Patents by Inventor Thomas Joseph Keyes

Thomas Joseph Keyes 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: 10663101
    Abstract: A method is shown for installing a heat tube on a section of pre-insulated piping. A metal carrier pipe is covered with a first layer of foam insulation. Next, a routing device is used to cut a longitudinal slot along the length of the pipe so that the pipe exterior surface is exposed from the insulation. A heat tube is then installed within the longitudinal slot, whereby the heat tube contacts the exterior surface of the metal carrier pipe. A second layer of foam insulation is then sprayed onto the exterior of the metal carrier pipe, covering the previously formed longitudinal slot and installed heat tube. A polyolefin coating is then applied over the insulation to form a protective outer jacket for the insulated pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Thermacor Process, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Joseph Keyes, Clinton James Riggin
  • Patent number: 10525619
    Abstract: A method is shown for installing a heat tube on a section of pre-insulated piping. A metal carrier pipe is covered with a first layer of foam insulation. Next, a routing device is used to cut a longitudinal slot along the length of the pipe so that the pipe exterior surface is exposed from the insulation. A heat tube is then installed within the longitudinal slot, whereby the heat tube contacts the exterior surface of the metal carrier pipe. A second layer of foam insulation is then sprayed onto the exterior of the metal carrier pipe, covering the previously formed longitudinal slot and installed heat tube. A polyolefin coating is then applied over the insulation to form a protective outer jacket for the insulated pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Thermacor Process, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Joseph Keyes
  • Patent number: 10421232
    Abstract: A method is shown for installing a heat tube on a section of pre-insulated piping. A metal carrier pipe is covered with a first layer of foam insulation. Next, a wire brush is used to cut a longitudinal slot along the length of the pipe so that the pipe exterior surface is exposed from the insulation. A heat tube is then installed within the longitudinal slot, whereby the heat tube contacts the exterior surface of the metal carrier pipe. A second layer of foam insulation is then sprayed onto the exterior of the metal carrier pipe, covering the previously formed longitudinal slot and installed heat tube. A polyolefin coating is then applied over the insulation to form a protective outer jacket for the insulated pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Thermacor Process, Inc
    Inventor: Thomas Joseph Keyes
  • Publication number: 20190234550
    Abstract: A method is shown for installing a heat tube on a section of pre-insulated piping. A metal carrier pipe is covered with a first layer of foam insulation. Next, a routing device is used to cut a longitudinal slot along the length of the pipe so that the pipe exterior surface is exposed from the insulation. A heat tube is then installed within the longitudinal slot, whereby the heat tube contacts the exterior surface of the metal carrier pipe. A second layer of foam insulation is then sprayed onto the exterior of the metal carrier pipe, covering the previously formed longitudinal slot and installed heat tube. A polyolefin coating is then applied over the insulation to form a protective outer jacket for the insulated pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Publication date: August 1, 2019
    Applicant: Thermacor Process, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Joseph Keyes, Clinton James Riggin
  • Patent number: 10293527
    Abstract: A method for the continuous production of pre-insulated piping having an inner metal carrier pipe having an interior surface and an exterior surface and an envelope of foamed insulation surrounding the inner metal carrier pipe exterior surface. A molding apparatus is provided for forming an annulus about a pipe to be insulated into which foam can be injected. The pipe is continuously moved through the apparatus with foaming material being injected into the annulus where it is molded and cured to form a foam insulated pipe. The molding apparatus is a roller-drum having a cylindrical length and a plurality of individual rollers arranged in a series of linearly staggered, circular arrays which define the annulus where the foaming material is cured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Thermacor Process, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Joseph Keyes
  • Patent number: 10293528
    Abstract: A method for the continuous production of pre-insulated piping having an inner metal carrier pipe having an interior surface and an exterior surface and an envelope of foamed insulation surrounding the inner metal carrier pipe exterior surface. A molding apparatus is provided for forming an annulus about a pipe to be insulated into which foam can be injected. The pipe is continuously moved through the apparatus with foaming material being injected into the annulus where it is molded and cured to form a foam insulated pipe. The molding apparatus is a roller-drum having a cylindrical length and a plurality of individual rollers arranged in a series of linearly staggered, circular arrays which define the annulus where the foaming material is cured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Thermacor Process, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Joseph Keyes
  • Publication number: 20180311867
    Abstract: A method is shown for installing a heat tube on a section of pre-insulated piping. A metal carrier pipe is covered with a first layer of foam insulation. Next, a wire brush is used to cut a longitudinal slot along the length of the pipe so that the pipe exterior surface is exposed from the insulation. A heat tube is then installed within the longitudinal slot, whereby the heat tube contacts the exterior surface of the metal carrier pipe. A second layer of foam insulation is then sprayed onto the exterior of the metal carrier pipe, covering the previously formed longitudinal slot and installed heat tube. A polyolefin coating is then applied over the insulation to form a protective outer jacket for the insulated pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Inventor: Thomas Joseph Keyes
