Patents by Inventor Greg Nickel

Greg Nickel 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: 20240060765
    Abstract: A method can include authenticating the at least one inspection device to a user, presenting overlay data on an image of an inspected object showing inspection points, measuring at least a thickness of a layer at the inspection points, and acquiring at least one image of the inspected device. Object identification (ID) data for the inspected device can be received. Thickness measurements and object ID data can be transmitted and received at a server system as input values for a machine learned statistical model. Corresponding devices and systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2023
    Publication date: February 22, 2024
    Inventor: Greg Nickel
  • Patent number: 11821728
    Abstract: A method can include identifying an inspected object with an inspection device; viewing the inspected object through an augmented reality device to identify points; and measuring a thickness of a layer at the inspection points. In response to detecting a region of interest on the surface of the inspected object, an image of the region of interest can be taken. By operation of communication circuits, at least the thickness measurements and images can be transmitted to a server system. A value of the inspected object can be adjusted based on at least the thickness measurements and images from the at least one inspection device. Corresponding devices and systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Inventor: Greg Nickel
  • Patent number: 11566881
    Abstract: An inspection system can include a handheld inspection device having a meter portion comprising at least two different paint meters, at least one display, at least one processor configured to present paint measuring locations on an inspected object on the at least one display, and communication circuits configured to transmit inspection data generated by meter portion. Based on inspection results, a value of the inspected object can be automatically adjusted. A database can store inspection data for large numbers of objects, and track locations of objects. Corresponding methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Inventor: Greg Nickel
  • Publication number: 20230016487
    Abstract: A method can include identifying an inspected object with an inspection device; viewing the inspected object through an augmented reality device to identify points; and measuring a thickness of a layer at the inspection points. In response to detecting a region of interest on the surface of the inspected object, an image of the region of interest can be taken. By operation of communication circuits, at least the thickness measurements and images can be transmitted to a server system. A value of the inspected object can be adjusted based on at least the thickness measurements and images from the at least one inspection device. Corresponding devices and systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventor: Greg Nickel
  • Publication number: 20190301845
    Abstract: An inspection system can include a handheld inspection device having a meter portion comprising at least two different paint meters, at least one display, at least one processor configured to present paint measuring locations on an inspected object on the at least one display, and communication circuits configured to transmit inspection data generated by meter portion. Based on inspection results, a value of the inspected object can be automatically adjusted. A database can store inspection data for large numbers of objects, and track locations of objects. Corresponding methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Inventor: Greg Nickel
  • Patent number: 7781657
    Abstract: A resonating device is disclosed. The device can include a generally planar first portion, a second portion opposite the first portion, and a body portion. The body portion generally has a first stiffness and includes a discontinuity with a second stiffness that is less than the first stiffness. The discontinuity is positioned to allow the body portion to circumferentially vibrate relative to the discontinuity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: Greg Nickel
  • Patent number: 7649132
    Abstract: Snare drum assemblies, including assemblies with flexible snare anchors, and associated methods are described. A drum assembly in accordance with one embodiment includes a set of snare strands, each having a first end and a second end, a first, flexible snare anchor connected directly to the snare strands toward the first ends, and a second, flexible snare anchor connected directly to the snare strands towards the second ends. The snare anchors can be flexible between a first shape and a second shape different than the first shape when attaching the snare anchors to a drum. The first and second snare anchors can have generally flat, uniform shapes when not under tension, and can have a relatively thin profile (e.g., thickness) to provide for contact between the snare strands and a drum head in one or more orientations. In further particular embodiments, the drum head against which the snare assembly is positioned need not include snare beds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventor: Greg Nickel
  • Publication number: 20090223346
    Abstract: Snare drum assemblies, including assemblies with flexible snare anchors, and associated methods are described. A drum assembly in accordance with one embodiment includes a set of snare strands, each having a first end and a second end, a first, flexible snare anchor connected directly to the snare strands toward the first ends, and a second, flexible snare anchor connected directly to the snare strands towards the second ends. The snare anchors can be flexible between a first shape and a second shape different than the first shape when attaching the snare anchors to a drum. The first and second snare anchors can have generally flat, uniform shapes when not under tension, and can have a relatively thin profile (e.g., thickness) to provide for contact between the snare strands and a drum head in one or more orientations. In further particular embodiments, the drum head against which the snare assembly is positioned need not include snare beds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Greg Nickel
  • Publication number: 20060156898
    Abstract: A resonating device is disclosed. The device can include a generally planar first portion, a second portion opposite the first portion, and a body portion. The body portion generally has a first stiffness and includes a discontinuity with a second stiffness that is less than the first stiffness. The discontinuity is positioned to allow the body portion to circumferentially vibrate relative to the discontinuity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Publication date: July 20, 2006
    Inventor: Greg Nickel