Patents by Inventor Nicholas G. Amell

Nicholas G. Amell 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: 20240027355
    Abstract: A mobile computing device includes camera hardware configured to capture image data associated with an output signal area of a biological chromatographic test strip. The mobile computing device further includes processing circuitry in communication with the camera hardware, the processing circuitry being configured to determine, based on the image data captured by the camera hardware, a concentration of a target analyte in a test sample submitted via the biological chromatographic test strip. The mobile computing device further includes an interface in communication with the processing circuitry, the interface being configured to output data indicative of the concentration of the target analyte determined by the processing circuitry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2021
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Inventors: Antonia E. Schaefer, Nicholas T. Gabriel, Samuel J. Fahey, Adam C. Nyland, Thaine W. Fuller, John M. Kruse, Nicholas G. Amell, Glendon D. Kappel, Patrick A. Mach
  • Patent number: 11793422
    Abstract: A system includes a respirator, a sensor including a sensing element, and a reader configured to be in wireless communication with the sensor. The sensor is positioned substantially within an interior gas space of the respirator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Richard C. Webb, Andrew S. Viner, Nicholas G. Amell, Andrew P. Bonifas, Neal A. Rakow
  • Publication number: 20230324377
    Abstract: A reader device includes a camera board, processing circuitry in communication with the camera board, and an interface in communication with the processing circuitry. The camera board is configured to capture image data associated with an output signal area of a biological chromatographic test strip. The processing circuitry is configured to determine, based on the image data captured by the camera board, a concentration of a target analyte in a test sample submitted via the biological chromatographic test strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2021
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Inventors: Antonia E. Schaefer, Nicholas T. Gabriel, Samuel J. Fahey, Adam C. Nyland, Thaine W. Fuller, John M. Kruse, Nicholas G. Amell, Glendon D. Kappel, Patrick A. Mach
  • Publication number: 20230321687
    Abstract: An imaging and repair system (100) is presented that includes a first imaging system (110) configured to image and detect a defect on a worksurface. The first imaging system comprises a first camera configured to capture a plurality of first images of the worksurface. The plurality of first images are stored in a data source. The system also includes a second imaging system (110) configured to image and characterize an orange peel of the worksurface in an area proximate the defect. Characterizing the worksurface comprises identifying a delta value of orange peel. The system also includes a defect repair processor configured to select a repair strategy based on a defect type. The system also includes a defect modifier configured to modify the selected repair strategy based on the orange peel characterization of the worksurface. The system also includes a defect repair tool (120) configured to automatically effect the modified repair strategy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2021
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Inventors: Jonathan B. Arthur, Aaron K. Nienaber, Nicholas G. Amell, Thomas J. Strey, Erich A. Mielke, Talha Ahsan, Vincent J.L. Chevrier, Thaine W. Fuller, Brett R. Hemes
  • Publication number: 20230314330
    Abstract: A reader device includes a camera board, processing circuitry in communication with the camera board, and an interface in communication with the processing circuitry. The camera board is configured to capture image data associated with an output signal area of a biological chromatographic test strip. The processing circuitry is configured to determine, based on the image data captured by the camera board, a concentration of a target analyte in a test sample submitted via the biological chromatographic test strip. The interface is configured to output data indicative of the concentration of the target analyte determined by the processing circuitry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2021
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Antonia E. Schaefer, Nicholas T. Gabriel, Samuel J. Fahey, Adam C. Nyland, Thaine W. Fuller, John M. Kruse, Nicholas G. Amell, Glendon D. Kappel, Patrick A. Mach
  • Publication number: 20230304977
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a mobile computing device (902) physically coupled to a lightbox (904). The apparatus includes camera hardware configured to capture image data associated with an output signal area of a biological chromatographic test strip (410) inserted into a receiving slot of the lightbox. The apparatus further includes processing circuitry in communication with the camera hardware, the processing circuitry being configured to determine, based on the image data captured by the camera hardware, a concentration of a target analyte in a test sample submitted via the biological chromatographic test strip. The apparatus further includes an interface in communication with the processing circuitry, the interface being configured to output data indicative of the concentration of the target analyte determined by the processing circuitry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2021
