Patents by Inventor Thomas R. Nichols

Thomas R. 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: 9410863
    Abstract: A torque tool calibration fixture includes a support and a mounting plate movably secured thereto. The plate is configured to have a torque tool mounted thereto for calibration. A transducer is secured to the mounting plate for movement therewith. The transducer has one end portion configured to be coupled to a drive end of a head portion of the associated torque tool and an opposite end portion. A joint assembly is fixed to the support and coupled to the opposite end portion of the transducer. The joint assembly defines a rotational axis and the mounting plate is movable along the rotational axis. A torque analyzer is in communication with the transducer. Rotation of the joint assembly results in the joint assembly forming a hard joint where further rotation of the joint assembly is prevented. The analyzer indicates actual exerted torque on the hard joint as measured by the transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Thomas R. Nichols
  • Publication number: 20150168245
    Abstract: A torque tool calibration fixture includes a support and a mounting plate movably secured thereto. The plate is configured to have a torque tool mounted thereto for calibration. A transducer is secured to the mounting plate for movement therewith. The transducer has one end portion configured to be coupled to a drive end of a head portion of the associated torque tool and an opposite end portion. A joint assembly is fixed to the support and coupled to the opposite end portion of the transducer. The joint assembly defines a rotational axis and the mounting plate is movable along the rotational axis. A torque analyzer is in communication with the transducer. Rotation of the joint assembly results in the joint assembly forming a hard joint where further rotation of the joint assembly is prevented. The analyzer indicates actual exerted torque on the hard joint as measured by the transducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Inventor: Thomas R. Nichols
  • Patent number: 5399110
    Abstract: A two piece male terminal having a contact member and an attachment member. The contact member has a round solid pin at its forward end portion, an integral collar defining a radially extending abutment at its midportion and a round clamping portion behind the collar and a flattened rearward end portion. The attachment member has an attachment portion at its forward end portion that is tightly clamped around the clamping portion of the contact member and a cable attachment means at the rearward end portion which receives the flattened rearward end portion of the contact member so that the flattened end portion engages the cable at its core when the two piece terminal is attached to the cable. In addition, the clamping portion of the contact member is swedged to define a post extending radially outwardly of the outer surface of the clamping portion and the attachment member has a slot which receives the post when it is rolled onto the clamping portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: John R. Morello, Edward M. Bungo, Thomas R. Nichols