Larry James Stewart

US Patent:

42955262, Oct 20, 1981

Filed:

Feb 21, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/013671

Inventors:

Ernest D. Hauk - Yucca Valley CA
Larry Stewart - Joshua Tree CA

Assignee:

Service Equipment Design Co., Inc. - Signal Hill CA

International Classification:

E21B 4310
B23P 1904
B23Q 300
F16L 2104

US Classification:

166315

Abstract:

The method comprises providing an extremely strong and elastic alloy steel ring having a inner diameter substantially smaller than the outer diameter of the pipe to be joined, and an outer diameter much larger than such outer diameter of the pipe. Great axial forces are then employed to insert the pipe ends into the ring until an internal flange is abutted, thus stretching the ring without causing it to exceed its elastic limit. End seals are provided on the flange faces and are pinched off by the pipe ends, so that metal-to-metal contact results. Prior to forcing the pipe ends into the ring, it is mounted in an internal groove in a hinged clasp which aligns the pipe ends. The apparatus comprises the ring, the clasp and the seals, and further comprises the completed joint wherein the ring is under continuous great hoop stress.