Abstract: A tension actuated fuel (e.g. gasoline) delivery hose uncoupler is disclosed in which, upon a predetermined tension or pressure load being applied to the delivery pump hose, the coupling will automatically uncouple thus releasing one end of the hose which, for example, may remain inserted in the fuel tank of a vehicle driving away from the fuel dispensing pump, and the other portion of the hose which is permanently affixed to the pump. The coupler includes normally closed checkvalves which, upon uncoupling of the coupler, close thereby preventing spillage of fuel. Further, the coupler is adjustable so that it may be calibrated to uncouple at predetermined tension loads.

Abstract: A break-away coupling for incorporation in a hoseline or pipeline, comprises a pair of tubular coupling members each being arranged at its one end for connection to a length of hoseline and provided at its other end with a face to be held in sealing engagement with a complementary face of the other member by frangible connectors. Each connector has one end length of spatulate shape and formed with a through opening to receive a shear pin, a screwed length at the other end to receive a nut, and an intermediate length of reduced section. Valve members in the coupling members are held in open positions against the action of springs until the coupling members are separated on breaking of the connectors; thereupon, the valve members close under spring action. A bleed passageway may be provided to prevent build-up of pressure between the complementary faces, and provide a seal testing facility.

Abstract: A frangible fluid fitting of the crash-worthy type utilizing a detent holding a self-closing valve in the open position. The detent engages a plurality of balls confined in a recess circumscribing the fitting attachment surface whereby only partial fracture of the fitting in any direction causes the self-sealing valve to close. One embodiment of the fitting permits both gravity and pressurized tank filling with automatic valve closing when the tank is full during pressurized filling.

Abstract: The fuel filling system includes double pipe fuel delivery and tank venting plumbing. Both fuel delivery pipe and tank venting pipe are flexible and communicate with the gas tank through normally closed check valves. An inlet housing defines a vent cut-off chamber which communicates with the tank venting pipe, and also includes an annular nozzle embracing seal for isolating the end of the gas pump nozzle from the vent cut-off chamber. The gas tank is thus fully sealed by the check valves during driving, so that fuel will not spill from the tank should the filling system plumbing become ruptured or should the vehicle become overturned as a result of a collision. Fuel is introduced into the tank under positive pressure provided by the filling station fuel pump. Under pumping pressure, the check valves open to permit the inflow of fuel and the outflow of air displaced from within the tank.

Abstract: An oscillating wave-type lawn sprinkler is provided of the type having a water-powered drive mechanism for angularly oscillating an elongated spray tube generally about its own axis, wherein the drive mechanism has a crank link coupled to the spray tube by an improved releasable coupling assembly. The releasable coupling assembly comprises a C-shaped clamp at one end of the crank link, sized to fit around the spray tube, an indentation in the spray tube, and at least one tab on the interior surface of the clamp for releasingly engaging the indentation. During normal operation, the tab is engaged in the indentation and the angularly oscillatory motion of the crank link is imparted to the spray tube. When the spray tube is subjected to an external rotational force exceeding a predetermined magnitude, the spray tube rotationally disengages the indentation from the tab to move independently of the crank link, thereby preventing damage to the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A modular nozzle system for refueling aircraft fuel tanks includes a nozzle valve linkage mechanism which permits the valve body to have a shorter length than previous designs. The nozzle may include a mechanical fuse for releasing the connection between the nozzle body and a fuel tank upon the application of predetermined forces. The nozzle may also include a swivel joint which facilitates positioning the nozzle for connection to a fuel tank. The nozzle may also include a quick disconnect assembly which facilitates connection of the nozzle to various hose end connection. The system also may comprise an assembly fixture for assembling the mechanical fuse and a test fixture for testing the release force of the mechanical fuse.

