Patents by Inventor Nicholas A. Johnson

Nicholas A. Johnson 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: 20210352039
    Abstract: Discovery of communication platform features or exposure of such features to the user may include generating embeddings for a variety of types of communication platform content and communications. These embeddings may be used to characterize and compare various communication platform features and ultimately expose these features to a user when the user may not have otherwise encountered them. Embeddings may be generated to characterize a user's interactions with a communication platform and/or characterize a channel and the embeddings may be used to expose methods of communicating with the user and/or over the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Inventors: Adam Oliner, Renaud Bourassa-Denis, Zhifeng Deng, Leigh Ann Johnson, Alexander Nicholas Johnson, Aaron Maurer
  • Publication number: 20210352038
    Abstract: Discovery of communication platform features or exposure of such features to the user may include generating embeddings for a variety of types of communication platform content and communications. These embeddings may be used to characterize and compare various communication platform features and ultimately expose these features to a user when the user may not have otherwise encountered them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2020
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Inventors: Adam Oliner, Renaud Bourassa-Denis, Zhifeng Deng, Leigh Ann Johnson, Alexander Nicholas Johnson, Aaron Maurer
  • Publication number: 20210333624
    Abstract: A light control film comprises a light input surface and a light output surface opposite the light input surface; alternating transmissive regions and absorptive regions disposed between the light input surface and the light output surface, wherein the absorptive regions comprise a core having a first concentration, C1, of a light absorbing material sandwiched between cladding layers having a second concentration, C2, of the light absorbing material, wherein C2<C1, and wherein the cores have an aspect ratio of at least 20.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventors: Daniel J. SCHMIDT, Kevin W. GOTRIK, Nicholas A. JOHNSON, Raymond J. KENNEY, Caleb T. NELSON, Kenneth A. EPSTEIN
  • Publication number: 20210336471
    Abstract: Method for active battery management to optimize battery performance. The method includes providing signal injections for charging and discharging of a battery. The signal injections include various charging and discharging profiles, rates, and endpoints. Response signals corresponding with the signal injections are received, and a utility of those signals is measured. Based upon the utility of the response signals, data relating to charging and discharging of the battery is modified to optimize battery performance and to determine when to discharge the battery into a power grid in order to return power to the grid in exchange for an economic benefit such as a payment or rebate from a utility company.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventors: Catherine A. Leatherdale, Brian E. Brooks, Gilles J. Benoit, Peter O. Olson, Tyler W. Olson, Himanshu Nayar, Frederick J. Arsenault, Nicholas A. Johnson, Vincent J.L. Chevrier, Don Vincent West, Brandon A. Bartling
  • Patent number: 11099314
    Abstract: Optical system including a lightguide; a turning film, including a first smooth surface perpendicular to a display axis and a first structured surface including a plurality of first microstructures defining a first plurality of parallel grooves, where the turning film is optically coupled to the lightguide, where the turning film outputs light collimated in a first plane parallel to the display axis; and a lenticular diffuser, including a second smooth surface perpendicular to the display axis and a second structured surface comprising a plurality of second microstructures defining a second plurality of parallel grooves extending along a plane perpendicular to the display axis, where the lenticular diffuser is optically coupled to the turning film, where the lenticular diffuser reflects or refracts collimated light toward a second plane perpendicular to the first plane; where the first plurality of parallel grooves is perpendicular to the second plurality of parallel grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Epstein, Nicholas A. Johnson, Robert M. Emmons
  • Publication number: 20210165138
    Abstract: The disclosure describes asymmetric turning films (ATFs) that may be used in conjunction with multiple light sources in a liquid crystal display assembly to provide multiple different characteristic output distributions of light. In some examples, the ATFs include a structured surface defining a plurality of microstructures having two or more faces with each face configured to reflect light in different directions. The microstructure may define a microstructure axis and an angle gradient characterizing the rotation of the microstructure axis across the structured surface of the ATF.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Publication date: June 3, 2021
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Epstein, Nicholas A. Johnson, Michael E. Lauters, Shannon L. Siefken, Gary T. Boyd
  • Patent number: 10967465
    Abstract: A bolt repair platform includes a frame and a tool module. The tool module includes a tool having a first end configured to rotationally engage a bolt. The tool module also includes an actuator disposed between the tool and the frame so that actuation of the actuator moves the tool with respect to the frame. The frame is removably disposed on the structure, and the tool is movable with respect to the frame, so that, at each of a plurality of positions, the second end of the tool is capable of engagement with a respective bolt disposed in an internal support structure of a nuclear reactor vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventors: Benjamin D. Fisher, Thomas A. Pritchett, Shant Daghlian, Andrew T. Pace, Douglas M. Lawrence, Nicholas Johnson, Jerry Cooper, Christopher J. Farrell
