Abstract: An arrangement for radially expanding a tubular gasket includes a sliding sleeve and a compression sleeve. The sliding sleeve is formed of a thin membrane of relatively rigid material, such as nylon, hypalon or polyester. The sliding sleeve is positioned adjacent an inner surface of that portion of the tubular gasket to be expanded. The compression sleeve is disposed immediately adjacent the sliding sleeve such that the sliding sleeve serves as a slip plate for the compression sleeve when the sleeves are expanded against the inner surface of the tubular gasket. The sliding sleeve may be attached to or integrally molded into the inner surface of the tubular gasket. Another aspect of the invention involves forming the compression sleeve so as to allow it to be locked in any one of a plurality of expanded positions.

Abstract: An internal expansion coupling member for use in joining a pair of aligned tubular members in end-to-end relationship, where said tubular members are characterized by an essentially uniform diameter and are adapted to transmit a medium under pressure. The coupling member comprises an internal expansion coupling device formed of an elongated open ended tubular joint member consisting of a relatively rigid sheet-like member, where the sheet ends overlap such that the end portions lie essentially contiguous with each other. Preferably a compressive seal member is provided between the end portions. About the circumference of the joint member, means, such as an annular groove, is provided to position and retain an O-ring type member thereabout. At least one compressible and flexible O-ring type member, formed of a high temperature resistant material, is secured thereabout by said means.

Abstract: A pipe coupling and method for sealing pipe joints or leaks from the interior of the pipe line are disclosed. A continuous gasket member is positioned against the inside surface of the pipe line on each side of the leak location, a coupling member including at least one axial joint within the line is positioned to span the continuous gasket members, an axial gasket is positioned at the axial joint, and the coupling member is expanded to compress the continuous gasket members and the axial gasket member to prevent leakage of fluid from within the pipe line. The invention provides a convenient apparatus and method for repairing leaks in pipe lines when the exterior of the pipes cannot be conveniently exposed and the interior of the pipe line is accessible.

Abstract: The combination of a pair of aligned tubular membes joined together in end-to-end relationship, where the tubular members are joined by an internal expansion coupling device. The combination is designed for applications exposed to high operating temperatures and pressures. The combination comprises a tubular member characterized by a flared end portion having a diameter exceeding the diameter of the tubular members. Additionally, there is provided an internal expansion coupling device formed of an elongated open ended tubular joint member consisting of a relatively rigid sheet-like member, where the sheet ends overlap such that the end portions lie essentially contiguous with each other. A compressive seal member is provided between said end portions, and a flexible O-ring type member formed of a high temperature resistant material, is disposed within said flared end portion in contact with the relatively rigid sheet-like member.

Abstract: This invention relates to an internal expansion coupling, having particular utility in joining together two tubular members or pipes aligned in end-to-end relationship. The device hereof comprises(a) an elongated open ended tubular joint member formed of a relatively rigid sheet-like member, where the sheet ends overlap such that the end portions lie contiguous with each other;(b) a continuous sleeve formed of an elastomeric material and overlapping the sheet side about at least one open end of said tubular joint member, where said sleeve, about the circumference thereof, is provided with at least one continuous upstanding rib which is adapted to lie adjacent to and be compressed against the inside wall of a tubular member; and(c) means for expanding said sheet-like member whereby said sheet ends move circumferentially towards one another urging said elastomeric sleeve and said rib against the inside wall of a tubular member.

Abstract: A releasable coupling 10 includes a first element 12 which is rotatable about a rotational axis 18. A second element 14 is axially aligned with the first element 12, the first element 12 and the second element 14 being axially displaceable relative to each other. The first element 12 and the second element 14 define complementary drive formations 24, 26 which, when the first element 12 and the second element 14 abut axially are engaged with each other, and when the first element 12 and the second element 14 are spaced axially from each other by a predetermined amount are disengaged from each other.

Abstract: A coupled pipe assembly having a pair of opposed, axially positioned pipes each having opposed beveled ends and interior corrosion-resistant linings. A sleeve having heat-insulating material is inserted axially within the pipes with the heat-insulating material being positioned adjacent the opposed pipe ends to protect the corrosion-resistant linings from heat produced during the welding of the pipe ends. The sleeve has a uniform, continuous diameter along the entire length thereof.

