Patents by Inventor Douglas C. Miller

Douglas C. 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: 10278410
    Abstract: Induction heating systems for metal food cans configured to deliver sufficient heat into the can to sterilize the food within the can are provided. The heating system includes an induction coil and a control system. The control system is configured to monitor and control heating of sealed food cans during induction heating and to control and/or confirm various aspects of can heating during induction heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Silgan Containers LLC
    Inventors: Alvin Widitora, Douglas C. Miller, George Sadler, Jianwen Hu, Gerald Baker
  • Patent number: 10237924
    Abstract: A temperature detection system for detecting temperature within a metallic can during heating is provided. The system includes an induction heating coil configured to generate an alternating magnetic field, and a hermetically sealed can positioned within the magnetic field generated by the induction coil. At least a portion of the sealed can is formed from a metallic material, and the sealed can includes a food product within the can. The magnetic field causes resistive heating of the metallic material of the sealed can. The system includes a temperature sensing element located within the sealed can configured to generate a signal indicative of the temperature of the food product during heating and a memory device communicably coupled to the temperature sensing element configured to store data related to the signal received from the temperature sensing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Silgan Containers LLC
    Inventors: Alvin Widitora, Douglas C. Miller, George Sadler, Jianwen Hu, Gerald J. Baker
  • Patent number: 9883551
    Abstract: An induction heating system configured to sequentially heat a plurality of filled and sealed food containers is provided. The system includes an induction heating coil defining a lumen having a longitudinal axis. The lumen is configured to receive the containers during heating, and the induction coil is configured to generate an alternating magnetic field causing resistive heating of the container. The system includes a container moving device configured to move containers into the induction heating coil lumen prior to heating, to move containers while within the induction heating coil lumen and to move containers out of the induction heating coil lumen after heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Silgan Containers LLC
    Inventors: Alvin Widitora, Douglas C. Miller, George Sadler, Jianwen Hu, Gerald J. Baker
  • Publication number: 20160374372
    Abstract: Induction heating systems for metal food cans configured to deliver sufficient heat into the can to sterilize the food within the can are provided. The heating system includes an induction coil and a control system. The control system is configured to monitor and control heating of sealed food cans during induction heating and to control and/or confirm various aspects of can heating during induction heating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Alvin Widitora, Douglas C. Miller, George Sadler, Jianwen Hu, Gerald Baker
  • Publication number: 20160183585
    Abstract: A system is provided for heating batches of sealed, metal cans containing a food product. The system includes a pressure chamber, an induction coil, a can support, a sealing device, a power supply, an air pressure source, and a drive. The pressure chamber has an opening. The induction coil is supported within the pressure chamber. The can support is for engaging and rotating a plurality of sealed, metal cans, at least a portion of the can support being movable through the opening from a first position outside of the chamber to a second position within the chamber adjacent to the induction coil and being rotatably supported within the chamber. The sealing device seals the pressure chamber when the can support is within the chamber. The power supply is coupled to the induction coil to energize the coil to apply an alternating current to the coil to induce a current into the metal cans which heats the food product of the metal cans.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Alvin Widitora, Douglas C. Miller, George Sadler, Rowdy Holstine, Richard Alan Patterson, Lawrence R. Gravell, James R. Maunder, Joe A. Ornelas, Stephen M. Manifold, Frank Zeiler, Rodney Jose Allen, Steven DeLeon
  • Publication number: 20140263287
    Abstract: A temperature detection system for detecting temperature within a metallic can during heating is provided. The system includes an induction heating coil configured to generate an alternating magnetic field, and a hermetically sealed can positioned within the magnetic field generated by the induction coil. At least a portion of the sealed can is formed from a metallic material, and the sealed can includes a food product within the can. The magnetic field causes resistive heating of the metallic material of the sealed can. The system includes a temperature sensing element located within the sealed can configured to generate a signal indicative of the temperature of the food product during heating and a memory device communicably coupled to the temperature sensing element configured to store data related to the signal received from the temperature sensing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Silgan Containers LLC
