US4674010A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Capacitive submergible electrical connector apparatus
Assignee: Shell USA Inc
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Filing: 1986-05-14
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Granted: 1987-06-16
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Expires: 2006-05-14
Abstract
Abstract A capacitive electrical connector apparatus for electrical signal or power coupling in a submerged environment. The connector consists of a first member and a second member disposed adjacent one another which are adapted for mechanical mating. Each member comprises an electrode, the electrodes being located opposite to one another and each provided with a dielectric layer at its surface directed to the surface of the other electrode. The electordes are adapted to be connected electrically to respective installation parts to be capacitively coupled. The first and second members mate mechanically in such a way that a cavity remains between the electrodes. When submerged, the cavity is filled with a conductive fluid such as seawater, or, for example, an aqueous drilling fluid.
Inventors
- 👤 Leon van den Steen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 08:24
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01G; H01G9/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
101 words
A capacitive electrical underwater connector apparatus, said connector apparatus comprising; a first member, a second member, each of said members including an electrode having a surface, each surface provideable with a dielectric layer, said electrodes electrically connectable to respective subsea installation parts to be capacitively coupled, said first and said second member mechanically mated to each other, said surface of said electrode of said first member located opposite and directed to said surface of said electrode of said second member, and means for ensuring that a cavity defined through the space that separates said electrodes fills with sea water when submerged.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
101 words
A capacitive electrical underwater connector apparatus, said connector apparatus comprising; a first member, a second member, each of said members including an electrode having a surface, each surface provideable with a dielectric layer, said electrodes electrically connectable to respective subsea installation parts to be capacitively coupled, said first and said second member mechanically mated to each other, said surface of said electrode of said first member located opposite and directed to said surface of said electrode of said second member, and means for ensuring that a cavity defined through the space that separates said electrodes fills with sea water when submerged.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The connector apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electrodes form plates.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The connector apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plates are provided with an oxide skin of Hastelloy-C.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The connector apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plates are provided with an oxide skin of Monel.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The connector apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plates are provided with an oxide skin of Inconel.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The connector apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plates are provided with an oxide skin of titanium.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The connector apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plates are made of a metal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The connector apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plates have an area in the 1-1000 cm 2 range.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The connector apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dielectric layers have a thickness in the 0.3-10 nm range.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The connector apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second members are made of insulating material.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
121 words
A capacitive electrical underwater connector apparatus, said connector apparatus comprising; a first member, a second member, each of said members including an electrode having a surface, each surface provideable with a dielectric layer, said electrodes electrically connectable to respective subsea installation parts to be capacitively coupled, said first and said second member mechanically mateable to each other, said surface of said electrode of said first member locatable opposite and directable to said surface of said electrode of said second member when said first member is mated to said second member, and means for ensuring that a cavity defined through the space that separates said electrodes, when said first member is mated to said second member, fills with sea water when submerged.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
121 words
A capacitive electrical underwater connector apparatus, said connector apparatus comprising; a first member, a second member, each of said members including an electrode having a surface, each surface provideable with a dielectric layer, said electrodes electrically connectable to respective subsea installation parts to be capacitively coupled, said first and said second member mechanically mateable to each other, said surface of said electrode of said first member locatable opposite and directable to said surface of said electrode of said second member when said first member is mated to said second member, and means for ensuring that a cavity defined through the space that separates said electrodes, when said first member is mated to said second member, fills with sea water when submerged.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
69 words
A capacitive electrical connector apparatus, said connector apparatus comprising: a first member, a second member, each of said members including an electrode having a surface, each surface provideable with a dielectric layer, said electrodes electrically connectable to respective installation parts to be capacitively coupled, and means for ensuring that a cavity defined through the space that separates said electrodes fills with a conductive fluid when submerged in said fluid.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
69 words
A capacitive electrical connector apparatus, said connector apparatus comprising: a first member, a second member, each of said members including an electrode having a surface, each surface provideable with a dielectric layer, said electrodes electrically connectable to respective installation parts to be capacitively coupled, and means for ensuring that a cavity defined through the space that separates said electrodes fills with a conductive fluid when submerged in said fluid.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said electrodes are electrically connectable to respective subsea installation parts.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said first and said second member are mechanically mateable to each other.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said surface of said electrode of said first member is locatable opposite and directable to said surface of said electrode of said second member.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said cavity defined between said electrodes is fillable with sea water when submerged.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said conductive fluid has a conductivity greater than 1.0 mho/meter.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said conductive fluid comprises sea water.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said conductive fluid comprises an aqueous drilling fluid.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-06-15 | 1990-12-15 | 1991-06-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-06-15 | 1994-12-15 | 1995-06-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-06-15 | 1998-12-15 | 1999-06-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |