Patents by Inventor Alan L. Miller
Alan 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).
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Publication number: 20200378675Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, a fresh food compartment disposed within the cabinet, a freezer compartment disposed within the cabinet, an ice compartment disposed within the cabinet, and an electronic control system associated with the refrigerator and adapted to monitor and control the fresh food compartment, the freezer compartment and the ice compartment. The control system provides for energy efficient control and operation through various means, including by monitoring state of an ice maker associated with the ice compartment and controlling temperature within compartments of the refrigerator based on the ice maker state. A damper controls air flow between the fresh food and freezer compartments. The control system can direct heat to the damper if the damper becomes frozen.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2020Publication date: December 3, 2020Inventors: Robert L. Wetekamp, Kyle B. Van Meter, Alan G. Tarrant, Ryan D. Schuchart, Mauro M. Oliveira, Alvin V. Miller, Brent A. Koppenhaver, Carl J. Franken, Nelson J. Ferragut, II, Tim L. Coulter, Greg Berardi, Thomas Carl Anell
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Patent number: 10775092Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, a fresh food compartment disposed within the cabinet, a freezer compartment disposed within the cabinet, an ice compartment disposed within the cabinet, and an electronic control system associated with the refrigerator and adapted to monitor and control the fresh food compartment, the freezer compartment and the ice compartment. The control system provides for energy efficient control and operation through various means, including by monitoring state of an ice maker associated with the ice compartment and controlling temperature within compartments of the refrigerator based on the ice maker state. A damper controls air flow between the fresh food and freezer compartments. The control system can direct heat to the damper if the damper becomes frozen.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2017Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Robert L. Wetekamp, Kyle B. Van Meter, Alan G. Tarrant, Ryan D. Schuchart, Mauro M. Oliveira, Alvin V. Miller, Brent A. Koppenhaver, Carl J. Franken, Nelson J. Ferragut, II, Tim L. Coulter, Greg Berardi, Thomas Carl Anell
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Patent number: 10545987Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer readable storage mediums for replicating data to the cloud. A first dataset is replicated from a first storage subsystem to the cloud, with only the changes made to the first dataset since a previous replication event being replicated to the cloud. Additionally, the data may be deduplicated and compressed before being replicated from the first storage subsystem to the cloud. In some cases, the first dataset may be replicated to the cloud in a stream format which is not directly usable and then, at a later point in time, loaded onto a second storage subsystem from the cloud.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2014Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: Pure Storage, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Borowiec, Ethan L. Miller, Steve Hodgson, Andrew R. Bernat, Ganesh Ramanarayanan, Malcolm Sharpe, Alan S. Driscoll
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Publication number: 20190329739Abstract: A system for regulating pressure in one or more vessels by adapting a fluid input to receive a fluid from a fluid source such as an air compressor at a constant pressure. At least one fluid outlet assembly is used to attach the system to a vessel such as a bike tire, ball, or car tire. At least one controllable valve is used to couple the fluid outlet assembly to the fluid input, the valve is controllable to pulsate air going through it, check the new pressure in the vessel, and either continue to increase pressure in the vessel, decrease pressure, or stop inflating. A pressure sensor corresponding to a fluid outlet assembly adaptable to provide pressure values from each vessel to a controller. The controller receives at least one desired pressure input, compares that value to the pressure value from the at least one pressure sensor, and selectively energizes the controllable valve to adjust the pressure in the corresponding vessel until the pressure within the vessel is equal to the desired pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2018Publication date: October 31, 2019Inventors: Cameron Hedrick, Benjamin L. Miller, Shawn Parks, Alan C. Harris
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Publication number: 20190049004Abstract: An electronic controller for a variable ratio transmission and an electronically controllable variable ratio transmission including a variator or other CVT are described herein. The electronic controller can be configured to receive input signals indicative of parameters associated with an engine coupled to the transmission. The electronic controller can also receive one or more control inputs. The electronic controller can determine an active range and an active variator mode based on the input signals and control inputs. The electronic controller can control a final drive ratio of the variable ratio transmission by controlling one or more electronic solenoids that control the ratios of one or more portions of the variable ratio transmission.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2018Publication date: February 14, 2019Inventors: Stanley B. Quinn, Jr., Alan L. Miller, Scott R. Anderson
