Abstract: The remotely operable ball connector includes a female member having a remotely operable locking assembly thereon which receives an articulated ball member, which ball member has mounted thereon an over-center locking ring assembly for moving the ball member into a locking position in the female member and for receiving a plurality of inwardly moving radial locking fingers to connect the ball member to the female member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a retractable connector for interconnecting the ends of two flow lines in a releasable manner.

Abstract: There is disclosed a type of riser to connect subsea hydrocarbon production equipment to a floating storage, process or control facility which combines the advantages of integral and non-integral risers previously used. This is achieved by a locking mechanism which allows the individual tubes to be freed once each section of riser is added, and a subsea remotely operated connector that allows individual tubing to be released. Improvements in the design of collet connectors are also disclosed. There is also disclosed a guidelineless method of connecting risers or other equipment to subsea installations. The method uses a cone on the subsea equipment and a guideframe on the riser. The guideframe aligns itself with the subsea cone prior to the riser being connected. As the riser is drawn to the subsea mandrel the guideframe aligns the riser connector with the mandrel. A still further embodiment disclosed herein is a flexjoint consisting of a series of flexjoints in an outer case with a high pressure tube inside.

Abstract: The present invention is a quick coupling connector for use in connecting and disconnecting hoses adapted for conducting liquids. The connector includes a unitary molded plastic male connector body having a flow through passage extending therethrough. The body includes a guide cylinder, a lock recess adjacent to the guide cylinder, and a seating cylinder adjacent to the lock recess. The seating cylinder has an annular seal groove. An inner body O-ring is positioned in the seal groove. A unitary molded plastic female connector body having a flow through passage selectively mateably receives the male connector body. The female connector body includes a guide tube receiving the guide cylinder, a lock tube having a lock finger aperture, and a seating cylinder connected to the guide cylinder and sealingly engageable with the inner body O-ring. A mounting tube is connected to the seating tube. A tubular hose nose is mounted in the mounting tube.

Abstract: A coupling fitting consisting of male and female parts wherein connection is achieved merely by axially inserting the male into the female part. Latching is produced by a plurality of resilient fingers mounted on the female part engaging with an annular shoulder formed on the male part, and release of the fingers is achieved by an axially displaceable sleeve permanently mounted on the male part displaceable to a release position engaging the fingers and removing the fingers from the shoulder permitting the male part to be removed from the female part. The release sleeve may be of a configuration to discourage tampering and uncoupling, or may include a knob to facilitate manual actuation.

Abstract: A quick-coupling assembly for fluid conduits and of the kind comprising a first sleeve-shaped member, which at one end is provided with a number of resilient tongues provided with at least one projection intended to be locked behind at least one shoulder or the like in a second sleeve-shaped member for being connected to this and a ring being actually displaceable in the second member towards and away from the shoulder and being designed to cooperate with the tongues for compressing these so that they can be moved past the shoulder. The object of the invention is to provide a quick-coupling which despite high pressures (e.g. 350 bar) is easily rotatable so that a pressure hose connected to the coupling really can rotate, which is especially important at many hydraulic arrangement where relative movements occur between different structural parts connected to each other by pressure hoses.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting together a ball and a cup wherein the ball has mounted thereover a hydraulic flange assembly which includes extendable guide arms which extend outwardly for initial centering of the ball in alignment with the cup and includes a mechanism for pulling the ball into the cup. After the ball is fully aligned within the cup, radial latching segments move down and finally latch the ball and cup together. The entire apparatus is hydraulically operated such that it may be used for diverless connections of flowline portions together.

Abstract: A releasable tube coupling comprises a body providing a housing in which an annular seal and clamping ring are located and secured by a retainer and, a releaser slidably supported by the retainer for limited axial movement relative to the housing. The seal is of generally Z-section having outer and inner flanges connected by an inclined web convergent towards the inside of the housing. The clamping ring is mounted into the seal and has a plurality of spaced apart radially inwardly directed inclined teeth which overlie the web on the inner face of the seal for engagement with the outer surface of a tube received within the housing to retain the tube in the housing. The teeth are displaced away from the tube to permit axial withdrawal the tube on inwards movement of the releaser which acts on the teeth through the seal web.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus is provided for connection to a cylindrical member. The coupling apparatus includes a body member and an annular seal between the body member and the cylindrical member. A plurality of collet sections are disposed about the body member, and each collet section has a first end connected to the body member and a second end adapted for engagement with a downward facing surface of a shoulder of the cylindrical member. An outer sleeve is slidable relative to the collet sections between an open position wherein the second ends of the collet sections are held in a relatively radially expanded position and a closed position. A release device is operably associated with the plurality of collet sections and the outer sleeve for moving the second ends of the collet sections to their relatively radially expanded position upon sliding of the outer sleeve from its closed position to its open position.

