Patents by Inventor M. Nichols
M. Nichols 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).
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Patent number: 11952172Abstract: An accessory for use with a portable container includes a jacket configured to extend around at least a portion of the sidewall of the container, the jacket including a plurality of modular sections formed separately and connected together around the at least a portion of the sidewall of the container. The modular sections include a first modular section having extending around a first portion of the sidewall of the container, a second modular section connected to the first modular section and extending around a second portion of the sidewall of the container, and at least one additional modular section extending around a third portion of the sidewall of the container. The first and second modular sections have different structural configurations. The accessory also includes a first connection member connected to the jacket and configured to support the jacket in connection with the container.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2022Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: YETI Coolers, LLCInventors: Kyle Edward Rogers, Andrew M. Bosway, Scott Barbieri, Steve Charles Nichols, Mark Carlson Rane, Donald Edward Desroches
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Publication number: 20240092534Abstract: An accessory for use with a portable container includes a jacket configured to extend around at least a portion of the sidewall of the container, the jacket including a plurality of modular sections formed separately and connected together around the at least a portion of the sidewall of the container. The modular sections include a first modular section having extending around a first portion of the sidewall of the container, a second modular section connected to the first modular section and extending around a second portion of the sidewall of the container, and at least one additional modular section extending around a third portion of the sidewall of the container. The first and second modular sections have different structural configurations. The accessory also includes a first connection member connected to the jacket and configured to support the jacket in connection with the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: Kyle Edward Rogers, Andrew M. Bosway, Scott Barbieri, Steve Charles Nichols, Mark Carlson Rane, Donald Edward Desroches
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Publication number: 20240068700Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a primary heat transfer circuit having a first heat exchanger fluidly coupled to an ambient environment and a compressor fluidly coupled to the first heat exchanger and configured to circulate a refrigerant through the primary heat transfer circuit. The HVAC system also includes a secondary heat transfer circuit having a second heat exchanger fluidly coupled to a thermal load and a pump fluidly coupled to the second heat exchanger and configured to circulate a heat transfer fluid through the secondary heat transfer circuit, where the heat transfer fluid is a non-volatile or inert fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2023Publication date: February 29, 2024Inventors: Steven A. Tice, Steven M. Maddox, Jeffrey N. Nichols, Andrew Leroy Hjortland
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Publication number: 20240039261Abstract: An apparatus, such as an electrical device or a wall box, may have a mounting mechanism that may be configured to mount the apparatus to a wall in a manner that may facilitate secure fastening to the wall. The apparatus may comprise at least one mounting clamp that may have a fin and a drum that receives a mounting screw. The fin of the mounting clamp may be configured to be located within a pocket formed in the body. When a mounting screw is driven, the mounting clamp may rotate from the pocket into a position in which the drum of the mounting clamp may be received in a channel formed in the body. The drum may be configured to move through the channel as the mounting screw is further driven. The gap may be sized to retain the mounting clamp within the channel as the drum moves therethrough.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2023Publication date: February 1, 2024Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Jared A. Leese, Joseph M. Nichols
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Publication number: 20230361546Abstract: A control system may include a control device, an electrical wall box having a hole for passing a wire or cable into the wall box, and a gland configured to be inserted into the hole of the wall box. The control device may include a temperature sensor. The wall box may be configured to be mounted to a wall. The control device may be configured to be mounted to the wall box such that the temperature sensor is located within the wall box. A wire or cable may be passed from a wall cavity of the wall, through the gland, into an interior of the wall box, and attached to the temperature control device. The gland and the wall box may be configured to prevent air within the wall cavity from entering the wall box when the wire or cable is passed into the wall box.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2023Publication date: November 9, 2023Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Nikhil V. Bhate, Joseph M. Nichols, Sean Tucker
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Publication number: 20230314688Abstract: A control device, such as a gateway device for a wireless load control system, has a light bar extending around a periphery of an enclosure to provide feedback to a user of the load control system, as well as to provide a pleasing aesthetic effect on the gateway device. The control device may include at least one light-emitting diode mounted to a printed circuit board inside the enclosure, a control circuit mounted to the printed circuit board and operatively coupled to the light-emitting diode for controllably illuminating the light-emitting diode, and a multi-functional mounting structure for mounting the printed circuit board inside the enclosure. The mounting structure may have at least one light-pipe structure for conducting light from the at least one light-emitting diode to the light bar. The mounting structure may have an antenna-mounting structure to which an antenna of the control device may be mounted.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2023Publication date: October 5, 2023Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Matthew P. McDonald, Joseph M. Nichols, Andrew P. Schmalz
