Patents by Inventor Eric H. Miller

Eric H. 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).

  • Publication number: 20240126120
    Abstract: A display may have a pixel array such as a liquid crystal pixel array. The pixel array may be illuminated with backlight illumination from a direct-lit backlight unit. The backlight unit may include an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on a printed circuit board. The display may have a notch to accommodate an input-output component. Reflective layers may be included in the notch. The backlight may include a color conversion layer with a property that varies as a function of position. The light-emitting diodes may be covered by a slab of encapsulant with recesses in an upper surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Inventors: Meizi Jiao, Joshua A. Spechler, Jie Xiang, Zhenyue Luo, Chungjae Lee, Morteza Amoorezaei, Mengyang Liang, Xinyu Zhu, Mingxia Gu, Jun Qi, Eric L. Benson, Victor H. Yin, Youchul Jeong, Xiang Fang, Yanming Li, Michael J. Lee, Marianna C. Sbordone, Ari P. Miller, Edward J. Cooper, Michael C. Sulkis, Francesco Ferretti, Seth G. McFarland, Mary M. Morrison, Eric N. Vergo, Terence Chan, Ian A. Guy, Keith J. Hendren, Sunitha Chandra
  • Patent number: 11942655
    Abstract: A separator for a lead acid battery is a porous membrane having a positive electrode face and a negative electrode face. A plurality of longitudinally extending ribs, a plurality of protrusions or a nonwoven material may be disposed upon the positive electrode face. A plurality of transversely extending ribs are disposed upon the negative electrode face. The transverse ribs disposed upon the negative electrode face are preferably juxtaposed to a negative electrode of the lead acid battery, when the separator is placed within that battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Daramic, LLC
    Inventors: Eric H. Miller, J. Kevin Whear
  • Publication number: 20240097277
    Abstract: A method for producing a microporous material comprising the steps of: providing an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE); providing a filler; providing a processing plasticizer; adding the filler to the UHMWPE in a mixture being in the range of from about 1:9 to about 15:1 filler to UHMWPE by weight; adding the processing plasticizer to the mixture; extruding the mixture to form a sheet from the mixture; calendering the sheet; extracting the processing plasticizer from the sheet to produce a matrix comprising UHMWPE and the filler distributed throughout the matrix; stretching the microporous material in at least one direction to a stretch ratio of at least about 1.5 to produce a stretched microporous matrix; and subsequently calendering the stretched microporous matrix to produce a microporous material which exhibits improved physical and dimensional stability properties over the stretched microporous matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Eric H. Miller, Joseph G. Yaritz, Mark T. Demeuse, J. Kevin Whear
  • Publication number: 20240063509
    Abstract: A battery separator has performance enhancing additives or coatings, fillers with increased friability, increased ionic diffusion, decreased tortuosity, increased wettability, reduced oil content, reduced thickness, decreased electrical resistance, and/or increased porosity. The separator in a battery reduces the water loss, lowers acid stratification, lowers the voltage drop, and/or increases the CCA.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2023
    Publication date: February 22, 2024
    Inventors: Mohammed Naiha, Jörg Deiters, Ahila Krishnamoorthy, Eric H. Miller, J. Kevin Whear, Robert W. Saffel, Naoto Miyake, Kanak Kuwelkar
  • Publication number: 20240030498
    Abstract: Improved battery separators are disclosed herein for use in flooded lead-acid batteries, and in particular enhanced flooded lead-acid batteries. The improved separators disclosed herein provide for enhanced electrolyte mixing and substantially reduced acid stratification. The improved flooded lead-acid batteries may be advantageously employed in applications in which the battery remains in a partial state of charge, for instance in start/stop vehicle systems. Also, improved lead-acid batteries, such as flooded lead-acid batteries, improved systems that include a lead-acid battery and a battery separator, improved battery separators, improved vehicles including such systems, and/or methods of manufacture and/or use may be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2023
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Inventors: Eric H. Miller, M. Neal Golovin, Ahila Krishnamoorthy, Matthew Howard, James P. Perry, J. Kevin Whear
  • Patent number: 11870041
    Abstract: Improved battery separators are disclosed herein for use in flooded lead-acid batteries, and in particular enhanced flooded lead-acid batteries. The improved separators disclosed herein provide for enhanced electrolyte mixing and substantially reduced acid stratification. The improved flooded lead-acid batteries may be advantageously employed in applications in which the battery remains in a partial state of charge, for instance in start/stop vehicle systems. Also, improved lead-acid batteries, such as flooded lead-acid batteries, improved systems that include a lead-acid battery and a battery separator, improved battery separators, improved vehicles including such systems, and/or methods of manufacture and/or use may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Daramic, LLC
    Inventors: Eric H. Miller, M. Neal Golovin, Ahila Krishnamoorthy, Matthew Howard, James P. Perry, J. Kevin Whear
