Patents by Inventor David A. Fletcher

David A. Fletcher 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: 9447697
    Abstract: Wastegate assemblies and turbocharger assemblies including the wastegate assemblies are described. The wastegate assemblies include a housing enclosing both an actuator and a valve. The valve is operatively coupled to the actuator and the housing terminates with a crush seal. The housing also includes a mounting member connectable to a turbocharger to place the crush seal in sealing engagement with a wastegate opening in the turbocharger. The turbocharger assemblies include a housing enclosing a turbine and a compressor wheel that are operatively coupled together on a common shaft that defines an axis of rotation, and have a wastegate assembly removably mounted to an outlet end of the housing proximate the turbine and extending therefrom in a direction away from the turbine and the compressor wheel. Here, the wastegate assembly has a longitudinal axis that is parallel to the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: DAYCO IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Craig Markyvech, James Miller, David Fletcher, Brian Graichen
  • Patent number: 9441647
    Abstract: Pressure piston actuators and systems for control of wastegate in a turbocharger pressure that include the pressure piston actuators are disclosed. The pressure piston actuator includes a housing defining a chamber and a pathway leading to the chamber, a piston disposed within the chamber, a rod connected to the piston by a ball-and-socket joint, and a spring disposed in the chamber to bias the piston, and hence the rod, into a retracted position. Then, when fluid is introduced into the chamber, the fluid applies pressure to the piston. Once the pressure overcomes the bias of the spring, the piston, and hence the rod, moves into an extended position. For the system, the pressure piston actuator has the connector on the end of the rod opposite the ball-and-socket joint connected to the valve portion of a wastegate of a turbocharger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: DAYCO IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: David Fletcher, Brian Graichen, Stuart Kirby
  • Publication number: 20160153328
    Abstract: A turbocharged engine air system is disclosed. The engine air system includes at least two devices requiring vacuum, a turbocharger having a compressor fluidly connected to an intake manifold of an engine, a first evacuator and a second evacuator. The first evacuator defines a first motive section, a first discharge section, and at least two first suction ports. The first motive section of the first evacuator is fluidly connected to the compressor, and each of the at least two first suction ports are fluidly connected to one of the at least two devices requiring vacuum. The second evacuator defines a second motive section, a second discharge section, and at least two second suction ports. The second motive section of the second evacuator is fluidly connected to at least one of the at least two devices requiring vacuum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Publication date: June 2, 2016
    Applicant: DAYCO IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: David Fletcher, James H. Miller, Keith Hampton
  • Publication number: 20160153472
    Abstract: A pneumatically actuated vacuum pump is disclosed. The pneumatically actuated vacuum pump includes a body. The body defines at least two converging motive sections each having an outlet end, at least two diverging discharge sections each having an inlet end, and at least one Venturi gap. The Venturi gap is located between the outlet ends of the at least two converging motive sections and the inlet ends of the at least two diverging discharge sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Publication date: June 2, 2016
    Applicant: DAYCO IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: David Fletcher, James H. Miller, Keith Hampton, Brian M. Graichen
  • Publication number: 20160040020
    Abstract: The present invention discloses polythiol compositions containing polythiol molecules having both thiol groups and intermolecular sulfide groups. Processes for producing such polythiol compositions also are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Michael S. Matson, Colin Cameron, Anthony Colin Wright, Ian David Fletcher
  • Publication number: 20160040051
    Abstract: The present invention discloses polythiol compositions containing polythiol molecules having both thiol groups and intermolecular sulfide groups. Processes for producing such polythiol compositions also are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Michael S. Matson, Colin Cameron, Anthony Colin Wright, Ian David Fletcher
  • Patent number: 9238388
    Abstract: A tire pressure maintenance apparatus and system is disclosed. The apparatus and system comprises a high pressure reservoir and a pressure regulator secured to the high pressure reservoir. A high pressure relief valve is also provided. The high pressure reservoir is circumferentially continuous. Further, the pressure regulator has a passive valve in fluid communication with the high pressure reservoir and the pressure regulator opens at a low pressure point and closes at a high pressure point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: DAYCO IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: David Fletcher, James Miller, Craig Markyvech, Brian Graichen
  • Publication number: 20150204452
    Abstract: Check valves are disclosed, including check valve included in an aspirator, that includes a housing defining an internal cavity having a first port and a second port both in fluid communication therewith, and a sealing member within the cavity. The sealing member is translatable between a closed position against a first seat within the internal cavity of the housing and an open position against a second seat within the internal cavity of the housing. The sealing member has a sealing material positioned for sealing engagement with the first seat when the sealing member is in the closed position and a reinforcing member positioned for engagement with the second seat when the sealing member is in the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Applicant: DAYCO IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: David Fletcher, James H. Miller, Rex Bravo, Andrew Niedert, Matt Gilmer
  • Publication number: 20150159528
