Patents by Inventor Christopher D. Collier

Christopher D. Collier 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).

  • Publication number: 20240140523
    Abstract: A steer-by-wire steering system for a vehicle includes a bar extending from a first end to a second end, the bar defining a first groove and a second groove within an outer surface of the bar. The steer-by-wire steering system also includes an anti-rotation cartridge comprising a sleeve containing separate wear plates in which a plurality of ball bearings roll, wherein a first end of the sleeve contains a sleeve groove and window features, the inner surface of the sleeve containing V-shaped grooves in which the wear plates are disposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2024
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Christopher R. Case Myers, Caleb S. Palmer, Ryan D. Harris, Eric D. Pattok, Travis L. Palmer, Bruce M. Collier, Jason A. Dutsky, William S. Anders, William R. Root
  • Publication number: 20240067255
    Abstract: A steer-by-wire system for a vehicle includes a rack moveable in an axial direction and defining a groove extending in the axial direction of the rack. The steer-by-wire system also includes a housing surrounding at least a portion of the rack. The steer-by-wire system further includes an anti-rotation device disposed proximate an outer surface of the rack at the mounting location of the rack and within the housing. The anti-rotation device includes a plurality of balls disposed in the groove defined by the rack. The anti-rotation device also includes a running plate having a radially inner surface disposed radially outward of the rack, wherein the plurality of balls are disposed between the plate and the rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: Christopher R. Case Myers, Caleb S. Palmer, Ryan D. Harris, Eric D. Pattok, Travis L. Palmer, Bruce M. Collier
  • Patent number: 8623441
    Abstract: A brewing system and method are shown for brewing a beverage, such as coffee or tea. The system includes an inline sensor or sensor array that intercepts the dispensing stream and measures the time dependent properties of the brewed liquid at a particular location as the liquid is dispensed. In a particular embodiment, the total dissolved solids is measured to produce a coffee signature, which is sent to a controller that uses the time-dependent data to perform one or more of the following: evaluate the quality of the brewed liquid, control the brewing process for subsequent brewing cycles; identify the blend or brand of brewed product; and/or determine when maintenance is needed or advisable for the brewing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Concordia Coffee Company, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. McLaughlin, Quan H. Nguyen, Christopher D. Collier, Eileen M. Nall, Lucas A. Marks, Carrie M. Rebhuhn
  • Publication number: 20110212229
    Abstract: A brewing system and method are disclosed for brewing a beverage, such as coffee or tea. The system includes an inline sensor or sensor array that intercepts the dispensing stream and measures the time dependent properties of the brewed liquid at a particular location as the liquid is dispensed. In a particular embodiment, the total dissolved solids is measured to produce a coffee signature, which is sent to a controller that uses the time-dependent data to perform one or more of the following: evaluate the quality of the brewed liquid, control the brewing process for subsequent brewing cycles; identify the blend or brand of brewed product; and/or determine when maintenance is needed or advisable for the brewing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: CONCORDIA COFFEE COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: James M. McLaughlin, Quan H. Nguyen, Christopher D. Collier, Eileen M. Nall, Lucas A. Marks, Carrie M. Rebhuhn
  • Patent number: 7287990
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for grounding cables (e.g., fiber cables or copper wire cables) used in networks such as the telecommunications networks are disclosed. For example, the apparatus comprises an enclosure having a plurality of metal posts, e.g., metallic bolts, (e.g. brass or copper) for connecting with cables and at least one grounding rod. The apparatus contains apertures for allowing cables and at least one grounding rod to be brought into the apparatus in order to reach the metal posts. The grounding rod is then connected to one of the posts, and one or more of the cables are also connected to one or more of the posts. In one embodiment, the apparatus employs a movable cover with a conducting member (e.g., a metal hinged plate) mounted onto the movable cover. In operation, the metal plate makes contact with all the posts and provides grounding to all the cables when the cover is in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Collier, John S. Huffman, David Roberts