Patents by Inventor Robert E. Townsend, Jr.

Robert E. Townsend, Jr. 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: 20190174770
    Abstract: Methods and mold systems for an edible composition that minimize both compression forces (weight of inner portion and/or covering acting upon itself) and lateral forces (relative to moving/handling an edible composition) are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2019
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Applicant: Cake Effects, LLC
    Inventors: Robert E. Townsend, JR., Elizabeth Townsend
  • Patent number: 10244767
    Abstract: Methods and mold systems for an edible composition that minimize both compression forces (weight of inner portion and/or covering acting upon itself) and lateral forces (relative to moving/handling an edible composition) are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Cake Effects LLC
    Inventors: Robert E. Townsend, Jr., Elizabeth Townsend
  • Publication number: 20180077939
    Abstract: Methods and mold systems for an edible composition that minimize both compression forces (weight of inner portion and/or covering acting upon itself) and lateral forces (relative to moving/handling an edible composition) are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: Cake Effects LLC
    Inventors: Robert E. Townsend, Jr., Elizabeth Townsend
  • Patent number: 9890937
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for improved traffic control devices including a continuous central hanger support system that is integral to the traffic control device and provides a central load path. In an embodiment of the invention, the terminal housing and traffic signal housing of the traffic control device can be included in a single unit housing. A single unit housing can also include an integral backplate. Embodiments with an integral backplate can provide a solar energy generation system that utilizes a traffic signal's exterior surface as a substratum to secure thin-film photo cell laminates (TFPVL). The continuous central hanger integrated with the single unit housing can provide the traffic control device with improved securement of electrical components and structural stability for survivability during high wind events as compared to conventional traffic signal devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Inventor: Robert E. Townsend, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9765953
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for improved traffic control devices including a continuous central hanger support system that is integral to the traffic control device and provides a central load path. In an embodiment of the invention, the terminal housing and traffic signal housing of the traffic control device can be included in a single unit housing. A single unit housing can also include an integral backplate. Also provided are span wire clamps, tether clamps, and mast arm clamps that can be used to affix the continuous central hanger of the traffic control device to various fixtures such as a single span wire, two span wires, a pole or a mast arm. The continuous central hanger integrated with the single unit housing can provide the traffic control device with improved securement of electrical components and structural stability for survivability during high wind events as compared to conventional traffic signal devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Inventor: Robert E. Townsend, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9689122
    Abstract: Reinforcement devices and systems for holding a traffic control assembly in compression are provided. The traffic control assembly includes a traffic signal disconnect hanger and/or a traffic signal and a first span wire positioned above the traffic control assembly. In some embodiments, the reinforcement device includes an upper support device connected to the first span wire where the upper support device has a length that is greater than a width of the traffic control assembly and the upper support device is configured to spread the load of the traffic signal assembly to the first span wire. The reinforcement device includes a lower support device operably connected to the traffic signal, a first vertical support member, and a second vertical support member where the first and second vertical members are tensioned when the upper support device, the lower support device and the first and second vertical support members are connected together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: Robert E. Townsend, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20170016189
    Abstract: An attachment assembly and a method for mounting a traffic control device to a mast arm are provided. The attachment assembly includes an attachment device. The attachment device includes a first portion operably connect to the mast arm so that a first surface of the first portion is oriented toward the mast arm, a second portion extending substantially parallel to the first portion along at least a portion of a first length, a second surface of the second portion is oriented toward the traffic control device, and a third portion having a third length and extending between the first portion and the second portion so that a gap is formed between a second face of the first portion and a first face of the second portion that allows the attachment device to flex when the traffic control device is mounted to the mast arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventor: Robert E. Townsend, JR.
  • Patent number: 9458974
    Abstract: An attachment assembly and a method for mounting a traffic control device to a mast arm are provided. The attachment assembly includes an attachment device. The attachment device includes a first portion operably connect to the mast arm so that a first surface of the first portion is oriented toward the mast arm, a second portion extending substantially parallel to the first portion along at least a portion of a first length, a second surface of the second portion is oriented toward the traffic control device, and a third portion having a third length and extending between the first portion and the second portion so that a gap is formed between a second face of the first portion and a first face of the second portion that allows the attachment device to flex when the traffic control device is mounted to the mast arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Robert E. Townsend, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20160244922
    Abstract: Reinforcement devices and systems for holding a traffic control assembly in compression are provided. The traffic control assembly includes a traffic signal disconnect hanger and/or a traffic signal and a first span wire positioned above the traffic control assembly. In some embodiments, the reinforcement device includes an upper support device connected to the first span wire where the upper support device has a length that is greater than a width of the traffic control assembly and the upper support device is configured to spread the load of the traffic signal assembly to the first span wire. The reinforcement device includes a lower support device operably connected to the traffic signal, a first vertical support member, and a second vertical support member where the first and second vertical members are tensioned when the upper support device, the lower support device and the first and second vertical support members are connected together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Inventor: Robert E. Townsend, JR.
  • Publication number: 20160145888
    Abstract: An attachment assembly and a mounting assembly for mounting a traffic control device to a mast arm are provided. The attachment assembly includes an attachment device. The mounting assembly includes a flexible mounting system including a vertically extending support member and a first arm and a second arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Publication date: May 26, 2016
    Inventor: Robert E. Townsend, JR.
