Patents by Inventor Michael H. Curry

Michael H. Curry 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).

  • Tube coupling apparatus having liquefiable metal sealing layer
    Patent number: 8991869
    Abstract: A method for forming a fluid tight seal is disclosed. The method may make use of a first component having a first sealing surface, and a second component having a second sealing surface. The method may further involve coating one of the first and second sealing surfaces with a metallic film layer adapted to transform into a liquefied metallic layer when a temperature of one of the first and second surfaces exceeds a melting temperature of a metal used to form the metallic film layer. Once it becomes liquefied, the liquefied metallic layer forms a pressure-tight seal between the sealing surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Pionke, Michael H. Curry
  • Tube coupling apparatus having liquefiable metal sealing layer
    Patent number: 8317233
    Abstract: A coupling apparatus that may have a first component having a first sealing surface and a second component having a second sealing surface. The first and second sealing surfaces are in facing relationship with one another when the first and second components are coupled together. One of the first and second sealing surfaces has a metallic film layer that transforms into a liquefied metal layer when the metallic film layer is exposed to a temperature that exceeds a melting temperature of a metal from which the metallic film layer is formed. The liquefied metal layer forms a seal between the sealing surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Pionke, Michael H. Curry
  • SYSTEMS AND METHOD FOR LIQUID METAL SEALS FOR HIGH TEMPERATURE PRESSURIZED TUBE COUPLINGS
    Publication number: 20100055489
    Abstract: A coupling apparatus that may have a first component having a first sealing surface and a second component having a second sealing surface. The first and second sealing surfaces are in facing relationship with one another when the first and second components are coupled together. One of the first and second sealing surfaces has a metallic film layer that transforms into a liquefied metal layer when the metallic film layer is exposed to a temperature that exceeds a melting temperature of a metal from which the metallic film layer is formed. The liquefied metal layer forms a seal between the sealing surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Pionke, Michael H. Curry