Abstract: A torque multiplier subsea tool for setting a seal between a casing hanger and a subsea wellhead includes a mandrel having a sun gear with axial elongate teeth. An outer barrel is disposed around the mandrel forming an annulus therebetween. A planetary gear assembly is disposed in the annulus between the barrel and the sun gear to transmit to the barrel a torque which is higher in magnitude than that applied to the mandrel. A connector body disposed around the mandrel, below the planetary gear assembly, includes radially movable dogs for engaging the casing hanger. The barrel engages the sealing assembly and transmits the increased torque thereto to advance the sealing assembly downwards and to set the seal. The mandrel advances downwards with the sealing assembly and releases the dogs from the casing hanger. An emergency release mechanism is provided to advance the mandrel downwards to release the dogs in the event such downward movement is prevented during normal seal setting operation.

Abstract: A pull away spill guard comprising an automatic shut-off valve positioned in a supply line used in transferring liquids from one container to another. The valve acts to automatically shut off the flow of liquid through the system if the system becomes accidentally over-pressurized or there is a separation or disrupting movement in the system operating between the two tanks.

Abstract: Flanges (12, 14) attached to duct sections mate to form a ribbed portion around the circumference of the ducts. A plurality of U-channel shaped sections (50, 52, 54) are placed over the ribbed portion with a band (40) holding the sections in place, thereby securing the coupling. Each U-channel section is formed of parallel side sections (20, 22) secured to a segment via shearable fasteners (26). A sufficient bending load to the ducts causes shearing of the fasteners thereby releasing the duct coupling.

Abstract: In underwater well installations of the type in which a template or like rigid base structure at the floor of a body of water defines a well opening, and an outer well member such as a suspension joint secured in the borehole projects upwardly within the well opening, the outer well member is connected to the template by a structure which restrains the outer well member from moving laterally relative to the base structure until the force tending to cause such lateral movement exceeds a predetermined large value, after which point the connection serves as a lost motion connection allowing the outer well member to move laterally through a limited excursion relative to the template.

Abstract: A breakaway safety valve comprising interengageable plug and socket components having a fluid flow passage therethrough, and a plurality of breakaway members holding the plug and socket components in assembly. The breakaway members are adapted to break when the valve is subjected to a force of predetermined magnitude tending to pull the plug and socket components apart thereby to permit separation of the components without damage thereto. At the time of separation, a valve member in the flow passage automatically closes to cut off fluid flow through the passage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the depth at which deviation occurs of a conductor casing driven vertically into the ocean floor from an offshore oil platform. A retractable shear pin engages both members of an articulated joint inserted between two sections of the conductor casing, thus preventing relative movement and locking it into a uniform vertical alignment. This ambient pressure increases with depth, thereby tending to force the shear pin to retract. Movement of the shear pin is internally prevented until the force exerted by the pressure exceeds a desired precalculated valve. The shear pin disengages from the articulated joint, resulting in deviation of the path of the conductor casing at a remote point.

Abstract: An apparatus, such as a shear-out safety joint, which is incorporated in a subterranean well tubing string for separating or severing the tubing string when subjected to excessive loads is disclosed. The shear-out safety joint is used with a safety valve and by providing a prescribed failure point will ensure that the safety valve remains intact. The apparatus includes inner and outer telescoping members which can separate when the tubing above and below the joint moves in opposite directions. A shear ring connecting the two telescoping members will shear when a predetermined load is applied. The joint also has a second releasable connecting member extending through the inner telescoping member and engaging the outer telescoping member which will support a load greater than that which can be carried by the shear ring. A longitudinally shiftable member, movable within a recess, holds the second connecting member in engagement but disengages the second connecting member when moved to a second position.

Abstract: An improved shifting tool connectable in a well tool string and useful to engage and position a slidable sleeve in a sliding sleeve device in a well flow conductor. The selectively profiled shifting tool keys provide better fit with and more contact area between keys and slidable sleeves. When the engaged slidable sleeve cannot be moved up and the shifting tool is not automatically disengaged, emergency disengagement means may be utilized by applying upward force to the shifting tool sufficient to shear pins and cause all keys to be cammed inwardly at both ends to completely disengage for removal of the shifting tool from the sliding sleeve device.