Abstract: The subsea wellhead system includes a wellhead, a housing seat disposed in and connected to the wellhead, a casing hanger supported by the seat, a holddown and sealing assembly in the annulus between wellhead and hanger, a running tool attached to the hanger for lowering it into the well and initially actuating the holddown and sealing assembly, and apparatus for applying hydraulic pressure to further actuate the seal. The housing seat and wellhead are connected by breech block teeth. The seat maintains 360.degree. bearing surface with the hanger. The holddown and seal assembly includes an upper rotating member threadingly engaging the hanger and suspending a lower stationary member. The latter includes a Z-shaped portion having a plurality of frustoconical metal rings positively connected by links. The rings form grooves housing resilient elasotmeric members.

Abstract: A connect-disconnect coupling for a plural-passage fluid line has an outer socket which has an inner plug mounted therein; and an outer plug has an inner socket mounted in it. That inner plug includes a yieldable tube which has one end thereof in fluid-tight engagement with a partition in that outer socket; and the other end of that yieldable tube can automatically align itself with the inner socket in the outer plug as that outer plug is telescoped into that outer socket. The other end of that yieldable tube is capable of automatically returning to a position which is generally central of the outer socket even if that yieldable end had been moved all the way to one side of that outer socket.

Abstract: A remotely actuable device for connecting together pipeline end portions that may be positioned at varying distances from each other including a hydraulic actuation mechanism utilized in combination with a series of housing and camming surfaces to effect gripping and sealing action.

Abstract: A quick connect/quick disconnect coupling utilizes a retainer mounted between expanded ring portions of a tube. A sleeve is mounted over the retainer such that projecting leg portions from the retainer extend outwardly through openings in the sleeve. Upon assembly into a socket these outwardly projecting leg members engage a socket contact face to secure the coupling in the assembled position. To effect removal of the coupling the tube is displaced within the socket such that the retainer is displaced relative to the sleeve. As the retainer is displaced relative to the sleeve a compaction annulus portion of the sleeve acts to compress the projecting legs such that the tube with the attached retainer and sleeve may be removed from the socket to effect disconnection of the coupling.

Abstract: A releasable coupling has opposite ends adpated to be connected into a tool string or tubing string and run downhole into a borehole. A sealing member is passed down through the tubing string and allowed to become seated within the axial passageway of the releasable coupling. Pressure is applied through the axial passageway above the sealing member whereupon the differential in pressure effected across the sealing member is also effected across a slidable piston reciprocatingly received within the releasable coupling. The piston moves into a position which enables a male member to be released and separated from a female member. When the male and female members are released and separated from one another, the lower part of the tubing string is disconnected from the upper part of the tubing string.

Abstract: A device for connecting and disconnecting a first tubular conduit mobile in longitudinal translation inside a second fixed tubular conduit of the type comprising a longitudinally sliding mobile piece and which, for locking, bearing by an inclined bearing surface on a bearing surface of a mobile detent, causes said detent to swing through an opening formed in the wall of the fixed conduit into a groove formed in said mobile conduit. The means for driving the sleeve comprise a finger projecting through an aperture formed in the wall of said fixed conduit and sliding in a housing formed in the thickness of this conduit, for locking, under the effect of the thrust exerted by the downward movement of said mobile conduit onto said finger by means of a shoulder with which said mobile conduit is provided and, for unlocking, by sliding in the reverse direction under the effect of hydraulic or mechanical means such as a rod.

Abstract: A connector apparatus for releasably securing two separate force transmitting assemblies in a force transfer relationship is disclosed. A first connector assembly having a tubular member forming a central opening having a locking recess formed therein is anchored at a desired location. A second connector assembly having a primary and a secondary housing operably connects with the first connector assembly for transferring the static forces therebetween. The primary housing mounts an expandable locking ring which fits in the recess of the first connector assembly for effecting the mechanical securing. The locking ring may be released by two separate modes of operation. When released, all operating parts of the connector except the first connector assembly may be retrieved to a convenient location for inspection or repair. Should the locking ring fail to release by either mode, the secondary housing may in the alternative be released from the primary housing.