    Abstract: Noise attenuation units are disclosed that are connectable in a system as part of a fluid flow path. Such units include a housing defining an internal cavity and having a first port and a second port each connectable to a fluid flow path and in fluid communication with one another through the internal cavity, and a noise attenuating member seated in the internal cavity of the housing within the flow of the fluid communication between the first port and the second port. The noise attenuating member enables the fluid communication between the first port and the second port to flow through the noise attenuating member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Applicant: DAYCO IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Keith Hampton, David Fletcher, Brian M. Graichen, Rex Bravo
  • Publication number: 20150159665
    Abstract: Recirculation systems for engine intake air are disclosed having a turbocharger compressor with an inlet and an outlet, a recirculation pathway connecting fluid flow from the outlet of the turbocharger compressor to fluid flow into the inlet of the turbocharger compressor, and a recirculation valve assembly controlling fluid flow through the recirculation pathway. The recirculation valve assembly includes an actuator operating a valve coupled to an aspirator assembly that produces vacuum when the fluid flows through the recirculation pathway from the inlet to the outlet and when fluid flows through the recirculation pathway from the outlet to the inlet. Fluid flows through the recirculation pathway from the outlet to the inlet when the turbocharger generates boost. The vacuum generated by the aspirator assembly is in fluid communication with the actuator to move the valve between two or more positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Applicant: DAYCO IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: David Fletcher, Brian M. Graichen, James H. Miller, Keith Hampton, Matt Gilmer, Rex Bravo, Andrew Niedert
  • Publication number: 20150159677
    Abstract: An aspirator for creating vacuum is disclosed that includes a housing defining a fluid passageway with a first tapering portion and a second tapering portion. Each tapering portion has a larger internal opening and a smaller internal opening, the smaller openings facing one another. The aspirator includes a gate positioned between and in fluid communication with the first and second tapering portions, the gate having a first Venturi tube with a Venturi opening creating vacuum when fluid flows in a direction and a second Venturi tube with a Venturi opening that creates vacuum when fluid flows in the opposite direction. The Venturi openings are in fluid communication with a suction port, and the first and second Venturi tubes may provide different mass flow rates through the aspirator. An engine system having an aspirator with a gate having a first bore and a second bore and an actuator is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Applicant: DAYCO IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Keith Hampton, David Fletcher, Brian M. Graichen, Rex Bravo, James H. Miller, Matt Gilmer, Andrew Niedert
  • Publication number: 20150090355
    Abstract: A solenoid-powered gate valve that provides a reliable, high quality seal with a reduced operating force requirement. The valve includes a solenoid coil and armature connected to a valve mechanism, with the valve mechanism including a conduit having a connection opening, an oppositely-disposed pocket, and a sprung gate assembly linearly movable between the connection opening and the pocket. The sprung gate assembly includes a first gate member with an opening, a second gate member with an opening, and an endless elastic band retained between the first and second gate members, with the openings and endless elastic band collectively defining a passage through the sprung gate assembly, with the first and second gate members being mechanically coupled to the armature for reciprocating linear movement between the connection opening and the pocket. The endless elastic band allows an interference fit within the pocket with reduced frictional opposition to gate movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: David Fletcher, Brian M. Graichen, Matt Gilmer, James H. Miller
  • Publication number: 20140261942
    Abstract: A tire pressure maintenance apparatus and system is disclosed. The apparatus and system comprises a high pressure reservoir and a pressure regulator secured to the high pressure reservoir. A high pressure relief valve is also provided. The high pressure reservoir is circumferentially continuous. Further, the pressure regulator has a passive valve in fluid communication with the high pressure reservoir and the pressure regulator opens at a low pressure point and closes at a high pressure point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Dayco IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: David Fletcher, James Miller, Craig Markyvech, Brian Graichen
  • Publication number: 20140271138
    Abstract: Wastegate assemblies and turbocharger assemblies including the wastegate assemblies are described. The wastegate assemblies include a housing enclosing both an actuator and a valve. The valve is operatively coupled to the actuator and the housing terminates with a crush seal. The housing also includes a mounting member connectable to a turbocharger to place the crush seal in sealing engagement with a wastegate opening in the turbocharger. The turbocharger assemblies include a housing enclosing a turbine and a compressor wheel that are operatively coupled together on a common shaft that defines an axis of rotation, and have a wastegate assembly removably mounted to an outlet end of the housing proximate the turbine and extending therefrom in a direction away from the turbine and the compressor wheel. Here, the wastegate assembly has a longitudinal axis that is parallel to the axis of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Dayco IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Craig Markyvech, James Miller, David Fletcher, Brian Graichen
  • Publication number: 20140202347
    Abstract: Systems and methods for personalizing data card are disclosed. One embodiment includes a card receiver configured to receive one or more data cards, a control system connected to the card receiver, the control system configured to receive personalization information, an encoder system connected to the control system, the encoder system configured to encode the one or more data cards with at least some portion of the personalization information, a card reader connected to the control system, the card reader configured to read magnetic fingerprint information from the one or more data cards, and the control system configured to store the magnetic fingerprint information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: MAGTEK, INC.
