Apparatus to mechanically load a compression member
A compression generator uses a plurality of jackbolts threadedly engaged at a spaced apart relation about a bolt circle in a main core element. The main core element is releasable interlocked by threads, bayonet connection or other form of fasting system with the mounting element forming a fixed part of the mechanical connection. The jackbolts torqued to generate a pushing force in an axial direction for compressing a moveable part of the mechanical connection against a compression seat for forming a mechanical connection between juxtaposition fixed and moveable parts.
1. A compression generator, including the combination of:
a first pipe member having at least one threaded aperture and an internal cavity accessible from said at least one threaded aperture to install and displace a compression shoe in said internal cavity into frictional contact with a second pipe member in a confronting relation to said at least one threaded aperture;
at least one externally threaded carrier affixed by said at least one threaded aperture for retained support by said first pipe member;
a plurality of jackbolts each received in one of a plurality of threaded holes at spaced-apart locations about an outer peripheral part of said carrier for extending from said carrier into confronting engagement with said compression shoe residing in said internal cavity and for generating a pushing force against said second pipe member for forming a mechanical connection of said first pipe member with said second pipe member by torque applied to said jackbolts for said connecting said first pipe member to said second pipe member, and
a spindle extending from said compression shoe and through a bore in said externally threaded carrier, and
a nut on said spindle to limit linear movement of said compression shoe, said nut being dimensioned to seat in a counter bore in said externally threaded carrier to provide guided movement of said spindle throughout a desired range in said internal cavity of said first pipe member.
2. The compression generator according to claim 1 wherein said second pipe member includes an annular ring section between annular grooves for generating friction by torquing of said plurality of jackbolts to move said compression shoe toward said second pipe member for said mechanical connection.
3. The compression generator according to claim 2 wherein said compression shoe includes spaced apart protrusions for interlocking passage therebetween with said annular ring section.
4. The compression generator according to claim 1 wherein said externally threaded carrier is defined by a disk shaped configuration having a thickness of approximating the wall thickness of said first pipe member.
5. The compression generator according to claim 1 wherein said first pipe member comprises four threaded apertures arranged as opposed pairs with the axes of a pair being coaxially arranged and wherein the central axis of each aperture lies in a common plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal and central axis of said first pipe member; and wherein said at least one threaded carrier comprises four threaded carriers and wherein each of said threaded carriers with said jackbolts is secured in one of said threaded apertures for extending from said threaded carrier into confronting engagement with a respective compression shoe residing in said internal cavity.