US3780243A - Apparatus for making and breaking an electrical underwater connection between releasable underwater members - Google Patents

Apparatus for making and breaking an electrical underwater connection between releasable underwater members Download PDF

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Publication number
US3780243A
US3780243A US00296880A US3780243DA US3780243A US 3780243 A US3780243 A US 3780243A US 00296880 A US00296880 A US 00296880A US 3780243D A US3780243D A US 3780243DA US 3780243 A US3780243 A US 3780243A
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United States
Prior art keywords
underwater
electrical
contact
recess
movable
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Expired - Lifetime
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US00296880A
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English (en)
Inventor
P Koomey
Vries D De
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Baroid Technology Inc
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Individual
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Assigned to NL INDUSTRIES, INC., A CORP. OF NJ reassignment NL INDUSTRIES, INC., A CORP. OF NJ ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: C. JIM STEWART & STEVENSON, INC.
Assigned to NL INDUSTRIES, INC. reassignment NL INDUSTRIES, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: C. JIM STEWART & STEVENSON, INC.
Assigned to BAROID TECHNOLOGY, INC. reassignment BAROID TECHNOLOGY, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: NL INDUSTRIES, INC., A NJ CORP.
Assigned to CHASE MANHATTAN BANK (NATIONAL ASSOCIATION), THE reassignment CHASE MANHATTAN BANK (NATIONAL ASSOCIATION), THE SECURITY INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BAROID CORPORATION, A CORP. OF DE.
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Assigned to BAROID CORPORATION reassignment BAROID CORPORATION RELEASED BY SECURED PARTY (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, THE
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
    • H01R13/52—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases
    • H01R13/523—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases for use under water
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H1/00—Contacts
    • H01H1/12—Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage
    • H01H1/36—Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage by sliding
    • H01H1/38—Plug-and-socket contacts

