Patent ID: 7344162
Filing Date: 2008-03-18
Classification: E21B,F16L,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A pipe joint for joining a first and a second pipe having substantially the same internal diameters, said pipe joint comprising: a first pipe end having an integral annular socket for receiving a second pipe end wherein an outer wall of said socket has an annular, axially tapering surface extending over at least a portion of an outer wall of said second pipe end and an inner wall of said socket has an internal diameter sized and shaped to fit over at least a portion of said second pipe; an axially movable sleeve surrounding said axially tapering outer wall of said socket and having a corresponding tapering inner surface facing said axially tapering outer wall of said socket; a pressure chamber between the non-tapered portions of the sleeve and the socket, said pressure chamber disposed for receipt of pressurized fluid to produce relative movement between said tapering surfaces of said socket and said sleeve along a longitudinal axis and along a radial axis of said first and second pipes to exert a radial compressive force to said outer wall of said socket into frictional contact with said outer wall of said second pipe; a lock to secure the relative positions of the sleeve and the socket; and a release chamber to which hydraulic pressure can be admitted to separate the socket and the sleeve.