Abstract: A pipe connection in which pipe ends are provided with flared ends within the area of the joint edges, and in which a clamping ring with a U-shaped internal profile in a cross section is adapted to be tightened radially inwardly; the inner end faces of the clamping ring and the flared end faces are inclined toward the pipe axis so that the joining edges are urged toward one another in the tightened condition of the clamping ring; the clamping ring is provided with at least one plastically deformable, lug-shaped ear adapted to be tightened by contraction thereof to thereby establish a permanent connection which can be reopened only by destruction of the clamping ring; the surfaces of the clamping ring which engage with the end faces of the flarings may be further provided with means, e.g., in the form of notches, teeth, serrations or embossments to prevent rotation of the ring relative to the joint edges.

Abstract: Apparatus for laying large pipe sections underwater without on-site manual participation. A beam is releasably attached to a pipe section that is to be lowered to the floor of the water body and attached to the open end of the previously laid pipe section. A positioning fork depending from the beam is settled onto the prior pipe section with the fork legs straddling the pipe and assuring alignment of the pipe ends. Positioning rams in cooperation with landing gears on the fork legs achieve concentric abutment of the end flanges. The flange on the new pipe section is rotatable and a positioner from the beam is releasably attached to the rotatable flange and rotated therby to align bolt holes through the flanges. A wrench carried on a rigging releasably attached to the new pipe section behind the flange is movable between the bolt holes and pushes bolts partially pre-inserted in the bolt holes through the flanges and into engagement with nuts pre-positioned behind the bolt holes of the fixed flange.

Abstract: A downhole oil well fluted safety joint for use with a production string in cased hole provides an elongated tubular body having an internal open-ended flow bore and a plurality of radially spaced apart flutes extending from the bottom of the tool bore outer surface. The flutes provide spaces therebetween that allow fluid to circulate in the casing externally of the tool body above and below the fluted portions so that gravel can be pumped past the flutes, for example, to pack a screen and liner which is run below the tool body in typical installations. The tool is used, for example, to guide wire line or wash pipe inside a screen liner in order to check for fill and to prevent the wire line or wash pipe from inadvertently traveling on the outside of the tool body and thus, beside instead of inside the screen liner.

Abstract: A connection device is provided for plastic material or metal tubes conveying a compressed fluid in which the tube 3 is fitted instantaneously by a simple thrust in means providing molding for said tube by a member 1 and sealing thereof by a member 5, the means 2d formed on the outer casing 2 receiving an independent disassembly element for instantaneous disassembly of tube 3.

Abstract: A multi-passage tube coupling for coupling a plurality of parallel or concentric tubes or tube passages of a multi-passage tube for supplying a fluid to actuators. The coupling comprises a body and a coupling member, the body having as many passages or holes as the number of the tubes or tube passages of the multi-passage tube. At least one of the tubes or tube passages is coupled to the corresponding actuator through a passage defined in the coupling member.

Abstract: A retrievable gravel packer and retrieving tool therefor. The gravel packer includes an inner mandrel assembly attached to an operating tool by a left-hand threaded connection. The packer is set without rotation by the operating tool to move a pusher sleeve downwardly with respect to the mandrel, compressing a packer element and setting slips into engagement with a well bore. A ratchet prevents the pusher sleeve assembly from moving upwardly with respect to the mandrel. The packer may be retrieved by the retrieving tool which has a lower collet engagable with a releasing mandrel in the packer. After releasing collets held by the releasing mandrel, the inner mandrel of the packer is released so that the packer element and slips engaged by the mandrel are disengaged from the well bore. An upper collet in the retrieving tool engages the left-hand thread in the packer mandrel so that the packer and retrieving tool may be raised out of the well bore.

