2012-11965. Intent To Grant Patent License  

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    AGENCY:

    Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

    ACTION:

    Notice of Intent to Grant Co-Exclusive Patent License.

    SUMMARY:

    Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 207 (Patents) and 37 CFR part 404 (U.S. Government patent licensing regulations), EPA hereby gives notice of its intent to grant a co-exclusive, royalty-bearing, revocable license to practice the inventions described and claimed in the U.S. patents and patent applications listed at the end of this message, and all corresponding patents issued throughout the world, and all reexamined patents and reissued patents granted in connection with such patent applications, to American Hydraulic Power, LLC of Michigan.

    The inventions pertain to hybrid vehicle technology, particularly hydraulic hybrid drive systems, methods, and components. The proposed license will contain appropriate terms, limitations, and conditions negotiated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 209 and 37 CFR 404.5 and 404.7 of the U.S. Government patent licensing regulations. EPA will finalize terms and conditions and grant the license unless, within 15 days from the date of this notice, EPA receives, at the address below, written objections to the grant, together with supporting documentation. The documentation from objecting parties having an interest in practicing the inventions listed in the patents and patent applications below should include an application for a nonexclusive license with the information set forth in 37 CFR 404.8. The EPA Patent Attorney and other EPA officials will review all written responses and then make recommendations on a final decision to the Director or Deputy Director of the Office of Transportation and Air Quality, who have been delegated the authority to issue patent licenses under EPA Delegation 1-55.

    The proposed license will apply to the following patents and patent applications:

    Method or Vehicle Licensed Inventions

    Patent No.TitleDate issued
    5,495,912Hybrid Powertrain VehicleMarch 5, 1996.
    5,887,674Continuously Smooth TransmissionMarch 30, 1999.
    6,719,080Hydraulic Hybrid VehicleApril 13, 2004.
    6,876,098Methods of Operating a Series Hybrid VehicleApril 5, 2005.
    7,456,509Methods of Operating a Series Hybrid Vehicle (div)November 25, 2008.
    7,337,869Hydraulic Hybrid Vehicle with Integrated Drive Module and Four-Wheel-Drive, and Method of Operation ThereofMarch 4, 2008.
    7,252,020Vehicle Drivetrain including a Clutchless Transmission, and Method of OperationAugust 7, 2007.
    6,998,727Methods of Operating a Parallel Hybrid Vehicle Having an Internal Combustion Engine and a Secondary Power SourceFebruary 14, 2006.
    7,104,349Hybrid Powertrain Motor Vehicle with Homogenous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) Engine, and Method of Operation ThereofSeptember 12, 2006.
    7,857,082Methods of Operating a Series Hybrid Vehicle (Div.)December 28, 2010.
    7,984,783Hydraulic Hybrid Vehicle with Integrated Hydraulic Drive Module and Four-Wheel-Drive, and Method of Operation Thereof (Div.)July 26, 2011.
    8,118,132Hydraulic Hybrid Vehicle Methods of Safe OperationFebruary 21, 2012.
    8,162,094Hydraulic Hybrid Vehicle with Large-Ratio Shift Transmission, and Method of OperationApril 24, 2012.
    Application No.TitleDate filed
    PCT/US2011/027667Hydraulic Hybrid Vehicle with Safe and Efficient Hydrostatic OperationMarch 9, 2011.
    12/654,321Methods of Optimizing Efficiency of a Series Hybrid Vehicle with Multi-Gear TransmissionDecember 17, 2009.
    12/711,603Hydraulic-Electric Regenerative Energy Storage SystemFebruary 24, 2010.
    PCT/US2011/031806Methods for Safe Operation of Hydraulic Hybrid Vehicles with Over-Center Pump/MotorsApril 8, 2011.
    12/731,326Regenerative Energy Storage System for Hybrid LocomotiveMarch 25, 2010.
    12/955,795Methods of Operating a Series Hybrid Vehicle (Div.)November 29, 2010.
    13/356,276Hydraulic Hybrid Vehicle Methods of Safe OperationJanuary 23, 2012.
    13/424,027Hydraulic Hybrid Vehicle with Large-Ratio Shift Transmission, and Method of Operation ThereofMarch 19, 2012.
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    61/619,123Hydraulic Hybrid Vehicle Control MethodsApril 2, 2012.

