Patents by Inventor Thomas O. Zurfluh

Thomas O. Zurfluh 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: 10539237
    Abstract: A static gasket and method of construction thereof is provided. The gasket includes a functional layer constructed of one type of metal having an opening bounded by an inner periphery an outer periphery. The gasket further includes a carrier layer constructed of a different metal than the functional layer. The carrier layer has an opening bounded by an inner periphery configured to receive the outer periphery of the functional layer in a line-to-line or loose fit. The functional layer is configured in substantially coplanar relation with the carrier layer with a first portion of the outer periphery of the functional layer being welded to a radially aligned first portion of the inner periphery of the carrier layer. A second portion of the outer periphery of the functional layer remains detached from a radially aligned second portion of the inner periphery of the carrier layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Tenneco Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Swasey, Carl Schenten, Mark Bowman, John Sas, Rolf Prehn, Carlos Santiago, Tim O'Keefe, Michael Shirilla, Thomas O. Zurfluh, Kyle T. Roberts
  • Patent number: 10533663
    Abstract: A static gasket and method of construction thereof is provided. The gasket includes a functional layer constructed of one type of metal having an opening bounded by an inner periphery an outer periphery. The gasket further includes a carrier layer constructed of a different metal than the functional layer. The carrier layer has an opening bounded by an inner periphery configured to receive the outer periphery of the functional layer in a line-to-line or loose fit. The functional layer is configured in substantially coplanar relation with the carrier layer with a first portion of the outer periphery of the functional layer being welded to a radially aligned first portion of the inner periphery of the carrier layer. A second portion of the outer periphery of the functional layer remains detached from a radially aligned second portion of the inner periphery of the carrier layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Tenneco Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Swasey, Carl Schenten, Mark Bowman, John Sas, Rolf Prehn, Carlos Santiago, Tim O'Keefe, Michael Shirilla, Thomas O. Zurfluh, Kyle T. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20190085977
    Abstract: A static gasket and method of construction thereof is provided. The gasket includes a functional layer constructed of one type of metal having an opening bounded by an inner periphery an outer periphery. The gasket further includes a carrier layer constructed of a different metal than the functional layer. The carrier layer has an opening bounded by an inner periphery configured to receive the outer periphery of the functional layer in a line-to-line or loose fit. The functional layer is configured in substantially coplanar relation with the carrier layer with a first portion of the outer periphery of the functional layer being welded to a radially aligned first portion of the inner periphery of the carrier layer. A second portion of the outer periphery of the functional layer remains detached from a radially aligned second portion of the inner periphery of the carrier layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Publication date: March 21, 2019
    Inventors: Thomas W. Swasey, Carl Schenten, Mark Bowman, John Sas, Rolf Prehn, Carlos Santiago, Tim O'Keefe, Michael Shirilla, Thomas O. Zurfluh, Kyle T. Roberts
  • Patent number: 9618121
    Abstract: A metal gasket includes embossments that exhibit essentially full functional recovery and full retained internal stress at temperatures up to about 1000° F. which is made from sheet material that is cold rolled and whose embossments are work hardened without any post embossment heat treating that would act to harden the material. This material may also receive a precipitation hardening heat treatment prior to being embossed. The gasket materials include alloys having greater than about 18% Ni, greater than about 14% Cr, from about 0.1 to 10% of at least one of Mo, Ti, V, Al, Co, Nb, Ta or Cu and the balance Fe with incidental impurities, which are cold rolled without any post embossment heat treating that would act to harden the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Corporation
    Inventors: Bhawani Tripathy, Thomas O. Zurfluh
  • Publication number: 20170082197
