Abstract:
A coupling apparatus is disclosed. The coupling apparatus includes a first connector, a second connector and a plurality of clamp devices. The first and second connectors each have a substantially hollow interior cylindrical shape with a circumferential flange with a flat surface normal to the axis of the cylinder. The flange of the second connector has a circular diameter substantially equal to a diameter of the flange of the first connector. The plurality of clamp devices has interior dimensions substantially equal to the combined thickness of first connector flange and the second connector flange when placed together along their flat surfaces and with the cylindrical portions of the first connector and the second connector substantially oriented along the same axis. Means to simultaneously engage the clamp devices upon the combined first flange and the second flange is provided, whereby the interior dimension of each clamp device fits over a portion of the combined first flange and second flange and the first connector is thereby abutted to the second connector along the flat surfaces of the respective flanges.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims priority of the U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/288,146 filed Apr. 30, 2001. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for securely coupling conduits or pipefittings of various types. The invention also pertains to the ability attach and detach the coupling mechanism as may be desired. The method and apparatus facilitates the use of remotely controlled mechanical devices for the positioning, coupling and detaching of the coupling mechanism. Use of the method and apparatus taught by the present invention includes, but is not limited to underwater hydrocarbon production wells and related or ancillary piping and equipment.  
           [0003]    The ability to securely attach and detach fluid tight piping or other conduit means has long been a useful technology. Equipment facilitating this type of connection also has been useful tooling. Various techniques and designs have been known and utilized. The rapidly installed and temporary fire hose connection to fire hydrants is a well-known and common example of a simple, relatively fluid tight connector. More standard are pipefittings comprising flanges that are held together by threaded bolts and nuts, which often may contain differing types of seals to prevent leakage of the fluid being conveyed. One of the most secure and permanent methods for of joining piping sections is welding. However, this method does not facilitate removal or replacement of piping or components attached thereto. When applied to underwater applications, the difficulties of welding greatly increase. Use of standard mechanical fasteners, e.g., coupling mechanisms utilizing flanges secured with bolts, washers, nuts and other hardware have been commonly used in applications not suitable for welding or other joining or attachment techniques.  
           [0004]    The use of such conventional hardware is also limited in under water applications. It can be readily appreciated that the dexterity needed to effectively attach the multiple bolts, with accompanying washers and threaded nuts, needed to create and secure a fluid tight connection creates an encumbrance or impediment in the use of such devices. This limitation is compounded in a deepwater environment where hydrocarbon exploration and production is increasingly being conducted.  
           [0005]    Additionally, the installation and attachment (with possible future detachment and removal or replacement) of manufactured piping and equipment often must permit certain flexibility during installation due to the vagaries of the environment and inability to construct a level and controlled work site similar to that expected in conventional building or industrial plant construction. In such hostile environments, permitting minimal site preparation, coupling components that can provide secure, fluid tight connections, yet have the capacity to attach “misaligned” components are particularly useful.  
           [0006]    In addition, as construction and industrial production activities increasingly are performed in remote and hostile environments, it is also advantageous to adapt methods and apparatus that can be used with remotely controlled operating devices. This further increases the utility of coupling components and the like that utilize simple mechanisms for creating the secure, fluid tight attachments.  
           [0007]    For all purposes of this disclosure, applicant incorporates by reference as if fully set forth herein the entirety of U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,342.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    The present invention utilizes mechanical attachment hardware and components that can be manipulated by remotely controlled devices and tools. The present invention also minimizes the number of individual connective attachments or coupling mechanisms that must be manipulated in creating a secure, fluid tight connection. Further, the coupling device is intended to provide sufficient mechanical strength such that it may withstand expected loads and strains during the necessary duration of its function in the environment. Such mechanical loads may result from movement of the equipment or other objects interconnected by the coupling. Alternatively, the coupling may also have the necessary strength to transfer loads that may be created when the portions of the equipment, some of which may be interconnected by one or more of the coupling devices subject of this invention, are moved, shifted or otherwise relocated as part of the normal system maintenance and repair. The connective seal is intended to be substantially maintenance free.  
           [0009]    It is therefore a goal of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus that can securely connect piping or other fluid conveying conduits. It is yet another goal of the invention to provide fluid tight connections. It is still yet another goal of the invention to provide a connecting device that may be installed in remote or hostile environments such as at deep ocean depths or other locations of substantial darkness, cold, and rapid or turbulent air or water movement.  
