Abstract: A releasing tool for use in disconnecting a casing or conductor pipe cemented below the marine floor from a riser pipe supported from a floating vessel in which the riser pipe and conductor are held together by a snap ring. This includes cam carrier connectable to the lower end of a longitudinal member, such as a drill pipe, and a releasing pin block carrying radially supported releasing pins which are urged inwardly. When the cam of the cam carrier is urged downwardly with respect to the releasing pin block it forces the releasing pins outwardly through ports in the latch pin of the casing to release the split rings from its engaging position.

Abstract: A tubular connector or riser connector having a pin section and a box section, a collet surrounding said sections and engaging a shoulder on one of said sections and having a plurality of fingers with internal ridges engaging with external ridges on the other section when the connector is sufficiently preloaded. A lock ring and lock nut are used to retain the collet fingers in engaged position.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for multiple string well completions by remote operations in underwater installations, by which the tubing strings are installed independently rather than simultaneously.

Abstract: A flow indicator for a positive displacement pump is connected to a liquid supply reservoir below the liquid level in the reservoir. The indicator has a first passage through which liquid is supplied from the reservoir to the inlet of the pump. The first passage has an inlet below the liquid level in the reservoir and an outlet coupled to a supply conduit in turn coupled to the pump inlet. A restrictor is positioned in the first passage adjacent the inlet to partially restrict fluid flow through the passage. A secondary passage is coupled in fluid communication with the first passage downstream from the restrictor. A transparent tube is coupled to the secondary passage and extends upwardly alongside the reservoir to a location above the liquid level in the reservoir. A float is slidably positioned in the transparent tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides a latch assembly carriable on a tubing string extendible into a subterranean well, the latch assembly being selectively engageable between upper and lower sections of the tubing string. The latch assembly comprises an outer housing and an inner body, with latching means carried on one of the housing and the body for selectively securing the latch apparatus to the lower section. Latch engaging means are carried on the other of the housing and the body and the lower tubing section for selective co-engagement between the latching means, the lower tubing section, and one of the housing and the body. Piston means are on one of the housing and the body and have a piston head with first and second piston chambers between the piston head.

Abstract: A valve battery device including mounting plates on which valves may be mounted, and of which a preselected number, each having passageways therein, may be assembled in serial relation to form a valve battery of any desired number. Each mounting plate is provided with one hooked projection and one recess for accommodating the hooked projection of an adjacent mounting plate, and all mounting plates are identical in structure and so constructed that they may be turned end-for-end and top-for-bottom so they may universally assemble. Identically structured terminating plates are provided at each end of the valve battery.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for drilling a pilot hole and subsequently enlarging the pilot hole in earth dormation. A dual concentric pipe string is used for circulating air downwardly through the outer pipe, a cross-over sub and through a pilot bit and upwardly through the bore hole outside the pipe string to bail cuttings, during drilling of the pilot hole. The air pressure expands the cutters of an expandible bit while a limited portion of the air supplied cools the cutters. The dual concentric pipe is made up by joints having pin and box structures which provide inner and outer flow passages and shoulders which abut between the outer members and which are resiliently sealed between the inner members.

Abstract: A device for coupling semi-rigid plastic tubes of a known type in which two ring members are provided, one within the other. The outer ring member is secured in a bore in a part to which the tube is connected. The outer ring member has a plurality of teeth which engage a tube inserted into the ring members. The inner ring member is movable axially to disengage the teeth for uncoupling the tube and part. The device is improved in one aspect by providing two distinct sealing means, each movable with the inner ring member. A first sealing means comprises a projection on the inner surface of the inner ring member which projection penetrates the wall of a tube to be connected. A second sealing means comprises a sealing member, such as an O-ring, mounted on the inner ring member. In another aspect, the teeth are shaped such that they are easily disengageable, without permanent distortion, so that the device is re-usable.

Abstract: An apparatus which is carriable on a tubing string extendible within a subterranean well, wherein the tubing string has an upper tubing section which is extendible from and above the apparatus to the top of the well, and a lower tubing section which is extendible from and below the apparatus. The apparatus is manipulatable to rotate the lower tubing section without rotating the upper tubing section and comprises first and second housings, one of the housings and the lower tubing section being rotatable relative to the other of the housings. Actuator means are insertable within at least one of the housings for applying rotation to one of the housings. Co-engaging means are provided on the actuator means and one of the housings for applying rotational force to one of the housings and the lower tubing section to rotate the one housing and the lower tubing section without rotating the other of the housings and the upper tubing section.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a pipe to a hose comprises a cylindrical protrusion on the pipe supporting an outwardly flared frusto-conical nipple. The hose is to be placed over the nipple and a sleeve is provided having a corresponding frusto-conical bore with internal threading to enable the sleeve to be tightened on the nipple. The cone angle of the bore is not the same as the cone angle of the nipple.

