Patents by Inventor James D. Miller

James D. 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: 20030102118
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a heat pipe construction that includes a heat pipe with phase change media therein with a conductive composition molded about the heat pipe. The thermally conductive composition absorbs or reflects electro magnetic interference waves and prevents their transmission into and through the heat pipe to the electronic components being cooled by the heat pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventors: E. Mikhail Sagal, Kevin A. McCullough, James D. Miller
  • Patent number: 6557859
    Abstract: A net-shape molded elastomeric gasket for dissipating heat and providing electro-magnetic interference (EMI) shielding for an electronic device is formed by loading a base elastomeric matrix material with thermally conductive filler and EMI reflective metallic filler and injecting the mixture into a mold cavity. The gasket of the present invention provides superior sealing between the case sections of an electronic device by shielding the device from EMI infiltration along the seam between the sections. In addition, the gasket of the present invention is in thermal communication with the case sections of the electronic device to provide thermal transfer and dissipation between the separate parts of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Cool Options, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin A. McCullough, James D. Miller, Mikhail Sagal
  • Patent number: 6547001
    Abstract: A heat sink assembly for removing heat from an object having an outer surface includes a main body with an object receiving seat. A pair of flexible securing tabs are connected to the free edge of the open end of the main body which emanate into the open end of the main body. A heat dissipation members emanate from the outer surface of the main body to assist in dissipating the heat received by the main body from the heat generating object. The main body, the pair of flexible securing tabs and heat dissipating members are integrally formed with one another of a thermally conductive elastic or elastomeric material. An object to be cooled is inserted into the object receiving seat of the main body and retained in the seat and in communication with the inner surfaces of the main body by the pair of flexible securing tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Cool Shield, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin A. McCullough, E. Mikhail Sagal, James D. Miller
  • Patent number: 6543524
    Abstract: A net-shape molded heat transfer component is provided which includes a thermally conductive core and a metallic coating for reflection of electromagnetic interference and radio frequency waves. The heat transfer component is formed by net-shape molding a core body from a thermally conductive composition, such as a polymer composition, and applying a metallic coating. The molded heat transfer part is freely convecting through the part, which makes it more efficient and has an optimal thermal configuration. Additionally, the part is shielded from electromagnetic interference and radio frequency waves, thus preventing the transfer of same into the circuitry housed by the part. In addition, the coating also seals the conductive polymer core against moisture infiltration, making the part well suited for telecommunications applications in potentially harsh environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Cool Options, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin A. McCullough, E. Mikhail Sagal, James D. Miller
  • Publication number: 20030044631
    Abstract: The present invention relates to thermally conductive, elastomeric pads and methods for manufacturing such pads. The methods involve injection-molding a thermally conductive composition comprising about 30 to 60% by volume of an elastomer polymer matrix and about 25 to 60% by volume of a thermally conductive filler material. The resultant pads have heat transfer properties and can be used as a thermal interface to protect heat-generating electronic devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: E. Mikhail Sagal, Kevin A. McCullough, James D. Miller
  • Publication number: 20030038140
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-heating container for heating consumable items such as food and beverages. The container assembly includes a star-shaped inner container for holding heating media that produces an exothermic reaction, and an outer container for holding a consumable item such as food and beverages. The inner container includes a thermally conductive polymer composition, and the outer container includes a heat-insulating material. The thermally conductive polymer composition includes a base polymer matrix and filler material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventors: E. Mikhail Sagal, James D. Miller
  • Publication number: 20030019103
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of constructing a heat pipe that includes providing a heat pipe with phase change media therein and injection overmolding the heat pipe with a conductive composition. The thermally conductive composition absorbs or reflects electro magnetic interference waves and prevents their transmission into and through the heat pipe to the electronic components being cooled by the heat pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: E. Mikhail Sagal, Kevin A. McCullough, James D. Miller
  • Patent number: 6503964
    Abstract: A thermally conductive and electromagnetic interference and radio frequency reflective polymer composition and a method for creating the same is disclosed. Thermally conductive filler material is coated with a thermally conductive and electromagnetic interference and radio frequency reflective coating material and mixed with a base polymer matrix. The mixture is molded into the desired shape. The electromagnetic interference and radio frequency reflective coating material prevents the absorption and transfer of EMI and RF waves through the filler material thus resulting in an EMI and RF reflective composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Cool Options, Inc.