  • Patent number: 11862814
    Abstract: A method for producing a microporous material comprising the steps of: providing an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE); providing a filler; providing a processing plasticizer; adding the filler to the UHMWPE in a mixture being in the range of from about 1:9 to about 15:1 filler to UHMWPE by weight; adding the processing plasticizer to the mixture; extruding the mixture to form a sheet from the mixture; calendering the sheet; extracting the processing plasticizer from the sheet to produce a matrix comprising UHMWPE and the filler distributed throughout the matrix; stretching the microporous material in at least one direction to a stretch ratio of at least about 1.5 to produce a stretched microporous matrix; and subsequently calendering the stretched microporous matrix to produce a microporous material which exhibits improved physical and dimensional stability properties over the stretched microporous matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Daramic, LLC
    Inventors: Eric H. Miller, Joseph G. Yaritz, Mark T. Demeuse, J. Kevin Whear
  • Publication number: 20230420804
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are improved separators for lead acid batteries. The separators may include a porous membrane, a rubber, and at least one performance enhancing additive, positive and/or negative ribs, and/or lowered acid leachable total organic carbon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2023
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Inventors: J. Kevin Whear, Eric H. Miller, Naoto Miyake, Joerg Deiters
  • Publication number: 20230411704
    Abstract: In accordance with at least selected embodiments, the present disclosure or invention is directed to improved battery separators, high conductance separators, improved lead-acid batteries, such as flooded lead-acid batteries, high conductance batteries, improved systems, and/or, improved vehicles including such batteries, and/or methods of manufacture or use of such separators or batteries, and/or combinations thereof. In accordance with at least certain embodiments, the present disclosure or invention is directed to improved lead acid batteries incorporating the improved separators and which exhibit increased conductance. Particular, non-limiting examples may include lead acid battery separators having structure or features designed to improve conductance, lower ER, lower water loss, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: Eric H. Miller, Nicholas R. Shelton, William L. Walter
  • Patent number: 11843126
    Abstract: A battery separator has performance enhancing additives or coatings, fillers with increased friability, increased ionic diffusion, decreased tortuosity, increased wettability, reduced oil content, reduced thickness, decreased electrical resistance, and/or increased porosity. The separator in a battery reduces the water loss, lowers acid stratification, lowers the voltage drop, and/or increases the CCA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Daramic, LLC
    Inventors: Mohammed Naiha, Jörg Deiters, Ahila Krishnamoorthy, Eric H. Miller, J. Kevin Whear, Robert W. Saffel, Naoto Miyake, Kanak Kuwelkar
  • Publication number: 20230381720
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a microporous membrane having a moderate to high water vapor permeability and high liquid water penetration resistance is disclosed. The microporous membrane may be used in building applications, including as or as part of a building wrap, a rain screen, a roofing underlayment, a flashing, a sound proofing material, or an insulation material. The microporous membrane may include at least one thermoplastic polymer, at least one filler, and at least one processing oil. The microporous membrane may be flat or may have ribs. The microporous membrane may include at least one scrim component. A method for forming the microporous membrane is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew Stainer, Eric H. Miller, Matt J. Wolski, Tyler Munhollon, Daniel R. Alexander, Gary L. Fulkerson
  • Publication number: 20230307788
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a separator is provided with a fibrous mat for retaining the active material on an electrode of a lead-acid battery. New or improved mats, separators, batteries, methods, and/or systems are also disclosed, shown, claimed, and/or provided. For example, in at least one possibly preferred embodiment, a composite separator is provided with a fibrous mat for retaining the active material on an electrode of a lead-acid battery. In at least one possibly particularly preferred embodiment, a PE membrane separator is provided with at least one fibrous mat for retaining the active material on an electrode of a lead-acid battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Eric H. Miller, Ahila Krishnamoorthy, James P. Perry, J. Kevin wHEAR
  • Patent number: 11766642
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a microporous membrane having a moderate to high water vapor permeability and high liquid water penetration resistance is disclosed. The microporous membrane may be used in building applications, including as or as part of a building wrap, a rain screen, a roofing underlayment, a flashing, a sound proofing material, or an insulation material. The microporous membrane may include at least one thermoplastic polymer, at least one filler, and at least one processing oil. The microporous membrane may be flat or may have ribs. The microporous membrane may include at least one scrim component. A method for forming the microporous membrane is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Daramic, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Stainer, Eric H. Miller, Matt J. Wolski, Tyler Munhollon, Daniel R. Alexander, Gary L. Fulkerson
