Patents by Inventor Gregory R. Ashley

Gregory R. Ashley 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: 11752462
    Abstract: An effluent processing apparatus comprises a housing having an inlet port and a chamber. A coalescing element is located in the chamber and arranged coaxially with the inlet port. The coalescing element has pleats in a predefined pattern of paths arranged to separate oil and water from an effluent mixture containing air, oil, and water. The effluent mixture flows into the inlet port along an axis of the coalescing element. The effluent mixture is deflected by a portion of the housing to flow perpendicular to the axis along major surfaces of the pleats to separate oil and water from the effluent mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Howe, David W. Perry, Gregory R. Ashley, Fred W. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 11420137
    Abstract: An effluent processing device includes an input port to receive an effluent mixture containing air, oil, and water. One or more baffles are positioned between the input port and at least one air outlet to deflect the effluent mixture to assist in separating the oil and the water from the air. A member positioned below the one or more baffles selectively allows only oil of the separated oil and water to pass from a first side of the member through openings in the member to a second side of the member. A sump is arranged to receive and retain the oil on the second side of the member as the oil passes from the first side to the second side. The effluent processing devices includes at least one air outlet through which air is exhausted to atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Fred W. Hoffman, Stephen Howe, David W. Perry, Gregory R. Ashley
  • Publication number: 20210283543
    Abstract: An effluent processing apparatus comprises a housing having an inlet port and a chamber. A coalescing element is located in the chamber and arranged coaxially with the inlet port. The coalescing element has pleats in a predefined pattern of paths arranged to separate oil and water from an effluent mixture containing air, oil, and water. The effluent mixture flows into the inlet port along an axis of the coalescing element. The effluent mixture is deflected by a portion of the housing to flow perpendicular to the axis along major surfaces of the pleats to separate oil and water from the effluent mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2021
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Stephen Howe, David W. Perry, Gregory R. Ashley, Fred W. Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20210146279
    Abstract: An effluent processing device includes an input port to receive an effluent mixture containing air, oil, and water. One or more baffles are positioned between the input port and at least one air outlet to deflect the effluent mixture to assist in separating the oil and the water from the air. A member positioned below the one or more baffles selectively allows only oil of the separated oil and water to pass from a first side of the member through openings in the member to a second side of the member. A sump is arranged to receive and retain the oil on the second side of the member as the oil passes from the first side to the second side. The effluent processing devices includes at least one air outlet through which air is exhausted to atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Inventors: Fred W. Hoffman, Stephen Howe, David W. Perry, Gregory R. Ashley
  • Patent number: 10933351
    Abstract: An effluent processing apparatus comprises a separator device arranged to receive an effluent mixture to separate oil and water from the effluent mixture and thereby to provide clean air. A member selectively allows either only oil or only water of the separated oil and water to pass from a first side of the member through openings in the member to a second side of the member. A sump is arranged to (i) receive and retain the oil on the first side if only water passes from the first side to the second side, and (ii) receive and retain the oil on the second side if only oil passes from the first side to the second side. Clean air from the separator device is exhausted through an air outlet to atmosphere, and water is drained through a water outlet to atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Fred W Hoffman, Stephen Howe, David W Perry, Gregory R Ashley
  • Publication number: 20200179856
    Abstract: An effluent processing apparatus comprises a coalescing element arranged to separate oil and water from an effluent mixture containing air, oil, and water from a purge valve of an air dryer. The coalescing element includes a plurality of members which define a predefined pattern of paths along which the effluent mixture flows to separate oil and water therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Inventors: Stephen Howe, David W. Perry, Gregory R. Ashley, Fred W. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 10583820
    Abstract: An effluent processing apparatus is provided for a vehicle air brake charging system. The effluent processing apparatus comprises an inlet port through which effluent from a purge valve of an air dryer can be received and an outlet port. The effluent processing apparatus also comprises a spiral-shaped effluent channel having a portion of decreasing channel width disposed between the inlet port and the outlet port. The spiral-shaped effluent channel is provided for increasing velocity of an effluent stream as the effluent stream flows through the decreasing channel width portion of the spiral-shaped effluent channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Howe, David W Perry, Gregory R Ashley, Fred W Hoffman
