Patents by Inventor Charles L. Gray
Charles L. Gray 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: 9346347Abstract: Fail-safe methods for utilizing an over-center pump/motor in a hydraulic hybrid vehicle are disclosed. A high-pressure fluid shutoff valve and an optional electrically or manually operated valve are additionally provided as means to ensure disconnection of the high pressure source in the event of a failure. Displacement stroke position and pressure differentials across the pump/motor are continually monitored. On detection of various modes of failure or irregularity in control of displacement, actions are taken including any of: the high pressure and low pressure accumulators are shut off automatically or manually, a check valve between the high and low pressure ports of the pump/motor is activated, and a small amount of pressurized fluid is released from the high pressure circuit to depressurize the captive fluid. Safe startup and shutdown procedures are also specified.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2011Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyInventor: Charles L. Gray, Jr.
-
Patent number: 9121395Abstract: A rotating group of a bent-axis axial piston pump/motor is assembled as a subassembly with a removable stabilizing component that holds together and compresses the subassembly while it is outside of the pump/motor case. A yoke that carries a permanent or attachable back plate is installed in the case and positioned aside to allow clearance for installation of the rotating group. After the rotating group is installed, the yoke is moved back into proximity with the barrel, the stabilizing component is removed, and the remaining connections are completed.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2013Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Administator of the U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyInventor: Charles L. Gray, Jr.
-
Publication number: 20150089781Abstract: Embodiments for retaining the spherical ball of a piston connecting rod within a socket in a bore in a drive plate of a bent-axis pump/motor comprise swaging material at the periphery of the socket cavity toward the ball, to an outer diameter such that the swaged region is fully supported against pullout by the cylindrical wall of the bore. Alternatively, a retention ring which is fully supported by the walls of the cylindrical bore retains the ball within the socket and is in turn retained by a snap ring extending into a groove within the bore.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2013Publication date: April 2, 2015Inventors: Daniel W. Barba, Charles L. Gray, JR., Mark Doorlag
-
Publication number: 20150082631Abstract: A rotating group of a bent-axis axial piston pump/motor is assembled as a subassembly with a removable stabilizing component that holds together and compresses the subassembly while it is outside of the pump/motor case. A yoke that carries a permanent or attachable back plate is installed in the case and positioned aside to allow clearance for installation of the rotating group. After the rotating group is installed, the yoke is moved back into proximity with the barrel, the stabilizing component is removed, and the remaining connections are completed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2013Publication date: March 26, 2015Inventor: Charles L. Gray, JR.
-
Patent number: 8985089Abstract: To reduce emissions at higher engine loads and speeds, methanol fuel is port-injected with charge-air into a diesel engine, and diesel fuel is then direct-injected to initiate combustion. The charge-air has a reduced oxygen concentration sufficient to prevent pre-ignition of the methanol prior to injection of the diesel fuel, and to reduce NOx formation. At low engine speeds and loads, the engine may run on diesel fuel alone.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2012Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyInventors: Charles L. Gray, Jr., Matthew J. Brusstar, Michael Prince
-
Patent number: 8893491Abstract: A drive module for a hydraulic hybrid vehicle includes two variable displacement over-center bent-axis hydraulic pump/motors with respective yokes that reside and pivot within a common fluid-filled case. The cylinder barrel of each pump/motor is connected to high pressure through fluid-conducting yoke legs, and is connected to low pressure through the fluid-filled case, which is connected by a port to a low pressure source. As a drivetrain for a vehicle, one pump/motor acts primarily as a pump driven by an engine and the other pump/motor acts primarily as a motor to propel the vehicle. A removable support structure facilitates installation to a variety of vehicle chassis.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2012Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Administrator of the U.S. Environment Protection AgencyInventor: Charles L. Gray, Jr.
-
Publication number: 20140311576Abstract: An integrated shut-off valve unit for a hydraulic accumulator comprises primary and secondary shut-off valves. In a first closed state, where only the primary shut-off valve is closed, auxiliary portions of a hydraulic circuit are energized without energizing the power-producing portion. In a second closed state, both valves are closed, isolating all portions of the circuit. The valve unit is opened from the first closed state by equalizing pressure across the primary shut-off valve and commanding it open. The valve unit is opened from the second closed state by pumping fluid across the secondary valve toward the hydraulic accumulator.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2013Publication date: October 23, 2014Inventor: Charles L. Gray, JR.