  • Publication number: 20180311868
    Abstract: A method is shown for installing a heat tube on a section of pre-insulated piping. A metal carrier pipe is covered with a first layer of foam insulation. Next, a routing device is used to cut a longitudinal slot along the length of the pipe so that the pipe exterior surface is exposed from the insulation. A heat tube is then installed within the longitudinal slot, whereby the heat tube contacts the exterior surface of the metal carrier pipe. A second layer of foam insulation is then sprayed onto the exterior of the metal carrier pipe, covering the previously formed longitudinal slot and installed heat tube. A polyolefin coating is then applied over the insulation to form a protective outer jacket for the insulated pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Applicant: Thermacor Process, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Joseph Keyes
  • Publication number: 20180036923
    Abstract: A method for the continuous production of pre-insulated piping having an inner metal carrier pipe having an interior surface and an exterior surface and an envelope of foamed insulation surrounding the inner metal carrier pipe exterior surface. A molding apparatus is provided for forming an annulus about a pipe to be insulated into which foam can be injected. The pipe is continuously moved through the apparatus with foaming material being injected into the annulus where it is molded and cured to form a foam insulated pipe. The molding apparatus is a roller-drum having a cylindrical length and a plurality of individual rollers arranged in a series of linearly staggered, circular arrays which define the annulus where the foaming material is cured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Thomas Joseph Keyes
  • Publication number: 20180036924
    Abstract: A method for the continuous production of pre-insulated piping having an inner metal carrier pipe having an interior surface and an exterior surface and an envelope of foamed insulation surrounding the inner metal carrier pipe exterior surface. A molding apparatus is provided for forming an annulus about a pipe to be insulated into which foam can be injected. The pipe is continuously moved through the apparatus with foaming material being injected into the annulus a where it is molded and cured to form a foam insulated pipe. The molding apparatus is a roller-drum having a cylindrical length and a plurality of individual rollers arranged in a series of linearly staggered, circular arrays which define the annulus where the foaming material is cured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Thomas Joseph Keyes
  • Patent number: 9377150
    Abstract: A section of pipe is used in a pre-insulated piping system where the system is made up of lengths of insulated and jacketed pre-insulated piping. Each length of piping is made up of an inner carrier pipe having an interior surface and an exterior surface. An envelope of bonded foam insulation surrounds the inner pipe exterior surface and an outer protective jacket surrounds the envelope of foamed insulation. The length of piping has a joining end for joining to an adjacent length of piping, whereby the adjacent lengths of piping provide a continuous length of fluid conduit for conveying high temperature fluids. A series of metal thrust collars are located at spaced intervals along the length of the inner carrier pipe are enveloped within the layer of foamed insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Thermacor Process, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Joseph Keyes
  • Patent number: 9140386
    Abstract: An anchor system is shown for use with a pre-insulated piping system having an inner steel carrier pipe surrounded by a layer of insulation and then by an outer protective jacket. The anchor system includes an inner carrier pipe for insertion within the length of the piping system at a selected point. A steel anchor sleeve surrounds a portion of the length of carrier pipe and insulation. It terminates at one end at an outwardly flaring anchor plate which is subsequently embedded within a concrete anchor block. A steel end cap is welded to a second, opposite end of the sleeve and to the inner carrier pipe at a point along the length of piping which is outside the concrete anchor block and which is spaced apart from the location of the anchor plate, whereby heat from the high temperature fluids in the piping is transferred to the end cap at a location along the length of piping which is distant from the location of the anchor plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Thermacor Process, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Joseph Keyes
  • Publication number: 20150233518
    Abstract: A section of pipe is used in a pre-insulated piping system where the system is made up of lengths of insulated and jacketed pre-insulated piping. Each length of piping is made up of an inner carrier pipe having an interior surface and an exterior surface. An envelope of bonded foam insulation surrounds the inner pipe exterior surface and an outer protective jacket surrounds the envelope of foamed insulation. The length of piping has a joining end for joining to an adjacent length of piping, whereby the adjacent lengths of piping provide a continuous length of fluid conduit for conveying high temperature fluids. A series of metal thrust collars are located at spaced intervals along the length of the inner carrier pipe are enveloped within the layer of foamed insulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Inventor: Thomas Joseph Keyes
  • Publication number: 20140000746
    Abstract: An anchor system is shown for use with a pre-insulated piping system having an inner steel carrier pipe surrounded by a layer of insulation and then by an outer protective jacket. The anchor system includes an inner carrier pipe for insertion within the length of the piping system at a selected point. A steel anchor sleeve surrounds a portion of the length of carrier pipe and insulation. It terminates at one end at an outwardly flaring anchor plate which is subsequently embedded within a concrete anchor block. A steel end cap is welded to a second, opposite end of the sleeve and to the inner carrier pipe at a point along the length of piping which is outside the concrete anchor block and which is spaced apart from the location of the anchor plate, whereby heat from the high temperature fluids in the piping is transferred to the end cap at a location along the length of piping which is distant from the location of the anchor plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Thermacor Process, LP
