Patents by Inventor Robert Nichols
Robert 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).
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Patent number: 11945746Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of depositing a coating comprising zinc oxide on a substrate; to a chemical vapour deposition precursor mixture for use in same and to a coated glass article and a photovoltaic cell prepared with a zinc oxide coating prepared using the method which comprises: providing a substrate, providing a precursor mixture comprising an alkyl zinc compound and a phosphorus source, the phosphorus source comprising a compound of formula OnP(OR)3, wherein n is 0 or 1 and each R is hydrocarbyl, and delivering the precursor mixture to a surface of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2021Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: Pilkington Group LimitedInventors: Liam Sonie Palmer, Peter Michael Harris, Gary Robert Nichol
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Publication number: 20240058935Abstract: Rotary tools for operating on energized power lines are described herein. The rotary tool may be used to manipulate wire ties wrapped around the conductors and to clean the conductors. The rotary tool may comprise a planetary gear set. A ring gear may comprise a receiving portion through which an end of the wire tie is received and, as the ring gear rotates, the wire tie is fed through the receiving portion and unwound about the conductor. A spring-loaded rod assembly may also be used, having a rod that is kept proximal to the conductor by the spring. The rod may be inserted between the conductor and the wire tie and rotated along with the ring gear to unwind the wire tie. The rod may comprise wire bristles to abrade corrosive material off the conductor. The rotary tool may be remotely operated by a robotic unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2023Publication date: February 22, 2024Inventor: Robert Nichols
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Publication number: 20240033950Abstract: A system, method, and device for a remotely controlled robot unit affixed to a boom assembly. The robot unit comprises at least one arm for performing an action, a remotely controlled movable six-degree-of freedom camera mount, at least one camera disposed on the camera mount to capture visual information, and at least one depth camera disposed on the camera mount to capture three-dimensional depth information. Captured sensory information may be transmitted to an operator using a head mount and motion controls for controlling movement of the robot unit. Operator movement captured by the head mount and motion controls may be compared to a digital representation generated from the three-dimensional depth information to aid in positioning and moving the robot unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2023Publication date: February 1, 2024Inventors: Jonathan Westin Sykes, Timothy J. Mourlam, David Lindquist, William Naber, Robert Nichols
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Publication number: 20240039265Abstract: Systems and methods for tensioning an electrical cable adapted to be manipulated by one or more remotely operated robotic appendages. Tensioners mounted to a rigid object configured to adjust the tension of a connecting line attached to an electrical cable such that the tension of the connecting line is applied to a length of the electrical cable such that another portion of the electrical cable becomes slack, thereby allowing one or more robotic appendages to remove, replace, repair, or conduct any alteration or modification to said electrical cable or to a rigid object that supports the electrical cable.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2023Publication date: February 1, 2024Inventors: Robert Nichols, David Lindquist, William Naber, Cole Schlup
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Publication number: 20240034669Abstract: A coated glazing includes at least the following layers in sequence: a transparent glass substrate, a layer based on an oxide of a metal and/or a layer based on an oxide of a metalloid, and a further layer, wherein either the layer based on an oxide of a metal or the layer based on an oxide of a metalloid is adjacent the transparent glass substrate. The layer that is adjacent the transparent glass substrate has a surface that, prior to a coating of the surface, has an arithmetical mean height of the surface value, Sa, of at least 4.0 nm when tested in accordance with ISO 25178-2:2012, and the coated glazing exhibits an average haze value of at least 0.47% when tested in accordance with ASTM D1003-13.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2023Publication date: February 1, 2024Applicant: Pilkington Group LimitedInventors: Mark Anthony FARNWORTH, Gary Robert NICHOL, Paul Andrew SKINNER, Paul David WARREN, Alex Joseph ABBOTT
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Publication number: 20240033916Abstract: Systems and methods for performing a task in an operation environment of an aerial device with an autonomous or semi-autonomous robot are described. In some embodiments, a robot is disposed at an end of a boom of an aerial device. The robot may comprise cameras, actuators, sensors, processors, and manipulators that work together to perform tasks fully autonomously or semi-autonomously. Furthermore, the robot may comprise tools for performing the tasks and computer-executable instructions for performing the tasks may be based on the various sensory inputs, the tools, and the tasks to be performed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2023Publication date: February 1, 2024Inventors: Jonathan Westin Sykes, Timothy J. Mourlam, David Lindquist, William Naber, Robert Nichols