    Abstract: A static gasket and method of construction thereof is provided. The gasket includes a functional layer constructed of one type of metal having an opening bounded by an inner periphery an outer periphery. The gasket further includes a carrier layer constructed of a different metal than the functional layer. The carrier layer has an opening bounded by an inner periphery configured to receive the outer periphery of the functional layer in a line-to-line or loose fit. The functional layer is configured in substantially coplanar relation with the carrier layer with a first portion of the outer periphery of the functional layer being welded to a radially aligned first portion of the inner periphery of the carrier layer. A second portion of the outer periphery of the functional layer remains detached from a radially aligned second portion of the inner periphery of the carrier layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: THOMAS W. SWASEY, CARL SCHENTEN, MARK BOWMAN, JOHN SAS, ROLF PREHN, CARLOS SANTIAGO, TIM O'KEEFE, MICHAEL SHIRILLA, THOMAS O. ZURFLUH, KYLE T. ROBERTS
  • Patent number: 9518660
    Abstract: A static gasket and method of construction thereof is provided. The gasket includes a functional layer constructed of one type of metal having an opening bounded by an inner periphery an outer periphery. The gasket further includes a carrier layer constructed of a different metal than the functional layer. The carrier layer has an opening bounded by an inner periphery configured to receive the outer periphery of the functional layer in a line-to-line or loose fit. The functional layer is configured in substantially coplanar relation with the carrier layer with a first portion of the outer periphery of the functional layer being welded to a radially aligned first portion of the inner periphery of the carrier layer. A second portion of the outer periphery of the functional layer remains detached from a radially aligned second portion of the inner periphery of the carrier layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas W. Swasey, Carl Schenten, Mark Bowman, John Sas, Carlos Santiago, Rolf Prehn, Tim O'Keefe, Michael Shirilla, Thomas O. Zurfluh, Kyle T. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20130283883
    Abstract: A metal gasket includes embossments that exhibit essentially full functional recovery and full retained internal stress at temperatures up to about 1000° F. which is made from sheet material that is cold rolled and whose embossments are work hardened without any post embossment heat treating that would act to harden the material. This material may also receive a precipitation hardening heat treatment prior to being embossed. The gasket materials include alloys having greater than about 18% Ni, greater than about 14% Cr, from about 0.1 to 10% of at least one of Mo, Ti, V, Al, Co, Nb, Ta or Cu and the balance Fe with incidental impurities, which are cold rolled without any post embossment heat treating that would act to harden the material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Bhawani Tripathy, Thomas O. Zurfluh
  • Patent number: 8505922
    Abstract: A spiral wound gasket (20) is disposed between joint members (22, 24) of a hot fluid joint to seal a gap (48) therebetween. The spiral wound gasket (20) includes a first high temperature performance metallic strip (28) formed of a thermally conductive alloy, including, Ni Cr, and Fe, spirally wound around a central axis (A) to present a first high temperature performance metallic winding (30) exposed to hot fluids. A first non-metallic filler strip (32) formed of a mica material is spirally wound outwardly of the first high temperature performance metallic winding (30) to form a first non-metallic filler winding (34). A second high temperature performance metallic strip (36) formed of a stainless steel material is spirally wound outwardly of the first non-metallic filler winding (34). A second non-metallic filler strip (40) formed of a graphite material is spirally wound outwardly of the second high temperature performance metallic winding (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Henne, Marcin Fracz, Thomas O. Zurfluh
  • Patent number: 8470098
    Abstract: A metal gasket includes embossments that exhibit essentially full functional recovery and full retained internal stress at temperatures up to about 1000° F. which is made from sheet material that is cold rolled and whose embossments are work hardened without any post embossment heat treating that would act to harden the material. This material may also receive a precipitation hardening heat treatment prior to being embossed. The gasket materials include alloys having greater than about 18% Ni, greater than about 14% Cr, from about 0.1 to 10% of at least one of Mo, Ti, V, Al, Co, Nb, Ta or Cu and the balance Fe with incidental impurities, which are cold rolled without any post embossment heat treating that would act to harden the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Corporation
    Inventors: Bhawani Tripathy, Thomas O. Zurfluh
  • Patent number: 8281475
