U.S. patent application number 14/479445 was filed with the patent office on 2014-12-25 for hammerless flow coupler and method of use.
The applicant listed for this patent is Robert P. Fanguy, Thomas J. Fanguy, Jake Ryan Guillory, Jeremy Nathanael Guillory. Invention is credited to Robert P. Fanguy, Thomas J. Fanguy, Jake Ryan Guillory, Jeremy Nathanael Guillory.
Application Number | 20140374122 14/479445 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52109962 |
Filed Date | 2014-12-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140374122 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fanguy; Thomas J. ; et
al. |
December 25, 2014 |
Hammerless Flow Coupler and Method of Use
Abstract
An improved fluid conduit union and method for hammerless
attachment apparatus for hammerless coupling the ends of abutting
fluid conduits, such as pipe, hoses, or attachment fitting
conduits, comprising a ring-shaped conduit receptacle assembly
threadedly engaged and fixed on a female fitting at one conduit end
and a cylindrical ring-shaped locking assembly positioned around a
male fitting at the other conduit end. The ring-shaped locking
assembly has a lock ring positionable by a rotatable locking ring
nut threadedly engaging the ring-shaped conduit receptacle.
Rotation of the locking ring nut translates the lock ring against
the male fitting and firmly seats the male fitting at one conduit
end to the female fitting at the other conduit end where they are
locked in place, all without rotation of either fluid conduit.
Inventors: |
Fanguy; Thomas J.;
(Broussard, LA) ; Fanguy; Robert P.; (Broussard,
LA) ; Guillory; Jake Ryan; (Broussard, LA) ;
Guillory; Jeremy Nathanael; (Broussard, LA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Fanguy; Thomas J.
Fanguy; Robert P.
Guillory; Jake Ryan
Guillory; Jeremy Nathanael |
Broussard
Broussard
Broussard
Broussard |
LA
LA
LA
LA |
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52109962 |
Appl. No.: |
14/479445 |
Filed: |
September 8, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13197503 |
Aug 3, 2011 |
8857863 |
|
|
14479445 |
|
|
|
|
61370568 |
Aug 4, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
166/380 ;
166/77.51; 285/89 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 21/02 20130101;
B25B 13/48 20130101; B25B 17/00 20130101; F16L 19/025 20130101;
E21B 17/043 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
166/380 ;
166/77.51; 285/89 |
International
Class: |
E21B 19/16 20060101
E21B019/16; E21B 17/043 20060101 E21B017/043 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for connecting conduit, comprising: a) a lock ring
having a radially extending flange lock ring flange, said lock ring
receiving and encircling a first conduit section having a stabbing
surface with a radially extending flange, said radially extending
lock ring flange abutting said radially extending flange of said
first conduit section; b) a primary locking ring nut positioned
around said lock ring to abut said radially extending flange of
said lock ring, said primary locking ring nut having a set of
external ring to threads; and b) a cylindrical ring-shaped conduit
receptacle assembly threadedly coupled by a first set of internal
threads to a second fluid conduit section having a receiving
surface engaging said stabbing surface of said a first conduit
section, said cylindrical receptacle assembly having a second set
of internal threads threadedly mating with said set of external
ring threads is of said primary locking ring nut.
2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said first conduit
section has a conically configured stabbing surface and said second
conduit section has a conically configured receiving seat.
3. The apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein said ring-shaped
conduit receptacle has a plurality of rotation holes whereby a stud
or gripping knob on a torque wrench head may be engaged.
4. The apparatus as recited in claim 3 further comprising a
plurality of set screws positioned to hold said primary locking
ring nut on said lock ring.
5. The apparatus as recited in claim 3 wherein said primary locking
ring nut has a plurality of internal threads threadedly engaged
with a plurality of external threads on said lock ring.
6. The apparatus as recited in claim 5 further comprising a
secondary locking ring nut having a plurality of internal threads
threadedly engaged with said plurality of external threads on said
lock ring.
7. The apparatus as recited in claim 6 wherein said primary locking
ring nut and said secondary locking ring nut have a plurality of
rotation holes whereby a stud or gripping knob on a torque wrench
head may be engaged.
8. The apparatus as recited in claim 2 further comprising: a) a
plurality of radial slots and projections on said primary locking
ring nut; and b) a rotatable key engaging said plurality of radial
slots and projections on said primary locking ring nut whereby
rotation of said key will turn said locking ring nut on said
internal threads of said cylindrical receptacle to move said lock
ring to abut against said radially extending flange of said lock
ring against said radially extending flange of said first conduit
section.
9. The apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein said locking ring
nut has a radially extending flange, said a radially extending
locking ring nut flange having a plurality of equally spaced
diagonally oriented slots on its outer radial surface and further
comprising a rotatable worm gear attached to said cylindrical
receptacle assembly, said worm gear engaged with said diagonally
oriented slots on said radial outer surface of said locking ring
nut flange whereby rotation of said worm gear will rotate said
locking ring nut on said internal threads of the cylindrical
receptacle to move said lock ring to abut said radially extending
flange of said lock ring against said radially extending flange of
said first conduit section.
10. An apparatus for connecting conduit, comprising a) a lock ring
having a radially extending lock ring flange, said lock ring
receiving and encircling a male attachment sub of a first fluid
conduit section, said male attachment sub having a stabbing surface
with a radially extending flange, said radially extending lock ring
flange abutting said radially extending flange of said male
attachment sub; b) a second fluid conduit section having a female
attachment sub, said female attachment sub having a plurality of
threads extending along its exterior radial surface and flange
receiving surface; c) a cylindrical receptacle having a plurality
of internal threads threadedly engaging said plurality of threads
extending along said exterior radial surface of said female pipe
sub, said cylindrical receptacle having an outwardly extending
radial flange having an edge comprised of a plurality of equally
spaced outward scallops, each said outward scallop having a bolt
hole; d) a cylindrical locking ring nut assembly translatably
engaging said male pipe sub, said cylindrical locking ring nut
assembly having an internal cavity ring segment, an internally
extending radial flange engaging said radially extending lock ring
flange, and an attachment face, said attachment face of said
locking ring nut assembly having an opening having an edge
comprised of a plurality of equally spaced inward scallops, each
said inward scallop having a bolt hole; e) wherein said radial
flange of said cylindrical receptacle is positioned within said
attachment face opening of said cylindrical locking nut assembly
and rotated whereby said bolt holes in said outward scallops of
said radial flange of said cylindrical receptacle are to aligned
with said bolt holes in said inward scallops of said attachment
face opening of said locking ring nut assembly; e) a disc spring
washer placed between said locking ring nut assembly and said
receptacle assembly; and f) bolts engaged with said bolt holes in
said outward scallops of said radial flange of said cylindrical
receptacle and said inward scallops of said attachment face whereby
rotation of said bolts will translate said the locking ring nut
assembly along said male attachment sub to draw said internally
extending radial flange of said locking ring nut assembly against
said radial flange of said mail attachment sub to seat said
stabbing surface of said male attachment sub against said flange
receiving surface of said female attachment sub.
