Patents by Inventor Richard F. Miller

Richard F. 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: 20240071040
    Abstract: Methods and systems for implementing artificial intelligence enabled preparation end-pointing are disclosed. An example method at least includes obtaining an image of a surface of a sample, the sample including a plurality of features, analyzing the image to determine whether an end point has been reached, the end point based on a feature of interest out of the plurality of features observable in the image, and based on the end point not being reached, removing a layer of material from the surface of the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: Thomas Gary Miller, John F. Flanagan, IV, Brian Routh, JR., Richard Young, Brad Larson, Aditee Shrotre
  • Publication number: 20120220807
    Abstract: An additive comprising, dissolved in a solvent, an asphaltene dispersant selected from the group consisting of ?-olefin/vinyl pyrrolidinone copolymers. The copolymer can comprise at least one ?-olefin selected from the group consisting of mono-?-olefins, at least one ?-olefin selected from the group consisting of linear ?-olefins and/or at least one ?-olefin is selected from the group consisting of 1-hexadecene, 1-octadecene, 1-eicosene, 1-docosene, 1-tetracosene, 1-hexacosene, 1-octacosene and 1-triacontene. The additive can comprise a copolymer of 2-pyrrolidinone, 1-ethenyl monomer. The copolymer can have a Hansen Solubility Parameter (HSP), ?, of greater than 16, 17 or 18 MPa1/2. The solvent can be selected from the group consisting of aromatic solvents, such as 1-methyl naphthalene, bis-(m-phenoxyphenyl)ether, o-xylene, toluene and heavy aromatic solvents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: SHRIEVE CHEMICAL PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Richard F. Miller
  • Publication number: 20120028855
    Abstract: A method of using water-based drilling fluid in a subterranean formation containing shale which swells in the presence of water by circulating a water-based drilling fluid into the formation. The drilling fluid is made of an aqueous based continuous phase, a weighting material, and a shale hydration inhibition agent (SHIA) comprising deep eutectic solvents (DES) formed by the reaction of a first compound comprising an ammonium compound, and a second compound comprising at least one of amides, amines, diamines, cyclic amines, cyclic diamines, and combinations thereof. The SHIA is present in an amount sufficient to reduce shale swelling. A method of reducing shale swelling during wellbore drilling that includes providing a water-based drilling fluid comprising an aqueous based continuous phase, a weighting material, and a SHIA comprising DES formed by the reaction of a quaternary ammonium compound, and a diamine; and circulating the drilling fluid into the subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: SHRIEVE CHEMICAL PRODUCTS
    Inventor: Richard F. MILLER
  • Publication number: 20120010860
    Abstract: A computer program product including a program that causes the computer to perform operations when the computer executes the program includes instructions to provide an engine specification interface to a user over a web-based application, and to receive an application specification including a three-dimensional description of application space available to accommodate an engine and a parameter for an engine application. The instructions include accessing an engine specification in response to the parameter for the engine application, where the engine specification includes a three-dimensional digital description of an engine and specified additional hardware. The instructions include evaluating compatibility between the engine specification and the application specification, and providing a CAD file to the user, where the CAD file includes the three-dimensional digital description of an engine and specified additional hardware.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Daniel R. Kirkling, Richard F. Miller, Deepak Khedkar
  • Patent number: 8026198
    Abstract: A water-based drilling fluid and method of using same are presented in this disclosure, which fluid is used in drilling wells through a formation containing a shale that swells in the presence of water. The drilling fluid comprises an aqueous based continuous phase; a weighting material; and a shale hydration inhibition agent (SHIA) selected from the group consisting of propylamine derivatives, hydrogenated poly(propyleneimine) dendrimers (HPPID), and polyamine twin dendrimers (PTD). In some embodiments, the SHIA of this disclosure is not hydrolyzed at a temperature in the range of from about 100° F. to about 500° F. The drilling fluid may further comprise a fluid loss control agent, an encapsulating agent, other additives, and combinations thereof. A method of reducing shale swelling during wellbore drilling is also described. The method comprises circulating in the subterranean well a water-based drilling fluid comprising an aqueous based continuous phase, a weighting material, and a SHIA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Richard F. Miller
  • Patent number: 8022014
    Abstract: A method of solubilizing/removing cellulose or chemically-modified cellulosic polymers utilized in subterranean drilling operations such as fracturing. The method involves introducing a deep eutectic solvent (DES) into a subterranean region. Deep eutectic solvents useful as cellulose solvents include quaternary ammonium compounds, including choline chloride and chlorcholine chloride, reacted with a compound selected from amides, amines, carboxylic acids alcohols, and metal halides. The DES material can be pumped downhole after fracturing operations to remove cellulosic material used, for example, to thicken fracturing fluid which is left behind in the created fractures, on the face of the formation, along the wellbore, or elsewhere within the subterranean region. The DES can be used alone or in a sequential treatment protocol, whereby the DES is introduced into the subterranean region, followed by post-treatment introduction of water, caustic, acid or anhydride into the subterranean as a flush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventor: Richard F. Miller
