Randall S Conner

US Patent:

46434666, Feb 17, 1987

Filed:

Mar 29, 1984

Appl. No.:

6/594908

Inventors:

Randall C. Conner - Birmingham AL
Van T. Walworth - Warrior AL

Assignee:

American Cast Iron Pipe Company - Birmingham AL

International Classification:

F16L 3900

US Classification:

285321

Abstract:

A pipe joint is restrained against axial separation by the use of a bearing ring. Various embodiments of bearing rings having wedging surfaces cause an increase in the resistance to pipe separation as the joint separating thrust increases. That is, as the force tending to cause pipe separation increases, the wedging surface on the bearing ring cooperates with a corresponding wedging surface on a spigot ring to increase the resistance of the pipe joint to separation. The spigot rings are connected to the spigots by welding, set screws, heat-shrinking, etc. A specially shaped snap ring or bearing ring and associated method of making the bearing ring is used to avoid possible problems resulting from manufacturing tolerances. Specifically, the bearing ring is constructed with a major diameter greater than diameters at other locations on the ring.

US Patent:

55204198, May 28, 1996

Filed:

May 10, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/438360

Inventors:

Stephen L. DeBoalt - Pelham AL
Randall C. Conner - Warrior AL
Howard H. O'Daniel - Birmingham AL

Assignee:

American Cast Iron Pipe Company - Birmingham AL

International Classification:

F16L 3500

US Classification:

285 24

Abstract:

A method of and rounding devices for inserting an out-of-round pipe spigot into a pipe bell by installing the rounding devices on the open end of the pipe bell. The rounding devices have cam surfaces for engaging the end of the out-of-round spigot and have sufficient strength and stiffness to deform the out-of-round into a substantially circular cross sectional configuration upon application of insertion force between the bell and spigot. The rounding devices may be removed and reused after the bell and spigot joint is assembled.

US Patent:

44286040, Jan 31, 1984

Filed:

Mar 12, 1981

Appl. No.:

6/242925

Inventors:

Randall C. Conner - Birmingham AL

Assignee:

American Cast Iron Pipe Company - Birmingham AL

International Classification:

F16L 2108

US Classification:

285321

Abstract:

A pipe joint is locked against separation by a split snap-ring assembly including a ring adjustor outside of the plane of the snap-ring. The snap-ring assembly is especially well suited for use with spigot and socket joints of large diameter pipe.

US Patent:

45245053, Jun 25, 1985

Filed:

Nov 1, 1983

Appl. No.:

6/547680

Inventors:

Randall C. Conner - Birmingham AL

Assignee:

American Cast Iron Pipe Company - Birmingham AL

International Classification:

B23P 1102

US Classification:

29453

Abstract:

A method of assembling a pipe joint uses a bearing ring with closure nuts and spreader nuts. The closure nuts are used to fix the ring to a spigot, which then has a socket disposed around it. The closure nuts are loosened such that the ring expands in diameter to seat in a groove in the socket. The spreader nuts are then used to expand the ring further to be securely within the groove.

US Patent:

46857087, Aug 11, 1987

Filed:

Mar 7, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/837402

Inventors:

Randall C. Conner - Warrior AL
Van T. Walworth - Warrior AL

Assignee:

American Cast Iron Pipe Company - Birmingham AL

International Classification:

F16L 2102

US Classification:

285374

Abstract:

An improved form of articulated, segmented ring structure for an axially restrained pipe joint has an articulated, segmented ring formed from articularly interconnected ring segments and a ring adjustment mechanism operable from the exterior of the pipe joint for radially contracting the ring onto the spigot end of one pipe received within the bell end of another pipe. The segmented ring structure provides improved flexiblity in joint assembly and enhanced deflection characteristics for accommodating axial misalignment of the pipes. A ring adjustment mechanism is disclosed which is particularly suitable for use in many cases, including underwater and other limited visibility applications.

US Patent:

54268427, Jun 27, 1995

Filed:

Dec 29, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/174783

Inventors:

Stephen L. DeBoalt - Pelham AL
Randall C. Conner - Warrior AL
Howard H. O'Daniel - Birmingham AL

Assignee:

American Cast Iron Pipe Company - Birmingham AL

International Classification:

B23P 1102

US Classification:

29508

Abstract:

A method of and rounding devices for inserting an out-of-round pipe spigot into a pipe bell by installing the rounding devices on the open end of the pipe bell. The rounding devices have cam surfaces for engaging the end of the out-of-round spigot and have sufficient strength and stiffness to deform the out-of-round into a substantially circular cross sectional configuration upon application of insertion force between the bell and spigot. The rounding devices may be removed and reused after the bell and spigot joint is assembled.

US Patent:

44562888, Jun 26, 1984

Filed:

Jun 22, 1982

Appl. No.:

6/390881

Inventors:

Randall C. Conner - Birmingham AL

Assignee:

American Cast Iron Pipe Company - Birmingham AL

International Classification:

F16L 2108

US Classification:

285321

Abstract:

A pipe joint is locked against separation by a split snap-ring assembly including a ring adjustor outside of the plane of the snap-ring. The snap-ring assembly is especially well suited for use with spigot and socket joints of large diameter pipe. The pipe joint may use an annular gland or collar piece such that relative rotation between the spigot and socket may be allowed thereby minimizing stress.

US Patent:

51977680, Mar 30, 1993

Filed:

Oct 10, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/774351

Inventors:

Randall C. Conner - Warrior AL

Assignee:

American Cast Iron Pipe Company - Birmingham AL

International Classification:

F16L 2102

US Classification:

285105

Abstract:

A pipe joint and a locking member for use with the pipe joint are provided for a bell and spigot type joint, the locking member being a separate element disposed axially outwardly of a fluid seal gasket within the bell end of a first of the pipe elements, the locking member being made up of an elastomeric backing member and at least one locking segment, the elastomeric backing member being adapted to seat in a first annular recess in the bell end, and against a radially inwardly protruding shoulder, this seating position urging the outer surface of the locking segment into contact with the wall of the first annular recess, to effect a constant, positive wedging action against a spigot end of a second pipe element inserted into the bell end of the first pipe element. The locking member thus securely engages and retains the spigot end within the bell end against axial forces tending to separate the pipe elements, and the locking member serves as a dirt seal improving the prevention of dirt and other materials from entering the bell end of the joint which could adversely affect the integrity of the fluid seal or interfere with the ability to efficiently induce any desired joint deflection.