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Publication number: 20230279927Abstract: A ball-planetary continuously variable transmission (CVT) capable of stable control in forward and reverse rotation over a range of speed ratios including underdrive and overdrive is provided. Imparting a skew angle (zeta) causes unbalanced forces that change the tilt angle (gamma), resulting in a change in speed ratio of the CVT. Angularly orientating a control system of the CVT with a positive offset angle (psi) configures the CVT for operation in a first direction of rotation or angularly orientating the control system with a negative offset angle (psi) configures the CVT for operation in a reverse direction of rotation. A control system for configuring the offset angle (psi) may lead or trail the planets. The control system may configure a larger offset angle for more stable control or may configure a smaller offset angle for higher sensitivity in potential rollback scenarios.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2022Publication date: September 7, 2023Inventor: Jon M. Nichols
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Patent number: 11735898Abstract: A temperature control system may include a temperature control device, an electrical wall box having a hole for passing a wire or cable into the wall box, and a gland configured to be inserted into the hole of the wall box. The temperature control device may include a temperature sensor. The wall box may be configured to be mounted to a wall. The temperature control device may be configured to be mounted to the wall box such that the temperature sensor is located within the wall box. A wire or cable may be passed from a wall cavity of the wall, through the gland once inserted into the hole of the wall box, into an interior of the wall box, and attached to the temperature control device. The gland and the wall box may be configured to prevent air within the wall cavity from entering the wall box when the wire or cable is passed into the wall box.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2021Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Nikhil V. Bhate, Joseph M. Nichols, Sean Tucker
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Patent number: 11721961Abstract: An apparatus, such as an electrical device or a wall box, may have a mounting mechanism that may be configured to mount the apparatus to a wall in a manner that may facilitate secure fastening to the wall. The apparatus may comprise at least one mounting clamp that may have a fin and a drum that receives a mounting screw. The fin of the mounting clamp may be configured to be located within a pocket formed in the body. When a mounting screw is driven, the mounting clamp may rotate from the pocket into a position in which the drum of the mounting clamp may be received in a channel formed in the body. The drum may be configured to move through the channel as the mounting screw is further driven. The gap may be sized to retain the mounting clamp within the channel as the drum moves therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2021Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Jared A. Leese, Joseph M. Nichols
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Patent number: 11703624Abstract: A control device, such as a gateway device for a wireless load control system, has a light bar extending around a periphery of an enclosure to provide feedback to a user of the load control system, as well as to provide a pleasing aesthetic effect on the gateway device. The control device may include at least one light-emitting diode mounted to a printed circuit board inside the enclosure, a control circuit mounted to the printed circuit board and operatively coupled to the light-emitting diode for controllably illuminating the light-emitting diode, and a multi-functional mounting structure for mounting the printed circuit board inside the enclosure. The mounting structure may have at least one light-pipe structure for conducting light from the at least one light-emitting diode to the light bar. The mounting structure may have an antenna-mounting structure to which an antenna of the control device may be mounted.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2020Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Matthew P. McDonald, Joseph M. Nichols, Andrew P. Schmalz
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Patent number: 11655776Abstract: An automobile vehicle engine includes multiple water jackets individually formed in a cast engine block proximate to successive ones of multiple cylinder bores. Multiple cast-in place transition regions are individually formed during a casting operation of the cast engine block at entrances to individual ones of the multiple water jackets. Individual ones of multiple sawcuts open into individual ones of the multiple cast-in place transition regions.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2022Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Ronald John Petrus, Richard M. Nichols, III, Brian C. Leuenhagen, William A. Berry, Qigui Wang, James T. Singer
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Publication number: 20230098193Abstract: The invention provides recombinant DNA molecules and constructs, as well as their nucleotide sequences, useful for modulating gene expression in plants. The invention also provides transgenic plants, plant cells, plant parts, and seeds comprising a recombinant DNA molecule comprising a DNA molecule operably linked to heterologous transcribable DNA molecule, as are methods of their use.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2022Publication date: March 30, 2023Inventors: Jaishree M. Chittoor, Amy J. Miyamoto, Amy M. Nichols, Mohammed Oufattole, Michael W. Petersen
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Patent number: 11554413Abstract: A system for making a hybrid cam bore sand core with metal chills for an engine block includes an engine block cast of an aluminum material. A camshaft bore extends through the engine block. A cam bore sand core with at least one metal chill is positioned within the camshaft bore. A body portion of the at least one metal chill is positioned in direct contact with a cam bearing surface of at least one cam bearing member during casting of the engine block to increase a cooling rate of the at least one cam bearing member and create a crystalline material depth of the cam bearing member having enhanced mechanical properties.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2021Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Ronald J. Petrus, Qigui Wang, Richard M. Nichols, III, Brian C. Leuenhagen
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Patent number: 11530739Abstract: A ball-planetary continuously variable transmission (CVT) capable of stable control in forward and reverse rotation over a range of speed ratios including underdrive and overdrive is provided. Imparting a skew angle (zeta) causes unbalanced forces that change the tilt angle (gamma), resulting in a change in speed ratio of the CVT. Angularly orientating a control system of the CVT with a positive offset angle (psi) configures the CVT for operation in a first direction of rotation or angularly orientating the control system with a negative offset angle (psi) configures the CVT for operation in a reverse direction of rotation. A control system for configuring the offset angle (psi) may lead or trail the planets. The control system may configure a larger offset angle for more stable control or may configure a smaller offset angle for higher sensitivity in potential rollback scenarios.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2021Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLCInventor: Jon M. Nichols
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Patent number: 11485981Abstract: Recombinant DNA molecules and constructs useful for modulating gene expression in plants, including molecules derived from Medicago truncatula sequences, are provided. Plants, plant cells, plant parts, and seeds comprising recombinant DNA molecules operably linked to heterologous transcribable DNA molecules are further provided, as are methods of their use.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2019Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY LLCInventors: Jaishree M. Chittoor, Amy J. Miyamoto, Amy M. Nichols, Mohammed Oufattole, Michael W. Petersen
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Patent number: 11454303Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a main axle is adapted to receive a shift rod that cooperates with a shift rod nut to actuate a ratio change in a CVT. In another embodiment, an axial force generating mechanism can include a torsion spring, a traction ring adapted to receive the torsion spring, and a roller cage retainer configured to cooperate with the traction ring to house the torsion spring. Various inventive idler-and-shift-cam assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. Embodiments of a hub shell and a hub cover are adapted to house components of a CVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces and braking features for a CVT are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2019Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLCInventors: Jon M. Nichols, Brad P. Pohl, Daniel J. Dawe, Oronde J. Armstrong, Charles B. Lohr, Loren T. McDaniel, Matthew P. Simister, Fernand A. Thomassy, Ghayyurul I. Usmani, Paul M. Elhardt, Terry L. Stewart, Peter D. Poxton, Elton L. Eidson
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Publication number: 20220280693Abstract: Tissue derived porous matrices for treating wounds are provided, as well as methods for making and using them. The tissue derived porous matrices comprise processed tissue of any of several types, such as dermis, adipose, etc., and have a plurality of interconnected pores which allow fluid flow through the matrices. The tissue derived matrices are biocompatible resorbable matrices which remodel with native tissue and facilitate and enhance cell infiltration and tissue ingrowth into the matrices during the wound healing process, thereby enhancing wound healing and tissue remodeling when implanted into a patient. The tissue derived matrices are useful with reduced or negative pressure wound healing methods and systems, without the need to repeatedly revisit the treatment site and remove previously implanted matrices.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2020Publication date: September 8, 2022Inventors: Christopher M. Nichols, Abigail Phipps, Andrew Madans, Kevin Wu, Evangelia Chnari
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Publication number: 20220241851Abstract: A system for making a hybrid cam bore sand core with metal chills for an engine block includes an engine block cast of an aluminum material. A camshaft bore extends through the engine block. A cam bore sand core with at least one metal chill is positioned within the camshaft bore. A body portion of the at least one metal chill is positioned in direct contact with a cam bearing surface of at least one cam bearing member during casting of the engine block to increase a cooling rate of the at least one cam bearing member and create a crystalline material depth of the cam bearing member having enhanced mechanical properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2021Publication date: August 4, 2022Inventors: Ronald J. Petrus, Qigui Wang, Richard M. Nichols, III, Brian C. Leuenhagen
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Publication number: 20220120340Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a main axle is adapted to receive a shift rod that cooperates with a shift rod nut to actuate a ratio change in a CVT. In another embodiment, an axial force generating mechanism can include a torsion spring, a traction ring adapted to receive the torsion spring, and a roller cage retainer configured to cooperate with the traction ring to house the torsion spring. Various inventive idler-and-shift-cam assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. Embodiments of a hub shell and a hub cover are adapted to house components of a CVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces and braking features for a CVT are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2021Publication date: April 21, 2022Inventors: Jon M. Nichols, Brad P. Pohl, Daniel J. Dawe, Oronde J. Armstrong, Charles B. Lohr, Loren T. McDaniel, Matthew P. Simister, Fernand A. Thomassy, Ghayyurul I. Usmani, Paul M. Elhardt, Terry L. Stewart, Peter D. Poxton, Elton L. Eidson
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Patent number: 11290212Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for calculating time delays by a Wasserstein approach are provided. A plurality of signals are recorded by a plurality of sensors (three or more), respectively, and received at a controller. The plurality of signals recorded by the plurality of sensors are generated in response to a signal emitted by a source. The plurality of signals are converted into a plurality of probability density functions. A cumulative distribution transform for each of the plurality of probability density functions is calculated. A time delay for each unique pair of the plurality of sensors is calculated by minimizing a Wasserstein distance between two cumulative distribution transforms corresponding to the unique pair of the plurality of sensors.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2020Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Meredith N. Hutchinson, Jonathan M. Nichols, Gustavo K. Rohde, Nicole Menkart, Geoffrey A. Cranch