Abstract: A connector includes a cylindrical body and a plurality of longitudinal latching fingers arranged around the body. Each finger has a first end region which includes a first latching structure, a second end region and an intermediate region. Each finger is pivotally supported at the intermediate region and is movable between a non-latching position and a latching position. An actuating device is operable to force the second end region of each finger towards the body by exerting a force on at least a portion of the second end region. The actuating device includes a force-imparting member which cooperates with a force-receiving region located on the second end region. The force-receiving region includes a first outer surface portion which is curved radially outwardly to define an apex and a trough, the latter being located between the apex and the intermediate region and configured to accommodate the force-imparting member.

Abstract: A connector (1) comprises a plurality of latching fingers (5) arranged around a cylindrical body (9) having a central axis (Xc). Each finger has a first end region (5a) extending beyond an end of the body (9) and comprising a first latching structure (4). Each finger is pivotally supported at an intermediate region (5b) by a portion of the body and being movable between a non-latching position and a latching position in which the first end region (5a) is closer to the central axis (Xc) than in the non-latching position. The connector comprises a first actuating member (14) arranged in contact with the plurality of fingers (5) and operable to move the fingers between the non-latching position and the latching position. An actuating means (17) is operable to force a second end region (5 c) of each finger towards the body (9).

Abstract: A mechanical connector for oil and gas well apparatus applies a predetermined preload across the connection, the preload being adapted to accommodate relatively large dimensional tolerances in the loadpath of the connector preload by placing a component with a low modulus of elasticity within that load path. In one embodiment, the connector comprises fingers (3) of a pair of pipe flanges (1, 1?), a stationary retainer ring (14) against which a finger reaction surface (13) is pressed, a runner ring (15) located outside the fingers and movable lengthwise along the fingers by an actuator (16), the retainer ring and the runner ring having an elasticity that is so large that deviations in their elongation only have a small influence on the retainer ring and the runner ring radial pressure against the fingers and clamping forces of the fingers against the flanges. In a second embodiment, the connector comprises dogs (103, FIG.