Pipe connector assembly
US5912936A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 11, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jun 15, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 11, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Pipe connector assembly for replacing a core spray line in a nuclear reactor without field cutting, measuring, or welding such line. In one embodiment, the pipe connector assembly includes a first coupling member, a second coupling member, and at least one locking element. The first coupling member includes a flange, a pipe engaging portion, a spherical convex seat portion, a bore and a stud bore. The second coupling member includes a flange having a spherical concave seat portion for receiving the convex seat portion of the first coupling member, a pipe engaging portion, a bore, and a stud bore. The locking element includes at least one spherical washer and a crimp mechanism and couples the first coupling member and the second coupling member by extending through the flange stud bores. The spherical seat portions allow the coupling members to be rotationally misaligned while remaining to be substantially coaxially aligned thus accommodating additional core spray line length while maintaining a leak tight connection.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.