Seal means for underwater connectors

The combination connector including separable interfitting socket and insert parts with abutting walls and intercommunicating pressurized fluid ducts extending respectively through said parts and means to sealingly interconnect said ducts, coacting means between said socket and insert parts for aligning the fluid ducts in the socket with those of the insert part, said sealing means comprising a seal carrier between said abutting walls, said seal carrier being provided with inner and outer walls and a passage in said carrier extending through said inner and outer walls interconnecting said ducts, an annular seal sealingly fitting in and about said passage and extending beyond said inner and outer walls, and a guide sleeve snugly fitting within said seal and terminating at each end thereof short of said inner and outer walls, and coacting means between said seal and seal carrier for positioning said seal therein and means for mounting said seal carrier on said insert part so that said seal will be in alignment with the duct in the insert part, there being sufficient clearance between the adjacent edges of said guide sleeve and said seal for transmitting fluid pressures inside said collar oppositely against the edges of said seal for balancing the pressure against said seal and preventing expulsion of said seal from said passage when said socket and insert are initially separated.