Abstract: A connection is established between a pin connector and a box connector defined on a pair of tubular members such as casing segments in the field of oil and gas recovery. The pin connector and box connector include features for the protection of metallic-sealing surfaces during assembly, disassembly, transport and handling of the tubular members. The pin connector includes a stabbing flank with an inwardly tapered annular flank surface thereon, and an alignment protrusion extending outward with respect to the pin-side metallic sealing surface in a direction normal to a cone angle defined by the inwardly tapered annular flank surface. The alignment protrusion engages internal surfaces of the box connector to concentrically align the pin connector with the box connector, and thereby protects the metallic sealing surfaces from damage that might otherwise result from collisions between the pin connector and the box connector.

Abstract: A system for joining pipe segments, the system including a first pipe connector connected to a first pipe segment, and a second pipe connector threadingly connectable to the first pipe connector, and connected to a second pipe segment. The system further includes a recess in the outer surface of the first pipe connector, and an elongated key having first and second lengthwise surfaces. One of the lengthwise surfaces has protrusions that embed into a transverse surface of the second pipe connector when the key is mounted into the recess. The thickness of the key decreases with distance radially inward from the outer surface.

Abstract: A connection is established between a pin connector and a box connector defined on a pair of tubular members such as casing segments in the field of oil and gas recovery. The pin connector and box connector include features for the protection of metallic-sealing surfaces during assembly, disassembly, transport and handling of the tubular members. The pin connector includes a stabbing flank with an inwardly tapered annular flank surface thereon, and an alignment protrusion extending outward with respect to the pin-side metallic sealing surface in a direction normal to a cone angle defined by the inwardly tapered annular flank surface. The alignment protrusion engages internal surfaces of the box connector to concentrically align the pin connector with the box connector, and thereby protects the metallic sealing surfaces from damage that might otherwise result from collisions between the pin connector and the box connector.

Abstract: A system for joining pipe segments, the system including a first pipe connector connected to a first pipe segment, and a second pipe connector threadingly connectable to the first pipe connector, and connected to a second pipe segment. The system further includes a recess in the outer surface of the first pipe connector, and an elongated key having first and second lengthwise surfaces. One of the lengthwise surfaces has protrusions that embed into a transverse surface of the second pipe connector when the key is mounted into the recess. The thickness of the key decreases with distance radially inward from the outer surface.

Abstract: A pipe connection includes a box that mates with a pin. A box slot extends through a side wall of the box at a point adjacent the rim for alignment with a pin slot formed on the pin. Each of the slots has a circumferential dimension and an axial dimension that is less than the circumferential dimension. The pin slot has a greater circumferential dimension than the box slot. A locking key has a pin section and a box section located within the pin slot and the box slot, respectively, when the key is installed. The pin section has teeth that bite into the pin slot. The key has a width substantially the same as the circumferential dimension of the box slot.

Abstract: A rotary conveyor comprising an annular array of a plurality of circumferentially spaced work piece support members for receiving a corresponding plurality of work pieces. They conveyor further include a first drive ring coaxially associated with the array for rotating the work pieces in the work piece support members. The drive ring is rotatable with respect to the array such that relative movement between the drive ring and the array causes the work pieces to rotate. The invention further includes a rotary oven for depositing and curing resin on work pieces having a shaft thereon. The oven comprises an annular array having a plurality of circumferentially spaced work piece support members. Each work piece support member has a sprocket mounted on its radially inward end and is shaped so as to receive a work piece in its radially outward end.