Patents by Inventor Mark Edward Nichols
Mark Edward 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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Publication number: 20210001369Abstract: A method of controlling application of at least one material onto a substrate includes configuring a material applicator having an array plate with an applicator array. The applicator array has a plurality of micro-applicators with a first subset of micro-applicators and a second subset of micro-applicators. Each of the plurality of micro-applicators has a plurality of apertures through which fluid is ejected. The first subset of micro-applicators and the second subset of micro-applicators are individually addressable, and a liquid flows through the first subset of micro-applicators and a shaping gas, e.g., air, flows through the second subset of micro-applicators. The flow of shaping gas shapes the flow of the liquid from the first subset of micro-applicators to the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2020Publication date: January 7, 2021Applicant: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: Christopher Michael Seubert, Mark Edward Nichols, Kevin Richard John Ellwood, Wanjiao Liu, Aaron Fiala
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Patent number: 10864541Abstract: An apparatus for applying a coating to a substrate includes a base, an applicator, and a quick-connect connector. The base includes a fluid conduit. The applicator includes at least one actuator and an array of nozzle plates. Each nozzle plate defines at least one aperture. The at least one actuator is configured to oscillate the nozzle plates to eject fluid from the apertures. The quick-connect connector couples the fluid conduit to the applicator for fluid communication therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2018Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: Scott Adams, Kevin Richard John Ellwood, Wanjiao Liu, Christopher Michael Seubert, Mark Edward Nichols
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Patent number: 10799905Abstract: A method of controlling application of material onto a substrate includes ejecting atomized droplets from an array of micro-applicators while the array of micro-applicators cyclically moves about at least one axis. The atomized droplets from each of the plurality of micro-applicators overlap with atomized droplets from adjacent micro-applicators and a diffuse overlap of deposited atomized droplets from adjacent micro-applicators is provided on a surface of the substrate. The array of micro-applicators cyclically rotates back and forth around the at least one axis and/or moves back and forth parallel to the at least one axis. For example, the at least one axis can be a central axis of the array of micro-applicators, a length axis of the array of micro-applicators, a width axis of the array of micro-applicators, and the like. Also, the array of micro-applicators can be part of an ultrasonic material applicator used to paint vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2018Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: Christopher Michael Seubert, Mark Edward Nichols, Kevin Richard John Ellwood, Wanjiao Liu
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Patent number: 10792693Abstract: A method of controlling application of material onto a substrate is provided. The method includes ejecting an ultraviolet (UV) curable material through a plurality of micro-applicators in the form of atomized droplets. At least one UV light source is positioned adjacent to the plurality of micro-applicators and the atomized droplets are irradiated with UV light by the at least one UV light source and curing of the atomized droplets is initiated. The atomized droplets are deposited onto a surface of the substrate and a UV cured coating on the surface is formed thereon. The UV curable material may include a photolatent base catalyst such that the atomized droplets deposited onto the surface continue to cure after being irradiated with the at least one UV light source. The at least one UV light source can include a UV light ring, a UV light emitting diode, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2018Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: Christopher Michael Seubert, Mark Edward Nichols, Kevin Richard John Ellwood, Wanjiao Liu
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Patent number: 10560983Abstract: A computer is programmed to modify an electrical property to adjust an opacity of a sensor cover window. The computer is programmed to actuate an excitation source to emit electro-magnetic beams toward the cover window.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2017Date of Patent: February 11, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Christopher Michael Seubert, Kenneth Edward Nietering, Mark Edward Nichols
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Patent number: 10518751Abstract: A vehicle computer includes a memory and a processor programmed to execute instructions stored in the memory. The instructions include comparing a captured image of a predetermined object to a target image of the predetermined object to quantify a first noise characteristic of the captured image, comparing the first noise characteristic to a first predetermined threshold, and detecting debris on an image sensor that outputs the captured image as a result of comparing the first noise characteristic to the first predetermined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2017Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Christopher Michael Seubert, Mark Edward Nichols, Cindy Anne Peters, Kerrie Nikaido Holguin
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Patent number: 10488494Abstract: A sensor apparatus includes a housing, a LIDAR sensor attached to the housing, a window attached to the housing, and a film covering the window and removable from the window. The window may be cylindrical. The film may be a first film, and the sensor apparatus may include a second film covering the first film and removable from the first film.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2017Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Mark Edward Nichols, Cindy Anne Peters, Sabrina Louise Peczonczyk, Kerrie Nikaido Holguin
