Patents by Inventor Kurt P. Gillen

Kurt P. Gillen 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: 11445625
    Abstract: A method and system of preventing or reducing water ingress into a tire inflation system is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Kurt P. Gillen, Venkata Ramakanth Kona, Philip M. Molloy
  • Patent number: 10843511
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve assembly system including channel valve assemblies. More particularly, the invention relates to a valve assembly system including channel valve assemblies and connecting modules and the tire pressure management system made therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: DANA HEAVY VEHICLE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher D. Blessing, Kurt P. Gillen, Jason M. Sidders
  • Patent number: 10836220
    Abstract: A valve assembly system including a supply valve assembly, a control valve assembly and a connecting module and the tire pressure management system made therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: DANA HEAVY VEHICLE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher D. Blessing, Kurt P. Gillen, Jason M. Sidders
  • Patent number: 10828940
    Abstract: A method of decreasing tire pressure includes opening a wheel valve (22) to allow pressurized air from a tire (10) to be directed to a first valve assembly (14) and to atmosphere. A target pressure is selected for a fluid control conduit (28). The fluid conduit (28) is in fluid communication with the first valve assembly (14) and a second or control valve assembly (30). The pressure in the fluid conduit (28) is measured. If the measured pressure is greater than the target pressure, then the second valve assembly (30) is de-energized. If the measured pressure is less than the target pressure, then the second valve assembly (30) is energized. A valve (42) prone to leak under very low temperatures may be subjected to repeated cycles of pressure application and pressure release in order to form a fluid-tight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: DANA HEAVY VEHICLE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Kurt P. Gillen, Venkata Ramakanth Kona
  • Publication number: 20200260600
    Abstract: A method and system of preventing or reducing water ingress into a tire inflation system is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Inventors: Kurt P. GILLEN, Venkata Ramakanth KONA, Philip M. MOLLOY
  • Patent number: 10625542
    Abstract: A tire pressure management system includes a wheel valve. The wheel valve is in fluid communication with a wheel assembly. A supply valve assembly is selectively in fluid communication with the wheel valve through a fluid control circuit. The supply valve assembly permits fluid communication between a source of pressurized air and the fluid control circuit. A control valve assembly is selectively in fluid communication with the wheel valve through the fluid control circuit. The control valve assembly permits fluid communication between the source of pressurized air and the fluid control circuit or between the fluid control circuit and atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventor: Kurt P. Gillen
  • Patent number: 10214059
    Abstract: A tire pressure management system includes a control valve assembly. The control valve assembly directs pressurized air from a first fluid conduit when in a first position and provides fluid communication between a source of pressurized air and the first fluid conduit when in a second position. A deflate member is in fluid communication with the control valve assembly or the first fluid conduit. The deflate member includes an orifice having a constant cross-sectional area which is sized to maintain a predetermined pressure in a fluid control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Kurt P. Gillen, Jason M. Sidders
  • Publication number: 20180236826
    Abstract: A valve assembly system including a supply valve assembly, a control valve assembly and a connecting module and the tire pressure management system made therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Inventors: CHRISTOPHER D. BLESSING, KURT P. GILLEN, JASON M. SIDDERS
  • Publication number: 20180229558
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve assembly system including channel valve assemblies (236). More particularly, the invention relates to a valve assembly system including channel valve assemblies and connecting modules and the tire pressure management system made therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: CHRISTOPHER D. BLESSING, KURT P. GILLEN, JASON M. SIDDERS
  • Publication number: 20180141393
    Abstract: A method of decreasing tire pressure includes opening a wheel valve (22) to allow pressurized air from a tire (10) to be directed to a first valve assembly (14) and to atmosphere. A target pressure is selected for a fluid control conduit (28). The fluid conduit (28) is in fluid communication with the first valve assembly (14) and a second or control valve assembly (30). The pressure in the fluid conduit (28) is measured. If the measured pressure is greater than the target pressure, then the second valve assembly (30) is de-energized. If the measured pressure is less than the target pressure, then the second valve assembly (30) is energized. A valve (42) prone to leak under very low temperatures may be subjected to repeated cycles of pressure application and pressure release in order to form a fluid-tight seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Publication date: May 24, 2018
    Applicant: DANA HEAVY VEHICLE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: KURT P. GILLEN, VENKATA RAMAKANTH KONA
  • Publication number: 20180104993
