Patents by Inventor John M. Miller

John M. 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: 9221351
    Abstract: Power transfer rate at a charging facility can be maximized by employing a feedback scheme. The state of charge (SOC) and temperature of the regenerative energy storage system (RESS) pack of a vehicle is monitored to determine the load due to the RESS pack. An optimal frequency that cancels the imaginary component of the input impedance for the output signal from a grid converter is calculated from the load of the RESS pack, and a frequency offset f* is made to the nominal frequency f0 of the grid converter output based on the resonance frequency of a magnetically coupled circuit. The optimal frequency can maximize the efficiency of the power transfer. Further, an optimal grid converter duty ratio d* can be derived from the charge rate of the RESS pack. The grid converter duty ratio d* regulates wireless power transfer (WPT) power level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: UT-BATTELLE, LLC
    Inventor: John M. Miller
  • Patent number: 9156364
    Abstract: An apparatus for wirelessly charging a battery of an electric vehicle is provided with a point of load control. The apparatus includes a base unit for generating a direct current (DC) voltage. The base unit is regulated by a power level controller. One or more point of load converters can be connected to the base unit by a conductor, with each point of load converter comprising a control signal generator that transmits a signal to the power level controller. The output power level of the DC voltage provided by the base unit is controlled by power level controller such that the power level is sufficient to power all active load converters when commanded to do so by any of the active controllers, without generating excessive power that may be otherwise wasted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: UT-BATTELLE, LLC
    Inventors: John M. Miller, Steven L. Campbell, Paul H. Chambon, Larry E. Seiber, Clifford P. White
  • Patent number: 9035790
    Abstract: A transmit pad inspection device includes a magnetic coupling device, which includes an inductive circuit that is configured to magnetically couple to a primary circuit of a charging device in a transmit pad through an alternating current (AC) magnetic field. The inductive circuit functions as a secondary circuit for a set of magnetically coupled coils. The magnetic coupling device further includes a rectification circuit, and includes a controllable load bank or is configured to be connected to an external controllable load back. The transmit pad inspection device is configured to determine the efficiency of power transfer under various coupling conditions. In addition, the transmit pad inspection device can be configured to measure residual magnetic field and the frequency of the input current, and to determine whether the charging device has been installed properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: UT-BATTELLE, LLC
    Inventors: Perry T. Jones, John M. Miller
  • Patent number: 8665049
    Abstract: At least one graphene layer is formed to laterally surround a tube so that the basal plane of each graphene layer is tangential to the local surface of the tube on which the graphene layer is formed. An electrically conductive path is provided around the tube for providing high conductivity electrical path provided by the basal plane of each graphene layer. The high conductivity path can be employed for high frequency applications such as coupling coils for wireless power transmission to overcome skin depth effects and proximity effects prevalent in high frequency alternating current paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventor: John M. Miller
  • Publication number: 20130277573
    Abstract: Embodiments provide electron-conducting, electron-transparent substrates that are chemically derivatized (e.g., functionalized) to enhance and facilitate the deposition of nanoscale materials thereupon, including both hard and soft nanoscale materials. In various embodiments, the substrates may include an electron-conducting mesh support, for example, a carbon, copper, nickel, molybdenum, beryllium, gold, silicon, GaAs, or oxide (e.g., SiO2, TiO2, ITO, or Al2O3) support, or a combination thereof, having one or more apertures. In various embodiments, the mesh support may be coated with an electron conducting, electron transparent carbon film membrane that has been chemically derivatized to promote adhesion and/or affinity for various materials, including hard inorganic materials and soft materials, such as polymers and biological molecules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: Dune Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Miller, Janet Teshima, James E. Hutchison
  • Publication number: 20130270919
    Abstract: A wireless power transmission system includes a primary circuit and a secondary circuit, which are coupled through coupling coils. The primary circuit includes an alternating current (AC) power supply source that provides an alternating current signal through a series connection of a primary capacitor and a primary coil. The secondary circuit includes a parallel connection of a secondary coil, a secondary capacitor, and a load. The resonance frequency f0 of the wireless power transmission system is a frequency at which the power transfer efficiency of the wireless transmission system achieves a maximum for an infinitesimally small resistive load. The operational frequency of the AC power supply source is selected to be above the resonance frequency f0 so as to provide greater efficiency and/or greater power transfer rate in the presence of a finite impedance load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: UT-BATTELLE, LLC
    Inventor: John M. Miller
  • Patent number: 8518573
    Abstract: An energy-storage device electrode core is disclosed that features relatively low-inductive impedance (and thus low equivalent series resistance (ESR)). Also disclosed is an energy-storage device electrode core that features a radii-modulated electrode core that forms extra vias to facilitate efficient heat removal away from the electrode, thus improving the performance and capabilities of an energy-storage device so equipped. The internal electrode core heat-removal vias are defined by the modulation patterns that in turn define the size and layout of the folds in the electrode, which are circumferentially collapsed about the center axis of the electrode core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Maxwell Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Miller
  • Publication number: 20130214591
