Patents by Inventor Timothy J. Nicholson

Timothy J. 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).

  • Publication number: 20100259619
    Abstract: A viewing system displaying images to a viewer from a camera capable of being elevated. Specifically, a head mounted display for displaying images from a camera that can be elevated. The viewing system can be mounted to the viewer's head so that the rotation of the viewer's head will rotate the camera and the image displayed. The head mount can also position the display in front of the viewer's eyes to allow for hands free viewing. An extendable shaft is also attached to the head mount and supports the camera affixed a top the shaft that elevates the camera to the desired elevation. The camera can communicate images captured by the camera to the head mounted display via a wired or wireless connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventor: Timothy J. Nicholson
  • Patent number: 6414650
    Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a sign system for creating extremely lightweight, reconfigurable, and changeable signs suitable for outdoor use adjacent to roadways. The system provides adjustable message screen size, electronically changeable messages and alphanumeric adjustable character size of at least 6 inches in height. The system comprises a sign controller and a plurality of interchangeable modules each sealed to be weather resistant. Each module having a display side with a rectangular screen portion, the screen portion having transparent portions with pixel elements positioned behind said transparent portions and within said module. Each module has the pixels arranged in a first matrix pattern and sufficient in number to provide alphanumeric characters and portions of characters of adjustable size of at least 6 inches. Each module having a bit map memory and being individually addressable with respect to other modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Addco
    Inventors: Timothy J. Nicholson, John P. Nicholson, Gordon M. Melby, Steve J. McHenry, Paul C. Freeberg
  • Publication number: 20010037591
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an outdoor sign has a plurality of display modules, each hermetically sealed, for forming a hermetically sealed large sign screen. Each module is preferably formed of a lightweight plastic enclosure with an open interior containing circuitry and light emitting diodes. Means for minimizing deflection of the front panel are incorporated into the enclosure. One such means includes a single restrictive vent for pressure equalization to minimize deflection of the face portion. The means also includes an internal diaphragm to maintain the integrity of the hermetic seal. A feature and advantage of the invention is that moisture and other containments are effectively precluded from entry into the chamber containing the circuitry and LED's of the display sign.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventors: Timothy J. Nicholson, John P. Nicholson, Gordon M. Melby, Steve J. McHenry, Paul C. Freeberg
  • Patent number: 6175342
    Abstract: The present invention is a modular electronic sign having a plurality of display units assembled on a mounting track and connected to a sign controller. Each display unit has a circuit board having a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged in a pattern thereon. A microprocessor in each display unit is in communication with the sign controller and adjacent display units. Each display unit is hermetically sealed to avoid a separate enclosure for the modular sign. A plurality of clips are used to electrically connect the display units to power and communications conductors. A plurality of compression clips mechanically connect the display units to the mounting track. Each display unit is mountable to the mounting track either horizontally or vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Aadco, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Nicholson, Gordon M. Melby, Paul C. Freeberg
  • Patent number: 6150996
    Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a sign system for creating extremely lightweight, reconfigurable, and changeable signs suitable for outdoor use adjacent to roadways. The system provides adjustable message screen size, electronically changeable messages and alphanumeric adjustable character size of at least 6 inches in height. The system comprises a sign controller and a plurality of interchangeable modules each sealed to be weather resistant. Each module having a display side with a rectangular screen portion, the screen portion having transparent portions with pixel elements positioned behind the transparent portions and within the module. Each module has the pixels arranged in a first matrix pattern and sufficient in number to provide alphanumeric characters and portions of characters of adjustable size of at least 6 inches. Each module having a bit map memory and being individually addressable with respect to other modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: ADDCO, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Nicholson, John P. Nicholson, Gordon M. Melby, Steve J. McHenry, Paul C. Freeberg
  • Patent number: 5213464
    Abstract: A highway marker manipulating apparatus comprising a pair of gripper wheels spaced apart to engage and apply pressure onto the side edges of the base flange of a highway marker. The wheels are spaced apart by a loading magazine between the wheels and directing the marker flanges into gripped engagement with the gripping faces of the opposing wheels; and a guide panel between the outer portions of the wheels to guide the flanges of the markers being retrieved off the pavement. A stripper guide is provided between the wheels for urging the flanges of the markers toward the outer periphery of the wheels as the flanges are also engaging the peripherally extending guide panels as to turn the markers and move the markers along the stripper bars which carry the markers to the upper periphery of the wheels. Stabilizing guides or runners are provided to be removably mounted at the lower portion of the gripper wheels to receive the flanges of dispensed markers therebeneath for stabilizing the markers on the pavement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: ADDCO Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Nicholson, Timothy J. Nicholson, Eugene H. Luoma
  • Patent number: 5187993
    Abstract: A power operated linear actuator for remote operation of a machine. A cylinder frame containing a motor and a step-down gear train, a push-pull rod connected with a threaded nut movable along a high-pitch screw threaded shaft in the cylinder frame and an electromagnet clutch between the gear train and the screw shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: ADDCO Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Nicholson, Timothy J. Nicholson