Patents by Inventor Christopher Michael Joyce

Christopher Michael Joyce 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: 11846304
    Abstract: A high pressure engine propulsion system, such as a rocket engine, having improved engine performance is described herein. A liquid propellant, such as liquid oxygen, is paramagnetic. Cavitation bubbles of the liquid propellant can form in an inducer tunnel of a turbopump when the pressure in the turbopump inlet drops below the vapor pressure of the liquid propellant. The turbopump includes a magnetic field source external to the inducer tunnel to generate or provide a steady magnetic field across or through the inducer tunnel. The steady magnetic field interacts with the paramagnetic propellant, thereby reducing or eliminating cavitation bubble growth, causing cavitation bubbles to collapse, retaining cavitation bubbles within the inducer tunnel, the like, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Blue Origin, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Joyce, Saleh Tyzoon Tyebjee, Ivan Victorovich Klimov, Zachary Daniel Rizzolo
  • Publication number: 20120306157
    Abstract: This invention proposes a new way of sealing the working chambers in Wankel-type rotary engines, by using ferrofluids and magnets in place of typical metal seals. The use of ferrofluids will allow for not only a better seal, but one that is easier to maintain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Christopher Michael Joyce