Abstract: A push-to-connect tube connector for interconnecting conduits wherein a male part is received within a female part passage by relative axial displacement. Resilient fingers mounted upon one part cooperate with a shoulder defined on the other part to maintain the parts fully connected, seals interposed between the parts prevent leakage, and indicia means in the form of a sleeve axially displaceable upon the male part supports an indicator displaced thereon by the female part during connection to provide a visual indication of the degree of interconnection. A reference mark defined on the sleeve is masked by the indicator upon the parts being fully connected. Upon removal of the indicator, which is in the form of a split ring, the sleeve may be used to "open" the fingers to disconnect the parts, and in an embodiment non-circular transverse cross sections defined on the respective parts telescopingly cooperate during full connection to prevent relative rotation between the parts.

Abstract: An improved structure for a metal pipe fittings. Each passage hole of the body of a pipe fitting, such as an elbow, a tee, a cross etc., is provided with a female thread which a male-threaded ring screws in with tightly to press a metal ring and several gaskets abutting against one another around a pipe to be united. The tight screwing of said male-threaded ring in the female thread forces the gaskets to expand between the pipe and the body of the fitting keeping the pipe and the fitting tightly united.

Abstract: A hydrant includes one or more novel and improved features, namely: (1) a nozzle assembly comprising a nozzle and a retainer ring mounted from within the upper standpipe section of the hydrant; (2) an operating assembly defining an excess reservoir volume to receive valve stem lubricating fluid to prevent blocking movement of the valve stem; (3) a coupling assembly including a collar, a retainer ring for engaging one end of the collar against one standpipe section, and a retainer bar inserted through the collar and bent around an adjoining standpipe section; (4) a coupling assembly including a floating seal band carrying two seals, one of which seals against one standpipe section and the other of which seals against an adjoining standpipe section; (5) an otherwise conventional valve body but for a double-D valve body cavity in which a complemental boss of a valve member retainer disk is nested to prevent rotation therebetween, and also including a flat sealing gasket disposed between the valve stem and an ann

Abstract: A hydrant includes one or more novel and improved features, namely: (1) a nozzle assembly comprising a nozzle and a retainer ring mounted from within the upper standpipe section of the hydrant; (2) an operating assembly defining an excess reservoir volume to receive valve stem lubricating fluid to prevent blocking movement of the valve stem; (3) a coupling assembly including a collar, a retainer ring for engaging one end of the collar against one standpipe section, and a retainer bar inserted through the collar and bent around an adjoining standpipe section; (4) a coupling assembly including a floating seal band carrying two seals, one of which seals against one standpipe section and the other of which seals against an adjoining standpipe section; (5) an otherwise conventional valve body but for a double-D valve body cavity in which a complemental boss of a valve member retainer disk is nested to prevent rotation therebetween, and also including a flat sealing gasket disposed between the valve stem and an ann

Abstract: A fitting for establishing a seal between an insulated electrical cable (70) and an electrical junction box, where the junction box wall has a threaded bore and a profiled through-hole having a camming surface and shoulder. The fitting includes a threaded nut (50) and a ferrule (30) which has tines (34) extending from a ring portion. The ferrule (30) and the nut (50) are slid over the insulated cable (70) and the assembly is brought in registry with the threaded bore (8) of the junction box. Screwing the nut (50) and ferrule (30) forwardly causes the tines (34) on the ferrule (30) to contact the camming surface (12), forcing the tines (34) into the insulation (72) and the insulation (72) into the shoulder (16), thereby establishing a sealed connection. In a further improvement, the nut (50) has first and second wrench-engaging portions (100, 101) formed integrally therewith.

Abstract: A quick connect tube coupling assembly includes a tubular seal member, in the form of a tubular member with an elastomer molded thereon is suitably fixed in the stepped socket bore of a tube receiving socket member, this seal member, in effect, providing the effect of two O-rings, a spacer, retainer and end seal; and a spring retainer is fixed to the socket member whereby this coupling body assembly is adapted to telescopically receive a plug tube having axially spaced apart radial upstanding annular inboard and outboard beads thereon, one of which is adapted to be engaged by the spring retainer. A tubular spring release member is positioned to encircle the tube loosely between the beads whereby the tube can be un-coupled, when desired, by moving this release member axially in a direction toward the inboard bead so as to cause the spring member to flux radially outward of the inboard bead whereby the plug tube can be removed manually from the socket member.

