Patents by Inventor Gary D. Grayson

Gary D. Grayson 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).

  • Publication number: 20200232602
    Abstract: Example implementations relate to Additive Manufacturing (AM) pressurization diffusers. An example diffuser includes an integral component configurable for receiving and diffusing pressurant. Particularly, the integral component includes multiple elements manufactured as a single-piece structure, including an inner filter, outer shell, and flange. The inner filter includes micro-diamond holes that enable pressurant received at an opening of the inner filter to diffuse out of the inner filter and subsequently through holes positioned in a shell surface of the outer shell. The flange can position the diffuser such that the opening of the inner filter is in pressurant communication with a pressurant source (e.g., opening of a tank) enabling the diffuser to receive and diffuse pressurant in a predefined pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Publication date: July 23, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher C. Veto, Martin E. Lozano, Victor John Barackman, Gary D. Grayson, Scott K. Oechsle, Alfredo Lopez
  • Patent number: 10605409
    Abstract: Example implementations relate to Additive Manufacturing (AM) pressurization diffusers. An example diffuser includes an integral component configurable for receiving and diffusing pressurant. Particularly, the integral component includes multiple elements manufactured as a single-piece structure, including an inner filter, outer shell, and flange. The inner filter includes micro-diamond holes that enable pressurant received at an opening of the inner filter to diffuse out of the inner filter and subsequently through holes positioned in a shell surface of the outer shell. The flange can position the diffuser such that the opening of the inner filter is in pressurant communication with a pressurant source (e.g., opening of a tank) enabling the diffuser to receive and diffuse pressurant in a predefined pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Christopher C. Veto, Martin E. Lozano, Victor John Barackman, Gary D Grayson, Scott K Oechsle, Alfredo Lopez
  • Patent number: 10247318
    Abstract: Fluid apparatus and related methods are disclosed. An example fluid apparatus includes a housing defining a fluid flow passageway between an inlet and an outlet. The housing has a first valve seat and a second valve seat positioned in the fluid flow passageway. The first valve seat is spaced from the second valve seat. A flow control member is positioned in the fluid flow passageway. The flow control member has a first disk and a second disk. The first disk is to engage the first valve seat and the second disk to engage the second valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Christopher C. Veto, Gary D. Grayson, Victor J. Barackman
  • Patent number: 10184579
    Abstract: Fluid apparatus and related methods are disclosed. An example fluid apparatus includes a valve body defining a fluid flow passageway and a plurality of valve seats. A flow control member is positioned in the fluid flow passageway of the valve body. The flow control member having a plurality of disks. A respective one of the disks moves relative to a respective one of the valve seats to control fluid flow through the valve body. The flow control member is adjustable relative to a longitudinal axis of the valve body to provide a preload to the disks. Each of the disks has a cracking pressure corresponding to the preload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Christopher C. Veto, Gary D. Grayson, Victor J. Barackman
  • Publication number: 20190003646
    Abstract: Example implementations relate to Additive Manufacturing (AM) pressurization diffusers. An example diffuser includes an integral component configurable for receiving and diffusing pressurant. Particularly, the integral component includes multiple elements manufactured as a single-piece structure, including an inner filter, outer shell, and flange. The inner filter includes micro-diamond holes that enable pressurant received at an opening of the inner filter to diffuse out of the inner filter and subsequently through holes positioned in a shell surface of the outer shell. The flange can position the diffuser such that the opening of the inner filter is in pressurant communication with a pressurant source (e.g., opening of a tank) enabling the diffuser to receive and diffuse pressurant in a predefined pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher C. Veto, Martin E. Lozano, Victor John Barackman, Gary D. Grayson, Scott K. Oechsle, Alfredo Lopez
  • Patent number: 9993778
    Abstract: A diffuser is disclosed and includes a channel with an inner portion having an inlet and an outlet through which a gaseous substance enters and exits the diffuser, respectively. The inner portion includes a first conical section that has an increasing cross-sectional area, taken along a plane perpendicular to a central axis, in a first direction. The inner portion also includes a second conical section that has a decreasing cross-sectional area, taken along a plane perpendicular to the central axis, in the first direction. The second conical section is communicatively coupled with the first conical section. The outer portion includes a first annular section that has an increasing cross-sectional area, taken along a plane perpendicular to the central axis, in a second direction opposite the first direction. The diffuser further includes a plurality of orifices that communicatively couple the second conical section with the first annular section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Gary D. Grayson, Martin E. Lozano, Victor J. Barackman