11. A method for connecting conduit segments, comprising the steps
of: a) providing cylindrical ring-shaped conduit receptacle
assembly having a first set of internal threads and a second set of
internal threads; b) providing a first conduit section having a
stabbing surface with a radially extending flange; c) providing a
lock ring having a radially extending flange lock ring flange; d)
providing a second conduit section having a receiving surface and a
set of external threads on its outer radial periphery; e) providing
a locking ring nut having a set of external ring threads; f)
attaching said first set of internal threads of said ring-shaped
conduit receptacle assembly to said external threads of said a
second conduit section; g) placing said lock ring around said first
conduit section and abutting said radially extending lock ring
flange to said radially extending flange of said first conduit
section; h) threadedly attaching said set of external ring threads
of said locking ring nut to said second set of internal threads of
said ring-shaped conduit receptacle assembly; and i) rotating said
ring-shaped conduit receptacle assembly thereby moving said lock
ring to abut against said radially extending flange of said lock
ring against said radially extending flange of said first conduit
section.
12. The method of connecting conduit segments recited in claim 11,
comprising the additional step of using a torque wrench to provide
a desired torque to said ring-shaped conduit receptacle
assembly.
13. The method of connecting conduit segments as recited in claim
12 wherein said step of providing a desired torque includes
providing a plurality of rotation holes on said ring-shaped conduit
receptacle assembly whereby a stud or gripping knob on a torque
wrench head may be engaged.
14. The method of connecting conduit segments recited in claim
1wherein the step of rotating said ring-shaped conduit receptacle
assembly includes the additional steps of: a) providing a plurality
of radial slots and projections on said primary locking ring nut;
b) providing a rotatable key engaging said plurality of radial
slots and projections on said primary locking ring nut; and c)
rotating said key and thereby turning said locking ring nut on said
internal threads of said cylindrical receptacle and moving said
lock ring to abut against said radially extending flange of said
lock ring against said radially extending flange of said first
conduit section.
15. The method of connecting conduit segments recited in claim 11
wherein the step of rotating said ring-shaped conduit receptacle
assembly includes the additional steps of: a) proving a radially
extending flange on said locking ring nut, radially extending
flange having a radial outer surface; b) providing a plurality of
equally spaced diagonally oriented slots on said a radial outer
surface of said radially extending locking ring nut flange; c)
providing a rotatable worm gear attached to said cylindrical
receptacle assembly, said worm gear engaged with said diagonally
oriented slots on said radial outer surface of said locking ring
nut flange; and d) rotating said worm gear and thereby rotating
said locking ring nut on said internal threads of the cylindrical
receptacle and moving said lock ring to abut said radially
extending flange of said lock ring against said radially extending
flange of said first conduit section.
16. The method as recited in claim 12 wherein said stabbing surface
of said first conduit section has a conically configured sidewall
and said receiving surface of said second conduit section is
conically configured to correspond with said stabbing surface.
17. The method as recited in claim 16 comprising the additional
steps of: a) providing a set of internal threads on said locking
ring nut; b) providing a set of external threads on said lock ring;
and c) threadedly engaging said set of internal threads on said
locking ring nut with said external threads of said lock ring.
18. The method recited in claim 17 comprising the additional steps
of: a) providing a second locking ring nut having a set of internal
threads; b) threadedly engaging said set of internal threads on
said second locking ring nut with said external threads of said
lock ring; c) providing a plurality of set screws; and d) holding
each of said locking ring nuts on said lock ring with said set
screws.
19. A fluid conduit union comprising: a) a first conduit attachment
sub attached to a first fluid conduit, said first conduit
attachment sub having with a stabbing end with a radially extending
flange; b) a second conduit attachment sub attached to a second
fluid conduit, said second conduit attachment sub having a flange
seat and a plurality of external threads; c) a cylindrical
ring-shaped conduit translatably positioned around said first
conduit attachment sub, said cylindrical ring-shaped conduit having
a plurality of internal threads threadedly engagable with said
plurality of external threads of said second conduit attachment
sub; d) a rotatable lock ring positioned between first and second
spaced apart ring plates, said rotatable lock ring and said first
and second ring plates translatably positioned around said second
conduit attachment sub, said lock ring having a plurality of
equally spaced gear teeth on its outer radial surface and a
plurality of internal threads threadedly engagable with said
plurality of external threads of said second conduit attachment
sub; and e) a rotatable gear positioned between said first and
second spaced apart ring plates, said gear having a plurality of
radially extending teeth in rotatable engagement with said spaced
gear teeth of said rotatable lock ring.
20. The fluid conduit union recited in claim 19 wherein said first
and second spaced apart ring plates are comprised of first and
second semi-circular plates hingedly affixed together.
21. The fluid conduit union recited in claim 20 further comprising
an L-shaped lock ring positioned around said first conduit
attachment sub, said L-shaped lock ring slideably translatable on
said first conduit attachment sub to abut said radially extending
flange of said first conduit attachment sub.
22. The fluid conduit union recited in claim 21 wherein said
rotatable gear is comprised of first and second adjoining gears,
said radially extending teeth of said adjoining first and second
gears being offset from each other.
23. The fluid conduit union recited in claim 22 further comprising
a plurality of spacer bars mounted between said first and second
spaced apart ring plates.
24. A fluid conduit union comprising: a) a first conduit attachment
sub attached to a first fluid conduit, said first conduit
attachment sub having with a stabbing end with a radially extending
flange; b) a second conduit attachment sub attached to a second
fluid conduit, said second conduit attachment sub having a flange
seat and a plurality of external threads; c) a cylindrical
ring-shaped collar translatably positioned around said first
conduit attachment sub, said cylindrical ring-shaped collar having
a plurality of internal threads threadedly engagable with said
plurality of external threads of said second conduit attachment
sub; d) an L-shaped lock ring positioned between said first conduit
attachment sub and said ring-shaped collar, said L-shaped lock ring
being slideably translatable on said first conduit attachment sub
whereby rotation of ring-shaped collar will threadedly engage said
internal threads of said ring-shaped collar with said plurality of
external threads of said second conduit attachment sub said to
translate said I shaped lock ring to abut said radially extending
flange and seat said stabbing end of said first conduit attachment
sub against said flange seat of said second conduit attachment sub;
e) first and second spaced apart ring plates translatably
positioned around said second conduit attachment sub, said first
and second held in a spaced apart relationship by a plurality of
spacer bars; f) a rotatable lock ring positioned between said first
and second spaced apart ring plates, said lock ring having a
plurality of equally spaced gear teeth on its outer radial surface
and a plurality of internal threads threadedly engagable with said
plurality of external threads of said second conduit attachment
sub; and g) a plurality of rotatable gear drive shafts mounted
between said first and second spaced apart ring plates around said
rotatable lock ring, each said gear drive shaft having a drive gear
with a plurality of radially extending teeth on its outer radial
surface in rotatable engagement with said spaced gear teeth of said
rotatable lock ring whereby rotation of said rotatable gear drive
shafts gears will rotate said rotatable lock ring to threadedly
engage said internal threads of said lock ring with said plurality
of external threads of said second conduit attachment sub and
translate said rotatable lock ring on said second conduit
attachment sub to engage and hold said ring-shaped collar on said
first conduit attachment sub.
25. The fluid conduit union recited in claim 24 wherein said drive
gear is comprised of first and second adjoining drive gears, said
gear teeth of said adjoining first and second drive gears being
offset from each other.
Description
PRIORITY
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 13/197,503 entitled Method And Apparatus For Connecting
Conduit filed Aug. 3, 2011 which claim the benefit of U.S.
provisional application entitled Method and Apparatus for
Connecting Conduit Quickly and Without Tools bearing Ser. No.
61/370,568 filed Aug. 4, 2010, the content of which is incorporated
by reference and for which priority is claimed.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to connections for fluid conduits and
more particularly to an adjustable coupler or hammerless union for
connecting fluid conduits.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Oil and gas well completion operations require that fluid
conduit, such as loading arms, hoses, pipe, tubing, casing, flanges
and hubs, be connected together. These conduit connections may be
permanent or temporary depending upon the purpose for which the
conduit will be used. A variety of connection devices are used for
connecting such conduit and a variety of factors contribute to
their relative effectiveness. These factors include the speed
associated with making the connection, the required integrity of
the conduit connection, whether the connection is permanent or
temporary, the necessity for and availability of connection tools,
and the concern for the safety and wellbeing of the workers, the
well, and the associated well equipment. These various factors,
together and separately, may contribute to increased rig use time
and as result increase the cost of well operations.
[0004] In the Oil and Gas industry it is common practice to make up
or couple threaded pipe or other tubular fluid conduit with
threaded unions to provide extended strings of pipe, tubing, hoses,
and the like. A typical threaded union may have only 3 to 4 threads
per inch to increase the speed of threading and less turning of the
union components. Particularly when the fluid conduit is piping,
hose, or auxiliary components used to transfer, treat, or contain
fluid, gas, vapor, sludge, chemicals, in or around oilfield and
industrial locations, connections are often made up and broken down
with threaded winged or lugged hammer unions that fit together and
seal by means of a swivel nut turned with the blows of heavy
hammers, such as sledgehammers with hardened steel heads weighing
as much as 20 lbs., that are wielded by hand. When making such
connections with these hammers it is often difficult to achieve or
verify the torque required or desired for effectively mating the
components of the threaded wing or hammer unions.
[0005] The use of hand hammers is among the top causes of job
injuries in the oilfield industry. Swinging a hammer or striking or
dropping a hammer against one's self or others can cause muscle
strains, pinch points, or other physical harm to a worker. This
danger is readily apparent when making or breaking a hammer union
conduit connection requires a worker to apply repeated sledgehammer
blows to the wing or lug face of the hammer union when workers are
in close proximity to each other as when workers are holding the
conduit being connected or disconnected.
[0006] Further, a conduit, hose, or pipe unions are often assembled
or broken down in areas or locations where flammable fumes may
permeate the air. Striking the surface of a wing or lug of a union
connector, may create sparks which could ignite such flammable
fumes creating the potential for explosions and fires that may
expose the worker to severe burns or even death as well as
extensive property damage to the location.
[0007] As an alternative to hammer unions, some threaded unions of
fluid conduit are made up and broken down by manually operable
tongs. These tongs typically have a handle and jaw members that are
used grip and turn a nut, swivel, or another threaded connection
component of the threaded union. The torque or moment force used to
turn the threaded connection components of the threaded union to
make up or break out of the threaded joint is created by the force
applied to the jaws by tong handle. When the union connection joint
is completed, the jaws of the tongs are opened to permit their
removal from around the conduit pipe and the threaded union
creating the connection joint. Often the moment force or torque
applied to the threaded union by the tong jaws is not sufficient to
adequately seal the conduit ends together which may result in leaks
or cause the conduit to decouple under pressure.
[0008] Consequently, a need exists for an improved fluid conduit
connecting apparatus and method that will reduce the time to make
conduit connections, reduce conduit sealing problems, and reduce
the risk of harm for the workers and the risk of damage to the work
site location and equipment. The use of such a device will
correspondingly enhance worksite safety and reduce the cost and
expenses typically associated with the conduit connecting devices
and methods currently utilized.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention provides an improved connection union
for fluid conduits to satisfy the aforementioned needs. When
installed the improved connection union and method provides a fluid
conduit union that is mechanical locked at a predetermined torque
requirement without the use of a hammer and without rotation of the
pipe string.
[0010] A first embodiment of the improved connection union is
comprised of a ring-shaped locking assembly for receiving and
threadedly securing a first section of fluid conduit such as pipe,
hose, or threaded conduit and a cylindrical ring-shaped conduit
receptacle assembly threadedly coupled to a radially flanged second
section of fluid conduit such as pipe, hose, or other similar
threaded conduit fitting. The ring-shaped locking assembly is
comprised of an L-shaped locking ring nut having a radially
extending flange, the L-shaped locking ring nut being configured to
receive and encircle a corresponding radially flanged lock ring
around the first fluid conduit section to be coupled, and a set of
external ring threads. The cylindrical receptacle assembly has a
first set of internal threads, configured to threadedly mate with a
correspondingly set of external threads on the second section of
fluid conduit to be coupled, and second set of internal threads to
threadedly mate with the set of external threads on the L-shaped
locking ring nut.
[0011] The first embodiment of the improved connection union is
utilized by receiving and encircling the first fluid conduit
section with the lock ring and the L-shaped locking ring nut so
that the lock ring is positioned between the first fluid conduit
section and the L-shaped locking ring nut with the long ring radial
flange in a position adjacent to the radial flange of the first
fluid conduit section; threadedly mating and securing the first set
of internal threads of the cylindrical conduit receptacle with the
external threads of the second fluid conduit section; and mating
the second set of internal threads of the cylindrical conduit
receptacle with the external threads on the L-shaped locking ring
nut. Once the L-shaped locking ring nut is threadedly mated with
the second set of internal threads of the cylindrical receptacle
assembly, the L-shaped locking ring nut is threadedly tightened on
the second set of internal threads of the cylindrical conduit
receptacle to a desired torque to securely abut the locking ring
flange against the radial flange of the first fluid conduit section
thereby connecting the first fluid conduit section to the second
fluid conduit section to complete the pipe union.
