Patents by Inventor Christopher P. Townsend

Christopher P. 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).

  • Publication number: 20170114625
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein that include providing a service life monitoring system that includes a rotatable component and a rotatable measurement interface disposed on the rotatable component, the rotatable measurement interface having at least one torsional strain gauge configured to measure a strain of the rotatable component, a strain monitor controller configured to receive the measured strain of the rotatable component, and a wireless data transmission component configured to wirelessly communicate with the strain monitor controller to receive the measured strain, determine at least one of a power, rotational speed, torque, and service life of the rotatable component in response to receiving the measured strain of the rotatable component as a result of the measured strain of the rotatable component, and control at least one of the power, the rotational speed, and the torque of the rotatable component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Publication date: April 27, 2017
    Inventors: Mark A. NORRIS, Christopher P. TOWNSEND, Michael ROBINSON, Leslie Michael WISE, Gregory KESSLER, Daniel O'NEIL
  • Patent number: 9239223
    Abstract: A method of determining a parameter includes providing a sensor that provides a sensor analog voltage. A peak detecting circuit for detecting a peak voltage in the sensor analog voltage is also provided. The sensor analog voltage is provided to the peak detecting circuit, and the peak voltage is detected. A microprocessor is provided in sleep mode and is awakened once the circuit detects the peak voltage. The microprocessor samples and records the peak voltage and the microprocessor goes back to sleep.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: LORD Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher P Townsend, Steven W. Arms
  • Patent number: 9197143
    Abstract: A device includes a plurality of energy harvesting circuits, an energy storage device, a first diode and a second diode. The plurality of energy harvesting circuits includes a first energy harvesting circuit and a second energy harvesting circuit. The first energy harvesting circuit includes a first transducer and the second energy harvesting circuit includes a second transducer. The first transducer is structured for converting a different kind of energy into electricity than is the second transducer. The first diode is electrically connected between the first energy harvesting circuit and the energy storage device and the second diode is electrically connected between the second energy harvesting circuit and the energy storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: LORD Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher P. Townsend, Steven W. Arms, Michael J Hamel
  • Publication number: 20140180161
    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. An embodiment consistent with the present invention includes an ocular micro tremor (OMT) sensor and associated signal processing hardware and software for clinical analyses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventors: Ciaran Bolger, Steven W. Arms, Christopher P. Townsend, Kurt R. Smith
  • Patent number: 8593291
    Abstract: A system includes a component, an electronic circuit, and a display. The electronic circuit and the display are on the component. The electronic circuit is connected to receive data related to use of the component. The electronic circuit is connected to the display for providing a time parameter related to at least one from the group consisting of remaining life of the component and life expended by the component. The time parameter is for displaying on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: LORD Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher P. Townsend, Jacob Henry Galbreath, Steven Willard Arms
  • Publication number: 20130293358
    Abstract: A corrosion sensing system includes a reader, a radiation receiving device, a sensing transponder, and a member. The sensing transponder includes a communications device, a processor, and a sensor. The member is subject to corrosion. The sensor is located to detect corrosion of the member. The communications device is connected for transmitting sensor data. The transponder is powered by electricity derived from electromagnetic radiation transmitted by the reader that is received by the radiation receiving device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Michael John Hamel, Christopher P. Townsend
  • Patent number: 8502675
    Abstract: A corrosion sensing system includes a reader, a radiation receiving device, a sensing transponder, and a member. The sensing transponder includes a communications device, a processor, and a sensor. The member is subject to corrosion. The sensor is located to detect corrosion of the member. The communications device is connected for transmitting sensor data. The transponder is powered by electricity derived from electromagnetic radiation transmitted by the reader that is received by the radiation receiving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Lord Corporation
    Inventors: Michael John Hamel, Steven W. Arms, Christopher P. Townsend
  • Patent number: 8500282
    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. An embodiment consistent with the present invention includes an ocular micro tremor (OMT) sensor and associated signal processing hardware and software for clinical analyses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Brainstem, Inc.
    Inventors: Ciaran Bolger, Steven W. Arms, Christopher P. Townsend, Kurt R. Smith
  • Patent number: 8490481
    Abstract: A device for mounting on a structure surface includes a component, a circuit, a moisture barrier, and a protective cover. The moisture barrier is within the protective cover. The component and the circuit are within the moisture barrier. The component is for bonding to the structure surface with a bond susceptible to damage from moisture. The circuit includes a radio frequency transmitter. The circuit is for providing data derived from the component to the radio frequency transmitter for external transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Lord Corporation
    Inventors: Steven W. Arms, Christopher P. Townsend, Steven W. Mundell, David L. Churchill
  • Patent number: 8325030
    Abstract: One embodiment of an electronic system includes a network having a first sensing device with a first address and a second sensing device with a second address. The first sensing device includes first sensors, a first processor, a first memory, and a first communications device. The first sensors include a first dry bulb temperature sensor, a first relative humidity sensor, and a first radiant energy sensor. The second sensing device includes a second sensor, a second processor, a second memory, and a second communications device. The second processor includes a program to use the second communications device to communicate the second address and data derived from the second sensor to the first communications device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Lord Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher P. Townsend, Steven W. Arms, David L. Churchill, Jacob H. Galbreath
  • Publication number: 20120185192
    Abstract: A method of determining a parameter includes providing a sensor that provides a sensor analog voltage. A peak detecting circuit for detecting a peak voltage in the sensor analog voltage is also provided. The sensor analog voltage is provided to the peak detecting circuit, and the peak voltage is detected. A microprocessor is provided in sleep mode and is awakened once the circuit detects the peak voltage. The microprocessor samples and records the peak voltage and the microprocessor goes back to sleep.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Christopher P. Townsend, Steven W. Arms
  • Publication number: 20120020445
    Abstract: A method of sampling data includes providing a plurality of wireless nodes, wherein each of the wireless nodes includes a receiver, a real time clock and a counter. Ticks of the real time clock are counted by the counter. The method also includes broadcasting a common beacon for receipt by receivers of each of the wireless nodes, and upon receipt of the common beacon setting each of the counters to a first preset value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Stephen J. DiStasi, Christopher P. Townsend, Jacob H. Galbreath, Steven W. Arms
  • Publication number: 20120010536
    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: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Ciaran Bolger, Steven W. Arms, Christopher P. Townsend, Kurt R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20110248825
    Abstract: A corrosion sensing system includes a reader, a radiation receiving device, a sensing transponder, and a member. The sensing transponder includes a communications device, a processor, and a sensor. The member is subject to corrosion. The sensor is located to detect corrosion of the member. The communications device is connected for transmitting sensor data. The transponder is powered by electricity derived from electromagnetic radiation transmitted by the reader that is received by the radiation receiving device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventors: Michael John Hamel, Steven W. Arms, Christopher P. Townsend
  • Patent number: 8032486
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a hermetically sealed housing formed of conductive material. The hermetically sealed housing contains a circuit that includes a power supply and a power using element. The power supply has a power receiving element within the hermetically sealed housing for receiving electromagnetic radiation having a frequency low enough to penetrate through the conductive material. The power supply is connected to provide electrical energy derived from the electromagnetic radiation for powering the power using element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Microstrain, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher P. Townsend, Steven W Arms
  • Patent number: 8025404
    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. An embodiment consistent with the present invention includes an ocular micro tremor (OMT) sensor and associated signal processing hardware and software for clinical analyses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: EyeTect, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Ciaran Bolger, Steven W. Arms, Christopher P. Townsend, Kurt R. Smith
  • Patent number: 8024980
    Abstract: A device includes a removable load element. The removable load element includes a pin portion and a housing portion. The pin portion extends from the housing portion. The pin portion includes a sensor. The housing portion includes an electronic circuit connected to the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Microstrain, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W Arms, Christopher P. Townsend, David L. Churchill
  • Publication number: 20110221569
    Abstract: An electronic system includes a reader and a remotely powered and remotely interrogated transponder. The transponder includes a plurality of transponders connected to a single radiation receiving device. Each of the transponders receives power derived from radiation from the reader. Each of the transponders has an address. Each of the transponders has a system to transmit data so as to avoid collisions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: Michael John Hamel, Steven W. Arms, Christopher P. Townsend
  • Patent number: 8011255
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present patent application is a method of monitoring a rotating part. The method includes providing a shaft, a sensor, a processor, an energy storage device, and a transmitter. The method further includes mounting the sensor directly on the shaft and mounting said processor, said energy storage device, and said transmitter to rotate with said shaft. The method further includes rotating the shaft and waking the processor for a period of time and drawing energy to the processor from the energy storage device to provide the processor in an active mode during the period of time. The method also includes sampling the sensor during the period of time. It also includes returning the processor to sleep mode. The method also includes transmitting data derived from the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Microstrain, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Arms, Christopher P Townsend, David L. Churchill, Michael J. Hamel
  • Publication number: 20110158806
    Abstract: A turbine includes a turbine blade, a plurality of sensors, a wireless sensor module, a data aggregator, and a blade pitch control unit. The plurality of sensors are distributed in a plurality of locations on the turbine blade suitable for determining a moment of the turbine blade. The sensor module is configured to transmit data to the data aggregator to determine the moment. The data aggregator is configured to provide an output to the blade pitch control unit. The blade pitch control unit is configured to adjust pitch of the turbine blade based on the moment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: Steven W. Arms, David L. Churchill, Jacob H. Galbreath, Thomas M. Leamon, David Maass, Christopher P. Townsend