Patents by Inventor Lawrence John Walker

Lawrence John Walker 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: 8196453
    Abstract: A laminated sensor comprises a base stratum and a terminal stratum. The base stratum has a first surface that is affixed to a surface of a structure to be monitored. The terminal stratum is affixed to the opposite second surface of the base stratum. A connector is attached to the terminal stratum. The base stratum is provided with first and second channels and that are cut through the thickness of the base stratum. The terminal stratum is provided with holes that extend through the thickness of the terminal stratum. A first pair of the holes are positioned to register with the first channel, while a second pair of the holes are positioned to register with the second channel. A first conduit is formed by the first channel and the holes; while a second conduit is formed by the second channel and the holes. The connector connects with tubes to provide fluid communication between the conduits and a differential pressure monitoring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Structural Monitoring Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Lawrence John Walker, Nigel Laxton, Andrew Petrow, Duncan Barton, Peter Hughes
  • Patent number: 8166804
    Abstract: A method for detecting separation in a structure that comprises at least two portions or layers affixed together comprises forming a cavity into the structure that passes through an interface formed between the two portions and plumbing the cavity to a monitoring system. A pressure differential is established between the cavity and a reference pressure to which the structure is exposed. A monitoring system monitors for a change in the pressure state of the cavity. Changes in the pressure state are indicative of a separation between the portions or layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Structural Monitoring Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Lawrence John Walker, Nigel Laxton
  • Patent number: 7942032
    Abstract: A method of detecting impact damage of a structure having a first surface exposed to potential impacts from an object comprises providing a sensor having a body portion that has a surface provided with an elongated channel. The sensor is fixed to a second surface of the structure such that a conduit is formed by the channel and the surface. The surface is on an opposite side of the structure to the first surface. A pressure differential is established between the conduit and a reference pressure adjacent the conduit. Monitoring is conducted for detecting any change in the differential pressure that may be indicative of a fracture or crack propagating in the second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Structural Monitoring Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Lawrence John Walker, Nigel Laxton
  • Publication number: 20100058838
    Abstract: A laminated sensor comprises a base stratum and a terminal stratum. The base stratum has a first surface that is affixed to a surface of a structure to be monitored. The terminal stratum is affixed to the opposite second surface of the base stratum. A connector is attached to the terminal stratum. The base stratum is provided with first and second channels and that are cut through the thickness of the base stratum. The terminal stratum is provided with holes that extend through the thickness of the terminal stratum. A first pair of the holes are positioned to register with the first channel, while a second pair of the holes are positioned to register with the second channel. A first conduit is formed by the first channel and the holes; while a second conduit is formed by the second channel and the holes. The connector connects with tubes to provide fluid communication between the conduits and a differential pressure monitoring system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: Structural Monitoring Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Lawrence John Walker, Nigel Laxton, Andrew Petrow, Duncan Barton, Peter Hughes
  • Publication number: 20090173139
    Abstract: A method of detecting impact damage of a structure having a first surface exposed to potential impacts from an object comprises providing a sensor having a body portion that has a surface provided with an elongated channel. The sensor is fixed to a second surface of the structure such that a conduit is formed by the channel and the surface. The surface is on an opposite side of the structure to the first surface. A pressure differential is established between the conduit and a reference pressure adjacent the conduit. Monitoring is conducted for detecting any change in the differential pressure that may be indicative of a fracture or crack propagating in the second surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: Structural Monitoring Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Lawrence John Walker, Nigel Laxton
  • Publication number: 20090113994
    Abstract: A method for detecting separation in a structure that comprises at least two portions or layers affixed together comprises forming a cavity into the structure that passes through an interface formed between the two portions and plumbing the cavity to a monitoring system. A pressure differential is established between the cavity and a reference pressure to which the structure is exposed. A monitoring system monitors for a change in the pressure state of the cavity. Changes in the pressure state are indicative of a separation between the portions or layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: Structural Monitoring systems Ltd
    Inventors: Lawrence John Walker, Nigel Laxton