Abstract: Polyolefin pipe having an integral end connection. The pipe is fabricated with male and female end connections in order that the pipe may be press-fitted together with the interior and exterior forming a flush uniterrupted surface. One or more radial ribs and grooves are formed on the interior of the female connection while a registering series of ribs and grooves are formed on the exterior of the male connection. The ends of the pipe are bevelled in order that the ends pressed together engage and by the slight resiliency of the polyolefin pipe construction permit the slight expansion and contraction of the ends to provide a locking interfit of the respective ribs and grooves in the two ends. The wall thicknesses of the end connection and width of the ribs and grooves are particularly dimensioned in order that the male end may be inserted to a complete lock position without premature engagement and that should failure occur, it be at the readily observable pipe wall rather than in internal rib.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting part between a rigid mechanical element and a hose in which a fluid at high pressure travels. The connecting part has a hollow tubular part B enlarged at one end into a head (1) and driven into a hose A, an internal locking pipe C in the hollow tubular part B, and a clamp D.

Abstract: A high pressure manifold brake hose end fitting used in a brake system to reduce the number of wet fittings required in the brake system. The manifold brake hose end fitting has a crimped sleeve connection to a reinforced rubber brake hose on one end, a first receptacle for a hydraulic fitting on the opposite end and a second receptacle formed in the side of the fitting between the one end and the opposite end. A conduit is provided for hydraulic fluid flow through the fitting and in one embodiment, the conduit is preferably eccentrically located away from the side of the fitting including said second receptacle. An end fitting providing three or more receptacles in a single fitting that may be part of one or more fluid systems is disclosed. A brake system and a method of installing brake fluid conduits are also disclosed which use the end fitting to reduce the number of wet fittings in a brake system and reduce the number of steps required to install a brake fluid conduit on a vehicle.

Abstract: A zero-leak cryogenic coupling includes a polymeric seal clamped to a male bayonet member with two pairs of tightening rings. The tightening rings threadably engage each other in respective pairs around tapered ends of the inflatable seal member so that a wedging action tightens the seal member about the male bayonet. Once in place, the seal may be inflated via an inflation port so that its expansion provides a pressure contact with the inside surface of a coaxial female member.

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

Abstract: An insertable part of an industrial endoscope having an insertable curvable portion and a proximal flexible portions, the portions being interconnected and joined in axial alignment by a connecting means. A protective cover covering the insertable portion and a protective cover covering the proximal portion, the covers being interconnected and joined axially to each other and to the connecting means by interengaging concavoconvex parts having radially aligned grooves with a plurality of plate springs in one of such grooves projecting into the other of such grooves and being compressible through holes in one of the grooves into the other of the grooves to release the abutting ends of the protective covers.

Abstract: The device for coupling two pipes comprises a variable length assembly formed from two tubular parts, whereof the internal diameter corresponds to the internal diameter of the pipes. The tight coupling of this assembly to the ends of the pipes is brought about by compressing O-rings between a planar surface and a spherical surface by means of two nuts. The two tubular parts are then tightly joined by actuating a nut compressing a third O-ring.

Abstract: A connector assembly 10 is described which permits high pressure connection joints for either high temperature or cryogenic fluid conduits. The assembly 10 comprises in combination a translating carriage 20, a mandrel 50 and a tubular member 70, all including associated functional elements.

