Patents by Inventor Bobby L. Key

Bobby L. Key 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: 5984581
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for weighting pipe segments of the type that are interconnected to form a pipeline for transporting fluids such as natural gas and the like. The exterior surface of each segment is wetted with a friction reducing agent prior to forming a coating of weighting material along the length of the pipe segment, the friction reducing agent selected to prevent the adhering of the weighting material to the pipe. In the preferred embodiment, where a medial portion of the pipe segment is wrapped with an adhesive material prior to wetting the remaining portion of the pipe segment's external surface with the friction reducing agent, and encasing same with the weighting material. Preferably, the adhesive material is joint tape, the friction reducing agent is vegetable oil, and the weighting material is concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: B.L. Key Services, L.L.C.
    Inventors: James C. McGill, James M. McGill, Bobby L. Key