    Inventors: Alvin Widitora, Douglas C. Miller, George Sadler, Jianwen Hu, Gerald J. Baker
  • Publication number: 20140263286
    Abstract: An induction heating system configured to sequentially heat a plurality of filled and sealed food containers is provided. The system includes an induction heating coil defining a lumen having a longitudinal axis. The lumen is configured to receive the containers during heating, and the induction coil is configured to generate an alternating magnetic field causing resistive heating of the container. The system includes a container moving device configured to move containers into the induction heating coil lumen prior to heating, to move containers while within the induction heating coil lumen and to move containers out of the induction heating coil lumen after heating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Silgan Containers LLC
    Inventors: Alvin Widitora, Douglas C. Miller, George Sadler, Jianwen Hu, Gerald J. Baker
  • Patent number: 8703949
    Abstract: The present invention provides processes for the preparation of N-alkyl morphinans without the isolation of nor-morphinan intermediates. In particular, the invention provides tandem hydrolysis/alkylation reactions for the synthesis of N-alkyl morphinans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt LLC
    Inventors: Subo Liao, Peter X. Wang, David W. Berberich, Douglas C. Miller
  • Patent number: 8525104
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of post source decay (PSD) or collision induced dissociation (CID) direct tissue (DT) MALDI-TOF or DT-MALDI-TOF-TOF mass spectrographic identification of biological molecules in a tissue or cellular sample without the need for further protein extraction. This method provides for studying cells or tissues by direct tissue MALDI (DT-MALDI), thereby substituting in situ protein release for further protein extraction. Mass/intensity data was processed with Mascot© software interrogation of the NCBI database. These results are proof of principle that DT-MALDI, combined with bioinformatics, can directly identify proteins in cells and tissues from their mass spectra.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: New York University
    Inventors: Paul Pevsner, Frederick Naftolin, Douglas C. Miller, Dean Hillman, Brian K. Stall, Steven M. Wishnies
  • Publication number: 20120068522
    Abstract: An automated gate control system for a vehicle with a load carrying portion capable of carrying a load of material selectively distributable through a gate comprises a driver-accessible control module and a gate actuating mechanism. The driver-accessible control mechanism is positionable within reach of a driver of the vehicle. The gate actuating mechanism is controllably linked to and responsive to control signals from the driver-accessible control module to open and to close the gate to distribute material through the gate as desired. As a result, the driver need not exit the vehicle to move the gate before, after or during a material distribution operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: MIP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas C. Miller, Joshua D. Miller
  • Publication number: 20120035367
    Abstract: The present invention provides processes for the preparation of N-alkyl morphinans without the isolation of nor-morphinan intermediates. In particular, the invention provides tandem hydrolysis/alkylation reactions for the synthesis of N-alkyl morphinans.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: Mallinckrodt LLC.
    Inventors: Subo Liao, Peter X. Wang, David W. Berberich, Douglas C. Miller
  • Publication number: 20110204203
    Abstract: A steerable vehicle lighting system includes a steerable platform assembly and a control assembly. The steerable platform assembly has a body adapted to be mounted to a vehicle, a platform adapted to receive a payload and adapted to rotate with respect to the body, an actuator at least partially placed in the body, and an actuator rod rotatably mated to the actuator and rotatably mated to the platform. A rotation of the actuator rotates the platform. The control assembly includes a first wheel adapted to be placed on a rotating portion of a steering apparatus, a transducer adapted to be mated to a stationary portion of the steering apparatus, a second wheel mated to a rotatable portion of the transducer and adapted to be rotated by the first wheel, and an elastic member that elastically urges the transducer and the second wheel towards the first wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: Douglas C. Miller
  • Patent number: 7980636
    Abstract: An automated gate control system for a vehicle with a load carrying portion capable of carrying a load of material selectively distributable through a gate comprises a driver-accessible control module and a gate actuating mechanism. The driver-accessible control mechanism is positionable within reach of a driver of the vehicle. The gate actuating mechanism is controllably linked to and responsive to control signals from the driver-accessible control module to open and to close the gate to distribute material through the gate as desired. As a result, the driver need not exit the vehicle to move the gate before, after or during a material distribution operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: MIP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas C. Miller, Joshua D. Miller