    Abstract: The invention provides a sheet metal joint and a method for forming a sheet metal joint. The sheet metal joint includes first and second metal sheets disposed in parallel relation to one another. Each of the first and second metal sheets has a plurality of perforations with a tang extending from each perforation. The tangs of the second sheet and the tangs of the second metal sheet are curled together in opposite rotational directions. The tangs of the first metal sheet space the first and second metal sheets from one another and the tangs of the second metal sheet substantially fixedly engage the first and second metal sheets with respect to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Cabanski, Thomas O. Zurfluh
  • Publication number: 20120038114
    Abstract: A spiral wound gasket (20) is disposed between joint members (22, 24) of a hot fluid joint to seal a gap (48) therebetween. The spiral wound gasket (20) includes a first high temperature performance metallic strip (28) formed of a thermally conductive alloy, including, Ni Cr, and Fe, spirally wound around a central axis (A) to present a first high temperature performance metallic winding (30) exposed to hot fluids. A first non-metallic filler strip (32) formed of a mica material is spirally wound outwardly of the first high temperature performance metallic winding (30) to form a first non-metallic filler winding (34). A second high temperature performance metallic strip (36) formed of a stainless steel material is spirally wound outwardly of the first non-metallic filler winding (34). A second non-metallic filler strip (40) formed of a graphite material is spirally wound outwardly of the second high temperature performance metallic winding (38).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: Joseph Henne, Marcin Fracz, Thomas O. Zurfluh
  • Publication number: 20110079065
    Abstract: The invention provides a sheet metal joint and a method for forming a sheet metal joint. The sheet metal joint includes first and second metal sheets disposed in parallel relation to one another. Each of the first and second metal sheets has a plurality of perforations with a tang extending from each perforation. The tangs of the second sheet and the tangs of the second metal sheet are curled together in opposite rotational directions. The tangs of the first metal sheet space the first and second metal sheets from one another and the tangs of the second metal sheet substantially fixedly engage the first and second metal sheets with respect to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: John L. Cabanski, Thomas O. Zurfluh
  • Publication number: 20110079964
    Abstract: A static gasket and method of construction thereof is provided. The gasket includes a functional layer constructed of one type of metal having an opening bounded by an inner periphery an outer periphery. The gasket further includes a carrier layer constructed of a different metal than the functional layer. The carrier layer has an opening bounded by an inner periphery configured to receive the outer periphery of the functional layer in a line-to-line or loose fit. The functional layer is configured in substantially coplanar relation with the carrier layer with a first portion of the outer periphery of the functional layer being welded to a radially aligned first portion of the inner periphery of the carrier layer. A second portion of the outer periphery of the functional layer remains detached from a radially aligned second portion of the inner periphery of the carrier layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas W. Swasey, Carl Schenten, Mark Bowman, John Sas, Carlos Santiago, Rolf Prehn, Tim O'Keefe, Michael Shirilla, Thomas O. Zurfluh, Kyle T. Roberts
  • Patent number: 7614201
    Abstract: The invention provides a sheet metal joint and a method for forming a sheet metal joint. The sheet metal joint includes first and second metal sheets disposed in a parallel relation to one another. Each of the first and second metal sheets has a plurality of perforations with a tang extending from each perforation. The tangs of the second sheet and the tangs of the second metal sheet are curled together in opposite rotational directions. The tangs of the first metal sheet space the first and second metal sheets from one another and the tangs of the second metal sheet substantially fixedly engage the first and second metal sheets with respect to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Cabanski, Thomas O. Zurfluh
  • Publication number: 20080217866
    Abstract: A metal gasket includes embossments that exhibit essentially full functional recovery and full retained internal stress at temperatures up to about 1000° F. which is made from sheet material that is cold rolled and whose embossments are work hardened without any post embossment heat treating that would act to harden the material. This material may also receive a precipitation hardening heat treatment prior to being embossed. The gasket materials include alloys having greater than about 18% Ni, greater than about 14% Cr, from about 0.1 to 10% of at least one of Mo, Ti, V, Al, Co, Nb, Ta or Cu and the balance Fe with incidental impurities, which are cold rolled without any post embossment heat treating that would act to harden the material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Bhawani Tripathy, Thomas O. Zurfluh
