Threaded connector
US6056324A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 12, 1998 |
| Grant date | May 2, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 12, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49863
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Method and apparatus are disclosed to complete a threaded connection between two connector members by relative rotation between the connectors, utilizing fluid pressure between them to overcome radial load resistance during make up by rotation, and thereafter to produce axial and radial loading in the completed connection, but without otherwise applying longitudinal forces to drive the two connectors together to make up the threaded connection. In a disclosed embodiment, a pin connector has a tapered neck with external threads, and a box connector has a collar with a tapered interior, featuring tapered threads. The pin neck is received within the box collar, and the two sets of threads are made up by relative rotation between the pin and box. When a stall position is reached due to radial resistance forces, two combinations of bump and ramp seals provide a sealed zone between the sets of threads. Fluid pressure is applied in the sealed zone to radially contract the neck and expand the collar without breaking the sealing engagement between the bump seals and the ramp seals. The resulting reduction of radial resistance between the neck and collar allows the further threading of the p…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.