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: 9346347
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Inventor: Charles L. Gray, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9121395
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Administator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Inventor: Charles L. Gray, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150089781
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Daniel W. Barba, Charles L. Gray, JR., Mark Doorlag
  • Publication number: 20150082631
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: Charles L. Gray, JR.
  • Patent number: 8985089
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Inventors: Charles L. Gray, Jr., Matthew J. Brusstar, Michael Prince
  • Patent number: 8893491
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Administrator of the U.S. Environment Protection Agency
    Inventor: Charles L. Gray, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140311576
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventor: Charles L. Gray, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140271244
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Charles L. Gray, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140200754
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventor: Charles L. Gray, JR.
  • Patent number: 8646565
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Inventor: Charles L. Gray, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140026853
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventors: Charles L. Gray, JR., Matthew J. Brusstar, Michael Prince
  • Patent number: 8603777
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: 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: 8522546
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Inventors: Charles L. Gray, Jr., Mark Stuhldreher
  • Patent number: 8407999
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Inventor: Charles L. Gray, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8387385
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Inventors: Charles L. Gray, Jr., David James Haugen
  • Patent number: 8381851
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Inventor: Charles L. Gray, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8375982
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Inventor: Charles L. Gray, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8356985
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Inventors: Charles L. Gray. Jr., Anthony J. Tesoriero
  • Patent number: 8356547
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Inventor: Charles L. Gray, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130014499
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
    Inventor: Charles L. Gray, JR.