US3899199A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Self-aligning coupling
Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp
•
Filing: 1974-10-23
•
Granted: 1975-08-12
•
Expires: 1994-10-23
Abstract
Abstract A self-aligning coupling or packer stab connecting fluid passages in a remote controlled well casing connector for undersea production of oil or gas. The coupling having facilities for self-aligning and telescoping adjustment of its length.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert B Garey
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 11:49
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16L; F16L1/00; F16L1/26; E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/01; E21B43/013; F16L21/00; F16L21/02; F16L21/022
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
181 words
A coupling joining openings of a first and second conduit in fluid communication, said coupling comprising: a sleeve having a central bore which registers with said opening in said conduits; said first conduit having a generally cylindrical counter bore receiving one end of said sleeve, means for retaining said sleeve in said counter bore in said first conduit, means for forming a seal between said sleeve and said first counter bore; said second conduit having a counter bore, which has a generally cylindrical portion and a spherical portion inboard of said cylindrical portion; said sleeve having a body portion and a nose portion slidably disposed over a portion of said body portion, means for forming a seal between said body portion and said nose portion, said nose portion having a spherical portion, which seats on said spherical portion in said counter bore in said second conduit, and means for forming a seal between said nose portion, body portion and said counter bore in said second conduit and for biasing said nose portion towards said spherical portion in the second counter bore.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
181 words
A coupling joining openings of a first and second conduit in fluid communication, said coupling comprising: a sleeve having a central bore which registers with said opening in said conduits; said first conduit having a generally cylindrical counter bore receiving one end of said sleeve, means for retaining said sleeve in said counter bore in said first conduit, means for forming a seal between said sleeve and said first counter bore; said second conduit having a counter bore, which has a generally cylindrical portion and a spherical portion inboard of said cylindrical portion; said sleeve having a body portion and a nose portion slidably disposed over a portion of said body portion, means for forming a seal between said body portion and said nose portion, said nose portion having a spherical portion, which seats on said spherical portion in said counter bore in said second conduit, and means for forming a seal between said nose portion, body portion and said counter bore in said second conduit and for biasing said nose portion towards said spherical portion in the second counter bore.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
A coupling as set forth in claim 1, wherein said retaining means, said sealing means for said first conduit and said sleeve cooperate to allow axial movement between said sleeve and said first conduit.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
A coupling as set forth in claim 2 and further comprising means for biasing said sleeve away from the bottom of said counter bore in said first conduit.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
A coupling as set forth in claim 3, wherein the biasing means includes both fluid and spring means cooperating to produce a maximum biasing force when a pressurized fluid fills the conduit.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
A coupling as set forth in claim 1, wherein the means for forming a seal between the sleeve and first counter bore is an O-ring.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
A coupling as set forth in claim 1, wherein the means for retaining the sleeve in the counter bore comprises a flange disposed on the sleeve and a retainer ring held in the counter bore.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
A coupling as set forth in claim 6, wherein the counter bore and retainer ring are threaded and the retainer ring screws into the counter bore.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
A coupling as set forth in claim 6, wherein the counter bore has a groove disposed therein and a snap ring fit into the groove holding the retainer ring in the counter bore.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
37 words
A coupling as set forth in claim 6, wherein the outer surface of the flange is spherical to prevent binding and to allow for some misalignment between the sleeve and the counter bore in the first conduit.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
43 words
A coupling as set forth in claim 9, wherein the spherical surface on the flange has a groove disposed therein and an O-ring is disposed in the groove to provide sealing means between the sleeve and the counter bore in the first conduit.
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) | 1978-08-11 | 1979-02-10 | 1979-08-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-08-11 | 1983-02-10 | 1983-08-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-08-11 | 1987-02-10 | 1987-08-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |