Patents by Inventor Christopher Bowles
Christopher Bowles 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: 11772808Abstract: Aspects of the technology relate to lateral propulsion systems in lighter-than-air (LTA) platforms configured to operate in the stratosphere. One or more motor assemblies are used to actuate the lateral propulsion system and to make directional changes, for instance using one or more propellers. This can include a pointing axis motor assembly for orienting the lateral propulsion system along a particular heading, and a drive motor assembly for causing a propeller assembly or other propulsion mechanism to turn on and off Corrective actions may be necessary to adjust the alignment of the lateral propulsion system. A stepper motor control module may be used to control operation of the pointing axis motor assembly, for instance by causing it to rotate in a clockwise (or counterclockwise) direction. A motor current control approach may be used, in which the motor voltage is adjusted until a measured motor current reaches a selected current level.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2020Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: Aerostar International, LLCInventors: Aaron Fan, Jonathan Nutzmann, Christopher Bowles, Ewout van Bekkum
-
Patent number: 11624413Abstract: Aspects of the technology relate to a braking assembly for a lateral propulsion system of a high altitude platform (HAP) configured to operate in the stratosphere. Power is supplied to a propeller assembly as needed during lateral propulsion so that the HAP can move to a desired location or remain on station. When lateral propulsion is not needed, power is no longer supplied to the propeller assembly and it may slowly cease rotating. However, in certain situations, it may be necessary to cause the propeller assembly to stop rotating as soon as possible. This can include an unplanned descent. Rapid braking can avoid the propeller blades from entangling in the envelope, parachute or other parts of the HAP. A reusable brake is employed to prevent uncontrolled rotation of the propeller on descent, or otherwise to prevent the propeller from spinning freely when not being used to propel the HAP laterally.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2020Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: Aerostar International, LLCInventors: David Solum, Matthew Torres, Christopher Bowles, Carey Hijmans, Jonathan Nutzmann, Kyle Brookes
-
Publication number: 20220153424Abstract: Aspects of the technology relate to lateral propulsion systems in lighter-than-air (LTA) platforms configured to operate in the stratosphere. One or more motor assemblies are used to actuate the lateral propulsion system and to make directional changes, for instance using one or more propellers. This can include a pointing axis motor assembly for orienting the lateral propulsion system along a particular heading, and a drive motor assembly for causing a propeller assembly or other propulsion mechanism to turn on and off Corrective actions may be necessary to adjust the alignment of the lateral propulsion system. A stepper motor control module may be used to control operation of the pointing axis motor assembly, for instance by causing it to rotate in a clockwise (or counterclockwise) direction. A motor current control approach may be used, in which the motor voltage is adjusted until a measured motor current reaches a selected current level.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2020Publication date: May 19, 2022Inventors: Aaron Fan, Jonathan Nutzmann, Christopher Bowles, Ewout van Bekkum
-
Publication number: 20210364051Abstract: Aspects of the technology relate to a braking assembly for a lateral propulsion system of a high altitude platform (HAP) configured to operate in the stratosphere. Power is supplied to a propeller assembly as needed during lateral propulsion so that the HAP can move to a desired location or remain on station. When lateral propulsion is not needed, power is no longer supplied to the propeller assembly and it may slowly cease rotating. However, in certain situations, it may be necessary to cause the propeller assembly to stop rotating as soon as possible. This can include an unplanned descent. Rapid braking can avoid the propeller blades from entangling in the envelope, parachute or other parts of the HAP. A reusable brake is employed to prevent uncontrolled rotation of the propeller on descent, or otherwise to prevent the propeller from spinning freely when not being used to propel the HAP laterally.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2020Publication date: November 25, 2021Inventors: David Solum, Matthew Torres, Christopher Bowles, Carey Hijmans, Jonathan Nutzmann, Kyle Brookes
-
Patent number: 6984201Abstract: A blood circulation assistance device (1), for location around a blood conduit (20). The device comprises: an inflatable bladder (10) moveable between a contracted form and an expanded form, for compressing the blood conduit (20) to provide counterpulsation. Pump means (30) in fluid communication with the bladder (10) move the bladder (10) from the contracted form to the expanded form. The pump means (30) comprises a centrifugal impeller (62) rotatable about an axis (61) to effect pumping. The impeller (62) is moveable axially between first and second positions to effect a reversal of the direction of pumping. Control means (50), in communication with the pump means, is capable of monitoring the cardiac cycle of an individual and triggering the pump means (30) to move the bladder (10) to the expanded form at diastole. An outer cuff, surrounds at least a portion of the bladder (10), providing an outer limiting extent to the movement of the bladder (10).Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2003Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: Harefield Cardiac LimitedInventors: Asghar Khaghani, Geoffrey Thomas Andrews, Christopher Bowles, Nigel Gordon Smith
-
Publication number: 20030233023Abstract: A blood circulation assistance device (1), for location around a blood conduit (20). The device comprises: an inflatable bladder (10) moveable between a contracted form and an expanded form, for compressing the blood conduit (20) to provide counterpulsation. Pump means (30) in fluid communication with the bladder (10) move the bladder (10) from the contracted form to the expanded form. The pump means (30) comprises a centrifugal impeller (62) rotatable about an axis (61) to effect pumping. The impeller (62) is moveable axially between first and second positions to effect a reversal of the direction of pumping. Control means (50), in communication with the pump means, is capable of monitoring the cardiac cycle of an individual and triggering the pump means (30) to move the bladder (10) to the expanded form at diastole. An outer cuff, surrounds at least a portion of the bladder (10), providing an outer limiting extent to the movement of the bladder (10).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2003Publication date: December 18, 2003Applicant: Harefield Cardiac LimitedInventors: Asghar Khaghani, Geoffrey Thomas Andrews, Christopher Bowles, Nigel Gordon Smith
-
Patent number: 6204132Abstract: An embodiment of the instant invention is a method of making a transistor having a silicided gate structure insulatively disposed over a semiconductor substrate which lies in an x-y plane, the method comprising the steps of: forming a semiconductive structure insulatively disposed over the semiconductor substrate (step 302 of FIG. 3); amorphizing a portion of the conductive structure by introducing an amorphizing substance into the semiconductive structure at an angle, theta, which is greater than seven degrees from a z-axis which is normal to the semiconductor substrate (step 310 of FIG. 3); forming a metal layer on the conductive structure (step 312 of FIG. 3); and wherein the metal layer interacts with the semiconductive structure in the amorphized portion of the conductive structure so as to form a lower resistivity silicide on the conductive structure (step 314 of FIG. 3).Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1999Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Jorge A. Kittl, Christopher Bowles