Abstract: A hose coupling of a simple construction is disclosed which is capable of attaining airtight or watertight connection of a hose to a coupling body, effective prevention of disconnection of the hose therefrom in use, and disconnection of the hose therefrom at the time of exchange.The hose coupling includes an O-ring, a holding ring for securely holding a hose to the coupling, and a collar for releasing engagement between the hose and the coupling which are arranged in a fluid passage of the coupling. The holding ring and collar are held in position by means of expansion spring rings.

Abstract: An improved tubular connector including a first tubular member, a second tubular member, said members having external grooves near their ends which are to be joined, a plurality of latching segments having internal projections adapted to engage in the grooves of both said first tubular member and said second tubular member and also having external tapered surfaces, an actuator ring having an internal tapered surface matching and engaging the external tapered surfaces of said latching segments, movement of the actuator ring in one direction wedging said segments into tight latching engagement with said grooves on said tubular members and movement in the other direction releasing said segments to allow them to disengage from said grooves on said tubular members, an external retaining groove in one of said tubular members, and a split ring positioned in said external retaining groove and engaging said actuator ring to exert a force thereon which retains it in each of its extreme positions.

Abstract: A marine riser coupling assembly comprised of a pair of flanged couplings (14, 16). A pin insert (36) is retained (44, 54) within tubular portions (22, 24) of the couplings. The insert has multiple outside diameters (50, 50), and seals (66, 74) on each.

Abstract: A rigid mount coupler in which all movement required for connecting and disconnecting the nipple occurs within the coupler housing. A body member which receives the valved nipple slides within the housing to actuate a locking mechanism to retain the nipple. The body member supports the coupler valve in a spring loaded retainer so that coupler and nipple valves engage and are balanced in valve open positions. A second spring loaded device supports the coupler valve at the open position and resists further opening movement, thereby preventing flow checking at the nipple. Seals between the body member and housing isolate a stepped chamber therebetween in fluid communication with an inner chamber closed by the coupler valve. The volume of the stepped chamber changes upon movement of the body member and is dimensioned to correspond inversely to changes in volume of the inner chamber to prevent a fluid lock condition.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a connector for connection to a wellhead in generally coaxial alignment therewith. The connector includes a generally tubular main body and latches carried by the main body for radial extension and retraction with respect thereto to engage the wellhead and latch the connector to it. A set of circumferentially spaced support members are also carried by the main body longitudinally adjacent the latches for radial extension and retraction at least partially independently of the latches. The support members and main body have abutting slide surfaces extending parallel to the path of movement of the support members, while the support dogs and the latches have abutting support surfaces inclined with respect to said path of movement for wedging the latches longitudinally as the support members are extended. An actuator on the main body is operatively associated with the latches and support members to extend them successively toward the wellhead.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for coupling a body member to a cylindrical member having a radially outward extending shoulder thereon. A coupling includes the body member and an annular seal for sealing between the body member and the cylindrical member. A plurality of collet sections are disposed around the body member, each of the collet sections having an upper end connected to the body member and having a lower end adapted for engagement with a lower end surface of the shoulder of the cylindrical member. An outer sleeve is slidably disposed about the plurality of collet sections and is slidable relative to the collet sections between an open position wherein the lower ends of the collet sections may receive the shoulder of the cylindrical member therebetween, and a closed position wherein the body member is sealingly coupled to the cylindrical member.

Abstract: A holder releasably mounts a water flow control device to a water supply line to enable installation and removal of the device from a meter "pit". The holder includes a clamping linkage that can be selectively operated from above ground to release or clamp the device in position between saddle members of the holder relative to the water line. Gasket sleeves are mountable over pipe connectors of the water control device and are releasably received in saddle members of the holder. The sleeves are removable with the flow control device.

Abstract: A remotely operable torus type connector for releasably connecting the adjoining ends of tubular members together wherein each of the ends is provided with a locking shoulder and one of the ends has a plurality of locking segments pivotally mounted thereon with a surrounding torus section adapted to slidably engage the corresponding outer surface of the locking segments to pivot such segments inwardly or outwardly as the torus section is moved longitudinally thereof. The torus section is carried by a ring slidably mounted in a surrounding housing with hydraulic or mechanical means for sliding the ring in the torus section.

