Patents by Inventor James A. Nicholson

James A. 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: 20080172923
    Abstract: The present invention replaces the conventional spinning blade with a Cobra spoon and eliminates the clevis. Cobra spoon has a head and a wing. The wing has a convex and a concave surface. The head of the spoon is bent against concave surface of the wing to form an angle of 120 degrees, not less than 90 degrees. The Cobra coastlock snap with a proximal eyelet, a main long arm, a secondary short arm, and a distal eyelet supports all lure's components. The proximal eyelet is attached to the line. The body weight, the bead, and Cobra spoon are mounted directly on main arm. The secondary arm in closed position locks the body weight, sustains the bead, which is the bearing for Cobra spoon, and secures the hook in distal eyelet. The Cobra coastlock snap in open position releases the hook and gives a fisherman the possibility to choose any hook or fly in accordance with fishing circumstances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: James Nicholson
  • Publication number: 20070232176
    Abstract: A composite flame retardant fabric is provided comprising an interior layer formed of thermoplastic fibers and exterior nonwoven webs on opposite sides of the interior layer. The exterior webs are formed of cellulosic fibers that include a flame retardant chemical. The interior layer provides strength and integrity to the composite fabric while allowing the composite to remain flexible and light in weight. The exterior layers impart flame retardant properties to the composite. Preferably, the interior layer is a spunbonded nonwoven fabric, and in a preferred embodiment the interior layer is a polyester spunbond nonwoven fabric. The exterior layers are preferably carded nonwoven webs, and in a preferred embodiment, the carded webs comprise rayon fibers that have been treated with a flame retardant chemical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventors: Arthur Cashin, James Nicholson
  • Publication number: 20070134611
    Abstract: Self-ligating orthodontic brackets, each of which is formed of materials exhibiting shape memory and includes a base from which extend at least one tie wing. The tie wing includes a pair or tie wing posts which are normally spaced to retain an archwire within the guide slot. At least one of each pair of opposing tie wings is flexible and/or yieldable relative to the other to permit insertion and/or removal of the archwire relative to the guide slot. Portions of the brackets may be coated to reduce friction between the archwire slot and the archwire and to promote aesthetics and overall bracket appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 14, 2007
    Inventor: James Nicholson
  • Publication number: 20070124543
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for externally invalidating an uncertain cache line. In one embodiment, a monitor module monitors a processor module bus. A detection module detects a processor module evicting a cache line from a cache module. The cache line may be in an uncertain state. An invalidation module invalidates the cache line with an invalidation command directed to the processor module. In one embodiment, an update module updates a cache directory external to the processor module. The apparatus, system, and method increase memory and processor bandwidth by eliminating the need to snoop the processor module bus for evicted cache lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Publication date: May 31, 2007
    Inventors: Sudhir Dhawan, James Nicholson
  • Patent number: 7175428
    Abstract: Self-ligating orthodontic brackets which are at least partially formed of materials exhibiting shape memory each of which includes a base from which extends two spaced and opposing pairs of tie wings each pair of which define an archwire guide slot therebetween. Each of the opposing tie wings include portions which are normally spaced to retain an archwire within the archwire guide slot but at least a portion of one of each pair of opposing tie wings is yieldable relative to the other to permit insertion and/or removal of the archwire relative to the archwire guide slot. Portions of the brackets may be coated to reduce friction between the archwire guide slot and the archwire and to promote aesthetics and overall bracket appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: James A. Nicholson
  • Patent number: 7074203
    Abstract: A rivet-like bone anchor has a floating washer at its head that can adapt to an angled bone surface and, thereby, better secure a tissue thereto. The anchor includes a rivet, an expandable sleeve, and a washer. The rivet includes a head and an elongate body having proximal and distal ends, the head being mounted on the proximal end of the elongate body. The expandable sleeve has an inner bore adapted to receive the rivet body. The washer “floats” at a proximal end of the sleeve. As the rivet is inserted into sleeve, the sleeve expands into an interference fit with the bone. The head of the rivet, moreover, forces the floating washer into contact with the tissue at an angle that conforms to that of the underlying bone surface. A deployment tool permits the anchor to be deployed without application of unnecessary counterforce. The tool includes an outer tube, the distal end of which can hold the anchor housing, e.g., via a screw fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: DePuy Mitek, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Johanson, John Rice, Rickey Hart, James Nicholson
  • Publication number: 20060003281
