US3591204A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Underwater flow line connector system
Assignee: FMC Corp
•
Filing: 1968-05-07
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Granted: 1971-07-06
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Expires: 1988-05-07
Abstract
Abstract A remotely controllable, hydraulic-powered connector system for coupling and uncoupling a fluid flow line at an underwater or other remote location, particularly at the site of an underwater wellhead, including a mechanism for releasably latching the connector in place to a foundation structure at the coupling site, and a system for indicating whether or not the apparatus is in a fully coupled or uncoupled condition.
Inventors
- 👤 Kelly V Shipes
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 04:26
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16L; F16L1/00; F16L1/26; E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/01; E21B43/013; F16L37/00; F16L37/56; F16L39/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
303 words
A remotely controllable apparatus for coupling the ends of two conduits into fluidtight relationship, comprising: a. an alignment facility for aligning the conduit ends into coaxial position; b. a latching facility associated with said alignment facility for engaging a conduit end and releasably latching it to said alignment facility; c. conduit connector means attached to said conduit ends for releasably coupling and uncoupling said conduit ends to and from each other, said connector means comprising a stationary component and an axially movable component; d. means for moving said movable component into coaxial engagement with said stationary component; e. means for releasably locking said movable component and said stationary component to each other in said coaxial position; and f. means for indicating at a remote location whether said conduit ends are coupled or uncoupled; said latching facility including a stationary member on one of said connector components, and a movable member mounted on said alignment facility, whereby when said connector component approaches said alignment facility said movable member alters its position to latch with said stationary member, said stationary member comprising a stab hook mounted on and projecting radially outward from said connector component, and said movable member comprising a pivotally mounted latch pin biased towards said stab hook and adapted to engage and releasably hold said stab hook when said connector component is in coupling position on said alignment facility; said moving means comprising a primary hydraulic system connecting said movable component and a remote control facility, and a secondary hydraulic system connecting said stationary component and said remote control facility, and said indicating means including an annular fluid bypass member in said movable component and associated with said hydraulic system to reduce flow of hydraulic fluid past said member when said movable component in in one of said coupled or uncoupled positions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
303 words
A remotely controllable apparatus for coupling the ends of two conduits into fluidtight relationship, comprising: a. an alignment facility for aligning the conduit ends into coaxial position; b. a latching facility associated with said alignment facility for engaging a conduit end and releasably latching it to said alignment facility; c. conduit connector means attached to said conduit ends for releasably coupling and uncoupling said conduit ends to and from each other, said connector means comprising a stationary component and an axially movable component; d. means for moving said movable component into coaxial engagement with said stationary component; e. means for releasably locking said movable component and said stationary component to each other in said coaxial position; and f. means for indicating at a remote location whether said conduit ends are coupled or uncoupled; said latching facility including a stationary member on one of said connector components, and a movable member mounted on said alignment facility, whereby when said connector component approaches said alignment facility said movable member alters its position to latch with said stationary member, said stationary member comprising a stab hook mounted on and projecting radially outward from said connector component, and said movable member comprising a pivotally mounted latch pin biased towards said stab hook and adapted to engage and releasably hold said stab hook when said connector component is in coupling position on said alignment facility; said moving means comprising a primary hydraulic system connecting said movable component and a remote control facility, and a secondary hydraulic system connecting said stationary component and said remote control facility, and said indicating means including an annular fluid bypass member in said movable component and associated with said hydraulic system to reduce flow of hydraulic fluid past said member when said movable component in in one of said coupled or uncoupled positions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
159 words
A remotely controllable apparatus for coupling the ends of two conduits into fluidtight relationship, comprising a. an alignment facility for aligning the conduit ends into coaxial position; b. conduit connector means attached to said conduit ends for releasably coupling and uncoupling said conduit ends to and from each other, said connector means comprising a stationary component and an axially movable component; c. means for moving said movable component into coaxial engagement with said stationary component; d. means for releasably locking said movable component and said stationary component to each other in said coaxial position; and e. a latching facility associated with said alignment facility for engaging a conduit end and releasably latching it to said alignment facility, said latching facility including a stab hook and a pivotally mounted latch pin biased towards said stab hook, said latch pin adapted to engage and releasably hold said stab hook when said conduit end is in coupling position on said alignment facility.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
159 words
