Patents by Inventor Christian T. Gregory
Christian T. Gregory 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).
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Patent number: 11440814Abstract: A system for receiving, transferring, and storing solar thermal energy. The system includes a concentrating solar energy collector, a transfer conduit, a thermal storage material, and an insulated container. The insulated container contains the thermal storage material, and the transfer conduit is configured to transfer solar energy collected by the solar energy collector to the thermal storage material through a wall of the insulated container.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2019Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: PLANET A ENERGY, INC.Inventors: Richard Lee Johnson, Braden Eric Hines, Guido Hamacher, Russ Neff, Christian T. Gregory, John Terry Bailey
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Patent number: 9746207Abstract: Tracking modules are effectively provided that can be arranged as systems for positioning devices, such as reflectors. A preferred reflector is small and light in comparison to prior art reflectors so that components can be utilized within reflector construction and support structure that are sufficiently stiff to accurately hold a reflector in place under expected operational drive-torque, gravity and wind loads. At the same time, a single person can install a reflector, easily overcoming a retention mechanism spring force so as to positively engage a reflector in position. This is achieved without the need for any tools, through a combination of a retention mechanism and a spring feature design. Arrangements of tracking modules are included for easier manufacture, transport of systems and installment.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2012Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: SOLARRESERVE TECHNOLOGY, LLCInventor: Christian T. Gregory
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Patent number: 9528724Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for configuring and arranging heliostats for use in a solar power system. The present invention seeks to improve the overall energy harvesting capacity of a heliostat system while using minimal land area and providing maximum access paths. The present invention teaches that, instead of raising the height of the tower or spacing heliostats according to a rigid schedule, it may be advantageous to vary the height of individual mirrors within a heliostat group, thus mitigating blocking while nonetheless permitting adjacent rows of heliostats to be placed close to one another.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2012Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: SolarReserve Technology, LLCInventors: Braden Hines, Christian T. Gregory
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Publication number: 20160146507Abstract: A system for receiving, transferring, and storing solar thermal energy. The system includes a concentrating solar energy collector, a transfer conduit, a thermal storage material, and an insulated container. The insulated container contains the thermal storage material, and the transfer conduit is configured to transfer solar energy collected by the solar energy collector to the thermal storage material through a wall of the insulated container.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2015Publication date: May 26, 2016Inventors: Richard Lee Johnson, Braden Eric Hines, Guido Hamacher, Russ Neff, Christian T. Gregory
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Patent number: 8674527Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an energy storage and generation system, comprising a cable system having a first end portion located at a first elevation and a second end portion located at a second elevation, a plurality of mass carriers supported by the cable system, one or more motor generators coupled with the cable system and with an energy grid, a control system in communication with at least the one or more motor generators, a first mass pile area configured to store mass medium positioned at the first elevation, and a second mass pile area configured to store mass medium positioned at the second elevation that can be higher than the first elevation. The one or more motor generators can move the cable system in an energy storing state and be moved by the cable in an energy generating state.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2011Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Energy Cache, Inc.Inventors: Aaron D. Fyke, James T. Baker, Braden E. Hines, William T. Gross, Christian T. Gregory
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Patent number: 8640978Abstract: An improved irrigation sprinkler nozzle is provided for enhanced short range or close-in distribution of water for irrigating vegetation and the like positioned relatively close to the sprinkler. The improved sprinkler nozzle includes a nozzle passage for outward projection of a water stream, at least a portion of which is defined by a generally vertically oriented, fan-shaped spray pattern. A lower margin of the nozzle passage defining this fan-shaped pattern is lined with a plurality of forwardly extending ramps each formed with a selected width and a different declination angle. A portion of the water discharged through the nozzle passage is forced and guided downwardly along these ramps for enhanced close-in distribution of water near the sprinkler.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2008Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Christian T. Gregory, John J. Alarcon