[0012] The radial extending flange of the L-shaped locking ring nut
of the first embodiment of the improved connection union may be
provided with a plurality of threadedly connected, radially
extending set screws. After the locking ring is secured against the
radial flange of the first fluid conduit section by the L-shaped
locking ring nut, the radially extending set screws may be inserted
and tightened to fixedly hold the L-shaped locking ring nut in
threaded engagement with the first fluid conduit segment.
[0013] A second embodiment of the improved connection union is
comprised of a ring-shaped locking assembly for receiving and
threadedly securing a first section of fluid conduit and a
cylindrical conduit receptacle assembly threadedly coupled to a
radially flanged second section of fluid conduit. In this second
embodiment, the ring-shaped locking assembly is comprised of an
L-shaped locking ring nut having a radially extending flange
configured to receive and encircle a corresponding radially flanged
lock ring around the first fluid conduit section and a set of
external ring threads and a second or backup locking ring nut
assembly also having a set of external ring threads. The flange
lock ring is provided with a set of external ring threads
configured to threadedly engage with the internal threads of the
L-shaped locking ring nut and second or backup locking ring nut
threadedly engage on the cylindrical conduit receptacle assembly to
securely abut the locking ring flange against the radial flange of
the first fluid conduit section to hold the first and second fluid
conduits together. Radial set screws on the L-shaped locking ring
nut and the backup locking ring nut may be provided to further
secure these locking nuts in a desired position.
[0014] In a third embodiment of the improved connection union, an
alternate embodiment of the locking ring nut is provided. In this
third embodiment a locking ring assembly having a locking ring nut
with a plurality of equally spaced key slots on its outer radial
surface may be provided. These key slots are configured to mate
with a rotatable key rotatably positionable on the receptacle
assembly. Rotation of the rotatable key will engage the key with
the key slots of the locking ring nut and rotate the locking ring
nut on the internal threads of the cylindrical receptacle to secure
the radially flanged lock ring against the radial flange of the
first fluid conduit segment. Alternatively, in a fourth embodiment
of the improved connection union the locking ring nut of the
locking ring assembly may be provided with a plurality of equally
spaced key slots on its outer radial surface configured to engage
with a rotating worm gear. The interaction of the worm gear with
the key slots will rotate the locking ring nut on the internal
threads of the cylindrical receptacle to secure the radially
flanged lock ring against the radial flange of the first fluid
conduit segment.
[0015] In a fifth embodiment of the improved connection union, a
locking ring assembly retaining a translatable ring lock is
positioned a first fluid conduit attachment fitting. The locking
ring has a recessed internal cavity and ringed opening with a
scalloped border. A rotatable locking nut or collar having an outer
radially extending alternately scalloped flanged surface is
threadedly fitted with a second fluid conduit attachment fitting.
The alternately scalloped flanged surfaces of the locking nut or
collar on the second fluid conduit attachment are configured to be
received within the recessed cavity of the locking ring on the
first fluid conduit attachment fitting. Rotation of locking ring
will align the scalloped border of the locking ring with the
scalloped flanged surfaces of the locking nut or collar to hold the
locking nut or collar within the recessed internal cavity of the
locking ring. A plurality of longitudinally oriented bolts are then
inserted in the scalloped border of the locking ring and the
scalloped flanged surfaces of the locking nut or collar and
tightened to translate the locking ring and the retained lock ring
toward the locking nut or collar drawing the first fluid conduit
attachment fitting toward second fluid conduit attachment fitting
where the fittings are abutted complete the conduit connection
without the use of a hammer. A disk spring may be provided between
the locking ring and the locking nut or collar to enhance the bond
between the abutting fluid conduit fittings.
[0016] In a sixth embodiment of the improved connection union, an
alternate embodiment of the locking ring is provided. In this sixth
embodiment a locking ring assembly having a plurality of rotatable
gears with a plurality of equally spaced offset teeth may be
provided for rotation of the teeth into slots on the outer radial
surface of the locking ring. These teeth slots are configured to
mate with the offset teeth of the rotatable gears and provide
resistance upon the receptacle assembly without a risk of the gear
teeth slipping upon the outer radial surface of the locking ring.
As the internal threads of the receptacle assembly are rotated upon
the external threads of the first conduit segment, the L-shaped
locking ring will be driven against the flange of the second
conduit segment for fixed engagement of the flange with the flange
seat of the first conduit segment. Rotation of the rotatable gears
will engage the teeth with the slots of the locking ring and hold
the locking ring upon the radial flange of the first fluid conduit
segment to lock the receptacle assembly in place.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the first embodiment of the
improved connection union of Applicant's invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-section view of the improved
connection union shown in FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of the
improved connection union of Applicant's invention.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-section view of the improved
connection union shown in FIG. 3.
[0021] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of third embodiment of the
improved connection union implementing a means for rotating a
locking ring nut for retaining a connection to a pipe collar.
[0022] FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 show various views of a fourth embodiment
of the improved connection union of Applicant's invention.
[0023] FIGS. 9, 10, 11, and 12 show various views of a fifth
embodiment of the improved connection union of Applicant's
invention.
[0024] FIGS. 13, 14, and 15 show various views of a sixth
embodiment of the improved connection union of Applicant's
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIGS.
1 and 2, a first embodiment of the improved fluid conduit union 100
is illustrated for hammerless attachment of a first fluid conduit
20 having a through-bore 114 to a second fluid conduit 30 having a
through-bore 115. In this embodiment fluid conduit 20 has a male
end attachment fitting such as male hammer union sub 113 that has a
conically configured stabbing surface 136 forming a radially
extending beveled flange 150 and fluid conduit 30 has an externally
threaded attachment fitting such as female hammer union sub 112
that has a conically shaped receiving surface 152 with a beveled
interior flange seat 135 configured to receive and mate with the
beveled flange 150 of sub 113. Fluid conduits 20 and 30 may be a
pipe, hose, or other similar conduit having end attachment fittings
such as sub 113 and sub 112.
[0026] The union 100 includes a cylindrical ring-shaped conduit
receptacle assembly 116 configured for threadedly engaging sub 112
of conduit 30 and a cylindrical ring-shaped locking assembly 118
for fixedly engaging sub 113 of conduit 20. The receptacle assembly
116 and locking assembly 118 may be sized as desired for attachment
to desired variously sized fluid conduit attachment fittings shown
as subs 112 and 113.