Abstract: A connector assembly for connecting together fluid carrying lines comprises two hubs having the bores of the fluid carrying lines extending therethrough. Openings are provided in the hubs and a clamp is provided in the openings. The clamp is connected to one of the hubs and comprises a clamp body, an operating member and clamping members movable radially outwardly to clamp the juxtaposed hubs together, movement of the clamping members being caused by sliding of the operating member in the clamp body, the inclined external surfaces of the operating member co-operating with the similarly inclined inner ends of the clamping members. The interior of the operating member is hollow and defines a cylindrical internal cavity. A piston is provided in the cavity to form a piston and cylinder assembly for moving the operating member. A releasable lock prevents inadvertent release of the clamping members.

Abstract: A tieback connector for connecting a conductor to a subsea wellhead mandrel utilizes two points of interference fit. The tieback connector has a tubular body from which depends a downward opening funnel. The mandrel has an upper bearing surface and a lower bearing surface, spaced apart by a cylindrical wall section. The lower bearing surface protrudes outward and is a frusto-conical surface. The mandrel has upper and lower bearing surfaces that are dimensioned to frictionally engage the upper and lower bearing surfaces of the mandrel as the funnel makes the final seat on the mandrel.

Abstract: The improved joint of the present invention includes a first tubular member having a central bore, a counterbore, and an axially extending first rim having an interior land and groove recess therein and internal seal means near the end of said first rim, a second tubular member having a central bore, a counterbore, an axially extending second rim having an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of said first rim on said first tubular member, an external sealing surface near the base of said second rim and an axially facing stop shoulder at the base of said second rim and extending outward from the exterior of said second rim, a sleeve positioned within and spaced slightly inward from said second rim and sealed to the interior of said second rim at a position near the base thereof and at a position near the outer end thereof, and a port extending through said second tubular member providing communication between the exterior of said second tubular member and the space between said sleeve and the interior

Abstract: A coupling arrangement between a manifold having nipples and a solar panel having nipple receiving orifices. Each nipple is formed with a plurality of primary circumferential projections adjacent to the free forward end and a supplemental circumferential projection adjacent to the manifold. The primary projections have radial surfaces as well as surfaces inclined in a first direction while the supplemental projection has a radial surface as well as a surface inclined in the opposite direction. The coupling arrangement further includes a circumferential recess in each interior orifice of the solar collector, shaped and located for receiving its associated additional projection. Also disclosed is an improved arrangement for coupling together manifolds or grooves and recesses.

Abstract: An automatically locking tubing coupler includes a barrel adapted to slidably engage with the end regions of two or more lengths of tubing and two or more sets of locking lugs positioned upon the barrel and adapted to automatically grip the lengths of tubing in their end regions when the lengths of tubing are slidably engaged with the locking lugs.

Abstract: A multi-line or multi-path fluid swivel contains a plurality of stacked modules with each module having an internal core and an external housing. Each core includes one integral flow conduit which extends from the bottom of the core and opens through the side of the core into an annular chamber between the core and the housing. An opening in the housing permits flow of fluid out of or into the annular chamber. Seals between adjacent cores and seals between the cores and housing prevent or reduce leakage. The housings are rotatably mounted on the corresponding core with spaces between adjacent housings to permit axial core growth and deflection. Means between housings transmit rotational forces between housings and yet permit relative movement in the axial direction. Means are provided to fasten the adjacent cores to each other which act both as a dowel for transmitting rotational forces and as a bolt for locking cores together in the axial direction.

Abstract: A hose coupling assembly comprising a joint body having a central fluid bore extending therethrough and an annular groove provided thereon at one end of the bore and coaxial with the bore. The joint body also has a tubular protrusion at the opposite end of the bore and to be coupled to a hose. An elastic seal ring is inserted into the groove and has a V-like groove therein. A tubular member has at one end an annular protrusion engaged in the V-like groove in the elastic ring and is coupled at the other end to another house. The joint body and the tubular member are held elastically by pawls provided on one of them in a removable manner and aligned automatically with each other by their unique structure.

Abstract: A joint, and method for constructing the joint, are provided for connecting sections of multi-cell conduit in an end-to-end manner to produce long runs of conduit for carrying fiber-optic cables or the like, wherein the joints produced will isolate, in a substantially airtight manner, each of the individual cells from the adjoining cells.

Abstract: The coupling comprises a sleeve which receives a pair of tubular elements thereabout. One of the elements is pinned to the sleeve, and the other has a restricted, axially-movable relationship with the sleeve. Terminal ends of the tubular elements are spaced apart, in a mutually confronting relationship, and have mounted thereto circular and resilient webs or discs. The peripheries of the discs are fastened together, and the discs resiliently flex to accommodate for expansion and contraction of the tubular elements.