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Patent number: 8408482Abstract: A sprinkler pressure regulator module has a compact arrangement with a shiftable member having an upper cavity for receiving water flow debris, and a portion of a bypass valve may reciprocate therein. The module includes a stator plate directing water into a drive mechanism, such as a turbine drive mechanism. The shiftable member receives fluid flow from a radially outboard direction and is sealed with a cup portion receiving the shiftable member to define a cup cavity. A module exterior surface is separated from a sprinkler housing to define a vent cavity. A pressure release vent communicates with the cup cavity, a vent channel between the cup portion and the exterior surface, the vent cavity, and the exterior environment. The vent cavity and cup portion provide receptacles for debris deposit. Ribs around an opening of the vent channel with the vent cavity generally prevent debris from entering the vent channel.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventor: Christian T. Gregory
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Publication number: 20120012678Abstract: A sprinkler pressure regulator module has a compact arrangement with a shiftable member having an upper cavity for receiving water flow debris, and a portion of a bypass valve may reciprocate therein. The module includes a stator plate directing water into a drive mechanism, such as a turbine drive mechanism. The shiftable member receives fluid flow from a radially outboard direction and is sealed with a cup portion receiving the shiftable member to define a cup cavity. A module exterior surface is separated from a sprinkler housing to define a vent cavity. A pressure release vent communicates with the cup cavity, a vent channel between the cup portion and the exterior surface, the vent cavity, and the exterior environment. The vent cavity and cup portion provide receptacles for debris deposit. Ribs around an opening of the vent channel with the vent cavity generally prevent debris from entering the vent channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2011Publication date: January 19, 2012Applicant: RAIN BIRD CORPORATIONInventor: Christian T. Gregory
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Publication number: 20110285147Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an energy storage and generation system, comprising a cable system having a first end portion located at a first elevation and a second end portion located at a second elevation, a plurality of mass carriers supported by the cable system, one or more motor generators coupled with the cable system and with an energy grid, a control system in communication with at least the one or more motor generators, a first mass pile area configured to store mass medium positioned at the first elevation, and a second mass pile area configured to store mass medium positioned at the second elevation that can be higher than the first elevation. The one or more motor generators can move the cable system in an energy storing state and be moved by the cable in an energy generating state.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2011Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicant: ENERGY CACHE, INC.Inventors: Aaron D. Fyke, James T. Baker, Braden E. Hines, William T. Gross, Christian T. Gregory
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Patent number: 8056829Abstract: A sprinkler pressure regulator module has a compact arrangement with a shiftable member having an upper cavity for receiving water flow debris, and a portion of a bypass valve may reciprocate therein. The module includes a stator plate directing water into a drive mechanism, such as a turbine drive mechanism. The shiftable member receives fluid flow from a radially outboard direction and is sealed with a cup portion receiving the shiftable member to define a cup cavity. A module exterior surface is separated from a sprinkler housing to define a vent cavity. A pressure release vent communicates with the cup cavity, a vent channel between the cup portion and the exterior surface, the vent cavity, and the exterior environment. The vent cavity and cup portion provide receptacles for debris deposit. Ribs around an opening of the vent channel with the vent cavity generally prevent debris from entering the vent channel.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2010Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventor: Christian T. Gregory
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Publication number: 20100147401Abstract: A sprinkler pressure regulator module has a compact arrangement with a shiftable member having an upper cavity for receiving water flow debris, and a portion of a bypass valve may reciprocate therein. The module includes a stator plate directing water into a drive mechanism, such as a turbine drive mechanism. The shiftable member receives fluid flow from a radially outboard direction and is sealed with a cup portion receiving the shiftable member to define a cup cavity. A module exterior surface is separated from a sprinkler housing to define a vent cavity. A pressure release vent communicates with the cup cavity, a vent channel between the cup portion and the exterior surface, the vent cavity, and the exterior environment. The vent cavity and cup portion provide receptacles for debris deposit. Ribs around an opening of the vent channel with the vent cavity generally prevent debris from entering the vent channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2010Publication date: June 17, 2010Applicant: RAIN BIRD CORPORATIONInventor: Christian T. Gregory
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Patent number: 7681807Abstract: A sprinkler pressure regulator module has a compact arrangement with a shiftable member having an upper cavity for receiving water flow debris, and a portion of a bypass valve may reciprocate therein. The module includes a stator plate directing water into a drive mechanism, such as a turbine drive mechanism. The shiftable member receives fluid flow from a radially outboard direction and is sealed with a cup portion receiving the shiftable member to define a cup cavity. A module exterior surface is separated from a sprinkler housing to define a vent cavity. A pressure release vent communicates with the cup cavity, a vent channel between the cup portion and the exterior surface, the vent cavity, and the exterior environment. The vent cavity and cup portion provide receptacles for debris deposit. Ribs around an opening of the vent channel with the vent cavity generally prevent debris from entering the vent channel.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2005Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventor: Christian T. Gregory