Abstract: An extension assembly for a grease gun for coupling to the alemite fitting typically found on the discharge end of such a gun includes a body portion having a grease fitting, a mechanical support positionable thereabout and an extension tube providing a predetermined fixed pathway, and being sealably connected to the body, this extension tube being of a length and shape suitable to a particular job and including a formed application tip, whereof said body portion and extension tube provide a contiguous passageway for grease flow from the fitting to tip.

Abstract: This invention concerns the connection and disconnection of well-pipes in an articulated structure level with the articulation.The device comprises a length of flexible pipe, at one end of which is an adapter containing a sealing device, a positioning device and a locking device, and at the other end of which is another adapter containing a sealing device and a locking device, these sealing, positioning and locking devices being designed to fit into upper and lower receptacles, the upper receptacle consisting of the lower end of the tubing pipe, and the lower receptacle consisting of the upper end of the seabed pipe, the whole connection-disconnection device being able to pass through the upper receptacle.This connection-disconnection device is specially designed for use in articulated hydrocarbon-production installations.

Abstract: A fluid injector particularly for injecting fluid into a furnace comprises a housing structure having inlet and outlet ports; a pair of fluid connections and means defining passageways for fluid between the ports and respective ones of the fluid connections; and valve means for controlling the flow of fluid along said passageways; a body assembly including an elongate tubular portion having provision for receiving a nozzle at its outer end; a pair of fluid connections and means defining passageways for fluid between each of the fluid connections and said outer end of the tubular portion; said housing structure providing a support for the body assembly and including fluid pressure means for displacing the assembly relative to the housing between a first position, in which the fluid connections on the body assembly are coupled to respective fluid connections on the housing structure, and a second position, in which the fluid connections on the body assembly are disconnected from the fluid connections on the hou

Abstract: There is disclosed a remotely operable, subsea wellhead connector for connecting the lower end of one wellhead member to the upper end of another wellhead member which is mounted in an upright position beneath the water surface, such connector including a tubular member adapted to be connected to the lower end of the one wellhead member so that it may be lowered therewith into end-to-end relation with the lower wellhead member, and a split lock ring having upper and lower locking teeth carried by the tubular member for radial movement together between an expanded position in which the upper teeth are generally opposite and spaced from grooves about the tubular member and the lower teeth are movable past the upper end of the lower wellhead member for disposal opposite and spaced from grooves thereabout, and a contracted position in which the upper and lower teeth thereof are in locking engagement with the grooves in the tubular member and lower wellhead member, respectively, when the tubular member has been lo

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for releasably connecting first and second tubular members in end-to-end relation including a split lock ring having first and second axially spaced locking teeth which are carried by the first member for radial movement together being expanded positions opposite from first and second locking grooves about the first and second members, respectively, and contracted positions in locking engagement with such grooves, and a cam ring which surrounds the lock ring for movement between a first position in which the lock ring is expanded and a second position in which the cam ring is slidable over follower means on the lock ring to wedge said lock ring into expanded position.

Abstract: A marine conductor coupling is shown in use in a subsea well installation for connecting a blowout preventer stack to the subsea well head with the coupling including a one piece body of annular configuration having a mandrel receiving vertical bore aligned to a vertical through bore, a plurality of latching dogs received in a mating plurality of horizontally disposed dog receiving slots extending through the annular side wall of the body normal to and intersecting the mandrel receiving bore, mounting studs for connecting the body directly to the associated blowout preventer stack component, whereby forces tending to separate the connector body from the well head mandrel are transmitted directly through the one piece body of the connector, an actuating ring disposed about the inclined rear faces of the latching dogs for urging the dogs into latching engagement with the mandrel, a knock-out ring having a lost motion connection to and being suspended below the actuating ring to be raised by dog releasing motion

Abstract: A quick connect fluid coupling having a male member and a female member with radially resilient latch fingers for engaging the male coupling member. A locking sleeve having a continuous ring portion and a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially resilient fingers is movable from a position in which the ring portion surrounds the fingers on the female member to radially confine the same, and a release position in which the ring portion is spaced axially from the free ends of the fingers on the female member. Latch means are provided for releasably latching the locking sleeve in its locking position and in its release position.