    Abstract: A tire pressure management system includes a wheel valve in fluid communication with a wheel assembly. A supply valve assembly is selectively in fluid communication with the wheel valve via a fluid control circuit. The supply valve assembly permits fluid communication between a source of pressurized air and the fluid control circuit. A control valve assembly is selectively in fluid communication with the wheel valve via the fluid control circuit. The control valve assembly permits fluid communication between the source of pressurized air and the fluid control circuit or between the fluid control circuit and atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: DANA HEAVY VEHICLE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLC
    Inventor: KURT P. GILLEN
  • Publication number: 20170106705
    Abstract: A tire pressure management system includes a control valve assembly. The control valve assembly directs pressurized air from a first fluid conduit when in a first position and provides fluid communication between a source of pressurized air and the first fluid conduit when in a second position. A deflate member is in fluid communication with the control valve assembly or the first fluid conduit. The deflate member includes an orifice having a constant cross-sectional area which is sized to maintain a predetermined pressure in a fluid control circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Kurt P. Gillen, Jason M. Sidders
  • Patent number: 9493042
    Abstract: A method of venting a tire inflation system includes providing a housing and providing a first valve assembly within the housing. The first valve assembly venting a first fluid conduit disposed within the housing. A second valve assembly is provided and attached to the first fluid conduit. The second valve assembly venting a first fluid control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: DANA HEAVY VEHICLE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLC
    Inventor: Kurt P. Gillen
  • Patent number: 9403410
    Abstract: A method for decreasing tire pressure includes providing a wheel assembly which defines a chamber that houses a pressurized fluid. A wheel valve assembly is provided in fluid communication with the chamber. The wheel valve assembly is operable between an open position and a closed position and includes an area having a first flow capacity. A variable area valve assembly is provided and is selectively in fluid communication with the wheel valve assembly. The variable area valve assembly includes an area formed in a perforation that has a second flow capacity. The second flow capacity is less than the first flow capacity. A target tire pressure is selected. If a pressure of the pressurized fluid in the chamber is greater than the target tire pressure, then the pressure of the pressurized fluid in the chamber is decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: DANA HEAVY VEHICLE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Melvin B. Mozingo, Lloyd G. Racine, Jason M. Sidders, Venkata Ramakanth Kona, Kurt P. Gillen, Brian V. Knapke
  • Publication number: 20160167456
    Abstract: A method for decreasing tire pressure includes providing a wheel assembly which defines a chamber that houses a pressurized fluid. A wheel valve assembly is provided in fluid communication with the chamber. The wheel valve assembly is operable between an open position and a closed position and includes an area having a first flow capacity. A variable area valve assembly is provided and is selectively in fluid communication with the wheel valve assembly. The variable area valve assembly includes an area formed in a perforation that has a second flow capacity. The second flow capacity is less than the first flow capacity. A target tire pressure is selected. If a pressure of the pressurized fluid in the chamber is greater than the target tire pressure, then the pressure of the pressurized fluid in the chamber is decreased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Melvin B. Mozingo, Lloyd G. Racine, Jason M. Sidders, Venkata Ramakanth Kona, Kurt P. Gillen, Brian V. Knapke
  • Patent number: 9296264
    Abstract: A system is provided. The system includes a wheel assembly which defines a chamber that houses a pressurized fluid. A wheel valve assembly is attached to the wheel assembly and is in fluid communication with the chamber. The wheel valve assembly is operable between an open position and a closed position. The wheel valve assembly includes an area having a first flow capacity. A valve assembly is selectively in fluid communication with the wheel valve assembly. The valve assembly includes an area formed in a perforation that has a second flow capacity. The second flow capacity is less than the first flow capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: DANA HEAVY VEHICLE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Melvin B. Mozingo, Lloyd G. Racine, Jason M. Sidders, Venkata R. Kona, Kurt P. Gillen, Brian V. Knapke
  • Publication number: 20150258863
    Abstract: A method of venting a tire inflation system includes providing a housing and providing a first valve assembly within the housing. The first valve assembly venting a first fluid conduit disposed within the housing. A second valve assembly is provided and attached to the first fluid conduit. The second valve assembly venting a first fluid control circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Applicant: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventor: Kurt P. Gillen
  • Publication number: 20140224399
    Abstract: A system is provided. The system includes a wheel assembly which defines a chamber that houses a pressurized fluid. A wheel valve assembly is attached to the wheel assembly and is in fluid communication with the chamber. The wheel valve assembly is operable between an open position and a closed position. The wheel valve assembly includes an area having a first flow capacity. A valve assembly is selectively in fluid communication with the wheel valve assembly. The valve assembly includes an area formed in a perforation that has a second flow capacity. The second flow capacity is less than the first flow capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventors: Melvin B. Mozingo, Lloyd G. Racine, Jason M. Sidders, Venkata R. Kona, Kurt P. Gillen, Brian V. Knapke