    Inventors: Lyle James Smith, Mikhail Sagal, James D. Miller, Kevin A. McCullough
  • Publication number: 20020185270
    Abstract: A heat sink assembly for removing heat from an object having an outer surface includes a main body with an object receiving seat. A pair of flexible securing tabs are connected to the free edge of the open end of the main body which emanate into the open end of the main body. A heat dissipation members emanate from the outer surface of the main body to assist in dissipating the heat received by the main body from the heat generating object. The main body, the pair of flexible securing tabs and heat dissipating members are integrally formed with one another of a thermally conductive elastic or elastomeric material. An object to be cooled is inserted into the object receiving seat of the main body and retained in the seat and in communication with the inner surfaces of the main body by the pair of flexible securing tabs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Kevin A. McCullough, E. Mikhail Sagal, James D. Miller
  • Patent number: 6487073
    Abstract: A case for dissipating heat from an electronic device is provided. The case includes an electronic circuit board with a heat generating electronic component installed thereon. A shield is positioned over the electronic component to protect it from electromagnetic interference. The shield includes an aperture through its top surface. A heat transfer conduit is molded into and through the aperture to contact the top surface of the heat generating electronic component. Outer housing, which is made of a thermally conductive material, is placed into contact with the top surface of the heat transfer conduit which extends outside the shield. As a result, heat is dissipated from the electronic component and through the housing of the electronic device via the heat transfer conduit while shielding the electronic component from electromagnetic interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Cool Options, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin A. McCullough, E. Mikhail Sagal, James D. Miller
  • Publication number: 20020159235
    Abstract: The electronic connector (10) includes an improved heat dissipating housing for cooling heat generating devices located within the connector (10). The electronic connector (10) of the present invention enables the cost-effective cooling of electronic devices (22, 24) within the connector (10) while realizing superior thermal conductivity and improved electromagnetic shielding. A method of forming an electronic connector (10) that includes the steps of first providing a heat generating electronic component (22, 24) capable of electronically coupling two data devices together having a first port (16a) and a second port (16b). This component (22, 24) is typically mounted or installed into a circuit board (20). An outer housing (12) of moldable thermally conductive polymer material (102, 202, 302, 402) is overmolded around the heat generating electronic component (22, 24) leaving the first port (16a) and the second port (16b) of connector (10) exposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: James D. Miller, E. Mikhail Sagal, Kevin A. McCullough
  • Publication number: 20020080921
    Abstract: A digital, flat panel, two-dimensional x-ray detector moves reliably, safely and conveniently to a variety of positions for different x-ray protocols for a standing, sitting or recumbent patient. The system makes it practical to use the same detector for a number or protocols that otherwise may require different equipment, and takes advantage of desirable characteristics of flat panel digital detectors while alleviating the effects of less desirable characteristics such as high cost, weight and fragility of such detectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Andrew P. Smith, Jay A. Stein, Kevin E. Wilson, Richard E. Cabral, Remo Rossi, James D. Miller
  • Publication number: 20020062949
    Abstract: A net-shape molded heat transfer component is provided which includes a thermally conductive core and a metallic coating for reflection of electromagnetic interference and radio frequency waves. The heat transfer component is formed by net-shape molding a core body from a thermally conductive composition, such as a polymer composition, and applying a metallic coating. The molded heat transfer part is freely convecting through the part, which makes it more efficient and has an optimal thermal configuration. Additionally, the part is shielded from electromagnetic interference and radio frequency waves, thus preventing the transfer of same into the circuitry housed by the part. In addition, the coating also seals the conductive polymer core against moisture infiltration, making the part well suited for telecommunications applications in potentially harsh environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventors: Kevin A. McCullough, E. Mikhail Sagal, James D. Miller
  • Publication number: 20020062950
    Abstract: A net-shape molded heat transfer component is provided which includes a thermally conductive core and a metallic coating for reflection of electromagnetic interference and radio frequency waves. The heat transfer component is formed by net-shape molding a core body from a thermally conductive composition, such as a polymer composition, and applying a metallic coating. The molded heat transfer part is freely convecting through the part, which makes it more efficient and has an optimal thermal configuration. Additionally, the part is shielded from electromagnetic interference and radio frequency waves, thus preventing the transfer of same into the circuitry housed by the part. In addition, the coating also seals the conductive polymer core against moisture infiltration, making the part well suited for telecommunications applications in potentially harsh environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventors: Kevin A. McCullough, E. Mikhail Sagal, James D. Miller