           [0010]    It is yet another goal to provide a connective coupling that can perform with minimal maintenance or monitoring. It is yet another goal of the invention to provide the ability to interconnect components and piping that are not in total correct configuration or orientation to each other, i.e., components and piping that are out of plumb. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention. These drawings, together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention for remotely operated flexible coupling mechanism.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 1A illustrates a Clamping Connector and a clamping mechanism contained with the Clamping Connector.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 1B illustrates an interrelationship and orientation of elements of a Clamping Connector and an Insertion Connector of the invention.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a coupling mechanism having components connected.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the invention wherein the components of the coupling mechanism connected.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the invention wherein the Insertion Connector component is separated from and non-axially oriented to the Clamping Connector.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 5 illustrates the interrelationship and orientation of the elements of the Clamping Connector and the Insertion Connector of the invention.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 6 further illustrates the Clamping Connector and the clamping mechanism contained with the Clamping Connector. 
     
    
       [0019]    The above general description and the following detailed description are merely illustrative of the subject invention, and additional modes, advantages and particulars of this invention will be readily suggest to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0020]    The apparatus of the subject invention includes two inter-connectable components that can form a fluid tight connection for conveying fluid between separate devices such as piping and equipment connections. These two components are hereinafter termed the “Clamping Connector” and the “Insertion Connector.” It will be appreciated that these terms are not indicative of any limitation of function or placement.  
         [0021]    In the practice of the invention, the Clamping Connector and Insertion Connector are attached together by mechanical means. When attached, they form a fluid tight connection allowing fluid to be conveyed without leakage across the connection. The present invention contemplates that the fluid may be pressurized. The components may be later separated by reversing the mechanical means of attachment and be reattached to other compatibly configured components without modification.  
         [0022]    The Clamping Connector and the Insertion Connector of the invention are each configured to attach to or connect with a separate device or means used to convey fluid. Such device may include, but is not limited to the outer casing or housing of an annulus used to convey fluid. The outer casing may include, but is not limited to the outside wall of a pipe or similar conduit. The means of this attachment or interconnection may be by conventional and known means. This interconnection is intended to be a permanent, fluid tight connection for the practice of this invention.  
         [0023]    Considering first the Insertion, this component is configured to be placed into the interior of the Clamping Connector. In common nomenclature, it may be termed the “male fitting” of the invention. As already discussed, the Insertion Connector surrounds an end of the housing for conveying fluid, i.e., pipe. In a preferred embodiment, the interior diameter of the fluid carrying conduit is not diminished or restricted by the attachment or operation of the Insertion Connector. The exterior of the Insertion Connector may be tapered along its axial length, forming its narrowest outside diameter at the end that is first directed and placed within the Clamping Connector.  
         [0024]    The Insertion Connector may contain one or more continuous indentations or grooves along the outer circumference and normal the axis of the Insertion Connector. The Insertion Connector may also contain one or more continuous ridges along the outer circumference and normal to the axis of the Insertion Connector. These may be utilized in conjunction with or placement of fluid seals or spring devices. It will be appreciated that such devices may be used to facilitate the intended fluid tight connection, as well as for the attachment and detachment of the coupling components of the invention.  
         [0025]    In one embodiment of the invention, the Insertion Connector will contain a seal at the end of the insertion device and affixed to an outer spherically shaped sub-component or ball. The ball may be connected to a circumferential flange of a larger diameter. The Connector may contain a continuous groove normal to the axis of the Insertion Connector and parallel to the aforementioned flange. It will be readily appreciated at this point that when connected with comparable attachment hardware of the Clamping Connector, this groove-flange combination will serve as a mechanism to grip the Insertion Connector and restrict motion along the axial direction. It will also be appreciated that this combination increases the surface area available for contact between the Clamping Connector and the Insertion Connector.  
         [0026]    The Insertion Connector may also contain a broaden base, creating an increased Insertion Connector diameter as the distance from the insertion end increases. This design facilitates the placement of the Insertion Connector into the Clamping Connector when interconnection and coupling is attempted while the two components are not oriented on the same axis. The Insertion Connector may also contain one or more shoulders consisting of flanges of increased diameter that may serve as “stops” to the axial movement of the Insertion Connector into the Clamping Connector. As already mention, the Insertion Connector may also incorporate a spring device that will facilitate the separation of the Clamping Connector and the Insertion Connector.  
