Patents by Inventor Thomas A. Nielson

Thomas A. Nielson 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: 11279166
    Abstract: A compact writing instrument includes a barrel and a cap. A majority of a length of the barrel and a writing element carried thereby may be received by the cap when the barrel and the cap are placed in a stored providing a compact stored arrangement. The cap may be secured to the barrel in a writing arrangement that extends a length of the writing instrument significantly; for example, to a conventional writing instrument length. Engagement features of the cap and barrel may include steep threads that enable the cap to be assembled with and disassembled from the barrel with one rotation (360°) or less. A clip on the cap may include a closed end that defines a receptacle, with the closed end and receptacle extending beyond a corresponding end of the cap. In addition, the closed end and receptacle may extend partially over the corresponding end of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Inventors: Thomas Nielson, Jens G. Jacobson
  • Patent number: 10214410
    Abstract: Fluid level measurements for the shared tank and outflow information provided by calibrated flow meters corresponding to dispensing stations connected to the shared tank may be used to derive a filled volume model for the tank as a function of fluid level. Subsequently, a filled volume change for a shared tank over a selected time interval may be determined from pre-change and post-change fluid level measurements. The change in filled volume may be compared with the total fluid flow over the selected time interval as indicated by the flow meters of active dispensing stations. If the filled volume change for the tank is substantially different than the total fluid flow indicated by the flow meters, the flow meters may be collectively adjusted to provide a more accurate indication of the filled volume change in the shared tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Brigham Young University
    Inventors: Thomas A. Nielson, William Barrett
  • Publication number: 20130199262
    Abstract: Fluid level measurements for the shared tank and outflow information provided by calibrated flow meters corresponding to dispensing stations connected to the shared tank may be used to derive a filled volume model for the tank as a function of fluid level. Subsequently, a filled volume change for a shared tank over a selected time interval may be determined from pre-change and post-change fluid level measurements. The change in filled volume may be compared with the total fluid flow over the selected time interval as indicated by the flow meters of active dispensing stations. If the filled volume change for the tank is substantially different than the total fluid flow indicated by the flow meters, the flow meters may be collectively adjusted to provide a more accurate indication of the filled volume change in the shared tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: Brigham Young University
    Inventors: Thomas A. Nielson, William Barrett