Patents by Inventor Mark A. Nichols

Mark A. 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: 8125724
    Abstract: A wide area track erasure (WATER) rate of change is determined from a model generated from a plurality of track erasure measurements performed on a magnetic recording media. A model of the change in noise amplitude for an off-track position as a function of the number of aggressor track writes employed in the track erasure measurements is generated. In a log-linear space a linear fit of the change in noise amplitude with respect to the number of aggressor track writes yields a rate of noise amplitude change (dB/decade) which may be utilized to rank magnetic recording media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: WD Media, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Nichols, Harold H. Gee
  • Patent number: 8082084
    Abstract: A loader and a control system for a loader provide for monitoring the position of a part of the implement carried by the loader. The loader has a body with left and right upright tower portions, and a loader drive system including ground engaging drive elements. Left and right interconnected lift arm assemblies each have an implement lift arm pivotally connected with a corresponding tower portion of the body at a lift arm pivot point. A lift actuator is connected between the body and the lift arm. The implement is pivotally connected with the lift arm assemblies about an implement pivot axis. The lift arm pivot point and the implement pivot axis in side elevation define a straight reference line. At least one implement tilt actuator is connected between at least one of the lift arm assemblies and the implement. A position sensor is mounted on the body at the level of, or above, the lift arm pivot points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Trimble Control Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Mark Nichols
  • Publication number: 20110091308
    Abstract: A loader and a control system for a loader provide for monitoring the position of a part of the implement carried by the loader. The loader has a body with left and right upright tower portions, and a loader drive system including ground engaging drive elements. Left and right interconnected lift arm assemblies each have an implement lift arm pivotally connected with a corresponding tower portion of the body at a lift arm pivot point. A lift actuator is connected between the body and the lift arm. The implement is pivotally connected with the lift arm assemblies about an implement pivot axis. The lift arm pivot point and the implement pivot axis in side elevation define a straight reference line. At least one implement tilt actuator is connected between at least one of the lift arm assemblies and the implement. A position sensor is mounted on the body at the level of, or above, the lift arm pivot points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventor: Mark Nichols
  • Patent number: 7881845
    Abstract: A loader and a control system for a loader provide for monitoring the position of a part of the implement carried by the loader. The loader has a body with left and right upright tower portions, and a loader drive system including ground engaging drive elements. Left and right interconnected lift arm assemblies each have an implement lift arm pivotally connected with a corresponding tower portion of the body at a lift arm pivot point. A lift actuator is connected between the body and the lift arm. The implement is pivotally connected with the lift arm assemblies about an implement pivot axis. The lift arm pivot point and the implement pivot axis in side elevation define a straight reference line. At least one implement tilt actuator is connected between at least one of the lift arm assemblies and the implement. A position sensor is mounted on the body at the level of, or above, the lift arm pivot points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Trimble Control Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Mark Nichols
  • Publication number: 20100217640
    Abstract: A computer implemented method and computer system for adaptive construction sequencing. In one embodiment, a scheduling component is used to access a schedule for completing a project is. A 3-dimensional (3-D) simulation component is used to generate a 3-D model of at least one component used in completing the project. The 3-D simulation component is used to generate a 3-D simulation showing the construction of the project in accordance with the schedule. A cost estimating component is used to generate a cost estimate of the cost of completing the project in accordance with the schedule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventor: Mark NICHOLS
  • Patent number: 7714993
    Abstract: The present invention provides operators the ability to follow a predetermined path and achieve desired digging depth by watching steering and elevation indicators of just one system. The indicators are activated by data derived from the interception of signals generated by a single laser transmitter and a receiver array mounted on the machine. The system according to the present invention uses the multiple, tilted fan beams provided by the laser transmitter to calculate elevation angle and azimuth of the tool carried by machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Gary Cain, Mark Nichols, Hiroyuki Takagi
  • Patent number: 7706109
    Abstract: A slider includes a Tunneling Magneto-Resistive (TuMR) read sensor and a shunt resistor connected in parallel. The shunt resistor may be located in a read structure of the slider. The shunt resistor may reduce a total resistance of the read structure and any corresponding impedance mismatch between the read structure, a transmission line, and a preamplifier. The shunt resistor may be made of a material having a near zero thermal coefficient of resistivity (TCR) to test a quality of the TuMR read sensor. The TuMR read sensor may be deemed defective if its TCR deviates from a population average by a specific criterion. The TuMR read sensor may include a MgO tunneling barrier to improve signal strength. The TuMR read sensor may include a free layer that is able to be saturated with a perpendicular background field to calculate a more accurate TCR of the TuMR read sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Mark Nichols, Bill Edward Higgins, Michael Mallary, Lydia Baril
  • Patent number: 7627427
    Abstract: One embodiment in accordance with the invention can include a controller that can be coupled with a position determining component, and a motion detecting component. In one embodiment, the motion detecting component detects motion of a valuable movable item and generates a signal to the controller indicating the motion. The controller, in response to the signal, causes the position determining component to determine the geographic location of the valuable movable item. A determination is made as to whether the geographic location is within a pre-defined zone. In response to the determination, a command can be generated for controlling the valuable movable item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Mark Nichols, Gregory T. Janky, Dennis Workman
  • Publication number: 20090162177
    Abstract: A loader and a control system for a loader provide for monitoring the position of a part of the implement carried by the loader. The loader has a body with left and right upright tower portions, and a loader drive system including ground engaging drive elements. Left and right interconnected lift arm assemblies each have an implement lift arm pivotally connected with a corresponding tower portion of the body at a lift arm pivot point. A lift actuator is connected between the body and the lift arm. The implement is pivotally connected with the lift arm assemblies about an implement pivot axis. The lift arm pivot point and the implement pivot axis in side elevation define a straight reference line. At least one implement tilt actuator is connected between at least one of the lift arm assemblies and the implement. A position sensor is mounted on the body at the level of, or above, the lift arm pivot points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR TRIMBLE CONTROL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: Mark Nichols
  • Patent number: 7524653
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a random or semirandom siRNA (encoding) library. Another aspect of the invention pertains to methods for construction of random or semirandom siRNA (encoding) libraries. Another aspect of the invention is vector systems for use in constructing siRNA libraries and/or that can express single siRNAs and siRNA libraries both constitutively and in an inducible fashion. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of using an siRNA library. The siRNA library is introduced into a population of cells. The population of cells then is subjected to a selection process to select a subpopulation of cells exhibiting a different behavioral, biochemical, chemical, functional, molecular, morphological, phenotypic, or physical property from the remainder of population. Following the selection process, the subpopulation of cells can be isolated, analyzed, and/or cloned as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh - of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Mark Nichols, Richard Steinman
  • Publication number: 20090099761
    Abstract: A battery-powered runway-based aircraft identification system includes a frangibly mounted image capture and communication subsystem adjacent to an airport runway. A power supply subsystem adjacent to the frangibly mounted image capture and communication subsystem is operably coupled to the frangibly mounted image capture and communication subsystem and configured to controllably supply electrical power to the frangibly mounted image capture and communication subsystem. The power supply subsystem includes at least one frangibly mounted solar panel operably coupled to a deep cycle battery and charge controller. A remote base station configured for wireless communication with the frangibly mounted image capture and communication subsystem monitors charge status of the battery and determines an aircraft identification from the frangibly mounted image capture and communication subsystem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: GENPOWER, INC.
    Inventors: Lavelle Davis, Mark Nichols
  • Patent number: 7512462
    Abstract: An autonomous air vehicle comprises a flight control system and an automatic contingency generator for automatically determining a contingent air vehicle route for use by the flight control system in response to contingencies experienced by the air vehicle. A method of automatically determining the contingent air vehicle route is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: William Mark Nichols, Jack Houchard
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    Patent number: D583228
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble & Company
    Inventors: Gregory Churchill Ames, Mark A. Nichols, Alison R. Maiorano, Glen V. Walter, Douglas A. Marsden, Anna Magdalena Engström
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    Patent number: D584611
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gregory Churchill Ames, Mark A. Nichols, Alison R. Maiorano, Glen V. Walter, Douglas A. Marsden, Anna Magdalena Engström
  • Patent number: D592960
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gregory Churchill Ames, Mark A. Nichols, Douglas A. Marsden, Glen V. Walter, David Gerard Harting, Alison R. Maiorano, Anna Magdalena Engström
  • Patent number: D595138
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gregory Churchill Ames, Matthew Joshua Brewer, Jason Paul Lawless, Richard Lawrence Horstman, Kevin Mark Moss, Glen V. Walter, David Gerard Harting, Douglas Arthur Marsden, Anna Magdalena Engström, Mark A. Nichols
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    Patent number: D597833
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gregory Churchill Ames, Mark A. Nichols, Alison R. Maiorano, Glen V. Walter, Douglas A. Marsden, Anna Magdalena Engström
  • Patent number: D603849
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Shure Acquisition Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: James Daniel Durrett, Kenneth Alvin Tarbell, Michael Chad Wiggins, John P. Devlin, Kurt M. Maw, Mark A. Nichols, Gabor Zanoni
  • Patent number: D604274
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Shure Acquisition Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: James Daniel Durrett, Kenneth Alvin Tarbell, Michael Chad Wiggins, John P. Devlin, Kurt M. Maw, Mark A. Nichols, Gabor Zanoni
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    Patent number: D604611
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gregory Churchill Ames, Matthew Joshua Brewer, Jason Paul Lawless, Richard Lawrence Horstman, Glen V. Walter, David Gerard Harting, Douglas Arthur Marsden, Anna Magdalena Engström, Mark A. Nichols