  • Publication number: 20020064024
    Abstract: A case for dissipating heat from an electronic device is provided. The case includes an electronic circuit board with a heat generating electronic component installed thereon. A shield is positioned over the electronic component to protect it from electromagnetic interference. The shield includes an aperture through its top surface. A heat transfer conduit is molded into and through the aperture to contact the top surface of the heat generating electronic component. Outer housing, which is made of a thermally conductive material, is placed into contact with the top surface of the heat transfer conduit which extends outside the shield. As a result, heat is dissipated from the electronic component and through the housing of the electronic device via the heat transfer conduit while shielding the electronic component from electromagnetic interference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventors: Kevin A. McCullough, E. Mikhail Sagal, James D. Miller
  • Publication number: 20020025998
    Abstract: A highly thermally conductive and high strength net-shape moldable molding composition, with a thermal conductivity above 4 W/m° K and a strength of at least 15 ksi includes a polymer base matrix of, by volume, between 30 and 70 percent. A first highly thermally conductive filler of high modulus PITCH-based carbon, by volume, between 15 and 47 percent is provided in the composition that has a relatively high aspect ratio of at least 10:1. Also in the composition mixture is a second high strength filler of PAN-based carbon, by volume, between 10 and 35 percent that has a relatively high aspect ratio of 10:1 or more. Optionally, a third filler material of thermally conductive material with a relatively low aspect ratio of 5:1 or less may be included in the composition, by volume less than 10 percent, to improve the thermal conductivity and strength of the composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: Kevin A. McCullough, James D. Miller, E. Mikhail Sagal
  • Publication number: 20020014748
    Abstract: A net-shape molded elastomeric gasket for dissipating heat and providing electro-magnetic interference (EMI) shielding for an electronic device is formed by loading a base elastomeric matrix material with thermally conductive filler and EMI reflective metallic filler and injecting the mixture into a mold cavity. The gasket of the present invention provides superior sealing between the case sections of an electronic device by shielding the device from EMI infiltration along the seam between the sections. In addition, the gasket of the present invention is in thermal communication with the case sections of the electronic device to provide thermal transfer and dissipation between the separate parts of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventors: Kevin A. McCullough, James D. Miller, Mikhail Sagal
  • Publication number: 20010048172
    Abstract: A thermally conductive and electrically insulative polymer composition and a method for creating the same is provided. Thermally conductive filler material is coated with a thermally conductive and electrically insulative coating material and mixed with a base polymer matrix. The mixture is molded into the desired shape. The electrically insulative coating material prevents the transfer of electricity through the filler material thus resulting in an electrically insulative composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: Lyle James Smith, E. Mikhail Sagal, James D. Miller, Kenvin McCullough
  • Publication number: 20010045297
    Abstract: The present invention provides an overmolded electronic device cover assembly and method of manufacturing the same. The device cover assembly is molded directly over an electronic device, such as a resistor or a capacitor, that requires both electrical isolation and effective cooling. The device cover assembly is overmolded about and in direct contact with the electronic device package and is formed from a thermally conductive and electrically insulative moldable polymer composition. The molded device cover assembly is positioned in thermal communication with at least the front side, the rear side, the left side, the right side and the top side of the electronic device package for cooling thereof while providing electrical isolation and sealing the device against the effects of dust and moisture infiltration. The direct molding of the device cover assembly to the heat generating device obviates the need for interface materials, adhesives and other assembly operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: James D. Miller, Kevin A. McCullough
  • Publication number: 20010025075
    Abstract: A thermally conductive and electromagnetic interference and radio frequency reflective polymer composition and a method for creating the same is disclosed. Thermally conductive filler material is coated with a thermally conductive and electromagnetic interference and radio frequency reflective coating material and mixed with a base polymer matrix. The mixture is molded into the desired shape. The electromagnetic interference and radio frequency reflective coating material prevents the absorption and transfer of EMI and RF waves through the filler material thus resulting in an EMI and RF reflective composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Publication date: September 27, 2001
    Inventors: Lyle James Smith, Mikhail Sagal, James D. Miller, Kevin A. McCullough