  • Publication number: 20110207633
    Abstract: A method of solubilizing/removing cellulose or chemically-modified cellulosic polymers utilized in subterranean drilling operations such as fracturing. The method involves introducing a deep eutectic solvent (DES) into a subterranean region. Deep eutectic solvents useful as cellulose solvents include quaternary ammonium compounds, including choline chloride and chlorcholine chloride, reacted with a compound selected from amides, amines, carboxylic acids alcohols, and metal halides. The DES material can be pumped downhole after fracturing operations to remove cellulosic material used, for example, to thicken fracturing fluid which is left behind in the created fractures, on the face of the formation, along the wellbore, or elsewhere within the subterranean region. The DES can be used alone or in a sequential treatment protocol, whereby the DES is introduced into the subterranean region, followed by post-treatment introduction of water, caustic, acid or anhydride into the subterranean as a flush.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: Shrieve Chemical Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard F. MILLER
  • Publication number: 20090247432
    Abstract: A method of solubilizing/removing cellulose or chemically-modified cellulosic polymers utilized in subterranean drilling operations such as fracturing. The method involves introducing a deep eutectic solvent (DES) into a subterranean region. Deep eutectic solvents useful as cellulose solvents include quaternary ammonium compounds, including choline chloride and chlorcholine chloride, reacted with a compound selected from amides, amines, carboxylic acids alcohols, and metal halides. The DES material can be pumped downhole after fracturing operations to remove cellulosic material used, for example, to thicken fracturing fluid which is left behind in the created fractures, on the face of the formation, along the wellbore, or elsewhere within the subterranean region. The DES can be used alone or in a sequential treatment protocol, whereby the DES is introduced into the subterranean region, followed by post-treatment introduction of water, caustic, acid or anhydride into the subterranean as a flush.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: Shrieve Chemical Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard F. MILLER
  • Publication number: 20090247429
    Abstract: A water-based drilling fluid and method of using same are presented in this disclosure, which fluid is used in drilling wells through a formation containing a shale that swells in the presence of water. The drilling fluid comprises an aqueous based continuous phase; a weighting material; and a shale hydration inhibition agent (SHIA) selected from the group consisting of propylamine derivatives, hydrogenated poly(propyleneimine) dendrimers (HPPID), and polyamine twin dendrimers (PTD). In some embodiments, the SHIA of this disclosure is not hydrolyzed at a temperature in the range of from about 100° F. to about 500° F. The drilling fluid may further comprise a fluid loss control agent, an encapsulating agent, other additives, and combinations thereof. A method of reducing shale swelling during wellbore drilling is also described. The method comprises circulating in the subterranean well a water-based drilling fluid comprising an aqueous based continuous phase, a weighting material, and a SHIA.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: SHRIEVE CHEMICAL PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Richard F. Miller
  • Publication number: 20010052520
    Abstract: An induction heating apparatus and method for heating a substantially continuous first bondline defined by a length of thermally responsive bonding material positioned between a first member and a second member. The first member or second member is made of an electrically conductive material or positioned adjacent an electrically conductive material. The inductive heating apparatus includes a flexible, reshapeable cable assembly operably positionable adjacent the first member along the first bondline. The flexible, reshapeable cable assembly is capable of being manually shaped to a first shape of the first bondline, and is capable of being manually re-shaped to a second shape of a second bondline different than the first shape of the first bondline. An alternating current power supply is electrically coupled to the flexible, reshapeable cable assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Larry R. Lappi, Robert J. Boettcher, David G. Miller, Richard F. Miller
  • Patent number: 6288375
    Abstract: An induction heating apparatus and method for heating a substantially continuous first bondline defined by a length of thermally responsive bonding material positioned between a first member and a second member. The first member or second member is made of an electrically conductive material or positioned adjacent an electrically conductive material. The inductive heating apparatus includes a flexible, reshapeable cable assembly operably positionable adjacent the first member along the first bondline. The flexible, reshapeable cable assembly is capable of being manually shaped to a first shape of the first bondline, and is capable of being manually re-shaped to a second shape of a second bondline different than the first shape of the first bondline. An alternating current power supply is electrically coupled to the flexible, reshapeable cable assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Larry R. Lappi, Robert J. Boettcher, David G. Miller, Richard F. Miller
  • Patent number: 6179644
    Abstract: A network system is provided for transmitting electrical power and data signals between a plurality of device nodes. The system includes a trunk cable in which a pair of dedicated power conductors and a pair of dedicated signal conductors are embedded in an insulative cover. Modular connectors are electrically coupled to the cable conductors at each device node. Each connector includes a base module and an interface module. The base module is attached to the cable via insulation piercing members and thereafter remains resident on the cable. The interface module is mated with the base module and serves to transmit power and data signals between the base module and a networked device. Several types of interface modules may be utilized interchangeably to permit the base module and cable to accommodate various types of devices and device drop cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Rockwell Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Shawn L. Adams, David D. Brandt, Robert E. Lounsbury, Dennis C. Mackey, Steven R. McLaughlin, Richard F. Miller, Brian J. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5537032
    Abstract: A wheel speed sensing device with shape-coupled sensor and exciter ring components reduces the effects of tolerance stack variances in the relative radial and axial locations of the sensor and exciter ring. Additionally, the assembly is readily adapted to installation within the sealed confines of the bearing area of a wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: George L. Hurrell, II, Richard F. Miller, Edward R. Clark
  • Patent number: 5376749
    Abstract: A stabilized ammonium polysulfide solution comprising an aqueous solution of ammonium polysulfide and a stabilizing amount of a water soluble, stabilizing compound that can be an azacyclic compound, a compound having the formula R--O--(C.sub.n H.sub.2n)NH.sub.2 or a compound having the formula (CH.sub.3).sub.2 NR.sub.1, the pH of the composition being from 7 to 14, the stabilized composition being useful in controlling the cyanide concentration in aqueous streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: The Western Company of North America
    Inventors: Richard F. Miller, Eugene H. Morselander
  • Patent number: 5173213
    Abstract: The corrosion and fouling of metal surfaces in contact with corrosive acid fluids or acid salts in the presence of an aqueous medium is reduced by contacting the surfaces with a composition which comprises (a) an anti-fouling amount of a hydroxyl amine compound of the formulaR.sub.1 R.sub.2 N--OHwherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl or inertly substituted hydrocarbyl or both R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are collectively a divalent hydrocarbyl combined with said nitrogen to form a heterocyclic ring, and (b) a corrosion-inhibiting amount of a reaction product of or a mixture for the purpose of a reaction product of a polyalkylene polyamine and an alkynediol. The polyalkylene polyamine is one that contains from 2-10 amine groups, each separated from another by an alkylene group having from 2-6 carbon atoms. The alkynediol has from 2 to 6 carbon atoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard F. Miller, John Petersen
  • Patent number: 5022832
    Abstract: There is disclosed a valve assembly and a reciprocating type fluid pump having a piston cylinder and a cylinder head together which define a fluid chamber. A first ring valve having a seal surface on one side is disposed within the fluid chamber adjacent to the cylinder head to close at least one fluid intake passage. A bias means is provided for urging the first ring valve against the seat on the head by abutting the ring valve on the side opposite from the seal surface, and the bias means includes a peripheral region which is connected to the fluid pump and retains the first ring valve between the cylinder head and the bias means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: Holset Engineering Company
    Inventors: Jerre F. Lauterbach, Nathan Ritchie, Richard F. Miller
  • Patent number: 5011366
    Abstract: An automatic wafer handling system utilizing a vacuum pneumatic controlled cable driving mechanism. In principle, the necessary movements are provided by air cylinder actuation of pulley supported cables. This application of vacuum force is substituted in place of positive air pressure, offering simplicity, reliability and stability by its use. Further advantages include the elimination of electric motor driving elements, thereby providing significant reduction of particulate and dust contamination problems. System operation includes the use of vacuum in the pickup of wafers, in manipulation and transport by cable drive, and motion control by means of air cylinders using negative air pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Inventor: Richard F. Miller
  • Patent number: 4993922
    Abstract: A compressor unloaded system for use in compressed air supply systems having reciprocating type air compressor means supplied with atmospheric or turbocharged air is shown. Means are provided to block off the air intake of such compressors, and to maintain back pressure against the exhaust valve of said air compressor during an unloading cycle, thereby preventing operation of the intake and exhaust valves of such compressor, and creating an "air spring" in the cylinder of such air compressor during an unloading cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Holset Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerre F. Lauterbach, Nathan Ritchie, Richard F. Miller
  • Patent number: 4806028
    Abstract: A self crimping retention sleeve is slipped over the end of a bearing shaft and closely over a pair of race piece keeper rings and deformed radially inwardly into a shaft retention groove by the application of an axial force inwardly on the sleeve, allowing the sleeve to be installed with very limited radial access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Richard F. Miller, David A. Foster
  • Patent number: 4781748
    Abstract: The corrosive effects of liquid nitrogen-based fertilizer compositions on metal surfaces is reduced by adding to the fertilizer compositions small amounts of amine oxides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Assignee: Pony Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard F. Miller, Marilyn W. Blaschke