# US 4,398,331 A · Method of connecting pipe pieces via universal joint

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 4,398,331 A
- Document ID: US4398331A
- Status: Granted
- Kind: A
- Application number: 06/238,047
- Filed: 1981-02-25
- Granted: 1983-08-16
- Earliest claimed: 1980-04-24
- Assignees: Agency of Industrial Science and Technology
- Inventors: Fumiya Inao
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US4398331A

## CPC

- B63B 35/4406: {Articulated towers, i.e. substantially floating structures comprising a slender tower-like hull anchored relative to the marine bed by means of a single articulation, e.g. using an articulated bearing}
- B63B 22/021: {and for transferring fluids, e.g. liquids (container type buoys having means to selectively release contents, not adapted for mooring a vessel B63B22/26)}
- F16L 27/02: Universal joints, i.e. with mechanical connection allowing angular movement or adjustment of the axes of the parts in any direction
- F16L 39/04: allowing adjustment or movement
- Y10T 29/49428: Gas and water specific plumbing component making
- Y10T 29/4984: Retaining clearance for motion between assembled parts
- Y10T 137/8807: Articulated or swinging flow conduit
- B63B: SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING (arrangements of vessel ventilation, heating, cooling, or air-conditioning B63J2/00; floating substructures as supports of dredgers or soil-shifting machines E02F9/06)
- F16L: PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION

## Abstract

The invention is concerned with an improvement in the method of connecting pipe pieces incorporated in a node-equipped riser pipe interconnecting a floating facility and a sea bottom facility. A rocker pipe is connected through a swivel joint to each main pipe piece fixed to corresponding riser pipe piece. A relay pipe is disposed in a universal joint through which the riser pipe pieces are coupled to each other. The rocker pipes are connected to respective ends of the relay pipe through substantially U-shaped connecting pipes provided at their both ends with ball joints.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method of connecting a first pipe and a second pipe which are within respective first and second adjacent cylindrical members coupled to each other through a universal joint in such a manner as to be able to swing relative to each other, said universal joint including a first pair of opposed yokes attached to one end of said first cylindrical member, a second pair of opposed yokes attached to an end of said second cylindrical member, and a cross pin pivotally mounted in said first and second pairs of yokes, said cross pin having a first hub, a second hub, a third hub, and a fourth hub; said method comprising:
extending said first pipe through a side wall of said first cylindrical member in parallel with said first hub,
extending said second pipe through a side wall of said second cylindrical member in parallel with said second hub,
extending a relay pipe through said first hub to said second hub, said relay pipe having a first end and a second end which project out of its respective hub,
connecting a first substantially S-shaped rocker pipe through a first swivel joint to an end of said first pipe which extends through said side wall of said first cylindrical member,
connecting a first substantially U-shaped connecting pipe to said first rocker pipe through a first ball joint and to said first end of said relay pipe through a second ball joint, connecting a second substantially S-shaped rocker pipe through a second swivel joint to an end of said second pipe which extends through said side wall of said second cylindrical member, and
connecting a second substantially U-shaped connecting pipe to said second rocker pipe through a third ball joint and to said second end of said relay pipe through a fourth ball joint.