Abstract: A connecting line between a compressor of an exhaust gas turbocharger flangedly connected at the exhaust gas manifold of an internal combustion engine and a suction pipe which consists of a first line part secured at the suction pipe and of a second line part which is coupled with the exhaust gas turbocharger by way of plug-in coupling sections and with the first line part by way of a line bridge fixed at the engine and provided with plug-in coupling sections. The line bridge encloses a mixing space between its coupling sections, in which exhaust gases controlled by an exhaust gas valve are fed to the through-flowing charging air.

Abstract: A coupling for hoses, pipe and tubing which allows the simultaneous and independent flow of two or more materials through the coupling having of a male coupling portion with two or more circumferential channels terminating in a coupling and having circumferential steps between each channel, a female portion having a like number of circumferential channels terminating in a stepped coupling portion and a by-pass ring having one fewer channels than the male and female portions and insertable between the male and female portions to separate the flow of material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cuff for sealing joints of pipes, adhering inside at the two ends of pipes by a plurality of annular ribs formed in one piece with the rest of the cuff, made of elastic material and which is being pressed outwardly by expanding collars on its inner side in the region of the annular ribs. The invention is to be seen therein that in the unloaded state the profile of the annular ribs (1) forms in cross-section two curvatures (1a, 1b) towards the pipe wall. Thus it is achieved that the cuff retains its required position after it has been inserted into the pipe ends and being pressed slightly against the wall ends. Furthermore, a good sealing effect is being achieved by the new configuration of the annular ribs.

Abstract: An integrally threaded brass insert is molded into the discharge conduit of a condensate pan such that a steel drainage pipe can be threadably engaged to the insert without causing damage to the plastic discharge conduit. Bonding between the insert and the surrounding conduit is enhanced by providing a knurled surface on the outer periphery of the insert.

Abstract: A swivel fitting arrangement for use in a pressurized fluid line, especially a high pressure, high flow rate line, is disclosed herein and utilizes first and second adjacent sections of the line in coaxial and unconnected relationship to one another so as to define an axial joint between the two sections and such that the first section is able to rotate aboout its axis relative to the second section. The arrangement also includes means for supporting the two line sections in their coaxial and unconnected relationship with one another and a tubular sealing member disposed coaxially within the line and across the axial joint between and directly against the adjacent sections and joint for internally sealing the joint while allowing fluid within the line to pass from one of the sections to the other.

Abstract: A pipe coupling is disclosed for coupling together complimentary flexible hoses. The pipe coupling includes a first tubular member having a first and a second end, the first end of the first member defining a first bore and a first counterbore. A second tubular member has a first and a second end and the first end of the second member defines a second bore and a second counterbore. The second counterbore is of the same diameter as the first counterbore and is aligned with the first counterbore when the first and the second members are coupled together. A tubular insert includes a first and a second end and the insert extends between the first and the second bores such that the external surface of the insert engages the first and the second bores with the first end of the insert being disposed adjacent the first bore and the second end of the insert being disposed adjacent the second bore. An annular seal is disposed in an annular space defined by the first and the second counterbores and the insert.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a repair sleeve comprising a flexible, hose-like main part (1) and a spiral spring (2), which, when the sleeve is mounted in a pipe line, pretensions the hose-like main part (1) into sealing engagement against the inner wall of the surrounding pipe. The invention also includes an insertion device (4) for the repair sleeve, said device being a cylindrical body (5) mounted on wheels. At the ends of this body (5) there are latching means (7, 8) which are releasably fastenable to the ends of the spring (2). The latching means comprise a pin (7) biased to thrust out through the wall of the body (5) and into holes at the ends of the spring (2) wound round the body (5). Both pins (7) are simultaneously releasable with the aid of a linkage system (11, 13, 14, 15) on actuating the system. Eyes or cages (8) accommodating the ends of the springs are also associated with the pins (7).

Abstract: A self-acting gap seal for a gap existing between individual modules of a composite, annular pressure vessel comprising a flat, thin-walled seal element on the inside of the pressure vessel to bridge the gap plus the circumferential region adjacent the gap. Internal pressure urges the seal element against the inner wall of the vessel to close and seal the gap to prevent exit of the pressure medium in the vessel.