  • Publication number: 20210088711
    Abstract: A display device including a light source and a wedge lightguide defining a light-inlet side, a display side, and a back side, the display and back sides facing in different directions and forming a wedge-shape that defines a convergence axis, the light-inlet side positioned at a divergent side of the wedge-shape and the back side facing away from a display surface of the display device. The back side includes a plurality of wedge extractors, each wedge extractor extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to the convergence axis. The light source positioned adjacent to the light-inlet side of the wedge lightguide. The wedge lightguide is configured to receive light rays from the light source through the light-inlet side and transmit the light rays through the display side an exit angle with a maximum intensity at between about 10° and about 40° measured from a plane defined by the display side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Inventors: Nicholas A. JOHNSON, Robert M. EMMONS
  • Patent number: 10955592
    Abstract: The disclosure describes asymmetric turning films (ATFs) that may be used in conjunction with multiple light sources in a liquid crystal display assembly to provide multiple different characteristic output distributions of light. In some examples, the ATFs include a structured surface defining a plurality of microstructures having two or more faces with each face configured to reflect light in different directions. The microstructure may define a microstructure axis and an angle gradient characterizing the rotation of the microstructure axis across the structured surface of the ATF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Epstein, Nicholas A. Johnson, Michael E. Lauters, Shannon L. Siefken, Gary T. Boyd
  • Patent number: 10948650
    Abstract: Displays having a viewing area are described. In particular, displays including a lightguide, a turning film, a liquid crystal module including two polarizers, and a diffuser disposed proximate the top polarizer are described. Light extracted from the lightguide and emitted through the viewing area is specularly transmitted between the planar side of the turning film and the bottom absorbing polarizer. Displays that may be useful as switchable displays are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventor: Nicholas A. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20210065356
    Abstract: A robot for heat exchanger inspection is provided including a mobility system configured to move the robot in reference to the heat exchanger, a camera configured to capture image data including at least a portion of the heat exchanger, and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to receive the image data from the camera, determine a plurality of heat exchanger characteristics in the image data, compare the heat exchanger characteristics to heat exchanger data, determine a current location and an orientation angle of the robot based on the comparison of the one or more heat exchanger characteristics to the heat exchanger data, identify the heat exchanger characteristic based on the current location, determine an orientation angle of the robot, and determine an end effector position based on the current location and the orientation angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: Benjamin D. Fisher, Nicholas Johnson
  • Patent number: 10809445
    Abstract: A light control film and display assemblies that includes such a film. The light control film including a substrate defining first and second major surfaces with the first major surface including a plurality louvers spanning in a first direction substantially perpendicular to a normal of the first major surface, and with the second major surface comprises a plurality of linear microstructures spanning in the first direction. In some examples, each louver of the plurality of louvers substantially aligns with a corresponding microstructure of the plurality of microstructures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Johnson, Richard V. Pallarino, Kenneth A. Epstein, Michael E. Lauters
  • Patent number: 10779620
    Abstract: An illuminated, multi-function cane for use by low-vision individuals is described and claimed. The device's various pulsating lights enable low-vision people to travel at night with assured confidence that they will be seen by drivers and cyclists from a safe distance exceeding one mile on a dark street! While at a high traffic lit city intersection the Lumi cane is very noticeable with its strobing rainbow lights 200 yards away, even with competition from other bright artificial lights. Even in dense fog Lumi's LED lights are visible at 40 to 75 yards distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Inventor: Nicholas A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 10775547
    Abstract: A lightguide having opposing first and second major surfaces where the first major surface includes a plurality of extended features and a plurality of discrete features is described. The lightguide has a viewable area having a length at least 100 times a thickness of the lightguide. The extended features extend in a first in-plane direction across at least 90 percent of the length L of the viewable area. The discrete features are spaced apart along the length and width of the viewable area. The discrete features may be disposed in spaces between the extended features. The discrete features may have faces extending between and connecting adjacent extended features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: 3M Innovation Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert M. Emmons, David A. Rosen, Nicholas A. Johnson, Gary T. Boyd, Trevor W. Stolber, Owen M. Anderson, Graham M. Clarke, Sherie A. Kristie, Edward C. Roberts, Kristy A. Gillette
  • Publication number: 20200281334
    Abstract: An illuminated, multi-function cane for use by low-vision individuals is described and claimed. The device's various pulsating lights enable low-vision people to travel at night with assured confidence that they will be seen by drivers and cyclists from a safe distance exceeding one mile on a dark street! While at a high traffic lit city intersection the Lumi cane is very noticeable with its strobing rainbow lights 200 yards away, even with competition from other bright artificial lights. Even in dense fog Lumi's LED lights are visible at 40 to 75 yards distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2020
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Inventor: Nicholas A. JOHNSON
  • Patent number: 10698138
    Abstract: A diffuser including opposing structured first and second major surfaces is described. The first major surface includes a first plurality of surface structures providing a uniform first haze. The second major surface includes a first portion adjacent an edge and a second portion adjacent the first portion. The first portion includes a first region and a second region between the first region and the second portion. The second major surface includes a second plurality of surface structures providing a uniform second haze over the second portion and providing a third haze in the first portion. The third haze in the first region is higher than the second haze, and the third haze in the second region is monotonically decreasing. The second portion has a surface area of at least 90 percent of a surface area of the second major surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Gary T. Boyd, Tri D. Pham, Nicholas A. Johnson, Oanh V. Pham, Sara S. Merritt, Stephen J. Etzkorn, Haiyan Zhang, Corey D. Balts, Joseph T. Aronson
  • Publication number: 20200103578
    Abstract: A lightguide having opposing first and second major surfaces where the first major surface includes a plurality of extended features and a plurality of discrete features is described. The lightguide has a viewable area having a length at least 100 times a thickness of the lightguide. The extended features extend in a first in-plane direction across at least 90 percent of the length L of the viewable area. The discrete features are spaced apart along the length and width of the viewable area. The discrete features may be disposed in spaces between the extended features. The discrete features may have faces extending between and connecting adjacent extended features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Robert M. Emmons, David A. Rosen, Nicholas A. Johnson, Gary T. Boyd, Trevor W. Stolber, Owen M. Anderson, Graham M. Clarke, Sherie A. Kristie, Edward C. Roberts, Kristy A. Gillette
  • Patent number: 10605965
    Abstract: Optical diffusing films are made by microreplication from a structured surface tool. The tool is made using a 2-part electroplating process, wherein a first electroplating procedure forms a first metal layer with a first major surface, and a second electroplating procedure forms a second metal layer on the first metal layer, the second metal layer having a second major surface with a smaller average roughness than that of the first major surface. The second major surface can function as the structured surface of the tool. A replica of this surface can then be made in a major surface of an optical film to provide light diffusing properties. The structured surface and/or its constituent structures can be characterized in terms of various parameters such as optical haze, optical clarity, Fourier power spectra of the topography along orthogonal in-plane directions, ridge length per unit area, equivalent circular diameter (ECD), and/or aspect ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Tri D. Pham, Steven H. Kong, Haiyan Zhang, Joseph T. Aronson, Michael R. Leaf, Gary T. Boyd, Nicholas A. Johnson, Qingbing Wang
  • Publication number: 20200057343
    Abstract: The disclosure describes asymmetric turning films (ATFs) that may be used in conjunction with multiple light sources in a liquid crystal display assembly to provide multiple different characteristic output distributions of light. In some examples, the ATFs include a structured surface defining a plurality of microstructures having two or more faces with each face configured to reflect light in different directions. The microstructure may define a microstructure axis and an angle gradient characterizing the rotation of the microstructure axis across the structured surface of the ATF.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Kenneth A. EPSTEIN, Nicholas A. JOHNSON, Michael E. LAUTERS, Shannon L. SIEFKEN, Gary T. BOYD
  • Patent number: 10485335
    Abstract: A computer workstation lift and tilt assembly for providing a stable platform to raise, lower, and tilt various computing device. Here, the assembly can include a base, a first column, wherein the first column is secured to the base, and a second column. The assembly can further include a mount, wherein the mount is secured to a top region of the second column and configured to pivot relative to the second column, a first main slide having a first sub slide, and a second main slide having a second sub slide. Here, the first main slide can be secured to one side of the first column and the second main slide is secured to an opposing side of the first column, wherein the first sub slide is secured to one side of the second column and the second sub slide is secured to an opposing side of the second column, and wherein the second column is adapted slide relative to the first column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: ERGOTECT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Simon Nicholas Johnson, Michael John Sears