Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
177 words
In a pipe coupling apparatus, the combination comprising: a housing arranged for mounting about the external surface of a pipe to which connection is to be made; gripping means mounted in said housing for frictionally engaging the external surface of said pipe in response to a generally axial force; deformable annular seal means mounted in said housing for sealing between said housing and said pipe upon actuation thereof; annular thrust means for applying said axial force to said gripping means and said seal means upon actuation thereof; detachable actuation means operably connected between said thrust means and said housing for urging said thrust means axially in said housing upon actuation thereof, whereby said thrust means applies axial force to and causes actuation of said gripping means and said seal means; and means actuable by said actuation means and engagable with said housing for retaining said gripping means and said seal means in said actuated position independently of said actuation means when the latter are detached from said housing, whereby said housing remains sealingly engaged with said pipe.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
177 words
In a pipe coupling apparatus, the combination comprising: a housing arranged for mounting about the external surface of a pipe to which connection is to be made; gripping means mounted in said housing for frictionally engaging the external surface of said pipe in response to a generally axial force; deformable annular seal means mounted in said housing for sealing between said housing and said pipe upon actuation thereof; annular thrust means for applying said axial force to said gripping means and said seal means upon actuation thereof; detachable actuation means operably connected between said thrust means and said housing for urging said thrust means axially in said housing upon actuation thereof, whereby said thrust means applies axial force to and causes actuation of said gripping means and said seal means; and means actuable by said actuation means and engagable with said housing for retaining said gripping means and said seal means in said actuated position independently of said actuation means when the latter are detached from said housing, whereby said housing remains sealingly engaged with said pipe.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The invention as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said retaining means includes an annular slip assembly arranged for gripping the internal surface of said housing.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
The invention as claimed in claim 2 wherein: said retaining means includes an axially tapered bowl, and said slip assembly has a tapered inner surface for camming engagement by the tapered surface of said bowl.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The invention as claimed in claim 2 wherein: said slip assembly is in the form of a split ring.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The invention as claimed in claim 2 wherein: said slip assembly is in the form of a plurality of slips circumferentially spaced about in said housing.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The invention as claimed in claim 2 wherein: said slip assembly is arranged for actuation by said thrust means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
The invention as claimed in claim 2 including: means for actuating said slip assembly to the set position after said first actuation means has actuated said gripping means and said seal means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
53 words
The invention as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said detachable actuation means includes a plurality of hydraulic piston and cylinder assemblies, each of which is operatively connected between said thrust means and said housing for urging said thrust means axially relative to said housing to thereby apply axial force to said thrust means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
The invention as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said thrust means includes a plurality of separable arcuate segments arranged for removal from about said pipe after actuation thereof.