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Patent number: 11839962Abstract: Rotary tools for operating on energized power lines are described herein. The rotary tool may be used to manipulate wire ties wrapped around the conductors and to clean the conductors. The rotary tool may comprise a planetary gear set. A ring gear may comprise a receiving portion through which an end of the wire tie is received and, as the ring gear rotates, the wire tie is fed through the receiving portion and unwound about the conductor. A spring-loaded rod assembly may also be used, having a rod that is kept proximal to the conductor by the spring. The rod may be inserted between the conductor and the wire tie and rotated along with the ring gear to unwind the wire tie. The rod may comprise wire bristles to abrade corrosive material off the conductor. The rotary tool may be remotely operated by a robotic unit.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2022Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignee: Altec Industries, Inc.Inventor: Robert Nichols
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Patent number: 11794359Abstract: A system, method, and device for a remotely controlled robot unit affixed to a boom assembly. The robot unit comprises at least one arm for performing an action, a remotely controlled movable six-degree-of freedom camera mount, at least one camera disposed on the camera mount to capture visual information, and at least one depth camera disposed on the camera mount to capture three-dimensional depth information. Captured sensory information may be transmitted to an operator using a head mount and motion controls for controlling movement of the robot unit. Operator movement captured by the head mount and motion controls may be compared to a digital representation generated from the three-dimensional depth information to aid in positioning and moving the robot unit.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2022Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: Altec Industries, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan Westin Sykes, Timothy J. Mourlam, David Lindquist, William Naber, Robert Nichols
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Patent number: 11689008Abstract: Systems and methods for tensioning an electrical cable adapted to be manipulated by one or more remotely operated robotic appendages. Tensioners mounted to a rigid object configured to adjust the tension of a connecting line attached to an electrical cable such that the tension of the connecting line is applied to a length of the electrical cable such that another portion of the electrical cable becomes slack, thereby allowing one or more robotic appendages to remove, replace, repair, or conduct any alteration or modification to said electrical cable or to a rigid object that supports the electrical cable.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2022Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: Altec Industries, Inc.Inventors: Robert Nichols, David Lindquist, William Naber
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Patent number: 11660750Abstract: Systems and methods for performing a task in an operation environment of an aerial device with an autonomous or semi-autonomous robot are described. In some embodiments, a robot is disposed at an end of a boom of an aerial device. The robot may comprise cameras, actuators, sensors, processors, and manipulators that work together to perform tasks fully autonomously or semi-autonomously. Furthermore, the robot may comprise tools for performing the tasks and computer-executable instructions for performing the tasks may be based on the various sensory inputs, the tools, and the tasks to be performed.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2022Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: Altec Industries, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan Westin Sykes, Timothy J. Mourlam, David Lindquist, William Naber, Robert Nichols
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Patent number: 11365101Abstract: Systems, devices, and assemblies for providing winch freewheel functionality and maintaining tension in a winch line of a winch system. An operator input is detected using at least one sensor. The operator input is associated with an operator pulling on the winch line and a pay-out function of a winch motor of the winch system is controlled based on the operator input.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2021Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: Altec Industries, Inc.Inventors: Dusty Jazwick, Robert Nichols
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Publication number: 20220073419Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of depositing a coating comprising zinc oxide on a substrate; to a chemical vapour deposition precursor mixture for use in same and to a coated glass article and a photovoltaic cell prepared with a zinc oxide coating prepared using the method which comprises: providing a substrate, providing a precursor mixture comprising an alkyl zinc compound and a phosphorus source, the phosphorus source comprising a compound of formula OnP(OR)3, wherein n is 0 or 1 and each R is hydrocarbyl, and delivering the precursor mixture to a surface of the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2021Publication date: March 10, 2022Applicant: PILKINGTON GROUP LIMITEDInventors: LIAM SONIE PALMER, PETER MICHAEL HARRIS, GARY ROBERT NICHOL
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Publication number: 20210381602Abstract: A method of assembling a seal includes presetting a spring in a core material and performing a lost core molding process with the spring being preset in the core, which provides for more exact manufacture, leading to lighter weight, higher performance and ability to make complex designs.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2021Publication date: December 9, 2021Applicant: Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Germany GmbHInventor: Robert Nichols