  • Patent number: 9347188
    Abstract: Reinforcement devices and systems for holding a traffic control assembly in compression are provided. The traffic control assembly includes a traffic signal disconnect hanger and/or a traffic signal and a first span wire positioned above the traffic control assembly. In some embodiments, the reinforcement device includes an upper support device connected to the first span wire where the upper support device has a length that is greater than a width of the traffic control assembly and the upper support device is configured to spread the load of the traffic signal assembly to the first span wire. The reinforcement device includes a lower support device operably connected to the traffic signal, a first vertical support member, and a second vertical support member where the first and second vertical members are tensioned when the upper support device, the lower support device and the first and second vertical support members are connected together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventor: Robert E. Townsend, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9310039
    Abstract: The subject invention pertains to traffic signal disconnect housings having curvatural, arcuate-shaped surfaces that better bear and distribute gravitational and wind induced loading throughout the disconnect housing. In addition, structural reinforcements are provided, as well as support components such as removable, elongated hubs; removable doors; and hook-type hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Inventor: Robert E. Townsend, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20160033116
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for improved traffic control devices including a continuous central hanger support system that is integral to the traffic control device and provides a central load path. In an embodiment of the invention, the terminal housing and traffic signal housing of the traffic control device can be included in a single unit housing. A single unit housing can also include an integral backplate. Embodiments with an integral backplate can provide a solar energy generation system that utilizes a traffic signal's exterior surface as a substratum to secure thin-film photo cell laminates (TFPVL). The continuous central hanger integrated with the single unit housing can provide the traffic control device with improved securement of electrical components and structural stability for survivability during high wind events as compared to conventional traffic signal devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventor: Robert E. Townsend, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150354766
    Abstract: An attachment assembly and a method for mounting a traffic control device to a mast arm are provided. The attachment assembly includes an attachment device. The attachment device includes a first portion operably connect to the mast arm so that a first surface of the first portion is oriented toward the mast arm, a second portion extending substantially parallel to the first portion along at least a portion of a first length, a second surface of the second portion is oriented toward the traffic control device, and a third portion having a third length and extending between the first portion and the second portion so that a gap is formed between a second face of the first portion and a first face of the second portion that allows the attachment device to flex when the traffic control device is mounted to the mast arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Inventor: Robert E. Townsend, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150259865
    Abstract: Reinforcement devices and systems for holding a traffic control assembly in compression are provided. The traffic control assembly includes a traffic signal disconnect hanger and/or a traffic signal and a first span wire positioned above the traffic control assembly. In some embodiments, the reinforcement device includes an upper support device connected to the first span wire where the upper support device has a length that is greater than a width of the traffic control assembly and the upper support device is configured to spread the load of the traffic signal assembly to the first span wire. The reinforcement device includes a lower support device operably connected to the traffic signal, a first vertical support member, and a second vertical support member where the first and second vertical members are tensioned when the upper support device, the lower support device and the first and second vertical support members are connected together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventor: Robert E. Townsend, JR.
  • Patent number: 9051947
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for reinforcing a traffic control assembly are provided. In some embodiments, a retrofitted traffic control assembly configured to reinforce a traffic signal assembly in high wind conditions is provided. The reinforcement devices include connection assemblies for reinforcing the portion of a traffic control assembly positioned between a traffic signal disconnect hanger or a traffic signal and an upper span wire, for example. In certain embodiments, one or more stiffening members may be placed in, on, or adjacent to a traffic signal and/or a traffic signal disconnect hanger to further reinforce the traffic signal assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Inventor: Robert E. Townsend, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9041555
    Abstract: Reinforcement devices and systems for holding a traffic control assembly in compression are provided. The traffic control assembly includes a traffic signal disconnect hanger and/or a traffic signal and a first span wire positioned above the traffic control assembly. In some embodiments, the reinforcement device includes an upper support device connected to the first span wire where the upper support device has a length that is greater than a width of the traffic control assembly and the upper support device is configured to spread the load of the traffic signal assembly to the first span wire. The reinforcement device includes a lower support device operably connected to the traffic signal, a first vertical support member, and a second vertical support member where the first and second vertical members are tensioned when the upper support device, the lower support device and the first and second vertical support members are connected together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Robert E. Townsend, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150115122
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for improved traffic control devices including a continuous central hanger support system that is integral to the traffic control device and provides a central load path. In an embodiment of the invention, the terminal housing and traffic signal housing of the traffic control device can be included in a single unit housing. A single unit housing can also include an integral backplate. Also provided are span wire clamps, tether clamps, and mast arm clamps that can be used to affix the continuous central hanger of the traffic control device to various fixtures such as a single span wire, two span wires, a pole or a mast arm. The continuous central hanger integrated with the single unit housing can provide the traffic control device with improved securement of electrical components and structural stability for survivability during high wind events as compared to conventional traffic signal devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Robert E. Townsend, JR.
  • Patent number: 8985535
    Abstract: An attachment assembly and a method of mounting a traffic control device to a mast arm are provided. The assembly includes a first attachment device having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface and a second attachment device having a first surface and a second surface. The second attachment device is operably connectable to the first attachment device so that the first surface of the first attachment device and the second surface of the second attachment device face each other and are spaced apart from each other. The attachment assembly also includes a cable operably connected the second attachment device and connectable to the mast arm so that the first surface of the second attachment device faces the mast arm and a portion of the cable is positionable between the first surface of the first attachment device and the second surface of the second attachment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Robert E. Townsend, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140252190
    Abstract: Reinforcement devices and systems for holding a traffic control assembly in compression are provided. The traffic control assembly includes a traffic signal disconnect hanger and/or a traffic signal and a first span wire positioned above the traffic control assembly. In some embodiments, the reinforcement device includes an upper support device connected to the first span wire where the upper support device has a length that is greater than a width of the traffic control assembly and the upper support device is configured to spread the load of the traffic signal assembly to the first span wire. The reinforcement device includes a lower support device operably connected to the traffic signal, a first vertical support member, and a second vertical support member where the first and second vertical members are tensioned when the upper support device, the lower support device and the first and second vertical support members are connected together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: Robert E. Townsend, JR.