  • Publication number: 20180038498
    Abstract: Fluid apparatus and related methods are disclosed. An example fluid apparatus includes a valve body defining a fluid flow passageway and a plurality of valve seats. A flow control member is positioned in the fluid flow passageway of the valve body. The flow control member having a plurality of disks. A respective one of the disks moves relative to a respective one of the valve seats to control fluid flow through the valve body. The flow control member is adjustable relative to a longitudinal axis of the valve body to provide a preload to the disks. Each of the disks has a cracking pressure corresponding to the preload.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher C. Veto, Gary D. Grayson, Victor J. Barackman
  • Publication number: 20180038497
    Abstract: Fluid apparatus and related methods are disclosed. An example fluid apparatus includes a housing defining a fluid flow passageway between an inlet and an outlet. The housing has a first valve seat and a second valve seat positioned in the fluid flow passageway. The first valve seat is spaced from the second valve seat. A flow control member is positioned in the fluid flow passageway. The flow control member has a first disk and a second disk. The first disk is to engage the first valve seat and the second disk to engage the second valve seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher C. Veto, Gary D. Grayson, Victor J. Barackman
  • Patent number: 9853301
    Abstract: Technologies are described herein for conditioning fluids stored in an underwater cryogenic storage vessel designed for use in a fuel system of an underwater vehicle. According to one aspect of the disclosure, a fuel system includes a fuel cell and a storage vessel, which stores a first fluid that is supplied to the fuel cell and a second fluid that is produced by the fuel cell. The fuel system also includes a thermal conditioning module that receives the first fluid from the storage vessel and receives the second fluid from the fuel cell. The first fluid stored in the storage vessel is conditioned by absorbing heat from the second fluid, such that the fuel cell receives the conditioned first fluid. The second fluid received from the fuel cell is in gaseous state and is converted to a liquid. The liquid second fluid is stored in the storage vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Edwin C. Cady, Daniel A. Watts, Gary D. Grayson
  • Publication number: 20170354935
    Abstract: A diffuser is disclosed and includes a channel with an inner portion having an inlet and an outlet through which a gaseous substance enters and exits the diffuser, respectively. The inner portion includes a first conical section that has an increasing cross-sectional area, taken along a plane perpendicular to a central axis, in a first direction. The inner portion also includes a second conical section that has a decreasing cross-sectional area, taken along a plane perpendicular to the central axis, in the first direction. The second conical section is communicatively coupled with the first conical section. The outer portion includes a first annular section that has an increasing cross-sectional area, taken along a plane perpendicular to the central axis, in a second direction opposite the first direction. The diffuser further includes a plurality of orifices that communicatively couple the second conical section with the first annular section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Inventors: Gary D. Grayson, Martin E. Lozano, Victor J. Barackman
  • Publication number: 20170012303
    Abstract: Technologies are described herein for conditioning fluids stored in an underwater cryogenic storage vessel designed for use in a fuel system of an underwater vehicle. According to one aspect of the disclosure, a fuel system includes a fuel cell and a storage vessel, which stores a first fluid that is supplied to the fuel cell and a second fluid that is produced by the fuel cell. The fuel system also includes a thermal conditioning module that receives the first fluid from the storage vessel and receives the second fluid from the fuel cell. The first fluid stored in the storage vessel is conditioned by absorbing heat from the second fluid, such that the fuel cell receives the conditioned first fluid. The second fluid received from the fuel cell is in gaseous state and is converted to a liquid. The liquid second fluid is stored in the storage vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Edwin C. Cady, Daniel A. Watts, Gary D. Grayson
  • Patent number: 9504989
    Abstract: A monolithic contactor for collecting target molecules, the monolithic contactor may include a monolithic body having an inlet end and a longitudinally opposed outlet end and a plurality of cells extending from proximate the inlet end to proximate the outlet end, wherein the target molecules are adsorbed to a surface of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Daniel J. Wallman, D. Anthony Galasso, Jon A. Magnuson, Gary D. Grayson, Tab H. Crooks
  • Patent number: 9404692
