Patents by Inventor Michael A. Nichols

Michael 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: 7946741
    Abstract: The flashing stern light for boats includes an elongated tubular base, a light source housing mounted on top of the base, a light source disposed inside the housing, an array of light emitting elements disposed along a length of the base, and wiring adapted to operative connect to a power source and/or control, wherein the array of light emitting elements flash sequentially in a pattern to thereby draw attention to the light source, warn and emphasize proximity and presence of the boat. The flashing lights enhances visibility of the boat at night and in reduced visibility conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventor: Michael A. Nichols
  • Publication number: 20090237949
    Abstract: The flashing stern light for boats includes an elongated tubular base, a light source housing mounted on top of the base, a light source disposed inside the housing, an array of light emitting elements disposed along a length of the base, and wiring adapted to operative connect to a power source and/or control, wherein the array of light emitting elements flash sequentially in a pattern to thereby draw attention to the light source, warn and emphasize proximity and presence of the boat. The flashing lights enhances visibility of the boat at night and in reduced visibility conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventor: Michael A. Nichols
  • Patent number: 6920765
    Abstract: A method for reducing the density of sites on the surface of fused silica optics that are prone to the initiation of laser-induced damage, resulting in optics which have far fewer catastrophic defects, and are better capable of resisting optical deterioration upon exposure to a high-power laser beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Joseph A. Menapace, John E. Peterson, Bernardino M. Penetrante, Philip E. Miller, Thomas G. Parham, Michael A. Nichols
  • Publication number: 20020185611
    Abstract: A method for reducing the density of sites on the surface of fused silica optics that are prone to the initiation of laser-induced damage, resulting in optics which have far fewer catastrophic defects, and are better capable of resisting optical deterioration upon exposure to a high-power laser beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Joseph A. Menapace, John E. Peterson, Bernardino M. Penetrante, Philip E. Miller, Thomas G. Parham, Michael A. Nichols
  • Patent number: 6099389
    Abstract: A method for forming optical parts used in laser optical systems such as high energy lasers, high average power lasers, semiconductor capital equipment and medical devices. The optical parts will not damage during the operation of high power lasers in the ultra-violet light range. A blank is first ground using a fixed abrasive grinding method to remove the subsurface damage formed during the fabrication of the blank. The next step grinds and polishes the edges and forms bevels to reduce the amount of fused-glass contaminants in the subsequent steps. A loose abrasive grind removes the subsurface damage formed during the fixed abrasive or "blanchard" removal process. After repolishing the bevels and performing an optional fluoride etch, the surface of the blank is polished using a zirconia slurry. Any subsurface damage formed during the loose abrasive grind will be removed during this zirconia polish. A post polish etch may be performed to remove any redeposited contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Michael A. Nichols, David M. Aikens, David W. Camp, Ian M. Thomas, Craig Kiikka, Lynn M. Sheehan, Mark R. Kozlowski