US 7,537,057 B2
Slimline tieback connector
Shiva Singeetham, Houston, Tex. (US); and Eric Baltmanis, Stirling (United Kingdom)
Assigned to FMC Technologies, Inc., Houston, Tex. (US)
Filed on Jul. 23, 2004, as Appl. No. 10/897,535.
Prior Publication US 2007/0181309 A1, Aug. 09, 2007
Int. Cl. E21B 29/12 (2006.01); E21B 7/12 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 166—343  [166/348; 166/365; 285/18] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A connector for securing a first generally cylindrical member to a second generally cylindrical member which includes a number of locking grooves that are formed therein, the connector comprising:
a generally cylindrical body which includes a first end that is attached to the first member and a second end that is positioned proximate the second member;
a generally cylindrical housing sleeve which is positioned concentrically over the body and which includes an upper end portion that is secured to the body and a lower end portion that is disposed adjacent the second member;
a generally cylindrical primary piston which is positioned between the body and the housing sleeve;
a locking mandrel which is connected to or formed integrally with the primary piston and which includes at least first and second annular portions that have different diameters;
a lock ring which is supported by the lower end portion of the housing sleeve adjacent the locking grooves and which includes at least first and second cylindrical portions that correspond to the first and second annular portions of the locking mandrel;
wherein movement of the primary piston from a first position to a second position will force the first and second annular portions of the locking mandrel into engagement with the first and second cylindrical portions of the lock ring, respectively, and consequently force the lock ring into engagement with the locking grooves to thereby lock the connector to the second member;
first means for moving the primary piston from the first position to the second position, the first moving means comprising:
a first sealed piston chamber which is formed between the body and a first portion of the primary piston; and
first means for fluidly connecting the first piston chamber to a source of hydraulic fluid;
wherein the first fluid connecting means comprises:
a first nipple which includes a first end that is connected to the source of hydraulic fluid and a second end that is secured to the primary piston; and
a first port which extends through the primary piston and which includes a first end that is connected to the first piston chamber and a second end that is connected to the second end of the first nipple.