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Patent number: 10100927Abstract: An electronic controller for a variable ratio transmission and an electronically controllable variable ratio transmission including a variator or other CVT are described herein. The electronic controller can be configured to receive input signals indicative of parameters associated with an engine coupled to the transmission. The electronic controller can also receive one or more control inputs. The electronic controller can determine an active range and an active variator mode based on the input signals and control inputs. The electronic controller can control a final drive ratio of the variable ratio transmission by controlling one or more electronic solenoids that control the ratios of one or more portions of the variable ratio transmission.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2014Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLCInventors: Stanley B. Quinn, Jr., Alan L. Miller, Scott R. Anderson
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Patent number: 8996263Abstract: An electronic controller for a variable ratio transmission and an electronically controllable variable ratio transmission including a variator or other CVT are described herein. The electronic controller can be configured to receive input signals indicative of parameters associated with an engine coupled to the transmission. The electronic controller can also receive one or more control inputs. The electronic controller can determine an active range and an active variator mode based on the input signals and control inputs. The electronic controller can control a final drive ratio of the variable ratio transmission by controlling one or more electronic solenoids that control the ratios of one or more portions of the variable ratio transmission.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2008Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLCInventors: Stanley B. Quinn, Jr., Alan L. Miller, Scott R. Anderson
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Publication number: 20150051801Abstract: An electronic controller for a variable ratio transmission and an electronically controllable variable ratio transmission including a variator or other CVT are described herein. The electronic controller can be configured to receive input signals indicative of parameters associated with an engine coupled to the transmission. The electronic controller can also receive one or more control inputs. The electronic controller can determine an active range and an active variator mode based on the input signals and control inputs. The electronic controller can control a final drive ratio of the variable ratio transmission by controlling one or more electronic solenoids that control the ratios of one or more portions of the variable ratio transmission.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2014Publication date: February 19, 2015Inventors: Stanley B. Quinn, Jr., Alan L. Miller, Scott R. Anderson
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Publication number: 20090132135Abstract: An electronic controller for a variable ratio transmission and an electronically controllable variable ratio transmission including a variator or other CVT are described herein. The electronic controller can be configured to receive input signals indicative of parameters associated with an engine coupled to the transmission. The electronic controller can also receive one or more control inputs. The electronic controller can determine an active range and an active variator mode based on the input signals and control inputs. The electronic controller can control a final drive ratio of the variable ratio transmission by controlling one or more electronic solenoids that control the ratios of one or more portions of the variable ratio transmission.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2008Publication date: May 21, 2009Applicant: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.Inventors: Stanley B. Quinn, JR., Alan L. Miller, Scott R. Anderson
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Patent number: 7497297Abstract: An on demand vehicle drive system monitors vehicle performance and operating conditions and controls torque delivery to the vehicle wheels. The system includes a plurality of speed and position sensors, a transfer case having primary and secondary output shafts driving primary and secondary axles and a microcontroller. The sensors include a vehicle speed sensor, a pair of primary and secondary drive shaft speed sensors, and brake and driveline status sensors. The transfer case includes a modulating electromagnetic clutch controlled by the microcontroller which is incrementally engaged to transfer torque from the primary output shaft to the secondary output shaft. When the speed of either the front or the rear drive shafts overruns, i.e., exceeds, the speed of the other drive shaft by a predetermined value related to the vehicle speed, indicating that wheel slip is present, clutch current is incrementally increased to increase clutch engagement and torque transfer to the secondary axle.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2003Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.Inventors: Will Watson, Alan L. Miller, Drew A. Sundquist, Roger T. Simpson, Dan J. Showalter
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Patent number: 6955619Abstract: A hockey stick shaft is a hollow, thin-walled tube formed of titanium or a titanium alloy. The tube wall has a thickness which may be uniform, tapered or stepped. The titanium or titanium alloy is of an alpha, a near-alpha, an alpha-beta or a highly-aged beta type. The titanium or titanium alloy has an elastic modulus greater than 13 million pounds per square inch (psi), a yield strength above 50,000 psi and a wall thickness ranging from 0.020 to 0.045 inches. An alternate hockey stick shaft has a titanium or titanium alloy core and exterior formed of a composite material. The titanium or titanium alloy core is of an alpha, a near-alpha, an alpha-beta or a beta type and has a yield strength above roughly 40,000 psi and a wall thickness ranging from 0.010 to 0.040 inches.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2004Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Inventors: Ronald W. Schutz, Alan L. Miller
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Publication number: 20040020700Abstract: An on demand vehicle drive system monitors vehicle performance and operating conditions and controls torque delivery to the vehicle wheels. The system includes a plurality of speed and position sensors, a transfer case having primary and secondary output shafts driving primary and secondary axles and a microcontroller. The sensors include a vehicle speed sensor, a pair of primary and secondary drive shaft speed sensors, and brake and driveline status sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2003Publication date: February 5, 2004Applicant: BorgWarner, Inc.Inventors: Will Watson, Alan L. Miller, Drew A. Sundquist, Roger T. Simpson, Diane K. Ducklow, Joseph W. Beckerman, Dan J. Showalter
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Patent number: 6631779Abstract: An on demand vehicle drive system monitors vehicle performance and operating conditions and controls torque delivery to the vehicle wheels. The system includes a plurality of speed and position sensors, a transfer case having primary and secondary output shafts driving primary and secondary axles and a microcontroller. The sensors include a vehicle speed sensor, a pair of primary and secondary drive shaft speed sensors, and brake and driveline status sensors. The transfer case includes a modulating electromagnetic clutch controlled by the microcontroller which is incrementally engaged to transfer torque from the primary output shaft to the secondary output shaft. When the speed of either the front or the rear drive shafts overruns, i.e., exceeds, the speed of the other drive shaft by a predetermined value related to the vehicle speed, indicating that wheel slip is present, clutch current is incrementally increased to increase clutch engagement and torque transfer to the secondary axle.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2001Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.Inventors: Will Watson, Alan L. Miller, Drew A. Sundquist, Roger T. Simpson, Diane K. Ducklow, Joseph W. Beckerman, Dan J. Showalter
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Publication number: 20010042652Abstract: An on demand vehicle drive system monitors vehicle performance and operating conditions and controls torque delivery to the vehicle wheels. The system includes a plurality of speed and position sensors, a transfer case having primary and secondary output shafts driving primary and secondary axles and a microcontroller. The sensors include a vehicle speed sensor, a pair of primary and secondary drive shaft speed sensors, and brake and driveline status sensors. The transfer case includes a modulating electromagnetic clutch controlled by the microcontroller which is incrementally engaged to transfer torque from the primary output shaft to the secondary output shaft. When the speed of either the front or the rear drive shafts overruns, i.e., exceeds, the speed of the other drive shaft by a predetermined value related to the vehicle speed, indicating that wheel slip is present, clutch current is incrementally increased to increase clutch engagement and torque transfer to the secondary axle.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2001Publication date: November 22, 2001Applicant: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.Inventors: Will Watson, Alan L. Miller, Drew A. Sundguist, Roger T. Simpson, Diane K. Ducklow, Joseph W. Beckerman, Dan J. Showalter
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Patent number: 6263995Abstract: An on demand vehicle drive system monitors vehicle performance and operating conditions and controls torque delivery to the vehicle wheels. The system includes a plurality of speed and position sensors, a transfer case having primary and secondary output shafts driving primary and secondary axles and a microcontroller. The sensors include a vehicle speed sensor, a pair of primary and secondary drive shaft speed sensors, and brake and driveline status sensors. The transfer case includes a modulating electromagnetic clutch controlled by the microcontroller which is incrementally engaged to transfer torque from the primary output shaft to the secondary output shaft. When the speed of either the front or the rear drive shafts overruns, i.e., exceeds, the speed of the other drive shaft by a predetermined value related to the vehicle speed, indicating that wheel slip is present, clutch current is incrementally increased to increase clutch engagement and torque transfer to the secondary axle.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1999Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: Borg Warner Inc.Inventors: Will Watson, Alan L. Miller, Drew A. Sundquist, Roger T. Simpson, Diane K. Ducklow, Joseph W. Beckerman, Dan J. Showalter
