Patents by Inventor Douglas G. Thorpe

Douglas G. Thorpe 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: 10996000
    Abstract: An absorption cycle based system is disclosed for using waste heat from a vehicle and providing selective heating, cooling, and dehumidifying to a vehicle compartment. The system includes a waste heat loop in thermal communication with a power generating unit of the vehicle, and a vapor absorption subsystem. The vapor absorption subsystem may include a thermal compressor in thermal communication with the waste heat loop, a radiator unit, a condensing unit for heating the vehicle compartment, an evaporating unit for selectively cooling and dehumidifying the vehicle compartment, and a plurality of valves configured to selectively direct refrigerant through the vapor absorption subsystem. The vehicle compartment may include at least one of a passenger cabin, an electronics housing, a battery pack, an engine compartment, and a refrigeration compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Feng Zhou, Douglas G. Thorpe, Ercan Mehmet Dede
  • Publication number: 20170120725
    Abstract: An absorption cycle based system is disclosed for using waste heat from a vehicle and providing selective heating, cooling, and dehumidifying to a vehicle compartment. The system includes a waste heat loop in thermal communication with a power generating unit of the vehicle, and a vapor absorption subsystem. The vapor absorption subsystem may include a thermal compressor in thermal communication with the waste heat loop, a radiator unit, a condensing unit for heating the vehicle compartment, an evaporating unit for selectively cooling and dehumidifying the vehicle compartment, and a plurality of valves configured to selectively direct refrigerant through the vapor absorption subsystem. The vehicle compartment may include at least one of a passenger cabin, an electronics housing, a battery pack, an engine compartment, and a refrigeration compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Feng Zhou, Douglas G. Thorpe, Ercan Mehmet Dede
  • Patent number: 7575028
    Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle is provided with fuel activated levers that engage the vehicle fill pipe to prevent drive-off without paying. Fuel pump pressure acts on plungers to pivot fill pipe levers, against spring pressure, to lock the two together. Movement of the levers is initially prevented by a trigger that is spring biased forward on the nozzle spout. Since the fill pipe is not large enough to pass the trigger, insertion of the spout into the fill pipe moves the trigger against spring pressure to uncover the levers. The levers are locked to the fill pipe as long as pump pressure is present. Removal of fuel pressure allows the levers to be withdrawn by spring action. A breakaway joint is provided to stop fuel flow in the event of drive-off with the fuel nozzle in a fuel filled pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventors: Douglas G. Thorpe, Norwood Thorpe
  • Publication number: 20090049788
    Abstract: A building block includes ends having recesses and ribs. Each block end has a recess about ½ the width of a stud in the upper portion so that when blocks are placed end to end they can support a stud. The front and back of the blocks ends have vertical braces or protrusions that form vertical recesses for mortar and a mortar overflow area. The front of the block can have a facade with its ends extending around its front corners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Douglas G. Thorpe
  • Patent number: 7299770
    Abstract: An engine is cooled using high pressure water injected into the piston with the water converted to high pressure steam by the heat from combustion with heat transfer taking place in passages in the piston and in and between grooves in the piston and the cylinder sleeve. The high pressure steam is conducted between the piston and cylinder walls to lubricate, so there will be no need for piston rings, with a part of it passing into the crankcase, and a part of it going into the combustion chamber where it contributes to power production. The piston skirt has a spring-loaded washer access to a void in a lower passage for balancing pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: Douglas G. Thorpe
  • Patent number: 7255067
    Abstract: An engine is cooled using high pressure water injected into the piston with the water converted to high pressure steam by the heat from combustion with heat transfer taking place in passages in the piston and in and between grooves in the piston and the cylinder sleeve. The high pressure steam is conducted between the piston and cylinder walls to lubricate, so there will be no need for piston rings, with a part of it passing into the crankcase, and a part of it going into the combustion chamber where it contributes to power production. The piston body has a spring-loaded valve in a passage to balance pressures and control steam flow into the upper piston and combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Douglas G. Thorpe
  • Patent number: 7000657
    Abstract: Drive off is prevented by having a grasp assembly engage the restrictor plate of the fill pipe of a motor vehicle when the nozzle spout is inserted. After the fuel pump is started and pressure is placed on the fuel, fuel is admitted into the nozzle by pressing on the hand lever to open the poppet valve. Fuel pressure in the nozzle activates a lock actuator system, to prevent removal of the spout from the fill pipe, by a lock system that prevents a grasp assembly latch from retracting from the fill pipe restrictor plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventors: Douglas G. Thorpe, Norwood Thorpe
  • Patent number: 6889479
    Abstract: Molded composite polymer construction blocks are made that are easily assembled, using alinement pins and apertures, with channels for insertion of sealant and vertical passageways for pipes, wires, etc. Stud supporting cavities in one side of the block extend into the ribs or end walls. The cavities can be provided with a protective metal insert. Studs or wooden blocks can be inserted into the cavities. The wooden studs or wooden blocks of various lengths provide spacing for insulation and/or drywall installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Inventor: Douglas G. Thorpe
  • Publication number: 20040221538
    Abstract: Molded composite polymer construction blocks are made that are easily assembled, using alinement pins and apertures, with channels for insertion of sealant and vertical passageways for pipes, wires, etc. Stud supporting cavities in one side of the block extend into the ribs or end walls. The cavities can be provided with a protective metal insert. Studs or wooden blocks can be inserted into the cavities. The wooden studs or wooden blocks of various lengths provide spacing for insulation and/or drywall installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventor: Douglas G. Thorpe