Patents by Inventor Donald Miller

Donald Miller 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).

  • CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20070287578
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission is disclosed for use in rotationally or linearly powered machines and vehicles. The single axle transmission provides a simple manual shifting method for the user. An additional embodiment is disclosed which shifts automatically dependent upon the rotational speed of the wheel. Further, the practical commercialization of traction roller transmissions requires improvements in the reliability, ease of shifting, function and simplicity of the transmission. The disclosed transmission may be used in vehicles such as automobiles, motorcycles, and bicycles. The transmission may, for example, be driven by a power transfer mechanism such as a sprocket, gear, pulley or lever, optionally driving a one way clutch attached at one end of the main shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventor: Donald Miller
  • CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20070287580
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission is disclosed for use in rotationally or linearly powered machines and vehicles. The single axle transmission provides a simple manual shifting method for the user. An additional embodiment is disclosed which shifts automatically dependent upon the rotational speed of the wheel. Further, the practical commercialization of traction roller transmissions requires improvements in the reliability, ease of shifting, function and simplicity of the transmission. The disclosed transmission may be used in vehicles such as automobiles, motorcycles, and bicycles. The transmission may, for example, be driven by a power transfer mechanism such as a sprocket, gear, pulley or lever, optionally driving a one way clutch attached at one end of the main shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventor: Donald Miller
  • CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20070287577
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission is disclosed for use in rotationally or linearly powered machines and vehicles. The single axle transmission provides a simple manual shifting method for the user. An additional embodiment is disclosed which shifts automatically dependent upon the rotational speed of the wheel. Further, the practical commercialization of traction roller transmissions requires improvements in the reliability, ease of shifting, function and simplicity of the transmission. The disclosed transmission may be used in vehicles such as automobiles, motorcycles, and bicycles. The transmission may, for example, be driven by a power transfer mechanism such as a sprocket, gear, pulley or lever, optionally driving a one way clutch attached at one end of the main shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventor: Donald Miller
  • CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE PLANETARY GEAR SET
    Publication number: 20070287579
    Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Miller, David Allen, Robert Smithson, Jeffrey Birchak
  • CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE PLANETARY GEAR SET
    Publication number: 20070281819
    Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Applicant: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Miller, David Allen, Robert Smithson
  • CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE PLANETARY GEAR SET
    Publication number: 20070275809
    Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Applicant: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Miller, David Allen, Robert Smithson
  • CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE PLANETARY GEAR SET
    Publication number: 20070270270
    Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Applicant: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Miller, David Allen, Robert Smithson
  • CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE PLANETARY GEAR SET
    Publication number: 20070270269
    Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Applicant: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Miller, David Allen, Robert Smithson, Jeffrey Birchak
  • CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE PLANETARY GEAR SET
    Publication number: 20070270268
    Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Applicant: Fallbrook Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Miller, David Allen, Robert Smithson
  • CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE PLANETARY GEAR SET
    Publication number: 20070270278
    Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Applicant: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Miller, David Allen, Robert Smithson
  • CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE PLANETARY GEAR SET
    Publication number: 20070270271
    Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Applicant: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Miller, David Allen, Robert Smithson
  • CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE PLANETARY GEAR SET
    Publication number: 20070270267
    Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Applicant: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Miller, David Allen, Robert Smithson
  • CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE PLANETARY GEAR SET
    Publication number: 20070270265
    Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Applicant: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Miller, David Allen, Robert Smithson
  • CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE PLANETARY GEAR SET
    Publication number: 20070270272
    Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Applicant: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Miller, David Allen, robert Smithson
  • CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE PLANETARY GEAR SET
    Publication number: 20070270266
    Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Applicant: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Miller, David Allen, Robert Smithson
  • Communicating with an implanted wireless sensor
    Publication number: 20070247138
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention determine the resonant frequency of a sensor by obtain sensor signals in response to three energizing signals, measure the phase of each sensor signal, and using a group phase delay to determine the resonant frequency. The phase difference between the first and second signal is determined as a first group phase delay. The phase difference between the second and third signal is determined as a second group phase delay. The first group phase delay and second group phase delay are compared. Based on the comparison, the system may lock on the resonant frequency of the sensor or adjust a subsequent set of three energizing signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Inventors: Donald Miller, Michael Ellis, Mark Allen
  • Communicating with an Implanted Wireless Sensor
    Publication number: 20070210786
    Abstract: The present invention determines the resonant frequency of a sensor by adjusting the phase and frequency of an energizing signal until the frequency of the energizing signal matches the resonant frequency of the sensor. The system energizes the sensor with a low duty cycle, gated burst of RF energy having a predetermined frequency or set of frequencies and a predetermined amplitude. The energizing signal is coupled to the sensor via magnetic coupling and induces a current in the sensor which oscillates at the resonant frequency of the sensor. The system receives the ring down response of the sensor via magnetic coupling and determines the resonant frequency of the sensor, which is used to calculate the measured physical parameter. The system uses a pair of phase locked loops to adjust the phase and the frequency of the energizing signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Applicant: CardioMEMS, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Allen, Michael Ellis, Jason Kroh, Donald Miller
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SAVING POWER IN A WIRELESS NETWORK BY REDUCING POWER TO A WIRELESS STATION FOR A TIME INTERVAL IF A RECEIVED PACKET FAILS AN INTEGRITY CHECK
    Publication number: 20070201419
    Abstract: A method, an apparatus and a carrier medium storing instructions to implement the method. The method is in a first wireless station of a wireless network, and includes wirelessly receiving a signal corresponding to a packet wirelessly transmitted by a second wireless station. The packet includes a subpacket and a check sequence. The method further includes verifying the integrity of the subpacket, the verifying at least using the check sequence. The method further includes, in the case that the subpacket fails the verifying, reducing the power consumption of at least one component in the first wireless station for a time interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Donald Miller, Andrew Myles, Alex Lam, David Goodall
  • CREATINE ESTER PRONUTRIENT COMPOUNDS AND FORMULATIONS
    Publication number: 20070203076
    Abstract: The present invention describes a method for providing creatine to an animal, which includes receiving a creatine ester by the animal. The creatine ester is suitable for being modified by the animal to form creatine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Jonathan Vennerstrom, Donald Miller
  • ROLLING TRACTION PLANETARY DRIVE
    Publication number: 20070197337
    Abstract: A traction-drive system that in one embodiment comprises an idler rotatable about a longitudinal axis, a plurality of rotatable and generally disc-shaped planet rollers each having an inner contact surface, a case contact surface and an idler contact surface, the inner contact surface being of a first diameter, the case contact surface being of a second diameter, and the idler contact surface being of a third diameter, the planet rollers distributed about the idler and each planet roller contacting the idler at its respective idler contact surface. The traction drive system of this embodiment also comprises an inner ring rotatable about the longitudinal axis adapted to contact the inner contact surface of each of the planet rollers, and a case ring adapted to contact the case contact surface of each of the planet rollers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Applicant: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Miller, Robert Smithson