Abstract: A substrate support for a substrate processing chamber includes a baseplate, a ceramic layer bonded to the baseplate, and a seal provided in an outer perimeter of an interface between the ceramic layer and the baseplate. The seal is arranged to seal the interface from the substrate processing chamber and includes an adhesive comprising a first material arranged in the outer perimeter of the interface between the ceramic layer and the baseplate and a ring arranged in the outer perimeter of the interface between the ceramic layer and the baseplate. The ring is removable and comprises a second material having a greater resistance to plasma erosion than the first material.

Abstract: In the present invention, a pipe joint has housing parts as a housing obtained by dividing the housing into three parts in a circumferential direction. The first housing part has connecting parts. The second, third housing parts have connecting parts, respectively. Connecting parts are provided to be detachably mutually connected by fastening with tightening members, at end parts protruding outward from vicinities of an inner peripheral surface with a sealing member arranged in sides opposite to sides of the first housing part.

Abstract: A preassembled combination connects a captured pipe element to a second pipe element. First and second segments are connected end to end surrounding a central space for axially receiving the second pipe element. The segments are configured to be drawn toward one another and into engagement with the pipe elements. An annular body forms the captured pipe element. An end face of the captured pipe element is retained within the central space by engagement between a bead projecting from a sealing surface of the captured pipe element and the coupling assembly.

Abstract: A preassembled combination connects a captured pipe element to a second pipe element. First and second segments are connected end to end surrounding a central space for axially receiving the second pipe element. The segments are configured to be drawn toward one another and into engagement with the pipe elements. An annular body forms the captured pipe element. An end face of the captured pipe element is retained within the central space by engagement between a bead projecting from a sealing surface of the captured pipe element and the coupling assembly.

Abstract: A preassembled coupling for joining pipe elements has segments surrounding a central space with cusps which engage lobes of a seal to maintain the segments in spaced apart relation in a preassembled state. While the coupling is in the preassembled state the pipe elements may be inserted into the central space without disassembling the coupling, and portions of the seal adjacent to attachment members on the segments seat within a channel defined by the segments between the cusps, while portions of the seal between the attachment members are further from a back surface of the channel.

Abstract: A ducting system for a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) application includes a duct assembly having an inner duct member, and an outer duct member disposed around the inner duct such that the outer and inner duct members together define a pre-determined amount of space therebetween. The ducting system also includes a bonding and insulation composite that is disposed in the pre-determined amount of space between the inner and outer duct members to insulate the inner and outer duct members from each other yet adhesively bond with each of the inner and outer duct members for imparting structural rigidity to the duct assembly.

Abstract: A coupling system for quickly connecting fluid conveying conduits.

Abstract: This document describes fluid coupling devices for fluid systems and methods of using the fluid coupling devices. Some fluid coupling devices described herein are configured for use in fluid systems for the purpose of providing a sterile connection. Such a sterile connection can be useful for the delivery and/or processing of therapeutic agents, or ingredients thereof, and other purposes.

Abstract: A distribution orifice system for a dry product applicator with a pneumatic conveyance system is provided which redirects product that drags along a surface(s) of a delivery line's wall(s) back into a main central or primary airflow portion that carries the product downstream through the pneumatic conveyance system. The distribution orifice system may deflect the agricultural product's particulate material radially inward away from the delivery line's wall while longitudinally advancing it in a downstream direction. The system may include a ring ramp that can be renewed by uninstalling the ring ramp, flipping it 180-degrees, and reinstalling it to present an intact ramp surface facing upstream and the wore ramped surface facing downstream.

Abstract: An outer shroud of an intermediate casing for a dual flow turbine engine for an aircraft, the shroud including: an annular downstream portion provided with a shroud opening passing through an annular downstream edge of the shroud; a connecting member (50) attached to the annular downstream portion, and intended to attach an arm that passes through a secondary flow path; an air-sealing and fire-resistance device including: a portion including: a pad arranged in a hollow annular area of the annular downstream edge of the shroud; a blade protruding from the pad and clamped between a circumferential end and the radially outer end of the arm, a leaf spring (pressing the pad into the hollow annular area.