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT An apparatus for making and breaking an electrical underwater connection between releasable first and second members of an underwater connector by providing a fixed electrical contact on the first member and a movable electrical contact on the second member with means for moving the movable contact into and out of engagement with the fixed contact and penetratable sealing means on each of the members protecting the electrical contacts from water but allowing passage of the movable contacts into and out of engagement with the fixed contact.
  • Piston and cylinder means on the second member for carrying the movable contact for making and breaking the electrical connection.
  • a fluid bypass between both ends of the piston for allowing bypass of a flowable non-water soluble insulating compound between the male and female members as the piston is reciprocated.
  • the present invention is directed to an improved apparatus for making and breaking underwater electrical connections while at the same time protecting the electrical connections from the water.
  • the present invention is directed to an apparatus for making and breaking an electrical underwater connection between first and second coacting and releasable underwater members by providing a fixed electrical contact on the first member and a movable electrical contact on the second member with means on the second member for moving the movable contact into and out of engagement with the fixed contact.
  • a penetratable sealing means on each of the first and second members protects the fixed and movable electrical contacts from water, but allows passage of the movable contact into and out of engagement with the fixed contact.
  • a still further object of the present invention is the provision of sealing means on one of the members positioned to seal between the members and about the electrical contacts when the members are connected.
  • Still a further object of the present invention is the provision of a recess in the first member with the fixed electrical contact recessed in the recess.
  • a piston and cylinder is provided in the second member for moving the movable contact to and from the fixed contact.
  • a fluid bypass is provided extending between the ends of the piston and an insulating non-water soluble compound fills the recess, the cylinder and the bypass whereby the compound can'be moved between the recess and the cylinder as the piston is reciprocated for moving the compound out of the way when making the electrical connection, but moving the compound into a contact protecting position when the electrical connection is broken.
  • Still a further object is the provision of a resilient penetratable sealing means on each of the members protecting the fixed and movable electrical contacts.
  • the movable contact includes a point for piercing the resilient sealing means as the movable contact is moved toward the fixed contact and the seals again seal off the fixed and movable contacts when the movable contact is retracted.
  • FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, elevational view, in cross section, of a portion of coacting underwater members in which an electrical underwater connection is provided and shown in the engaged position,
  • FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, elevational view, of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in which the electrical underwater connection is disengaged
  • FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, elevational view, in cross section, of another embodiment of the present invention showing the electrical connection engaged, and
  • FIG. 4 is a fragmentary elevational view, in crosssection, of the embodiment of FIG. 3 showing the electrical connection disengaged.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 the preferred embodiment of the present invention is best seen and is generally indicated by the reference numeral 10 in which two coacting and releasable underwater members 12 and 14 are shown in an engaging position.
  • the first member 12 and the second member 14 are adapted to be connected together and released and may be of any conventional type such as shown in US. Pat. No. 3,486,556.
  • One of the members, such as member 12 may be the female member and may be stationary and fixed underwater and connected to the underwater equipment (not shown) to which power and/or controls is desired to be transmitted from above water.
  • the second member 14 may be the movable member and may be the male member which is retrievable and may be raised and lowered from the water surface and releasably connected to and disconnected from the first member 12.
  • the retrievable member 14 includes a conventional electrical connection 16 for connection to an electrical conductor (not shown) leading to the water surface for providing electrical power or electrical controls to the underwater equipment.
  • the stationary member 12 includes an electrical connector 18 for receiving the electrical power or control from the connector 16 in the member 14 and in turn is connected to the underwater equipment.
  • the member 12 includes a recess 20 positioned to mate with the member 14 when the underwater connector members 12 and 14 are engaged.
  • a fixed electrical contact 22 such as a circular contact is positioned in the recess 20 and is supported on an insulated rod 24 and is electrically connected to the electrical connector 18 through an electrical conductor 24.
  • the contact 22 is spaced from the contacting face 26 of the member 12 so as to be recessed in the. recess 20.
  • the male member 14 carries a movable electrical contact 30 such as a ring which is connected by an elec trical conductor 32 to the electrical connector 16 and is thus in communication with equipment at the water surface for supplying electrical power or controls. Suitable means are provided for supporting and moving the electrical contact 30 into and out of engagement with the fixed electrical contact 32 to make or break the electrical underwater connection.
  • the movable contact 30 is supported from a piston 34 which is movable in a cylinder 36.
  • the piston includes piston extensions 35 and 37 which are movable in cylinder extensions 39 and 41, respectively;
  • the cylinder 36 is positioned so as to be axially aligned with the recess 20 and fixed contact 22 when the male member 14 is connected to the female member 12.
  • Suitable hydraulic lines 38 and 40 are connected on either side of the piston 30 for reciprocating the piston by a suitable hydraulic controls (not shown) for making and breaking the electrical connection between the contacts 30 and
  • a seal 51 is provided on one of the members, preferably member 14, and positioned to seal between the members 12 and 14 about the recess 20 and the cylinder 36 when the members 12 and 14 are connected for preventing entrance of water into the connection.
  • the seal 50 would not protect the electrical contacts 22 and 30 from the water when the members 12 and 14 were disconnected.
  • an insulating non-water soluble silicone compound such as sold by Dow-Corning under the trademark DC, is provided filling the recess 20 and the por tions 39 and 41 of the cylinder 36 in which the piston extensions 35 and 37 move.
  • the member 14 may include a recess 21 between the coacting face 27 and the movable contact 30 and may also be filled with the compound 50.
  • the compound 50 protects the electrical contacts 22 and 30 even when the members 12 and 14 are disconnected and exposed to water.
  • the compound 50 fills the cavities of the recesses 20 and 21 and cylinder 39 to prevent the entrance of water.
  • a bypass including portions 52 and 54, is provided, preferably in the piston extensions 35 and 37.
  • the purpose of the bypass passageway portions 52 and 54 is to allow the insulating and sealing compound 50 to be displaced from one end to the other end of the piston 34 and piston extensions 35 and 37 as the piston 34 is actuated.
  • the recesses 20 and 21 are initially filled with the flowable silicone compound 50 when the electrical connection is disengaged.
  • the insulating and sealing compound 50 will initially cover and protect the fixed electrical ciprocates thereby preventing damage to the conductor 32 as the piston 34 reciprocates.
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 wherein like parts are designated with like numbers corresponding to the parts in FIGS. 1 and 2 with the addition of the suffix a.
  • the insulating silicone compound is replaced by a 1 seal 60 on the member 12 and a coacting seal 62 on the 6 contact 22, will be moved out of the recess 20 to allow 0 engagement of the contacts 30 and 32 and can again be replaced in the recess 20 when the electrical connection is disengaged.
  • the electrical conductor 32 may include a coiled portion 31 to allow extension and retraction of the movable contact 30, and may also include a rigid portion 33 about which the passageway 52 of psiton 34 remember 14.
  • the seals and 62 may be any suitable resilient penetratable sealing means such as rubber, plastic or neoprene.
  • the movable electric contact 64 includes a point 66 which is forced through the seals 60 and 62 by the piston 34a and into contact with the fixed electrical contact 68. The electrical connection is disengaged by the piston 34a being retracted and as the pointed electrical contact 34 is removed, the seals 60 and 62 close the opening made by the point 66 to protect the electrical contacts 64 and 68 from water when the members 12 and 14 are disconnected.
  • Apparatus for making and breaking an electrical underwater connection comprising,
  • a first underwater member adapted to remain positioned underwater
  • a second underwater member adapted to be lowered underwater and releasably coact with the first member
  • penetratable insulating non-water soluble sealing means on each of the first and second members positioned for protecting the fixed and movable electrical contacts from water when the first and second members are disconnected but allowing passage of the movable contact into and out of engagement with the fixed contact.
  • Apparatus for making and breaking an electrical underwater connection comprising,
  • a first underwater member having a recess and adapted to remain positioned underwater
  • a second underwater member adapted to be lowered underwater and releasably coact with the first member
  • said second member including ahydraulic cylinder
  • control means for actuation from the water surface for moving the piston
  • a movable electrical contact connected to the piston for movement to-and from the fixed contact
  • the apparatus of claim 3 including a second recess, said second recess positioned in the second member between the piston and the recess in the first member and adapted to receive said insulating and sealing compound. 7
  • the apparatus of claim 4 including, a flexible electrical cable connected to the movable contact and extending through the bypass.
  • the apparatus of claim 3 including, solid sealing and insulating means on the second member about the cylinder for sealing against the first member about the recess when the first and second members are connected.
  • the apparatus of claim 6 including, a second recess, said second recess positioned in the second member between the piston and the recess in the first member for receiving said insulating and sealing compound.

