Patents by Inventor Charles L. Britton
Charles L. Britton 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).
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Patent number: 10147289Abstract: Sensing devices, systems and methods for securing articles against tampering using a unique magnetic field signature measured at two different times are provided. One or more sensing devices are secured to a ferrous surface portion of a target container. The sensing devices are secured using a plurality of magnets. The unique magnetic field signature sensed by a sensing device is produced by a combination of the plurality of magnets of the sensing device and the ferrous surface portion of the target container and earth's magnetic field. The two different times being one of a baseline measurement session and one of an observation measurement session. An observation measurement session may be triggered by a shock event or periodically.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2018Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: UT-BATTELLE, LLCInventors: Charles L. Britton, Jr., Steven S. Frank, Michael J. Kuhn, Andrzej Nycz, Chris A. Pickett, Scott L. Stewart, Robert J. Warmack, Richard A. Willems, James R. Younkin
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Patent number: 10110119Abstract: A multiplier assembly for a power supply and a method of manufacturing the multiplier assembly. The multiplier assembly may be a stack of capacitors and support elements electrically and mechanically coupled together to form a first capacitor string and a second capacitor string. The support elements may electrically and mechanically connect adjacent series capacitors in the first capacitor string. Additionally or alternatively, the support elements may electrically and mechanically connect adjacent series capacitors in the second capacitor string. In one embodiment, the power supply may include drive and feedback circuitry capable of controlling operation of the multiplier assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2014Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLCInventors: Robert J. Warmack, Charles L. Britton, Jr., Milton Nance Ericson, John P. Brainard
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Publication number: 20180293860Abstract: Sensing devices, systems and methods for securing articles against tampering using a unique magnetic field signature measured at two different times are provided. One or more sensing devices are secured to a ferrous surface portion of a target container. The sensing devices are secured using a plurality of magnets. The unique magnetic field signature sensed by a sensing device is produced by a combination of the plurality of magnets of the sensing device and the ferrous surface portion of the target container and earth's magnetic field. The two different times being one of a baseline measurement session and one of an observation measurement session. An observation measurement session may be triggered by a shock event or periodically.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2018Publication date: October 11, 2018Inventors: Charles L. Britton, JR., Steven S. Frank, Michael J. Kuhn, Andrzej Nycz, Chris A. Pickett, Scott L. Stewart, Robert J. Warmack, Richard A. Willems, James R. Younkin
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Publication number: 20160308434Abstract: A multiplier assembly for a power supply and a method of manufacturing the multiplier assembly. The multiplier assembly may be a stack of capacitors and support elements electrically and mechanically coupled together to form a first capacitor string and a second capacitor string. The support elements may electrically and mechanically connect adjacent series capacitors in the first capacitor string. Additionally or alternatively, the support elements may electrically and mechanically connect adjacent series capacitors in the second capacitor string. In one embodiment, the power supply may include drive and feedback circuitry capable of controlling operation of the multiplier assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2014Publication date: October 20, 2016Inventors: Robert J. Warmack, Charles L. Britton, JR., Milton Nance Ericson, John P. Brainard
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Patent number: 9044299Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a device and method for treating recurrent corneal erosion. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of contacting an epithelium layer of a cornea with an array of glass micro-rods including a plurality of sharp features having a length that penetrates a Bowman's layer of the eye, wherein the plurality of sharp features of the array of glass micro-rods produces a plurality of punctures in the Bowman's layer of the eye that are of micro-scale or less. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method and device for drug delivery. In one embodiment, the device includes an array of glass micro-rods, wherein at least one glass micro-rod of the array of glass micro-rods includes a sharp feature opposite a base of the array of glass micro-rods, wherein the sharp feature includes a treated surface for delivering a chemical compound to the eye.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2013Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: UT-BATTELLE, LLCInventors: Charles L. Britton, Jr., Brian R. D'urso, Edward Chaum, John T. Simpson, Justin S. Baba, M. Nance Ericson, Robert J. Warmack
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Publication number: 20140058424Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a device and method for treating recurrent corneal erosion. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of contacting an epithelium layer of a cornea with an array of glass micro-rods including a plurality of sharp features having a length that penetrates a Bowman's layer of the eye, wherein the plurality of sharp features of the array of glass micro-rods produces a plurality of punctures in the Bowman's layer of the eye that are of micro-scale or less. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method and device for drug delivery. In one embodiment, the device includes an array of glass micro-rods, wherein at least one glass micro-rod of the array of glass micro-rods includes a sharp feature opposite a base of the array of glass micro-rods, wherein the sharp feature includes a treated surface for delivering a chemical compound to the eye.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2013Publication date: February 27, 2014Applicants: UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE RESEARCH FOUNDATION, UT-BATTELLE, LLCInventors: Charles L. Britton, JR., Brian R. D'urso, Edward Chaum, John T. Simpson, Justin S. Baba, M. Nance Ericson, Robert J. Warmack