Abstract: At a connection portion between a common duct penetrating in an arrangement direction through switchgears arranged in the arrangement direction inside an electrical room, and an exhaust duct via which the common duct and outside of the electrical room communicate with each other, an end of the common duct is bent inward to form a first exhaust duct joining portion, and an end of the exhaust duct is bent outward to form a common duct joining portion. In a state in which an outer surface of the first exhaust duct joining portion and an inner surface of the common duct joining portion are in contact with each other, the first exhaust duct joining portion and the common duct joining portion are fastened and fixed by two or more pairs of bolts and welding nuts.

Abstract: A pipe fitting has housing portions attached in spaced relation to define non-coaxial receptacles that receive pipe elements. The housing portions are supported on split rings received within grooves in each housing portion. The housing portions are supported in spaced relation in a preassembled state to permit insertion of pipe elements into the receptacles without disassembly of the fitting. The grooves in the housing portions have a floor surface with three surface portions. Two of the surface portions on each groove of each housing portion engage the split rings when the housing portions are supported in spaced relation.

Abstract: A fluid pipeline connection device includes a fixed base, a floating piece, a connecting tube, and a plurality of elastic bodies. The fixed base includes a first side surface and a second side surface opposite to each other. The floating piece abuts against the first side surface and the second side surface. The connecting tube passes through the first side surface and the second side surface of the fixed base, and the connecting tube is combined with the floating piece. The elastic bodies are disposed in the fixed base, and the elastic bodies are in contact with the connecting tube.

Abstract: A fluid end having its fluid flow bores sealed without threading a retaining nut into the walls of each bore. The fluid ends may be assembled using a plurality of different kits that each comprise a fluid end body, a component, a retainer element, and a fastening system. The retainer element holds the component within each of the bores formed in the fluid end body and the fastening system secures the retainer element to the body. The fastening system comprises a plurality of externally threaded studs, washers and nuts in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the fastening system comprises a plurality of screws.

Abstract: A wellhead connection is disclosed that includes a means for selectively clamping a nightcap or crossover to a flange assembly through selective application of hydraulic pressure to a hydraulic motor and a means for selectively positioning a nightcap through selective application of hydraulic pressure to a plurality of hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: A pipe connector for connecting a first element to a second element. The pipe connector includes a pipe segment, a first flange located at a first end of the pipe segment and configured to be connected to the first element, and a second flange located at a second end of the pipe segment and configured to be connected to the second element. The first flange includes a circumferential anchor flange that is fixedly connected to the pipe segment at the first end. A flange insert is displaceable in the axial direction of the pipe connector in relation to the anchor flange between a retracted position and an extended position, and a mechanism for displacing the flange insert in relation to the anchor flange. The flange insert in the extended position protrudes in the axial direction in relation to the anchor flange.

Abstract: A pipe fitting has housing portions attached in spaced relation to define non-coaxial receptacles that receive pipe elements. The housing portions are supported on split rings received within grooves in each housing portion. The housing portions are supported in spaced relation in a preassembled state to permit insertion of pipe elements into the receptacles without disassembly of the fitting. The grooves in the housing portions have a floor surface with three surface portions. Two of the surface portions on each groove of each housing portion engage the split rings when the housing portions are supported in spaced relation.

Abstract: A plug connection (1) for fluid lines, with two intermateable coupling parts (2, 3), which in an inserted state can be releasably locked via a locking device (4) consisting of two outer radial flange-like retaining ribs (21, 31) of the two coupling parts (2, 3), which are adjacent in an insertion direction (S) and axial (X-X) in inserted state and a retaining part (5) with an annular contour, which in preassembled state can be axially and radially fixed and undetachably assembled on one of the two coupling parts (3) and in an assembled state axially and radially encompasses the retaining ribs (21, 31) of the two coupling parts with at least one radially elastically moving retaining section (53) with a C-shaped axial section having two collars (51, 52). The plug connection incorporates features to ensure the undetachability of the retaining part (5) and minimize the space requirement, in particular during disassembly.

Abstract: A flange joint system for SRF cavities. The flange joint system includes a set of high force spring clamps that produce high force on the simple flanges of Superconducting Radio Frequency (SRF) cavities to squeeze conventional metallic seals. The system establishes the required vacuum and RF-tight seal with minimum particle contamination to the inside of the cavity assembly. The spring clamps are designed to stay within their elastic range while being forced open enough to mount over the flange pair. Upon release, the clamps have enough force to plastically deform metallic seal surfaces and continue to a new equilibrium sprung dimension where the flanges remain held against one another with enough preload such that normal handling will not break the seal.

