal rods in glass tubes is provided having a casting head with a generally vertical vacuum passage, a removable vacuum chuck in the lower end of said vacuum passage adapted to receive and hold the end of a glass tube, said chuck including a pair of spaced annular support discs, spaced elongate members connecting said support discs, sleeve members having an internal diameter larger than a glass tube to be held fixed on each of support disc annulus and projecting beyond said discs between the elongate members, an elastomer tube stretched and fixed at its opposite ends to the sleeve members and having an internal diameter smaller than the diameter of the glass tube to be held and vacuum means acting between said discs to cause the elastomer tube to enlarge in internal diameter under vacuum to permit insertion of the glass tubes to be held and to engage and hold the glass tube ends when the vacuum is released.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting a cylindrical first member to a second member which may comprise: a tubular body attachable to the second member and adapted to receive one end of the first member; a gripping assembly carried by the body and movable from a radially expanded position, in which one end of the first member may be axially received and displaced from the body, to a radially contracted position gripping the exterior of the first member and preventing its axial displacement from the body; an annular seal assembly carried by the body and movable from a relaxed position, in which one end of the first member may be axially received therein, to a compressed position, sealingly engaging the first member; and an actuating assembly carried by the body and operable to move the gripping and seal assemblies to their contracted and compressed positions, respectively.

Abstract: A quick disconnect coupler in which a plurality of jaw clamping units are supported around the periphery of a pipe section for clamping the flange of a second pipe section in engagement with the first pipe section. Each hydraulic unit includes a support member secured to the outer periphery of the pipe and a frame member slidably supported on the support member for sliding movement parallel to the axis of the pipe. An overcenter toggle linkage connects a jaw member to the frame member. A rotatable cam pivotally secured to the frame member engages a stop on the support member. One end of a hydraulic actuator is connected to the cam for rotating the cam while the other end is connected to the toggle linkage for moving the jaw. The actuator causes the toggle linkage to move the jaw into clamping engagement with the flange of the second pipe, while the other end of the hydraulic actuator rotates the cam whem the toggle linkage reaches the overcenter locked position.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint comprising a member having forward facing and rear facing spherical surface portions, a collar engaged about the member and having internal surface portions mating with the spherical surface portions of the member, a socket into which is received the previously formed assembly comprising the member with the collar engaged thereabout, and securing means for securing the assembly in the socket. The ball and socket joint being constructible as a pipe coupling, particularly a pipe coupling for use in difficult working environments such as a deep subsea location, the securing means can be constructed for remote operation and can be constructed for applying to the assembly a continuous pre-load force tending to push the assembly into the socket.

Abstract: A sealing assembly for sealing the annulus between a wellhead and a casing hanger in which the assembly includes a recess for receiving a sealing element in which the recess includes a tapered surface and a tapered seat for coacting with a seal for setting the seal with a small setting force. A resilient sealing element is positioned in the recess and tapers downwardly and outwardly at a lower end. The sealing element is compressed in the recess to form a seal requiring only a low seating load and unseats with a low unseating load. An expandable metal ring is positioned in the lower outside portion of the sealing element to reduce extrusion of the element when set. A non-extrusive protective covering is positioned around the top, the outside and the outer portion of the bottom of the sealing element to protect it as it moves downhole in a well. Various seal modifications provide wedge actuated lip seals to increase the sealing area.

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 screws hold the connector against axial separation to maintain the pin under axial compression and maintain the box under axial tension. The lock screws are threaded into the upper end of the box to fasten the pin to the box or a sleeve or gland nut can be threaded on one of the pins and the box and engage a locking shoulder on the other of the pin and the 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 between the pin and box 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 or pipelines, locking elements or coengageable ratchet teeth or gripping means on the tapered surfaces, automatically locking the pin and box together to prevent separation of the transverse surfaces and hold the pin in compression and the box in tension.