Patents by Inventor Clifford E. Miller

Clifford E. 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: 6360538
    Abstract: A method for controllably moving a machinery platform 20 of a work machine 10 having an electro-hydraulic system 100 is disclosed. The work machine 10 includes at least one swing motor 120 configured to move the machinery platform 20. The changing speed of the swing motor 120 is determined. A solenoid actuated valve 165 is controlled in response to the determination. The solenoid actuated valve 165 is configured to responsively produce a relief valve pilot signal 170. The two-way relief valve 130 is controllably shifted in response to the inputted relief valve pilot signal 170. At least one of a high pressure by-pass valve 135 and a low pressure by-pass valve 140 is selected in response to the two-way relief valve 130 shifting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell J. McGowan, Clifford E. Miller, Dean J. Schlickbernd, John A. Yeoman
  • Patent number: 6276768
    Abstract: An undercarriage assembly of a work machine includes a first drive track chain and a second drive track chain. The undercarriage assembly also includes a first hydraulic actuator mechanically coupled to the first drive track chain so as to adjust tension on the first drive track chain and a second hydraulic actuator mechanically coupled to the second drive track chain so as to adjust tension on the second drive track chain. The undercarriage assembly further includes a slack adjuster assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Clifford E. Miller
  • Patent number: 5848807
    Abstract: The frames of many construction machines comprise a complex compilation of fabricated sections or massive cast members that are not necessarily intended to handle a specific type of loading applied to the frame assembly. The present invention provides a frame construction that includes a pair of laterally spaced plate members. Each plate member has a first end portion constructed of a substantially solid plate. A second end portion of the plate members define at least one opening that provides an integral portion of a beam assembly. The first end portion is positioned in the frame construction to accommodate a first type of loading, while the second end portion is located in an area to accommodate a second type of loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory H. Dubay, Michael V. Dziubinski, Paul M. Ives, Clifford E. Miller
  • Patent number: 5685399
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake slack adjuster disposed between a brake valve and an actuator of a brake mechanism has a first piston exposed to pressurized brake fluid from the valve and a second larger piston connected to the first piston for outputting brake fluid to the brake actuator with the fluid output to the actuator being greater than the volume of input fluid from the valve. This permits a smaller pump to be used while maintaining sufficient brake operation speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph G. Butler, Clifford E. Miller
  • Patent number: 4787288
    Abstract: A Rapid Fire Trigger Activator and accessory gun stock used to convert any semi-automatic carbine, rifle, or shot gun to nearly the firing capability of an automatic weapon which includes, a main side plate, having a pivot pin; a slide tube; a fore end hand grip; a slotted cam plate; a transfer bar; a swing out safety block; a trigger activator having a spring load plunger pin; and a nylon bearing block. When the fore end hand grip is pumped back and forth it will cause the transfer bar to pivot about the pivot pin which in turn will cause the trigger activator to be displaced towards the weapons trigger by the swing out safety block due to the up and down displacement of a transfer bar slot pin as it follows the cam slot. The trigger of the weapon is always fully accessible and functional whether or not the safety block is in place or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1988
    Inventor: Clifford E. Miller
  • Patent number: D596076
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Craig B. Kelley, Gary C. Bryant, John J. Maas, Michael J. Vance, Andrew M. Rummer, Larry T. Ryterski, Kolin J. Kirschenmann, Robert W. Briggs, Don J. Robinson, Clifford E. Miller, Terry A. Coins, Matthew P. Jacobs
  • Patent number: D596077
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Gary C. Bryant, Michael J. Vance, Brian S. Underwood, Ryan D. Looper, Clifford E. Miller, Jared L. Becker, Timothy J. Bromenshenkel, Stephen Bushong, Brian R. Janes, Kevin F. Stremlau, Colton T. Anderson, John J. Maas, Craig B. Kelley