Abstract: A blast and projectile resistant gun port is provided with both a roller-slide mechanism and a lever-actuated, spring-loaded, cam mechanism which a shooter operates to open or close a gun-port door over a gun-port opening in a gun-port frame, as well as to translate the gun-port door out of the way of the gun-port opening. The shooter is able to effect these actions by nudging the lever on the cam mechanism with or without placing one or more hands on the lever and is thus able to keep both hands on weaponry. The gun-port door keys into its closed position, and an elastic weather seal is squeezed firmly between the gun-port door and the gun port frame when the gun-port door is closed. The squeezing of the weather seal is effected by springs in the cam mechanism. The gun-port door and the components and subassemblies are easily and rapidly replaceable.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting double jacketed pipes is provided. The apparatus includes two pipe coupling parts corresponding to one another and a locking element for axially connecting the pipe coupling parts: at least one of the pipe coupling parts being divided in form and having two separate components, namely an inner component which is formed by an inner ring or at least includes the latter and has an external thread, and an outer component which is formed by an outer ring or includes the latter, and has an internal thread corresponding to the external thread of the inner component so that the outer component can be screwed onto the inner component.

Abstract: An eduction tube assembly made of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene material for use on a containment vessel for corrosive liquids. It includes a vertical eduction tube and a unitary transition flange member having a first flange for connection of the assembly to an attachment flange associated with the vessel and a second flange to receive a connected hose flange. A single segmented ring with multi-directional capability is disposed between the flanges and receives securement elements to accomplish both connections. Bolts are used for one connection, upstanding threaded studs secured to the segmented ring are used for the other.

Abstract: Systems and methods for connecting misaligned pipe sections, where two sets of variably spaced bearings enable the transfer of evenly distributed pressure from a collar member to a coupling member. One embodiment comprises a misalignment coupling that includes first and second coupling members, a collar, and two sets of bearings. The collar is positioned around the second coupling member and has a flange for coupling to a flange of the first coupling member. The bearings are positioned in an annular space between the second coupling member and the collar. The two sets of bearings have variable spacing and are interleaved, with one set contacting the collar and one set contacting the second coupling member. When the flanges are secured to each other, contact pressure is transferred from the collar through the bearings to the second coupling member, thereby applying contact pressure between the first and second coupling members.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a dual use coupling end including a pipe section having an annular recessed cam groove a distance from an annular endwardly facing surface of the pipe section, the cam groove defined by a curved or tapered cam groove surface extending gradually radially inwardly from an annular radial outer surface of the fitting adjacent toward the endwardly facing surface, to an annular clamp groove terminating on an opposite end by a radially outwardly extending annular clamp abutment surface located a distance from the endwardly facing surface. The clamp abutment surface extends a distance radially outwardly from the radial innermost portion to an annular beveled cam abutment surface at an acute angle to the clamp abutment surface and facing radially outwardly from the endwardly facing surface, the cam abutment surface disposed radially outwardly of the cam groove surface and including a radial outward discontinuous extension.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector for fluid lines having of a coupling part that can be plugged together with a counter-coupling part along a plug-in axis. A locking device releasably locks the coupling part together with the counter-coupling part. The locking device includes a radially elastically deformable holding element held outside on the coupling part and at least partially encompassing it circumferentially. The holding element interacts with the coupling part, when positioned on the coupling part, via a fixation structure, such that said holding element can optionally be oriented in different relative rotational positions and be fixated in each case to prevent a free, unrestricted rotation about the plug-in axle (X) relative to the coupling part.

Abstract: An assembly for clamping a flanged tubular components, the assembly including a segmented clamp having a recess configured to accept the flanges of the tubular components, and a hole oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the tubular components. The assembly also includes a housing surrounding an outer portion of the segmented clamp and configured for attachment to at least one of the tubular components, and a drive screw that passes through the housing and is threadedly engaged with the hole of the segmented clamp. As the drive screw rotates, it drives the segmented clamp perpendicularly relative to the tubular components between a locked position, in which the circumferential recess engages the flanges of the tubular components, and an unlocked position, in which the circumferential recess is positioned laterally out of engagement with the flanges of the tubular components.