    Inventors: Bradley Brown, David Fletcher, Richard Burchill, Annmarie D. Hart, Ruth Deignan, Lawrence R. Meyers
  • Patent number: 8720774
    Abstract: Systems and methods for personalizing data card are disclosed. One embodiment includes a card receiver configured to receive one or more data cards, a control system connected to the card receiver, the control system configured to receive personalization information, an encoder system connected to the control system, the encoder system configured to encode the one or more data cards with at least some portion of the personalization information, a card reader connected to the control system, the card reader configured to read magnetic fingerprint information from the one or more data cards, and the control system configured to store the magnetic fingerprint information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: MagTek, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley Brown, David Fletcher, Richard Burchill, Annmarie D. Hart, Ruth Deignan, Lawrence R. Meyers
  • Publication number: 20140125318
    Abstract: A signal detection system for use with a signaling system is disclosed, the signal detection system comprising a plurality of electrical terminals including a source terminal and an output terminal, the output terminal being connected to a signaling device. An auxiliary terminal electrically coupled to at least one of the plurality of electrical terminals is provided. A current sensor is coupled to the auxiliary terminal for detecting an electrical signal for controlling the signaling device. The current sensor generating an output signal in response to the detection of the electrical signal for controlling the signaling device for monitoring the status of the signaling device. Also disclosed is a method for installing a signal detection system in a wayside signaling system including a signaling device for monitoring a status of the signaling device. An apparatus for connecting a current sensor to a signaling device is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Jeffrey Michael FRIES, Gregory K. HANN, Aric Weingartner, Steven R. MURPHY, Dan E Erickson, David FLETCHER, Bradley Dale Brown
  • Publication number: 20140096675
    Abstract: Pressure piston actuators and systems for control of wastegate in a turbocharger pressure that include the pressure piston actuators are disclosed. The pressure piston actuator includes a housing defining a chamber and a pathway leading to the chamber, a piston disposed within the chamber, a rod connected to the piston by a ball-and-socket joint, and a spring disposed in the chamber to bias the piston, and hence the rod, into a retracted position. Then, when fluid is introduced into the chamber, the fluid applies pressure to the piston. Once the pressure overcomes the bias of the spring, the piston, and hence the rod, moves into an extended position. For the system, the pressure piston actuator has the connector on the end of the rod opposite the ball-and-socket joint connected to the valve portion of a wastegate of a turbocharger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: DAYCO IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: David Fletcher, Brian Graichen, Stuart Kirby
  • Patent number: 8690243
    Abstract: A nesting chair having a support frame having a back support portion, a pair of front legs having an stopping member for load bearing in an active position, a pair of rear legs and a rear support. The nesting chair further includes a seat having a top side and an under side for engagement of the stopping member, a support member mounted to the under side of the seat having an engaging end for pivotally engaging the rear support and slidably disengaging from the rear support; and a holding member mounted to the under side of the seat for engaging, and holding the seat to the nesting chair relative to the rear support member in an active position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventors: Lee David Fletcher, Terence Douglas Woodside, Gary Neil
  • Publication number: 20120313411
    Abstract: A nesting chair having a support frame having a back support portion, a pair of front legs having an stopping member for load bearing in an active position, a pair of rear legs and a rear support. The nesting chair further includes a seat having a top side and an under side for engagement of the stopping member, a support member mounted to the under side of the seat having an engaging end for pivotally engaging the rear support and slidably disengaging from the rear support; and a holding member mounted to the under side of the seat for engaging, and holding the seat to the nesting chair relative to the rear support member in an active position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Lee David FLETCHER, Terence Douglas Woodside, Gary Neil