# US 5,707,179 A · Method and apparaatus for curing concrete > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 5,707,179 A - Document ID: US5707179A - Status: Granted - Kind: A - Application number: 08/619,034 - Filed: 1996-03-20 - Granted: 1998-01-13 - Earliest claimed: 1996-03-20 - Inventors: Mark Bruckelmyer - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US5707179A ## CPC - E04G 21/06: Solidifying concrete, e.g. by application of vacuum before hardening (devices for solidifying also soil E02D3/02; for road building E01C19/00; {for producing shaped articles B28B1/00}) - B28B 7/18: the holes passing completely through the article - B28B 11/245: {Curing concrete articles (B28B11/242 takes precedence)} - B28B 23/00: Arrangements specially adapted for the production of shaped articles with elements wholly or partly embedded in the moulding material; {Production of reinforced objects}(B28B21/00 takes precedence; in units for prefabricated buildings B28B7/22) - E04G: SCAFFOLDING; FORMS; SHUTTERING; BUILDING IMPLEMENTS OR AIDS, OR THEIR USE; HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS ON THE SITE; REPAIRING, BREAKING-UP OR OTHER WORK ON EXISTING BUILDINGS - B28B: SHAPING CLAY OR OTHER CERAMIC COMPOSITIONS; SHAPING SLAG; SHAPING MIXTURES CONTAINING CEMENTITIOUS MATERIAL, e.g. PLASTER (foundry moulding B22C; working stone or stone-like material B28D; shaping of substances in a plastic state, in general B29C; making layered products not composed wholly of these substances B32B) ## Abstract A method and apparatus for optimizing the curing of concrete poured under hostile ambient temperature conditions. The apparatus includes a liquid reservoir and pumping system and a number of spaced-apart tube segments overlaid into the forms for receiving the concrete with respective ends of the tubes positioned outside the concrete forms. A liquid manifold is connected to one set of tube ends and a second liquid manifold is connected to the other set of tube ends. The temperature of the liquid in the reservoir is adjusted for optimum curing of concrete, and the liquid is pumped through the tubes after the concrete has been poured; when the concrete hardens the liquid is disconnected, and the tubes are disconnected from the manifolds without removing the tubes from the hardened concrete. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A method of preparing properly cured concrete in a concrete form, comprising the steps of: a. laying a plurality of tubes in said concrete form at spaced-apart distances, with the respective ends of each tube extending outside the concrete form; b. connecting one end of each of said tubes to a first liquid manifold, and connecting the first liquid manifold to a source of liquid; and connecting the other end of each of said tubes to a second liquid manifold, and connecting the second liquid manifold to a return path to said source of liquid; c. pouring uncured concrete into said concrete form and over said plurality of tubes in said concrete form; d. adjusting the temperature of the liquid in said source of liquid to bring the temperature of the concrete to within the range of 50-80 degrees Fahrenheit; and e. flowing said liquid through said tubes, whereby to control the curing temperature of said concrete in said form. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of continuing the flowing of said liquid until said concrete has hardened, and then ceasing the flowing of said liquid, and removing said first and second manifold from said tubes without removing said tubes from said concrete. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the step of laying a plurality of tubes further comprises spacing said tubes at distances of from 12 to 24 inches. ### Claim 4 A method for optimizing the curing of concrete poured into concrete forms, comprising the steps of: a. laying a plurality of spaced-apart plastic tubes into said concrete forms prior to pouring said concrete, placing respective ends of said tubes outside said forms; b. connecting the ends of said plurality of spaced-apart plastic tubes to a source of liquid and a liquid pumping system, whereby said liquid may be pumped through said tubes laying in said concrete forms; c. pouring liquid concrete into said forms and immersing said tubes into said liquid concrete; d. adjusting the temperature of said source of liquid, whereby the curing of said concrete may be optimized; and e. flowing said liquid through said tubes until said concrete hardens, and disconnecting the flow of said liquid through said tubes, and disconnecting said tubes from said source of liquid and said pumping system; whereby said tubes remain embedded in said hardened concrete. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The method of claim 4, wherein said plurality of plastic tubes further comprise polyethylene plastic. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The method of claim 5, wherein said tubes are spaced-apart at distances ranging from 12 to 24 inches. ### Claim 7 An apparatus for curing concrete poured into forms, comprising: a. a reservoir for retaining a supply of liquid, and a pumping system connected to said reservoir for placing said liquid under a predetermined pressure; b. a temperature control system connected to said reservoir for controlling the temperature of liquid in said reservoir and delivered by said pumping system; c. a plurality of hose segments laid into said concrete forms at spaced-apart positions, the respective ends of said hose segments positioned outside said forms; and d. a first liquid manifold connected to one set of the respective ends of said hoses, and a second liquid manifold connected to a second set of the respective ends of said hoses, one of said manifolds further connected as a return to said liquid reservoir, and the other of said manifolds further connected to said pumping system. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the temperature control system further comprises at least one temperature sensor embedded in said concrete, and a computer processor connected to said temperature sensor and to said pumping system; said computer processor having means for monitoring the temperature indicated by said at least one temperature sensor, and means for controllably actuating said pumping system to maintain the monitored temperature within a predetermined range. ### Claim 9 (depends on 7) The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the temperature control system further comprises a manually operable valve connected to said reservoir, and a manually operable switch connected to said pumping system. ### Claim 10 (depends on 8) The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a liquid moisture barrier spray applied to the surface of said concrete. ### Claim 11 (depends on 8) The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising an insulation blanket covering said concrete. ### Claim 12 (depends on 8) The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said predetermined range of temperatures further comprises 100.degree. F. to 165.degree. F. ### Claim 13 (depends on 11) The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said insulation blanket further comprises a plastic sheet. ### Claim 14 (depends on 7) The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said hose segments further comprise polyethylene tubes. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said tubes are each between 3/8 inch and 5/8 inch in diameter. ### Claim 16 (depends on 14) The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said liquid further comprises a mixture of antifreeze and water.