Abstract: A tension connector, and offshore platform mooring system embodying the connector, characterized in that the connector can be made up remotely and released remotely. The connector comprises a male connector member, typically attached to a string of pipe which serves as a mooring element, and a female connector member, typically secured to an anchoring base at the bottom of a body of water. The connector is made up simply by inserting the male member downwardly into the female member by manipulating the pipe string. Advantageously, two remote release means are provided, one operating hydraulically, the other by manipulation of the pipe string.

Abstract: A connector for releasably securing an upper section of a tubing string to a lower section includes a tubular housing containing a retaining sleeve with a collet telescoped therein and having a plurality of spring fingers interlocked with a mating section on a tubular stinger. A shoulder on the stinger serves to engage the top of the retaining sleeve and move it into a release position when setting down on the tubing string with the lower section of the string anchored in the well. The retaining sleeve is held in this position by catch means acting between the sleeve and the housing and thereby locates a recess in the sleeve to allow the spring fingers of the collet to release from the stinger as the latter thereafter moves upwardly when pulling the upper section of the tubing string from the well.

Abstract: In connectors, particularly for underwater well installations, for securing two members together under large clamping forces, an annular locking means is actuated by means including cam surfaces which coact through rolling antifriction members, the actuating means being so constructed and arranged as to reduce the lengths of the cam surfaces and better retain the antifriction elements.

Abstract: Connector, particularly for use in underwater well installations, for securing members together under large clamping forces. The connector is characterized by two successive stages of actuation of a locking means, typically a split ring or set of arcuate segments, with the actuating force of the second stage being applied by camming surfaces via low friction means to establish a high compressive preload without use of especially large power devices.

Abstract: Connectors, particularly remotely operated connectors used to connect underwater well members under large clamping forces, are provided with rigid rolling antifriction elements engaged between a camming surface and a cam follower surface for converting axially directed operating motion into radial movement of a contractible and expansible annular locking means.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasably supporting a guide post to an underwater well installation and a method for recovering such a guide post by remote operation from the surface. The apparatus comprises a support sleeve coupled to the well installation and receiving a lower end portion of the guide post therein, an outer actuating sleeve movably supported on the support sleeve, and a plurality of locking elements coupled to the support sleeve and moved radially inwardly into engagement with the guide post by means of the actuating sleeve. The locking elements have ring segments engageable by the actuating sleeve and radially inwardly directed pins which pass through bores in the support sleeve and are received in a locking groove in the guide post lower end portion.

Abstract: A quick connect-disconnect coupling for fluid lines has a tubular socket as the female member thereof, has a sleeve which encircles and is movable relative to that socket, has a tubular plug as the male member thereof, and has interacting surfaces on that socket and sleeve which readily permit that sleeve to move successively from a plug-unlocking position through a plug-locking position to a fluid-on position. Those interacting surfaces automatically prevent accidental movement of that sleeve back from either that plug-locking position or that fluid-on position to that plug-unlocking position.

Abstract: A locking slip coupling for coupling two tubular elements in sealed relationship. The coupling comprises a first tubular member having an outer end for connection to one tubular element, and having an inner end comprising an axially extending locking sleeve, the locking sleeve having an annular gripping zone defined by the locking sleeve having a plurality of annular gripping teeth along its inner surface in the gripping zone, having cam means along its outer surface in the gripping zone, and by the locking sleeve being radially compressible in the gripping zone. The coupling further comprises a second tubular member having an outer end for connection to another tubular element, and having an inner end comprising an inner barrel located within the locking sleeve.

Abstract: A wellhead connector comprises a tubular main body movably mounting a set of circumferentially spaced members for radial extension and retraction. An actuator on the main body is operatively associated with the members to radially extend them. Levers are interengaged between the main body and the members, when the latter are extended, and are operative to at least partially retract the members.

Abstract: A remotely releasable connector for a pair of pipes including first and second sets of engageable threads on the first and second pipes, first and second aligned recesses on the exterior of the pipes, a latch received in both recesses to prevent relative rotation of the pipes, and a release ring supported around the exterior of the pipes and longitudinally movable therealong to engage the latch to remove it from the locking position.

Abstract: The female element includes male-element locking teeth and locking-teeth thrusting means formed as single body of a resiliently flexible material, with which there cooperates a retaining ring which is able to cause movement of the teeth to a releasing position.

