Patent ID: 7195224

Claim:
A blowout preventer comprising a main body, a ram system with ram apparatus movably disposed within the main body, a movement system with movable shaft apparatus connected to the ram apparatus for moving the ram apparatus from a first position in which the ram apparatus is open to a second position in which the ram apparatus is closed, the movable shaft apparatus including a locking shaft portion, the locking shaft portion having a locking shaft tapered portion, a locking system for selectively locking the ram apparatus in the closed position, the locking system comprising locking member apparatus having a primary tapered surface, the primary tapered surface in contact with the locking shaft portion of the movable shaft apparatus, the locking shaft portion movable with the movable shaft apparatus so that the primary tapered surface of the locking member apparatus contacts the locking shaft tapered portion to releasably lock the movable shaft apparatus, the main body having a first end with a first channel therethrough, the locking shaft portion movable in the first channel, the first end having a first end opening through the main body, an end cover releasably secured over the first end opening, and the end cover removable to permit access to the locking shaft portion.