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  • Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)
US00296880A 1972-10-12 1972-10-12 Apparatus for making and breaking an electrical underwater connection between releasable underwater members Expired - Lifetime US3780243A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US29688072A 1972-10-12 1972-10-12

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3780243A true US3780243A (en) 1973-12-18

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ID=23143962

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US00296880A Expired - Lifetime US3780243A (en) 1972-10-12 1972-10-12 Apparatus for making and breaking an electrical underwater connection between releasable underwater members

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US3780243A (sv)
JP (1) JPS4993889A (sv)
CA (1) CA981351A (sv)
DE (1) DE2347744A1 (sv)
FR (1) FR2203184B1 (sv)
GB (1) GB1436210A (sv)
NL (1) NL7314052A (sv)
SE (1) SE394230B (sv)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3839608A (en) * 1973-07-23 1974-10-01 Stewart & Stevenson Inc Jim Apparatus for making and breaking an electrical underwater connection between releasable underwater members
US4117287A (en) * 1977-04-11 1978-09-26 Compagnie Francaise Des Petroles Combined electrical-hydraulic connector means
EP0120714A2 (en) * 1983-03-31 1984-10-03 BICC Public Limited Company Electrical connectors capable of withstanding great changes in ambient pressure and temperature
US4480160A (en) * 1982-08-31 1984-10-30 Donaldson Company, Inc. Differential pressure switch
EP0184973A2 (en) * 1984-12-10 1986-06-18 Hughes Tool Company Supporting system for a riser
US6095838A (en) * 1998-09-21 2000-08-01 Brickett; Benjamin P. Sliding bypass valve connector
WO2007010179A1 (en) * 2005-07-15 2007-01-25 Vetco Gray Controls Limited Underwater module

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3905672A (en) * 1974-05-28 1975-09-16 Itt Sealed electrical connector
US4133992A (en) * 1977-04-11 1979-01-09 Compagnie Francaise Des Petroles Self-purging electrical connector
FR2409610A1 (fr) * 1977-11-21 1979-06-15 Petroles Cie Francaise Connecteur electrique pour raccordement sous-marin

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2781435A (en) * 1951-03-18 1957-02-12 Heilmann Philipp Arc-extinguishing mechanism for electric switches
US2877324A (en) * 1957-04-08 1959-03-10 Erie Resistor Corp Switch
US2936355A (en) * 1957-06-21 1960-05-10 Ite Circuit Breaker Ltd Latch means for recirculating gas blast interrupters
US2978559A (en) * 1957-12-16 1961-04-04 Ite Circuit Breaker Ltd Bushing mounted interrupter
US3213251A (en) * 1962-02-05 1965-10-19 Greber Henry Circuit breaker having arc extinguishing medium of granulated insulating material which includes a lubricant to decrease friction between elements thereof
US3238321A (en) * 1964-05-13 1966-03-01 Ronald C Lawwill Explosive actuated switch in whitch contact pierces nonconductor
US3586802A (en) * 1968-10-03 1971-06-22 Gen Electric Load break device with arc-extinguishing material

