Retaining mechanisms for threaded bodies in reciprocating pumps

摘要

Novel retainers for a body threaded into a reciprocating pump used for pumping fluid into a well are provided for. They comprise one or more elastic members adapted to flex and allow the retainer to be interlocked with the pump and a member adapted to engage the threaded body and to limit loosening thereof. Preferably, the engagement member is biased into engagement with the threaded body, for example, by elastic, magnetic, or gravitational potential energy. The novel retainers include stops which limit loosening or tightening of the threaded body and pawls that limit loosening of the threaded body.