Patents by Inventor Joe W. Key

Joe W. 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: 4781404
    Abstract: A multi-line or multi-path fluid swivel contains a plurality of stacked modules with each module having an internal core and an external housing. Each core includes one integral flow conduit which extends from the bottom of the core and opens through the side of the core into an annular chamber between the core and the housing. An opening in the housing permits flow of fluid out of or into the annular chamber. Seals between adjacent cores and seals between the cores and housing prevent or reduce leakage. The housings are rotatably mounted on the corresponding core with spaces between adjacent housings to permit axial core growth and deflection. Means between housings transmit rotational forces between housings and yet permit relative movement in the axial direction. Means are provided to fasten the adjacent cores to each other which act both as a dowel for transmitting rotational forces and as a bolt for locking cores together in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Assignee: Key Ocean Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel P. Tharp, Edward H. Turner, Joe W. Key
  • Patent number: 4701143
    Abstract: The present invention provides a vessel mounted mooring system and a method for its installation. The method involves the construction of a vertical well in the vessel extending from the deck through the bottom plates of the vessel. A lower bearing ring which circumscribes the well is connected to the underside of the bottom plates. A lower turret unit is laterally guided by the lower bearing ring and is restrained against uplift forces by the lower bearing ring. A middle turret unit is placed into the well and connected to the lower turret unit. An upper bearing ring which circumscribes the well is mounted to the deck. The upper turret unit is connected to the middle turret unit whereupon the weight of the assembly of the upper, middle and lower turret units is supported by the upper turret unit and is guided by the upper bearing ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1987
    Assignee: Key Ocean Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe W. Key, Fred E. Shumaker
  • Patent number: 4698038
    Abstract: The present invention provides a vessel mounted mooring system and a method for its installation. The method involves the construction of a vertical well in the vessel extending from the deck to the bottom plates. A lower bearing ring which circumscribes the well is connected to the underside of the bottom plates and extends beyond the keel. A lower turret unit is supported substantially within the bearing ring. A middle turret unit is placed into the well and connected to the lower turret unit. An upper bearing ring which circumscribes the well is mounted to the deck. An upper turret unit is connected to the middle turret unit whereupon the assembly of the upper, middle and lower turret units is supported and guided by the upper bearing ring and further guided by the lower bearing ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Assignee: Key Ocean Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe W. Key, Fred E. Shumaker