[0027] Ring-shaped locking assembly 118 is comprised of an L-shaped
locking ring nut 119 that has a ring segment 121 and a radially
extending flange 123. The ring segment 121 has a plurality of
external threads 133 and is configured to receive and encircle a
corresponding slideably translatable lock ring 120 around sub 113
of first conduit 20. Cylindrical ring-shaped receptacle assembly
116 has a first plurality of internal threads 130 that are
configured to threadedly correspond and mate with a plurality of
external threads 131 around sub 112 of the second fluid conduit 30
and a second set of internal threads 132 that threadedly mate with
external threads 133 on ring segment 121 of L-shaped locking ring
nut 119.
[0028] Lock ring 120 is a cylindrical ring that engages with ring
segment 121 of the locking nut 119, such as by a radially extending
flange or abutment head 126 on lock ring 120. The engagement of
lock ring 120 with ring segment 121 of locking nut 119 allows the
flange lock ring 120 to be translated or slideably positioned as
locking nut 119 is moved inward on the receptacle assembly 116 by
rotational engagement of the external threads 133 of locking ring
nut 119 with the internal threads 132 of the receptacle assembly
116.
[0029] The union 100 is used to make up a connection of conduit 20
having sub 113 with conduit 30 having sub 112. This is accomplished
by positioning ring segment 121 of locking ring nut 119 of the
ring-shaped locking assembly 118 around flange lock ring 120 and
positioning both the lock ring 120 and the locking ring nut 119
around sub 113 with the abutment head 126 of lock ring 120
positioned to abut flange 150 of sub 113; fixing receptacle
assembly 116 on sub 112 by rotating cylindrical ring-shaped
receptacle assembly 116 and engaging internal threads 130 of
receptacle assembly 116 with external threads 131 on sub 113; and
translating the locking assembly 118 with the fitted sub 113 on
cylindrical ring-shaped receptacle assembly 116 by rotating locking
ring nut 119 and engaging external threads 133 of ring segment 121
with the internal threads 132 of receptacle assembly 116 to
translate locking ring nut 119 and slide lock ring 120 inward into
receptacle 116 against flange 150 at stabbing end 136 of sub 113;
and further rotating locking ring nut 119 to drive lock ring
against flange 150 thereby firmly seating flange 150 against flange
seat 135 on receiving surface 152 of sub 112. Firmly seating flange
150 on flange seat 135 will allow fluid flow between through-bore
114 of fluid conduit 20 through-bore 115 of fluid conduit 30.
[0030] When union 100 is used to make up a connection of conduit 20
having sub 113 with conduit 30 having sub 112 as described, there
is no need for rotating fluid conduit 20 and sub 113 or fluid
conduit 30 and sub 112. Only the receptacle assembly 116 and the
flange ring nut 119 need be rotated to make up the connection with
union 100.
[0031] Seals between abutting surfaces of the components of the
union 100 may be provided to prevent fluid or pressure leaks at the
connection surfaces. For instance a resilient seal such as an
O-ring seal (not shown) may be provided between locking ring nut
119 and receptacle 116 around the flange 150 of sub 113 and within
receiving surface 152 of sub 112. These seals will be compressed by
rotation of locking ring nut 119 of lock assembly 118 and
engagement of external threads 133 with the internal threads 132 of
receptacle 116 to provide seal against loss of fluids and pressure
in the union 100.
[0032] It is thought that flange 150 of sub 113 will be tightly
fitted on flange seat 135 of sub 113 to avoid leaks and loss of
fluid and pressure at union 100. This is accomplished by applying
torque sufficient to rotate receptacle assembly 116 to firmly hold
on sub 112 and applying torque sufficient to rotate locking ring
nut 119 to slidably position lock ring 120 to firmly seat flange
150 of sub 113 on flange seat 135 of sub 113.
[0033] A torque wrench should be utilized to verify that sufficient
torque is applied to the receptacle assembly 116 and the locking
ring nut 119 to firmly seat flange 150 of sub 113 on flange seat
135 of sub 113. It is thought that a torque wrench having a wrench
head comprised of attachment straps, attachment links, or another
suitable mechanism to grip the locking ring nut 119 and the
receptacle assembly 116 will be provided when making up the union
100. The wrench described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,439,064 for a "Hand
Tong Having Tactile Torque Indication" is thought to be sufficient
to verify that the torque applied to the receptacle assembly 116
and the locking ring nut 119 is sufficient to firmly seat flange
150 on flange seat 135 to make up the connection with union 100. A
backup wrench may also be provided to prevent rotation of fluid
conduits 20 and 30 as the locking ring nut 199 and receptacle
assembly 116 are rotated.
[0034] To insure a firm grip with the torque wrench head for
rotating locking ring nut 199 and receptacle assembly 116 these
rotating components may be provided with a means for enhancing the
grip of the torque wrench head. One means for enhancing the grip of
the torque wrench head is providing a gripping surface on the outer
radial surfaces of locking ring nut 199 and receptacle assembly 116
to enhance the connection of a wrench head strap. Another means for
enhancing the grip of the torque wrench head is providing a
plurality of rotation holes or recesses on the outer radial
surfaces of locking ring nut 199 and receptacle assembly 116, such
as a plurality of rotation holes 124 shown on receptacle assembly
116, for engaging a stud or gripping knob on a torque wrench head.
The rotation holes 124 and torque wrench will allow the locking
ring nut 199 to be tightened to a desired predetermined torque.
[0035] To insure that the locking ring nut 119 and the receptacle
assembly 116 remain in place after the seating torque is verified,
these rotating components may be provided with a plurality of
threaded set screw holes for engaging corresponding threaded set
screws, such as threaded holes 122 and set screws 128 shown on
locking nut ring 119 of locking assembly 118 in FIGS. 1 and 2. Once
the receptacle 116 and the locking ring nut 119 of locking assembly
118 are tightened to a predetermined torque requirement, the set
screws 128 may be tightened upon flange lock 120 by rotating the
set screws 128 in the threaded set screw holes 122. Rotation of
fastening hole may be achieved through use of a hex wrench, Allen
wrench, or any other bolt or screw driving means conventional in
the art. A torque wrench or torque driver may be utilized provide a
predetermined setting torque to insure the set screws are properly
fitted against the flange lock 120 to guard against its
movement.
[0036] Use of the union 100 in the described manner provides a
hamnmerless union of adjoining fluid conduits 20 and 30 and
provides for fluid flow through the union 100. The union 100 may be
readily disassembled by reversing the described connection steps to
disconnect fluid conduits 20 and 30 when their connection is no
longer required.
[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, a second embodiment of
improved fluid conduit union is shown as union 200 for hammerless
attachment of first fluid conduit 20 having an attachment sub 113
and a through-bore 114 and to second fluid conduit 30 having an
attachment sub 112 and a through-bore 115, all as previous
described for the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The union 200
includes a cylindrical receptacle assembly 216 configured for
threadedly engaging the female pipe sub 112 of fluid conduit 30 and
a cylindrical ring-shaped locking assembly 218 for fixed engagement
with attachment sub 113 of fluid conduit 20.
