Patent ID: 6176663
Filing Date: 2001-01-23
Classification: F16L,Y10S

Abstract:
A flanged connection fastener bending stress reduction apparatus, comprising:first and second flanges in facing relationship, said first flange having a plurality of fastener holes therethrough, said second flange having a plurality of complementary fastener holes therein;said first flange fastener holes having a counterbore on the back face of said first flange;a stress reducing washer positioned in said counterbore on said back face of said first flange fastener holes;an orienting means for maintaining said stress reducing washer in a preferred orientation in said counterbore;a fastener extending through said first flange fastener holes and said stress reducing washer;said stress reducing washer configured to minimize bending stress on said fastener when said fastener is tensioned;said fastener including first and second preload retaining means; and,said fastener first and second preload retaining means engaging said first and second flanges, respectively, whereby tensioning of said fastener preloads said fastener and maintains said first and second flanges in preloaded abutting relationship.