    Abstract: An method of controlling thermal transfer between a first structure and a second structure may include a signal at a thermal switch. In response to receiving the signal at the thermal switch, a rotating plate may be rotated into one or more positions adjacent to a fixed plate to facilitate radiative thermal transfer between the rotating plate and the fixed plate. The rotating plate and the fixed plate may be in thermally conductive contact with respective ones of the first structure and the second structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Gary D. Grayson, Mark W. Henley
  • Patent number: 9395048
    Abstract: A fluid management system for a cryogenic tank may include a liquid acquisition device and a spray injection system. The cryogenic tank may include a tank wall and may contain bulk tank fluid. The liquid acquisition device may acquire and contain cryogenic fluid in substantially liquid phase. The liquid acquisition device may be mounted in spaced relation to the tank wall. The spray injection system may receive the liquid from the liquid acquisition device and may spray the liquid into the bulk tank fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Gary D. Grayson, Edwin C. Cady
  • Patent number: 9383065
    Abstract: Technologies are described herein for storing fluid in an underwater cryogenic storage vessel designed for use in a fuel system of an underwater vehicle. According to one aspect of the disclosure, a storage vessel includes at least two concentrically arranged storage tanks, which includes a first storage tank and a second storage tank. The first storage tank surrounds the second storage tank, such that the first storage tank is configured to protect the second storage tank from external environmental conditions. The storage vessel also includes a storage compartment positioned adjacent to the two storage tanks. In one embodiment, the storage vessel may be an underwater cryogenic storage vessel that stores liquid oxygen used as a reactant in a fuel cell and liquid carbon dioxide, which is an effluent of the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Edwin C. Cady, Daniel A. Watts, Gary D. Grayson
  • Publication number: 20150258529
    Abstract: A monolithic contactor for collecting target molecules, the monolithic contactor may include a monolithic body having an inlet end and a longitudinally opposed outlet end and a plurality of cells extending from proximate the inlet end to proximate the outlet end, wherein the target molecules are adsorbed to a surface of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventors: Daniel J. Wallman, D. Anthony Galasso, Jon A. Magnuson, Gary D. Grayson, Tab H. Crooks
  • Patent number: 9073001
    Abstract: A monolithic contactor for collecting target molecules, the monolithic contactor may include a monolithic body having an inlet end and a longitudinally opposed outlet end and a plurality of cells extending from proximate the inlet end to proximate the outlet end, wherein the target molecules are adsorbed to a surface of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Daniel J. Wallman, D. Anthony Galasso, Jon A. Magnuson, Gary D. Grayson, Tab H. Crooks
  • Patent number: 8859153
    Abstract: Technologies are described herein for conditioning fluids stored in an underwater cryogenic storage vessel designed for use in a fuel system of an underwater vehicle. According to one aspect of the disclosure, a fuel system includes a fuel cell and a storage vessel, which stores a first fluid that is supplied to the fuel cell and a second fluid that is produced by the fuel cell. The fuel system also includes a thermal conditioning module that receives the first fluid from the storage vessel and receives the second fluid from the fuel cell. The first fluid stored in the storage vessel is conditioned by absorbing heat from the second fluid, such that the fuel cell receives the conditioned first fluid. The second fluid received from the fuel cell is in gaseous state and is converted to a liquid. The liquid second fluid is stored in the storage vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Edwin C. Cady, Daniel A. Watts, Gary D. Grayson
  • Publication number: 20140224122
    Abstract: A monolithic contactor for collecting target molecules, the monolithic contactor may include a monolithic body having an inlet end and a longitudinally opposed outlet end and a plurality of cells extending from proximate the inlet end to proximate the outlet end, wherein the target molecules are adsorbed to a surface of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Daniel J. Wallman, D. Anthony Galasso, Jon A. Magnuson, Gary D. Grayson, Tab H. Crooks
  • Patent number: 8651313
    Abstract: Technologies are described herein for storing fluid in an underwater cryogenic storage vessel designed for use in a fuel system of an underwater vehicle. According to one aspect of the disclosure, a storage vessel includes at least two concentrically arranged storage tanks, which includes a first storage tank and a second storage tank. The first storage tank surrounds the second storage tank, such that the first storage tank is configured to protect the second storage tank from external environmental conditions. The storage vessel also includes a storage compartment positioned adjacent to the two storage tanks. In one embodiment, the storage vessel may be an underwater cryogenic storage vessel that stores liquid oxygen used as a reactant in a fuel cell and liquid carbon dioxide, which is an effluent of the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Edwin C. Cady, Daniel A. Watts, Gary D. Grayson