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Patent number: 8591481Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a device and method for treating recurrent corneal erosion. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of contacting an epithelium layer of a cornea with an array of glass micro-rods including a plurality of sharp features having a length that penetrates a Bowman's layer of the eye, wherein the plurality of sharp features of the array of glass micro-rods produces a plurality of punctures in the Bowman's layer of the eye that are of micro-scale or less. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method and device for drug delivery. In one embodiment, the device includes an array of glass micro-rods, wherein at least one glass micro-rod of the array of glass micro-rods includes a sharp feature opposite a base of the array of glass micro-rods, wherein the sharp feature includes a treated surface for delivering a chemical compound to the eye.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2008Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignees: UT-Battelle, LLC, University of Tennessee Research FoundationInventors: Charles L. Britton, Brian R. D'Urso, Edward Chaum, John T. Simpson, Justin S. Baba, M. Nance Ericson, Robert J. Warmack
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Patent number: 8425596Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of removing scar tissue from an eye that includes inserting a device including an array of micro-rods into an eye, wherein at least one glass micro-rod of the array of glass micro-rods includes a sharp feature; contacting a scar tissue with the array of micro-rods; and removing the array of micro-rods and the scar tissue from the eye. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a medical device for engaging a tissue including and an array of glass micro-rods, wherein at least one glass micro-rod of the array of glass micro-rods includes a sharp feature opposite a base of the array of glass micro-rods that is connected to the cannula, wherein the sharp feature of the at least one micro-rod is angled from a plane that is normal to a face of the base of the array of glass micro-rods.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2008Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignees: UT-Battelle, LLC, University of Tennessee Research FoundationInventors: Charles L. Britton, Brian R. D'Urso, Edward Chaum, John T. Simpson, Justin S. Baba, M. Nance Ericson, Robert J. Warmack
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Patent number: 7936270Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for space charge dosimeters for extremely low power measurements of radiation in shipping containers. A method includes insitu polling a suite of passive integrating ionizing radiation sensors including reading-out dosimetric data from a first passive integrating ionizing radiation sensor and a second passive integrating ionizing radiation sensor, where the first passive integrating ionizing radiation sensor and the second passive integrating ionizing radiation sensor remain situated where the dosimetric data was integrated while reading-out.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2009Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLCInventors: Charles L. Britton, Jr., Mark A. Buckner, Gregory R. Hanson, William L. Bryan
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Patent number: 7932828Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for space charge dosimeters for extremely low power measurements of radiation in shipping containers. A method includes in situ polling a suite of passive integrating ionizing radiation sensors including reading-out dosimetric data from a first passive integrating ionizing radiation sensor and a second passive integrating ionizing radiation sensor, where the first passive integrating ionizing radiation sensor and the second passive integrating ionizing radiation sensor remain situated where the dosimetric data was integrated while reading-out.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2009Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLCInventors: Charles L. Britton, Jr., Mark A. Buckner, Gregory R. Hanson, William L. Bryan
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Patent number: 7825819Abstract: A low-power shock sensing system includes at least one shock sensor physically coupled to a chemical storage tank to be monitored for impacts, and an RF transmitter which is in a low-power idle state in the absence of a triggering signal. The system includes interface circuitry including or activated by the shock sensor, wherein an output of the interface circuitry is coupled to an input of the RF transmitter. The interface circuitry triggers the RF transmitter with the triggering signal to transmit an alarm message to at least one remote location when the sensor senses a shock greater than a predetermined threshold. In one embodiment the shock sensor is a shock switch which provides an open and a closed state, the open state being a low power idle state.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2008Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLCInventors: Govindarajan Muralidharan, Charles L. Britton, James Pearce, Usha Jagadish, Vinod K. Sikka
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Publication number: 20100072380Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for space charge dosimeters for extremely low power measurements of radiation in shipping containers. A method includes insitu polling a suite of passive integrating ionizing radiation sensors including reading-out dosimetric data from a first passive integrating ionizing radiation sensor and a second passive integrating ionizing radiation sensor, where the first passive integrating ionizing radiation sensor and the second passive integrating ionizing radiation sensor remain situated where the dosimetric data was integrated while reading-out.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2009Publication date: March 25, 2010Inventors: Charles L. Britton, JR., Mark A. Buckner, Gregory R. Hanson, William L. Bryan
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Publication number: 20090240271Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of removing scar tissue from an eye that includes inserting a device including an array of micro-rods into an eye, wherein at least one glass micro-rod of the array of glass micro-rods includes a sharp feature; contacting a scar tissue with the array of micro-rods; and removing the array of micro-rods and the scar tissue from the eye. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a medical device for engaging a tissue including and an array of glass micro-rods, wherein at least one glass micro-rod of the array of glass micro-rods includes a sharp feature opposite a base of the array of glass micro-rods that is connected to the cannula, wherein the sharp feature of the at least one micro-rod is angled from a plane that is normal to a face of the base of the array of glass micro-rods.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2008Publication date: September 24, 2009Applicant: UT-BATTELLE, LLCInventors: Charles L. Britton, Brian R. D'Urso, Edward Chaum, John T. Simpson, Justin S. Baba, M. Nance Ericson, Robert J. Warmack
