Patents by Inventor Christopher Townsend

Christopher Townsend 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: 7061229
    Abstract: A sensing device includes a circuit that compensates for time and spatial changes in temperature. The circuit includes elements to correct for variation in permeability of a highly permeable core of a differential variable reluctance transducer as temperature changes. The circuit also provides correction for temperature gradients across coils of the transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Microstrain, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Townsend, Steven Arms
  • Publication number: 20060103534
    Abstract: Substantially related objects are identified by providing a first wireless sensing device having a first sensor and providing a second wireless sensing device having a second sensor. Next, comparing data derived from the second sensor with data derived from the first sensor to determine whether data from the first sensor is substantially related to data from the second sensor. The first wireless sensing device is identified as substantially related to the second wireless sensing device if data derived from the first sensor is substantially related to data derived from the second sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Publication date: May 18, 2006
    Inventors: Steven Arms, Christopher Townsend, David Churchill
  • Publication number: 20060082727
    Abstract: An apparatus consistent with the present invention comprises a sensor for receiving a signal representing eye tremor and a processor for monitoring eye tremor while receiving the signal. A method consistent with the present invention includes receiving a signal representing eye tremor, comparing the received signal representing eye tremor to at least one reference value, and classifying a patient's brain stem function using the comparison of the received signal representing eye tremor to at least one reference value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Publication date: April 20, 2006
    Inventors: Ciaran Bolger, Steven Arms, Christopher Townsend, Kurt Smith
  • Publication number: 20050210340
    Abstract: A network of wireless sensor nodes for wireless transmission to a base station is provided. The sensor nodes can provide real time streaming of data over separate frequency links that can all be received by the base station. The base station includes a receiver for receiving at multiple frequencies, error detection or correction, and analog outputs so sensor data can be provided to standard analysis systems that require analog signals as would be provided by wired sensors. The base station also provides an output indicating the presence of transmission error.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Publication date: September 22, 2005
    Inventors: Christopher Townsend, Jacob Galbreath, Justin Bessette, Steven Arms
  • Publication number: 20050146220
    Abstract: A device for powering a load from an ambient source of energy is provided. The device includes an energy harvesting device for harvesting energy from the ambient source of energy wherein the rate energy is harvested from the ambient source of energy is below that required for directly powering the load. A storage device is connected to the energy harvesting device. The storage device receives electrical energy from the energy harvesting device and is for storing the electrical energy. A controller is connected to the storage device for monitoring the amount of electrical energy stored in the storage device and for switchably connecting the storage device to the load when the stored energy exceeds a first threshold. The system can be used for powering a sensor and for transmitting sensor data, such as tire pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2004
    Publication date: July 7, 2005
    Inventors: Michael Hamel, Steven Arms, Christopher Townsend, David Churchill
  • Publication number: 20050140212
    Abstract: A device for powering a load from an ambient source of energy is provided. The device includes an energy harvesting device for harvesting energy from the ambient source of energy wherein the rate energy is harvested from the ambient source of energy is below that required for directly powering the load. A storage device is connected to the energy harvesting device. The storage device receives electrical energy from the energy harvesting device and is for storing the electrical energy. A controller is connected to the storage device for monitoring the amount of electrical energy stored in the storage device and for switchably connecting the storage device to the load when the stored energy exceeds a first threshold. The system can be used for powering a sensor and for transmitting sensor data, such as tire pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2004
    Publication date: June 30, 2005
    Inventors: Michael Hamel, Steven Arms, Christopher Townsend, David Churchill
  • Publication number: 20050126026
    Abstract: A sensing device is attached to a living subject that includes a first sensors for distinguishing lying, sitting, and standing positions. In another embodiment, sensor data is stored in a storage device as a function of time. Multiple points or multiple intervals of the time dependent data are used to direct a feedback mechanism to provide information or instruction in response to the time dependent output indicating too little activity, too much time with a joint not being moved beyond a specified range of motion, too many motions beyond a specified range of motion, or repetitive activity that can cause repetitive stress injury.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2004
    Publication date: June 16, 2005
    Inventors: Christopher Townsend, Steven Arms
  • Publication number: 20050116544