Abstract: A coupling includes at least one coupling segment, each segment including an outer surface, an inner surface, at least two ends, fastener pads protruding proximate to each end, and a parting line extending around each segment, the parting line forming an axially outermost edge along each axial side of each coupling segment, the parting line offset from a top surface of each fastener pad.

Abstract: A grapple for controlling, monitoring and stopping the flow of oil, natural gas and the like from a broken, flanged pipe. A housing encloses a ring of material that is more ductile than the broken pipe flange. The force applied by a weight, presses a driving device against the broken pipe flange periphery, the force so applied distorts the ductile ring, thereby establishing a fluid-tight seal between the flange and the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for joining high pressure ducts has a first and second bar secured to adjacent to be joined ducts. A coupling mechanism having a U-shape is frictionally engaged onto the first and second bar. An end of the coupling mechanism frictionally engages the surface of the bar members so that the coupling mechanism is slidably removably connected to the first and second bars.

Abstract: Each of two exhaust pipes has a flared flange with the flange on one pipe spaced from the pipe's end edge forming a corner with the pipe's end segment. A triangular seal between the two flanges abuts the pipe segment and corner. One flange has an outer convex spherical surface and a concave inner spherical surface which engages the outer convex spherical surface of the seal at a contact point. Two depending conical legs of a U shaped in section band clamp engage and force the flanges and pipe corner and end segment against the seal. A clamp leg engages the outer convex spherical surface of the one flange at a tangential contact point. The one clamp leg, the one flange and the seal exhibit two tangential respective contact points defining a plane normal to that flange providing enhanced stress concentration on the seal and flanges.

Abstract: An assembly with flanges is provided. The flanges are used for welding onto a pipe end of a pipe for a pressure-bearing flange connection of two pipe ends, wherein the flange extends in a circumferential direction about a central axis of the pipe and has a first end face in the axial direction of the pipe end, wherein the first end face has a sealing groove extending in the circumferential direction, which sealing groove divides the end face into a radially inner inside surface and a radially outer outside surface. In order to avoid rework, the inside surface is axially recessed by a recess on average relative to the outside surface. An adaptation ring or an assembly having a flange or adaptation ring is also provided.

Abstract: A fluid conditioning assembly includes a fluid conditioning device defining a passage and having a first end and a second end. A control element is supported within the passage. At least the first end includes an integral radially outwardly directed flange. The integral radially outwardly directed flange is configured to be operatively and releasably coupled to a first radially outwardly directed flange of a first duct section. A technician may release the fluid conditioning device from the first duct section to remove the fluid conditioning device from the ventilation duct system for accessing the control element of the fluid conditioning device.

Abstract: A damper access assembly includes an adapter and a removable damper access duct section for use in a ventilation duct system to access a damper. The adapter includes a radially outwardly directed flange. Each of the ends of the damper access duct section includes a radially outwardly directed flange. The flange of the adapter is configured to be operatively and releasably coupled to one of the flanges of the damper access duct section. The other second flange at the other end of the damper access duct section is configured to be operatively and releasably coupled to the ductwork. A technician may release the damper access duct section from the adapter and from the ductwork and remove the damper access duct section to access the damper. The damper access assembly may include one or more clamps that cooperate with the flanges of the adapter and the removable access duct section.

Abstract: Attachable and detachable joints for use in pipe systems carrying pressured fluids are made using thermoplastics, preferably polyolefin, and provided with an integrally formed male spigot end and a female socket end. The joints are constructed using a push-fit principle. A sealing ring is inserted into the sealing groove of the female socket making the joint leak proof. Plastic or metal clamps are provided to sustain the longitudinal forces imposed on the joint exerted by the pressured fluid. The male spigot is provided with an integrally formed collar that serves as the holding surface to clamp resisting longitudinal forces.

Abstract: A housing type pipe joint 1 that connects a pair of pipes P, comprising: a plurality of housing bodies 4; an annular gasket 6 that is accommodated in the housing body; the gasket includes a cylindrical body portion 6c, a pair of gasket lip portions 6a to seal an outer surface of the pipe, and a pair of gasket tongue portions 6b between the gasket lip portions, when the distal ends of the pair of gasket tongue portions are pressed to be close to each other in the axial direction, the body portion is deformed about a vicinity of base ends of the pair of gasket tongue portions, and due to this deformation, the pair of gasket lip portions rotate, and an angle of the outer surface 6as of the gasket lip portion relative to the axial direction becomes smaller.

