Disclosed is a ball joint for connecting two floating pipes, the joint including an inner shell part, an outer shell part and a clamp with segments that are moveable in a common plane between an open position in which at least one of the shell parts is moveable into and out of the clamp, and a clamping position in which movement of both shell parts along the longitudinal centre lines is prevented. The ball joint is provided with a remote controlled actuator for driving movement of the segments between the open and closed position, without requiring nearby personnel to keep the shell parts aligned. Also disclosed is such a clamp and to a method of connecting such a ball joint to two pipes.

Disclosed is a ball joint for connecting two floating pipes, the joint including an inner shell part, an outer shell part and a clamp with segments that are moveable in a common plane between an open position in which at least one of the shell parts is moveable into and out of the clamp, and a clamping position in which movement of both shell parts along the longitudinal centre lines is prevented. The ball joint is provided with a remote controlled actuator for driving movement of the segments between the open and closed position, without requiring nearby personnel to keep the shell parts aligned. Also disclosed is such a clamp and to a method of connecting such a ball joint to two pipes.

A remotely-operated fluid connection assembly to hold higher internal pressures in larger diameters. The assembly comprises a fluid connection adapter and a fluid connection housing assembly. A first seal section on the housing assembly sealingly contacts a first seal bore on the adapter when the adapter enters the housing assembly. Engagement of an externally-disposed locking ring on locking element outer surfaces causes inner surfaces on the locking elements to retain the adapter to the housing assembly via a lock engagement surface. The first seal section is further disposed to expand radially such that when the first seal section expands radially, the first seal section further tightens sealing contact against the first seal bore. Adapter displacement relative to the housing assembly preferably further tightens the adapter against the locking elements as now restrained by the locking ring.

A coupling assembly includes a nipple component and a coupler component that are connectable to each other to form a fluid flow pathway through the coupling assembly. The nipple component includes a nipple body that defines a chamber that receives a first valve and a second valve that are moveable within the chamber, and the first valve and the second valve are spring biased against each other by a spring loaded plunger of the first valve, and a second valve spring that biases the second valve in the closed position. During a connection operation and/or a disconnection operation, a balance of forces including the spring bias, in combination with system pressure, maintains the second valve in a closed position, thereby isolating the fluid flow from an area of the chamber in which components of the first valve reside, including isolating an interface seal from fluid flow.

An air-to-air coupling 13 (e.g. for receiving a probe in probe-and-drogue refuelling) comprises retaining members 19, 27 for interacting with a further member (e.g. a refuelling probe) to hold the further member in place. An active drive system 39, 21 may drive the holding members and may thereby also actively drive the further member into place. Alternatively the active drive 39, 21 may drive another member such as a locking member 31 to hold the retaining members 19, 27 in position once the further member is in place. The active drive releases the retaining members 19, 27 or moves them out of position to allow the further member to be removed. This allows the further member to be inserted and removed with a lower force than is used to hold it in place. The coupling may also be used for in-air recovery of an unmanned aircraft.

An end effector for interfacing with a nozzle is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first end, which includes a receptacle. The end effector comprises one or more retention features positioned along a perimeter of the receptacle, where each of the one or more retention features is movable between a first position and a second position. Each of the one or more retention features is configured to lock the nozzle by securing onto a corresponding one of the one or more nozzle retention features in the first position, and to release the nozzle in the second position. The end effector may further comprise one or more actuators and a first channel, which includes a first inlet and a first outlet. A method of using an end effector to interface with a nozzle is also disclosed.

An end effector for interfacing with a nozzle is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first end, which includes a receptacle. The end effector comprises one or more retention features positioned along a perimeter of the receptacle, where each of the one or more retention features is movable between a first position and a second position. Each of the one or more retention features is configured to lock the nozzle by securing onto a corresponding one of the one or more nozzle retention features in the first position, and to release the nozzle in the second position. The end effector may further comprise one or more actuators and a first channel, which includes a first inlet and a first outlet. A method of using an end effector to interface with a nozzle is also disclosed.

Fracturing fluid delivery systems having flexible fracturing fluid delivery conduits secured with quick connectors are provided. In one example, a fracturing system includes a wellhead assembly and a fracturing fluid conduit coupled to the wellhead assembly to route fracturing fluid to the wellhead assembly. The fracturing fluid conduit includes a flexible body defining a bore for conveying the fracturing fluid to the wellhead assembly. The fracturing fluid conduit is coupled to the wellhead assembly via an actuated connector including one or more locking members that move from an unlocked position to a locked position to secure the fracturing fluid conduit to the wellhead assembly. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

A remotely-operated fluid connection assembly to hold higher internal pressures in larger diameters. The assembly comprises a fluid connection adapter and a fluid connection housing assembly. When the adapter enters the housing assembly: (A) locking elements on the housing assembly constrict about the adapter; and (B) at least a first seal section on the adapter sealingly contacts a first seal bore on the housing assembly. Progressive engagement of a locking ring upon the locking elements urges the locking elements to tighten against the adapter. Internal pressure encourages adapter displacement, which then further tightens the adapter against the locking elements as now restrained by the locking ring. Internal pressure further encourages the first seal section on the adapter to expand radially to tighten the contact with the first seal bore in the housing assembly.

A hydraulic connector type (“Titus”) may be used in oil production and extraction operations in the seabed. The hydraulic connector type (“Titus”) may be able to provide a connection between cylindrical bodies such as Christmas tree and a wellhead. The hydraulic connector type (“Titus”) may have a locking system including a hydraulic circuit and the unlocking system has a hydraulic circuit. Additionally, a pre-load adjustment system may be performed through an adjustment ring. The hydraulic connector type (“Titus”) contains a set of jaws, one actuator hydraulic piston, pressurization chambers, sealing elements, external jacket, bottom cap, adjustment ring and hydraulic fluid lines.