US3844313A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and method for making a test connection to a tubular member
Assignee: HUGHES UNDERSEA COUPLINGS INCORPORATED A CORP OF
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Filing: 1973-04-26
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Granted: 1974-10-29
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Expires: 1993-04-26
Abstract
Abstract An internal-fitting plug or coupling and method for making a connection to a tubular member. The coupling or plug is arranged for mounting in telescopic relationship with a cylindrical member. The coupling or the plug is provided with a pair of axially spaced apart annular recesses which face in a generally radial direction at the interface between the coupling or plug and the cylindrical member. An annular resilient seal is supported in one of the recesses in such a manner as to form an annular closed chamber therebehind and with the seal arranged for sealing between the coupling or plug and a tubular member. Conduits are provided in the coupling or plug for applying a fluidized pressure to the annular space back of the seal to move the seal into the sealing position. A gripping element is supported in the other of the recesses and is arranged for moving to position for locking the coupling or plug in telescopic relationship with the tubular member upon the application of a fluid pressure thereto. The coupling of this invention may be utilized for making connection to the internal end of the tubular member so as to complete a flow conduit through the tubular member. The coupling or plug of this apparatus may also be used to seal the end of the tubular member which is to be pressure tested and wherein line pressure in the tubular member is used to facilitate closure of the tubular member during testing, for example.
Inventors
- 👤 J Arnold
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 01:03
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16L; F16L55/00; F16L55/10; F16L55/12; F16L55/128; F16L55/1286; F16L17/00; F16L17/10; F16L37/00; F16L37/002; F16L55/136
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 30
Claim 1
Independent Claim
180 words
In an apparatus for closing the end of a tubular member, the combination comprising: a plug member arranged for insertion in the end of said tubular member in telescopic relationship therewith, said plug member having at least two axially spaced apart annular recesses thereabout, with each of said recesses facing radially outward; an annular resilient seal supported in one of said recesses and forming an annular closed chamber radially inwardly thereof, with said seal being arranged for sealing engagement between said plug member and the internal surface of said tubular member upon radially outward deformation thereof; means for applying fluid pressure to said annular chamber to deform said seal radially outwardly to said sealing position; another annular resilient ring supported in another of said recesses and forming another annular closed chamber radially inwardly thereof; means supported by said other resilient ring for locking said plug member in said telescopic position upon actuation thereof; and means for applying fluid pressure to said other annular chamber to deform said other ring radially outwardly and urge said locking means to said locking position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
180 words
In an apparatus for closing the end of a tubular member, the combination comprising: a plug member arranged for insertion in the end of said tubular member in telescopic relationship therewith, said plug member having at least two axially spaced apart annular recesses thereabout, with each of said recesses facing radially outward; an annular resilient seal supported in one of said recesses and forming an annular closed chamber radially inwardly thereof, with said seal being arranged for sealing engagement between said plug member and the internal surface of said tubular member upon radially outward deformation thereof; means for applying fluid pressure to said annular chamber to deform said seal radially outwardly to said sealing position; another annular resilient ring supported in another of said recesses and forming another annular closed chamber radially inwardly thereof; means supported by said other resilient ring for locking said plug member in said telescopic position upon actuation thereof; and means for applying fluid pressure to said other annular chamber to deform said other ring radially outwardly and urge said locking means to said locking position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
70 words
The invention as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said seal is supported in said recess which is axially inward from the end of said tublular member and said locking means is mounted in said recess which is axially outward toward the end of said tubular member; and said means for applying fluid pressure to said other annular chamber includes conduit means for transmitting fluid pressure thereto from said tubular member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The invention as claimed in Claim 2 wherein: said plug member has conduit means therein for relieving fluid pressure from said tubular member at determined times.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
82 words
The invention as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said plug member includes an external portion which surrounds the outside surface of said tubular member when said plug member is inserted in the end thereof; said portion having at least one annular recess therein facing radially inwardly means supported in said external plug portion recess for locking said members in said telescopic position upon actuation thereof; and fluid pressure actuated means for moving said locking means to the locking position upon actuation thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
162 words