Abstract: A structure at a connection where at least two resin pipes are connected to each other end-to-end. The structure is characterized by annular resin body means provided on the inner periphery of the end of at least one of the resin pipes and having at least one end positioned in an annular recessed portion formed in the inner periphery of said one resin pipe. Since the above-mentioned end (which is more subject to the action of internal fluid than the other end) is positioned in the annular recessed portion, the resin body means is not eroded by the internal fluid.

Abstract: A basic structure of a screw joint coupling for oil pipes according to the invention is that a main sealing portion is constructed with a sealing portion formed axially in convex at an end of a male screw, and with a sealing portion formed in taper at an inner side of a female screw, and that the male screw and the female screw are butted at an end point of the former and an end part of a stopper formed at an inner side of the latter. The main sealing portion has a shrinkage allowance .DELTA.D of the seal part, which is regulated in size in a relation between a shrinkage allowance .DELTA.d of the screw and a pressure P of the sealing part. In addition, specific values are selected as to the load flank angle, the radius of curvature in convex of the sealing portion of the male screw, and the tapering angle of the sealing portion of the female screw.

Abstract: A sealable multimetallic sleeve for a rapid repair of a degraded tube caused by a detrimental chemical attack on the outside surface of the tube within and in a vicinity of a tube sheet in a steam generator, and the method for sealably inserting the sleeve in the degraded tube spanning the region of the degradation. The sleeve includes an inner member with equivalent mechanical properties of the degraded tube and an outer member metallurgically bonded to the inner member and resistive to caustic intergranular chemical attack causing tube degradation. The sleeve has an expanded portion at one end for positioning in the tube within the tube sheet and a multiplicity of grooves in and adjacent to the other end of the sleeve and braze material contained in the grooves.

Abstract: A feeding device for introducing molten steel into a twin-belt caster having mold walls which move exclusively in the casting direction. The feeding device comprises: a casting unit including a pouring pipe having a mouthpiece at one end which can extend between and form a sealing gap with the mold walls of a twin-belt caster, a first carriage moveable toward and away from a twin-belt caster and having the pouring pipe mounted thereon so that the pouring pipe is rotatable about a horizontal pivot axis and is laterally adjustable transversely to its longitudinal extent; a tundish mounted on a second carriage, which is disposed upstream of the first carriage and is independently moveable toward and away from the first carriage, so that the tundish is adjustable in height; and a compensating pipe for connecting the outlet of the tundish to the other end of the pouring pipe to permit molten steel to flow from the tundish through the pouring pipe.

Abstract: A marine riser coupling assembly includes bolted flanges (26, 28) with a raised face (30) around the inner edge and a raised face (32) around the outer edge. In the area of the bolt holes (38), there is a recess (34) between the two raised faces around the entire circumference. Bending strain of bolts (42) is thereby reduced.

Abstract: A marine riser coupling assembly comprised of a pair of flanged couplings (14, 16). A pin insert (36) is retained (44, 54) within tubular portions (22, 24) of the couplings. The insert has multiple outside diameters (50, 50), and seals (66, 74) on each.

Abstract: A conduit consisting of a metal tube, with or without a plastic tube liner, is rendered strain accommodating by securing to its ends fittings that have a first component part to one end of which is joined the usual male or female coupling means or other connector means and to the other end of which is joined a sleeve which, in turn, is connected either directly or through another component part to the metal tube end. Said sleeve is joined to the component part or parts with provision for limited axial and angular movement and a fluid-tight seal therebetween. The plastic lining tube when present may be independently connected to the first component part with a fluid-tight seal or may pass therethrough. Alternatively, a short section of plastic tubing is connected with fluid-tight seals between the two component parts when present or between the first component part and the sleeve.

Abstract: An insulated drill collar gap sub assembly for a toroidal coupled telemetry system including a first annular sub member (150) operable to be connected at one end to a drill collar and a second annular sub member (156) operable to form a part of a drill collar sub. The first and second annular sub members have interconnecting structural members (54, 58) operable to structurally interfere. The interconnecting structural members are dimensioned to form a continuous gap (160) between mutually opposing surfaces and a dielectric material (162) fills the gap to electrically isolate the first annular sub member with respect to the second annular sub member. A bearing member (164) is positioned between the first annular member and the second annular member and is coated with a dielectric insulation (166) to facilitate the formation of a drill collar gap sub assembly of structural and electrical integrity.

