Christopher J Thornton

US Patent:

7206256, Apr 17, 2007

Filed:

Feb 16, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/058895

Inventors:

Joseph S Thornton - Austin TX, US
Christopher Pearson Thornton - Austin TX, US
Shawn Lawrence Arnett - Austin TX, US

Assignee:

Texas Research International, Inc. - Austin TX

International Classification:

G01V 1/38

US Classification:

367130

Abstract:

The use of a pressure compensation system and composite polymer materials results in a new type of outboard sensor assembly, of the type used to monitor the status and location of towed array systems from boats. The inventive system is lower in cost, easier to manufacture in quantity, lighter weight, less likely to leak, and with a lower failure rate than conventional systems.

US Patent:

7221623, May 22, 2007

Filed:

May 19, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/132779

Inventors:

Joseph S Thornton - Austin TX, US
Christopher Pearson Thornton - Austin TX, US
Shawn Lawrence Arnett - Austin TX, US

Assignee:

Texas Research International, Inc. - Austin TX

International Classification:

G01S 3/80

US Classification:

367130, 367 20

Abstract:

The use of a pressure compensation system and composite polymer materials results in a new type of outboard sensor assembly, of the type used to monitor the status and location of towed array systems from boats. The inventive system is lower in cost, easier to manufacture in quantity, lighter weight, less likely to leak, and with a lower failure rate than conventional systems. The pressure compensation system makes use of a two (or more) phase slurry system to provide temperature compensation.

US Patent:

59423331, Aug 24, 1999

Filed:

Mar 27, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/410805

Inventors:

Shawn L. Arnett - Austin TX
Alan V. Bray - Austin TX
John W. Bulluck - Spicewood TX
Christopher P. Thornton - Austin TX
Rock A. Rushing - Austin TX

Assignee:

Texas Research Institute - Austin TX

International Classification:

B32B 900

US Classification:

428469

Abstract:

Metal surfaces treated with non-conductive metal oxides having enhanced non-conductive characteristics are disclosed. Durability and bond strength to polymer and metal surfaces is improved relative to non-treated metal surfaces. Methods of using metal surfaces with at least one non-conductive metal oxide coating in marine and under water applications are also described wherein cathodic delamination at the metal surface and a polymer is reduced, thus increasing the relative useful life of devices whose metal surfaces have been so treated. Methods for increasing bond strength and adhesiveness between metal surfaces wherein the metal surface is treated to include a metal oxide coat, such as a mixture of aluminum oxide and titanium oxide, are also described. The non-conductive metal oxide, or other non-conductive metal nitrides, carbides, borides or fluorides, coatings include at least about 20% to about 100% of the non-conductive metal oxide.