A remotely controllable apparatus for coupling the ends of two conduits into fluidtight relationship, comprising a. an alignment facility for aligning the conduit ends into coaxial position; b. conduit connector means attached to said conduit ends for releasably coupling and uncoupling said conduit ends to and from each other, said connector means comprising a stationary component and an axially movable component; c. means for moving said movable component into coaxial engagement with said stationary component; d. means for releasably locking said movable component and said stationary component to each other in said coaxial position; and e. a latching facility associated with said alignment facility for engaging a conduit end and releasably latching it to said alignment facility, said latching facility including a stab hook and a pivotally mounted latch pin biased towards said stab hook, said latch pin adapted to engage and releasably hold said stab hook when said conduit end is in coupling position on said alignment facility.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
238 words
A remotely controllable apparatus for coupling the ends of two Conduits into fluidtight relationship, comprising: a. an alignment facility for aligning the conduit ends into coaxial position; b. a latching facility associated with said alignment facility for engaging a conduit end and releasably latching it to said alignment facility, said latching facility including cam means to unlatch said conduit end from said alignment facility solely in response to the exertion of a force biasing apart said conduit end and said alignment facility; c. conduit connector means attached to said conduit ends for releasably coupling and uncoupling said conduit ends to and from each other, said connector means comprising a stationary component and an axially movable component; d. means for moving said movable component into coaxial engagement with said stationary component, said moving means comprising a primary hydraulic system connecting said movable component and a remote control facility, and a secondary hydraulic system connecting said stationary component and said remote control facility; e. means for releasably locking said movable component and said stationary component to each other in said coaxial position; and f. means for indicating at a remote location whether said conduit ends are coupled or uncoupled, said indicating means comprising an annular fluid bypass member in said movable component and associated with said hydraulic system to reduce flow of hydraulic fluid past said member when said movable component is in one of said coupled or uncoupled positions.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
238 words
A remotely controllable apparatus for coupling the ends of two Conduits into fluidtight relationship, comprising: a. an alignment facility for aligning the conduit ends into coaxial position; b. a latching facility associated with said alignment facility for engaging a conduit end and releasably latching it to said alignment facility, said latching facility including cam means to unlatch said conduit end from said alignment facility solely in response to the exertion of a force biasing apart said conduit end and said alignment facility; c. conduit connector means attached to said conduit ends for releasably coupling and uncoupling said conduit ends to and from each other, said connector means comprising a stationary component and an axially movable component; d. means for moving said movable component into coaxial engagement with said stationary component, said moving means comprising a primary hydraulic system connecting said movable component and a remote control facility, and a secondary hydraulic system connecting said stationary component and said remote control facility; e. means for releasably locking said movable component and said stationary component to each other in said coaxial position; and f. means for indicating at a remote location whether said conduit ends are coupled or uncoupled, said indicating means comprising an annular fluid bypass member in said movable component and associated with said hydraulic system to reduce flow of hydraulic fluid past said member when said movable component is in one of said coupled or uncoupled positions.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
207 words
A remotely controllable apparatus for coupling the ends of two conduits into fluidtight relationship, comprising: a. an alignment facility for aligning the conduit ends into coaxial position; b. a latching facility associated with said alignment facility for engaging a conduit end and releasably latching it to said alignment facility; c. conduit connector means attached to said conduit ends for releasably coupling and uncoupling said conduit ends to and from each other, said connector means comprising a stationary component and an axially movable component; d. means for moving said movable component into coaxial engagement with said stationary component, said moving means comprising a primary hydraulic system connecting said movable component and a remote control facility, and a secondary hydraulic system connecting said stationary component and said remote control facility; e. means for releasably locking said movable component and said stationary component to each other in said coaxial position; and f. hydraulic means for indicating at a remote location whether said conduit ends are coupled or uncoupled, said indicating means comprising a hydraulic system associated with said movable connector component and including an annular fluid bypass element that retards the flow of hydraulic fluid in said system when said movable connector component is in its coupled or uncoupled position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
207 words
A remotely controllable apparatus for coupling the ends of two conduits into fluidtight relationship, comprising: a. an alignment facility for aligning the conduit ends into coaxial position; b. a latching facility associated with said alignment facility for engaging a conduit end and releasably latching it to said alignment facility; c. conduit connector means attached to said conduit ends for releasably coupling and uncoupling said conduit ends to and from each other, said connector means comprising a stationary component and an axially movable component; d. means for moving said movable component into coaxial engagement with said stationary component, said moving means comprising a primary hydraulic system connecting said movable component and a remote control facility, and a secondary hydraulic system connecting said stationary component and said remote control facility; e. means for releasably locking said movable component and said stationary component to each other in said coaxial position; and f. hydraulic means for indicating at a remote location whether said conduit ends are coupled or uncoupled, said indicating means comprising a hydraulic system associated with said movable connector component and including an annular fluid bypass element that retards the flow of hydraulic fluid in said system when said movable connector component is in its coupled or uncoupled position.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said bypass element is sleevelike with inner and outer surfaces and end surfaces, and includes at least one groove in each of said end surfaces extending generally radially between said inner and outer surfaces.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