Abstract: In a device for interconnecting respective ends of two conduits a male connecting piece (2) is fixed on the end of one of conduits and provided on its outer periphery with annular ridges (4), while a female connecting piece is fixed to the end of the other conduit and comprises, in succession, as viewed from its end opening, a first cylindrical annular portion (5), a convergent frustoconical portion (6) and a divergent frustoconical portion (7) which is connected to a second cylindrical portion. A spherical ring member (10) slidably mounted on male connecting piece (2) engages the cylindrical portion (5) and the convergent frustoconical portion (6) of female connecting piece (3) and is subjected to a longitudinal force, so as to be locked on male connecting piece (2) under the effect of plastic deformation. This device can be used for connecting large diameter pipes used for transporting high pressure fluids, particularly in submarine installations.

Abstract: An expansion joint for use with a retrievable packer includes a stop to limit the extent to which the joint may be extended and for providing vertical support for packer retrieval and further includes and interfitting key and slot acting between a housing and a mandrel telescoped into the housing in order to transmit torque through the joint.

Abstract: A latching apparatus for securing two electrical connecting means together in a given relationship, one of said electrical connecting means being carried by a member having an outer annular groove at one end thereof. The latch comprises a housing body which carries the other of said electrical connecting means. The housing body has a forward end with space surrounded by an outer annular wall for receiving said one end of said member. An inner annular groove is formed in the inner portion of said wall at the forward end of said housing body. The outer portion of said wall at said forward end of said housing body has three angularly spaced apart axially extending grooves formed therein which intersect said inner annular groove forming three angularly spaced apart openings which expose said inner annular groove through said three angularly spaced apart axially extending grooves. An annular coiled spring is located in said inner annular groove.

Abstract: The holddown and packoff apparatus is disposed on the shoulder of a hanger suspending casing in a well. The shoulder engages a seat in the bore of a wellhead. An expansible metal ring is slideably disposed on the hanger shoulder for engagement with an annular groove in the wellhead. A stop ring is insertable behind the expansible ring to expand and positively hold the expansible ring into holddown engagement in the wellhead groove. An independent sealing assembly is disposed on the stop ring and has one seal for the outer surface of the hanger and another seal for the inner surface of the wellhead. The seals operate in series whereby the sealing engagement of one does not hinder the sealing engagement of the other.

Abstract: A holddown assembly is mounted on a hanger suspending a string of casing or tubing into a well. A shoulder on the hanger engages a seat in the bore of the wellhead and has passages therethrough for connecting the annular spaces above and below the seat. The holddown assembly includes a rigid, radially expansible locking ring having an upwardly facing tapered surface, and a cam ring having an annular tapered surface for camming cooperation with the locking ring surface. The locking ring is disposed on the hanger shoulder opposite an internal groove in the wellhead. The cam ring threadingly engages the hanger and is releasably attached to the running tool whereby upon rotation of the running tool, the cam ring moves downwardly on the hanger threads and no seals are associated with the holddown assembly. The holddown assembly provides a positive holddown and permits locking the hanger down before, during, or after the cementing operation.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting the ends of medical apparatus tubes. The coupling has male and female conical mating elements on first and second end pieces. Each end piece is adapted to receive the end of a tube. The end pieces are locked together to prevent unintentional separation. Locking is achieved by at least one finger extending from one end piece to the other end piece. The finger, in addition to its locking function, resists tension when tensile stress is applied to a coupled tube.

Abstract: A pair of tubular coupling members (2, 3) are joined in a telescopic relationship to form a continuous passageway (25) of substantially uniform diameter. A plurality of resilient clamping fingers (27) are biased in a radially outward direction and axially extend from one coupling member (3) to surround an annular projection (10) provided by another coupling member (2). A slidable annular locking sleeve (4) removably engages camming surfaces (25) to urge the clamping fingers (22) into firm locking engagement to surround the annular projection (10) and securely maintain the coupling members (2, 3) together. The connector maintains a fluid tight seal without directly subjecting a gasket (12) to the solutions to maintain a sterile connection.

Abstract: A subsurface safety valve is combined with a locating means for locating the safety valve as it is pumped down into the well. A locking mandrel is provided that locks the safety valve in position after it has been located by a downward force being exerted on the locking means. When it is desired to remove the subsurface safety valve a pulling tool is run in and a downward force exerted to release the locking means permitting it thereafter to be retrieved from the well by reverse circulation.