Patents by Inventor Douglas C. Nicholls

Douglas C. Nicholls 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: 5319569
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for block averaging measurement data from dynamic, repeating input signals, for example, frequency modulated signals, take into account the time variability of the measurement sampling. Each block of measurement data is referenced to a synchronizing stimulus, and measurements are averaged both on the time axis and on the modulation axis. On the time axis, the time alignment for each individual measurement is placed at the center of the time interval during which the measurement was made. For each block of data acquired, the measurement blocks are averaged together in both dimensions, time (x-axis) and modulation (y-axis result being computed), using a stimulus synchronizing signal provided by the user as a time reference (time=0). The stimulus synchronizing signal should be a stable reference with respect to the modulation function being measured. For example, if frequency versus time is being measured, the reference should identify a repeating frequency reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Douglas C. Nichols, Paul S. Stephenson, John S. Schmitz
  • Patent number: 5213056
    Abstract: A brake system tool for measuring the slack adjustment between an air cylinder and the brake shoe engagement with the drum of a conventional braking system. The tool includes an elongated tubular body carrying a bushing which slidable supports an indicator. The tool or slack adjustment tester as it is commonly called is held in place by a base releasably attachable to the air cylinder of an air brake system. The base is connected to the indicator. A sliding pin body is adjustably held on the tubular body by a set screw and carries a removeable pin which engages a slack adjuster arm or equivalent throughout its movement. The movement is displayed on the indicator as the tubular body is moved uncovering the indicator for a reading of the indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Inventors: Douglas C. Nicholls, David E. McLelland
  • Patent number: 4532790
    Abstract: A ground working assembly has an inclined arm swingable up and down on a tool bar of an agricultural implement, the assembly being yieldably biased downwardly by a cushioning spring associated with a bracket which mounts the assembly on the tool bar. A tool-supporting shank depending from the arm at its lower, rear end is swingable rearwardly and upwardly relative to the arm, but held against tripping by linkage which is normally locked by the spring. During encounters by the ground-working tool with usual types of ground conditions tending to cause the tool to rise against the action of the spring, the assembly merely swings upwardly relative to the bracket. But tool damage is alleviated by unlocking of the linkage and tripping of the shank when more extreme conditions, such as large rocks, are encountered by the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1985
    Assignee: Morris Rod Weeder Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Douglas C. Nicholls
  • Patent number: 4522268
    Abstract: Peripheral strengthening of double dished packer wheels used in connection with seeding implements is accomplished by providing a rigid connection for a strong, rigid annulus between the dish-shaped sides of the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1985
    Assignee: Morris Rod Weeder Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: George H. Morris, Douglas C. Nicholls