Patent ID: 6554324
Filing Date: 2003-04-29
Classification: E21B,F16L,Y10S

Abstract:
A connector for connecting a first tubular member to a second tubular member, the second tubular member having a seating surface and comprising an engagable locking profile, the connector comprising:a housing for securing the connector to the first tubular member, the housing comprising a seating surface for contacting the seating surface of the second tubular member; a locking assembly having a locking portion engagable with a locking profile disposed on the inside surface of the second tubular member, the locking assembly movable between an unlocked position, in which the locking portion of the locking assembly is not in engagement with the locking profile of the second tubular member, to a locked position, in which the locking portion of the locking assembly is engaged with the locking profile of the second tubular member and in which the seating surface of the housing is in contact with the seating surface of the second tubular member; a first actuator operable to move the locking assembly from the unlocked position to the locked position; a second actuator operable after operation of the first actuator to apply an axial tensile load to the locking assembly, thereby urging the seating surface of the housing against the seating surface of the second tubular member, the second actuator operable only after the locking portion of the locking assembly is fully engaged with the locking profile of the second tubular member; and, the locking portion of the locking assembly is moved in a radial direction when acted upon by the first actuator.