Abstract: A frangible pipe coupling includes a pair of pipes with a plurality of frangible connectors extending between the pipes and normally holding the pipes in sealed engagement with one another. An annular member surrounds one of the pipes and is slidably mounted thereon for longitudinal sliding movement relative thereto, the annular member cooperating with the pipe to form a chamber therebetween. Fluid is supplied under pressure into the chamber to effect longitudinal sliding movement of the annular member relative to the pipe, the annular member being connected to the frangible connectors to cause the relative movement between the annular member and the pipe to break the frangible connectors and thereby separate the pipes from one another.

Abstract: A generally centrally located, positionable, rotating or stationary hydrotherapeutic multiple jet head for use in a water filled receptacle such as a spa, tub or swimming pool to provide innumerable variations in the jet stream patterns, force, depth and direction relative to an occupant in the water filled receptacle. The device is an air and water jet head having multiple levels of radially oriented jets and position adjustable water and air inlet tubes coupled to said jet head that allow the jet head to be positioned vertically, horizontally and to tilt through a wide range within the receptacle. The user can position the location of the jet head and select the jet stream patterns emanating from the head. A variable speed rotating jet stream feature is also included which provides a soothing wave-like effect. The air and water inlet tubes may connect to the jet heat from below or above. Operating and installation costs are reduced due to simplified piping and shorter jet stream travel distances.

Abstract: A breakaway pipeline coupling is described which comprises first and second pipe sections forming a fluid seal and designed to separate at a predetermined axial load. A plurality of piston and cylinder pressure compensating devices are arranged around the exterior of the pipe sections to hold them together until separation.Shear pins or shear studs passing between the pipeline sections will fail when the coupling is subjected to an external tensile force exceeding the predetermined maximum force. The pressure compensating devices apply a compression load on the coupling to counteract the tension load exerted by internal pressure in the pipeline. The pressure compensating devices included pistons movable axially within cylinders in response to pressure differentials, and porting or tubing for exposing one side of the piston to the internal pressure within the coupling.

Abstract: Frangibly connected members and frangible connector inserts for frangibly connecting members, such as self-closing breakaway valve assemblies, provide independently selectable tension and bending separating loads. A frangible connector insert comprises a tension ring having a cylindrical surface closely receiving a moment arm ring having a mating cylindrical surface to establish an axial interface therebetween. Tension-mode frangible screws or pins are disposed across the axial interface, and are preferably evenly arrayed about the tension and moment arm rings. A bending ring is attached to the moment arm ring by bending-mode fragible screws or the like, also preferably evenly arrayed about the bending ring and moment arm ring. The tension and bending rings are attached to members to connect them when provided as a frangible connector insert, or are integral with the members. The tension-mode frangible means break upon application of a given tension load, but do not break upon application of a bending load.

Abstract: A breakaway pipe coupling comprising first and second telescoping pipe sections that are joined together by a load control mechanism designed to release in a controlled manner at a predetermined axial load.The load control mechanism, which may assume the form of a cutter ring carried by one pipe section and which bears against the exterior of the other section, or may be a plurality of external cylinders housing cutter rings attached to one pipe section which bear against rods passing through the cylinders and attached to the other pipe section. Such a load control mechanism holds the pipe sections together up to a certain predetermined tension load.A valve is disposed within the first pipe section and is joined by a crank and a rod to a second pipe section so that when the pipe sections are joined together, the valve is retained in an open position and fluid can freely flow through the coupling. When the pipe sections separate, the valve is closed to prevent fluid flow.

Abstract: An improved gear type coupling wherein the sleeve thereof is a torsional shear element to provide torsional overload protection to the coupling and its connected equipment. The shear section of the shear element is an integral part thereof and all sections of the shear element conduct an equal share of the transmitted torque.

Abstract: A breakaway valve fitting includes a housing which defines a passage therein and a breakaway assembly connecting the housing to a conduit. The breakaway valve fitting further includes a poppet valve element mounted for axial movement within the housing between open and closed positions, the poppet valve element defining a first axial fluid flow path about the perimeter thereof when in the open position. A first valve seat is defined in the housing passage and cooperates with the poppet valve element when in its closed position to obstruct the first fluid flow path. The breakaway valve fitting further includes a rotatable valve element mounted for axial and rotational movement within the housing between open and closed positions. The rotatable valve element includes a central bore which defines in conjunction with the poppet valve element a second axial fluid flow path when the rotatable valve element is in its open position.