[0038] Ring-shaped locking assembly 218 is comprised of an L-shaped
locking ring nut 219 that has a ring segment 221 and a radially
extending flange 223. The ring segment 121 has a plurality of
external threads 233 and a plurality of internal threads 245. The
cylindrical ring-shaped receptacle assembly 216 has a first
plurality of internal threads 230 that are configured to threadedly
correspond and mate with a plurality of external threads 131 around
sub 112 of the second fluid conduit 30 and a second set of internal
threads 232 that threadedly mate with external threads 233 on ring
segment 221 of L-shaped locking ring nut 219. The L-shaped locking
ring nut 219 is translated on the receptacle assembly 216 by
rotational engagement of the external threads 233 on ring segment
221 with the internal threads 232 on the receptacle assembly 216.
The internal threads 230 of the receptacle assembly 116 can be
configured to accommodate any thread variation including the
threads of Chiksan.RTM. swivel joints and a variety of other
attachment fittings for hose, pipe, tubing, casing, and the
like.
[0039] Ring-shaped locking assembly 218 is further comprised of a
translatable lock ring 220 and a secondary locking ring nut 250.
Lock ring 240 is configured to be positioned around sub 113 of
first conduit 20 and has external flange threads 243 to
correspondingly engage with internal threads 245 on the ring
segment 221 of the L-shaped locking ring nut 219. Lock rock 240 may
be provided with a radially extending flange or abutment head 242
for abutting against flange 150 of sub 113. The secondary locking
ring nut 250 has a plurality of internal threads 241 configured for
threadable engagement with the external threads 243 of lock ring
240 and internal threads 245 on ring segment 221 of L-shaped
locking assembly 218.
[0040] The union 200 is used to make up a connection of conduit 20
having sub 113 with conduit 30 having sub 112. This is accomplished
by threadedly engaging the internal threads 245 of ring segment 221
of locking ring nut 219 of the ring-shaped locking assembly 218
with the external threads 243 of lock ring 220 and positioning both
the lock ring 220 and the locking ring nut 219 around sub 113 with
the abutment head 242 of lock ring 220 positioned to abut flange
150 of sub 113; fixing receptacle assembly 216 on sub 112 by
rotating cylindrical ring-shaped receptacle assembly 216 and
engaging internal threads 230 of receptacle assembly 116 with
external threads 131 on sub 113; and translating the locking
assembly 218 with the fitted sub 113 on the cylindrical ring-shaped
receptacle assembly 216 by rotating locking ring nut 219 and
engaging external threads 233 of ring segment 221 with the internal
threads 232 of receptacle assembly 216 to move the locking assembly
218 and the lock ring 220 against the flange 150 of sub 113 at
stabbing end 136 so that the flange 150 is driven against and
firmly seated on flange seat 135 on receiving surface 152 of sub
112. Flange 150 of sub 113 is then secured in a fixed position
against flange seat 135 of sub 112 by threadedly engaging internal
threads 241 of secondary locking ring nut 250 onto the external
threads 243 of lock ring 240. Secondary locking ring nut 240 takes
the set screws 122 to maintain flange 150 firmly seated on flange
seat 135 allow fluid flow between through-bore 114 of fluid conduit
20 and through-bore 115 of fluid conduit 30.
[0041] The union 200 may be readily disassembled by reversing the
described connection steps to disconnect fluid conduits 20 and 30
when their connection is no longer required.
[0042] When union 200 is used to make up a connection of conduit 20
having sub 113 with conduit 30 having sub 112 as described, there
is no need for rotating fluid conduit 20 and sub 113 or fluid
conduit 30 and sub 112. Only the receptacle assembly 216, flange
ring nut 219, and secondary locking ring nut 250 need be rotated to
make up the connection with union 200.
[0043] As with the embodiment described in FIGS. 1 and 2, seals
such as O-ring seals positioned between abutting surfaces of the
components of the union 200 may be provided to prevent fluid or
pressure leaks at the connecting surfaces and a torque wrench
should be utilized to verify that sufficient torque is applied to
the receptacle assembly 216 and to locking ring nut 219 and
secondary locking ring nut 250 to firmly seat flange 150 of sub 113
on flange seat 135 of sub 113.
[0044] The rotating components of union 200, i.e. receptacle
assembly 216, locking ring nut 219, and secondary locking ring nut
250, may also be provided with means for enhancing the grip of the
torque wrench head, such as by providing a knurled, checkered, or
abraded surface on the outer radial surfaces of these rotating
components, or by providing the rotating components with a
plurality of rotation holes 224 for engaging a stud or gripping
knob on a torque wrench head.
[0045] Again, a torque wrench having a wrench head comprised of
attachment straps, attachment links, or another suitable gripping
mechanism such as the wrench describe in U.S. Pat. No. 6,439,064
for a "Hand Tong Having Tactile Torque Indication" and a suitable
backup wrench, if necessary, could be utilized to verify that the
sufficient torque applied to the rotating components of union
200.
[0046] Referring now to FIG. 5, a third embodiment of the improved
fluid conduit union is shown as union 300 for hammerless attachment
of first fluid conduit 20 having an attachment sub 113 and a
through-bore 114 and to second fluid conduit 30 having an
attachment sub 112 and a through-bore 115 as previously described
for the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The union 300 includes a
cylindrical ring-shaped conduit receptacle assembly 116 configured
for threadedly engaging sub 112 of conduit 30 and a cylindrical
ring-shaped locking assembly 318 for fixedly engaging sub 113 of
conduit 20. The receptacle assembly 316 and locking assembly 318
may be sized as desired for attachment to desired variously sized
fluid conduit attachment fittings shown as subs 112 and 113.
[0047] The ring-shaped locking assembly 318 is configured with an
L-shaped locking ring nut 319 that has a ring segment and a
radially extending flange 323 with a plurality of external threads
configured to receive and encircle a corresponding slideably
translatable lock ring 320 around sub 113 of first conduit 20. The
cylindrical ring-shaped receptacle assembly 316 has a first
plurality of internal threads that are configured to threadedly
correspond and mate with a plurality of external threads around sub
112 of the second fluid conduit 30 and a second set of internal
threads that threadedly mate with external threads on the ring
segment of L-shaped locking ring nut 319. Each of these components
union 300 are configured in the same relationship as their
corresponding components shown and described for the embodiment of
union 100 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0048] Union 300 differs from union 100 and union 200 previously
described in that the radially extending flange 323 of the L-shaped
locking ring nut 319 is provided with a plurality of equally spaced
key slots 324 on its outer radial surface. These key slots 324 are
configured to mate with the radially protruding teeth 351 of a
rotatable key 322 that may be rotatably positioned in a key guide
353 on the side of the ring-shaped receptacle assembly 316. The
rotation of the rotatable key 322 will engage the protruding key
teeth 351 with the key slots 324 on the locking ring nut 319 and
rotate locking ring nut 119 on the internal threads of the
cylindrical receptacle 316 so that lock ring 320 is driven against
flange 150 at stabbing end 136 of sub 113 to firmly seat flange 150
against flange seat 135 on receiving surface 152 of sub 112.
