Patents by Inventor Earl S. Nickerson

Earl S. Nickerson 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: 7536899
    Abstract: An apparatus as a fixture for fluidly pressure testing a flange penetrator seal with the apparatus having a flange cover including a recess and a flange extension including a recess with the extension matable to the cover such that the recesses create a volume around the seal. The extension is secured to the flange of a device for which the flange penetrator seal supports. The cover has a pressure fitting for application of fluid pressure to the recess of the cover for pressure testing the seal within the volume and the extension having a fitting for draining the volume after testing is complete. The test fixture includes a clamping fixture attachable to the cover, the clamping fixture encompassing the flange cover and the extension such that the apparatus can be further secured to the flange of the device which the flange penetrator seal supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Peter T. Phelps, Earl S. Nickerson
  • Patent number: 7513968
    Abstract: Using a ΒΌ inch end mill a grid pattern of one inch squares or lands separated by concave troughs or grooves 0.025 inches deep is milled on to the surface of a one quarter inch thick magnesium plate. A conductive barrier such as a titanium foil is then laid over the magnesium plate, and is then pressed into the pattern with a one inch thick 80 durometer rubber sheet. Pressure of 250 pounds per square inch is then applied to the rubber to create indentations in the foil creating the same pattern as the one on the magnesium plate. The foil is then removed. An electrically conductive adhesive is then screen printed on the magnesium lands only, avoiding the grooves. The titanium foil is oriented to the pattern on the magnesium plate and mated to the magnesium plate by applying 200 pounds per square inch of pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Earl S. Nickerson, Maria G. Medeiros, Wayne C. Tucker, Russell R. Bessette
  • Patent number: 6582172
    Abstract: An isolated mechanical fastening system, which includes an exterior first section having a first transverse bore. The system also includes an exterior second section having a second transverse bore, wherein the second transverse bore is aligned with the first transverse bore. There is also an interior third section having a third transverse aperture. This third section is interposed between the first section and the second section and the third transverse bore is aligned with the first and second transverse bores. A fastener is positioned in the first, second and third transverse bore and is fixed to the first section. A polymeric material is positioned in the third section between the fastener and the peripheral wall of the third section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Earl S. Nickerson, Wayne C. Tucker, Francis C. Spicola
  • Publication number: 20030044256
    Abstract: An isolated mechanical fastening system, which includes an exterior first section having a first transverse bore. The system also includes an exterior second section having a second transverse bore, wherein said second transverse bore is aligned with said first transverse bore. There is also an interior third section having a third transverse aperture. This third section is interposed between said first section and said second section and said third transverse bore is aligned with said first and second transverse bores. A fastener is positioned in the first, second and third transverse bore and is fixed to the first section. A polymeric material is positioned in the third section between the fastener and the peripheral wall of the third section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Earl S. Nickerson, Wayne C. Tucker, Francis C. Spicola
  • Patent number: 6131530
    Abstract: A platform for servicing of vertically positioned missiles in a ballistic ssile submarine. The platform includes a vertically inclined rail and a horizontal frame. In the frame there is a first element having a first and a second end superimposed over the inclined rail. This first element is movably mounted directly on the rail at the first end and movably mounted in vertically spaced relation above said inclined rail at said second end. At least one second element is spaced laterally from the first element to enclose a missile tube access opening. A vertical support means is also positioned in opposed relation to the inclined rail. The vertical support means is adjustable to the curved hull surface of the submarine to maintain the frame horizontal. The platform is constructed from a lightweight material such as aluminum, and it can be carried and assembled by two men for the efficient servicing of VLS equipped submarines and other similar vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Leonard E. Burgmyer, James C. Butts, Earl S. Nickerson, William S. Wilkinson, Wayne C. Tucker
  • Patent number: 5691482
    Abstract: An apparatus for testing adhesive shear strength having a cylindrical adhve bond between test specimens which is subjected to pure shear. The test specimens are two cylindrical rods. One rod has a bore and counterbore reamed into one end along its longitudinal axis. The other rod has a diameter essentially equal to the diameter of the bore. The adhesive to be tested is placed within the bore and counterbore and the smaller diameter rod is inserted into and seated at the base of the bore. The adhesive fills the space between the smaller rod and the counterbore, creating a uniform, cylindrical layer of adhesive between the exterior surface of the smaller rod and the inner surface of the counterbore. When the adhesive cures, the assembly is subjected to a tensile load along its longitudinal axis, tending to pull the inserted rod from the bore and subjecting the cylindrical adhesive bond to a pure shear load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Earl S. Nickerson, Jr., Wayne C. Tucker
  • Patent number: 5356187
    Abstract: A recovery and deployment device consists of a relatively small base and a lurality of cable controlled armatures extending therefrom in substantially the same direction. Drive cables operate on the armatures for driving the end portions toward either an open or closed position. Each armature includes an elongated tentacle having a first end fixed to the support base and a terminating head portion. Inbound and outbound guides are provided for assisting in moving the free ends of the tentacles either inwardly or outwardly relative to their rest position. The armatures are arranged on the base in a petal-like interleaved array that permits interference-free overlapping of adjacent armatures upon closing movement out of the rest position, as well as movement of the free ends of each tentacle outwardly relative to the rest position so as to provide an enlarged target zone for recovering an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: James M. McCarthy, Earl S. Nickerson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5287727
    Abstract: A fixture for pressure testing sight glasses includes a base having a reced pressure chamber therein, a peripheral seal ring in the pressure chamber and a supply passage for supplying a pressurized fluid to the pressure chamber. The test fixture is operable by securing a sight glass on the fixture so that the sight glass is received in sealing engagement with the seal ring above the pressure chamber in order to apply a predetermined fluid pressure to the sight glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Earl S. Nickerson, Jr.