    Inventor: Thomas Joseph Keyes
  • Patent number: 8544502
    Abstract: An anchor system is shown for use with a pre-insulated piping system having an inner steel carrier pipe surrounded by a layer of insulation and then by an outer protective jacket. The anchor system includes an inner carrier pipe for insertion within the length of the piping system at a selected point. A steel anchor sleeve surrounds a portion of the length of carrier pipe and insulation. It terminates at one end at an outwardly flaring anchor plate which is subsequently embedded within a concrete anchor block. A steel end cap is welded to a second, opposite end of the sleeve and to the inner carrier pipe at a point along the length of piping which is outside the concrete anchor block and which is spaced apart from the location of the anchor plate, whereby heat from the high temperature fluids in the piping is transferred to the end cap at a location along the length of piping which is distant from the location of the anchor plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Thermacor Process, LP
    Inventor: Thomas Joseph Keyes, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8468677
    Abstract: A section of pipe is used in a pre-insulated piping system where the system is made up of lengths of insulated and jacketed pre-insulated piping. Each length of piping is made up of an inner carrier pipe having an interior surface and an exterior surface. An envelope of foamed insulation surrounds the inner pipe exterior surface and an outer protective jacket surrounds the envelope of foamed insulation. The length of piping has a joining end for joining to an adjacent length of piping, whereby the adjacent lengths of piping provide a continuous length of fluid conduit for conveying high temperature fluids. A heat dissipating element surrounds the inner carrier pipe for at least a portion of the length thereof. The heat dissipating element is itself insulated, whereby any water which penetrates the outer protective jacket contacts the heat dissipating element and is cooled below boiling before traveling any significant distance along the length of the section of piping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Thermacor Process, LP
    Inventor: Thomas Joseph Keyes, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20120146324
    Abstract: An expansion joint is shown for an insulated pipeline used to convey high temperature fluids such as steam. The expansion joint uses a flexible bellows and additional insulating and joining components to provide a watertight encasement for a traditional metal expansion joint. The bellows arrangement compensates for any relative movement of the inner fluid conveying pipes with respect to the outer layers of insulating material and outer jacket in order to protect the integrity of the assembly and prevent the intrusion of water or other contaminants which could lead to corrosion or early failure of the piping system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: Thermacor Process, LP
    Inventor: Thomas Joseph Keyes
  • Publication number: 20120118388
    Abstract: A system is shown which can replace the need for a traditional watertight manhole servicing a pre-insulated pipeline. The piping in the system is pre-insulated, as with a bonded foam insulation. The valves and fittings in the piping system are brought to a convenient height above the watertable in an excavated area in the surrounding earthen formation and are also pre-insulated. The pre-insulated valves and fittings are partially enclosed by a containment structure which keeps the surrounding earthen formation in place. Because the valves, fittings and piping are pre-insulated, it is not necessary to maintain the surrounding enclosure in a watertight condition as was the case with a traditional manhole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas Joseph Keyes
  • Patent number: 8033754
    Abstract: An installation technique is shown for use with a pre-insulated steam piping system having an inner steel carrier pipe surrounded by a layer of foam insulation and then by an outer protective jacket. An expansion loop is used to create an artificial low point in the overall pipeline which allows the pipeline to avoid a buried obstruction without the necessity of increasing the depth of the remaining portion of the pipeline on either side of the loop. The expansion loop has a pair of oppositely arranged side legs which are joined by a cross-leg portion of the loop, the cross-leg portion of the loop being angled downwardly at a predetermined angle, to thereby provide a change in elevation which avoids the buried obstruction in the pathway of the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Thermacor Process, L.P.
    Inventor: Thomas Joseph Keyes
  • Publication number: 20110192486
    Abstract: A section of pipe is used in a pre-insulated piping system where the system is made up of lengths of insulated and jacketed pre-insulated piping. Each length of piping is made up of an inner carrier pipe having an interior surface and an exterior surface. An envelope of foamed insulation surrounds the inner pipe exterior surface and an outer protective jacket surrounds the envelope of foamed insulation. The length of piping has a joining end for joining to an adjacent length of piping, whereby the adjacent lengths of piping provide a continuous length of fluid conduit for conveying high temperature fluids. A water containment element is located on the exterior of the inner carrier pipe at a location near the pipe joining end. The containment element serves to stop the flow of any intruding water or steam along the length of the inner carrier pipe. The containment element may also include a heat dissipating element which surrounds the inner carrier pipe for at least a portion of the length thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas Joseph Keyes