Abstract: A firehose coupling device is provided for fixedly positioning and holding in place a set of opposed lugs on one coupling member of a firehose connection to permit quick and if desired one man coupling or uncoupling of the connection. The device includes a channel member, preferably with diverging leg portions, each leg having at least one cut out portion along the corresponding side edges of each leg so that the opposed lugs on one member are fixedly held in position and the other member may be rotated with respect to the first member.

Abstract: A pair of first and second coextensive generally semicylindrical nut halves are provided and include exterior surface portions engageable by hand or tools to facilitate turning of the halves, together, as a unitary nut. The nut halves include coextensively threaded inner surfaces and abuttingly and releasably interlocking structure on their adjacent arc ends whereby the nut halves are secured together as a unitary structure for utilization as a threaded coupling nut.

Abstract: A hose and pipe coupling is provided having a coupling head and a nozzle which can be inserted into the coupling head, and which is lockable therewith by a locking element. The locking element includes a spring-elastic ring having a slit and onto which are formed two oppositely-directed, arcuate spring arms which surround and embrace the coupling head. The coupling head has a slot-like circumferential opening and an internal annular groove for the partial reception of the spring-elastic ring and the nozzle at its coupling side is also provided with an annular groove for at least at partially receiving the spring-elastic ring in the inserted position of the nozzle. The coupling further includes a protective cap displaceably arranged on the coupling head and over the elastic ring after the nozzle and the coupling head are coupled together.

Abstract: A pipe connection, particularly useful for a motor vehicle exhaust line, is provided with a spherical sealing surface on one pipe which projects into an axial accommodating space on a mating pipe. The pipes are held together by spring clamps which have opposite ends facing each other for engaging oppositely facing recesses on clamping structures (e.g., flanges) associated with each pipe. The spring clamps are constructed as C-shaped leaf springs having rounded ends.

Abstract: The invention provides for a spray nozzle and spray nozzle mounting in which the spray nozzle is removable and includes a tubular spigot and a spray-forming part, the tubular spigot having a passage extending therethrough and having a configuration whereby the spigot can be removably clipped in spigot and socket fashion to a fluid supply line to permit fluid flow from the fluid line through the passage. The spray nozzle mounting comprises a projection fast with or attachable to a fluid suply line and having a passage extending therethrough, the projection having a configuration whereby the spray nozzle can be removably mounted by the tubular spigot being removably clipped to the projection in a spigot and socket fashion.

Abstract: A mechanism for releasably holding down a tubing hanger received within a hanger bowl of a wellhead. Pins mounted for axial sliding movement in horizontal passages of the hanger bowl are forced inwardly by screws which are threaded into passages of the wellhead and against heads formed on the outer ends of the pins. The pins have tapered inner ends which are forced into a groove of the tubing hanger and against a camming surface of the groove in order to press the tubing hanger downwardly within the hanger bowl. Each screw has a blade on its inner end which enters a slot in the head of the corresponding pin to rotate the pin as it is pushed against the camming surface of the groove. Springs urge the pins outwardly to facilitate entry of the blades into the slots, and retainer rings maintain the pins in their passages in the hanger bowl.

Abstract: An adjustable coupling device is provided which can be secured to each of two sections of conduit, such as two hoses or pipes, by hand, without the need for employing tools. The coupling device comprises a socket member and a plug member which are adapted to be adjustably positioned with respect to each other as one or both members wear, said plug member being adapted to be removably and adjustably disposed in said socket member. The above plug member includes interior walls which define a bore, and securing means, such as teeth or recessed portions. The socket member comprises a body portion having a bore running therethrough defined by the interior walls thereof, which bore is adapted to receive said plug member in a manner such that the bore of said plug member is in communication with the bore of said socket member, and at least one connecting member attached to said socket member and adapted to engage said securing means of said plug member.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus including improved means for drill string manipulation for effecting an improved method of drill steel breakout and disassembly.This is a continuation, division, of application Ser. No. 712,622, filed Aug. 9, 1976.