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Antonia E. Schaefer, Nicholas T. Gabriel, Samuel J. Fahey, Adam C. Nyland, Thaine W. Fuller, John M. Kruse, Nicholas G. Amell, Glendon D. Kappel, Patrick A. Mach
  • Publication number: 20230266314
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a mobile computing device (902) physically coupled to a lightbox (904). The apparatus includes camera hardware, processing circuitry in communication with the camera hardware, and an interface in communication with the processing circuitry. The camera hardware is configured to capture image data associated with an output signal area of a biological chromatographic test strip (410) inserted into a receiving slot of the lightbox. The processing circuitry is configured to determine, based on the image data captured by the camera hardware, a concentration of a target analyte in a test sample submitted via the biological chromatographic test strip. The interface is configured to output data indicative of the concentration of the target analyte determined by the processing circuitry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2021
    Publication date: August 24, 2023
    Inventors: Antonia E. Schaefer, Nicholas T. Gabriel, Samuel J. Fahey, Adam C. Nyland, Thaine W. Fuller, John M. Kruse, Nicholas G. Amell, Glendon D. Kappel, Patrick A. Mach
  • Publication number: 20230266232
    Abstract: A device includes camera hardware configured to capture image data associated with an output signal area of a biological chromatographic test strip, and processing circuitry configured to determine, based on the image data, respective intensities of a control line displayed in the output signal area of the biological chromatographic test strip, a hook line displayed in the output signal area of the biological chromatographic test strip, and a test line displayed in the output signal area of the biological chromatographic test strip. The processing circuitry is configured to determine a relative intensity between the test line and at least one of the hook line or control line using the respective intensities, and to detect, based on the relative intensity, a presence of a target analyte in a test sample submitted via the biological chromatographic test strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2021
    Publication date: August 24, 2023
    Inventors: Antonia E. Schaefer, Nicholas T. Gabriel, Samuel J. Fahey, Adam C. Nyland, Thaine W. Fuller, John M. Kruse, Nicholas G. Amell, Glendon D. Kappel, Patrick A. Mach
  • Patent number: 11534632
    Abstract: A method of fit testing includes providing a respirator; providing a sensor having a sensing element removably positioned substantially within an interior gas space of the respirator; providing a reader configured to be in wireless communication with the sensor; positioning the respirator over a mouth and a nose of a user while the sensor is positioned substantially within an interior gas space of the respirator; and observing respirator fit assessment data communicated from the sensor to the reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Andrew S. Viner, Richard C. Webb, Nicholas G. Amell, Jessica L. T. Hauge, David R. Stein, Andrew P. Bonifas, Neal A. Rakow, Caroline M. Ylitalo, Joseph P. Kronzer, Claire R. Donoghue, Christopher P. Henderson
  • Publication number: 20220401016
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring the status of a joint or limb using color sensing. First and second color sensors are provided to sense first and second color encoded surfaces at first and second locations of a joint or limb, respectively. The color sensing data are processed to obtain the respective motion information of the first and second locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2020
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Inventors: Jonathan B. Arthur, Thaine W. Fuller, Nicholas G. Amell
  • Patent number: 11474020
    Abstract: A sensing element includes a substrate including an electrically non-conductive surface, at least one high surface energy region, and an electrode pair structure disposed on the electrically non-conductive surface. The electrode pair structure includes at least one pair of electrodes having a gap therebetween. At least one of the electrodes is at least partially within the at least one high surface energy region. The sensing element is configured to sense fluid-soluble particulate matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Richard C. Webb, Andrew S. Viner, Deepti Gopalakrishnan, Andrew P. Bonifas, Adam J. Mueler, Moses M. David, James P. Endle, Nicholas G. Amell
  • Publication number: 20220244170
    Abstract: Systems and methods of state detection of material surfaces of wearable objects using color sensing are provided. A color sensor is used to sense light from material surfaces of wearable objects to obtain color sensing data. State information (e.g., tension, compression, deformation, displacement, level of material wear, etc.) of the material surfaces can be determined based on the obtained color sensing data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Publication date: August 4, 2022
    Inventors: Nicholas G. Amell, Thaine W. Fuller, Jonathan B. Arthur
  • Publication number: 20220050435
    Abstract: Automated systems and methods of using a smart end-effector tool (20) including an applicator (30) to apply a coating onto an object surface (2) (e.g., a wind blade) are provided. The smart tool (20) can process on-board sensor signals and update its working state with a remote robot controller (28) in real time and send instructions to the robot controller (28) to adjust the tool's travelling around the object surface (2) and optimize the applicator's (30) operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Publication date: February 17, 2022
    Inventors: Nicholas G. Amell, Jonathan B. Arthur, Thaine W. Fuller
  • Patent number: 11250177
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for optimally determining sensor or infrastructure placement in a fluid network, for determining an anomaly of interest in the fluid network, and for determining sensor coverage in a fluid network, which are based on a model of the fluid network represented by a directed graph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Jennifer F. Schumacher, Saber Taghaeeyan, Ronald D. Jesme, Andrew P. Bonifas, Nicholas G. Amell, Brock A. Hable, Golshan Golnari
  • Publication number: 20220016774
    Abstract: Automated systems and methods of using a smart end-effector tool to prepare (e.g., scuffing, abrading, sanding, polishing, etc.) an object surface are provided. The smart tool can update its working state with a robot arm in real time, which in turn adjusts locomotion parameters to optimize the tool's working state on the object surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Inventors: Nicholas G. Amell, Jonathan B. Arthur, Thaine W. Fuller
  • Patent number: 11200352
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for optimally determining sensor or infrastructure placement in a fluid network, for determining an anomaly of interest in the fluid network, and for determining sensor coverage in a fluid network, which are based on a model of the fluid network represented by a directed graph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Jennifer F. Schumacher, Saber Taghvaeeyan, Ronald D. Jesme, Andrew P. Bonifas, Nicholas G. Amell, Brock A. Hable, Golshan Golnari
  • Patent number: 11002630
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining sensor or infrastructure placement in a fluid network, for determining an anomaly of interest in the fluid network, and for optimally determining sensor coverage in a fluid network, which are based on a model of the fluid network represented by a directed graph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Jennifer F. Schumacher, Saber Taghaeeyan, Ronald D. Jesme, Andrew P. Bonifas, Nicholas G. Amell, Brock A. Hable, Golshan Golnari
  • Publication number: 20210072135
    Abstract: A sensing element includes a substrate including an electrically non-conductive surface, at least one high surface energy region, and an electrode pair structure disposed on the electrically non-conductive surface. The electrode pair structure includes at least one pair of electrodes having a gap therebetween. At least one of the electrodes is at least partially within the at least one high surface energy region. The sensing element is configured to sense fluid-soluble particulate matter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Inventors: Richard C. Webb, Andrew S. Viner, Deepti Gopalakrishnan, Andrew P. Bonifas, Adam J. Mueler, Moses M. David, James P. Endle, Nicholas G. Amell
  • Patent number: 10820656
    Abstract: A shoe degradation sensor assembly includes a first sensor disposed in or proximate to a material layer of a shoe between a foot space and an outer surface of the shoe, and an electrical contact assembly operable to removably electrically connect the shoe degradation sensor assembly to a reader. The material layer changes in at least one physical property with degradation to the shoe, and the first sensor is configured to indicate the changing physical property of the material layer thereby indicating a degree of degradation to the shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Andrew P. Bonifas, Brock A. Hable, Nicholas T. Gabriel, Ronald D. Jesme, Nicholas G. Amell, Kristy A. Jost
  • Publication number: 20200237258
    Abstract: A system includes a respirator, a sensor including a sensing element, and a reader configured to be in wireless communication with the sensor. The sensor is positioned substantially within an interior gas space of the respirator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Inventors: Richard C. Webb, Andrew S. Viner, Nicholas G. Amell, Andrew P. Bonifas, Neal A. Rakow