  • Patent number: 10583382
    Abstract: An effluent processing apparatus is provided for a vehicle air brake charging system. The effluent processing apparatus has an inlet port through which effluent from a purge valve of an air dryer can be received and an outlet port. The effluent processing apparatus further has a quadric surface defining an effluent flow chamber that is connected in fluid communication between the inlet port and the outlet port. The quadric surface is provided for extracting contaminants from an effluent stream as the effluent stream flows from the inlet port along the quadric surface to the outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Howe, David W Perry, Gregory R Ashley, Fred W Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20190329156
    Abstract: An effluent processing apparatus comprises a separator device arranged to receive an effluent mixture to separate oil and water from the effluent mixture and thereby to provide clean air. A member selectively allows either only oil or only water of the separated oil and water to pass from a first side of the member through openings in the member to a second side of the member. A sump is arranged to (i) receive and retain the oil on the first side if only water passes from the first side to the second side, and (ii) receive and retain the oil on the second side if only oil passes from the first side to the second side. Clean air from the separator device is exhausted through an air outlet to atmosphere, and water is drained through a water outlet to atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Inventors: Fred W. Hoffman, Stephen Howe, David W. Perry, Gregory R. Ashley
  • Publication number: 20190099705
    Abstract: An effluent processing apparatus is provided for a vehicle air brake charging system. The effluent processing apparatus comprises an inlet port through which effluent from a purge valve of an air dryer can be received and an outlet port. The effluent processing apparatus further comprises a quadric surface defining an effluent flow chamber that is connected in fluid communication between the inlet port and the outlet port. The quadric surface is provided for extracting contaminants from an effluent stream as the effluent stream flows from the inlet port along the quadric surface to the outlet port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Publication date: April 4, 2019
    Inventors: Stephen Howe, David W. Perry, Gregory R. Ashley, Fred W. Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20190100190
    Abstract: An effluent processing apparatus is provided for a vehicle air brake charging system. The effluent processing apparatus comprises an inlet port through which effluent from a purge valve of an air dryer can be received and an outlet port. The effluent processing apparatus also comprises a spiral-shaped effluent channel having a portion of decreasing channel width disposed between the inlet port and the outlet port. The spiral-shaped effluent channel is provided for increasing velocity of an effluent stream as the effluent stream flows through the decreasing channel width portion of the spiral-shaped effluent channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Publication date: April 4, 2019
    Inventors: Stephen Howe, David W. Perry, Gregory R. Ashley, Fred W. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 7285149
    Abstract: An oil separator for use in a vehicle air system includes a recycling valve for removing coalesced oil. The recycling valve may include a piston movable in a cylinder in response to a control air pressure to open the recycling valve and thus drain coalesced oil from a sump under the influence of residual air pressure in the sump. The separator may include a fixture for mounting the separator to a vehicle, including a plurality of ports extending from an inlet port for directing air into the cartridge with a combined flow area at least equal to the flow area of the inlet port. The plurality of ports preferably extend at a right angle to the direction of flow of air through the inlet port. A safety relief valve on the separator releases air when the pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: William P. Fornof, Gregory R. Ashley, Leonard A. Quinn, Fred W. Hoffman, Gregory C. Smith
  • Patent number: 7117896
    Abstract: A module includes a reservoir having at least three chambers for storing compressed air for a vehicle air supply system, and a mounting assembly for supporting the reservoir on the vehicle. The chambers are separate from each other internally. The reservoir includes external connections, such as air lines or piping, for interconnecting the three chambers. The mounting assembly includes a bracket having a support surface. A bracket liner is received on the bracket between the support surface and the outer side surface of the reservoir. The reservoir may also include a purge chamber and an air dryer, as one unit, supported on the vehicle by the mounting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle System LLC
