Patent ID: 8720907

Claim:
An expansion ring assembly for sealing a gasket against an annular surface, the expansion ring assembly comprising: a ring having a circumference, said ring including first and second ring bands each having opposite ends; a ratcheting mechanism joining respective first ends of said ring bands, said ratcheting mechanism allowing incremental expansion of said circumference of said ring by a first distance and preventing contraction of said circumference of said ring; and a drive mechanism joining respective second ends of said ring bands, said drive mechanism including: a pair of first threaded members joined to said respective second ends of said ring bands; and a second threaded member disposed between and threadingly connecting said pair of first threaded members, said drive mechanism allowing non-incremental expansion of said circumference of said ring by a second distance to a fully expanded configuration, said drive mechanism also allowing non-incremental contraction of said circumference of said ring by a third distance, whereby said expansion ring assembly cooperates with the gasket to form a fluid tight seal at the annular surface in the fully expanded configuration.