Patents by Inventor Michael J. Nikols

Michael J. Nikols 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: 20190014622
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fluid heating apparatus comprising a substantially thin and flat spiral-shaped, closed channel. The channel may be enclosed about by a conductive material which heats under inductive, electromagnetic forces. The apparatus is configured to conduct fluid through the channel, the fluid being heated in the channel. The apparatus may also comprises an induction coil disposed adjacent the spiral channel to induce heat in the spiral channel. The spiral channel defines an inlet and an outlet. The apparatus of the present invention is configured to be disposed in spatially small or confined environments and to provide on demand heating of a desired fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Publication date: January 10, 2019
    Inventor: Michael J. Nikols
  • Patent number: 8286376
    Abstract: A tray-tag that can be mounted on a tray and display information about items on the tray is provided. A tray-tag of the present invention includes a face plate having front and back surfaces. The front surface of the face plate is adapted to have indicia thereon that display information about the items on the tray. The tray-tag also includes a mounting assembly capable of selectively and securely coupling the tray-tag to a tray. The mounting assembly includes an engagement flap and first and second support tabs. The engagement flap and the support tabs securely couple the tray-tag to the tray. The engagement flap extends over a rim of the tray, while the support tabs extend underneath the rim to couple the tray-tag to the tray. Additionally, the support tabs maintain the face plate in a generally vertical orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventor: Michael J. Nikols
  • Publication number: 20110132857
    Abstract: A tray-tag that can be mounted on a tray and display information about items on the tray is provided. A tray-tag of the present invention includes a face plate having front and back surfaces. The front surface of the face plate is adapted to have indicia thereon that display information about the items on the tray. The tray-tag also includes a mounting assembly capable of selectively and securely coupling the tray-tag to a tray. The mounting assembly includes an engagement flap and first and second support tabs. The engagement flap and the support tabs securely couple the tray-tag to the tray. The engagement flap extends over a rim of the tray, while the support tabs extend underneath the rim to couple the tray-tag to the tray. Additionally, the support tabs maintain the face plate in a generally vertical orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventor: Michael J. Nikols
  • Patent number: 7874088
    Abstract: A tray-tag that can be mounted on a tray and display information about items on the tray is provided. A tray-tag of the present invention includes a face plate having front and back surfaces. The front surface of the face plate is adapted to have indicia thereon that display information about the items on the tray. The tray-tag also includes a mounting assembly capable of selectively and securely coupling the tray-tag to a tray. The mounting assembly includes an engagement flap and first and second support tabs. The engagement flap and the support tabs securely couple the tray-tag to the tray. The engagement flap extends over a rim of the tray, while the support tabs extend underneath the rim to couple the tray-tag to the tray. Additionally, the support tabs maintain the face plate in a generally vertical orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: Michael J. Nikols
  • Publication number: 20100032393
    Abstract: A tray-tag that can be mounted on a tray and display information about items on the tray is provided. A tray-tag of the present invention includes a face plate having front and back surfaces. The front surface of the face plate is adapted to have indicia thereon that display information about the items on the tray. The tray-tag also includes a mounting assembly capable of selectively and securely coupling the tray-tag to a tray. The mounting assembly includes an engagement flap and first and second support tabs. The engagement flap and the support tabs securely couple the tray-tag to the tray. The engagement flap extends over a rim of the tray, while the support tabs extend underneath the rim to couple the tray-tag to the tray. Additionally, the support tabs maintain the face plate in a generally vertical orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventor: Michael J. Nikols