Patents by Inventor Robert A. Nichols

Robert 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: 8352100
    Abstract: A method of providing a relative navigation system by projecting into space from a first object a grid that is repeatedly detected from a second object having a second relative reference frame associated with a second origin point on the second object and using range and attitude between the objects to adjust the attitude or range of at least one of the first and second objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Lawrence William Stimac, Michael Steven Feldmann, Frank Saggio, III, Douglas Robert Nichols
  • Patent number: 8326523
    Abstract: A method of determining range between two objects, where a grid consisting of a plurality of grid lines are projected into space by the first object and detected by the second object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Lawrence William Stimac, Michael Steven Feldmann, Frank Saggio, Douglas Robert Nichols
  • Publication number: 20120039047
    Abstract: A guide system is provided for an electronic device having a card module mated with a header. The guide system includes a guide rail configured to guide the card module for mating with the header of the electronic device. The guide rail includes a main wall extending along a longitudinal axis between a front end and a rear end positioned proximate to the header. The guide rail also includes board guides extending from the main wall along the longitudinal axis that are configured to engage a card module circuit board or board guide of the card module to guide the card module to the header. The guide rail also includes heat sink flanges extending from the main wall along the longitudinal axis that are configured to engage a heat sink of the card module to dissipate heat from the heat sink to the main wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: TYCO ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Robert NICHOLS
  • Publication number: 20110153205
    Abstract: A relative navigation system projecting a grid into space from a first object a grid that is repeatedly detected from a second object having a second relative reference frame and using range and attitude between the objects to adjust the attitude or range of at least one of the first and second objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Lawrence William Stimac, Michael Steven Feldmann, Frank Saggio, III, Douglas Robert Nichols
  • Publication number: 20110153210
    Abstract: A method of providing a relative navigation system by projecting into space from a first object a grid that is repeatedly detected from a second object having a second relative reference frame associated with a second origin point on the second object and using range and attitude between the objects to adjust the attitude or range of at least one of the first and second objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Lawrence William Stimac, Michael Steven Feldmann, Frank Saggio, III, Douglas Robert Nichols
  • Publication number: 20110153211
    Abstract: A method of determining range between two objects, where a grid consisting of a plurality of grid lines are projected into space by the first object and detected by the second object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Lawrence William Stimac, Michael Steven Feldmann, Frank Saggio, III, Douglas Robert Nichols
  • Publication number: 20100136365
    Abstract: The invention relates to a coated glass pane with a low-e and/or solar controlcoating comprising—in sequence from the glass surface—at least the following layers: —a lower anti-reflection layer, comprising: a base layer of an (oxi)nitride of aluminium, a middle layer of an oxide of Zn and Sn, a top layer of a metal oxide; —a silver-based functional layer; —a barrier layer; —an upper anti-reflection layer comprising a layer of an (oxi)nitride of aluminium 10 having a thickness of more than 10 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: PILKINGTON GROUP LIMITED
    Inventors: Javier Unquera, John Andrew Ridealgh, John Robert Siddle, Gary Robert Nichol
  • Publication number: 20100051755
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention sets forth an exemplary bi-plane air vehicle. The air vehicle may include, a plurality of wings coupled to one another in substantially a box configuration, wherein the bi-plane air vehicle has no tail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: DarkStar LLC
    Inventors: David C. Nichols, Robert Nichols
  • Publication number: 20070284062
    Abstract: A paneling system for use as a wing and/or return panel for dividing large open office areas into smaller work stations. The paneling system includes a frame having top and bottom surfaces, and side surfaces. Attachment assemblies are used for removably attaching one or more paneling system to one or more of a spine wall, post, wing panel, return panel, and work surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: HNI TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: James Contois, Robert Nichols, Teresa Falck, Gregory Ferris, Matthew Brown, Ronald Hartman, Mark Roumfort, Christopher Mefford
  • Patent number: 7176606
    Abstract: A lamp includes a transparent envelope having a first region defining an enclosed interior volume and a closure region adjacent to the first region, a light source in the interior volume and electrically coupled through the closure region, an interference filter coating on the exterior of the first region, and a light absorbing coating that is 7–40 nanometers thick on the exterior of the first region, except in a ring-shaped portion adjacent to the closure region that has a thickness of 50–200 nanometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignees: Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft fur Elektrisch Gluhlampen mbH, Deposition Sciences Incorporated
    Inventors: Reinhard Schaefer, Robert Nichols, Florence Taitel
  • Publication number: 20070015483
    Abstract: Apparatus arranged to have an apparatus active state and an apparatus idle state, the apparatus including an RDS engine having an engine active state and an idle state, and wherein the RDS engine is arranged to be placed in the engine active state based upon whether the apparatus is in the apparatus active state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventors: James Scales, Robert Nichols
  • Publication number: 20060140826
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an exhaust manifold can comprise: an exhaust conduit and a catalyst portion disposed within at least a portion of the exhaust conduit. The catalyst portion can comprise a metallic substrate, an aluminide layer disposed on at least a portion of the metallic substrate, and a catalyst material disposed on the aluminide. The catalyst material can be selected from the group consisting of platinum, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing catalyst materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Publication date: June 29, 2006
    Inventors: William LaBarge, Conrad Anderson, Robert Nichols
  • Publication number: 20060138226
    Abstract: An electronic voting system includes a controller and one or more voting stations. The voting stations each have a liquid crystal display that is electronically configurable to present voters with ballot information. A mobile ballot box includes memory storage that is used to transport electronic ballot data to and from an election headquarters. The visual display on the LCD at the casting of each ballot is checked against electronic records of votes, as they are stored. The electronic ballot information includes a plurality of ballot styles that the controller selectively provides to the voting stations depending upon voter authorization corresponding to a particular style. The voting stations may be retrofitted with access units that facilitate voting by disabled or physically challenged persons. A complete audit trail is maintained of all operator interaction with the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Publication date: June 29, 2006
    Inventors: Neil McClure, Ralph Wieland, Victor Babbitt, Robert Nichols
  • Patent number: 7032821
    Abstract: An electronic voting system includes a controller and one or more voting stations. The voting stations each have a liquid crystal display that is electronically configurable to present voters with ballot information. A mobile ballot box includes memory storage that is used to transport electronic ballot data to and from an election headquarters. The visual display on the LCD at the casting of each ballot is checked against electronic records of votes, as they are stored. The electronic ballot information includes a plurality of ballot styles that the controller selectively provides to the voting stations depending upon voter authorization corresponding to a particular style. The voting stations may be retrofitted with access units that facilitate voting by disabled or physically challenged persons. A complete audit trail is maintained of all operator interaction with the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Hart InterCivic, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil L. McClure, Ralph David Wieland, Victor L. Babbitt, Robert A. Nichols
  • Publication number: 20050272457
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of handling in a first electronic device transmissions to a second electronic device via a radio link. The first device supports for a radio link a first power mode using a transmission power within a first power range and a second power mode using a transmission power within a second power range. During a use of the first power mode, a value of at least one parameter is monitored. In case the monitored value of the at least one parameter lies within a predetermined value range associated to the second power mode, a switch from the first power mode to the second power mode is then caused. The invention relates equally to a module for a corresponding device, to a corresponding device, to a system comprising a corresponding device and to a corresponding software program product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Publication date: December 8, 2005
    Inventors: Robert Nichols, Arne Kumm, Kanji Kerai
  • Patent number: 6880306
    Abstract: A tile bracket support system that has a tile side support bracket or clip and a tile bottom support bracket or clip attached to the tile without the use of screws or adhesives. The tile side support bracket or clip has tile side edge embedding members and vertical frame member engaging members. The tile bottom support bracket has tile bottom edge embedding members and horizontal frame member engaging members thereby holding the tile affixed to the horizontal and vertical frame members without the use of screws or adhesives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: HON Technology Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Burken, James C. Fitzgerald, William J. McKibbin, Christian J. Kleppe, Robert Nichols
  • Patent number: 6865853
    Abstract: A base plate assembly and method of forming a base plate assembly for use with a wall panel structure that is pleasing in appearance, simple in construction, and easy to install. The base plate assembly is generally u-shaped with top and bottom flanges. Prongs are associated with the top flange that snap into slots on each side of the base of adjacent vertical members that hold wall panels. Slots are located in the bottom flange of the base plate assembly and fit over vertical tabs on each side of spaced supports that enable the height of the vertical members to be adjusted. Pivoting the base plate assembly upward about the vertical tabs allows the prongs to be inserted and locked in the corresponding slots in each side of the base of the adjacent spaced vertical members thereby forming a volume in which electrical wiring, including electrical outlets, may be located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: HON Technology Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Burken, James C. Fitzgerald, William J. McKibbin, Christian J. Kleppe, Robert Nichols
  • Publication number: 20050006223
    Abstract: A masking system and method for attaining uniformity or controlled non-uniformity in thin film coatings among an array of substrates in a sputter deposition system. The masking system includes collimators formed by intersecting blades having non-uniform depth, thickness, and/or spacing. The position of the mask may also be fixed relative to the position of the substrates in the system. The system is particularly suitable for attaining such coatings among an array of non-planar or complex-shaped substrates such as automotive lamps, industrial lamps, or reflectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Publication date: January 13, 2005
    Inventors: Robert Nichols, Justin Mosier
  • Publication number: 20040222727
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lamp comprising a transparent envelope having a first region defining an enclosed interior volume, and a closure region adjacent said first region, a light source located in said interior volume and electrically coupled to the exterior through said closure region, an interference filter coating formed on the exterior of said first region, said interference filter coating defining a spectral region of transparency, a light absorbing coating formed on the exterior of said first region, wherein said light absorbing coating comprises a ring-shaped portion having a layer thickness of at least 20 nanometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Applicants: DESPOSITION SCIENCES INC., PATENT-TREUHAND-GESELLSCHAFT FUR ELEKTRISCHE GLUHLAMPEN MBH
    Inventors: Reinhard Schaefer, Robert Nichols, Florence Taitel
  • Publication number: 20040154267
    Abstract: A base plate assembly and method of forming a base plate assembly for use with a wall panel structure that is pleasing in appearance, simple in construction, and easy to install. The base plate assembly is generally unshaped with top and bottom flanges. Prongs are associated with the top flange that snap into slots on each side of the base of adjacent vertical members that hold wall panels. Slots are located in the bottom flange of the base plate assembly and fit over vertical tabs on each side of spaced supports that enable the height of the vertical members to be adjusted. Pivoting the base plate assembly upward about the vertical tabs allows the prongs to be inserted and locked in the corresponding slots in each side of the base of the adjacent spaced vertical members thereby forming a volume in which electrical wiring, including electrical outlets, may be located.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: David J. Burken, James C. Fitzgerald, William J. McKibbin, Christian J. Kleppe, Robert Nichols