    Abstract: A device for powering a load from an ambient source of energy is provided. The device includes an energy harvesting device for harvesting energy from the ambient source of energy wherein the rate energy is harvested from the ambient source of energy is below that required for directly powering the load. A storage device is connected to the energy harvesting device. The storage device receives electrical energy from the energy harvesting device and is for storing the electrical energy. A controller is connected to the storage device for monitoring the amount of electrical energy stored in the storage device and for switchably connecting the storage device to the load when the stored energy exceeds a first threshold. The system can be used for powering a sensor and for transmitting sensor data, such as tire pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2004
    Publication date: June 2, 2005
    Inventors: Michael Hamel, Steven Arms, Christopher Townsend, David Churchill
  • Publication number: 20050116545
    Abstract: A device for powering a load from an ambient source of energy is provided. The device includes an energy harvesting device for harvesting energy from the ambient source of energy wherein the rate energy is harvested from the ambient source of energy is below that required for directly powering the load. A storage device is connected to the energy harvesting device. The storage device receives electrical energy from the energy harvesting device and is for storing the electrical energy. A controller is connected to the storage device for monitoring the amount of electrical energy stored in the storage device and for switchably connecting the storage device to the load when the stored energy exceeds a first threshold. The system can be used for powering a sensor and for transmitting sensor data, such as tire pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2004
    Publication date: June 2, 2005
    Inventors: Michael Hamel, Steven Arms, Christopher Townsend, David Churchill
  • Publication number: 20050105231
    Abstract: A device for powering a load from an ambient source of energy is provided. The device includes an energy harvesting device for harvesting energy from the ambient source of energy wherein the rate energy is harvested from the ambient source of energy is below that required for directly powering the load. A storage device is connected to the energy harvesting device. The storage device receives electrical energy from the energy harvesting device and is for storing the electrical energy. A controller is connected to the storage device for monitoring the amount of electrical energy stored in the storage device and for switchably connecting the storage device to the load when the stored energy exceeds a first threshold. The system can be used for powering a sensor and for transmitting sensor data, such as tire pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2004
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventors: Michael Hamel, Steven Arms, Christopher Townsend, David Churchill
  • Publication number: 20050093537
    Abstract: A sensing device includes a circuit that compensates for time and spatial changes in temperature. The circuit includes elements to correct for variation in permeability of a highly permeable core of a differential variable reluctance transducer as temperature changes. The circuit also provides correction for temperature gradients across coils of the transducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventors: Christopher Townsend, Steven Arms
  • Publication number: 20050017602
    Abstract: A device for monitoring a rotating shaft is provided. The device measures strain in the shaft and provides angular velocity and torque in the shaft. The device includes a sensor, sensor conditioning circuitry, a microprocessor, and a transmitter, all located on a rotating shaft. The device obtains power by harvesting mechanical energy of the rotating shaft itself. Coils are provided rotating with the shaft and permanent magnets are mounted adjacent the rotating shaft so electrical energy is induced in the coils as they rotate through the magnetic field of the permanent magnets. A battery or capacitor is connected to the coils for storing energy. A microprocessor is connected to the sensors, the storage device, and the transmitter for managing power consumption and for monitoring the amount of electrical energy stored in the storage device and for switchably connecting the storage device to the transmitter when the stored energy exceeds a threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2004
    Publication date: January 27, 2005
    Inventors: Steven Arms, Christopher Townsend, David Churchill, Michael Hamel
  • Patent number: 6828779
    Abstract: A sensing device includes a circuit that compensates for time and spatial changes in temperature. The circuit includes elements to correct for variation in permeability of a highly permeable core of a differential variable reluctance transducer as temperature changes. The circuit also provides correction for temperature gradients across coils of the transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Microstrain, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Townsend, Steven Arms
  • Publication number: 20040080673
    Abstract: A receiver for television signals is arranged to receive video signals comprising video data and information data. The receiver is arranged to respond to viewer operation of a control device (28). The receiver includes a processor (23) for processing selected information data to convert the same into signals representative thereof for output to a television in combination with the video signals. In one mode of operation the decoder responds to manipulation of the control device by causing brief scheduling information pertaining to programmes transmitted in the received signal to be displayed. In another mode of operation the receiver is arranged to display detailed scheduling information pertaining to plural different television signals. The receiver is operable to receive signals containing video data representing a plurality of video clips. The processor is arranged to process the signals and to cause simultaneous display of the clips on a television screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Christopher Townsend, David Holliday, Robin Crossley, Alun David Webber
  • Publication number: 20030009758
