Patent ID: 6267419
Filing Date: 2001-07-31
Classification: E21B,F16B,F16L,Y10S

Abstract:
Apparatus for clamping adjacent clamping members, comprising:first and second clamp halves each having an inside face, said first and second clamp halves having an annular cutout formed on said inside face for engaging an outer surface formed on adjacent upper and lower hubs and securing adjacent upper and lower hubs in abutting relationship;a plurality of locking stems secured to said first clamp half and extending from said first clamp half to said second clamp half;each of said locking stems having an intermediate piston portion formed thereon, said intermediate piston portions axially movable by a power source within a corresponding cylinder formed in said second clamp half between a first relaxed position and a second pre-stressed position wherein said annular cutout on said first and second clamp halves contact said outer surfaces formed on said upper and lower hubs, and;a pair of locking mechanisms integrally affixed to said second clamp half, said locking stems extending through said locking mechanisms and axially aligned with said locking mechanisms, said locking mechanisms engaging and securing said locking stems in said second pre-stressed position when said first and second clamp halves engage and secure said upper and lower hubs in abutting relationship.