Patents by Inventor David A. Crowley

David A. Crowley 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: 8004105
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wave energy conversion device (1), for use in relatively shallow water, which has a base portion (2) for anchoring to the bed of a body of water (6) and an upstanding flap portion (8) pivotally connected (12) to the base portion. The flap portion is biased to the vertical and oscillates, backwards and forwards about the vertical in response to wave motion acting on its faces. Power extraction means extract energy from the movement of the flap portion. When the base portion (2) is anchored to the bed of a body of water (6) with the flap portion (8) facing the wave motion, the base portion (2) and the flap portion (8) extend vertically through at least the entire depth of the water, to present a substantially continuous surface to the wave motion throughout the full depth of water from the wave crest to the sea bed. A plurality of devices can be interconnected to form one system. The distance between the plurality of flaps is dependent on the wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Aquamarine Power Limited
    Inventors: Trevor John Whittaker, Allan Robert Thomson, Michael David Crowley
  • Publication number: 20110088976
    Abstract: A speed responsive engagement device comprises: a wheel arranged for rotation about a first axis and having a plurality of outwardly projecting spaced apart teeth with each pair of adjacent teeth being separated by a circumferential surface with a constant radius; a pawl arranged for pivotal movement about a second axis between a first unengaged position and a second engaged position in which the pawl engages one of said teeth and contacts a circumferential surface; and a resilient means arranged to urge said pawl towards the first position when the pawl is not in contact with a circumferential surface. When the wheel rotates in a first direction each tooth contacts the pawl, generating an oscillating movement of the pawl from the first position towards the second position with an amplitude dependent on the speed of the rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: LATCHWAYS PLC
    Inventors: Karl Jones, David Crowley
  • Publication number: 20110018276
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wave energy conversion device (1), for use in relatively shallow water, which has a base portion (2) for anchoring to the bed of a body of water (6) and an upstanding flap portion (8) pivotally connected (12) to the base portion. The flap portion is biased to the vertical and oscillates, backwards and forwards about the vertical in response to wave motion acting on its faces. Power extraction means extract energy from the movement of the flap portion. When the base portion (2) is anchored to the bed of a body of water (6) with the flap portion (8) facing the wave motion, the base portion (2) and the flap portion (8) extend vertically through at least the entire depth of the water, to present a substantially continuous surface to the wave motion throughout the full depth of water from the wave crest to the sea bed. A plurality of devices can be interconnected to form one system. The distance between the plurality of flaps is dependent on the wavelength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: Aquamarine Power Limited
    Inventors: Trevor John Whittaker, Allan Robert Thomson, Michael David Crowley
  • Patent number: 7834474
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wave energy conversion device (1), for use in relatively shallow water, which has a base portion (2) for anchoring to the bed of a body of water (6) and an upstanding flap portion (8) pivotally connected (12) to the base portion. The flap portion is biased to the vertical and oscillates, backwards and forwards about the vertical in response to wave motion acting on its faces. Power extraction means extract energy from the movement of the flap portion. When the base portion (2) is anchored to the bed of a body of water (6) with the flap portion (8) facing the wave motion, the base portion (2) and the flap portion (8) extend vertically through at least the entire depth of the water, to present a substantially continuous surface to the wave motion throughout the full depth of water from the wave crest to the sea bed. A plurality of devices can be interconnected to form one system. The distance between the plurality of flaps is dependent on the wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Aquamarine Power Limited
    Inventors: Trevor John Whittaker, Allan Robert Thomson, Michael David Crowley
  • Publication number: 20080236176
    Abstract: A cryogenic refrigerator comprising a rotary valve which controls the flow of high pressure gas into the refrigerator and the return of the gas from the refrigerator, the cryogenic refrigerator further comprising rotary fluid motor arranged to drive the rotary valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Siemens Magnet Technology Limited
    Inventors: David Crowley, Graham Gilgrass
  • Publication number: 20080191485
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wave energy conversion device (1), for use in relatively shallow water, which has a base portion (2) for anchoring to the bed of a body of water (6) and an upstanding flap portion (8) pivotally connected (12) to the base portion. The flap portion is biased to the vertical and oscillates, backwards and forwards about the vertical in response to wave motion acting on its faces. Power extraction means extract energy from the movement of the flap portion. When the base portion (2) is anchored to the bed of a body of water (6) with the flap portion (8) facing the wave motion, the base portion (2) and the flap portion (8) extend vertically through at least the entire depth of the water, to present a substantially continuous surface to the wave motion throughout the full depth of water from the wave crest to the sea bed. A plurality of devices can be interconnected to form one system. The distance between the plurality of flaps is dependent on the wavelength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Trevor John Whittaker, Allan Robert Thomson, Michael David Crowley
  • Publication number: 20070245749