Abstract: A hydrant includes one or more novel and improved features, namely: (1) a nozzle assembly comprising a nozzle and a retainer ring mounted within the upper standpipe section of the hydrant; (2) an operating assembly defining an excess reservoir volume to receive valve stem lubricating fluid to prevent blocking movement of the valve stem; (3) a coupling assembly including a collar, a retainer ring for engaging one end of the collar against one standpipe section, and a retainer bar inserted through the collar and bent around an adjoining standpipe section; (4) a coupling assembly including a floating seal band carrying two seals, one of which seals against one standpipe section and the other of which seals against an adjoining standpipe section; (5) an otherwise conventional valve body but for a double-D valve body cavity in which a complemental boss of a valve member retainer disk is nested to prevent rotation therebetween, and also including a flat sealing gasket disposed between the valve stem and an annular

Abstract: A fluid transfer module is provided with multiple flow paths for transferring multiple fluids. The module is particularly useful in downhole pumps for passing oil upwardly through a central passage and for passing gas up or down through concentric passages around the central passage. The module also can be used for water or fuel, particularly for downhole steam generation. The module includes an elongate housing or production tubing with an inner coupling having an attached, elongate inner tube which together form a central passage extending substantially the length of the housing. An outer coupling with an attached, elongate outer tube form an inner concentric passage with the inner coupling and tube and an outer concentric passage with the housing. The concentric flow paths are less restrictive to the flow of fluids therethrough.

Abstract: There are disclosed several forms of subsea wellhead equipment of the type in which casing hangers connected to the upper ends of successively smaller diameter casing strings are adapted to be lowered into and landed within the bore of a casing head, which is connected to an outermost string at the subsea level, to suspend the strings within the outermost casing of the well bore, and wherein openings in each hanger which connect the annulus between each casing string and the next outer string with the space between the hanger and the bore of the head, to permit cement returns to circulate therethrough as the string is cemented within the well bore, are adapted to be closed off, when the casing has been cemented, by means of a seal assembly lowered into and locked down within the space.

Abstract: A composite structure comprises at least one ply comprising approximately parallel unidirected twines comprising helically-configured matrix-impregnated continuous strands of filament reinforcements to provide a flanged composite cantilever spring which serves as the principal constituent of a coupling structure. An interior ply of a coupling structure body member comprises unidirected longitudinal twines configured at a body member extremity to provide a flange member connected to a cantilever spring. An exterior ply is disposed transversely of and superimposed upon the interior ply to provide the cantilever spring hinge line. The composite cantilever spring can be constructed to deflect about either a straight or curved hinge line. A preferred tubular form of the coupling structure comprises at least one end configured as a polygonal array of flanged cantilever springs which serve as the socket end of a spring-lock coupling used to connect mating flanged spigot-end structures.

Abstract: A quick connect tube coupling has a connector body with an external threaded portion and a passage extending therethrough. A sheet metal nut and tube retainer member has an opening therethrough with a helical edge engaging the external threaded portion to threadably connect the connector body and this member. The connector body passage is adapted to receive and telescopically pilot a tube end on opposite sides of an O-ring mounted in a groove in this passage. The O-ring is adapted to receive and peripherally seal the tube end.

Abstract: A thin-walled connecting pipe for pipeline, having an annular protuberance formed at a predetermined distance from a pipe end, the annular protuberance having an outer side face serving as a disengagement preventing face approximately perpendicular to the pipe axis, and the outer peripheral surface of a straight pipe portion on a front end side with respect to the annular protuberance serving as a seal ring abutting surface.

Abstract: A quick connect fluid coupling, and more particularly a quick connect fluid coupling having a minimum number of parts, which can be quickly assembled and disassembled, and which provides a good seal in an environment which is subject to vibrations and to relative motion between a fluid line and a port defining structure.

Abstract: A pipe joint for thin-walled tubes (13, 14) is provided for transmission of water. The pipe joint includes a male portion (11) and a female portion (12) both of which having pressure cut threads (18, 21). At mounting thereof these portions (11, 12) are threadably engaged so that a seal ring (25) received in an annular extension (23) of the female portion (12) is brought into engagement with a conical portion (16) of said male portion (11) so as to provide tightening of said pipe joint.

