Abstract: The present invention provides a substantially remote operable system for connecting and disconnecting a vessel. The system comprises a substantially remotely operable joint connector for connecting and disconnecting structural units. The system and the method using the system may also comprise a remote operable closure transport for removing a vessel closure from an opening in the vessel, and a substantially remote operable removal system for allowing material to be emptied from the vessel to increase operational efficiency.

Abstract: At least one fastener and its method of use to securely fasten joints, preferably in pressure vessels, pipes, and other structures, intended to isolate internal volumes from the external environment, or in structural joints. The fastener preferably comprises at least one force reacting or force producing element capable of maintaining a gap between the end of at least one clamp segment of a clamp connector used on flanged structures to isolate a structure's internal environment from its external environment to provide controlled contact with the flange members wherein uniform seal integrity is secured and contact surface wear is dispelled. In a preferred method of use, each fastener is used in conjunction with delayed cokers, wherein extremely high temperature and relatively low pressures are generated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fully remotely operable system for loading and unloading a vessel. The system comprises a remotely operable joint connector for sealing or unsealing a vessel. It also consists of a remotely operable closure transport for removing a vessel closure from an opening in the vessel, and a remotely operable removal system for allowing material to be emptied from the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substantially remote operable system for connecting and disconnecting a vessel. The system comprises substantially a remotely operable joint connector for connecting and disconnecting structural units. The system and the method using the system may also comprise a remote operable closure transport for removing a vessel closure from an opening in the vessel, and a substantially remote operable removal system for allowing material to be emptied from the vessel to increase operational efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for securely fastening joints in pressure vessels, pipes, and other structures intended to isolate internal volumes from the external environment. It can join a blank cover to a pressure vessel or it can join tubular members. It may be used in any application currently utilizing standard bolted flanges. It provides a flange retaining clamp for remotely disconnecting and remotely connecting flange members disposed on a pressure vessel, in which one of the flange members is disposed on the pressure vessel and the second flange hub end is applied in a gasketed, sealing relationship thereto, in which the flange hub ends each have a outwardly extending flange hub, wherein, the clamp has at least two clamp segments which are moveable from a closed, sealing, flange member retaining position to an open, unsealed, flange member liberating position.