    Abstract: Apparatus for pre-cooling cryogenically cooled apparatus housed within a cryogen vessel (26), comprising a first closed-loop cooling circuit (30) containing heat transfer fluid, a circulator (32) for causing the heat transfer fluid to circulate around the closed circuit and a heat extractor (34) arranged to extracts heat from the heat transfer fluid, wherein the circuit carries heat transfer fluid into and from an interior volume of the cryogen vessel (26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Applicant: Siemens Magnet Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Andrew Atkins, David Crowley
  • Publication number: 20060147318
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pumped helium circuit comprising a compressor (14) with a high pressure port (16) and a low pressure port (18) each connected to a supplied equipment (61,63,65,67) to respectively supply compressed helium to, and receive compressed helium from, the supplied equipment; a pressure relief valve (12) operable to link the high pressure port to the low pressure port in response to a predetermined pressure differential; a non-return valve (13) located between a low pressure side of the pressure relief valve and the supplied equipment; and means for preventing oil carry-over from the compressor to the supplied equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Publication date: July 6, 2006
    Applicant: OXFORD MAGNET TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Millind Atrey, David Crowley, Peter Daniels
  • Patent number: 6334700
    Abstract: A system utilizing direct-view illumination of selected regions together with principles of constructive occlusion (diffuse reflectivity in a mask and cavity structure) provides a tailored radiation intensity distribution adapted to meet the requirements of certain special applications. The direct illumination provides high intensity illumination for certain desired regions. However, some radiant energy from the system source(s) reflects and diffuses within the volume between the mask and the cavity. The mask constructively occludes the aperture of the cavity. The reflected energy emerging from between the mask and cavity provides a desired illumination, for example at a much lower intensity, for regions not covered by the direct illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Advanced Optical Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventors: David P. Ramer, Jack C. Rains, Jr., Richard S. Bagwell, George David Crowley, III
  • Publication number: 20010046133
    Abstract: A system utilizing direct-view illumination of selected regions together with principles of constructive occlusion (diffuse reflectivity in a mask and cavity structure) provides a tailored radiation intensity distribution adapted to meet the requirements of certain special applications. The direct illumination provides high intensity illumination for certain desired regions. However, some radiant energy from the system source(s) reflects and diffuses within the volume between the mask and the cavity. The mask constructively occludes the aperture of the cavity. The reflected energy emerging from between the mask and cavity provides a desired illumination, for example at a much lower intensity, for regions not covered by the direct illumination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 1999
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: DAVID P. RAMER, JACK C. RAINS, RICHARD S. BAGWELL, GEORGE DAVID CROWLEY
  • Patent number: 6238077
    Abstract: The optical system of the present invention efficiently projects electromagnetic radiation such as visible light over a predetermined field of illumination with a tailored intensity distribution. The system includes a base having an optical area that faces the area to be illuminated. The apparatus further includes a mask spaced over the optical area of the base. The system also includes a cavity with an aperture, formed in either the optical area of the base or in a surface of the mask facing toward the base. The base and mask are arranged so that the mask constructively occludes the optical area of the base and/or the aperture of the cavity, with respect to the field of illumination. The system further includes a baffle. The baffle may be between the mask and the base. The baffle may extend into or be within the cavity. The base, the mask, and the baffle have outer surfaces that are reflective, and preferably exhibit a significant diffuse, reflective characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Advanced Optical Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventors: David P. Ramer, Jack C. Rains, Jr., Richard S. Bagwell, George David Crowley, III
  • Patent number: 5704103
    Abstract: A display device (10) for retaining cremation remains comprising a hollow base member (12) having a front opening (14). A drawer (16) fits within the front opening (14) of the hollow base member (12), so that the drawer can receive a bag (18) with the cremation remains. An ornament assembly (20) is on the hollow base member (12). A hollow transparent pyramid (22) fits over the ornament assembly (20) on the hollow base member (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Inventors: Joan A. Crowley, David A. Crowley
  • Patent number: 4583301
    Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the moisture content of a material, such as grain, has a variable volume chamber, which in use is filled with the material. Material within the chamber is heated by heating means to reduce its moisture content. A pumping means is connected to the chamber to pump off fluid from the chamber, whereby a sub-atmospheric pressure can be maintained in the chamber. In use, the pressure differential between the inside and the outside of the chamber is carried by material within the chamber, and the chamber reduces in volume so that no substantial pressure load is carried by walls of the chamber. The heating means can comprise steam pipes extending across the chamber or cylindrical heating elements formed from plates which define ducts for the steam or other heating fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1986
    Assignee: U-OP Management & Consultants Ltd.
    Inventors: J. David Crowley, Glen A. Pearce