    Inventors: Charles E. Eberling, Curtis Samuel Snyder, Gregory R. Ashley, Fred W. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 6805414
    Abstract: A valve assembly for use in an air brake system is provided. The assembly includes a modulator housing, a valve assembly, and a clamp for holding the valve assembly in an operative position on the modulator housing. One leg of the clamp is fit over retaining bosses on the housing. Another leg of the clamp is bent or advanced toward a retainer that cooperates with a retaining opening on the leg to maintain the clamp in a tensioned state and secure the valve assembly to the modulator housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Herbst, Gregory R. Ashley, George S. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20040134343
    Abstract: A spring brake actuator comprises a housing including a first housing portion and a second housing portion. A spring disposed in the housing exerts a biasing force tending to separate the first housing portion from the second housing portion. A band clamp connects the first housing portion with the second housing portion. The band clamp comprises at least one band segment engaging the first and second housing portions, at least one fastener securing the band segment in a tamper-resistant manner, and a cover at least partially enclosing the fastener in a tamper-resistant manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Gregory R. Ashley, Leonard Quinn, Fred Hoffman, Richard B. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 6588856
    Abstract: A modulator relay valve assembly for selectively controlling brake application to an associated brake chamber is provided. The modulator relay valve assembly comprises a housing having a supply port, a delivery port, a control port, and an exhaust port. A piston is received in the housing defining a control volume in communication with the control port and is movable to control communication among the supply, delivery, and exhaust ports. A quick release valve with a direct passage to atmosphere communicates with the control volume, allowing contaminants to be expelled form the control volume during service and ABS braking. The quick release valve is biased toward an open position allowing communication from a control volume to atmosphere during service brake and ABS brake applications to decrease a pressure exerted by the control volume on the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Herbst, Gregory R. Ashley, George S. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20030020325
    Abstract: A valve assembly for use in an air brake system is provided. The assembly includes a modulator housing, a valve assembly, and a clamp for holding the valve assembly in an operative position on the modulator housing. One leg of the clamp is fit over retaining bosses on the housing. Another leg of the clamp is bent or advanced toward a retainer that cooperates with a retaining opening on the leg to maintain the clamp in a tensioned state and secure the valve assembly to the modulator housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Robert J. Herbst, Gregory R. Ashley, George S. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20030020329
    Abstract: A modulator relay valve assembly for selectively controlling brake application to an associated brake chamber is provided. The modulator relay valve assembly comprises a housing having a supply port, a delivery port, a control port, and an exhaust port. A piston is received in the housing defining a control volume in communication with the control port and is movable to control communication among the supply, delivery, and exhaust ports. A quick release valve with a direct passage to atmosphere communicates with the control volume, allowing contaminants to be expelled form the control volume during service and ABS braking. The quick release valve is biased toward an open position allowing communication from a control volume to atmosphere during service brake and ABS brake applications to decrease a pressure exerted by the control volume on the piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Robert J. Herbst, Gregory R. Ashley, George S. Wagner
  • Patent number: 6254048
    Abstract: A single piece metal clamp is provided for. The clamp includes an upper portion having a cylindrical section and a cross member section integrally connected through spaced apart left and right legs. The clamp also includes a lower portion having a base with a plurality of through holes. The upper portion and lower portion are integrally connected by a pair of spaced apart left and right legs, each leg having a corresponding right angle formed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Truck Brake Systems Company
    Inventors: Gregory R. Ashley, Duane R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6209582
    Abstract: First and second collars cooperate with first and second seal members separated by a retaining ring assembled onto a valve piston. The collars selectively engage the valve housing at one end and the retaining ring at the other end to limit the travel of the piston between first and second positions. Moreover, the assembly offers a cost effective alternative to the bonded rubber seals provided on known piston arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Honeywell Commercial Vehicle Systems Company
    Inventors: Gregory R. Ashley, Thomas M. Huber