  • Patent number: 11742550
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are improved separators for lead acid batteries. The separators may include a porous membrane, a rubber, and at least one performance enhancing additive, positive and/or negative ribs, and/or lowered acid leachable total organic carbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Daramic, LLC
    Inventors: J. Kevin Whear, Eric H. Miller, Naoto Miyake, Joerg Deiters
  • Publication number: 20230238649
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a separator is provided with a fibrous mat for retaining the active material on an electrode of a lead-acid battery. New or improved mats, separators, batteries, methods, and/or systems are also disclosed, shown, claimed, and/or provided. For example, in at least one possibly preferred embodiment, a composite separator is provided with a fibrous mat for retaining the active material on an electrode of a lead-acid battery. In at least one possibly particularly preferred embodiment, a PE membrane separator is provided with at least one fibrous mat for retaining the active material on an electrode of a lead-acid battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2023
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Inventors: Eric H. Miller, Ahila Krishnamoorthy, James P. Perry, J. Kevin Whear
  • Patent number: 11705583
    Abstract: In accordance with at least selected embodiments, the present disclosure or invention is directed to improved battery separators, high conductance separators, improved lead-acid batteries, such as flooded lead-acid batteries, high conductance batteries, improved systems, and/or, improved vehicles including such batteries, and/or methods of manufacture or use of such separators or batteries, and/or combinations thereof. In accordance with at least certain embodiments, the present disclosure or invention is directed to improved lead acid batteries incorporating the improved separators and which exhibit increased conductance. Particular, non-limiting examples may include lead acid battery separators having structure or features designed to improve conductance, lower ER, lower water loss, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Daramic, LLC
    Inventors: Eric H. Miller, Nicholas R. Shelton, William L. Walter
  • Patent number: 11705582
    Abstract: An exemplary hybrid battery separator is provided with a porous sheet with a folded bottom edge and joined lateral edges that form a pocket. The folded bottom edge may have one or more openings or slits. The hybrid separators of the present disclosure are particularly useful for flat-plate cycling batteries. The separators of the present disclosure may effectively enhance the battery re-chargeability and the backup time. In addition, the separators of the present disclosure may contribute to the reduction of water loss in the battery, lowering the maintenance needs in service. It is expected that batteries having the separators of the present disclosure may be useful in various applications, such as in inverters, golf carts, as well as solar and traction applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Daramic, LLC
    Inventors: Surendra Kumar Mittal, Naveen Prabhu Shanmugam, J. Kevin Whear, Eric H. Miller
  • Publication number: 20230219330
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a building material comprising a porous membrane having a moderate to high water vapor permeability and high liquid water penetration resistance is disclosed. The building material may be used in building applications, including as or as part of a building wrap, a rain screen, a roofing underlayment, a flashing, a sound proofing material, or an insulation material. The porous membrane may include at least one thermoplastic polymer, at least one filler, and at least one processing oil. The porous membrane may be flat or may have ribs. The porous membrane may include at least one scrim component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2021
    Publication date: July 13, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew Stainer, Eric H. Miller, Matt J. Wolski, Tyler Munhollon, Daniel R. Alexander, Gary L. Fulkerson
  • Patent number: 11664557
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a separator is provided with a fibrous mat for retaining the active material on an electrode of a lead-acid battery. New or improved mats, separators, batteries, methods, and/or systems are also disclosed, shown, claimed, and/or provided. For example, in at least one possibly preferred embodiment, a composite separator is provided with a fibrous mat for retaining the active material on an electrode of a lead-acid battery. In at least one possibly particularly preferred embodiment, a PE membrane separator is provided with at least one fibrous mat for retaining the active material on an electrode of a lead-acid battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Daramic, LLC
    Inventors: Eric H. Miller, Ahila Krishnamoorthy, James P. Perry, J. Kevin Whear
  • Publication number: 20230155252
    Abstract: A battery separator including a porous membrane with a surfactant coating on at least one side thereof is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2021
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Inventors: Eric H. Miller, Margaret R. Roberts, Naoto Miyake, M. Neil Golovin