-
Publication number: 20140271244Abstract: A radial hydraulic pump/motor for use in place of a mechanical transmission for a hydraulic hybrid vehicle is described. Means for disengaging and reengaging individual working pistons are provided, allowing partial or zero effective displacement. Methods for using the radial pump/motor to supplement power from other pump/motors for the vehicle are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventor: Charles L. Gray, JR.
-
Publication number: 20140200754Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid vehicle is provided, in which an engine generates secondary power that is either stored or used as direct input energy by a secondary power source to provide motive power to the vehicle. The secondary power source is powered by secondary energy from an energy storage device, direct input energy generated by the engine, or both, depending on the amount of stored secondary energy in combination with vehicle speed. When in use, the power level at which the engine is operated is also determined on the basis of available stored energy and vehicle speed. At higher vehicle speeds, the amount of stored energy is allowed to be depleted in order to increase the available storage capacity for regenerative braking.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2013Publication date: July 17, 2014Inventor: Charles L. Gray, JR.
-
Patent number: 8646565Abstract: A hydraulic hybrid vehicle includes elements such as a hydraulic pump driven by an internal combustion engine and arranged to draw in low pressure fluid and pump the fluid at high pressure to an accumulator. A hydraulic motor is powered by the pressurized fluid. Safety processes are provided for detecting and addressing a number of conditions that may arise in the operation of the hydraulic hybrid vehicle, including an initialization procedure for start-up of the vehicle, a shut-down procedure, and procedures for detecting and responding to failure of the pump or motor, internal and external fluid leaks, and non-responsive actuation and mode control systems.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2012Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyInventor: Charles L. Gray, Jr.
-
Publication number: 20140026853Abstract: To reduce emissions at higher engine loads and speeds, methanol fuel is port-injected with charge-air into a diesel engine, and diesel fuel is then direct-injected to initiate combustion. The charge-air has a reduced oxygen concentration sufficient to prevent pre-ignition of the methanol prior to injection of the diesel fuel, and to reduce NOx formation. At low engine speeds and loads, the engine may run on diesel fuel alone.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2012Publication date: January 30, 2014Inventors: Charles L. Gray, JR., Matthew J. Brusstar, Michael Prince
-
Patent number: 8603777Abstract: Methods are disclosed for producing proteins having biological activity for blood coagulation mediated by Factor VIIa or Factor IX. The proteins are produced by mammalian host cells which have been stably transfected with a DNA construct containing a nucleotide sequence which codes at least partially for either Factor VII or Factor IX. The nucleotide sequence comprises a first nucleotide sequence encoding a calcium binding domain, joined to a second nucleotide sequence positioned downstream of the first sequence. The second sequence encodes a catalytic domain for the serine protease activity of either Factor VIIa or Factor IX. The joined sequences code for proteins having substantially the same biological activity for blood coagulation as either Factor VIIa or Factor IX.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1991Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: ZymoGenetrics, Inc.Inventors: Frederick S. Hagen, Mark J. Murray, Sharon J. Busby, Kathleen L. Berkner, Margaret Y. Insley, Richard G. Woodbury, Charles L. Gray
-
Patent number: 8522546Abstract: A hydraulic brake system includes a piston that separates a first pressure chamber from a second pressure chamber of a cylinder bore. A valve within a piston bore is movable between three positions. In the first position, the first and second pressure chambers are in fluid communication with a low-pressure fluid supply; in the second position, the second pressure chamber is isolated from the first pressure chamber and the low-pressure fluid supply; in the third position, a high-pressure fluid supply is in fluid communication with the second pressure chamber, allowing high-pressure fluid to flow into the second pressure chamber. High pressure in the second pressure chamber moves the boost piston, applying boosted braking pressure to a vehicle brake. Pressure in the second chamber against a surface of the valve biases the valve toward the first position.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2008Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyInventors: Charles L. Gray, Jr., Mark Stuhldreher
-
Patent number: 8407999Abstract: A turbocharged engine system is configured to vaporize methanol using heat from exhaust gases and uses the vaporized methanol to drive the engine's turbocharger. The methanol may also be dissociated into hydrogen and carbon monoxide. After passing through the turbocharger, the vapor is injected into the engine by port injection. By selective timing of exhaust valves, the exhaust gases are separated into two streams, a first stream comprising gases ejected during exhaust blowdown, and a second stream of gases ejected during the remainder of the engine's exhaust stroke. The blowdown gases are employed to drive a separate turbine of the turbocharger.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2008Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyInventor: Charles L. Gray, Jr.