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Patent number: 7472840Abstract: A set of nozzle inserts is provided for use with an irrigation sprinkler system. The nozzle set includes a plurality of nozzle inserts that are removably connected to one another via a common carrier. The nozzle set is adapted for storage, transportation and handling in a nested arrangement with another nozzle set, which, in turn, is similarly adapted for storage, transportation and handling in a nested arrangement with other nozzle sets. This nested arrangement facilitates storage, transportation and handling of a relatively large number of nozzle inserts in a manner that protects each insert from unintentional removal from its set.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2004Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventor: Christian T. Gregory
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Publication number: 20080185457Abstract: An improved irrigation sprinkler nozzle is provided for enhanced short range or close-in distribution of water for irrigating vegetation and the like positioned relatively close to the sprinkler. The improved sprinkler nozzle includes a nozzle passage for outward projection of a water stream, at least a portion of which is defined by a generally vertically oriented, fan-shaped spray pattern. A lower margin of the nozzle passage defining this fan-shaped pattern is lined with a plurality of forwardly extending ramps each formed with a selected width and a different declination angle. A portion of the water discharged through the nozzle passage is forced and guided downwardly along these ramps for enhanced close-in distribution of water near the sprinkler.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2008Publication date: August 7, 2008Inventors: Christian T. Gregory, John J. Alarcon
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Patent number: 7325753Abstract: An improved irrigation sprinkler nozzle is provided for enhanced short range or close-in distribution of water for irrigating vegetation and the like positioned relatively close to the sprinkler. The improved sprinkler nozzle includes a nozzle passage for outward projection of a water stream, at least a portion of which is defined by a generally vertically oriented, fan-shaped spray pattern. A lower margin of the nozzle passage defining this fan-shaped pattern is lined with a plurality of forwardly extending ramps each formed with a selected width and a different declination angle. A portion of the water discharged through the nozzle passage is forced and guided downwardly along these ramps for enhanced close-in distribution of water near the sprinkler.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2003Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Christian T. Gregory, John J. Alarcon
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Patent number: 7128136Abstract: A radial flow heat exchanger for heating or cooling a fluid includes a sealed fluid manifold for passage of fluid. A sealed fluid receiving hub is spaced interiorly of the interior peripheral portion of the manifold and includes a passageway for passage of fluid into or out of the heat exchanger. A plurality of separate and spaced fluid flow tubes are disposed between the manifold and the hub. Each of the tubes are in sealed fluid communication with the manifold at one end and the other end is in sealed fluid communication with the hub. A fin assembly is positioned between the manifold and the hub and includes a heat conducting material arranged at spaced intervals between the manifold and the hub, the heat conducting material including a plurality of spaced apertures through which tubes pass.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2004Date of Patent: October 31, 2006Inventor: Christian T. Gregory
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Patent number: 6802458Abstract: A nozzle gate valve is provided in an irrigation sprinkler for quick and easy shut-off of water flow to a sprinkler spray nozzle. The gate valve is mounted within a sprinkler spray head at an upstream side of the nozzle for displacement between open and closed positions respectively permitting and preventing waterflow to the nozzle. In the preferred form, the gate valve has a generally conical shape and defines an elbow-shaped flow path movable between the open position aligned with the nozzle for normal water supply thereto, and the closed position misaligned with the spray nozzle to prevent water flow thereto. In the closed position, the spray nozzle can be removed and/or replaced, or other sprinkler adjustments can be performed, without requiring a main system water supply to be turned off.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2002Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventor: Christian T. Gregory
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Patent number: D516166Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2004Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventor: Christian T. Gregory
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Patent number: D486884Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2003Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Christian T. Gregory, David Robertson
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Patent number: RE41765Abstract: A seating construction with a plurality of plenums into which is received temperature conditioned air. The air passes through the seat via a plurality of channels formed in the foam of the seat cushion. The air then migrates through a reticulated foam layer that is itself covered with an air permeable layer of material. The reticulated foam and stitching of the seat fabric facilitate diffusion of the air from the foam channel conduits. The air then convectively circulates against and near the occupant of the seat to facilitate climate control around the occupant.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2001Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Amerigon IncorporatedInventors: Christian T. Gregory, David R. Noles, David F. Gallup, David H. Heller