Patents by Inventor Patrick L. Miller

Patrick L. 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).

  • Patent number: 5040803
    Abstract: A vehicle body pillar has a cavity therein through which air flow creating undesirable noise and in which moisture and fluids such as water are not to be collected. An expandable sealant plug is inserted therein and retained in place. The sealant material forming the plug is later expandable under controlled conditions. It is preferably expandable under temperatures of about 275.degree. F. to 400.degree. F. over a period of time. Preferably during the electro-coated paint baking and curing operation, the sealant is exposed to appropriate temperatures for sufficient time to expand the sealant about 800% and cure it, sealing the cavity so as to prevent the flow of air through it. The expanded sealant also effectively blocks the intrusion of fluids such as water, minimizing corrosion within the pillar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Inventors: David R. Cieslik, Patrick L. Miller