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).
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Publication number: 20190174770Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2019Publication date: June 13, 2019Applicant: Cake Effects, LLCInventors: Robert E. Townsend, JR., Elizabeth Townsend
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Patent number: 10244767Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 20, 2017Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: Cake Effects LLCInventors: Robert E. Townsend, Jr., Elizabeth Townsend
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Publication number: 20180077939Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2017Publication date: March 22, 2018Applicant: Cake Effects LLCInventors: Robert E. Townsend, Jr., Elizabeth Townsend
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Patent number: 9890937Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Inventor: Robert E. Townsend, Jr.
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Patent number: 9765953Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 30, 2014Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Inventor: Robert E. Townsend, Jr.
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Patent number: 9689122Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 5, 2016Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Inventor: Robert E. Townsend, Jr.
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Publication number: 20170016189Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2016Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventor: Robert E. Townsend, JR.
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Patent number: 9458974Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 14, 2014Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Inventor: Robert E. Townsend, Jr.
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Publication number: 20160244922Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2016Publication date: August 25, 2016Inventor: Robert E. Townsend, JR.
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Publication number: 20160145888Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2015Publication date: May 26, 2016Inventor: Robert E. Townsend, JR.
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Patent number: 9347188Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 22, 2015Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Inventor: Robert E. Townsend, Jr.
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Patent number: 9310039Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 11, 2012Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Inventor: Robert E. Townsend, Jr.
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Publication number: 20160033116Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: February 4, 2016Inventor: Robert E. Townsend, JR.
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Publication number: 20150354766Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2014Publication date: December 10, 2015Inventor: Robert E. Townsend, JR.
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Publication number: 20150259865Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2015Publication date: September 17, 2015Inventor: Robert E. Townsend, JR.
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Patent number: 9051947Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 4, 2013Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Inventor: Robert E. Townsend, Jr.
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Patent number: 9041555Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 21, 2014Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Inventor: Robert E. Townsend, Jr.
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Publication number: 20150115122Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2014Publication date: April 30, 2015Inventor: Robert E. Townsend, JR.
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Patent number: 8985535Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 25, 2014Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Inventor: Robert E. Townsend, Jr.
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Publication number: 20140252190Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2014Publication date: September 11, 2014Inventor: Robert E. Townsend, JR.