In apparatus for making a connection to a generally tubular member, the combination comprising: a housing member arranged for mounting in telescopic relationship inside said tubular member, said housing member having two axially spaced apart generally channel shaped annular recesses, with each of said recesses facing in a generally radial direction; an annular resilient seal mounted in each of said recesses and contacting both side walls thereof to form annular closed chambers radially therebehind, with one of said seals being arranged for sealing engagement between said members upon radial deformation thereof; means supported radially adjacent the other of said seals for engaging said tubular member at a plurality of circumferentially spaced locations and locking said members in said telescopic position upon actuation thereof; and means for fluid pressurizing said annular chambers to thereby radially deform said seals, whereby said seal adjacent said locking means urges said locking means to said locking positions and said other seal is moved to said sealing position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
162 words
In apparatus for making a connection to a generally tubular member, the combination comprising: a housing member arranged for mounting in telescopic relationship inside said tubular member, said housing member having two axially spaced apart generally channel shaped annular recesses, with each of said recesses facing in a generally radial direction; an annular resilient seal mounted in each of said recesses and contacting both side walls thereof to form annular closed chambers radially therebehind, with one of said seals being arranged for sealing engagement between said members upon radial deformation thereof; means supported radially adjacent the other of said seals for engaging said tubular member at a plurality of circumferentially spaced locations and locking said members in said telescopic position upon actuation thereof; and means for fluid pressurizing said annular chambers to thereby radially deform said seals, whereby said seal adjacent said locking means urges said locking means to said locking positions and said other seal is moved to said sealing position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
102 words
The invention as claimed in claim 5 wherein: said housing member is provided with a third generally channel shaped annular recess facing in a generally radial direction, with said third recess being axially spaced from said recess having said seal supported therein; a third annular resilient seal mounted in said third recess and contacting both side walls thereof to form another annular closed chamber radially therebehind, with said third seal being arranged for sealing engagement between said members upon radial deformation thereof; and means for fluid pressurizing said third annular chamber, to thereby radially deform said third seal into said sealing position.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
113 words
The invention as claimed in claim 5 wherein: said housing member is provided with a third generally channel shaped annular recess axially spaced apart from said two recesses and facing in a generally radial direction; an annular resilient ring mounted in said third recess and forming another annular closed chamber radially therebehind, with said ring arranged for radial deformation in response to fluid pressure applied to said other chamber; means supported by said ring for holding said members in said telescopic position upon radial deformation of said ring; and means for fluid pressurizing said other annular closed chamber, to thereby radially deform said ring and move said holding means to said holding position.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
98 words
The invention as claimed in claim 7 wherein: said housing member is provided with a fourth generally channel shaped annular recess axially spaced apart from said first three recesses, and with said fourth recess facing in a generally radial direction; another annular resilient seal mounted in said fourth recess and contacting both side walls thereof to form a fourth annular closed chamber radially therebehind, with said seal being arranged for sealing engagement between said members upon radial deformation thereof; and means for fluid pressurizing said fourth chamber, to thereby radially deform said other seal into said sealing position.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
52 words
The invention as claimed in claim 5 wherein: said locking means includes a split ring mounted radially adjacent saiD other seal, with said ring having one radial side arranged for contact by said other seal, and with the other radial side thereof having means for frictionally engaging said tubular member upon actuation.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
39 words
The invention as claimed in claim 9 wherein: the side of said split ring adjacent said seal is tapered in an axial direction, whereby said locking means will resist greater axial force in one direction than in the other.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
33 words
The invention as claimed in claim 9 wherein: the side of said split ring adjacent said seal is tapered in both axial directions, whereby said locking means resists both tension and compression forces.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
179 words
In apparatus for making a connection to a generally tubular member, the combination comprising: a housing member arranged for mounting in telescopic relationship inside said tubular member, said housing member having three axially spaced apart generally channel shaped annular recesses, with each of said recesses facing in a generally radial direction; an annular resilient seal mounted in each of said recesses and contacting both side walls thereof to form annular closed chambers radially therebehind, with two of said axially adjacent seals being arranged for sealing engagement between said members upon radial deformation thereof; means supported radially adjacent the other of said seals for locking said members in said telescopic position upon actuation thereof; means for fluid pressurizing said annular chambers to thereby radially deform said seals, whereby said seal adjacent said gripping means urges said gripping means to said locking position and said other seals are moved to said sealing position; and means for fluid pressurizing the annular chamber formed between said members and between said seals, to thereby test the sealing of said seals forming said testing chamber.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
