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: 7414706
    Abstract: A method is provided for imaging targets using an unmanned air vehicle. The method comprises the steps of making a determination of cloud obscuration of a target, selecting an imaging sensor based on the cloud obscuration determination, and using the selected imaging sensor to produce an image of the target. An apparatus that performs the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: William Mark Nichols, Randolph Gregory Farmer, Gerard Michael LaColla
  • Publication number: 20080107841
    Abstract: A reflective clear coat composition. In at least one embodiment, the composition includes a clear coat composition including a polymeric binder comprised of one or more resins and reflective flakes having a reflectivity of at least 30% in at least a portion of the near infrared radiation (NIR) region of the solar spectrum and a reflectivity of 29% or less in at least a portion of the visible region of the solar radiation spectrum. The reflective clear coat composition can be cured onto an exterior cured paint surface of an automotive vehicle. The resulting cured clear coat composition may reduce the temperature generated within a vehicle passenger cabin while exposed to solar radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Remillard, Kenneth Nietering, Mark Nichols, John Ginder
  • Patent number: 7313476
    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 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Mark Nichols, Gregory T. Janky, Dennis Workman
  • Publication number: 20070177133
    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: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventors: Gary Cain, Mark Nichols, Hiroyuki Takagi
  • Publication number: 20070166720
    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: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Mark Nichols, Richard Steinman
  • Publication number: 20070159386
    Abstract: A method of tracking at least one mobile unit utilizing a radio and light based 3-D positioning system comprising a stationary self-positioning radio (pseudolite) transceiver, a stationary laser transmitter positioned in a location with known coordinates, a wireless link, and a display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Inventor: Mark Nichols
  • Publication number: 20070111736
    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: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Publication date: May 17, 2007
    Inventors: Mark Nichols, Gregory Janky, Dennis Workman
  • Publication number: 20070091512
    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: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Publication date: April 26, 2007
    Inventors: Mark Nichols, Bill Higgins, Michael Mallary, Lydia Baril
  • Publication number: 20070084323
    Abstract: A table saw including a base, a main table supported by the base, first and second rails attached to the table, a sliding table fixedly attached to the rails and sliding along the longitudinal axis of the rails and a cross-cut table slidably movable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rails. The cross-cut table may be adjusted to ensure movement parallel to a blade protruding from the main table. An improved miter gauge assembly is also disclosed. An improved fence assembly is further disclosed herein. In addition, a table saw having an improved panel and leg construction is disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: James Parks, Robert Gehret, Scott Livingston, Michael O'Banion, Robert Welsh, William Taylor, Todd Huston, Edwin Zehr, Scott Stropkay, David Weissburg, Mark Nichols, William Stumpf, Lewis Rohr, Henry Tew, Thomas Paladino, Paul Eichelberger, David Duncanson, Jerry Holleman, Adan Ayala
  • Publication number: 20070058161
    Abstract: A method of augmenting a mobile radio positioning system (Mobile_RADPS) by using a stationary fan laser transmitter. A rover comprises the mobile radio positioning system (Mobile_RADPS) integrated with a mobile laser detector. The stationary fan laser transmitter is integrated with a stationary radio positioning system (Stationary_RADPS). The method comprises the following steps: (A)generating a single sloping fan beam by the stationary fan laser transmitter; (B) detecting the single sloping fan beam generated by the stationary fan laser transmitter by using the mobile laser detector; and (C) timing the fan laser beam strike at the rover's location and using the timing of the fan laser beam strike at the rover's location to improve an accuracy in determination of position coordinates of the rover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2005
    Publication date: March 15, 2007
    Inventors: Mark Nichols, Nicholas Talbot, Gary Cain
  • Publication number: 20070035440
    Abstract: A radio and light based 3-D positioning system comprising a stationary self-positioning radio (pseudolite) transceiver, a stationary laser transmitter positioned in a location with known coordinates, and at least one mobile integrated radio receiver (pseudolite)/laser detector (RR_LD). The stationary self-positioning radio (pseudolite) transceiver is configured to receive a first plurality of external radio signals, is configured to determine its position coordinates based on the first plurality of received external radio signals, and is configured to broadcast at least one internal radio signal. The stationary laser transmitter is configured to broadcast at least one laser beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Publication date: February 15, 2007
    Inventor: Mark Nichols
  • Publication number: 20060279727
    Abstract: A combination laser detector and global navigation satellite antenna has a laser detector positioned in a known and fixed relationship with the nominal phase center of an included global navigation satellite antenna. The offsets for these elements may be fixed, simplifying set up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Mark Nichols, Gary Cain, James Janky
  • Patent number: 7123169
    Abstract: A surveillance method comprises the steps of: sending information requests to one or more of a plurality of unmanned airborne platforms, each carrying one or more sensors for gathering information; coordinating processing of the requests among the plurality of airborne platforms; and transmitting responses to the requests to one or more requesters. A surveillance system that can be used to perform the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Randolph Gregory Farmer, William Mark Nichols
  • Publication number: 20060181454
    Abstract: A radio and light based 3-D positioning system comprising: a stationary integrated self-positioning radio transceiver/laser transmitter (RTR_LT) configured to receive a first plurality of external radio signals, configured to determine its position coordinates based on the first plurality of received external radio signals, configured to broadcast at least one internal radio signal; and configured to broadcast at least one laser beam; and at least one mobile integrated radio receiver/laser detector (RR_LD) configured to receive a second plurality of external radio signals, configured to receive at least one internal radio signal broadcasted by the stationary integrated self-positioning RTR_LT, configured to detect at least one laser beam generated by the self-positioning integrated RTR_LT; and configured to determine its 3-D position coordinates based on a set of data selected from the group consisting of: {the second plurality of received external radio signals; at least one received internal radio signal; a
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Inventor: Mark Nichols
  • Publication number: 20060173600
    Abstract: A construction machine for automatically receiving selected project data files based on the geographical location and identification of the machine. The machine includes an auto-start transceiver for transmitting the local location and identification of the machine and receiving project data files from a project data distributor that are selected for the local location and identification for operation of the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Publication date: August 3, 2006
    Inventors: Christopher Dietsch, Mark Nichols, Arthur Taylor
  • Publication number: 20060174239
    Abstract: A project data delivery apparatus for automatically delivering project data files to a construction machine based on the geographical location and identification of the construction machine. The apparatus includes a project data distributor for storing, maintaining and transmitting project data files that are associated with project site locations and project plan machine identifications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Publication date: August 3, 2006
    Inventors: Christopher Dietsch, Mark Nichols, Arthur Taylor
  • Patent number: D527032
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Robert P. Welsh, David E. Duncanson, Mark A. Nichols, Scott E. Stropkay
  • Patent number: D554672
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Robert P. Welsh, David E. Duncanson, Mark A. Nichols, Scott E. Stropkay
  • Patent number: D564484
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Kyocera Wireless Corp.
    Inventors: Eva Russell, Frank Tyneski, Russell Paik, Richard Watson, Scott Stropkay, Mark Nichols
  • Patent number: D571829
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Robert P. Welsh, David E. Duncanson, Mark A. Nichols, Scott E. Stropkay