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Publication number: 20090240217Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a device and method for treating recurrent corneal erosion. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of contacting an epithelium layer of a cornea with an array of glass micro-rods including a plurality of sharp features having a length that penetrates a Bowman's layer of the eye, wherein the plurality of sharp features of the array of glass micro-rods produces a plurality of punctures in the Bowman's layer of the eye that are of micro-scale or less. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method and device for drug delivery. In one embodiment, the device includes an array of glass micro-rods, wherein at least one glass micro-rod of the array of glass micro-rods includes a sharp feature opposite a base of the array of glass micro-rods, wherein the sharp feature includes a treated surface for delivering a chemical compound to the eye.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2008Publication date: September 24, 2009Applicant: UT-BATTELLE, LLCInventors: Charles L. Britton, Brian R. D'Urso, Edward Chaum, John T. Simpson, Justin S. Baba, M. Nance Ericson, Robert J. Warmack
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Publication number: 20090212226Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for space charge dosimeters for extremely low power measurements of radiation in shipping containers. A method includes insitu polling a suite of passive integrating ionizing radiation sensors including reading-out dosimetric data from a first passive integrating ionizing radiation sensor and a second passive integrating ionizing radiation sensor, where the first passive integrating ionizing radiation sensor and the second passive integrating ionizing radiation sensor remain situated where the dosimetric data was integrated while reading-out.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2009Publication date: August 27, 2009Inventors: Charles L. Britton, JR., Mark A. Buckner, Gregory R. Hanson, William L. Bryan
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Patent number: 7525431Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for space charge dosimeters for extremely low power measurements of radiation in shipping containers. A method includes insitu polling a suite of passive integrating ionizing radiation sensors including reading-out dosimetric data from a first passive integrating ionizing radiation sensor and a second passive integrating ionizing radiation sensor, where the first passive integrating ionizing radiation sensor and the second passive integrating ionizing radiation sensor remain situated where the dosimetric data was integrated while reading-out.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2004Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Assignee: UT-Battelle LLCInventors: Charles L. Britton, Jr., Mark A. Buckner, Gregory R. Hanson, William L. Bryan
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Publication number: 20090072964Abstract: A low-power shock sensing system includes at least one shock sensor physically coupled to a chemical storage tank to be monitored for impacts, and an RF transmitter which is in a low-power idle state in the absence of a triggering signal. The system includes interface circuitry including or activated by the shock sensor, wherein an output of the interface circuitry is coupled to an input of the RF transmitter. The interface circuitry triggers the RF transmitter with the triggering signal to transmit an alarm message to at least one remote location when the sensor senses a shock greater than a predetermined threshold. In one embodiment the shock sensor is a shock switch which provides an open and a closed state, the open state being a low power idle state.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2008Publication date: March 19, 2009Inventors: GOVINDARAJAN MURALIDHARAN, Charles L. Britton, James W. Pearce, Usha Jagadish, Vinod K. Sikka
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Patent number: 7450023Abstract: A low-power shock sensing system includes at least one shock sensor physically coupled to a chemical storage tank to be monitored for impacts, and an RF transmitter which is in a low-power idle state in the absence of a triggering signal. The system includes interference circuitry including or activated by the shock sensor, wherein an output of the interface circuitry is coupled to an input of the RF transmitter. The interface circuitry triggers the RF transmitting with the triggering signal to transmit an alarm message to at least one remote location when the sensor senses a shock greater than a predetermined threshold. In one embodiment the shock sensor is a shock switch which provides an open and a closed state, the open state being a low power idle state.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2006Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: UT Battelle, LLCInventors: Govindarajan Muralidharan, Charles L. Britton, James Pearce, Usha Jagadish, Vinod K. Sikka
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Patent number: 6692324Abstract: Systems and methods are described for a single self-aligned carbon nanofiber emitters within a dielectric well. A method, includes: providing a substrate; defining lithographically a catalyst particle, the catalyst particle coupled to the substrate; depositing a dielectric layer, the dielectric layer coupled to the substrate; depositing an extractor layer, the extractor layer coupled to the dielectric layer; forming an extractor aperture in the extractor layer; forming a dielectric well in the dielectric layer to uncover the catalyst particle; and then fabricating at a location of the catalyst particle and within the dielectric well a single self-aligned carbon containing tip i) having a base located substantially at the bottom of the dielectric well and ii) extending substantially away from the substrate using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2001Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLCInventors: Michael L. Simpson, Douglas H. Lowndes, Vladimir I. Merkulov, Michael A. Guillorn, Charles L. Britton
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Patent number: 6545495Abstract: A method for determining operational characteristics of capacitive sensors adapted for self-calibration includes the steps of providing at least one capacitive sensor having a suspended element and a pick-up plate. An AC input signal is applied to one of the plates, while force is provided between the plates, the force capable of variation. At least one operational characteristic of capacitive sensors can be determined, such as the suspended element spring constant and the gap distance between the plates. A capacitive sensor system adapted for self-calibration includes at least one capacitive sensor having a suspended element and a pick-up plate, a self-testing and calibration network, and a structure for generating force between the plates, the force capable of variation.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2001Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLCInventors: Robert J. Warmack, Charles L. Britton, Jr.