[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, a fourth embodiment of
the improved fluid conduit union is shown as union 400 for
hammerless attachment of first fluid conduit 20 having an
attachment sub 113 and a through-bore 114 and second fluid conduit
30 having an attachment sub 112 and a through-bore 115. Only the
components necessary to show the differences between union 300
depicted in FIG. 5 and union 400 are shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and
8.
[0050] Union 400 has a ring-shaped locking assembly 418 configured
with an L-shaped locking ring nut 419 that has a ring segment 421
and a radially extending flange 423 with a plurality of external
threads configured to receive and encircle a corresponding
slideably translatable lock ring 420 around sub 113 of first
conduit 20. The cylindrical ring-shaped receptacle assembly around
sub 112 of the second fluid conduit 30 is not shown. Each of these
components union 400 are configured in the same relationship as
their corresponding components shown and described for the
embodiment of union 100 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 and union 300
depicted in FIG. 5.
[0051] Union 400 differs from union 300 only in that the radially
extending flange 423 of the L-shaped locking ring nut 419 is
provided with a plurality of equally spaced diagonally oriented
slots 424 on its outer radial surface. The slots 424 are configured
to mate with the protruding teeth 451 of a rotatable worm gear 422.
The interaction of the worm gear 422 with the key slots 424 will
rotate the locking ring nut 419 on the internal threads of the
cylindrical receptacle to secure the radial flange 426 of lock ring
424 against the radial flange 150 of the sub 113 to firmly seat
flange 150 on the flange seat 135 of sub 112 of fluid conduit
30.
[0052] It is understood that union 300 and union 400 will be
assembled to complete a connection of fluid conduits 20 and 30 in
the same manner as that described for union 100 depicted in FIGS. 1
and 2 except for the rotatable components of union 300 may be
rotated by means of key 322 in slots 324 and the rotatable
components of union 400 by means of worm gear 422 and slots 424.
Unions 300 and 400 may be dissembled to break the connection of
fluid conduits 20 and 30 by reversing the connecting steps.
[0053] As previously described union 300 and union 40 may be
provided with seals such as O-ring seals positioned between
abutting component surfaces to prevent fluid or pressure leaks at
the connection surface and a torque wrench as previously described
should be utilized to verify that sufficient torque is applied to
the rotating components of union 300 and union 400 to firmly seat
flange 150 of sub 113 on flange seat 135 of sub 113. The rotating
components of union 300 and union 400 may also be provided with
means for enhancing the grip of the torque wrench head such as by
providing a knurled, checkered or abraded surface on the outer
radial surfaces of these rotating components or by providing with a
plurality of rotation holes as previously described for engaging a
stud or gripping knob on a torque wrench head.
[0054] Referring now to FIGS. 9 through 12, a fifth embodiment of
the improved fluid conduit union is shown as union 500 for
hammerless attachment of first fluid conduit 20 having a male
attachment sub 113 and a through-bore 114 and to second fluid
conduit 30 having a female attachment sub 112 and a through-bore
115. Union 500 includes a cylindrical receptacle 516 configured for
threadedly engaging the female pipe sub 112 and a cylindrical
locking ring nut assembly 518 for receiving cylindrical ring-shaped
receptacle assembly 516 to hold male sub 113 against female pipe
sub 112.
[0055] The cylindrical locking ring nut assembly 518 has an
internal cavity ring segment 517, an attachment face 525 with an
opening 514 defined by an edge 513 creating equally spaced inward
scallops 523, and an internally extending radial flange 515. The
receptacle assembly 516 has a outwardly extending radial flange 511
defined by edge 517 creating a plurality of equally spaced outward
scallops 527 configured to be received between the inward scallops
523 around the edge 523 of the locking ring nut assembly 518 and a
plurality of internal threads 530 that are configured to threadedly
correspond and mate with the plurality of external threads 131
around sub 112 of the second fluid conduit 30. The internal threads
530 of receptacle assembly 516 can be configured to accommodate any
thread variation including the threads of Chiksan.RTM. swivel
joints and a variety of other attachment fittings for hose, pipe,
tubing, casing, and the like.
[0056] Each of the outward scallops 527 of the receptacle assembly
516 has a bolt hole 521a that corresponds with a bolt hole 521b on
each of the inward scallops 523 of the locking ring nut assembly
518. Bolts 522 are provided for threaded engagement with bolt holes
521a and 521b. The internally extending radial flange 515 of
locking ring nut assembly 518 is configured to abut the radial
flange 526 of a lock ring 520 positioned around sub 113 of first
conduit 20. A disc spring washer 550 is provided for placement
between the locking ring nut assembly 518 and the receptacle
assembly 516. Compression of the disc spring washer will apply
additional tension attachment bolts 522 to assist in drawing the
locking ring nut assembly 118 toward the receptacle assembly
116.
[0057] The union 500 is used to make up a connection of conduit 20
having sub 113 with conduit 30 having sub 112. This is connection
is accomplished by positioning both the lock ring 520 and
ring-shaped locking assembly 518 around sub 113 with the radial
flange 515 adjacent abutment head 526 of lock ring 520; fixing
receptacle assembly 516 on sub 112 by rotating cylindrical
ring-shaped receptacle assembly 516 and engaging internal threads
530 of receptacle assembly 516 with external threads 131 on sub
113; placing disc spring washer 550 within the internal cavity ring
segment 517 adjacent locking ring nut assembly 518 with the fitted
sub 113; placing the cylindrical ring-shaped receptacle assembly
516 adjacent disc spring washer 550 within the internal cavity ring
segment 517 of locking ring nut assembly 518 by inserting the
outward scallops 527 of receptacle assembly 516 between the inward
scallops 523 of the locking ring nut assembly 518; rotating the
locking ring nut assembly 518 so that the bolt holes 521b on inward
scallops 523 are aligned with bolt holes 521a on outward scallops
527 of receptacle assembly 516; placing bolts 522 to engage with
bolt holes 521a and 521b, and turning bolts 522 within bolt holes
521a and 521b to translate the locking ring nut assembly 518 and
draw the lock ring 520 against flange 150 of sub 113 at stabbing
end 136 until flange 150 is firmly seated on flange seat 135 on
receiving surface 152 of sub 112. Flange 150 of sub 113 is then
secured in a fixed position against flange seat 135 of sub 112 to
allow fluid flow between through-bore 114 of fluid conduit 20 and
through-bore 115 of fluid conduit 30.