  • Patent number: 7114254
    Abstract: A metal gasket assembly has a gasket plate and an annular grommet. The gasket plate is formed with an opening having opposing surfaces adjacent the opening to define a predetermined fixed thickness of a plate. The annular grommet has an elastically deformable U-shaped body. The U-shaped body has legs presenting outer sealing surfaces defining an initial undeformed thickness that is greater than the thickness of the gasket plate. The opening formed in the gasket plate receives the grommet. A compressive force applied in a generally perpendicular direction to the opposing surfaces of the gasket plate deform the legs of the body to a reduced thickness corresponding substantially to the thickness of the gasket plate. When the compressive force is reduced with changes in operating conditions, the legs of the grommet return toward their original undeformed thickness to maintain a seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Reisel, Thomas O. Zurfluh
  • Publication number: 20040098859
    Abstract: A metal gasket assembly has a gasket plate and an annular grommet. The gasket plate is formed with an opening having opposing surfaces adjacent the opening to define a predetermined fixed thickness of a plate. The annular grommet has an elastically deformable U-shaped body. The U-shaped body has legs presenting outer sealing surfaces defining an initial undeformed thickness that is greater than the thickness of the gasket plate. The opening formed in the gasket plate receives the grommet. A compressive force applied in a generally perpendicular direction to the opposing surfaces of the gasket plate deform the legs of the body to a reduced thickness corresponding substantially to the thickness of the gasket plate. When the compressive force is reduced with changes in operating conditions, the legs of the grommet return toward their original undeformed thickness to maintain a seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: Robert M. Reisel, Thomas O. Zurfluh
  • Patent number: 6682079
    Abstract: A metal gasket assembly has a gasket plate and an annular grommet. The gasket plate is formed with an opening having opposing surfaces adjacent the opening to define a predetermined fixed thickness of a plate. The annular grommet has an elastically deformable U-shaped body. The U-shaped body has legs presenting outer sealing surfaces defining an initial undeformed thickness that is greater than the thickness of the gasket plate. The opening formed in the gasket plate receives the grommet. A compressive force applied in a generally perpendicular direction to the opposing surfaces of the gasket plate deform the legs of the body to a reduced thickness corresponding substantially to the thickness of the gasket plate. When the compressive force is reduced with changes in operating conditions, the legs of the grommet return toward their original undeformed thickness to maintain a seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Reisel, Thomas O. Zurfluh
  • Publication number: 20030222408
    Abstract: A metal gasket assembly has a gasket plate and an annular grommet. The gasket plate is formed with an opening having opposing surfaces adjacent the opening to define a predetermined fixed thickness of a plate. The annular grommet has an elastically deformable U-shaped body. The U-shaped body has legs presenting outer sealing surfaces defining an initial undeformed thickness that is greater than the thickness of the gasket plate. The opening formed in the gasket plate receives the grommet. A compressive force applied in a generally perpendicular direction to the opposing surfaces of the gasket plate deform the legs of the body to a reduced thickness corresponding substantially to the thickness of the gasket plate. When the compressive force is reduced with changes in operating conditions, the legs of the grommet return toward their original undeformed thickness to maintain a seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Reisel, Thomas O. Zurfluh
  • Patent number: 6491865
    Abstract: A heat treat fixture is provided for supporting thin sheet-like work pieces, such as metal gasket layers, during heat treatment to achieve uniform hardness and properties of the work piece while preventing warpage. The fixture has porous, planar support walls that engage the opposite sides of the work piece. The walls include a coarse porous exoskeleton of expanded metal and an inner liner of wire mesh panels that are considerably finer than the coarse exoskeleton. The porous walls permit liquid heating and cooling media during heat treatment to flow freely through the walls for intimate contact with the work piece to achieve rapid uniform heating and cooling. The work piece is supported by the porous walls against movement out of its plane while being permitted to expand and contract within its plane to minimize warpage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas O. Zurfluh