Abstract: There is provided a pipe joint between a first pipe end and a second pipe end. The pipe joint includes telescoping means allowing the ends to move axially with respect to each other while maintaining fluid-type communication. The joint also includes a plurality of contraction units located exterally of the pipe ends and the telescoping means. Each contraction unit includes a rod member with one end engaged with a first flange member fixed with respect to the first pipe end, while the other end of the rod member is secured to a piston riding in a cylinder with a cylinder bottom, the cylinder being engaged with a second flange member fixed with respect to the second pipe end. The cylinder bottom lies is between the piston and the previously defined one end of the rod member, and the cylinder is displaced axially away from the telescoping means.

Abstract: A fastening assembly includes:(a) an axially elongated fastener having axially spaced differentially threaded portions respectively adapted to threadably engage threaded extents on members to be interconnected, and(b) structure extending at the side of the fastener and having interconnection therewith characterized as facilitating transmission of torque to the fastener to rotate the fastener about the axis while allowing relative axial displacement between the fastener and the structure, whereby the threaded portions are then adapted to threadably interfit the threaded extents to make-up the assembly.

Abstract: A device for coupling adjacent ends of tubular members such as flexible tubular members comprising an elongated open ended tube member having an outside diameter that is approximately the same as the inside diameter of the tubular members to be coupled, a slit formed extending the length of the tube member forming adjacent slit edge surfaces oriented at an angle relative to the radius to the tube member thereat, a pair of aligned strap-like members having opposite ends connected respectively to the tube member on opposite sides of the slit and adjacent ends, cooperatively engagable threaded members connecting the adjacent ends of the strap-like members and adjustable in one direction to move the slit edge surfaces circumferentially relative to each other in one direction and in an opposite direction to move the slit edge surfaces circumferentially in an opposite direction relative to each other, and another threaded member operatively connected to one of the strap-like members on one side of the slit and adju

Abstract: This invention relates to a radially expandable locking sleeve device and to a gasket apparatus for providing a fluid tight seal between a pipe and a porthole in the wall of a manhole riser. The gasket is in the form of a tubular element of elastomeric material. An annular recess is provided in the inner surface of the gasket near one end for receiving a radially expandable split sleeve having interlocking end portions. The outer circumferential surface of the locking sleeve is so arranged as to continue uninterruptedly across the area of the interlocking end portions, and the end portions when engaged lock against both lateral displacement and circumferential collapsing of the sleeve.

Abstract: There is provided a spherical bearing arrangement within a pipe joint between a first pipe end and a second pipe end. The pipe joint is telescoping to allow the pipe ends to move axially, rotatably and genicularly with respect to each other, and includes the plurality of contraction units located radially outwardly of the pipe ends. The contraction units are connected between the pipe ends and are supplied with fluid under pressure so that they counteract the axial separation tendency between the pipe ends when the latter are filled with a fluid under pressure. The joint includes a hollow cylinder extending between the pipe ends, and the spherical bearing is in a form of a ring member snugly but slidably surrounding each end of the hollow cylinder and mounted thereon in a liquid-tight manner. Each ring member has a male spherical surface with its center of curvature located on the axis of the cylinder, and mating with female spherical seat means on the respective pipe end.

Abstract: For lubricating-oil filters for combustion engines, wherein the space available for the installation and removal of the filter cartridge is very confined, there are provided, instead of one filter cartridge, at least two filter cartridges which are axially arranged in series one behind the other.In order to allow these filter cartridges to be installed or removed without difficulties, there is proposed for the connection of these filter cartridges an articulated connecting means which ensures that the filter cartridges can be tilted relative to each other. A clip hinge or a wire or plastics-material strip, provided with clasps or detents, can be used as the connecting means.

Abstract: Coupled tubular casings are obtained by placing a coupling piece, preferably a multilayered foil, on the inside of and overlapping two adjacent ends of tubular casings to be coupled and whose adjacent edges make an angle of 10.degree. to 80.degree. with the envisaged axis of the tubular casing, and sealing it.

Abstract: This device comprises a cylindrical member integrally made of an elastic material for covering the inside periphery of a pipe joint, belt members impregnated with a bonding agent to be squeezed out by pressure, and circular expanding members for expanding said cylindrical member when positioned inside the cylindrical member and subsequently expanded.

Abstract: A conductor tieback connector for connecting a conductor to a subsea wellhead includes a downwardly extending funnel. Two bearing rings within the funnel interact with the outside surface of the wellhead to generate bending forces to force the tool in alignment with the wellhead. Thereafter a separate lockdown nut secures the connector to the wellhead without rotation of the conductor.

