Patents by Inventor Bret David Nicholson

Bret David Nicholson 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: 10215541
    Abstract: A target is described that includes a plurality of clay targets and a clay target connector having a plurality of clamping ends. Each clamping end is releasably connected to a clay target. A target support structure is described that includes a tension line and a first and second support leg. The tension line is suspended between the first and second support leg with a horizontal tension. First and second guy lines are connected to first and second support legs. A target is suspended from the tension line. The target includes a plurality of clay targets and a clay target connector. The clay target connector includes a plurality of clamping ends. Each clamping end of the plurality of clamping ends is releasably connected to a clay target of the plurality of clay targets. A method to suspend a target is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Inventor: Bret David Nicholson
  • Publication number: 20170219318
    Abstract: A target is described that includes a plurality of clay targets and a clay target connector having a plurality of clamping ends. Each clamping end is releasably connected to a clay target. A target support structure is described that includes a tension line and a first and second support leg. The tension line is suspended between the first and second support leg with a horizontal tension. First and second guy lines are connected to first and second support legs. A target is suspended from the tension line. The target includes a plurality of clay targets and a clay target connector. The clay target connector includes a plurality of clamping ends. Each clamping end of the plurality of clamping ends is releasably connected to a clay target of the plurality of clay targets. A method to suspend a target is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventor: Bret David Nicholson
  • Patent number: 9552898
    Abstract: Systems and methods for obtaining and displaying a collimated X-ray image are described. The methods can include providing an X-ray device having an X-ray source, a square or rectangular X-ray detector, and a collimator. The collimator can be sized and shaped to collimate an X-ray beam from the X-ray source that exposes a receptor region on the detector. The collimator can allow the X-ray image received by the X-ray detector to have any suitable shape that allows a relatively large view of the image to be displayed and rotated on the display device without changing the shape or size of the image as it rotated. In some instances, the collimator provides the image with superellipse shapes or cornerless shapes having four substantially straight edges with a 90 degree corner missing between at least two edges that run substantially perpendicular to each other. Other embodiments are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bret David Nicholson, David Barker
  • Publication number: 20160109386
    Abstract: Systems and methods for obtaining and displaying a collimated X-ray image are described. The methods can include providing an X-ray device having an X-ray source, a square or rectangular X-ray detector, and a collimator. The collimator can be sized and shaped to collimate an X-ray beam from the X-ray source that exposes a receptor region on the detector. The collimator can allow the X-ray image received by the X-ray detector to have any suitable shape that allows a relatively large view of the image to be displayed and rotated on the display device without changing the shape or size of the image as it rotated. In some instances, the collimator provides the image with superellipse shapes or cornerless shapes having four substantially straight edges with a 90 degree corner missing between at least two edges that run substantially perpendicular to each other. Other embodiments are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventors: Bret David Nicholson, David Barker
  • Patent number: 8942346
    Abstract: Systems and methods for obtaining and displaying a collimated X-ray image are described. The methods can include providing an X-ray device having an X-ray source, a square or rectangular X-ray detector, and a collimator. The collimator can be sized and shaped to collimate an X-ray beam from the X-ray source that exposes a receptor region on the detector. The collimator can allow the X-ray image received by the X-ray detector to have any suitable shape that allows a relatively large view of the image to be displayed and rotated on the display device without changing the shape or size of the image as it rotated. In some instances, the collimator provides the image with superellipse shapes or cornerless shapes having four substantially straight edges with a 90 degree corner missing between at least two edges that run substantially perpendicular to each other. Other embodiments are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bret David Nicholson, David Barker
  • Publication number: 20130259195
    Abstract: Systems and methods for obtaining and displaying a collimated X-ray image are described. The methods can include providing an X-ray device having an X-ray source, a square or rectangular X-ray detector, and a collimator. The collimator can be sized and shaped to collimate an X-ray beam from the X-ray source that exposes a receptor region on the detector. The collimator can allow the X-ray image received by the X-ray detector to have any suitable shape that allows a relatively large view of the image to be displayed and rotated on the display device without changing the shape or size of the image as it rotated. In some instances, the collimator provides the image with superellipse shapes or cornerless shapes having four substantially straight edges with a 90 degree corner missing between at least two edges that run substantially perpendicular to each other. Other embodiments are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bret David Nicholson, David Barker
  • Patent number: 8407831
    Abstract: A patient positioning apparatus comprising a base, a support column, at least one positioning arm on the support column capable of being positioned over a bed and having a buckle and strap capable of securing to a patient support with a receiving buckle so that a patient can be partially or totally suspended when an adjustable bed is lowered. The apparatus further comprising a telescoping support column and horizontal support for holding a first and second positioning arm. The positioning arms further comprising locking pivots for extending and retracting. Patient repositioning is effectuated by positioning the arms over a patient, extending straps with buckle inserts into receiving buckles on a fabric gripper secured to bed linens. A patient positioning apparatus can further be mounted to either a ceiling or a wall or can comprise a swiveling support column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Ergonurse, Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth White, Andrew Michael Rosenvell, Stefano Demartin, Joshua Robert Oldham, Jason Thomas Silvenis, Gerrit Tennyson Larsen, Bret David Nicholson