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Publication number: 20190232317Abstract: A method of controlling application of material onto a substrate is provided. The method includes ejecting an ultraviolet (UV) curable material through a plurality of micro-applicators in the form of atomized droplets. At least one UV light source is positioned adjacent to the plurality of micro-applicators and the atomized droplets are irradiated with UV light by the at least one UV light source and curing of the atomized droplets is initiated. The atomized droplets are deposited onto a surface of the substrate and a UV cured coating on the surface is formed thereon. The UV curable material may include a photolatent base catalyst such that the atomized droplets deposited onto the surface continue to cure after being irradiated with the at least one UV light source. The at least one UV light source can include a UV light ring, a UV light emitting diode, and the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2018Publication date: August 1, 2019Applicant: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: Christopher Michael Seubert, Mark Edward Nichols, Kevin Richard John Ellwood, Wanjiao Liu
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Publication number: 20190232323Abstract: An apparatus for applying a coating to a substrate includes a base, an applicator, and a quick-connect connector. The base includes a fluid conduit. The applicator includes at least one actuator and an array of nozzle plates. Each nozzle plate defines at least one aperture. The at least one actuator is configured to oscillate the nozzle plates to eject fluid from the apertures. The quick-connect connector couples the fluid conduit to the applicator for fluid communication therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2018Publication date: August 1, 2019Applicant: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: Scott Adams, Kevin Richard John Ellwood, Wanjiao Liu, Christopher Michael Seubert, Mark Edward Nichols
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Publication number: 20190232318Abstract: An atomizer for applying a coating includes a nozzle plate, an actuator, and an acoustic focusing device. The nozzle plate defines at least one aperture. The actuator is configured to oscillate to form pressure waves within a fluid to eject the fluid from the nozzle plate. The acoustic focusing device focuses the pressure waves toward the apertures.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2018Publication date: August 1, 2019Applicant: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: Wanjiao Liu, Kevin Richard John Ellwood, Mark Edward Nichols, Christopher Michael Seubert
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Publication number: 20190232321Abstract: A method of controlling application of material onto a substrate includes ejecting atomized droplets from an array of micro-applicators while the array of micro-applicators cyclically moves about at least one axis. The atomized droplets from each of the plurality of micro-applicators overlap with atomized droplets from adjacent micro-applicators and a diffuse overlap of deposited atomized droplets from adjacent micro-applicators is provided on a surface of the substrate. The array of micro-applicators cyclically rotates back and forth around the at least one axis and/or moves back and forth parallel to the at least one axis. For example, the at least one axis can be a central axis of the array of micro-applicators, a length axis of the array of micro-applicators, a width axis of the array of micro-applicators, and the like. Also, the array of micro-applicators can be part of an ultrasonic material applicator used to paint vehicles.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2018Publication date: August 1, 2019Applicant: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: Christopher Michael Seubert, Mark Edward Nichols, Kevin Richard John Ellwood, Wanjiao Liu
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Publication number: 20190232320Abstract: A nozzle for an atomizer includes a plate, a piezoelectric actuator, a body, and a connector. The plate defines an aperture. The actuator is configured to oscillate the plate. The body supports the plate. The connector is configured to reversibly mount the body to the atomizer in a first orientation and in a second orientation. In the first orientation, fluid exits the nozzle along a first axial direction through the aperture. In the second orientation, fluid exits the nozzle along an opposite axial direction through the aperture.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2018Publication date: August 1, 2019Applicant: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: Wanjiao Liu, Kevin Richard John Ellwood, Mark Edward Nichols, Christopher Michael Seubert
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Publication number: 20190204072Abstract: An inspection station includes a conveyor, a first scanner, a second scanner, a controller, and an interface. The conveyor is configured to continuously transport a vehicle body through the station. The first scanner is configured to detect features of the vehicle body and associated feature coordinates relative to a global coordinate system. The second scanner is configured to detect paint thicknesses on surfaces of the vehicle body and associated paint thickness coordinates relative to the global coordinate system. The controller is programmed to map corresponding pairs of the feature coordinates and paint thickness coordinates into a single set of local coordinates having a datum defined by the vehicle body such that each of the local coordinates defines a location of one of the features relative to the datum and one of the paint thicknesses at the location. The interface is configured to display the features and corresponding paint thicknesses.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2017Publication date: July 4, 2019Inventors: Scott ADAMS, Marina Menendez BAKER, Mark Edward NICHOLS, Tony MISOVSKI
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Patent number: 10338198Abstract: A sensor apparatus includes a housing, a LIDAR sensor attached to the housing, and a window releasably coupled to the housing. The window may be cylindrical. The housing may be a first housing, and the sensor apparatus may include a second housing. The window may be releasably coupled to the second housing.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2017Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Cindy Anne Peters, Mark Edward Nichols, Sabrina Louise Peczonczyk, Kerrie Nikaido Holguin
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Patent number: 10323932Abstract: An inspection station includes a conveyor, a first scanner, a second scanner, a controller, and an interface. The conveyor is configured to continuously transport a vehicle body through the station. The first scanner is configured to detect features of the vehicle body and associated feature coordinates relative to a global coordinate system. The second scanner is configured to detect paint thicknesses on surfaces of the vehicle body and associated paint thickness coordinates relative to the global coordinate system. The controller is programmed to map corresponding pairs of the feature coordinates and paint thickness coordinates into a single set of local coordinates having a datum defined by the vehicle body such that each of the local coordinates defines a location of one of the features relative to the datum and one of the paint thicknesses at the location. The interface is configured to display the features and corresponding paint thicknesses.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2017Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: Scott Adams, Marina Menendez Baker, Mark Edward Nichols, Tony Misovski
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Publication number: 20190128802Abstract: A system for measuring a coating thickness on a target surface includes a terahertz spectroscopy device and a reference image projector. The terahertz spectroscopy device includes a radiation head that is operable to project a terahertz radiation beam onto the target surface and receive a reflected beam. The reference image projector includes a visible light device and is operable to project a reference image using the visible light device onto the target surface. A visual characteristic of the reference image indicates at least one of distance, rotational alignment, and angular alignment of the radiation head relative to the target surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2017Publication date: May 2, 2019Applicant: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: Scott Adams, Tony Misovski, Mark Edward Nichols, Marina Menendez Baker
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Patent number: 10254395Abstract: A device and methods are provided for determining data points with an integrated radar sensor. In one embodiment, a method includes determining position of a device, scanning one or more objects, wherein scanning includes detecting data points by an integrated radar sensor of the device and capturing image data of the one or more objects, and determining data points for one or more objects based on the scanning. The method may also include correlating data points to one or more portions of the image data, assigning correlated data points to one or more portions of the image data, and storing, by the device, image data with data points. The device and methods may advantageously be employed for one or more of mapping, modeling, navigation and object tracking.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2013Date of Patent: April 9, 2019Assignee: Trimble Inc.Inventors: Mark Edward Nichols, Gregory Craig Wallace
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Patent number: 10254219Abstract: A system for measuring a coating thickness on a target surface includes a terahertz spectroscopy device and a reference image projector. The terahertz spectroscopy device includes a radiation head that is operable to project a terahertz radiation beam onto the target surface and receive a reflected beam. The reference image projector includes a visible light device and is operable to project a reference image using the visible light device onto the target surface. A visual characteristic of the reference image indicates at least one of distance, rotational alignment, and angular alignment of the radiation head relative to the target surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2017Date of Patent: April 9, 2019Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: Scott Adams, Tony Misovski, Mark Edward Nichols, Marina Menendez Baker
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Publication number: 20190084526Abstract: A vehicle computer includes a memory and a processor programmed to execute instructions stored in the memory. The instructions include comparing a captured image of a predetermined object to a target image of the predetermined object to quantify a first noise characteristic of the captured image, comparing the first noise characteristic to a first predetermined threshold, and detecting debris on an image sensor that outputs the captured image as a result of comparing the first noise characteristic to the first predetermined threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2017Publication date: March 21, 2019Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Christopher Michael Seubert, Mark Edward Nichols, Cindy Anne Peters, Kerrie Nikaido Holguin
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Patent number: 10209709Abstract: A vehicle system includes a processor programmed to receive sensor signals from a LIDAR sensor. The processor estimates frost accumulation on the LIDAR sensor from the sensor signals and compares the estimated frost accumulation to a predetermined threshold. The processor further prevents a host vehicle from operating in an autonomous mode if the estimated frost accumulation exceeds the predetermined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Cindy Anne Peters, Mark Edward Nichols, Sabrina Louise Peczonczyk, Kerrie Nikaido Holguin, Elyssa Kayser