179 words
In apparatus for making a connection to a generally tubular member, the combination comprising: a housing member arranged for mounting in telescopic relationship inside said tubular member, said housing member having three axially spaced apart generally channel shaped annular recesses, with each of said recesses facing in a generally radial direction; an annular resilient seal mounted in each of said recesses and contacting both side walls thereof to form annular closed chambers radially therebehind, with two of said axially adjacent seals being arranged for sealing engagement between said members upon radial deformation thereof; means supported radially adjacent the other of said seals for locking said members in said telescopic position upon actuation thereof; means for fluid pressurizing said annular chambers to thereby radially deform said seals, whereby said seal adjacent said gripping means urges said gripping means to said locking position and said other seals are moved to said sealing position; and means for fluid pressurizing the annular chamber formed between said members and between said seals, to thereby test the sealing of said seals forming said testing chamber.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
36 words
The invention as claimed in claim 12 wherein: said means for fluid pressurizing said annular chamber includes means for flowing a hardenable material into said chamber, whereby said hardenable material, upon hardening, bonds said members together.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
155 words
In a method of sealingly closing the end of a tubular member, the combination of steps comprising: mounting a plug member in the end of said tubular member in telescopic relationship therewith, said plug member being formed with at least two axially spaced apart annular recesses thereabout, with said recesses facing generally radially outward; supporting an annular resilient seal in one of said recesses and thereby forming an annular closed chamber radially inwardly thereof; applying a fluid pressure to said annular chamber to deform said seal radially outwardly into sealing engagement between said members; supporting an annular resilient ring in another one of said recesses and thereby forming another annular closed chamber radially inwardly thereof; supporting means for locking said members in said telescopic position radially adjacent said ring; and applying fluid pressure to said other annular chamber to thereby deform said ring radially outwardly and to urge said locking means to said locking position.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
155 words
In a method of sealingly closing the end of a tubular member, the combination of steps comprising: mounting a plug member in the end of said tubular member in telescopic relationship therewith, said plug member being formed with at least two axially spaced apart annular recesses thereabout, with said recesses facing generally radially outward; supporting an annular resilient seal in one of said recesses and thereby forming an annular closed chamber radially inwardly thereof; applying a fluid pressure to said annular chamber to deform said seal radially outwardly into sealing engagement between said members; supporting an annular resilient ring in another one of said recesses and thereby forming another annular closed chamber radially inwardly thereof; supporting means for locking said members in said telescopic position radially adjacent said ring; and applying fluid pressure to said other annular chamber to thereby deform said ring radially outwardly and to urge said locking means to said locking position.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
72 words
The invention as claimed in claim 14 including: supporting said seal in said recess which is axially inward from the end of said tubular member; supporting said resilient ring and said locking means in said recess which is axially outward toward the end of said tubular member; and wherein the application of said fluid pressure to said other annular chamber includes flowing pressurized fluid from the interior of said tubular member thereinto.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
95 words
The invention as claimed in claim 14 including: forming said plug member with an external portion which surrounds the outside surface of said tubular member when said plug member is mounted in the end thereof; forming at least one annular recess in said external portion, which recess faces generally radially inward; supporting means responsive to fluid presSure in said recess in said external portion for holding said external portion and said tubular member in fixed relationship upon actuation thereof; and applying fluid pressure to said holding means to hold said plug in said tubular member.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
35 words
The invention as claimed in claim 16 including: flowing pressurized fluid from the interior of said tubular member to said recess in said external portion, to thereby urge said holding means to the holding position.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
26 words
The invention as claimed in claim 17 including: relieving pressure from said tubular member prior to removing said plug from the end of said tubular member.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
163 words
In a method of making a connection between a coupling member and a generally tubular member, the combination of steps comprising: telescopically mounting said coupling member inside said cylindrical member, said coupling member and said tubular member being formed with two axially spaced apart generally channel shaped annular recesses, with each of said recesses facing in a generally radial direction; supporting an annular resilient seal in each of said recesses in contact with both side walls thereof to thereby form a closed annular chamber radially back of each of said seals; supporting radially adjacent one of said seals means for engaging one of said members at a plurality of circumferentially spaced locations and locking said members in said telescopic position; and applying fluid pressure to said annular chambers to move said seals radially until said seal adjacent said locking means urges said locking means to the locked positions and said other seal is moved to a position of sealing engagement between said members.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