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2700141A (en) * 1952-06-16 1955-01-18 Herbert O Jones Detachable underwater electrical connector
DE1012351B (de) * 1955-10-01 1957-07-18 Arno Fischer Elektrische Kuppelvorrichtung fuer Kontaktgabe unter Wasser
US3241095A (en) * 1962-10-29 1966-03-15 Gray & Huleguard Inc Sealed terminal structure
US3158420A (en) * 1963-12-24 1964-11-24 Le Roy O Olson Underwater electrical connector
FR1391459A (fr) * 1964-04-27 1965-03-05 Accouplement multipolaire à fiches pour câbles électriques

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2781435A (en) * 1951-03-18 1957-02-12 Heilmann Philipp Arc-extinguishing mechanism for electric switches
US2877324A (en) * 1957-04-08 1959-03-10 Erie Resistor Corp Switch
US2936355A (en) * 1957-06-21 1960-05-10 Ite Circuit Breaker Ltd Latch means for recirculating gas blast interrupters
US2978559A (en) * 1957-12-16 1961-04-04 Ite Circuit Breaker Ltd Bushing mounted interrupter
US3213251A (en) * 1962-02-05 1965-10-19 Greber Henry Circuit breaker having arc extinguishing medium of granulated insulating material which includes a lubricant to decrease friction between elements thereof
US3238321A (en) * 1964-05-13 1966-03-01 Ronald C Lawwill Explosive actuated switch in whitch contact pierces nonconductor
US3586802A (en) * 1968-10-03 1971-06-22 Gen Electric Load break device with arc-extinguishing material

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3839608A (en) * 1973-07-23 1974-10-01 Stewart & Stevenson Inc Jim Apparatus for making and breaking an electrical underwater connection between releasable underwater members
US4117287A (en) * 1977-04-11 1978-09-26 Compagnie Francaise Des Petroles Combined electrical-hydraulic connector means
FR2387539A1 (fr) * 1977-04-11 1978-11-10 Petroles Cie Francaise Dispositif connecteur hydraulique et electrique
US4480160A (en) * 1982-08-31 1984-10-30 Donaldson Company, Inc. Differential pressure switch
EP0120714A2 (en) * 1983-03-31 1984-10-03 BICC Public Limited Company Electrical connectors capable of withstanding great changes in ambient pressure and temperature
EP0120714A3 (en) * 1983-03-31 1988-03-30 BICC Public Limited Company Electrical connectors capable of withstanding great changes in ambient pressure and temperature
EP0184973A2 (en) * 1984-12-10 1986-06-18 Hughes Tool Company Supporting system for a riser
EP0184973A3 (en) * 1984-12-10 1988-07-27 Hughes Tool Company Supporting system for a riser
US6095838A (en) * 1998-09-21 2000-08-01 Brickett; Benjamin P. Sliding bypass valve connector
WO2007010179A1 (en) * 2005-07-15 2007-01-25 Vetco Gray Controls Limited Underwater module

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE2347744A1 (de) 1974-04-18
NL7314052A (sv) 1974-04-16
SE394230B (sv) 1977-06-13
CA981351A (en) 1976-01-06
GB1436210A (en) 1976-05-19
JPS4993889A (sv) 1974-09-06
FR2203184B1 (sv) 1978-02-10
FR2203184A1 (sv) 1974-05-10

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AS Assignment

Owner name: NL INDUSTRIES, INC., A CORP. OF NJ, NEW YORK

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:C. JIM STEWART & STEVENSON, INC.;REEL/FRAME:003883/0252

Effective date: 19810706

Owner name: NL INDUSTRIES, INC., 1230 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS,

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:C. JIM STEWART & STEVENSON, INC.;REEL/FRAME:003883/0252

Effective date: 19810706

AS Assignment

Owner name: NL INDUSTRIES, INC., 1230 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS,

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:C. JIM STEWART & STEVENSON, INC.;REEL/FRAME:003967/0240

Effective date: 19780323

AS Assignment

Owner name: BAROID TECHNOLOGY, INC., DELAWARE

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:NL INDUSTRIES, INC., A NJ CORP.;REEL/FRAME:005091/0020

Effective date: 19890210

AS Assignment

Owner name: CHASE MANHATTAN BANK (NATIONAL ASSOCIATION), THE

Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:BAROID CORPORATION, A CORP. OF DE.;REEL/FRAME:005196/0501

Effective date: 19881222

AS Assignment

Owner name: BAROID CORPORATION, TEXAS

Free format text: RELEASED BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, THE;REEL/FRAME:006085/0590

Effective date: 19911021