Abstract: There is provided a pressure-compensating pipe joint which includes sleeve members adapted to be affixed to respective lengths of pipe to be joined, and telescoping means which allows the sleeve members to move axially with respect to each other while maintaining fluid-type communication between them.A number of piston-type contraction units are located exteriorly of the sleeve members and of the telescoping means, and are connected to link members attached to the sleeve members. By placing the contraction units outside of the general telescoping arrangement of the pipe joint, replacement and repair of these units is a relatively simple matter.

Abstract: A pipe fitting fabricated out of an electrically non-conductive material for use in the coupling of pipe sections, the fitting being provided with integral conductor means for bonding, grounding, or shunting purposes. In this design, the conductor is a metal strap or strip which extends across the fitting body to the coupling ends thereof. The bottom portion of the conductor strap is substantially embedded in the wall of the fitting and the exposed surface of the strap is provided with sharp edges or similar means which are used to scrape clean the faying surface in the bore of the pipe when a connection therewith is being made to insure a good electrical contact therebetween.

Abstract: A fastening assembly includes:(a) an axially elongated fastener having axially spaced differentially threaded portions respectively adapted to threadably engage threaded extents on members to be interconnected, and(b) structure extending at the side of the fastener and having interconnection therewith characterized as facilitating transmission of torque to the fastener to rotate the fastener about the axis while allowing relative axial displacement between the fastener and the structure, whereby the threaded portions are then adapted to threadably interfit the threaded extents to make-up the assembly.

Abstract: An expansion joint for interconnecting pipes or hoses which includes a floating sleeve and a pair of pipe or hose fittings slidably mounted on the sleeve. The fittings are provided with seals to coact with the sleeve and wipers to coact with the sleeve together with stop means for restricting the relative movement between the fittings and the sleeve.

Abstract: A connector for connecting lengths of metal tubing such as used for air-conditioning or central heating ducts, comprises a cylindrical end part for insertion into an open end of the tubing. In order to provide a seal between the connector and the tubing the connector has a recess containing a hollow, flexible sealing ring into which fluid can be injected to expand the ring. In order to ensure an adequate seal both before and after expansion of the sealing ring the latter has outwardly projecting sealing flanges which, before expansion of the sealing ring, make a seal due to their own inherent resilience and/or the resilience of the sealing ring, and, after expansion of the sealing ring, form a seal under compression. In one embodiment of the connector a sealing flange is adapted to fold over and lie between the respective faces of the connector and the tubing to prevent metal to metal contact between them.

Abstract: A three-piece anastomotic coupling device for end-to-end anastomosis of tubular members consisting of two open bore cylindrical adaptors and an open bore cylindrical connector. Each end of a tubular member is passed through the axial bore of an adaptor and everted over the end thereof. The adaptors are then inserted into opposite ends of the connector until the everted ends of the vessel abut under light compression. Integral locking means are provided to secure the adaptors and tubular members of the connector piece.

Abstract: A perforating gun barrel for carrying a plurality of explosive charges in a spaced apart relationship comprises a plurality of tubular sections positioned with the ends of adjacent tubular sections end-to-end, with the end of one section overlapping the end of an adjacent section. A coupling member is disposed entirely internally of said tubular sections at each coupling location. A plurality of bolts extend through the overlapping ends of the adjacent tubular sections and are secured in the coupling member to prevent separation of the adjacent tubular sections at the coupling locations. Wiring for detonating the charge carried in each tubular section is routed through a passageway provided in the coupling member.

Abstract: A clamping arrangement for clamping connecting flanges of two machine housings which includes a number of tightening claws or clamping shoes distributed about a circumference of the connecting flanges for clamping the connecting flanges together. Tightening surfaces are provided on the tightening claws or clamping shoes and the connecting flanges for drawing the connecting flanges together. At least one radially extending bolt is provided for each of the tightening claws or clamping shoes with the bolt passing through an associated tightening claw or clamping shoe.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for blind hole mounting an external appurtenance including safety appliances such as ladder rungs, hand holds, and walkways on a railway freight car. One or more key hole slots are provided through the surface of the car where the external appurtenance is to be mounted. Each slot includes an enlarged bolt head receiving portion through which the head of a fastening bolt may be inserted and a key portion of smaller size forming a continuation of the slot into which the shank of the bolt may be slipped for retaining the fastening bolt in the slot. The relative dimensions of the bolt head and the bolt head receiving portion of the key hole slot are such that the bolt head can only pass through the bolt head receiving portion of the key hole slot when the bolt head is first inserted edgewise through the bolt head receiving portion and the bolt then rotated to a perpendicular position relatively to the key hole slot.