US4150477A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pre-loading joint flanges
Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Co
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Filing: 1977-09-21
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Granted: 1979-04-24
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Expires: 1997-09-21
Abstract
Abstract A method for use in connecting flanges of a tubular joint is disclosed. A uniform pressure is applied to the flanges of the joint up to a desired preselected, measurable compression after which the nuts and bolts used to secure the flanges together are made up hand-tight. The preselected compression applied to the flanges is then released.
Inventors
- 👤 Willis P. Orr
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 12:22
CPC Classifications
B; B25; B25B; B25B5/00; B25B5/06; B25B5/061; B25B27/00; B25B27/14; B25B27/16; B25B29/00; B25B29/02; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/49; Y10T29/49428; Y10T29/49826; Y10T29/49947; Y10T29/49959; Y10T29/53; Y10T29/53678; Y10T29/53796; Y10T29/5383
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
77 words
A method for use in connecting or disconnectng two ring joint flanges of a tubular joint, said flanges having aligned bolt holes comprising the steps of: attaching clamp means to said flanges capable of applying substantially uniform pressure to said flanges up to a preselected, measured compression; applying said pressure to said flanges through said clamp means; making up nuts hand-tight on bolts inserted through said bolt holes; and thereafter removing said clamp means from said flanges.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
77 words
A method for use in connecting or disconnectng two ring joint flanges of a tubular joint, said flanges having aligned bolt holes comprising the steps of: attaching clamp means to said flanges capable of applying substantially uniform pressure to said flanges up to a preselected, measured compression; applying said pressure to said flanges through said clamp means; making up nuts hand-tight on bolts inserted through said bolt holes; and thereafter removing said clamp means from said flanges.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
A method as recited in claim 1 including the steps of: hand-loosening nuts from bolts inserted through bolt holes in said flanges which secure such flanges together and then removing said nuts from said bolts; and thereafter removing said clamp means from said flanges.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as recited in claim 1 in which at least two clamp means are used.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method as recited in claim 3 in which said clamp means are hydraulically operated.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
64 words
A method for use in connecting two ring joint flanges of a tubular joint, said flanges having aligned bolt holes comprising the steps of: attaching clamp means to said flanges capable of applying substantially uniform pressure to said flanges up to a preselected, measured compression; applying said compression to said flanges; and making up nuts on bolts inserted through said bolt holes hand tight.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
64 words
A method for use in connecting two ring joint flanges of a tubular joint, said flanges having aligned bolt holes comprising the steps of: attaching clamp means to said flanges capable of applying substantially uniform pressure to said flanges up to a preselected, measured compression; applying said compression to said flanges; and making up nuts on bolts inserted through said bolt holes hand tight.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method as recited in claim 5 including releasing said compressions applied to said flanges.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as recited in claim 6 in which at least two clamp means are employed.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method as recited in claim 7 in which said clamp means are hydraulically operated.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as recited in claim 8 in which said clamp means are positioned on bolt holes in said flanges.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as recited in claim 9 in which said pressure is applied at symmetrical points on said flanges.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1982-04-23 | 1982-10-23 | 1983-04-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-04-23 | 1986-10-23 | 1987-04-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-04-23 | 1990-10-23 | 1991-04-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |