Hydraulic rod connector system
AssigneeNational-Oilwell, L.P.
InventorsJames C. Aday, Randall F. Weaver
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A hydraulic connector assembly is provided to couple an extension rod to a piston rod in a reciprocating pump. The connector assembly utilizes a single hydraulic ram to provide the compressive connecting force between the two rods. The connector assembly includes a mechanism for mechanically locking the hydraulic ram in place so that loss of hydraulic power does not uncouple the assembly. The piston rod and the connector rod can be coupled and uncoupled without the use of heavy wrenches, hammers, or impact tools.
Claims10
An apparatus for coupling a first rod to a second rod comprising:
- a first rod with a circumferential shoulder;
- a ram located concentric to said first member and adjacent to said shoulder;
- a body containing said ram and defining a pressure chamber between said body and said ram, said pressure chamber being accessible through a conduit;
- a second rod coupled to said body;
- and
- a fluid supply that supplies a hydraulic medium through said conduit to said pressure chamber.
A method for coupling two rods comprising:
- installing a device comprising a single hydraulic ram and a body to a circumferential shoulder on a first rod;
- releasably attaching a second rod to the body;
- applying hydraulic pressure to the single hydraulic ram so as to create a compressive load between the two rods;
- installing a retainer to prevent the motion of the ram in at least one direction.
An apparatus for coupling a first rod member to a second rod member with a compressive force between the two said rods comprising:
- a first coupling means coupled to the first rod;
- a second coupling means coupled to the second rod;
- a body member connecting said first coupling means and said second coupling means;
- a hydraulic ram to provide compressive force;
- and
- a retention means to maintain the compressive force.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.