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Patent number: 6062330Abstract: An on demand venicle drive system monitors vehicle performance and operating conditions and controls torque delivery to the vehicle wheels. The system includes a plurality of speed and position sensors, a transfer case having primary and secondary output shafts driving primary and secondary axles and a microcontroller. The sensors include a vehicle speed sensor, a pair of primary and secondary drive shaft speed sensors, and brake and driveline status sensors. The transfer case includes a modulating electromagnetic clutch controlled by the microcontroller which is incrementally engaged to transfer torque from the primary output shaft to the secondary output shaft. When the speed of either the front or the rear drive shafts overruns, i.e., exceeds, the speed of the other drive shaft by a predetermined value related to the vehicle speed, indicating that wheel slip is present, clutch current is incrementally increased to increase clutch engagement and torque transfer to the secondary axle.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 1997Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.Inventors: Will Watson, Alan L. Miller, Drew A. Sundquist, Roger T. Simpson, Diane K. Ducklow, Joseph W. Beckerman, Dan J. Showalter
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Patent number: 5954150Abstract: An on demand vehicle drive system monitors vehicle performance and operating conditions and controls torque delivery to the vehicle wheels. The system includes a plurality of speed and position sensors, a transfer case having primary and secondary output shafts driving primary and secondary axles and a microcontroller. The sensors include a vehicle speed sensor, a pair of primary and secondary drive shaft speed sensors, and brake and driveline status sensors. The transfer case includes a modulating electromagnetic clutch controlled by the microcontroller which is incrementally engaged to transfer torque from the primary output shaft to the secondary output shaft. When the speed of either the front or the rear drive shafts overruns, i.e., exceeds, the speed of the other drive shaft by a predetermined value related to the vehicle speed, indicating that wheel slip is present, clutch current is incrementally increased to increase clutch engagement and torque transfer to the secondary axle.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1997Date of Patent: September 21, 1999Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.Inventors: Alan L. Miller, Diane K. Nemeth, Robert W. Atkinson, Paul G. Rorick
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Patent number: 5609219Abstract: An on demand vehicle drive system monitors vehicle performance and operating conditions and controls torque delivery to the vehicle wheels. The system includes a plurality of speed and position sensors, a transfer case having primary and secondary output shafts driving primary and secondary axles and a microcontroller. The sensors include a vehicle speed sensor, a pair of primary and secondary drive shaft speed sensors, and brake and driveline status sensors. The transfer case includes a modulating electromagnetic clutch controlled by the microcontroller which is incrementally engaged to transfer torque from the primary output shaft to the secondary output shaft. When the speed of either the front or the rear drive shafts overruns, i.e., exceeds, the speed of the other drive shaft by a predetermined value related to the vehicle speed, indicating that wheel slip is present, clutch current is incrementally increased to increase clutch engagement and torque transfer to the secondary axle.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: March 11, 1997Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.Inventors: Will Watson, Alan L. Miller, Drew A. Sundquist, Roger T. Simpson, Diane K. Ducklow, Joseph W. Beckerman, Dan J. Showalter
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Patent number: 5605201Abstract: An on demand vehicle drive system monitors vehicle performance and operating conditions and controls torque delivery to the vehicle wheels. The system includes a plurality of speed and position sensors, a transfer case having primary and secondary output shafts driving primary and secondary drive shafts, differentials and axles and a microcontroller. The sensors include a vehicle speed sensor, a pair of primary and secondary drive shaft speed sensors, and brake and driveline status sensors. The transfer case includes a modulating electromagnetic clutch comprising a primary, cone clutch assembly which functions as a pilot device to actuate a secondary, disc pack clutch assembly. The electromagnetic clutch is controlled by the microcontroller which is incrementally engaged to transfer torque from the primary output shaft to the secondary output shaft. When the speed of either the front or the rear drive shaft overruns, i.e.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 1996Date of Patent: February 25, 1997Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.Inventors: Ward D. McGinn, Todd L. Perttola, Will Watson, Alan L. Miller, Drew A. Sundquist, Roger T. Simpson, Diane K. Ducklow, Joseph W. Beckerman, Dan J. Showalter
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Patent number: D897850Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2018Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: Orthophor, LLCInventors: Javad Parvizi, Craig J. Della Valle, David L. Kirschman, Alan B. Miller, Mayank M. Parmar, Peter F. Sharkey