Abstract: A quick connect coupling is disclosed which includes a body assembly providing a tube end receiving passage having an inner cylindrical seal portion and an internal, annular groove outwardly of the seal portion. A tube end portion is proportioned to fit into the tube receiving passage with a close fit and has a peripheral seal groove located within the seal portion and a peripheral lock ring groove within the internal groove when the end portion is inserted into the passage. A resilient seal is carried in the seal groove and a compressible lock ring having a circular cross section is located in the lock ring groove.

Abstract: A method for providing a seal between two pipes of the type in which one circumferential end portion of one pipe has an enlargement to provide an internal circumferential channel into which the unenlarged end of the other pipe can be telescoped, the space between the interior of this channel and the exterior of the inner pipe end containing an annular seal ring of the type having a K cross-section in which the oblique arms of the K constitute sealing lips facing radially and obliquely inwardly of the channel, one canted axially inwardly and the other canted axially outwardly of the channel.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for securing, in fluid sealing relationship, the waste outlet of a plumbing fixture to a waste receiving pipe extending through and beyond a mounting structure, such as a wall or a floor, the waste receiving pipe having a radially-extending flange about one end thereof with a plurality of open portions therein for receiving headed fasteners, and the waste outlet of the plumbing fixture extending into the waste receiving pipe, including: an annular fluid sealing gasket with a series of apertures therethrough, one side of which is disposed in intimate contact with the flange of the waste receiving pipe; gasket support means for supporting the other side of the gasket and having a series of apertures therein alignable with the apertures in the gasket, the gasket support means slideably disposed in fluid-sealing relationship about the waste outlet of the plumbing fixture adjacent the end thereof; head fastening means for securing the flange of the waste receiving pipe to the gasket support m

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for securing together pipe sections by cold forging the inside end of one or more pipe sections outwardly into a surrounding collar. In the detailed description of an exemplary application, the invention is disclosed for use in connecting together the ends of subsea pipelines, J-tubes and other underwater conduits.

Abstract: A releasable coupling for plastic or metal tubes wherein the means for retaining one end of a tube within the coupling body comprises a metal retainer ring having circumferentially spaced spring fingers thereon which incline radially and axially inwardly from the outer periphery of the ring. The inner ends of the fingers are adapted to frictionally engage and bite into the surface of a tube inserted therethrough to prevent its withdrawal. Axial movement of the ring within the coupling body is prevented in one direction by axially extending fingers on the ring engaging an inwardly projecting annular shoulder in the bore of the body. Axial movement of the ring in the opposite direction is prevented by retaining means located at least partially within the bore of the body positioned adjacent an annular seal engaging one face of the ring.

Abstract: A connector is described for joining tubes together, particularly plastics tubing as used in laboratories and the like.The connector comprises a first member having a barb-like projection through which the tube can be pushed but cannot be pulled in the reverse direction due to the interaction between the barb-like projection and the surface of the tube. The protruding captive end of the tube passes through a resiliently deformable disc of plastics material preferably Polytetrafluroethylene and in a preferred embodiment the disc is partly housed in a cup-shaped extension from the first member.The assembly of first member and disc is secured within a sleeve by means of a screw-thread engagement between the said sleeve and a further member which acts on the rear of the said first member. The said further member is screw-threadedly advanced into or onto the sleeve.

Abstract: A quick disconnect coupling for high pressure hoses or pipes of various diameters features safety, ease and convenience of assembly and disassembly and simplicity of construction. The coupling is a separate assembly from the hose or pipe with which it is connected rather than being contiguous therewith. Only three coupling components and a ring type resilient seal are involved in the coupling. The two interfitting coupling elements have wrench flats thereon and a threaded collar positively holds the coupling elements in assembled relationship.

Abstract: Apparatus for attachment to garden hoses in a wide range of sizes to provide a conventional hose fitting on an end thereof, which consists essentially of a tubular shank member molded of plastic material having exterior ring sections on one end thereof adapted to enter the interior of the hose end and a fitting on the opposite end thereof, a tubular collar member molded of plastic material having an internal threaded section on one end thereof engageable with an exterior threaded section on the shank member and an interior hose engaging flange on the opposite end thereof. A plurality of sizing members of different internal diameter sizes in the form of split rings is provided for engagement in abutting relation to the interior surface of the annular flange of the collar member.

Abstract: A sealed connection for two cylindrical members includes semi-cylindrical connector sections sized to fit about the members, to bridge the joint between the members, and to be retained in position. An over-center flexing seal is also provided between two such members, as for example pipe members.