Abstract: A filtration array comprising a main raw fluid supply line and a main filtered fluid collecting line, at least one filtration flow path extending between the main raw fluid supply line and the main filtered fluid collecting line; each of the at least one filtration flow path is configured with a filtering assembly comprising a pair of filter units coaxially extending from a common manifold configured on the filtration flow path and is in flow communication with the main raw fluid supply line and the main filtered fluid collecting line, each of the filter units comprising a plurality of parallely disposed filter members.

Abstract: Clamp portions (24) are provided on two sides in a vertical direction of each of flanges (21) and (22) of a filter (10) which is a fluid apparatus having a directionality, and guide grooves (28) and (29) are formed mutually different in shape between the other two sides of the flanges (21) and (22) and a coupling head (14). On the other hand, clamp portions (34) are provided on four sides of each of flanges (31) and (32) of a regulator (11) which is a fluid apparatus having no directionality, and clamp grooves (35) are formed between the clamp portions (34) and a coupling head (18). A connector (13) includes tongue portions (51) engaged with the clamp portions (24) and (34), guide protrusions (53) inserted into the guide groove (28) and the clamp groove (35), and guide protrusions (54) inserted into the guide groove (29) and the clamp groove (35), and the regulator (11) is coupled to the filter (10) in any posture.

Abstract: A coupler which is adapted to be connected to a complementary device for the transfer of a fluid between the coupler to the complementary device comprises a body through which the fluid is allowed to flow, at least one seal for providing a fluid-tight seal between the coupler and the complementary device, and a protecting device for the seal. The protecting device is movable between a first position before connection in which the protecting device projects beyond the seal in the direction of connection, and a second position after connection in which the protecting device no longer projects beyond the seal. The coupler also includes a damper for urging the protecting device towards its first position.

Abstract: A flange assembly (10 comprising a flange (12) in the form of a disk shaped rim formed on a pipe section (14) for connection to a hose or pipe. The pipe section (14) defines a hollow bore (16) through which flowable material may flow and the flange (12) definies a contact face (18) for engagement, in use, with an opposing flange. The flange (12) defines a gasket seat (20) about an opening of the bore (16) to receive a gasket (22) and the flange assembly (10) further includes a gasket clamp (24a,24b) to releasably retain the gasket (22) in position on the gasket seat (20).

Abstract: A connection device for connecting a line for the transport of media, including a flange with a medium passage for passing through a medium along a flow direction, preferably along an axis of symmetry, and including a clamp. The flange includes a contact section and the clamp includes a clamping section, and the flange and the clamp are separably connectable, so that an end section of the line can be clamped between the contact section and the clamping section. The contact section is inclined with respect to the flow direction, and the clamping section is inclined with respect to the flow direction in an assembled state.

Abstract: A connecting device for connecting a flexible container to a flange or a connecting ring includes an outer ring, which has an inner surface radially inside and a connection side facing the flange or the connecting ring, and an inner ring, which has an outer surface radially outside and over which an end section of the container can be turned. The outer and inner surfaces are at least partially congruent so that the end section can be clamped between the outer and inner rings. The inner ring can be inserted into the outer ring from the connection side. The outer ring has an accommodating groove radially inside. The accommodating groove extends completely around the outer ring, is open radially inwardly, and has a round cross-section. The inner ring is one-piece and has a round cross-section in an area of the outer surface and is made of a single flexible material.

Abstract: A clamp adapter assembly for connecting an instrument to a pressure vessel. The clamp adapter assembly allows an operator to convert a bolt connection base known in the art into a base suitable for utilizing a clamped connection similarly known in the art. The connection assembly includes a bottom plate, at least one fastener to fasten the bottom plate to a base, a top retaining plate, and a clamp. The peripheral portions of the bottom plate and top retaining plate may be beveled in order to be received within a tri-clamp. The top retaining plate may include two sections that overlappingly engage one another.

