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).

  • Patent number: 9945456
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmissions (CVT), includes a main axle adapted to receive a shift rod that cooperates with a shift rod nut to actuate a ratio change in a CVT. 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. Power roller-leg assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. 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: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Jon M Nichols, Daniel J Dawe, Oronde J Armstrong
  • Patent number: 9945610
    Abstract: An oven may facilitate heating, curing, and/or drying processes for manufactured items, such as shoe parts, using multiple groups of infrared sources. Each group of infrared sources may comprise a plurality of sources having heating parameters, such as a peak wavelength, power, distance from items to be cured, number of infrared sources, etc. By staging different types of sources throughout an oven, different aspects of the curing process may be performed in an efficient fashion. Further, conditions within the oven such as temperature and relative humidity may be monitored and adjusted to optimize curing conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Shih-Yuan Wu, Patrick Conall Regan, Guo-Chang Wang, Geoff M. Nichols, Chih-Chi Chang
  • Patent number: 9938535
    Abstract: Recombinant DNA molecules and constructs useful for modulating gene expression in plants, including molecules derived from Medicago truncatula sequences, are provided. Transgenic 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: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Jaishree M. Chittoor, Amy J. Miyamoto, Amy M. Nichols, Mohammed Oufattole, Michael W. Petersen
  • Patent number: 9938534
    Abstract: Recombinant DNA molecules and constructs useful for modulating gene expression in plants, including molecules derived from Medicago truncatula sequences, are provided. Transgenic 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: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Jaishree M. Chittoor, Amy J. Miyamoto, Amy M. Nichols, Mohammed Oufattole, Michael W. Petersen
  • Patent number: 9920823
    Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVT. In another embodiment, a control system includes a stator plate configured to have a plurality of radially offset slots. Various inventive traction planet assemblies and stator plates can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the traction planet assemblies include planet axles configured to cooperate with the stator plate. In one embodiment, the stator plate is configured to rotate and apply a skew condition to each of the planet axles. In some embodiments, a stator driver is operably coupled to the stator plate. Embodiments of a traction sun are adapted to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces for a CVT are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Jon M. Nichols, Gregory G. Stevenson, Brad P. Pohl, Fernand A. Thomassy, Charles B. Lohr, Jeremy Carter, John W. Sherrill, Brian B. Sweet
  • Publication number: 20180062941
    Abstract: A data store may contain data describing systems associated with an enterprise. The data store may contain electronic records, each containing a record identifier and a set of record characteristic values, including a service tier goal. A compliance score may be automatically calculated based on an assessment of record characteristic values, the service tier goal, and at least a system availability value, an incident response time value, and an incident restoration time value. A remediation recommendation may be generated, including steps that, when performed, will result in the selected system meeting the service tier goal. An indication representing the remediation recommendation may then be transmitted in connection with an interactive user interface display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Patrick D. Brown, John G. Buccetti, Daniel R. Console, Lisa J. Kissane, Robert M. Nichols, Hugh J. Quinn, Irma Rivera, Kenneth A. Saucier, Angela L Secondino, Susan R. Vecchio, Donna M. Warnock
  • Patent number: 9882276
    Abstract: A method of articulating a sensor comprising the steps applying a friction force on a curved surface of a sensor support frame with a friction drive actuator for pivoting the sensor support frame about a pivot point for altering an elevation and azimuth angle of the sensor. The sensor may be maintained at a predetermined elevation angle while the sensor support frame is pivoted about the pivot point with the friction drive actuator for altering an azimuth angle of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Richard R. Hall, Peter M. Nichols
  • Publication number: 20170314655
    Abstract: Traction planets and traction rings can be operationally coupled to a planetary gearset to provide a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT can be used in a bicycle. In one embodiment, the CVT is mounted on the frame of the bicycle at a location forward of the rear wheel hub of the bicycle. In one embodiment, the CVT is mounted on and supported by members of the bicycle frame such that the CVT is coaxial with the crankshaft of the bicycle. The crankshaft is configured to drive elements of the planetary gearset, which are configured to operationally drive the traction rings and the traction planets. Inventive component and subassemblies for such a CVT are disclosed. A shifting mechanism includes a plurality of pivot arms arranged to pivot about the centers of the traction planets as a shift pin hub moves axially.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Donald C. Miller, Robert A. Smithson, Brad P. Pohl, Charles B. Lohr, Jon M. Nichols