    Abstract: A receiver for television signals is arranged to receive video signals comprising video data and information data. The receiver is arranged to respond to viewer operation of a control device. The receiver includes a processor for processing selected information data to convert the same into signals representative thereof for output to a television in combination with the video signals. The receiver is arranged to respond to the information data to output for display data derived from said image data and said information data and representing an inter-active image. The receiver is responsive to viewer manipulation of the control device to vary the interactive image and to establish a telecommunications link to a remote site for on-line interaction via the interactive image between the viewer and the remote site. The interactive image may form part of an interactive services interface comprising a broadcast entry level and plural broadcast interactive levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Christopher Townsend, David Holliday, Robin Crossley, Alun David Webber, Nicholas James
  • Patent number: 6501514
    Abstract: A receiver for television signals is arranged to receive video signals comprising video data and information data. The receiver is arranged to respond to viewer operation of a control device (28). The receiver includes a processor (23) for processing selected information data to convert the same into signals representative thereof for output to a television in combination with the video signals. In one mode of operation the decoder responds to manipulation of the control device by causing brief scheduling information pertaining to programmes transmitted in the received signal to be displayed. In another mode of operation the receiver is arranged to display detailed scheduling information pertaining to plural different television signals. The receiver is operable to receive signals containing video data representing a plurality of video clips. The processor is arranged to process the signals and to cause simultaneous display of the clips on a television screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: British Sky Broadcasting Limited
    Inventors: Christopher Townsend, David Holliday, Robin Crossley, Alun David Webber
  • Publication number: 20020199195
    Abstract: A receiver for television signals is arranged to receive video signals comprising video data and information data. The receiver is arranged to respond to viewer operation of a control device. The receiver includes a processor for processing selected information data to convert the same into signals representative thereof for output to a television in combination with the video signals. The receiver is arranged to respond to the information data to output for display data derived from said image data and said information data and representing an inter-active image. The receiver is responsive to viewer manipulation of the control device to vary the interactive image and to establish a telecommunications link to a remote site for on-line interaction via the interactive image between the viewer and the remote site. The interactive image may form part of an interactive services interface comprising a broadcast entry level and plural broadcast interactive levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: Christopher Townsend, David Holliday, Robin Crossley, Alun David Webber, Nicholas James
  • Publication number: 20020067176
    Abstract: A sensing device includes a circuit that compensates for time and spatial changes in temperature. The circuit includes elements to correct for variation in permeability of a highly permeable core of a differential variable reluctance transducer as temperature changes. The circuit also provides correction for temperature gradients across coils of the transducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: Christopher Townsend, Steven Arms
  • Publication number: 20020042917
    Abstract: A receiver for television signals is arranged to receive video signals comprising video data and information data. The receiver is arranged to respond to viewer operation of a control device (28). The receiver includes a processor (23) for processing selected information data to convert the same into signals representative thereof for output to a television in combination with the video signals. In one mode of operation the decoder responds to manipulation of the control device by causing brief scheduling information pertaining to programs transmitted in the received signal to be displayed. In another mode of operation the receiver is arranged to display detailed scheduling information pertaining to plural different television signals. The receiver is operable to receive signals containing video data representing a plurality of video clips. The processor is arranged to process the signals and to cause simultaneous display of the clips on a television screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Applicant: British Sky Broadcasting Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher Townsend, David Holliday, Robin Crossley, Alun David Webber
  • Publication number: 20020042918
    Abstract: A receiver for television signals is arranged to receive video signals comprising video data and information data. The receiver is arranged to respond to viewer operation of a control device (28). The receiver includes a processor (23) for processing selected information data to convert the same into signals representative thereof for output to a television in combination with the video signals. In one mode of operation the decoder responds to manipulation of the control device by causing brief scheduling information pertaining to programs transmitted in the received signal to be displayed. In another mode of operation the receiver is arranged to display detailed scheduling information pertaining to plural different television signals. The receiver is operable to receive signals containing video data representing a plurality of video clips. The processor is arranged to process the signals and to cause simultaneous display of the clips on a television screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Applicant: British Sky Broadcasting Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher Townsend, David Holliday, Robin Crossley, Alun David Webber