205 words
A remotely controllable apparatus for coupling the ends of two conduits into fluidtight relationship, comprising: a. an alignment facility for aligning the conduit ends into coaxial position; b. conduit connector means attached to said conduit ends for releasably coupling and uncoupling said conduit ends to and from each other, said connector means comprising a stationary component and an axially movable component; c. means for moving said movable component into coaxial engagement with said stationary component; d. means for releasably locking said movable component and said stationary component to each other in said coaxial position; e. hydraulic means for indicating at a remote location whether said conduit ends are coupled or uncoupled; and f. a latchIng facility associated with said alignment facility for engaging a conduit end and releasably latching it to said alignment facility, said latching facility including a stationary member on one of said connector components and a movable member on said alignment facility, said stationary member comprising a stab hook projecting radially outward from said connector component, said movable member comprising a pivotally mounted latch pin biased towards said stab hook and adapted to engage and releasably hold said stab hook when said connector component is in coupling position on said alignment facility.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
205 words
A remotely controllable apparatus for coupling the ends of two conduits into fluidtight relationship, comprising: a. an alignment facility for aligning the conduit ends into coaxial position; b. conduit connector means attached to said conduit ends for releasably coupling and uncoupling said conduit ends to and from each other, said connector means comprising a stationary component and an axially movable component; c. means for moving said movable component into coaxial engagement with said stationary component; d. means for releasably locking said movable component and said stationary component to each other in said coaxial position; e. hydraulic means for indicating at a remote location whether said conduit ends are coupled or uncoupled; and f. a latchIng facility associated with said alignment facility for engaging a conduit end and releasably latching it to said alignment facility, said latching facility including a stationary member on one of said connector components and a movable member on said alignment facility, said stationary member comprising a stab hook projecting radially outward from said connector component, said movable member comprising a pivotally mounted latch pin biased towards said stab hook and adapted to engage and releasably hold said stab hook when said connector component is in coupling position on said alignment facility.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
168 words
A remotely controllable apparatus for coupling the ends of two conduits into fluidtight relationship, comprising: a. an alignment facility for aligning the conduit ends into coaxial position; b. a latching facility associated with said alignment facility for engaging a conduit end and releasably latching it to said alignment facility, said latching facility including rigid cam means to unlatch said conduit end from said alignment facility solely in response to the exertion of a force biasing apart said conduit end and said alignment facility; c. conduit connector means attached to said conduit ends for releasably coupling and uncoupling said conduit ends to and from each other, said connector means comprising a stationary component and an axially movable component; d. means for moving said movable component into coaxial engagement with said stationary component; e. means for releasably locking said movable component and said stationary component to each other in said coaxial position, and f. hydraulic means for indicating at a remote location whether said conduit ends are coupled or uncoupled.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
168 words
A remotely controllable apparatus for coupling the ends of two conduits into fluidtight relationship, comprising: a. an alignment facility for aligning the conduit ends into coaxial position; b. a latching facility associated with said alignment facility for engaging a conduit end and releasably latching it to said alignment facility, said latching facility including rigid cam means to unlatch said conduit end from said alignment facility solely in response to the exertion of a force biasing apart said conduit end and said alignment facility; c. conduit connector means attached to said conduit ends for releasably coupling and uncoupling said conduit ends to and from each other, said connector means comprising a stationary component and an axially movable component; d. means for moving said movable component into coaxial engagement with said stationary component; e. means for releasably locking said movable component and said stationary component to each other in said coaxial position, and f. hydraulic means for indicating at a remote location whether said conduit ends are coupled or uncoupled.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
49 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said latching facility includes a stationary member on one of said connector components, and a movable member mounted on said alignment facility, whereby when said connector component approaches said alignment facility said movable member alters its position to latch with said stationary member.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said moving means comprises a primary hydraulic system connecting said movable component and a remote control facility, and a secondary hydraulic system connecting said stationary component and said remote control facility.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
51 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said hydraulic indicating means comprises an hydraulic system associated with said movable connector component, said hydraulic system including a restriction unit that retards the flow of hydraulic fluid in said system when said movable connector component is in its fully coupled or fully uncoupled condition.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-07-05 | 1975-01-04 | 1975-07-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-07-05 | 1979-01-04 | 1979-07-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-07-05 | 1983-01-04 | 1983-07-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |