Patents by Inventor Timothy M. Thoman
Timothy M. Thoman has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
-
Patent number: 11052613Abstract: A fusion machine which can be top-loaded on very large polyolefin pipes and pipelines has jaws which consist of an upper half jaw and lower left and right complemental jaws which pivot on the half jaw. Left and right actuators connected between the complemental jaws and the half jaw operate in one direction to cause the complemental jaws to rotate to an opened condition in which the upper half jaw can be lowered onto and lifted from the pipes to be fused and in the other direction to cause the complemental jaws to rotate to a closed condition in which the pipes to be fused are gripped so substantially around their circumferences as to resist their deformation from round during manipulation by the machine. The top-loading machine minimizes the need for heavy equipment to load and unload pipe to and from the fusion machine.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2019Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Inventors: Jason A. Lawrence, James R. Perrault, David W. Porter, Timothy M. Thoman, Bobby Lee Murray
-
Patent number: 11034039Abstract: A facer facing the ends of polyolefin pipes for butt fusion is modular in the sense that it employs three types of modules, a drive unit, two blade holders and a motor assembly, that are separable from one another and each independently light enough to be hand-lifted along walls and up to ceilings. The drive unit module is adjustable to accommodate different guide rail spacings. The blade holder modules are interchangeable to accommodate different diameters of pipe. The motor assembly module has multispeed capability to accommodate the total area of material to be faced. Each module can be exchanged or modified without use of tools to change the geometry of the assembled facer to accommodate different fusion machines and/or diameters of pipe within working spaces dictated by the diameter of the pipe and not by a fixed geometry of a facer.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2020Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Inventors: Timothy M. Thoman, Arthur H. McElroy, II, Paul John Donaldson, Brian M. O'Connell
-
Publication number: 20200338773Abstract: A facer facing the ends of polyolefin pipes for butt fusion is modular in the sense that it employs three types of modules, a drive unit, two blade holders and a motor assembly, that are separable from one another and each independently light enough to be hand-lifted along walls and up to ceilings. The drive unit module is adjustable to accommodate different guide rail spacings. The blade holder modules are interchangeable to accommodate different diameters of pipe. The motor assembly module has multispeed capability to accommodate the total area of material to be faced. Each module can be exchanged or modified without use of tools to change the geometry of the assembled facer to accommodate different fusion machines and/or diameters of pipe within working spaces dictated by the diameter of the pipe and not by a fixed geometry of a facer.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2020Publication date: October 29, 2020Inventors: Timothy M. Thoman, Arthur H. McElroy, II, Paul John Donaldson, Brian M. O'Connell
-
Patent number: 10682780Abstract: A facer facing the ends of polyolefin pipes for butt fusion is modular in the sense that it employs three types of modules, a drive unit, two blade holders and a motor assembly, that are separable from one another and each independently light enough to be hand-lifted along walls and up to ceilings. The drive unit module is adjustable to accommodate different guide rail spacings. The blade holder modules are interchangeable to accommodate different diameters of pipe. The motor assembly module has multispeed capability to accommodate the total area of material to be faced. Each module can be exchanged or modified without use of tools to change the geometry of the assembled facer to accommodate different fusion machines and/or diameters of pipe within working spaces dictated by the diameter of the pipe and not by a fixed geometry of a facer.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2017Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: MCELROY MANUFACTURING, INC.Inventors: Timothy M. Thoman, Arthur H. McElroy, II, Jason A. Lawrence, Paul John Donaldson, Brian M. O'Connell, Seth P. Ahrens
-
Publication number: 20190351625Abstract: A fusion machine which can be top-loaded on very large polyolefin pipes and pipelines has jaws which consist of an upper half jaw and lower left and right complemental jaws which pivot on the half jaw. Left and right actuators connected between the complemental jaws and the half jaw operate in one direction to cause the complemental jaws to rotate to an opened condition in which the upper half jaw can be lowered onto and lifted from the pipes to be fused and in the other direction to cause the complemental jaws to rotate to a closed condition in which the pipes to be fused are gripped so substantially around their circumferences as to resist their deformation from round during manipulation by the machine. The top-loading machine minimizes the need for heavy equipment to load and unload pipe to and from the fusion machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2019Publication date: November 21, 2019Applicant: McElroy Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Jason A. Lawrence, James R. Perrault, David W. Porter, Timothy M. Thoman, Bobby Lee Murray
-
Patent number: 10369751Abstract: A fusion machine which can be top-loaded on very large polyolefin pipes and pipelines has jaws which consist of an upper half jaw and lower left and right complemental jaws which pivot on the half jaw. Left and right actuators connected between the complemental jaws and the half jaw operate in one direction to cause the complemental jaws to rotate to an opened condition in which the upper half jaw can be lowered onto and lifted from the pipes to be fused and in the other direction to cause the complemental jaws to rotate to a closed condition in which the pipes to be fused are gripped so substantially around their circumferences as to resist their deformation from round during manipulation by the machine. The top-loading machine minimizes the need for heavy equipment to load and unload pipe to and from the fusion machine.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2016Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: McElroy Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Jason A. Lawrence, James R. Perrault, David W. Porter, Timothy M. Thoman, Bobby Lee Murray
-
Publication number: 20190084170Abstract: A facer facing the ends of polyolefin pipes for butt fusion is modular in the sense that it employs three types of modules, a drive unit, two blade holders and a motor assembly, that are separable from one another and each independently light enough to be hand-lifted along walls and up to ceilings. The drive unit module is adjustable to accommodate different guide rail spacings. The blade holder modules are interchangeable to accommodate different diameters of pipe. The motor assembly module has multispeed capability to accommodate the total area of material to be faced. Each module can be exchanged or modified without use of tools to change the geometry of the assembled facer to accommodate different fusion machines and/or diameters of pipe within working spaces dictated by the diameter of the pipe and not by a fixed geometry of a facer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2017Publication date: March 21, 2019Applicant: McElroy Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Timothy M. Thoman, Arthur H. McElroy, II, Jason A. Lawrence, Paul John Donaldson, Brian M. O'Connell, Seth P. Ahrens
-
Patent number: 9638355Abstract: A seal obstructs the migration of particulates and precipitation into a pipe fusion chamber through its pipe stick entry and pipeline exit passages. Sheets of cloth serially overlap the anticipated center axis of a pipe stick/pipeline which will pass through the machine. The outer edge of each sheet is pleated and fixed to a frame contiguous with the perimeter of the passage and the inner edge of each sheet is gathered on an elastic band. When a face of a pipe stick/pipeline pushes the sheets away from the frame, the pleats and bands cooperate to allow the inner edges of the sheets to slide over the face and hug substantially the entire outer circumference of the pipe stick/pipeline.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2013Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: McElroy Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: Timothy M. Thoman
-
Patent number: 9393739Abstract: For use in loading heavy sticks of plastic pipe into a pipe fusion machine, a pipe storage rack with hydraulically powered pipe stick dispensers and stands allows sticks of pipe stored on the rack to roll gravitationally onto a rocking V-shaped dispenser cam disposed between the rack and the fusion machine loading path for one-stick-at-a-time loading onto powered track and roller stands which enable Cartesian manipulation of the stick into the fusion machine. The cam is adjustable to suit pipe stick diameters ranging from 20? to 48?. Many sticks can be stored at one time, releasing heavy lifting equipment and operators to work elsewhere. The process requires only one operator using a pendant controller and the pipe sticks are handled by heavy equipment only when being loaded onto the racks.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2014Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: McElroy Manufacturing , Inc.Inventors: James R. Perrault, David Warren Porter, Brandon William Jackman, William Barton Draeger, Bobby L. Murray, Timothy M. Thoman, Arthur H. McElroy, II
-
Publication number: 20160136881Abstract: A fusion machine which can be top-loaded on very large polyolefin pipes and pipelines has jaws which consist of an upper half jaw and lower left and right complemental jaws which pivot on the half jaw. Left and right actuators connected between the complemental jaws and the half jaw operate in one direction to cause the complemental jaws to rotate to an opened condition in which the upper half jaw can be lowered onto and lifted from the pipes to be fused and in the other direction to cause the complemental jaws to rotate to a closed condition in which the pipes to be fused are gripped so substantially around their circumferences as to resist their deformation from round during manipulation by the machine. The top-loading machine minimizes the need for heavy equipment to load and unload pipe to and from the fusion machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2016Publication date: May 19, 2016Applicant: McElroy Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Jason A. Lawrence, James R. Perrault, David W. Porter, Timothy M. Thoman, Bobby Lee Murray
-
Patent number: 9242410Abstract: A fusion machine which can be top-loaded on very large polyolefin pipes and pipelines has jaws which consist of an upper half jaw and lower left and right complemental jaws which pivot on the half jaw. Left and right actuators connected between the complemental jaws and the half jaw operate in one direction to cause the complemental jaws to rotate to an opened condition in which the upper half jaw can be lowered onto and lifted from the pipes to be fused and in the other direction to cause the complemental jaws to rotate to a closed condition in which the pipes to be fused are gripped so substantially around their circumferences as to resist their deformation from round during manipulation by the machine. The top-loading machine minimizes the need for heavy equipment to load and unload pipe to and from the fusion machine.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Inventors: Jason A. Lawrence, James R. Perrault, David W. Porter, Timothy M. Thoman, Bobby Lee Murray