Abstract: A pump catcher apparatus is provided for supporting within a subterranean well a portion of a tubular conduit and a pump depending from the conduit. The apparatus comprises a control mandrel and a main body extending from the control body. Slip elements are provided on the main body for anchoring the pump catcher to the well conduit and are selectively shiftable to anchoring engagement with the casing by axial manipulation of the tubular conduit. A telescoping connection is provided between the control mandrel and the tubular conduit so that limited longitudinal movement of the tubular conduit will be permitted without disturbing the anchored engagement of the slip elements. Shearable members are provided between the control mandrel and the main body for selectively securing the main body to the mandrel and are severable by a predetermined force.

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: The invention pertains to a conduit assembly consisting of a flexible hose having a self sealing valved fitting at each end, such assembly being suitable for interconnecting aircraft fuel cells. The assembly is crashworthy in that upon displacement of the fittings relative to each other the resultant tension force produced in the hose causes the valves within the fittings to automatically close prior to the rupture of the hose thereby minimizing the likelihood of fuel spillage and fire. Frangible elements within the fittings fracturable upon predetermined hose tension forces existing insure the desired sequence of valve operation without requiring complicated apparatus, cables or links which would interfere with the flexibility of installation.

Abstract: Self-closing breakaway valve assembly of the type having two housings, two rotatable valve members respectively mounted in the housings and spring biased to close, and trigger means holding the valve members open, incorporates a frangible connector frangibly connecting the housings at a desired angular orientation. The frangible connector comprises two clamping rings secured together by frangible screws, the clamping rings defining a peripheral channel which captures two threaded attachment sleeves, which in turn are threaded into the housings to join the housings together. One of the attachment sleeves has a radially outwardly extending flange for turning it during assembly of the housings, such that a desired angular orientation between the housings may be established and maintained during assembly. Axial pins extending from each housing to openings in the clamping ring are used to establish the desired angular orientation.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided which is connectable on a tubing string extendible into a subterranean well. The apparatus is selectively separatable whereby the tubing string may be parted. The apparatus comprises first means selectively retrievable from the apparatus for carrying across the apparatus a first weight load defined through the tubing string below the apparatus. Second weight load carrying means are provided for carrying across the apparatus a second weight load defined through the tubing string below the apparatus, the second weight load being less than the first weight load. The second means are activatable to separate the apparatus and the tubing string when the second weight load is exceeded.

Abstract: Frangibly connected members and frangible connector inserts for frangibly connecting members, such as self-closing breakaway valve assemblies, provide independently selectable tension and bending separating loads. A frangible connector insert comprises a tension ring having a cylindrical surface closely receiving a moment arm ring having a mating cylindrical surface to establish an axial interface therebetween. Tension-mode frangible screws or pins are disposed across the axial interface, and are preferably evenly arrayed about the tension and moment arm rings. A bending ring is attached to the moment arm ring by bending-mode frangible screws or the like, also preferably evenly arrayed about the bending ring and moment arm ring. The tension and bending rings are attached to members to connect them when provided as a frangible connector insert, or are integral with the members. The tension-mode frangible means break upon application of a given tension load, but do not break upon application of a bending load.

Abstract: An external hose coupling member is adapted with a pair of pulling ears which when subjected to forces exceeding a predetermined threshold for the particular hose, will disengage the pulling chains and save the hose from damage. The ears are adapted to rotate from a pull engaging position to a disengaging position by means of shear pins that will hold the engaging position until the predetermined threshold for the hose is reached whereupon the pins will shear and rotate to their disengaging positions.

