The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 01, 1978
Filed:
Jun. 15, 1976
John T Herbert, Arlington, TX (US);
Frank J Kovitch, Arlington, TX (US);
Paul E Sullivan, Euless, TX (US);
Murdock Machine & Engineering Company, Irving, TX (US);
Abstract
A multi-channel flexible connector for connecting multiple parallel conduits for relative angular deflection between input and output conduits. In a more specific aspect, offshore well pipes are connected to a surface unit as they extend upward from the ocean floor to accommodate motion of the surface unit. An annular cup-shaped housing with a central cavity and bottom ports therein is adapted to be joined to input pipes. A nipple having a downfacing and flared lower end is adapted to be joined to output pipes and is positioned in the housing cavity. An elastomeric body includes an assembly of concentric spherical rings radially spaced apart by elastomeric pads. The elastomeric body is adhered to the inner and outer surfaces of the flared end of the nipple, to the lower surface of a collar mounted in sealed relation with the inner surface of the housing and to the upper surface of a seat mounted in the bottom of the housing cavity thereby to define a main flow channel through the connector. Flow channels extend through the flared end of the nipple displaced from the axis of the housing and through the elastomeric member and seat. Angular deviation between the axis of the nipple and that of the housing is accommodated by making the inner and outer surfaces of the flared end of the nipple, the surface of the seat and the rings of the elastomeric seal spherical with respect to a point located on the longitudinal axis of the annular housing below the flared end of the nipple.