Remote conduit de-coupling device

Abstract

A conduit de-coupling device includes a supply port, a coupler for selectively engaging a connected device, a link positioned adjacent the coupler, and a disconnect port. The link is moveable between a first position in which the coupler is secured in engagement with the connected device, and a second position in which the coupler is permitted to disengage the connected device. The link is biased toward the first position. The disconnect port is in fluid communication with a fluid source to receive pressurized fluid to move the link from the first position to the second position.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A jack assembly comprising:
 a fluid jack including a cylinder and a ram, the cylinder having at least one fluid chamber configured to receive a pressurized fluid to move the ram; and   a valve housing removably coupled to the fluid jack for providing fluid communication between the fluid jack and at least one fluid conduit, the valve housing including a link movable between a first position and a second position, the valve housing being secured to the jack while the link is in the first position, the valve assembly being disconnectable from the jack while the link is in the second position.   
     
     
         2 . The jack assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one fluid conduit includes a supply line and a disconnect line, the supply line configured to be in fluid communication with a fluid source and provide pressurized fluid to the cylinder, the disconnect line providing pressurized fluid to move the link to the second position. 
     
     
         3 . The jack assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the valve housing further includes a spring biasing the link toward the first position until the disconnect line provides pressurized fluid to the valve assembly. 
     
     
         4 . The jack assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the link is biased toward the first position in which the valve housing is secured to the jack. 
     
     
         5 . The jack assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a male coupler positioned on one of the cylinder and the valve housing, and a female coupler positioned on the other of the cylinder and the valve housing, wherein the male coupler and the female coupler engage one another while the link is in the first position, and the male coupler and the female coupler are disengaged while the link is in the second position. 
     
     
         6 . The jack assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the valve housing further includes a first valve and a second valve, the first valve permitting fluid flow to the cylinder when a fluid pressure is above a predetermined threshold, the second valve selectively opening a passage to permit at least some of the fluid to be drained. 
     
     
         7 . A conduit de-coupling device comprising:
 a supply port;   a coupler for selectively engaging a connected device;   a link positioned adjacent the coupler, the link moveable between a first position in which the coupler is secured in engagement with the connected device, and a second position in which the coupler is permitted to disengage the connected device, the link biased toward the first position; and   a disconnect port in fluid communication with a fluid source to receive pressurized fluid to move the link from the first position to the second position.   
     
     
         8 . The conduit de-coupling device of  claim 7 , wherein the coupler is positioned adjacent an outlet port in fluid communication with the connected device, the outlet port providing fluid communication between the supply port and the connected device while the coupler engages the connected device. 
     
     
         9 . The conduit de-coupling device of  claim 8 , wherein the connected device is a fluid jack including an inlet port, wherein one of the outlet port and the inlet port is a male fitting and the other of the outlet port and the inlet port is a female sleeve. 
     
     
         10 . The conduit de-coupling device of  claim 7 , wherein one of the supply port and the disconnect port is engageable with a male fitting and the other of the supply port and the disconnect port is engageable with a female fitting to prevent fluid conduits from being improperly connected to the de-coupling device. 
     
     
         11 . The conduit de-coupling device of  claim 7 , further comprising a check valve, the check valve movable to an open position to permit fluid flow when a pressure of the fluid passing through the supply port exceeds a threshold pressure. 
     
     
         12 . The conduit de-coupling device of  claim 11 , further comprising a feedback valve, the feedback valve diverting a portion of the fluid when the pressure of the fluid exceeds a predetermined pressure. 
     
     
         13 . A system for supporting a partially submerged structure, the system comprising:
 a fluid jack including a cylinder and a ram, the cylinder having at least one fluid chamber configured to receive a pressurized fluid to move the ram, the ram configured to engage a submerged portion of the structure;   a first supply line for providing pressurized fluid to the fluid jack;   a device for removably coupling the first supply line to the fluid jack, the device including a coupler and a link, the coupler configured to selectively engage a fitting of the fluid jack to facilitate fluid communication between the first supply line and the fluid jack, the link movable between a first position and a second position, the link permitting the coupler to be secured to the fluid jack while the link is in the first position, the link permitting disconnection of the coupler from the fluid jack while the link is in the second position; and   a second supply line for providing pressurized fluid to the device to actuate the link.   
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the device includes a first port engaging the first supply line and a second port engaging the second supply line, the first port having a first fitting that does not mate with the second supply line, the second port having a second fitting that does not mate with the first supply line, thereby preventing the first supply line and second supply line from being improperly connected to the device. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the device further includes a check valve, the check valve movable to an open position to permit fluid flow when a pressure of the fluid passing through the supply port exceeds a threshold pressure. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the device further includes a feedback valve, the feedback valve diverting a portion of the fluid when the pressure of the fluid exceeds a predetermined pressure. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the device further includes a spring biasing the link toward the first position, wherein supplying pressurized fluid through the second supply line moves the link toward the second position against the bias of the spring.