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).

  • Publication number: 20150244598
    Abstract: A remote sensing system comprising localized sensors and monitoring by one or more servers is described. The sensors capture data from computers and the network, provide that information to the one or more servers, and the one or more servers identify trends and anomalies in the information collected. The one or more servers provide information regarding the trends and anomalies to the computers. Optionally, the one or more servers can push changes to the sensors, such as updates to software code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: Endgame Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Nils D. Puhlmann, John Herren, Earle W. Ady, Michael Kelly Whalen, Justin Trent Altman, David M. Nichols, Robert Geoffrey Meyers, Anderson Osagie, Sudhanshu Sethi
  • Patent number: 9086145
    Abstract: Mechanisms and methods for clamping force generation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a clamping force generator includes a spring coupled to a traction ring and to a load cam roller cage. The traction ring can be provided with a recess to receive the spring. In some embodiments, a relatively short spring is provided. In other embodiments, a spring couples to a wire and the spring-wire combination couples to the traction ring and the load cam roller cage. In some embodiments, the load cam roller cage is provided with tabs adapted to engage the wire and/or the spring. In yet other embodiments, the traction ring is configured to receive a dowel pin for coupling to the spring. One or more of the tabs can include a tab notch that cooperates with a stop pin coupled to the traction ring to provide adjustment of the travel of the load cam roller cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Brad P Pohl, Daniel J Dawe, Charles B Lohr, Jon M Nichols
  • Patent number: 9074674
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Jon M Nichols, Matthew P Simister, Daniel J Dawe, Charles B Lohr, Timothy M Obrzut
  • Patent number: 9062111
    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: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: MEDAREX, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Geoffrey M. Nichol, Israel Lowy
  • Publication number: 20150165346
    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: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Puleo, Jason Louis Davis, Jason M. Nichols
  • Patent number: 9001794
    Abstract: Methods and systems for assigning a wireless communication device (WCD) to a wireless coverage are a based on early termination gain (ETG) are presented. In particular, a RAN may receive a request, from a WCD, for an assignment to one of a plurality of wireless coverage areas. In response to receiving the request, the RAN may select a wireless coverage area of the plurality that has a highest ETG, and assign the WCD to the selected wireless coverage area. Prior to selecting this wireless coverage area, the RAN may optionally remove one or more wireless coverage areas with high utilization from consideration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Sprint Spectrum L.P.
    Inventors: Anil Singh, Samuel Odedina, Abhishek Lall, Cheryl M. Nichols
  • Publication number: 20150050654
    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: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Erin Jean Finehout, Christopher Michael Puleo, Ralf Lenigk, Jason M. Nichols, John Nelson
  • Patent number: 8920285
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a main shaft configured to support and position various components of the CVT. Shift cam discs cooperate with ball-leg assemblies to shift the transmission ration of the CVT. Load cam discs, a torsion disc, rolling elements, and a hub cap shell are configured to generate axial force, transmit torque, and manage reaction forces. In one embodiment, a splined input shaft and a torsion disc having a splined bore cooperate to input torque into the variator of the CVT. Among other things, various ball axles, axle-ball combinations, and reaction force grounding configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a CVT having axial force generation means at both the input and output elements is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Robert A Smithson, Brad P Pohl, Oronde J Armstrong, Donald C Miller, Daniel J Dawe, Fernand A Thomassy, Mathew P Simister, Wesley R Poth, Jon M Nichols, Charles B Lohr
  • Publication number: 20140323260
    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: April 28, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Donald C. Miller, Robert A. Smithson, Brad P. Pohl, Charles B. Lohr, Jon M. Nichols
  • Publication number: 20140283200
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Jaishree M. Chittoor, Amy J. Miyamoto, Amy M. Nichols, Mohammed Oufattole, Michael W. Petersen
  • Patent number: 8818699
    Abstract: A stability detection system is provided for detecting the stability of an articulated vehicle. The stability detection system may include a weigh system configured to measure the weight distribution of the vehicle. A controller may provide a warning when the detected weight distribution exceeds a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Boyd M. Nichols, Carl R. Starkey
  • Publication number: 20140179479
    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: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: 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: 20140148303
    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 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 power roller-leg 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: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Jon M. Nichols, Daniel J. Dawe, Oronde J. Armstrong
  • Publication number: 20140144260
    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: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Jon M. Nichols, Matthew P. Simister, Daniel J. Dawe, Charles B. Lohr, Timothy M. Obrzut
  • Patent number: 8708360
    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: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Donald C Miller, Robert A Smithson, Brad P Pohl, Charles B Lohr, Jon M Nichols
  • Patent number: 8710763
    Abstract: A load control device for controlling the power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load is operable to be converted from being configured as an electronic switch to being configured as a dimmer switch after installation. The load control device comprises a dimmer bezel having a control actuator and an intensity adjustment actuator and a detachable switch bezel adapted to be attached to the dimmer bezel. The detachable switch bezel has an opening through which the control actuator may be actuated, and is adapted to cover the intensity adjustment actuator when the detachable switch bezel is attached to the dimmer bezel. The load control device is operable to change from a switch mode of operation to a dimmer mode of operation after the detachable switch bezel is removed from the dimmer bezel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Susan Hakkarainen, Joseph M. Nichols, Jr., Michael W. Pessina
  • Publication number: 20140110390
    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: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Shih-Yuan Wu, Patrick Conall Regan, Guo Chang Wang, Geoff M. Nichols, Chih-Chi Chang
  • Publication number: 20140096603
    Abstract: A fluid level measurement system for sensing fluid level in a tank is disclosed that includes a float that moves vertically in the interior of the tank, and a force measuring mechanism coupled to the float that generates an output based on the upward force on the float. The system can include an outer tube where the float is contained in the outer tube. A microcontroller can compute fluid level using the force measuring mechanism output. Altitude and other factors can be accounted for. Exemplary force measuring mechanisms can include a Hall Effect sensor sensing position of a magnet coupled to the float, or a force sensor coupled to the float. The length of the float, or the float and uncompressed spring can be substantially equal to the height of the tank. The float can have a generally uniform or non-uniform outside diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventors: Boyd M. Nichols, David Myers, Benjamin P. Koestler, Christopher J. Meyer
  • Patent number: 8663050
    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: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    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: 20140059433
    Abstract: A method and system for processing network data and displaying the results using a customizable user interface are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Endgame Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Earle W. Ady, Justin T. Altman, Matt Culbreth, John Herren, David M. Nichols, Jason Trost