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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Remotely operated pipe connector

Patent ·
OSTI ID:866499
An apparatus for remotely assembling and disassembling a Graylock type coctor between a pipe and a closure for the pipe includes a base and a receptacle on the base for the closure. The pipe is moved into position vertically above the closure by a suitable positioning device such that the flange on the pipe is immediately adjacent and concentric with the flange on the closure. A moving device then moves two semicircular collars from a position free of the closure to a position such that the interior cam groove of each collar contacts the two flanges. Finally, a tensioning device automatically allows remote tightening and loosening of a nut and bolt assembly on each side of the collar to cause a seal ring located between the flanges to be compressed and to seal the closure. Release of the pipe and the connector is accomplished in the reverse order. Preferably, the nut and bolt assembly includes an elongate shaft portion on which a removable sleeve is located.
Research Organization:
Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory (KAPL), Niskayuna, NY
DOE Contract Number:
AC12-76SN00052
Assignee:
United States of America as represented by Department of Energy (Washington, DC)
Patent Number(s):
US 4725080
OSTI ID:
866499
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English