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).

  • Patent number: 11945746
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Pilkington Group Limited
    Inventors: Liam Sonie Palmer, Peter Michael Harris, Gary Robert Nichol
  • Publication number: 20240058935
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2023
    Publication date: February 22, 2024
    Inventor: Robert Nichols
  • Publication number: 20240033950
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2023
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Inventors: Jonathan Westin Sykes, Timothy J. Mourlam, David Lindquist, William Naber, Robert Nichols
  • Publication number: 20240039265
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2023
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Inventors: Robert Nichols, David Lindquist, William Naber, Cole Schlup
  • Publication number: 20240034669
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2023
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Applicant: Pilkington Group Limited
    Inventors: Mark Anthony FARNWORTH, Gary Robert NICHOL, Paul Andrew SKINNER, Paul David WARREN, Alex Joseph ABBOTT
  • Publication number: 20240033916
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2023
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Inventors: Jonathan Westin Sykes, Timothy J. Mourlam, David Lindquist, William Naber, Robert Nichols
  • Patent number: 11839962
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Altec Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Nichols
  • Patent number: 11794359
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Altec Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Westin Sykes, Timothy J. Mourlam, David Lindquist, William Naber, Robert Nichols
  • Patent number: 11689008
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Altec Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Nichols, David Lindquist, William Naber
  • Patent number: 11660750
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Altec Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Westin Sykes, Timothy J. Mourlam, David Lindquist, William Naber, Robert Nichols
  • Patent number: 11365101
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: Altec Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Dusty Jazwick, Robert Nichols
  • Publication number: 20220073419
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Applicant: PILKINGTON GROUP LIMITED
    Inventors: LIAM SONIE PALMER, PETER MICHAEL HARRIS, GARY ROBERT NICHOL
  • Publication number: 20210381602
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Applicant: Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Germany GmbH
    Inventor: Robert Nichols
  • Publication number: 20210332351
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2019
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventors: Adrian Horgan, Xavier Godron, Thomas Ybert, Robert Nichol
  • Patent number: 10873626
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP
    Inventors: Alice Terumi Clark, Rupin T. Mohan, Vivek Agarwal, Krishna Puttagunta, Christopher Robert Nichols
  • Patent number: 10746587
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Altec Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Nichols
  • Publication number: 20200179626
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Applicant: Indosys Limited
    Inventors: Robert Nichol Boyes, Philip Wilson Braithwaite
  • Publication number: 20200169604
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Publication date: May 28, 2020
    Inventors: Alice Terumi Clark, Rupin T. Mohan, Vivek Agarwal, Krishna Puttagunta, Christopher Robert Nichols
  • Patent number: 10614185
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Robert Nichols Atwell, Britt Eric Brooks
  • Publication number: 20200031709
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: PILKINGTON GROUP LIMITED
    Inventors: MARK ANTHONY FARNWORTH, GARY ROBERT NICHOL, PAUL ANDREW SKINNER, PAUL DAVID WARREN, ALEX JOSEPH ABBOTT