-
Patent number: 8387385Abstract: A turbocharger system includes first and second turbines arranged such that exhaust gas passes through the first turbine then the second turbine. A bypass channel is configured such that exhaust gas entering the channel passes only through the second turbine. A valve positioned in the bypass channel regulates the flow of gas therethrough. The valve accelerates a stream of gas and focuses the stream toward the second turbine such that a large part of the added velocity of the stream is preserved as it enters the second turbine. Operation of the valve may be controlled so as to maintain the valve in a closed position while exhaust gas pressure above the first turbine pressure is below a first threshold, to progressively open the valve as the pressure increases above the first threshold, and to maintain the valve in a full-open position while the pressure is above a second threshold.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2005Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyInventors: Charles L. Gray, Jr., David James Haugen
-
Patent number: 8381851Abstract: A method for operating a series hybrid vehicle is provided, in which an engine generates secondary power that is either stored or used as direct input energy by a secondary power source to provide motive power to the vehicle. Regenerative braking is used to convert kinetic energy of the vehicle into secondary energy, which is also stored. When the vehicle driver makes a power demand, the secondary power source is powered by secondary energy from an energy storage device, direct input energy generated by the engine, or both, depending on the amount of stored secondary energy in combination with vehicle speed. When in use, the power level at which the engine is operated is also determined on the basis of available stored energy and vehicle speed. At higher vehicle speeds, the amount of stored energy is allowed to be depleted in order to increase the available storage capacity for regenerative braking.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2010Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyInventor: Charles L. Gray, Jr.
-
Patent number: 8375982Abstract: A hydraulic manifold has features adapted to the needs of hybrid vehicle applications. In one embodiment, multifunction valves selectively regulate fluid flow among primary and auxiliary flow paths. A normally closed butterfly valve is biased by a relatively small secondary biasing force against rotation in first and second (opposite) directions, and by a relatively large principal biasing force against rotation in the first direction past a transitional angular position at which the principal biasing force takes effect. An actuator selectively controls the transitional angular position and the magnitude of the principal biasing force. In the first direction, flow must overcome only the secondary biasing force to pass the valve. In the second direction, any flow sufficient to overcome the secondary biasing force but not the principal biasing force will divide into a first flow passing the valve and a second flow induced to enter an auxiliary path upstream.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2009Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyInventor: Charles L. Gray, Jr.
-
Patent number: 8356985Abstract: A fail-safe system for a hybrid vehicle employing an over-center variable-displacement hydraulic motor includes an actuator configured to stroke the motor to a zero angle if each of two control ports is supplied with fluid at an equal pressure. A control valve is configured, in the event of loss of power to the valve, to default to a position in which high-pressure fluid is supplied to both control ports. A pilot-controlled check valve is coupled between high- and low-pressure ports of the motor such that, during normal operation, passage of fluid through the check valve from the high-pressure port to the low-pressure port is checked, while passage of fluid through the check valve from the second port to the first port is enabled. When the pilot control is activated, passage of fluid in the opposite direction is also enabled.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2006Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyInventors: Charles L. Gray. Jr., Anthony J. Tesoriero
-
Patent number: 8356547Abstract: In a bent axis hydraulic machine, a back plate and cylinder barrel vary in distance from a drive plate as a stroke angle of the cylinder barrel changes, thereby minimizing unswept fluid volume in the cylinders of the barrel at any stroke angle. Distance is controlled by one or more rollers, engaging respective tracks that define a profile of contact that determines the distance as a function of the stroke angle. Telescoping fluid supply channels are employed to maintain a fluid supply to the cylinder barrel as the distance changes.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2010Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyInventor: Charles L. Gray, Jr.
-
Publication number: 20130014499Abstract: Fail-safe methods for utilizing an over-center pump/motor in a hydraulic hybrid vehicle are disclosed. A high-pressure fluid shutoff valve and an optional electrically or manually operated valve are additionally provided as means to ensure disconnection of the high pressure source in the event of a failure. Displacement stroke position and pressure differentials across the pump/motor are continually monitored. On detection of various modes of failure or irregularity in control of displacement, actions are taken including any of: the high pressure and low pressure accumulators are shut off automatically or manually, a check valve between the high and low pressure ports of the pump/motor is activated, and a small amount of pressurized fluid is released from the high pressure circuit to depressurize the captive fluid. Safe startup and shutdown procedures are also specified.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2011Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCYInventor: Charles L. Gray, JR.