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Publication number: 20210332351Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for massively parallel template-free enzymatic synthesis of a plurality of different polynucleotides of predetermined sequences. In one aspect, methods of the invention employ large scale arrays of reaction sites each associated with at least one working electrode for controlling deprotection and deblocking steps at predetermined user selected sites. In another aspect, the invention provides template-free enzymatic synthesis with proofreading, wherein completed polynucleotides at predetermined reaction sites are sequenced using a sequencing by synthesis technique, particularly employing electrochemically labile blocking groups.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2019Publication date: October 28, 2021Inventors: Adrian Horgan, Xavier Godron, Thomas Ybert, Robert Nichol
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Patent number: 10873626Abstract: A system and method for target driven peer-zoning (TDPZ) synchronization can include a principal member device and a switch. The principal member device can include to send an active peer zone list request to a switch. In an example, the principal member device can store a first TDPZ database version number and a first TDPZ zone list. In an example, the switch may send a response based on the active peer zone list request. In an example, the response can include a second TDPZ database version number and a second TDPZ zone list. The principal member device may compare the first TDPZ database version number to the second TDPZ database version number.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2016Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LPInventors: Alice Terumi Clark, Rupin T. Mohan, Vivek Agarwal, Krishna Puttagunta, Christopher Robert Nichols
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Patent number: 10746587Abstract: A reel weight measurement system is shown and described herein. In some embodiments, the reel weight measurement system comprises strategically placed position and load sensors for measuring an orientation of a reel-carrying unit and measuring loads in the reel-carrying unit. The loads may be indicative of forces due to the weight of the reel when the reel is supported by a carriage of the reel-carrying unit. The weight of the reel may be determined by summing the forces and moments in the system while the carriage is in motion or static. Further, the weight of the reel may be determined by comparing the force measurements and orientation of the carriage to stored calibration data.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2020Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: Altec Industries, Inc.Inventor: Robert Nichols
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Publication number: 20200179626Abstract: There is described a multi-unit dose dry powder medicament delivery device comprising: a first element comprising a single use nozzle located in a body which is at least partially lined with an inner member, said inner sleeve comprising an airway and a cartridge seat; and a second element adapted to be releasably attached to the first element, said second element comprising an actuator provided with an air source and a valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2018Publication date: June 11, 2020Applicant: Indosys LimitedInventors: Robert Nichol Boyes, Philip Wilson Braithwaite
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Publication number: 20200169604Abstract: A system and method for target driven peer-zoning (TDPZ) synchronization can include a principal member device and a switch. The principal member device can include to send an active peer zone list request to a switch. In an example, the principal member device can store a first TDPZ database version number and a first TDPZ zone list. In an example, the switch may send a response based on the active peer zone list request. In an example, the response can include a second TDPZ database version number and a second TDPZ zone list. The principal member device may compare the first TDPZ database version number to the second TDPZ database version number.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2016Publication date: May 28, 2020Inventors: Alice Terumi Clark, Rupin T. Mohan, Vivek Agarwal, Krishna Puttagunta, Christopher Robert Nichols
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Patent number: 10614185Abstract: A specialized low drop-out voltage regulator (LDO) computer system stores a generalized base model of an LDO. The base model includes values representing a circuit topology and a set of analog behavior blocks associated with the generalized LDO. Values of a set of operational parameters associated with a specific model of LDO are input to the specialized LDO computer system from a data sheet associated with the specific model of LDO. The specialized LDO computer system transforms the set of operational parameters into a computer model of the specific LDO. The LDO-specific computer model is output as a netlist or as a set of instantiation control values to control external hardware such as an integrated circuit die tooling system or a computer graphical display system.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2017Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventors: Robert Nichols Atwell, Britt Eric Brooks
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Publication number: 20200031709Abstract: A coated glazing comprising at least the following layers in sequence: a transparent glass substrate, a layer based on an oxide of a metal and/or a layer based on an oxide of a metalloid, and a further layer, wherein either said layer based on an oxide of a metal or said layer based on an oxide of a metalloid is adjacent said transparent glass substrate, wherein said layer that is adjacent said transparent glass substrate comprises a surface that, prior to a coating of said surface, has an arithmetical mean height of the surface value, Sa, of at least 4.0 nm when tested in accordance with ISO 25178-2:2012, and wherein the coated glazing exhibits an average haze value of at least 0.47% when tested in accordance with ASTM D1003-13.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2018Publication date: January 30, 2020Applicant: PILKINGTON GROUP LIMITEDInventors: MARK ANTHONY FARNWORTH, GARY ROBERT NICHOL, PAUL ANDREW SKINNER, PAUL DAVID WARREN, ALEX JOSEPH ABBOTT