Abstract: Method and means of rapidly repairing damaged portions of conduits and pipes which are difficult or impossible to weld, whereby in the vicinity of the pipes to be maintained prepared replacement pipe sections are stored each together with two associated quick-action unions which comprise an annular coupling body bridging the pipe ends to be joined and having at least one threaded portion and a sealing insert which may be compressed by means of plugs adapted to be screwed into the threaded portion, and after cutting out a portion of the pipe which includes the damaged area and the length of which corresponds substantially to the length of the prepared replacement pipe section the latter is inserted into the pipe line and sealed by tightening and quick-action unions.

Abstract: A coupling arrangement for mating electrical or optical connector subassemblies in which opposing coupling members are secured by a bayonet arrangement about their outer perimeters. Resilient (spring) fingers on at least one coupling member engage bayonet key-ways about the opposite member outer surface. The key-way and finger interface at the locked position is along at least one chamfered surface to permit the resilient fingers to deflect radially outwardly and "ride out" of the locked position to allow connector separation in response to excessive cable tension.

Abstract: An oscillating wave type lawn sprinkler having a spray tube that is angularly oscillated about its axis by a spray tube linkage assembly that is driven by a water-actuated motor. The linkage assembly is coupled to the spray tube by a releasable coupling that disengages whenever the spray tube is subjected to an external force which exceeds a predetermined magnitude, thereby permitting the spray tube to angularly deflect out of its normal alignment. Normal alignment of the spray tube is restored by manually rotating the spray tube until the coupling is again engaged.

Abstract: An end fitting for flexible hose consisting of a body formed by two separable portions interconnected by frangible means. The fitting body includes a valve normally held in the open position permitting unrestricted flow through the fitting and upon separation of the fitting portions the valve is displaced to a closed position closing the fitting to flow therethrough.

Abstract: In a system comprising a pump, a source of gasoline, a hose, and a cutoff valve and nozzle with the hose attached at a distant end to the nozzle and the central end to the pump, the improvement which comprises providing at the distant end of the hose, a rupturable self sealing unit; the sealing unit is converted by movement of the cutoff valve and nozzle as would otherwise tear the hose or damage the pump while reliably and automatically sealing the hose to prevent dangerous spillage of fuel such as gasoline on a service station roadway surface.

Abstract: A valved fitting for handling flowing fluids having another valved fitting or conduit attached thereto wherein a frangible interconnection is utilized. Upon the frangible connection fracturing, such action is sensed by valve operating means for closing the valve against fluid flow producing a self-sealing of the fitting. A flapper valve is utilized to seal the valve passage insuring maximum flow characteristics with a minimum of resistance during fluid flow.The fitting utilizes unique frangible connection means wherein the connector is capable of fracturing under the influence of excessive forces imposed either axially or radially with respect to the fitting passage and flow path.

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 well system and method for completing petroleum oil and gas wells having special application to extreme environmental settings such as platform, sub sea, and floating vessel operations, and wells in frozen regions such as the Arctic, and the like. The invention is characterized by structure effectively defining a downhole wellhead including weight supporting apparatus in which the tubing hanger is supported and a pack-off with the casing for minimizing the effects of structural damage at the surface end of the well system.

Abstract: A shear sub for installation in the drill string used to rotate a drill bit in the drilling of wells includes a mandrel extending upwardly for connection to the drill string. A housing slidably enclosing the mandrel extends downwardly below the mandrel and is threaded for connection directly, or indirectly, through joints of drill pipe to the drill bit. Rotation and longitudinal movement of the housing relative to the mandrel during drilling is prevented by shear pins which engage the housing and the mandrel to hold the housing in a position in which lugs extending inwardly therefrom are directly above and in alignment with splines extending outwardly from the mandrel. If an obstruction to drilling occurs that results in excessive torque on the drill string, the shear pins are sheared. On lifting and rotating the drill string, the mandrel moves upwardly relative to the housing whereupon the lugs interlock with the splines to allow rotation of the drill bit as it is lifted off bottom.

Abstract: A break-out washer assembly for facilitating undoing a connection between interengaged complementally threaded elements. The assembly comprises a washer which tapers radially inwardly and is made of a ductile material and a pair of annuli which straddle the washer, the annuli being complementally shaped to the washer and being made of a relatively harder material. The assembly is interposed between opposing shoulders of the threaded elements which are tightened to extrude the washer and impose a hoop stress on it. The connection is undone by breaking the washer at a chosen circumferential position.

