Patents by Inventor Arthur H. McElroy, II
Arthur H. McElroy, II 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).
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Publication number: 20240092036Abstract: A pipe fusion machine including a track mounted chassis supporting a horizontal turntable for unlimited, reversible rotation relative to the chassis. A boom pivotally attached at a rear end of, and extending forwardly of, the turntable enables manipulation of elevations and distances of the free end of the boom. The free end of the boom is adapted to permit pivotal mounting thereon of a pipe fusion tool such as an indexer configured to articulate and support a pipe-end facer and a pipe-end heater for respective independent orientation into and out of alignment with the ends of pipes to be fused. A carriage supports fixed and sliding jaws adapted to grip the ends of pipes to be fused for relative reciprocal movement during a pipe fusion process. Each of the jaws may include an upper half jaw and lower left and right quarter jaws.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: Arthur H. McElroy, II, Paul John Donaldson, Eric R. Abbott, Seth P. Ahrens, Douglas K. Brownell, Gregory A. Ruoff, Jared D. Sparks, Matthew A. Price
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Publication number: 20220281179Abstract: Modular carriage for varying spacing between ends of polymer pipe during fusion. The modular carriage includes a fixed jaw; an inner movable jaw; an outer moveable jaw and a plurality of guide rods. The fixed jaw being adapted for tool free engagement with the terminal ends of the plurality of guide rods. A carriage cylinder is associated with at least two of the guide rods and mounted for reciprocal travel along the length of its associated guide rod. The movable jaws being adapted for tool free engagement with at least two carriage cylinders for reciprocal travel therewith. A combined hydraulic cylinder/guide rod includes a guide rod with an integral guide rod piston, a cylindrical tube, and a guide rod gland on each end of the cylinder tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2022Publication date: September 8, 2022Applicant: McElroy Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Arthur H. McElroy, II, Jason A. Lawrence, Seth P. Ahrens, Paul John Donaldson
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Patent number: 11312088Abstract: Modular carriage for varying spacing between ends of polymer pipe during fusion. The modular carriage includes a fixed jaw; an inner movable jaw; an outer moveable jaw and a plurality of guide rods. The fixed jaw being adapted for tool free engagement with the terminal ends of the plurality of guide rods. A carriage cylinder is associated with at least two of the guide rods and mounted for reciprocal travel along the length of its associated guide rod. The movable jaws being adapted for tool free engagement with at least two carriage cylinders for reciprocal travel therewith. A combined hydraulic cylinder/guide rod includes a guide rod with an integral guide rod piston, a cylindrical tube, and a guide rod gland on each end of the cylinder tube.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2018Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: McElroy Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Arthur H. McElroy, II, Jason A. Lawrence, Seth P. Ahrens, Paul John Donaldson
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Patent number: 11034097Abstract: A method for minimizing the time to form a polyethylene pipe e joint comprises the steps of performing a butt-fusion process until the beginning of the full cooling cycle; holding an interfacial pressure through a minimum cool time calculated using a formula based on the wall thickness of the pipe e, the initial bulk temperature of the pipe e, and a heat soak time; and releasing the interfacial pressure from the fused pipe e joint at the end of the calculated minimum cool time.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2019Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: McElroy Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Amanda Hawkins, Arthur H. McElroy, II, James S. Johnston, Jr., Dave Ray Hughes
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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
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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
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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
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Publication number: 20190210297Abstract: Modular carriage for varying spacing between ends of polymer pipe during fusion. The modular carriage includes a fixed jaw; an inner movable jaw; an outer moveable jaw and a plurality of guide rods. The fixed jaw being adapted for tool free engagement with the terminal ends of the plurality of guide rods. A carriage cylinder is associated with at least two of the guide rods and mounted for reciprocal travel along the length of its associated guide rod. The movable jaws being adapted for tool free engagement with at least two carriage cylinders for reciprocal travel therewith. A combined hydraulic cylinder/guide rod includes a guide rod with an integral guide rod piston, a cylindrical tube, and a guide rod gland on each end of the cylinder tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2018Publication date: July 11, 2019Applicant: McElroy Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Arthur H. McElroy, II, Jason A. Lawrence, Seth P. Ahrens, Paul John Donaldson
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Patent number: 6212747Abstract: Polyolefin pipes are welded end-to-end by a self-propelled, self-contained machine which performs all steps necessary to the process without need for any other machines or equipment. Hydraulically driven parallel tracks are independently controlled for maximum maneuverability. An hydraulically driven, computer controlled, reversible jaw assembly reciprocates the new pipe section relative to the exiting pipe line. A facer for trimming and squaring the pipe ends to be joined and a heater for melting the pipe ends for fusing are umbilically connected to the machine for on-board or remote operation. The computer, also on an umbilical, enables the operator to operate the machine in a normal mode in which the operator manually controls the facing, soaking and fusing processes or an automatic mode in which the fusing process is automatically controlled by the computer.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1998Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: McElroy Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: David W. Porter, Arthur H. McElroy, II
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Patent number: 6212748Abstract: Polyolefin pipes are welded end-to-end by a self-propelled, self-contained machine which performs all steps necessary to the process without need for any other machines or equipment. Hydraulically driven parallel tracks are independently controlled for maximum maneuverability. An hydraulically driven, computer controlled, reversible jaw assembly reciprocates the new pipe section relative to the exiting pipe line. A facer for trimming and squaring the pipe ends to be joined and a heater for melting the pipe ends for fusing are umbilically connected to the machine for on-board or remote operation. The computer, also on an umbilical, enables the operator to operate the machine in a normal mode in which the operator manually controls the facing, soaking and fusing processes or an automatic mode in which the fusing process is automatically controlled by the computer.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1998Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: McElroy Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: David W. Porter, Arthur H. McElroy, II
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Patent number: 6021832Abstract: Polyolefin pipes are welded end-to-end by a self-propelled, self-contained machine which performs all steps necessary to the process without need for any other machines or equipment. Hydraulically driven parallel tracks are independently controlled for maximum maneuverability. An hydraulically driven, computer controlled, reversible jaw assembly reciprocates the new pipe section relative to the exiting pipe line. A facer for trimming and squaring the pipe ends to be joined and a heater for melting the pipe ends for fusing are umbilically connected to the machine for on-board or remote operation. The computer, also on an umbilical, enables the operator to operate the machine in a normal mode in which the operator manually controls the facing, soaking and fusing processes or an automatic mode in which the fusing process is automatically controlled by the computer.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1998Date of Patent: February 8, 2000Assignee: McElroy Manufacturing Inc.Inventors: Arthur H. McElroy, II, David W. Porter, Kean C. Chin, Richard A. Deaver
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Patent number: D656338Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2010Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Inventors: Joshua B. Combs, Hayden Davis, Arthur H. McElroy, II, James R. Perrault, Dave Hughes, Wilianto Wongso
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Patent number: D657160Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2010Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Inventors: Joshua B. Combs, Hayden Davis, Arthur H. McElroy, II, James R. Perrault, Dave Hughes, Wilianto Wongso
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Patent number: D657161Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2010Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Inventors: Joshua B. Combs, Hayden Davis, Arthur H. McElroy, II, James R. Perrault, Dave Hughes, Wilianto Wongso
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Patent number: D657162Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2010Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Inventors: Joshua B. Combs, Hayden Davis, Arthur H. McElroy, II, James R. Perrault, Dave Hughes, Wilianto Wongso
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Patent number: D657163Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2010Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Inventors: Joshua B. Combs, Hayden Davis, Arthur H. McElroy, II, James R. Perrault, Dave Hughes, Wilianto Wongso