[0058] When union 500 is used to make up a connection of conduit 20
having sub 113 with conduit 30 having sub 112 as described, there
is no need for rotating fluid conduit 20 and sub 113 or fluid
conduit 30 and sub 112. Only the locking ring nut assembly 518 is
rotated to make up the connection with union 500.
[0059] The union 500 may be readily disassembled by reversing the
described connection steps in order to disconnect fluid conduits 20
and 30 when their connection is no longer required.
[0060] As described in the prior embodiments, seals such as O-ring
seals positioned between abutting surfaces of the components of
union 500 may be provided in a similar manner to prevent fluid or
pressure leaks at the connection surfaces and a torque wrench such
as that previously described should be utilized to verify that
sufficient torque is applied to the rotating components of union
500 to firmly seat flange 150 of sub 113 on flange seat 135 of sub
113. The outer radial surfaces of the rotating components of union
500 may also be provided with means for enhancing the grip of the
torque wrench head such as a knurled, checkered or abraded surface
or by providing with a plurality of rotation holes as previously
described for engaging a stud or gripping knob on a torque wrench
head.
[0061] Referring now to FIGS. 13-15, a sixth embodiment of the
improved fluid conduit union is shown as union 600 for hammerless
attachment of first fluid conduit 20 to second fluid conduit 30.
Fluid conduits 20 and 30 are shown in partial views for clarity and
as previously described for the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,
fluid conduit 20 having an attachment sub 113 and a through-bore
114 and fluid conduit 30 having an attachment sub 112 and a
through-bore 115.
[0062] The union 600 is sized to accommodate desired a fluid
conduit attachment fitting, shown as sub 113 of conduit 20 and sub
112 of conduit 30, and is comprised of a receptacle assembly 616
and a ring-shaped locking assembly 618, both positioned to
translate longitudinally along subs 113 and 112, respectively. The
receptacle assembly 616 is comprised of a cylindrical ring-shaped
conduit collar 615 translatably positioned around sub 113. The
collar 615 has a plurality of radially outwardly extending lugs 617
and a plurality of internal threads 630. The internal threads 630
are configured to threadedly correspond and mate with a plurality
of external threads 631 around sub 112 of the second fluid conduit
30. The lugs 617 on the collar 615 may be used to rotate the
receptacle assembly 616 to engage the internal threads 630 with
external threads 631 of sub 112. The receptacle assembly 616 is
configured to receive and encircle a corresponding slideably
translatable L-shaped lock ring 620 positioned around sub 113 of
first conduit 20.
[0063] The ring-shaped locking assembly 618 is translatably
positioned around sub 112 and is comprised of a rotatable lock ring
623 sandwiched between first and second spaced apart ring plates
629. The rotatable lock ring 623 has a plurality of equally spaced
gear teeth or slots 624 on its outer radial surface and a plurality
of internal threads 625 configured to threadedly correspond and
mate with external threads 631 around sub 112 of the second fluid
conduit 30.
[0064] The first and second ring plates 629 are formed from
semi-circular plates 629a and 629b which are hingedly affixed
around the outer peripheral surface of first conduit 30 by hinge
pins 632. The spacing between first and second plates 629 is
maintained by a plurality of spacer bars 633 mounted between said
first and second plates 629. Positioned between the spaced apart
first and second plates 629 around said rotatable lock ring 623 is
a plurality of drive gears 619 mounted on rotatable gear drive
shafts 653. Drive gears 619 are provided with a plurality of
radially extending external teeth 622 configured to engage the gear
teeth or slots 624 on the outer radial surface of lock ring 623.
The end of each shaft 653 may be provided with a key, a socket
inset for receiving a wrench bit, or a bolt face for engagement
with a wrench, such as those shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5, or other
similar means to facilitate rotation shaft 653.
[0065] The drive gear 619 may be formed as a single gear and
affixed between ring plates 629 to allow for a fixed grip of teeth
622 in slots 624 of lock ring 623 though, as shown in FIGS. 13-15,
preferably drive gear 619 will be comprised of a first drive gear
619a and an adjoining second drive gear 619b positioned upon each
gear drive shaft 653. Drive gears 619a and adjoining drive gears
619b have a differing number of teeth 622 to create an offset
between the teeth 662 of adjoining drive gears 619a and 619b so
that, upon rotation of the drive shafts 653 and the corresponding
rotation of drive gears 619a and 619b, only one tooth 622 of drive
gears 619a and 619b is in contact with a slot 624 of rotatable lock
ring 623 at any given time. Offsetting the teeth 622 of adjoining
drive gears 619a and 619b will stabilize the hold of the drive
gears 619a and 619b on rotatable lock ring 623 and prevent gear
teeth 622 from slipping during rotation.
[0066] While it is thought that the locking assembly 618 will have
a plurality of drive shafts 653 each with a single drive gear 619
or a plurality of pairs of adjoining drive gears 619a and 619b as
described to facilitate fixed hold of lock ring 623, a single drive
shaft 653 having a single gear 619 or a single pair of adjoining
gears 619a and 619b may also be utilized.
[0067] For hammerless attachment of fluid conduit 20 to fluid
conduit 30 with union 600, receptacle assembly 616 and locking
assembly 618 are both positioned around subs 113 and 112,
respectively. Stabbing end 136 of flange 150 of sub 113 is
positioned to abut against concave flange seat 135 on receiving
surface 152 of sub 112. The collar 615 of the receptacle assembly
616 is rotated to engage its internal threads 630 with the external
threads 631 of sub 112 and corresponding slideably translatable
L-shaped lock ring 620 against radial flange 150 of sub 113 and
seat stabbing end 136 of flange 150 against flange seat 135 on
receiving surface 152 of sub 112.
[0068] A selected drive shaft 653 is then rotated to
correspondingly rotate its drive gears 619a and 619b to rotate lock
ring 623. Rotation of lock ring 623 will engage its internal
threads 625 to threadedly mate with external threads 631 around sub
112 of the second fluid conduit 30 to translate and drive lock ring
623 to abut against the collar 615 of the receptacle assembly 616
to hold the collar 615 in place on threads 631 with the L-shaped
lock ring 620 against radial flange 150 of sub 113 with stabbing
end 136 of flange 150 firmly seated against flange seat 135 on
receiving surface 152 of sub 112.
[0069] The rotating components of each of the embodiments of the
improved fluid conduit union may be rotated manually for the
engagement and disengagement of fluid conduits 20 and 30 as
described above without the need for hammers. The engagement and
disengagement of the fluid conduits 20 and 30 may also be
accomplished by the use of power tools such as a hydraulically or
pneumatically activated spinner wrenches or a strap wrenches. In
such situations, these rotating components may be provided with
wrench flats or spinner lugs such as lugs 617 to accommodate the
wrench faces of power tools.
* * * * *