Latched optical feedthrough system for subsea wellhead penetration using spherical seals
US11435536B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 29, 2021 |
| Grant date | Sep 6, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 29, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/4427
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A connector assembly includes a first and a second releasable and mateable connector. Each connector includes a front assembly composed of a manifold and a plurality of optical stems. Each manifold includes a plurality of inserts and a plurality of spherical seal assemblies. Each seal assembly is composed of a spherical ball, a ball dowel pin, and a ball actuator pin having a cam. Each spherical ball is configured to rotate about an axis defined by the two pins when the actuator pin cam traverses a groove fabricated in one of a plurality of guide rails disposed in the first connector. When the plurality of seal assemblies are in an open configuration, the optical stems of the first connector may slide through the inserts of the first connector, through the seals, and mate with the optical stems of the second connector within the inserts of the second connector.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.