Underwater fluid connector

Abstract

An underwater connector for interconnecting a plurality of fluid power and control lines for controlling and actuating underwater equipment. The connector includes one or more members adapted to be positioned underwater some each of which includes a vertically positioned flat surface with a plurality of fluid passageways terminating at the flat surfaces of the members. Another member is adapted to engage and disengage from underwater members and also includes one or more vertically positioned flat surface for mating with the flat surfaces of the underwater members and includes a plurality of passageways terminating at the other member flat surface for sealingly mating with the passageways of the underwater members. Coacting cam means are provided between the underwater members and the retrievable member for horizontally moving the underwater members into a sealing relationship with the retrievable member as they move vertically together. Releasable locking means lock the retrievable member with the underwater members. Supports for the underwater members allow limited horizontal movement of the members, individually and jointly. Hydraulic fluid supply and control lines extending to the water surface are connected to some of the passageways in the underwater members for actuating control valves in the retrievable member.