  • Publication number: 20110062320
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of post source decay (PSD) or collision induced dissociation (CID) direct tissue (DT) MALDI-TOF or DT-MALDI-TOF-TOF mass spectrographic identification of biological molecules in a tissue or cellular sample without the need for further protein extraction. This method provides for studying cells or tissues by direct tissue MALDI (DT-MALDI), thereby substituting in situ protein release for further protein extraction. Mass/intensity data was processed with Mascot© software interrogation of the NCBI database. These results are proof of principle that DT-MALDI, combined with bioinformatics, can directly identify proteins in cells and tissues from their mass spectra.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Paul Pevsner, Frederick Naftolin, Douglas C. Miller, Dean Hillman, Brian K. Stall, Steven M. Wishnies
  • Patent number: 7714276
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of post source decay (PSD) or collision induced dissociation (CID) direct tissue (DT) MALDI-TOF or DT-MALDI-TOF-TOF mass spectrographic identification of biological molecules in a tissue or cellular sample without the need for further protein extraction. This method provides for studying cells or tissues by direct tissue MALDI (DT-MALDI), thereby substituting in situ protein release for further protein extraction. Mass/intensity data was processed with Mascot© software interrogation of the NCBI database. These results are proof of principle that DT-MALDI, combined with bioinformatics, can directly identify proteins in cells and tissues from their mass spectra.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: New York University
    Inventors: Paul Pevsner, Frederick Naftolin, Douglas C. Miller, Dean Hillman, Brian K. Stall, Steven M. Wishnie
  • Patent number: 7498439
    Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of a heteroaryl acetamide from a heteroaryl ?-hydroxyacetamide is provided. The process comprises directly hydrogenating the heteroaryl ?-hydroxyacetamide in the presence of a strong acid, a halide and a catalyst wherein the molar ratio of the starting heteroaryl ?-hydroxyacetamide to water at the initiation of hydrogenolysis is at least about 2:1. In one embodiment, the heteroaryl acetamide is zolpidem and the heteroaryl ?-hydroxyacetamide is ?-hydroxyzolpidem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Inc.
    Inventors: Esa Jarvi, Douglas C. Miller, Frank W. Moser, Robert E. Halvachs
  • Patent number: 7385056
    Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of a heteroaryl acetamide from a heteroaryl ?-hydroxyacetamide is provied. The process comprises directly hydrogenating the heteroaryl ?-hydroxyacetamide in the presence of a strong acid, a halide and a catalyst. In one embodiment, the heteroaryl acetamide is zolpidem and the heteroaryl ?-hydroxyacetamide is ?-hydroxyzolpidem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Inc.
    Inventors: Esa T. Jarvi, Douglas C. Miller
  • Patent number: 6189949
    Abstract: A sun visor is disclosed having a body with an aperture through which an extender blade selectively slides between fully retracted and fully extended positions. The visor body is a clamshell type having first and second shell halves. A guide rib is located on one shell half to align and guide the extender blade as it moves into and out of the visor body. The aperture is formed by a recessed portion in at least one of the shell halves. Fabric covers the visor body and also extends into the aperture and covers at least part of the guide rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Lear Donnelly Overhead Systems L.L.C.
    Inventors: Douglas C. Miller, Brian J. Rogalske, Michael S. Serbay, Robert W. Donaldson, Douglas A. Fischer
  • Patent number: 6176536
    Abstract: A console and method of installing a console for a motor vehicle or the like including a passenger cabin. The console includes an accessory module for use by occupants of the vehicle and has a housing with fasteners adapted to mount the console within the vehicle cabin. A chamber having an open side is formed in the console and receives an accessory module. At least a portion of the housing comprises an expanded polymeric material, preferably expended polypropylene, to provide a soft surface within the vehicle cabin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Lear Donnelly Overhead Systems L.L.C.
    Inventors: Dean T. Miller, Douglas A. Fischer, Douglas C. Miller, Mark R. Litke
  • Patent number: 6120086
    Abstract: A sun visor assembly includes first and second core halves foldable along a common edge to form an outboard cavity. One of the first and second core halves includes a retaining assembly. A cover material is configured for covering the first and second core halves, and includes at least one slit formed therethrough. A support pin assembly includes at least one snap foot insertable through the slit for engagement with the retaining assembly to secure the support pin assembly within the outboard cavity and to secure the cover material to the first and second core halves. A method for forming a sun visor assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Lear Donnelly Overhead Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Douglas C. Miller