    Abstract: Self-ligating orthodontic brackets which are at least partially formed of materials exhibiting shape memory each of which includes a base from which extends two spaced and opposing pairs of tie wings each pair of which define an archwire guide slot therebetween. Each of the opposing tie wings include portions which are normally spaced to retain an archwire within the archwire guide slot but at least a portion of one of each pair of opposing tie wings is yieldable relative to the other to permit insertion and/or removal of the archwire relative to the archwire guide slot. Portions of the brackets may be coated to reduce friction between the archwire guide slot and the archwire and to promote aesthetics and overall bracket appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Publication date: January 5, 2006
    Inventor: James Nicholson
  • Publication number: 20060003282
    Abstract: Self-ligating orthodontic brackets with archwire retainers formed of materials exhibiting shape memory. Each bracket which includes a base from which extends two spaced and opposing pairs of tie wings each pair of which define an archwire guide slot therebetween. The retainers include at least one flange to retain an archwire within the archwire guide slot but which is yieldable to permit insertion and/or removal of the archwire relative to the archwire guide slots. Portions of the brackets and/or retainer may be coated to reduce friction between the archwire and the bracket and to promote aesthetics and overall bracket appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Publication date: January 5, 2006
    Inventor: James Nicholson
  • Publication number: 20050153665
    Abstract: An antenna system is disclosed, to be used with a radio component particularly a wireless access point or bridge. The present system includes an antenna element for transmitting and receiving signals at radio frequencies. An antenna connector is provided for establishing a signal connection between the antenna element and a radio component. An electronic serialization component is provided for indicating one or more predetermined antenna characteristics. This component is adapted to read out the predetermined antenna characteristics through the antenna connector to the radio component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Publication date: July 14, 2005
    Inventor: James Nicholson
  • Publication number: 20050131450
    Abstract: A system for treating a vascular condition, including a hollow guidewire, a core wire inserted through the hollow guidewire, and an embolic containment device. The core wire includes a tapered undulating section carried within the hollow guidewire. The embolic containment device is coupled between a distal end of the hollow guidewire and a distal end of the core wire. The tapered undulating section of the core wire provides frictional control of the embolic containment device based on a direction of core wire translation within the hollow guidewire. A method of treating a vascular condition and a guidewire-based embolic filter system are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Publication date: June 16, 2005
    Inventors: James Nicholson, Michael Noone
  • Publication number: 20050038437
    Abstract: An improved method for attaching soft tissue to bone by passing a suture through an opening in the bone, e.g., a transosseous tunnel, and affixing the soft tissue with the suture. The improvement, for preventing the suture from migrating through the bone at the end of the opening, includes placing a eyelet into an end of the bone opening and passing the suture through the eyelet, as well as through the opening in the bone, in order to affix the soft tissue to the bone with the suture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Applicant: ETHICON, INC.
    Inventors: Dennis McDevitt, James Nicholson
  • Patent number: 6830572
    Abstract: An improved method for attaching soft tissue to bone by passing a suture through an opening in the bone, e.g., a transosseous tunnel, and affixing the soft tissue with the suture. The improvement, for preventing the suture from migrating through the bone at the end of the opening, includes placing a eyelet into an end of the bone opening and passing the suture through the eyelet, as well as through the opening in the bone, in order to affix the soft tissue to the bone with the suture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Depuy Mitex, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis McDevitt, James Nicholson
  • Patent number: 6807232
    Abstract: A system and method for multiplexing synchronous parallel digital data streams with different clock frequencies into a single data stream while preserving each data stream's timing integrity. A plurality of digital data inputs and corresponding clock inputs are coupled to corresponding FIFOs (First In First Out buffers), which are coupled to a data multiplexer (MUX). Each clock input is coupled to a clock MUX which couples to each FIFO and the data MUX. Finally, a transition state machine is coupled to the clock MUX, the data MUX, and the FIFOs. Each digital data input receives a data stream from a source, such as a digital video camera, while the corresponding clock input concurrently receives a corresponding clock signal. The transition state machine controls the selection of a data stream from the MUXed data streams and the selection of the corresponding clock signal from the MUXed clock signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: James Nicholson, Charles Schroeder, Brian Johnson
  • Patent number: 6796166