  • Publication number: 20170276217
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) can be used in concert with an electric motor to facilitate power assistance to a rider in a bicycle. In some embodiments, the CVT and motor is mounted on the frame of the bicycle at a location forward of the rear wheel hub of the bicycle. In some embodiments, the CVT is mounted on and supported by members of the bicycle frame such that the CVT is coaxial with the crankshaft of the bicycle. The crankshaft is configured to drive elements of the CVT, which are configured to operationally drive the traction rings and the traction planets. In some embodiments, the motor is configured to drive elements of the CVT. In other embodiments, the motor is configured to drive the crankshaft. Inventive component and subassemblies for such a CVT are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Inventors: Jon M. Nichols, Christopher M. Vasiliotis
  • Publication number: 20170268638
    Abstract: Components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for improving the performance and increasing the life of continuously variable transmissions (CVT). A first stator may be formed with an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of a second stator. A stator may have radial slots formed to extend farther radially inward than slots on the other stator. The larger outer diameter of a stator or the formation of guide slots on a first stator extending farther radially inward of guide slots on a second stator may prevent egress of a planet axle from a radial slot, increase range of the CVT, allow for larger tolerances to reduce losses, and other advantages, Slots on a timing plate may be formed having a width greater than a width of guide slots formed on either stator to allow the stators to control adjustments while the timing plate avoids runaway axles. The shape, including junction between surfaces on a timing plate or stator may also prevent an axle from egressing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Jon M. Nichols, Brian Benjamin Sweet, Brad P. Pohl, Fernand A. Thomassy, William J. Elliott, David Galvin, Daniel J. Dawe
  • Patent number: 9714447
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to characterization of biological samples by amplification detection in a porous substrate. By way of example, a porous substrate may include amplification reagents configured to provide a signal when released during amplification. When a sample is applied, amplification occurs as a wavefront from the application point, and the time that the wavefront reaches a distance on the porous substrate is related to an initial concentration of the sample applied. By detecting the distance traveled by the amplification products at one or more time points, an initial concentration of the sample may be estimated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Erin Jean Finehout, Christopher Michael Puleo, Ralf Lenigk, Jason M. Nichols, John Nelson
  • Patent number: 9709138
    Abstract: Traction planets and traction rings can be operationally coupled to a planetary gearset to provide a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT can be used in a bicycle. In one embodiment, the CVT is mounted on the frame of the bicycle at a location forward of the rear wheel hub of the bicycle. In one embodiment, the CVT is mounted on and supported by members of the bicycle frame such that the CVT is coaxial with the crankshaft of the bicycle. The crankshaft is configured to drive elements of the planetary gearset, which are configured to operationally drive the traction rings and the traction planets. Inventive component and subassemblies for such a CVT are disclosed. A shifting mechanism includes a plurality of pivot arms arranged to pivot about the centers of the traction planets as a shift pin hub moves axially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Donald C. Miller, Robert A. Smithson, Brad P. Pohl, Charles B. Lohr, Jon M. Nichols
  • Publication number: 20170190048
    Abstract: The embodiments relate to a distributed marsupial robotic system. The system includes a parent component having a sensor suite to obtain and process environment data via a parent pattern classification algorithm, and one or more child components each having a sensor suite to obtain and process environment data via a child pattern classification algorithm. Each sensor suite includes one or more sensor devices in communication with a processing unit and memory. Each child component is configured to dock to the parent component, and to separate from the parent component in response to a deployment signal. Each child component obtains environment data during separation. The parent component is configured to construct a map of the environment by receiving and integrating the data obtained by each child component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Applicant: Anthrotronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack M. Vice, Anna D. Skinner, Joshua M. Nichols
  • Publication number: 20170167134
    Abstract: A wall framing system for supporting an interior wall in spaced proximity to an exterior wall includes one or more stud members extending between upper and lower frame channel members, which are configured to self-locate in relation to the exterior wall in a manner which establishes a moisture and air barrier between the exterior wall and the interior wall supported by the wall framing system. The interior wall supported by the wall framing system is resistant to moisture degradation, and maintains desired R-value insulation properties throughout the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Scott C. Mayer, Karl A. Sherry, David M. Nichols
  • Patent number: 9677650
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) can be used in concert with an electric motor to facilitate power assistance to a rider in a bicycle. In some embodiments, the CVT and motor is mounted on the frame of the bicycle at a location forward of the rear wheel hub of the bicycle. In some embodiments, the CVT is mounted on and supported by members of the bicycle frame such that the CVT is coaxial with the crankshaft of the bicycle. The crankshaft is configured to drive elements of the CVT, which are configured to operationally drive the traction rings and the traction planets. In some embodiments, the motor is configured to drive elements of the CVT. In other embodiments, the motor is configured to drive the crankshaft. Inventive component and subassemblies for such a CVT are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Jon M. Nichols, Christopher M. Vasiliotis
  • Patent number: 9654208
    Abstract: A photonic compressive sampling system includes a photonic link with at least one electro-optic modulator that modulates a continuous wave optical energy with both an electrical analog signal and a pseudorandom bit sequence signal. A photodetector receives the modulated optical energy from the electro-optic modulator, and an electrical digitizer digitizes the output from the photodetector. The system enables signal recovery beyond the Nyquist limit of the digitizer. The signal being recovered has a sparse (low-dimensional) representation and the digitized samples are incoherent with this representation. An all-photonic system can faithfully recover a 1 GHz harmonic signal even when digitizing at 500 MS/s, well below the Nyquist rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Frank Bucholtz, Jonathan M. Nichols
  • Publication number: 20170102053
    Abstract: 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 carrier assembly to facilitate the support of components in a CVT. In another embodiment, a carrier includes a stator support member and a stator interfacial member. In some embodiments, the stator interfacial member is configured to interact with planet subassemblies of a CVT. Various inventive planet subassemblies and idler assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the planet subassemblies include legs configured to have a sliding interface with a carrier assembly. Embodiments of a hub shell, 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: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: April 13, 2017
    Inventors: Jon M. Nichols, Matthew P. Simister, Daniel J. Dawe, Charles B. Lohr, Timothy M. Obrzut
  • Patent number: 9616361
    Abstract: A system is provided for separating particulates dispersed within a base fluid wherein at least one of the particulates and the base fluid is an organic liquid. The system relies on a microfluidic separation device comprising a microchannel in fluid communication across a microporous body with a collection chamber. Particulates and a portion of the base fluid traverse the microporous body under the influence of an external force field and are collected in the collection chamber. A first fluid flow having a first flow rate through the microchannel together with the microporous body operationally generate a second fluid flow within the collection chamber as base fluid and particulates traverse the microporous body and enter the collection chamber, and as base fluid re-traverses the microporous body and re-enters the microchannel, the second fluid flow having a flow rate which is a fraction of the first flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Puleo, Jason Louis Davis, Jason M. Nichols
  • Patent number: 9611640
    Abstract: A wall framing system for supporting an interior wall in spaced proximity to an exterior wall includes one or more stud members extending between upper and lower frame channel members, which are configured to self-locate in relation to the exterior wall in a manner which establishes a moisture and air barrier between the exterior wall and the interior wall supported by the wall framing system. The interior wall supported by the wall framing system is resistant to moisture degradation, and maintains desired R-value insulation properties throughout the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Adirondack Group, LLC
    Inventors: Scott C. Mayer, Karl A. Sherry, David M. Nichols
  • Patent number: 9573999
    Abstract: A disease or condition, such as cancer or an infectious disease, can be treated in a patient by administering a CTLA-4 antibody in an escalating dosage regimen until a partial or complete response is elicited in the patient or a pre-determined maximum dosage is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: E. R. SQUIBB & SONS, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Geoffrey M. Nichol, Israel Lowy