163 words
In a method of making a connection between a coupling member and a generally tubular member, the combination of steps comprising: telescopically mounting said coupling member inside said cylindrical member, said coupling member and said tubular member being formed with two axially spaced apart generally channel shaped annular recesses, with each of said recesses facing in a generally radial direction; supporting an annular resilient seal in each of said recesses in contact with both side walls thereof to thereby form a closed annular chamber radially back of each of said seals; supporting radially adjacent one of said seals means for engaging one of said members at a plurality of circumferentially spaced locations and locking said members in said telescopic position; and applying fluid pressure to said annular chambers to move said seals radially until said seal adjacent said locking means urges said locking means to the locked positions and said other seal is moved to a position of sealing engagement between said members.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
79 words
The invention as claimed in claim 19 including: forming said members with a third generally channel shaped annular recess at the interface therebetween, with said third recess facing in a generally radial direction; supporting another annular seal in said third recess in contact with both side walls thereof to thereby form another annular closed chamber radially therebehind; and applying a fluid pressure to said other chamber to thereby radially deform said other seal into sealing engagement between said members.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
43 words
The invention as claimed in claim 19 including: forming said pair of recesses in one of said members and facing in the same radial direction; and applying said fluid pressure to said annular chambers to move said seal in the same radial direction.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
100 words
The invention as claimed in claim 19 including: forming a third generally channel shaped annular recess in said members, with said third recess being axially apart from said pair of recesses and facing in a generally radial direction; mounting an annular resilient ring in said third recess in contact with both side walls thereof to thereby form another annular closed radially therebehind; supporting means for holding said members in said telescopic position on said resilient ring; and applying fluid pressure to said other annular chamber, to thereby radially deform said ring and move said holding means to said holding position.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
189 words
In a method of making a connection between a coupling member and a generally tubular member, the combination of steps comprising: telescopically mounting said coupling member inside said tubular member, said coupling member and said tubular member being formed with three axially spaced apart generally channel shaped annular recesses, with each of said recesses facing in a generally radial direction; supporting an annular resilient seal in each of said recesses in contact with both side walls thereof to thereby form a closed annular chamber radially back of each of said seals; supporting means for locking said members in said telescopic position radially adjacent to one of said seals, and with the other two seals being axially adjacent to each other; applying fluid pressure to said annular chambers to move said seals raDially until said seal adjacent said locking means urges said locking means to the locked position and said other seals are moved to positions of sealing engagement between said members and form a closed annular testing chamber therewith; and, forcing a pressurized fluid into said closed chamber to test the sealing of said seals forming said testing chamber.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
189 words
In a method of making a connection between a coupling member and a generally tubular member, the combination of steps comprising: telescopically mounting said coupling member inside said tubular member, said coupling member and said tubular member being formed with three axially spaced apart generally channel shaped annular recesses, with each of said recesses facing in a generally radial direction; supporting an annular resilient seal in each of said recesses in contact with both side walls thereof to thereby form a closed annular chamber radially back of each of said seals; supporting means for locking said members in said telescopic position radially adjacent to one of said seals, and with the other two seals being axially adjacent to each other; applying fluid pressure to said annular chambers to move said seals raDially until said seal adjacent said locking means urges said locking means to the locked position and said other seals are moved to positions of sealing engagement between said members and form a closed annular testing chamber therewith; and, forcing a pressurized fluid into said closed chamber to test the sealing of said seals forming said testing chamber.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
27 words
The invention as claimed in claim 23 including: flowing a hardenable material into said testing chamber, to thereby bond said members together upon hardening of said material.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-10-28 | 1978-04-29 | 1978-10-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-10-28 | 1982-04-29 | 1982-10-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-10-28 | 1986-04-29 | 1986-10-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |