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: 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
  • Publication number: 20040144049
    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: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: David J. Burken, James C. Fitzgerald, William J. McKibbin, Christian J. Kleppe, Robert Nichols
  • Publication number: 20030039960
    Abstract: The invention herein described relates to the delivery of therapeutic agents and in particular genetic material, to an animal in combination with dextrin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2000
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Applicant: ML Laboratories PLC
    Inventors: Susan Conroy, Robert Nichol Boyes
  • Publication number: 20030022861
    Abstract: The invention herein described relates to the delivery of therapeutic agents and in particular genetic material, to an animal in combination with dextrin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Susan Conroy, Robert Nichol Boyes
  • Publication number: 20010042005
    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: January 3, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventors: Neil L. McClure, Ralph David Wieland, Victor L. Babbitt, Robert A. Nichols
  • Patent number: 6091504
    Abstract: A system and method for determining the concentration of an analyte such as oxygen in an unknown gas sample. A Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) is used as a variable wavelength light source which is "swept" through a wavelength range by varying the drive signal applied thereto. Quantitative spectroscopic analysis of the unknown gas sample is performed without the requirement of feedback circuitry for tuning the light source to the characteristic frequency of an analyte. Instead, the VCSEL is repeatedly "swept" through a range of frequencies determined by the drive signal, and the absorption is measured by the detector. The absorption lines do not always occur at the same place but instead move along around during the sweep based on the temperature and baseline current. The absorption at a particular wavelength may be determined by overlaying the drive signal and its timing information over the detected absorption signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Square One Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen D. Walker, Robert A. Nichols, William A. Curnan, Sophat Svai, James R. Braig, Daniel S. Goldberger
  • Patent number: 5964535
    Abstract: A machine slide comprising a support member having two longitudinally-extending races with outwardly-facing, longitudinally extending grooves at opposite sides thereof, and a carriage movable on the support member. The carriage has two longitudinally-extending races having inwardly facing, longitudinally-extending grooves. When the carriage is placed on the support member, the grooves of the support member and the grooves of the carriage correspond to define two parallel longitudinally-extending raceways for roller bearings. There are two longitudinally-extending slits forming an island in the bottom surface of the carriage above one of the races on the carriage. A longitudinally-extending groove is located along the outside face of the side wall of the carriage nearest the island. A bearing retainer that regulates the spacing of the roller bearings is mounted within each raceway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Bayside Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Feinstein, Robert Nichols
  • Patent number: 5905936
    Abstract: Generally rough sphere-shaped work pieces made of fragile material are ground into more uniform spheres. The rough spheres are fed into a holding plate having a channel cut into the bottom side of the plate with a width slightly larger than the largest diameter of the rough spheres. A movable abrasive surface is positioned adjacent to the bottom side of the holding plate. As the rough spheres move through the holding plate which can be vibrated, they move in contact with each other and with the abrasive surface. The finally formed spheres leave the plate where they are collected. It is a further embodiment green spheres which are treated in a sintering process with hydrogen gas have tungsten oxide particles applied to the surface of the spheres prior to and during sintering so that the particles remain separated and apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Teledyne Wah Chang
    Inventors: Lloyd Fenwick, Darryl Amick, Gary McDowell, Robert Nichols
  • Patent number: 5897213
    Abstract: A machine slide comprising a support member having two longitudinally-extending races with outwardly-facing, longitudinally extending grooves at opposite sides thereof, and a carriage movable on the support member. The carriage has two longitudinally-extending races having inwardly facing, longitudinally-extending grooves. When the carriage is placed on the support member, the grooves of the support member and the grooves of the carriage correspond to define two parallel longitudinally-extending raceways for roller bearings. There are two longitudinally-extending slits forming an island in the bottom surface of the carriage above one of the races on the carriage. A longitudinally-extending groove is located along the outside face of the side wall of the carriage nearest the island. A bearing retainer that regulates the spacing of the roller bearings is mounted within each raceway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Bayside Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Feinstein, Robert Nichols
  • Patent number: 5827182
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an oximeter sensor that may be employed with a variety of oximeter processing and display units. The oximeter sensor includes a plurality of radiation emitting devices that are capable of providing a spectral content that is useful in the correlation of a number of different oximeter processing and display units. The oximeter sensor further includes a plurality of resistors, with each resistor being connected to a different oximeter processing and display unit to permit the particular oximeter processing and display unit to select an appropriate correlation curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Ohmeda Inc.
    Inventors: Dena Raley, Robert Nichols