Abstract: A misalignment connector has a pair of hubs providing internal, opposed spherical surfaces loaded into engagement with an internal, metal sealing ring having a spherical, outer sealing surface, the hubs being constrained together to maintain loading of the seal ring over a range of angles of misalignment. The internal seal ring is initially retained in position with respect to one of the hubs and is shiftable for proper sealing and loading engagement by the hubs over the range of permissible misalignment. The metal-to-metal seal between the hubs and the seal ring is backed up by a resilient seal. The metal seal ring has an outer peripheral projection forming a connection for the retainer, and the projection is engageable by the hubs to angularly shift the seal ring during assembly.

Abstract: A pivotal screwed fitting for joining pipes has a hollow body including a coupling nipple for attachment to the end of one of the pipes. The hollow body is adjustable about the axis of the coupling nipple. The fitting further has a hollow screw arranged in the hollow body. The hollow screw has a threaded end portion to be screwed into another one of the pipes for tightening the hollow body to the last-named pipe. The hollow screw has a plurality of ports which maintain communication between an axial blind bore of the hollow screw and an annular channel defined together by the hollow body and the hollow screw. A connecting passage defined by a wall of the hollow body maintains communication between the coupling nipple and the annular channel. The passage widens from the coupling nipple in the direction of the annular channel; the wall defining the connecting passage has an at least approximately rotationally symmetrical configuration with respect to the axis of the coupling nipple of the hollow body.

Abstract: A pipe coupling for releasably securing pipe in end to end relation uses controlled wedging action of contractile rings positioned between the coupling and the ends of the pipes. The pipes are disengagable from the coupling by manually moving the pipes inwardly of the coupling and then inserting a thin half circular sleeve tool between the pipes and the contractile rings so as to reposition the contractile rings away from the pipes.

Abstract: A latching and unlatching system for connecting a riser pipe to the casing in a subsea well. A split-circumferential ring fits into mating grooves in the male end of the casing and the female end of the riser. A releasing tool runs on a drill pipe suspended within the riser pipe and has a number of radially extendible pistons actuated by hydraulic pressure through the drill pipe to expand the split ring out of the casing groove to the grooved recess of the riser pipe. This releases the riser pipe from connection with the casing so it can then be raised.

Abstract: A misalignment connector for large pipelines includes an internal, metal seal ring having an external spherical surface which is axially and circumferentially loaded between opposed internal spherical metal surfaces of pipe connector hubs having parts engaged with holding means having spherical surfaces enabling the connector to be made up with the pipe connector hubs disposed over a range of angular misalignment and with the sealing ring loaded axially and inwardly when the connector body parts are secured together by the holding means to prevent relaxation of the preload on the sealing ring. The metal sealing ring is initially supported on one of the hubs by means enabling relative angular motion of the sealing ring as it is loaded between misaligned hubs. The hubs are provided with thrust surfaces enabling them to be initially preloaded against the sealing ring by a loading tool.

Abstract: A misalignment conductor for large pipelines or conductor pipes includes an internal, metal seal ring having an external spherical surface which is axially and circumferentially loaded between opposed internal spherical metal surfaces of connector hubs. Connector body parts engaged with or formed on the pipe connector ends or hubs have spherical surfaces enabling the connector to be made up with the pipe connector hubs disposed over a range of angular misalignment. The sealing ring is preloaded by a loading tool when the connector body parts are secured together to prevent relaxation of the preload on the sealing ring. The metal sealing ring is initially supported on one of the hubs by means enabling angular adjustment of the sealing ring as it is loaded between misaligned hubs.

Abstract: In a hose and pipe coupling having a coupling head and a nozzle which is insertable therein and which is lockable therewith by a locking element inserted in the coupling head, wherein the locking element consists of a spring-elastic ring having a slit and onto which are formed two oppositely directed arcuate spring arms embracing the coupling head and starting from the slit, and the coupling head having a slit-shaped circumferential opening for receiving a plug as well as an internal annular groove for the partial reception of the spring-elastic ring, the nozzle at the coupling side being provided with an annular groove for at least partially receiving the spring-elastic ring in the connected condition of the nozzle, wherein the improvement consists of a protective cap displaceably arranged on the coupling head so that after the nozzle and coupling head are connected together, the cap is slid over the elastic ring. The elastic ring includes gripping knobs formed on the outer ends of its spring arms.