    Hydraulic Component Licensed Inventions

    Patent No.TitleDate issued
    6,619,325Hydraulic Hybrid Accumulator Shut-off ValveSeptember 16, 2003.
    6,996,982Method and Device for Switching Hydraulic Fluid Supplies, such as for a Hydraulic Pump/MotorFebruary 14, 2006.
    7,014,429High-Efficiency, Large Angle, Variable Displacement Hydraulic Pump/MotorMarch 21, 2006.
    7,108,016Lightweight Low Permeation Piston-in-Sleeve AccumulatorSeptember 19, 2006.
    7,121,304Low Permeation Hydraulic AccumulatorOctober 17, 2006.
    7,305,914Hydraulic Actuator Control ValveDecember 11, 2007.
    6,170,524Fast Valve and ActuatorJanuary 9, 2001.
    7,305,915Efficient Pump/Motor with Reduced Energy LossDecember 11, 2007.
    7,374,005Opposing Pump/MotorsMay 20, 2008.
    7,500,424Hydraulic Machine Having Pressure EqualizationMarch 10, 2009.
    7,527,074Hydraulic Pressure AccumulatorMay 5, 2009.
    7,537,075Hydraulic Hybrid Vehicle with Integrated Hydraulic Drive Module and Four-Wheel-Drive, and Method of Operation Thereof (Div.)May 26, 2009.
    7,553,085Fluid Bearing and Method of OperationJune 30, 2009.
    7,594,802Large Angle Sliding Valve Plate Pump/MotorSeptember 29, 2009.
    7,617,761Opposing Pump/Motors (divisional)November 17, 2009.
    7,677,871High-Efficiency, Large Angle, Variable Displacement Hydraulic Pump/Motor (Divisional)March 16, 2010.
    8,052,116Quiet Fluid Supply ValveNovember 8, 2011.
    8,100,221Engine-Off Power Steering SystemJanuary 24, 2012.
    8,020,587Piston-in-Sleeve Hydraulic Pressure AccumulatorSeptember 20, 2011.
    7,987,940Hydraulic Accumulator and Fire Suppression SystemAugust 2, 2011.
    Application No.TitleDate filed
    11/233,822Independent Displacement Opposing Pump/Motors and Method of OperationSeptember 22, 2005.
    11/540,089Safe Over-Center Pump/MotorSeptember 29, 2006.
    12/701,438Variable Length Bent-Axis Pump/MotorFebruary 5, 2010.
    12/567,938Hydraulic Circuit and Manifold with Multi-Function ValveSeptember 28, 2009.
    13/415,109Modular Hydraulic Hybrid DrivetrainMarch 8, 2012.
    13/232,677Engine-Off Power Steering SystemSeptember 14, 2011.
    12/215,438On-Demand Power Brake System and MethodJune 26, 2008.
    13/433,839On-Board Hydraulic Fluid Degasification System for a Hydraulic Hybrid VehicleMarch 29, 2012.
    61/609,597Radial Hydraulic Motor for a Hydraulic Hybrid VehicleMarch 12, 2012.
    61/635,085Integrated Hydraulic Accumulator Dual Shut-Off ValveApril 18, 2012.

    DATES:

    Comments on this notice must be received by EPA at the address listed below by June 1, 2012.

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    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    David Read, Attorney Advisor, Environmental Protection Agency, National Vehicle Fuel Emissions Laboratory, Office of Air and Radiation, 2565 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, telephone (734) 214-4367.

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    Dated: May 10, 2012.

    Geoff Cooper,

    Assistant General Counsel, General Law Office.

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    [FR Doc. 2012-11965 Filed 5-16-12; 8:45 am]

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