Abstract:
A connection system for connecting tubular members to each other includes a rotatable connector sleeve on one of the tubular members. A make-up tool has a curved rack of gear teeth that are engagable with the connector sleeve for causing rotation of the connector sleeve in unison with the rack. The make-up tool includes a power tool having a drive motor that rotates a drive shaft. A pinion gear mounted on the drive shaft engages the teeth of the rack to cause the rack to move in a rotational direction when the drive shaft is rotated. This movement causes the connector sleeve to rotate to make-up or break-out the connection.
Abstract:
A gear operated coupler is provided for coupling and uncoupling mating first and second coupling portions of a piping system component. A sleeve with an attached spur gear includes threads that engage the first coupling portion, and the sleeve slidingly receives the second coupling portion. The coupling portions are maintained in a metal-to-metal seal arrangement by a compensation ring in the sleeve. A pinion plate, carrying an associated pinion gear, is attached to the second coupling portion so that the pinion gear engages the spur gear. A torque applied to an operating nut connected to the pinion gear shaft causes the pinion gear and spur gear to rotate. Depending on the direction of rotation of the pinion gear, the threads of the sleeve advance the first coupling portion toward the second coupling portion until the two are coupled, or the first coupling portion is retracted from the second coupling portion.
Abstract:
A mechanical coupling adapted for engagement using a key device. The coupling including first and second assemblies. The first assembly includes a latching body having a key hole, a coupling nut having an interior threaded portion and a toothed end portion, a receptacle body having an exterior threaded portion in constant threaded engagement with the interior threaded portion, and a first latch connected to the receptacle body. The second assembly includes a second latch and is adapted to engage the first assembly. The engagement of the first and second assemblies is accomplished by rotating a key device inserted in the key hole and meshing with the toothed end portion.
Abstract:
A mechanical coupling adapted for engagement using a key device. The coupling including first and second assemblies. The first assembly includes a latching body having a key hole, a coupling nut having an interior threaded portion and a toothed end portion, a receptacle body having an exterior threaded portion in constant threaded engagement with the interior threaded portion, and a first latch connected to the receptacle body. The second assembly includes a second latch and is adapted to engage the first assembly. The engagement of the first and second assemblies is accomplished by rotating a key device inserted in the key hole and meshing with the toothed end portion.
Abstract:
A fluid connector system including a modified plumbing union having a rotatable member for drawing said union into a fluid tight condition. A drive tool is electric motor actuated and includes a reduction gear train providing an output gear engaging an integral peripheral spur gear on the rotatable member. A housing member attached to the connector assembly provides coaxial alignment for an interface socket on the drive tool. A hand lever actuated latching system includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced latching balls selectively wedged against the housing member attached to the connector assembly or to secure the drive tool to the connector assembly with its output gear in mesh with the integral peripheral spur gear. The drive motor is torque, spped and direction controllable.
Abstract:
A coupling device for ducts comprises locking elements constrained to the flange of a first duct which are connected to movement means to move them toward or away from the flange of a second duct. The movement means are actuated by a thrust ring which is rotated around the axis of the first duct. Along the contact side of the flange of the first duct are provided elastically stressed seals which interact between the flange of the first duct and the flange of said connected duct. Said seals consist of floating rings running and oscillating in recesses made in the flange, said floating rings being acted upon by elastic elements inserted in said recesses.
Abstract:
A clamping apparatus for joining two flanges by means of clamping members circumferentially spaced around the flanges and radially forced inwardly to engage and compress the two flanges in a clamping space of the clamping members includes a clamping roller chain extending around the clamping members with the clamping rollers engaging the outer surfaces of the clamping members which are supported independently of the clamping chain by a support ring in such a manner as to be freely movable in radial direction but under the control of an operating rim which engages all the clamping members for simultaneous radial movement and a tensioning structure for the clamping roller chain which is associated with said guide rim for forcing said clamping members inwardly into firm engagement with said flanges or releasing the clamping members and moving them outwardly out of engagement with the flanges.
Abstract:
A hingeable segmented pipe coupling includes dual or plural coupling segments which are hingeable relative to each other in the absence of transverse hinge pins, at least one pair of bolting pads including arcuate surfaces which roll with respect to each other, and each of which includes a fulcrum for engagement with a headed securing member associated with those bolting pads. In preferred embodiments, the bolting faces of the bolting pads are contoured to prevent rotational movement of the coupling segments about the axis of the securing member.
Abstract:
A clamping mechanism for connecting members in end-to-end relation having a rotatable, actuating ring to radially move loading devices into engagement with one of the members. The translation of rotational movement to radial movement is accomplished by cam mechanisms. The loading devices may be toggle links of a toggle assembly which are supported by one of the members to be connected. Rotation of the actuating ring advances the locking device into engagement which in turn connects and preloads the members.
Abstract:
An assembly for mounting a print head to a carriage. The assembly includes a mounting clamp and a lock element in addition to the print head and the carriage. The print head has at least two mounting studs and a drive element engaging screw. Both the carriage and the mounting clamp have openings therein through which the studs and the lock element engaging screw pass when effecting the assembly. The mounting clamp also has finger engaging tab members and a ratchet element which includes a resilient free end portion. In addition the stud receiving openings in the mounting clamp includes a ramp structure. In assembly, the mounting clamp is rotated by applying a torque to the tab members until the mounting studs engage the ramp structure of their respective stud receiving openings. Thereafter, the lock element engages the screw of the spring head and is tightened thereon. Both the resilient free end portion and the lock element are provided with ratchet teeth which are in engagement during the tightening operation. As a result, an audible clicking sound is generated which assures the operator that a tightening operation is taking place. In this position reverse rotation of the lock element relative to the free end portion is prevented.