         [0027]    Considering next the second component of the invention, the Clamping Connector, it will be noted that this component is configured to fit over the outside of the Insertion Connector. In simple terms, the interior configuration of the Clamping Connector mirrors the exterior of the Insertion Connector, thereby creating circumferential indentations compatible with the circumferential flanges of the Insertion Connector. Similarly, the interior configuration of the Clamping Connector contains circumferential ridges or interior protruding flanges that a mirror the exterior grooves of the Insertion Connector.  
         [0028]    It will be readily appreciated that the matching configurations provide surface areas to facilitate the fluid tight seal. The matching configurations also provide convenient and efficient placement of seals enhancing or maintaining the fluid tight seal. Further, it will be readily appreciated that the interrelated flanges and grooves generally provide control and limitation of axial movement between the Insertion Connector and Clamping Connector.  
         [0029]    The Clamping Connector also contains an outwardly expanding Guide Cone that facilitates the initial entry of the narrowed insertion end of the Insertion Connector. This initial insertion can be utilized for the initial joining of the components. The initial insertion can be accomplished while the components are misaligned in axial orientation and prior to final or complete coupling.  
         [0030]    The Clamping Connector also contains a three-sided jointed clamp. The clamp device is opened and closed by use of a double action threaded rod. Rotation of the rod in a first radial direction causes two of the sides or “jaws” of the clamp to close together on the third jaw. As rotation of the threaded rod draws two clamps more closely together, the third jointed hinged clam simultaneously rotates to maintain the clamp surface normal to the interior dimension of the annulus containing the Insertion Connector. This combined action causes the interior spacing to become narrowed simultaneously in three directions. Rotation of the threaded rod in the second radial direction causes a reverse of the above-described action and the opening of the clamp. It will be readily appreciated that the rotation of a single mechanism can cause simultaneous and uniform closing of the Clamping Connector upon the Insertion Connector. Further, the thread rod may be configured to facilitate its rotation by a remotely controlled mechanical device. In this manner, the operation of the actual clamping action of the connecting device is greatly simplified. The method and mechanism greatly simplifies the connection and eliminating the sequential placement and tightening of multiple bolts or other connecting hardware.  
         [0031]    The sequencing of the clamping action and manner or configuration of sub-components effecting the clamping action may be varied. However, a preferred embodiment, is discussed in the explanation of the accompanying drawing.  
         [0032]    Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the invention wherein the Insertion Connector  350  is coupled with the Clamping Connector  300 . The Insertion Connector is attached to conduit or pipe  391 . The Shoulder  393 , Spring  367 , Follower Ring  365 , Spherical Surface  369  and lower portion of the Guide Cone Base  360  are shown. The Clamping Connector  300  containing, in part, the Guide Cone for Hard Landing  310 , Bottom Plate  333 , Clamp Drive Screw  320 , Three Sided Jointed Clamp  325 , an adjustable Top Hub  334 , Top Plate  332 , Gear for Soft Landing  338 , and Shaft to Activate Soft Landing  325  are also illustrated. In this illustration of completed coupling, the Insertion Connector  350  and the Clamping Connector  300  are shown in axial orientation. The adjustable Top Hub has been lowered onto the insertion end (not shown) of the Insertion Connector and the clamp Drive Screw  320  rotated to close the Clamp  325  around the Insertion Connector. The closing of the Clamp  325  securely attaches a seal and ball mechanism (not shown) of the Insertion Connector to the bottom surface and spherical cavity (also not shown) of the Adjustable Hub. The Adjustable Hub  334  of the Clamping Connector  300  is raised and lowered by movement of the Soft Landing Gear  338 , turning the Soft Landing Axis  335 , which in turn moves the Adjustable Hub along Shaft  336 .  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 4 illustrates the components of the Insertion Connector  450  that mate with or attach to the components of the Clamping Connector  400 . A Spring device  467  is mounted upon and rests against Shoulder  493 . This Spring device presses against surface (not shown) of the Floating Hub  454 . The action of the Spring device facilitates the Floating Hub to snuggly rest against the Ball  453 . It will be appreciated that the Floating Hub has an interior spherical surface compatible with the spherical outer surface of the Ball sub-component  453 . A seal device  451  is affixed to the outer and leading edge of the ball sub-component. The Spring device  467  also facilitates maintaining the fluid tight seal by exerting a positive force upon the Floating Hub  454 , and hence the Ball  453  and Seal  451  configuration.  
         [0034]    The insertion end  452  of the Insertion Connector  450  is tapered to facilitate placement into the correspondingly outwardly expanding Guide Cone  410 . This permits the joining of the Insertion Connector and Clamping Connector when misaligned.  