-
Publication number: 20150076772Abstract: A seal obstructs the migration of particulates and precipitation into a pipe fusion chamber through its pipe stick entry and pipeline exit passages. Sheets of cloth serially overlap the anticipated center axis of a pipe stick/pipeline which will pass through the machine. The outer edge of each sheet is pleated and fixed to a frame contiguous with the perimeter of the passage and the inner edge of each sheet is gathered on an elastic band. When a face of a pipe stick/pipeline pushes the sheets away from the frame, the pleats and bands cooperate to allow the inner edges of the sheets to slide over the face and hug substantially the entire outer circumference of the pipe stick/pipeline.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2013Publication date: March 19, 2015Applicant: McElroy Manufacturing Inc.Inventor: Timothy M. Thoman
-
Publication number: 20150075722Abstract: A fusion machine which can be top-loaded on very large polyolefin pipes and pipelines has jaws which consist of an upper half jaw and lower left and right complemental jaws which pivot on the half jaw. Left and right actuators connected between the complemental jaws and the half jaw operate in one direction to cause the complemental jaws to rotate to an opened condition in which the upper half jaw can be lowered onto and lifted from the pipes to be fused and in the other direction to cause the complemental jaws to rotate to a closed condition in which the pipes to be fused are gripped so substantially around their circumferences as to resist their deformation from round during manipulation by the machine. The top-loading machine minimizes the need for heavy equipment to load and unload pipe to and from the fusion machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2013Publication date: March 19, 2015Applicant: McElroy Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Jason A. Lawrence, James R. Perrault, David W. Porter, Timothy M. Thoman, Bobby Lee Murray
-
Publication number: 20140219770Abstract: For use in loading heavy sticks of plastic pipe into a pipe fusion machine, a pipe storage rack with hydraulically powered pipe stick dispensers and stands allows sticks of pipe stored on the rack to roll gravitationally onto a rocking V-shaped dispenser cam disposed between the rack and the fusion machine loading path for one-stick-at-a-time loading onto powered track and roller stands which enable Cartesian manipulation of the stick into the fusion machine. The cam is adjustable to suit pipe stick diameters ranging from 20? to 48?. Many sticks can be stored at one time, releasing heavy lifting equipment and operators to work elsewhere. The process requires only one operator using a pendant controller and the pipe sticks are handled by heavy equipment only when being loaded onto the racks.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2014Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: McElroy Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: James R. Perrault, David Warren Porter, Brandon William Jackman, William Barton Draeger, Bobby L. Murray, Timothy M. Thoman, Arthur H. McElroy, II
-
Patent number: 8690517Abstract: For use in loading heavy sticks of plastic pipe into a pipe fusion machine, a pipe storage rack with hydraulically powered pipe stick dispensers and stands allows sticks of pipe stored on the rack to roll gravitationally onto a rocking V-shaped dispenser cam disposed between the rack and the fusion machine loading path for one-stick-at-a-time loading onto powered track and roller stands which enable Cartesian manipulation of the stick into the fusion machine. The cam is adjustable to suit pipe stick diameters ranging from 20? to 48?. Many sticks can be stored at one time, releasing heavy lifting equipment and operators to work elsewhere. The process requires only one operator using a pendant controller and the pipe sticks are handled by heavy equipment only when being loaded onto the racks.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Inventors: James R. Perrault, David Warren Porter, Brandon William Jackman, William Barton Draeger, Bobby L. Murray, Timothy M. Thoman, Arthur H. McElroy, II
-
Patent number: 6239412Abstract: A heater for use in fusing the end of a branch polyolefin pipe to the side wall of a main polyolefin pipe of specified radius has a first plate with a convex outer surface definable as a surface generated by rotating a first straight line about a first parallel line of origin at a radius equal to the specified radius of the main pipe and a concave inner surface, a second plate with a concave outer surface definable as a surface generated by rotating a second straight line about a second parallel line of origin at a radius equal to the specified radius of the main pipe and a convex inner surface and a heating element of substantially constant thickness disposed in laminar relationship between the first and second plates, the inner surfaces of the plates being contoured so that, with the heating element in laminar relationship therebetween, the lines of origin of the outer surfaces of the plates lie a common plane.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 1999Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: McElroy Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Timothy M. Thoman, James R. Perrault