Patents by Inventor Donald W Gray, Jr.

Donald W Gray, Jr. 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).

  • Disc recliner mechanism for use in an automotive vehicle
    Patent number: 11904739
    Abstract: A disc recliner mechanism for use in an automotive vehicle includes a plurality of pawls and a cam mounted between a guide plate and a tooth plate. Rotation of the cam moves the pawls between an extended position in which the pawls engage the tooth plate to lock the disc recliner mechanism and a retracted position in which the pawls disengage the tooth plate to unlock the disc recliner mechanism and allow rotation between the guide plate and the tooth plate. A notch is disposed on an engagement surface of a cam lobe disposed on the cam for reducing friction when the cam lobe engages a cam follower disposed on the pawls. The tooth plate includes a circumferential outer lip with a concentric channel for retaining lubricant and reducing rotational friction between the tooth plate and the guide plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Magna Seating Inc.
    Inventors: Avery Folk, Kristof M Kurzeja, Kai Zhao, Louis Vetere, II, Detjon Marini, Cheikh Dioum, James Rudberg, Creston A Zang, Donald W Gray, Jr.
  • Disc Recliner Mechanism For Use In An Automotive Vehicle
    Publication number: 20220185152
    Abstract: A disc recliner mechanism for use in an automotive vehicle includes a plurality of pawls and a cam mounted between a guide plate and a tooth plate. Rotation of the cam moves the pawls between an extended position in which the pawls engage the tooth plate to lock the disc recliner mechanism and a retracted position in which the pawls disengage the tooth plate to unlock the disc recliner mechanism and allow rotation between the guide plate and the tooth plate. A notch is disposed on an engagement surface of a cam lobe disposed on the cam for reducing friction when the cam lobe engages a cam follower disposed on the pawls. The tooth plate includes a circumferential outer lip with a concentric channel for retaining lubricant and reducing rotational friction between the tooth plate and the guide plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Inventors: Avery Folk, Kristof M Kurzeja, Kai Zhao, Louis Vetere, II, Detjon Marini, Cheikh Dioum, James Rudberg, Creston A Zang, Donald W Gray, Jr.