Abstract: Our invention pertains to a gas outlet device that is adapted to be installed in a wall and a connector tube that is designed to engage and disengage the gas outlet device. More particularly, our invention pertains to a gas outlet device and a connector tube that can be engaged and disengaged by simply pushing and pulling the connector tube and which eliminates the necessity for rotating the connector tube in order to engage it with the gas outlet device.

Abstract: A flow-through or fluid coupling connector assembly possessing positive locking connect and ready disconnect comprising two connector bodies; one having a male tubular member, and the other having a female tubular member for receiving the male member upon connection of the two bodies together. The male tubular member of the one connector body has resilient arm members spaced from and extending along opposite sides of the tubular member's axis with the free remote ends of the arms flaring outwardly therefrom. The arm members are each provided with an inwardly projecting flange member for locking the two connector bodies together by fitting into a recessed collar on the other connector body.

Abstract: A tube fitting of the push-pull type wherein the tube end is connected to the fitting by a simple inward insertion thereof, and withdrawal of the tube is effected by a simple withdrawal movement thereof upon manual rearrangement of the fitting components. The fitting includes a spring finger locking element adapted to engage the tube end when inserted and effectively prevent outward axial withdrawal movement of the tube end. A manipulating device is provided for selectively disengaging the spring finger from the tube end to permit axial withdrawal of the tube end when desired. The disengaging device is a one-piece element and is associated with suitable seals for providing an accurately preselected prestressing thereof against the tube end and body to provide an improved seal of the tube end to the body. The spring fingers are defined by an annular element.

Abstract: A pitless well adapter is provided having a main body portion with vertical and horizontal openings which are interconnected through the main body to provide a passageway for water from the well into a horizontal supply pipe. The adapter is secured in a well casing so that the horizontal opening is in registry with a hole in the side of the casing, and an outer connector member is secured around the outside of the casing to provide a means for connecting the horizontally extending pipe. The main body of the adapter is held in position inside the casing by thrust developed between the adapter and opposite sides of the casing wall. A pair of lever arms are pivotally interconnected and mounted on the main body opposite the horizontal opening with an end portion of one of the lever arms being secured to the main body and an end portion of the other lever arm being secured to a slide member mounted for vertical sliding movement on the main body and engaged with a threaded member rotatably mounted in the main body.

Abstract: A backflow preventer in a fluid conduit permits flow from the inlet to the outlet of the preventer when the inlet is pressurized and prevents reverse flow upon termination of flow through the preventer. An apertured diaphragm between the inlet and outlet closes a valve seat between the outlet and a vent passage when the inlet is relatively pressurized. A check member upstream of the diaphragm closes the diaphragm aperture if the outlet is relatively pressurized and maintains the diaphragm aperture closed upon pressurization of the inlet until after closing of the vent valve seat. A second vent communicates with the interior of the preventer and is closed by a portion of the diaphragm upon pressurization of the interior. A relief port in the chamber includes a temperature responsive element that opens the relief port once ambient temperature reaches a preselected level. The inlet includes an internally threaded sleeve within the housing that may be secured to an externally threaded fluid hydrant.

Abstract: The temporary airtight connection of a connection hose of an air pump with a tube valve is effected by a fixation clamp presenting fastening means for connecting pieces.

Abstract: A nozzle member for an automatic washing apparatus for containers which nozzles are capable of washing containers in a fast and efficient manner. The containers for which this particular nozzle is fabricated are of the semirigid type and are composed of a plastic material. They are elongated in configuration and are intended to contain sterile liquids. The nozzle is fabricated to enter the plastic container and thoroughly wash it with a mixture of detergent, water, and air. This is a continuation, of application Ser. No. 660,587 filed Feb. 23, 1976, now abandoned.

Abstract: A marine riser including a uniquely designed three element connection structure and associated connecting and releasing means for the inhibiting of fatigue failure caused by moments and axial loads resulting from relative motion between the fixed ocean bottom and a floating drilling platform or ship, such as a semisubmersible rig. The system includes a preloaded connection including a female member and a male member coaxially aligned and held in compression by a nut placed in tension. The connection holds riser pipe sections together. The connection is preloaded through a tool to a degree such that when a load equal to the yield strength of the pipe section material is applied to the pipe sections joined by the connector, the compressed faces of the male and female members do not separate from each other. The degree of preload would be sufficient to maintain the contact between the compressed faces under expected working loads of the pipe sections.