Abstract: A separable and at least partially pressure balanced safety pipeline connector. The connector is arranged to be included in a pipeline and provide a pressure balanced weak point whereby the connector will separate at a predetermined tension load but which will be insensitive or substantially insensitive to operating line pressure. It includes a housing having one axial end adapted for connection to the pipeline and with the other axial end open. The connector includes a pipe extension member having one axial end adapted for connection to the pipe-line for transmission of line fluids therethrough and with the other axial end arranged for being telescopically received coaxially in the housing in sealed relationship therewith. A shear disc is mounted between the housing and extension member for restraining the same against axial separation in response to axial tension forces applied thereto.

Abstract: An automatic nozzle having a spout which is releasably connected to the body of the nozzle in a manner so that it may be forceably removed therefrom without damage to the connecting means as well as the spout.

Abstract: A weak link for securing a life raft painter to a vessel in such a manner that, upon sinking of the vessel, the life raft in its container floats toward the surface to extend the painter its full length. The buoyant force of the raft and container activate a raft inflation mechanism and the increased buoyant force of the inflated raft breaks the weak link and frees the raft from the vessel. In addition, the dual strength weak link can, with a force significantly less than the buoyant force of the inflated raft, be broken manually such that the raft may be freed from the vessel prior to its actual sinking.

Abstract: A pressure tank connector is described which is formed integral with the cylindrical side wall portion of the tank so that such connector deforms and acts as a safety valve when the fluid pressure within the tank exceeds a predetermined pressure. The deformed connector produces a space between it and an insert member which enables the pressurized liquid or gas within the tank to slowly leak out through such space. In the preferred embodiment, the connector includes a threaded cylindrical connector portion joined by a conical projection portion to the side wall of the tank. The fluid escapes from the tank through a space formed between the threads of such connector and those of an external fitting screwed into such connector.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting together the end of one shaft to that of another, particularly for use in turbogenerators, includes a large coupling flange fixedly secured to the end of the one shaft and including a countersunk bore portion, a small coupling flange fixedly secured to the end of the other shaft and inserted within the countersunk bore portion of the first shaft, and fastening devices for compressing together the end faces of the shafts and for exerting pressure upon the coupling flanges. A plurality of shear pins are also interposed between the flanges so as to facilitate the transmission of torque from the one shaft to the other during operation, the shafts thereby being rotatably locked together relative to one another.

Abstract: A valved fluid coupling having tubular halves interconnected by frangible means. Each half includes a self-closing valve located in its passage and the valves are maintained in an open position by supports and retainers which sense the coupling connected state. Upon fracture of the connection means the halves separate permitting the valve retainers to release the valves closing the body passages. The frangible connection means takes the form of a rib formed upon one half overlapped by a projection defined on the other half having a retainer engaging the rib. Axial forces of a predetermined value on the halves cause the rib to fracture. Also, frangible means are disclosed for permitting valve half separation under radial shear forces and a sealing boot may be used to minimize fluid loss upon coupling disengagement.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tank bottom internal valve housing. A low profile valve housing with a valve such as a butterfly valve and a means for opening and closing the valve is assembled to a saddle on the tank bottom by a number of bolts located around the periphery of the valve housing and engaging in threaded blind holes in the tank saddle. A discharge nozzle is mounted on the lower face of the valve housing in such a way that the discharge nozzle mounting can be sheared away from the rest of the assembly during, for instance, an accident without affecting the integrity of the valve housing itself.

Abstract: A shear sleeve having a shearing zone of reduced cross-sectional area is fixed at the roll end portion of the shaft of a spindle coupling. The sleeve carries means coacting with a roll end sleeve for rotating it and the shaft. Mating surfaces of the shear sleeve and shaft are in contact during normal operation to prevent bending of the shear sleeve. When the shear sleeve shears under excessive torsional stress the surfaces separate and one end of the shear sleeve rotates freely on a bearing, or bearings, mounted on the shaft.