    Abstract: A sensing device formed upon a substrate, including a method of forming the sensing device. A substrate can be provided, which is formed from a polymer. A sensor circuit can then be patterned and formed upon the substrate. One or more carbonized filaments can also be formed upon the substrate for use with the sensor circuit. The sensor circuit itself can comprise a capacitive type sensor circuit. A polymer can be coated over the sensor circuit and circuit components thereof to form an all polymer sensor for use in detecting chemical agents. Such a hygrosensitive polymer can comprise, for example, HMPTAC (2-hydroxy-3-methacryloxypropyl trimethylammonium chloride). The all polymer sensor formed thereof can also be utilized as a humidity sensor. The polymer can be laser carbonized by an argon ion laser to form the plurality of carbonized filaments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Augustus Way Fountains, III, John M. Ingram, James A. Nicholson
  • Patent number: 6779837
    Abstract: A vehicle sunroof is provided with side shields formed of a mesh material. The side shields prevent inadvertent pinching of an occupant's hand by the mechanism for driving the sunroof panel to move, when the panel is in its vent position. The mesh material allows flow of air into the cab of the vehicle when the panel is in the vent position. The side shield is also formed to have a shape such that the rear end of the side shield extends for a greater length then does the forward end. In this way, the shape of the side shield better matches the pivoting movement of the panel, and there is less unnecessary material which must be accommodated when the sunroof is in its closed position. Also, the side shield has a better visual appearance then does the prior art side shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Cooney, Troy Allan, David Newkirk, James Nicholson, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030152726
    Abstract: Polyester containers having a reduced coefficient of friction (“COF”) are produced by increasing the surface roughness of the polyester using either thermal crystallization or solvent crystallization. Because the low COF reduces or eliminates friction between polyester containers, the containers do not become entangled and disrupt the manufacturing process. As a result, the containers move easily through typical conveying and filling lines in manufacturing processes that use the containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Steven Lee Stafford, Lavonna Suzanne Buehrig, Louis Thomas Germinario, Eric Jon Moskala, David Paul Fischer, Michael Eugene Donelson, Steven Matthew Scheffer, Darrin James Nicholson, Maurice Harold Hodgson, Fabian Clarke Pike, Jeff Erich Neff
  • Patent number: 6542267
    Abstract: A passive fiber local access architecture and signaling plan is disclosed which enables the local exchange network to meet the need, as defined by the International Telecommunications Union(ITU) in References 7 and 8, for an economic means of providing a multitude of services to subscribers over a single medium. Integrating disparate signals compatibly and symmetrically over one medium dictates that all digital transmission and signaling at speeds in excess of 100 Mbps be used on the link. The additional bandwidth needed to support this expanded capacity demand points to glass fiber as the most suitable candidate for this role. A failure tolerant, diversely routed redundant ring cabling architecture provides a dedicated fiber or fiber pair to each premises from the local exchange carrier POP, eliminating the need for intermediate nodes. line power, signal splitters, amplifiers or metallic loops in the last mile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Paul James Nicholson
  • Publication number: 20020133179
    Abstract: An improved method for attaching soft tissue to bone by passing a suture through an opening in the bone, e.g., a transosseous tunnel, and affixing the soft tissue with the suture. The improvement, for preventing the suture from migrating through the bone at the end of the opening, includes placing a eyelet into an end of the bone opening and passing the suture through the eyelet, as well as through the opening in the bone, in order to affix the soft tissue to the bone with the suture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Dennis McDevitt, James Nicholson
  • Patent number: 6446393
    Abstract: A watertight door apparatus includes a door, a door frame, a number of dogging elements, and an actuator mechanism for toggling the dogging elements between a latched condition and an unlatched condition. The dogging elements include roller elements for reducing friction between mating parts. A detent mechanism is provided to prevent inadvertent operation of the actuator mechanism. The dogging elements can be configured to rotate into and out of the latched condition, or they can be configured to slide into and out of the latched condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Bath Iron Works Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Jay Marston, Sr., John Alford Miller, Conrad Stone Brooks, Pantelis Zolas, Stephen James Nicholson
  • Patent number: H2132
    Abstract: Polyester containers having a reduced coefficient of friction (“COF”) are produced by increasing the surface roughness of the polyester using either thermal crystallization or solvent crystallization. Because the low COF reduces or eliminates friction between polyester containers, the containers do not become entangled and disrupt the manufacturing process. As a result, the containers move easily through typical conveying and filling lines in manufacturing processes that use the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Steven Lee Stafford, Lavonna Suzanne Buehrig, Louis Thomas Germinario, Eric Jon Moskala, David Paul Fischer, Michael Eugene Donelson, Steven Matthew Scheffer, Darrin James Nicholson, Maurice Harold Hodgson, Fabian Clarke Pike, Jeff Erich Neff