Abstract: A fitting piece for connecting rigid or flexible tubes which are made particularly from plastic, the fitting piece having an opening to receive therein the tube and being provided with at least one inwards protruding annular rib having edges, preferably sharp edges, the cross-section of said rib being formed in such a manner that a straight line interconnecting the center point of the basis to the peak of the cross-section is inclined to the axis of the tube-receiving opening by an acute angle with its vertex pointing to the interior of said opening, said fitting piece being characterized in that at least the annular rib and preferably the whole of the fitting piece is made from an elastically deformable plastic material whose coefficient of elasticity amounts to at least 20,000 kgf per cm.sup.

Abstract: A quick connect-disconnect pipe coupling especially suitable for fiberglass pipelines including a male adaptor having a split ring located in a groove machined therein and bonded to one end of a pipeline. The split ring is held in the contracted position in the groove by means of a pair of restraining pins. A female sleeve is provided for receiving the male adaptor. The male adaptor is inserted into the female section, whereupon the wall of the female section "knocks out" the pins in the male section allowing the split ring to expand to its natural position and fits closely in a groove provided in the internal surface of the female section.For disconnect the split ring is compressed by inserting a tool through the wall of the female section to recompress and close the split ring and reinserting the restraining pins. The female section is then slid over the male section.

Abstract: A threaded connector for a pipe string, such as a production riser used in connection with sub-aqueous wells, in which the threaded connection between the pin member and box member of the connector is made up initially through an application of relatively low torque to the members, after which the connector has a straight line pretension force of a high tensile value applied to it through use of a suitable tool, the high pretension force being retained between the mating threads of the pin and box members by a preload reaction member threaded on the pin member and rotated into solid engagement with the box member while the pretension force is being applied, to lock the preload in the connector between the threads.

Abstract: A pipe joint for connecting heterogeneous pipes is disclosed, wherein the one end, which is provided with a metallic male screw, forms a connecting portion with metallic wares, and the other end, which is molded of synthetic resin, constitutes another connecting portion with synthetic resinous goods. A nut-shaped tightener part, which is needed in time of the joint's being screw-connected with metallic pipe, is formed integrally with the metallic material which constitutes the male screw, being exposed high on the external periphery of the pipe joint, while the synthetic resinous material, which forms the synthetic resinous connecting portion, as being extended, is adhered all over the internal periphery of metallic material to be watertightened.

Abstract: A pipe coupling for releasably securing pipes in end to end relation uses ntrolled wedging action of contractile rings positioned between the coupling and the ends of the pipes. The pipes are disengagable from the coupling through the use of a tool inserted between the pipe and the coupling and simultaneously moving the pipe inwardly of the coupling so as to reposition the contractile rings.

Abstract: A joint connecting the plug of one pipe to the socket of another pipe and permitting relative axial movement between the pipes includes a step surface formed on the end of the plug and engageable by a split lock ring fitted into an annular groove formed in the inner surface of the socket. The lock ring is contractable into fitted relation with the plug and is provided at its ends with overlapping portions engageable by a retaining member insertable through the clearance between the socket and plug to maintain the lock ring in contracted position. The overlapping portions are preferably provided on separate pieces adjustably mounted on the ends of the split lock ring. A jig, insertable through the clearance between the plug and the socket into engagement with the ends of the lock ring, is provided for contracting the lock ring prior to the insertion of the retaining member.

Abstract: A tubular body portion has an internally threaded portion and a cylindrical portion and includes an annular recess portion therebetween. The annular recess portion includes a first shoulder adjacent the threaded portion and a second shoulder adjacent the cylindrical portion. A circumferential cutting edge portion is provided at the juncture of the second shoulder and the adjacent cylindrical portion. A first conduit to be joined is extended through the cylindrical portion into substantially abutting relation with the first shoulder. A suitable expanding tool expands the end portion of the first conduit outwardly into the annular recess portion and against the cutting edge to produce a distinct gouge or circumferential cut therein. The coupling remains rotational relative to the first conduit with the end portion thereof expanded into the annular recess portion. A second conduit to be joined is threadedly advanced into the threaded end portion of the coupling by rotation of the coupling.

Abstract: A connector apparatus particularly useful in pile driving in water to enable a pile string to be released or disconnected in the vicinity of the mudline after the pile has been driven to its final depth, the connector including an upper box secured to one portion of a pin apparatus attached by a releasable mechanism to another lower portion of the pin apparatus, release of the mechanism by a suitable tool operated from a remote location enabling the drive pile string above the lower portion of the pin to be withdrawn through the water to the surface.