         [0035]    During the sequencing of joining the Insertion Connector and Clamping Connector, the Clamp  425  is opened by the rotation of the Clamp Drive Screw  420 . The Soft Landing Gear  438  is rotated to lower the Top Hub  434  and the clamp mechanism  425  (and bottom plate  433 ?). The lowering of the Top Hub permits expansion of one or more springs (not shown) placed in conjunction with shaft  422  and  423 . The stored energy of the spring mechanisms provides a cushioning action as the insertion connector engages with the clamping connector. It will be readily appreciated that this action minimizes jarring impact and possible damages to seals or other components.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 5 illustrates the substantially spherical shape of the interior annulus  599  of the Receiving Receptacle  542 . The interior diameter of this spherical Receptacle will be matched with the outer diameter of the spherical Ball device  543  and Seal  542 . It will, of course, be appreciated that the tapering shape of the Insertion Connector  550 , including the Guide Cone Base  560 , and the corresponding flared shape of the Clamping Connector  500 , including the Guide Cone  510  and the Guide Cone interior  511 , are also compatible and facilitate the secure and fluid tight connection. It will also be appreciated that the action of the spring devices of the Insertion Connector and the Clamping Connector, alone or in combination, act to cushion the joining of the two connectors during the initial insertion sequence.  
         [0037]    In one embodiment, the initial insertion sequence will be achieved by the substantially flat surface  551  of the Floating Hub  554  resting in contact with the substantially flat surface of the Base  543  of the Top Hub Shoulder  542 . At this same time the Seal  552  and outer spherical surface Ball  553  will be in contact with the interior surface of the interior annulus  599  of the Receiving Receptacle  542 .  
         [0038]    The second phase can then be accomplished by rotation of the Clamp Drive Screw (not shown) causing the Clamp mechanism  526 A and  526 B to close upon the joined Top Hub Shoulder  542  and Floating Hub Shoulder  554 . The shape and dimensions of the interior surface of the Clamp substantially match the combined shape and dimensions of the joined Top Hub Shoulder and Floating Hub Shoulder. When the Clamp mechanism is closed, it securely holds the Top Hub to the Floating Hub.  
         [0039]    It will be appreciated that an unrestricted and continuous annulus is now formed, comprising  519  and  599 .  
         [0040]    The third phase of the connecting sequence can be accomplished. This step comprises the rotation of the Soft Landing Gear to raise the securely connected Top Hub and Floating Hub. This action raises the Guide Cone Base against the Guide Cone. In addition, it facilitates other surface areas of the Clamping Connector and the Insertion Connector being brought into contact. These surfaces may be configured to provide sealing mechanisms. Examples include the joining of  512  and  556 , and the joining of  513  and  565 . Further,  553  may utilized to hold another sealing mechanism that may be placed in contact with surface  514 .  
         [0041]    Another advantage of raising the securely connected Top Hub and Floating Hub is the protective nesting that can be accomplished of the connection. It will be appreciated that this enhanced nesting is achieved without diminishing the ability to attach and detach the connection, as well as the ability to connect the components using remotely operated mechanical means.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 6 further illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention. The Top Hub and Floating Hub have been joined together. The connectors are in axial alignment. It can be seen that the spherical surface of the Ball and the Seal  652  are contained within the spherical interior surface  699 .  
         [0043]    Also illustrated is the operation of the Clamp Drive Screw  620 , and three-sided jointed clamp  625 A,  625 B and  625 C. Note that clamp jaw  625 B is pivotally mounted on axis shaft  623 . Clamp jaw  625 A is also pivotally mounted on axis shaft  623 . Spring mechanism  629  causes the surface  679  of clamp jaw  625 B to be pushed away from surface  678  of clamp jaw  625 A. Counteracting this separation is the action of the Clamp Drive Screw  620 . Note that the Drive Screw contains two oppositely directed threads  622  and  627 . As the Drive Screw is turned by means of the component  621 , the Clamp Jaws  625 A and  625 C are simultaneously and uniformly pulled together, or alternately, moved apart, by means of the corresponding threaded sub-components within  697  and  698 . It will also be appreciated that the Clamp Jaw  625 A may pivot on the axis of  698 . Similarly, Clamp Jaw  625 C may pivot upon the axis of  697 .  
         [0044]    It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art that modification, changes and substitutions may be made to the invention described above. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in the manner consisting with the spirit and scope of the invention herein.