Abstract: A pressure discharge apparatus for releasing residual pressure from a hydraulic line or the like. The apparatus includes a grasping assembly adapted slidably to mount and urge a fluid pressure connector between a ready position and a pressure release position; and a fluid receiving conduit borne by the grasping assembly for releasably sealable pressure discharge engagement with the fluid pressure connector in the pressure release position.

Abstract: A system for perforating a well with an annulus pressure firer is provided by the present invention. A pressure responsive means is positioned in a tubing string uphole a packer and includes a piston movable in response to a pressure differential between the upper annulus pressure and the pressure inside the tubing string. The movement of the piston is transferred through a second, concentric tubing string to a firing head on a perforating gun below the packer. The system includes a means for simultaneously decoupling the concentric tubing strings below the packer to drop the perforating gun to the bottom of the well.

Abstract: An apparatus for remotely assembling and disassembling a Graylock type coctor between a pipe and a closure for the pipe includes a base and a receptacle on the base for the closure. The pipe is moved into position vertically above the closure by a suitable positioning device such that the flange on the pipe is immediately adjacent and concentric with the flange on the closure. A moving device then moves two semicircular collars from a position free of the closure to a position such that the interior cam groove of each collar contacts the two flanges. Finally, a tensioning device automatically allows remote tightening and loosening of a nut and bolt assembly on each side of the collar to cause a seal ring located between the flanges to be compressed and to seal the closure. Release of the pipe and the connector is accomplished in the reverse order. Preferably, the nut and bolt assembly includes an elongate shaft portion on which a removable sleeve is located.

Abstract: This fitting has a transverse bore (3) and, at one of its ends, a male or female threaded end to connect it immovably to one of the two parts to be joined by means of tube (6) and, at its other end, a ring-shaped chamber (5) which is coaxial to bore (3) and which, in addition to a ring-shaped watertight joint (9) and a retaining collar (8), houses a ring-shaped member (7) which has prongs (7a) slanted toward the rear (5a) of chamber (5) and pro-jecting radially into chamber (5), thus delimiting an inside diameter normally smaller than the outside diameter of the connecting tube, the purpose of this chamber (5) being to receive and retain one of the ends of tube (6) simply by inserting it to the rear (5a) of the chamber and the inside and outside diameters of chamber (5) corresponding approximately to the outside diameter of tube (6), while the outside diameter is greater than the outside diameter of tube (6) to make it possible to house the ring-shaped joint (9), the pronged member (7) and the retaining colla

Abstract: A longitudinally divided sleeve of shrinkable material has a lock closure along longitudinal edges. One of the longitudinal edges includes a closure element having a locking groove formed by two longitudinally extending leg portions, a second longitudinal edge being provided with a locking element having a longitudinally extending hook part having a resilient projection which is received in the locking groove to form the lock closure. The resilient projection prevents the accidental removal of the hook part from the locking groove and preferably the material forming the two elements has a higher cross-linking than the remaining portions of the heat-shrinkable sleeve.

Abstract: A method and device for assembling connection fittings such as couplings, between hard components, such as metal pipe and a body formed of a softer substance to obtain a permanent coupling able to withstand aging and thermal shock conditions. The parts coupled are formed of materials of different hardness which are first force fit together. One of the parts is then rotated at high speed so that the part made of the softer material is locally heated until it melts. The result is a snug but swivelable connection free of internal stress.

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

Abstract: Mounting boards for supporting and connecting fluid power components are secured together with dovetail clips to make up arrays with a large number of terminals. There are grooves in end faces of the boards so as to define marginal lands which are engaged by the clips. The lands of adjacent boards form a complete dovetail structure to be gripped by a clip with a self-locking action. The contiguous faces of adjacent boards may have locating means such as pins and recesses. The boards may have spigots protruding from them for connection with piping. Venting ports are provided with muffler caps.

Abstract: Preloaded connection for supporting an annular body from an annular suspension joint. The connection includes an actuating ring, a split locking ring and a retaining nut which are positioned between the annular body and suspension joint. The connection is preloaded by applying an axial force to the actuating ring causing the locking ring to be expanded outwardly with the annular body becoming preloaded in compression and the suspension joint preloaded in tension with the preload force passing through the mating surfaces.

Abstract: A conductor tieback connector (T) thus having a tubular body (12) connectible to the lower end of a conductor or a string of conductors (C), a downwardly extending funnel (20) with two bearing surfaces and a tapered guide (24). The tapered guide (24) aids in initial stabbing of the connector (T) over a wellhead (W) and the two bearing surfaces (26, 30) operate on the outside of the wellhead (W) to force the tieback connector (T) into angular alignment under the influence of the weight of the conductor string. Seals (14, 16), located between the tieback connector (T) and wellhead (W), are compressed with axial movement of the tieback connector (T). A two-piece internal floating bushing (42, 42a, 42b), threadible (50, 52) on the interior surface of the tieback connector (T), is moved within the interior of the wellhead (W) where locking dogs (46) engage running tool grooves (40) in the bore of the wellhead (W) to clamp the tieback connector (T) onto the wellhead (W).

Abstract: A device for connecting the ends of two pipes and comprising an insert and a bushing that slides over the end of one pipe, that the insert fits into, and that has a rear face extending inward at the end toward the insert and overlapping an outside annular ridge on the end of the pipe. To facilitate removing contamination from the connection, the rear face has at least one bore therein.

Abstract: A pipe connection in which pipe ends are provided with lips or flarings within the area of the joint edges and which includes a clamping ring having a U-shaped profile at the inner surface which is adapted to be tightened radially inwardly; the inner end faces of the clamping ring and/or the end faces of the lips or flarings are inclined toward the pipe axis so that the joining edges are urged toward one another in the tightened condition of the clamping ring; at least the radially outermost ring-shaped part of the clamping ring is provided with at least one plastically deformable, lug-shaped ear which is adapted to be tightened by contraction thereof and thereby establishes a permanent connection which can be reopened only by destruction of the clamping ring.

Abstract: An anti-rotational joint for connecting sections of cnduits together to form a flowline or the like wherein the joint includes a means that prevents the joint from accidentally unscrewing after it is made up to its desired torque.

Abstract: A pipe connection in which pipe ends are provided with lips or flarings within the area of the joint edges and which includes a clamping ring having a U-shaped profile at the inner surface which is adapted to be tightened radially inwardly; the inner end faces of the clamping ring and/or the end faces of the lips or flarings are inclined toward the pipe axis so that the joining edges are urged toward one another in the tightened condition of the clamping ring; at least the radially outermost ring-shaped part of the clamping ring is provided with at least one plastically deformable, lug-shaped ear which is adapted to be tightened by contraction thereof and thereby establishes a permanent connection which can be reopened only by destruction of the clamping ring.

Abstract: A top nozzle subassembly having a hold-down device incorporated therewithin is provided for a nuclear reactor fuel assembly. The subassembly is slidably mounted on the upper ends of the control rod guide thimbles and is removably attached by internally threaded collars which threadably mate with external threads provided on the upper ends of the guide thimbles. Unthreading of the collars allows the subassembly to be removed from the fuel assembly to gain top access to the fuel rods within the fuel assembly. The invention also includes a special tool for threading and unthreading of the collars.

Abstract: A fuel line adapter for a fuel tank comprising an elongated feed tube having an inlet opening at one end and an outlet opening at the opposite end. Tubular coupling means slidably mounted on the feed tube for engaging the outlet opening of the fuel tank and a standard fuel line pipe fixture and sealing means for forming a seal between the tubular coupling means and the outer portion of the feed tube. The feed tube has an outer portion which extends horizontally outside of the tank and extends through the coupling means to the outlet opening and also includes an inner portion which extends from the outer portion to the inlet opening and at an angle to the outer portion for extending within the fuel tank from the outlet opening of the fuel tank so that the inlet opening of the feed tube is substantially above the outlet opening of the fuel tank.

Abstract: A nut or a pair of nuts connecting the inlet fitting or a pair of inlet fittings of a water-dispensing fixture to respective connecting fittings is axially aligned with a collar threaded onto each connecting fitting and bearing upon a wall from which the connecting fitting emerges. An apron is axially shiftable on the cylindrical surfaces of the nut and collar which are axially aligned and of the same diameter to completely cover the nut or nuts. The apron is held in place by an elastic member seated in the collar.

Abstract: A rotatable reciprocating collar is provided for series connection into a borehole casing string. The collar includes a cylindrical barrel connected to one segment of the casing and a cylindrical mandrel telescopically positioned within the barrel and connected to the other segment of the casing. The mandrel has a plurality of splines projecting radially outward and the barrel has a corresponding plurality of splines projecting radially inward from its inner surface. The splines of the mandrel engage the splines of the barrel when the mandrel is telescopically extended so that the entire casing string can be rotated as a unit. After the lower segment of the casing string is fixed in place by a lower stage cementing operation, the upper segment of the casing string can be reciprocated toward the lower segment to telescopically retract the mandrel into the barrel.

Abstract: A jack bolt assembly for separating joined first and second flange members of a flange assembly including a longitudinally extending, generally rod-shaped jack bolt member adapted to extend between first and second flange members of the flange assembly and a thrust member, the jack bolt member having a primary threaded portion for threadedly engaging at least one of the openings formed in the first flange member, a radial engaging surface, and a thrust member receiving portion in axial alignment with the primary threaded portion, the thrust member mounted with the thrust member receiving portion and between the first and second flange members for separating the flange members of the flange assembly upon rotation of the jack bolt member with respect to the first flange member of the flange assembly. The jack bolt assembly further includes an improved tool engaging adapter for removable mounting with the jack bolt member.

Abstract: In a device for connecting and disconnecting hoses or pipes to and from difficultly accessible structures such as under water, it is aimed at providing a reliable device, which will be easy to operate, lends itself to repeated connecting and disconnecting of the hoses or pipes, also if necessary by remote control, and which is to a considerable extent selfcleaning. To this end the device has a movable supporting structure for carrying the hose or tube by engaging a freely rotatable end part thereon and an endless chain slung around a driving pinion and around two other chain pinions in the device, which latter pinions are positioned one to each side of the hose or pipe, are movable towards and away therefrom and are urged away therefrom. The chain is slung around part of the periphery of said part to engage a gear ring thereon with its run between the said two other chain pinions.

Abstract: An automated cylinder connector is disclosed, which substantially reduces the time required to connect and disconnect a gas line from a gas cylinder. In one embodiment, a threaded connector, defining a conduit for gas flow, is designed to be attached to the valve outlet of a gas cylinder. The connector includes a threaded collar having a bevel gear which engages a similarly shaped bevel gear on an independent, motorized drive member. When the drive member is held against the threaded connector, so that the bevel gears are engaged, and when power is applied to the drive member, the collar on the connector rotates, and is threadedly engaged with the gas cylinder. In another embodiment, the threaded connector takes the form of a turbine which is rotated by a stream of compressed air. Rotation of the turbine screws the connector into the gas cylinder. In both embodiments, a plurality of threaded connectors can be grouped together, and suspended above a plurality of cylinders, by a set of springs.

Abstract: Pipe coupling apparatus including a tubular female coupling structure and a tubular male coupling structure sized to fit within and mate with the female coupling structure, one coupling structure including a housing and a locking ring that is radially deformable within an annular supporting groove of the housing, the other coupling structure including a tapered surface for biasing the ring to vary its radius as the coupling structures are brought together and an annular locking groove for receiving the ring when it is aligned with the locking groove as the coupling structures are moved further together and the ring springs back toward its undeformed shape, one coupling structure carrying an annular seal to provide a fluid-tight seal between said coupling structures.