Importance

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Abstract

A quick-acting pipe connector assembly used to join two pipes. The assembly includes a flange connected to the first pipe. The flange has an end face and a plurality of openings around the periphery of the end face. An end fitting is connected to the second pipe. The end fitting has an end face sized to fit against the flange end face. A force ring is attached to the end fitting and has a plurality of openings around its periphery. A plurality of connector bolts are attached to and extend through force ring openings. Each of the connector bolts extend through one of the flange openings. A lock ring is rotatably attached to the flange. The flange is positioned between the lock ring and the force ring. The lock ring rotates relative to the connector bolts to lock the connector bolts to the flange. A force actuator is disposed in the force ring. The force actuator expands under fluid pressure to react against the force ring and places the locked connector bolts in a prestressed condition and seals the end fitting against the flange. A ramp ring assembly is rotatably supported by the force ring. The ramp ring is rotated to lock the end fitting against the flange.

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First Claim