Abstract: A pipe connecting apparatus includes an outer gland assembly having a plurality of outer gland segments adapted to engage first and second pipes, a sealing member, and an inner gland assembly. Each outer gland segment has an arcuate wall with a groove formed therein, a rear wall extending radially inward from the arcuate wall, and a pair of connection members. The outer gland segments, when connected, define an annular groove and an adjacent annular space. The annular groove receives an outer edge of a bell end flange. The sealing member is disposed within the annular space and the inner gland assembly is disposed within the annular space adjacent the sealing member. The inner gland assembly includes a plurality of pipe gripping members, each pivotable within the annular space in response to an axial force such that a respective tooth of each is inserted into a surface of the first pipe.

Abstract: Disclosed is a metal seal ring by which conduits are hermetically engaged by a pressure in accordance with a fluid pressure. The metal seal ring is comprised of a first annular seal surface (12a) configured so as to be in contact with a first flange, a second annular seal surface (12b) configured so as to be in contact with a second flange, a pressure receiving surface (12f) which is formed between the first and second seal surfaces and which defines an annular recessed portion (12e) which is radially inwardly open, and an annular seal portion (12) comprised of a first seal portion (12A) which is elastically deformable and formed between the annular recessed portion (12e) and the first seal surface (12a) and a second seal portion (12B) which is elastically deformable and formed between the annular recessed portion (12e) and the second seal surface (12b).

Abstract: A seal assembly for a fluid coupling includes: (a) a generally planar, substantially rigid seal retainer with opposed first and second faces, having an annular first groove formed in the first face; (b) a first resilient seal disposed in the first groove; and (c) an annular first backup ring positioned radially outboard of the first resilient seal and secured to the first resilient seal, wherein the first backup ring is substantially harder than the first resilient seal.

Abstract: A boltless mechanical pipe joint uses an singly cast segment of joint pipe, bell housing with internal gasket recess and flange to secure pipe segments, including water main segments. The bell housing is elongated to accommodate the internal gasket recess, prefabricated and precisely placed gasket and flange. The flange receives a plurality of restraint components which secure the boltless pipe joint to a second pipe segment. The elongated bell housing also provides additional support.

Abstract: A component connecting structure includes a first component having a flange portion, a second component having a flange portion, and a clip for holding the flange portions in a butted state. The clip formed into a generally polygonal shape has a spring body having first and second circumferential end portions overlapped with each other in a diameter reduced free state. The spring body has slits for inserting the flange portions butted against each other in the diameter reduced free state. The first and second circumferential end portions have a temporary engaging protrusion and a temporary engaging ledge, respectively. The temporary engaging ledge is engaged with the temporary engaging protrusion to hold a diameter expanded state of the spring body.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for releasably interconnecting a fluid joint. The fluid joint includes confronting ends of a pair of fluid conveying members, each of which has a ferrule fixedly attached thereto, and a sleeve circumferentially surrounding the ferrules. The coupling assembly includes a pair of coupling members, a hinge assembly configured to hingedly connect the first ends of the coupling members to permit them to rotate relative to each other between an open position and a closed position where the coupling members surround the sleeve, a pair of bonding wires, each of which is coupled to a respective coupling member and configured to electrically bond the respective coupling member to the ferrules of respective fluid conveying members, and a releasable latching assembly configured to releasably secure the second ends of the coupling members together when they are in their closed position.

Abstract: A coupling frame formed at a connecting portion on an out-port side of a first safety valve, and a coupling frame formed at a connecting portion on an in-port side of a second safety valve are brought into contact with each other, directly or by causing a plate-shaped member to intervene in between. Coupling projections, facing each other, formed in the coupling frame of both the safety valves are sandwiched between a pair of latch portions of a latch member, and a pair of latch members facing each other, are mutually drawn by tightening rod members. The coupling projections of both the safety valves are thereby pressed in a mutually approaching direction with the latch portions of each of both the latch members, and thereby both the safety valves are coupled.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, the present invention provides a connector for attaching to a multi-toothed profile on a wellhead features a tooth profile that staggers loading preferably starting at a loading surface furthest from the connector body sitting on the wellhead and moving toward the connector body. The staggered loading more evenly distributes stresses on the matching loading surfaces as compared to the result of using a tooth profile on the connector that nearly exactly matches the profile on the wellhead. The joint can then take advantage of an increased preload and exhibit improved stress characteristics when operating at high loading conditions.