US3924446A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Underwater connection apparatus
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1974-11-22
•
Granted: 1975-12-09
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Expires: 1994-11-22
Abstract
Abstract An improved underwater connection apparatus is provided for selectively making fluid connection between a Christmas tree flowline and a flowline extending underwater from surface storage facilities, the storage flowline being pulled into a position of partial alignment with the Christmas tree flowline by a wireline device and completely axially aligned by a remotely operable hydraulic mechanism, the two flowlines being thereafter secured together for fluid transfer.
Inventors
- 👤 Benton F Baugh
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 01:53
CPC Classifications
F; F17; F17D; F17D5/00; E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/01; E21B43/013; E21B43/0135
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
76 words
Apparatus for testing two or more underwater flowlines, comprising: first and second flowlines extending from the surface of a body of water and terminating in a flowline flange which receives and supports end portions of said first and second flowlines; and a testing flange assembly mounted onto said flowline flange and including a passageway therein which is in fluid communication with said supported end portions of said first and second flowlines for providing fluid communication therebetween.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
76 words
Apparatus for testing two or more underwater flowlines, comprising: first and second flowlines extending from the surface of a body of water and terminating in a flowline flange which receives and supports end portions of said first and second flowlines; and a testing flange assembly mounted onto said flowline flange and including a passageway therein which is in fluid communication with said supported end portions of said first and second flowlines for providing fluid communication therebetween.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
The structure set forth in claim 1, including: a first test object of one particular shape being positioned in said passageway for making an impression on a test specimen pumped through said first flowline to said testing flange assembly.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
The structure set forth in claim 2, including: a second test object of another particular shape being positioned in said passageway for making an impression on a test specimen pumped through said second flowline to said testing flange assembly.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
75 words
The structure set forth in claim 1, including: said testing flange assembly passageway being alinged with said first and second flowlines; a first test object being mounted in said passageway in alignment with said first flowline for making an impression on a test specimen pumped through said first flowline; and a second test object having a shape different from said first test object and being mounted in said passageway in alignment with said second flowline.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
53 words
The structure set forth in claim 1, wherein said testing flange assembly includes: a central body portion having said passageway therein; and side body segments connected with said central body portion and having recesses therein for engaging ridges on said flowline flange for removably mounting said testing flange assembly onto said flowline flange.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
57 words
The structure set forth in claim 1, including: a carrier assembly attached to said flowline flange and to said testing flange assembly for manipulating said flowline flange to a desired position; and releaseable mounting means for releasing said carrier assembly from attachment with said flowline assembly with said carrier assembly remaining attached to said testing flange assembly.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
53 words
The structure set forth in claim 1, including: said flowline flange having yieldably mounted detent members thereon for maintaining said flowline in a desired position; and said testing flange assembly including retention means for holding said detent member in a depressed position with said testing flange assembly being mounted on said flowline flange.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The structure set forth in claIm 6, including: pivotal means mounting said testing flange assembly for pivotal movement with respect to said carrier assembly.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3848458A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-12-08 | 1979-06-09 | 1979-12-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-12-08 | 1983-06-09 | 1983-12-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-12-08 | 1987-06-09 | 1987-12-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |