Patents by Inventor Mark Nichol

Mark Nichol 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: 20210216769
    Abstract: Systems and methods described herein provide augmented reality images to an operator of a machine. A pose of an augmented reality device relative to a cab of the machine is determined using image information. A pose of the augmented reality device in a real world coordinate frame is determined using a pose of the machine in the real world coordinate frame and the pose of the augmented reality device relative to the cab of the machine. Digital content is provided on one or more displays of the augmented reality device. The digital content is arranged on the one or more displays based on the pose of the augmented reality device in the real world coordinate frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventor: Mark Nichols
  • Patent number: 10940501
    Abstract: A method of controlling application of at least one material to a substrate is provided. The method includes configuring at least one array having a plurality of micro-applicators such that a subset of the micro-applicators is individually addressable to apply the at least one material to the substrate. Individually addressing the subset of micro-applicators provides control of a pattern width of a coating applied to a substrate, control of a flow rate of the material applied to the substrate, control of an angle of application of the material to the substrate, control of which and how many materials are applied to the substrate, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Kevin Ellwood, Mark Nichols, Wanjiao Liu, Christopher Seubert
  • Publication number: 20200406286
    Abstract: A material applicator includes an array plate and at least one ultrasonic transducer mechanically coupled to the array plate. The array plate includes a plurality of micro-applicators and each of the micro-applicators has a material inlet, a reservoir, and a micro-applicator plate in mechanical communication with the at least one ultrasonic transducer. Each of the plurality of micro-applicator plates has a plurality of apertures and the at least one ultrasonic transducer is configured to vibrate each of the plurality of micro-applicator plates such that at least one material is ejected through the plurality of apertures as atomized droplets. At least one ultraviolet light source is positioned adjacent to the plurality of micro-applicators and the at least one UV light source is configured to irradiate the atomized droplets ejected through the plurality of apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Applicant: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Christopher Seubert, Mark Nichols, Kevin Ellwood, Wanjiao Liu
  • Publication number: 20200327732
    Abstract: Techniques for occluding displayable content on a portable electronic device. An EDM device of the portable electronic device may capture a world distance map comprising a plurality of distances to a plurality of points. A camera of the portable electronic device may capture a camera image containing the plurality of points. A geospatial position of a GNSS receiver may be detected. A geospatial position of the camera may be calculated based on the geospatial position of the GNSS receiver. An angle sensor may detect an orientation of the camera. A model image may be generated based on a 3D model, the orientation of the camera, and the geospatial position of the camera. The model image and/or the camera image may be occluded based on the world distance map and the 3D model. A superimposed image comprising the camera image and the model image may be generated and displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Inventors: Mark Nichols, Darrin Hurd
  • Publication number: 20200326430
    Abstract: Techniques for calculating a geospatial position of a point of interest using a portable electronic device. A camera of the portable electronic device may observe the point of interest. An EDM device of the portable electronic device may capture a distance to the point of interest. An angle sensor may detect an orientation of the EDM device. A geospatial position of a GNSS receiver of the portable electronic device may be detected. A geospatial position of the EDM device may be calculated based on the geospatial position of the GNSS receiver. The geospatial position of the point of interest may be calculated based on the geospatial position of the EDM device, the orientation of the EDM device, and the distance to the point of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Inventors: Mark Nichols, Darrin Hurd
  • Publication number: 20200325647
    Abstract: Embodiments describe a method for moisturizing soil at an open construction site. The method includes determining a target soil moisture level for the soil at the open construction site; measuring a current soil moisture level of a location within the open construction site with a moisture sensor while the moisture control system is moving along a predetermined path across the site; storing the current soil moisture level of the location in memory; determining a target volume of water for achieving the target soil moisture level at the location based on the current soil moisture level at the location; calculating a target application rate to achieve the target soil moisture level at the location based on the target volume of water; and applying the target volume of water at the target application rate to the location when the system is positioned to dispense water at the location of the site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Inventor: Mark Nichols
  • Publication number: 20200326716
    Abstract: Embodiments describe a method for moisturizing soil at an open construction site. The method includes determining current site characteristics of the open construction site; storing the current site characteristics in memory; determining a target volume of water for achieving a target soil moisture level based on the current site characteristics of the open construction site; calculating a target water application rate to achieve the target soil moisture level across the open construction site; determining a planned path across the open construction site; and guiding a water truck along the planned path while dispensing the target volume of water at the target application rate to achieve the target moisture level in the soil at the open construction site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Inventor: Mark Nichols
  • Patent number: 10551291
    Abstract: Viscometers and Viscometry methods are disclosed. In one general aspect a capillary bridge viscometer comprises an input port an output port a first capillary tubing arm in a first hydraulic path between the input port and a first differential detection point, a second capillary tubing arm in a second hydraulic path between the first differential detection point and the output port, a third capillary tubing arm in a third hydraulic path between the input port and a second differential detection point, a fourth capillary tubing arm in a fourth hydraulic path between the second differential detection point and the output port, an adjustable mechanical flow restrictor in one of the first, second, third, and fourth hydraulic paths, wherein the adjustable mechanical flow restrictor is operative to mechanically adjust a resistance to flow of a fluid while the fluid flows through the adjustable mechanical flow restrictor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Malvern Panalytical Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Murphy, Mark Nicholls
  • Patent number: 10458099
    Abstract: A method and system for auto recognition of at least one standoff target to determine position information for a mobile machine. One example automatically scans for at least one standoff target. A location for the at least one standoff target is determined. In addition, a distance and direction between the mobile machine and the at least one standoff target is generated. The location information for the at least one standoff target and the distance and direction between the mobile machine and the at least one standoff target is utilized to provide a position for the mobile machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Trimble Control Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Arthur James Taylor, Mark Nichols, Philip Jackson
  • Publication number: 20190232322
    Abstract: A method of controlling application of at least one material to a substrate is provided. The method includes configuring at least one array having a plurality of micro-applicators such that a subset of the micro-applicators is individually addressable to apply the at least one material to the substrate. Individually addressing the subset of micro-applicators provides control of a pattern width of a coating applied to a substrate, control of a flow rate of the material applied to the substrate, control of an angle of application of the material to the substrate, control of which and how many materials are applied to the substrate, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Publication date: August 1, 2019
    Applicant: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Kevin Ellwood, Mark Nichols, Wanjiao Liu, Christopher Seubert
  • Patent number: 10323931
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward a method for aligning a radiation head of a terahertz sensor system with a target surface. The method includes: scanning a selected area of the target surface with a terahertz radiation beam emitted by the radiation head; sensing a peak amplitude for each reflected radiation signal from a plurality of reflected radiation signals received by the radiation head during the scanning of the selected area; and identifying a normal position of the radiation head with respect to the target surface based on a maximum peak amplitude from among the peak amplitudes of the reflected radiation signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Scott Adams, Marina Baker, Mark Nichols, Tony Misovski
  • Patent number: 10312063
    Abstract: The invention relates to analyzing and controlling collection of liquid eluate output from a separation process, in particular by use of a measure of suspended material in the eluate based on a light scattering detection method. Exemplary embodiments include a method of controlling collection of a sample of a liquid eluate output from a separation process. The method includes exposing the liquid eluate to light from a light source; detecting light from the light source scattered by suspended material in the eluate at a detector; and beginning and ending collection of the sample when a measure of the suspended material derived from the detected scattered light enters and leaves a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Malvern Panalytical Limited
    Inventors: Oksana Iryna Leszczyszyn, Paul G. Clarke, Mark Nicholls, E. Neil Lewis
  • Publication number: 20190128661
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward a method for aligning a radiation head of a terahertz sensor system with a target surface. The method includes: scanning a selected area of the target surface with a terahertz radiation beam emitted by the radiation head; sensing a peak amplitude for each reflected radiation signal from a plurality of reflected radiation signals received by the radiation head during the scanning of the selected area; and identifying a normal position of the radiation head with respect to the target surface based on a maximum peak amplitude from among the peak amplitudes of the reflected radiation signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Publication date: May 2, 2019
    Applicant: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Scott Adams, Marina Baker, Mark Nichols, Tony Misovski
  • Patent number: 10030358
    Abstract: A method and system for non-contact location and orientation determination for an implement coupled with a mobile machine. One example detects an orientation of a recognized feature of an implement with a sensor mounted at a fixed location on the mobile machine. A range from the sensor to the recognized feature of the implement is also determined. In addition, a known operating envelope of the implement coupled with the mobile machine is accessed. The known operating envelope of the implement is then combined with the orientation and the range from the sensor to determine a position of the implement with respect to the mobile machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Trimble Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Craig Wallace, Gregory C. Best, Mark Nichols, Scott Crozier
  • Publication number: 20180106710
    Abstract: Viscometers and Viscometry methods are disclosed. In one general aspect a capillary bridge viscometer comprises an input port an output port a first capillary tubing arm in a first hydraulic path between the input port and a first differential detection point, a second capillary tubing arm in a second hydraulic path between the first differential detection point and the output port, a third capillary tubing arm in a third hydraulic path between the input port and a second differential detection point, a fourth capillary tubing arm in a fourth hydraulic path between the second differential detection point and the output port, an adjustable mechanical flow restrictor in one of the first, second, third, and fourth hydraulic paths, wherein the adjustable mechanical flow restrictor is operative to mechanically adjust a resistance to flow of a fluid while the fluid flows through the adjustable mechanical flow restrictor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Michael P. Murphy, Mark Nicholls
  • Patent number: 9759644
    Abstract: A capillary bridge viscometer, comprises an input port (flow in) an output port (flow out) a first capillary tubing arm (R1) in a first hydraulic path between the input port and a first differential detection point (DP+), a second capillary tubing arm (R3) in a second hydraulic path between the first differential detection point (DP+) and the output port (flow out), a third capillary tubing arm (R2) in a third hydraulic path between the input port (flow in) and a second differential detection point (DP?), a fourth capillary tubing arm (R4) in a fourth hydraulic path between the second differential detection point (DP?) and the output port (flow out), an adjustable mechanical flow restrictor (20) in one of the first, second, third, and fourth hydraulic paths, wherein the adjustable mechanical flow restrictor (20) is operative to mechanically adjust a resistance to flow of a fluid while the fluid flows through the adjustable mechanical flow restrictor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Malvern Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Mark Nicholls, Michael P. Murphy
  • Patent number: 9650763
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems for performing non-contact based determination of the position of an implement. In one embodiment, a non-contact based measurement system is used to determine the relative position of an implement coupled with a mobile machine. The geographic position of the mobile machine is determined and the geographic position of said implement based upon the geographic position of the mobile machine and the position of the implement relative to the mobile machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Trimble Control Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Arthur James Taylor, Mark Nichols, Philip Jackson
  • Publication number: 20170023914
    Abstract: An electronic device that includes: a housing; an attachment portion capable of coupling the housing to a bottom of a wristwatch to be worn by a wearer; one or more physiological sensors included in the housing that measure one or more physical phenomena corresponding to the wearer of the wristwatch and electronic device coupled to the wristwatch; a memory configured to store data corresponding to the one or more physical phenomena; and a wireless communication device included in the housing for communicating the data to a computing device in wireless communication with the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventor: Mark Nichol
  • Publication number: 20160319518
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems for performing non-contact based determination of the position of an implement. In one embodiment, a non-contact based measurement system is used to determine the relative position of an implement coupled with a mobile machine. The geographic position of the mobile machine is determined and the geographic position of said implement based upon the geographic position of the mobile machine and the position of the implement relative to the mobile machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Inventors: Arthur James Taylor, Mark Nichols, Philip Jackson
  • Patent number: D914507
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Marco Koekkoek, Dale Mark Nicholls, James Garfield Pryor