    Abstract: An apparatus for wirelessly charging a battery of an electric vehicle is provided with a point of load control. The apparatus includes a base unit for generating a direct current (DC) voltage. The base unit is regulated by a power level controller. One or more point of load converters can be connected to the base unit by a conductor, with each point of load converter comprising a control signal generator that transmits a signal to the power level controller. The output power level of the DC voltage provided by the base unit is controlled by power level controller such that the power level is sufficient to power all active load converters when commanded to do so by any of the active controllers, without generating excessive power that may be otherwise wasted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: John M. Miller, Steven L. Campbell, Paul H. Chambon, Larry E. Seiber, Clifford P. White
  • Patent number: 8512417
    Abstract: Embodiments herein provide a nanoparticle, such as a metal nanoparticle, coupled to a linker molecule to form a nanoparticle-linker construct. In an embodiment, a nanoparticle-linker construct may be further bound to a substrate to take advantage of one or more properties of the nanoparticle. In an embodiment, a functionalized nanoparticle (a nanoparticle having a reactive functionality) may be bound to a linker to form a functionalized nanoparticle-linker construct which may in-turn be bound to a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Dune Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Miller, James E. Hulchison, Scoll F. Sweeney
  • Publication number: 20130020877
    Abstract: At least one graphene layer is formed to laterally surround a tube so that the basal plane of each graphene layer is tangential to the local surface of the tube on which the graphene layer is formed. An electrically conductive path is provided around the tube for providing high conductivity electrical path provided by the basal plane of each graphene layer. The high conductivity path can be employed for high frequency applications such as coupling coils for wireless power transmission to overcome skin depth effects and proximity effects prevalent in high frequency alternating current paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: UT-BATTELLE, LLC
    Inventor: John M. Miller
  • Publication number: 20130020862
    Abstract: Power transfer rate at a charging facility can be maximized by employing a feedback scheme. The state of charge (SOC) and temperature of the regenerative energy storage system (RESS) pack of a vehicle is monitored to determine the load due to the RESS pack. An optimal frequency that cancels the imaginary component of the input impedance for the output signal from a grid converter is calculated from the load of the RESS pack, and a frequency offset f* is made to the nominal frequency f0 of the grid converter output based on the resonance frequency of a magnetically coupled circuit. The optimal frequency can maximize the efficiency of the power transfer. Further, an optimal grid converter duty ratio d* can be derived from the charge rate of the RESS pack. The grid converter duty ratio d* regulates wireless power transfer (WPT) power level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: UT-BATTELLE, LLC
    Inventor: John M. Miller
  • Publication number: 20130024059
    Abstract: A non-contacting position sensing apparatus includes at least one vehicle-mounted receiver coil that is configured to detect a net flux null when the vehicle is optimally aligned relative to the primary coil in the charging device. Each of the at least one vehicle-mounted receiver coil includes a clockwise winding loop and a counterclockwise winding loop that are substantially symmetrically configured and serially connected to each other. When the non-contacting positing sensing apparatus is located directly above the primary coil of the charging device, the electromotive forces from the clockwise winding loop and the counterclockwise region cancel out to provide a zero electromotive force, i.e., a zero voltage reading across the coil that includes the clockwise winding loop and the counterclockwise winding loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: UT-BATTELLE, LLC
    Inventors: John M. Miller, Paul H. Chambon, Perry T. Jones, Clifford P. White
  • Publication number: 20130021168
    Abstract: A transmit pad inspection device includes a magnetic coupling device, which includes an inductive circuit that is configured to magnetically couple to a primary circuit of a charging device in a transmit pad through an alternating current (AC) magnetic field. The inductive circuit functions as a secondary circuit for a set of magnetically coupled coils. The magnetic coupling device further includes a rectification circuit, and includes a controllable load bank or is configured to be connected to an external controllable load back. The transmit pad inspection device is configured to determine the efficiency of power transfer under various coupling conditions. In addition, the transmit pad inspection device can be configured to measure residual magnetic field and the frequency of the input current, and to determine whether the charging device has been installed properly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: UT-BATTELLE, LLC
    Inventors: Perry T. Jones, John M. Miller
  • Publication number: 20120319471
    Abstract: In an energy storage system that includes a battery and an ultracapacitor, the state of charge (SOC) of the capacitor is the subject of a dynamic set-point. This dynamic set-point control is a function of the load regime to which the storage system is exposed, for example a hybrid automobile or electric automobile. The control may be based in part upon real-time fast Fourier transform analysis of load current, permitting real-time adjustment of control coefficients. In this way, it is possible to minimize the occurrence of the capacitor being fully charged at a time when it would be desired to be able to absorb high current, for example from regenerative braking. Likewise it is possible to minimize the occurrence of the capacitor being nearly discharged at a time when it would be desirable to have boost power available.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: Maxwell Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. MILLER
  • Patent number: 8230005
    Abstract: The information system and method for collecting, transferring and administrating quality control data, and particularly HACCP data disclosed allows bi-directional communication between a plurality of remote wireless measurement devices and a central web server through a local com/data link. The com/data link provides wireless communication with the various measurement devices and communication with the web server via an Internet connection. An Internet based database and website interface provides centralized data storage and easily accessible data management and analysis. Administrator/users can access and manage the data from any location or device with Internet connectivity. The measurement devices allow their operation and functions to be configured and reconfigured by uploading customized device “data packets” into the devices system memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Smart Temps, LLC.
    Inventors: Michael J. McKay, John M. Miller, Phillip W. Caviness, Jason T. Driscoll, Michael D. Miller
  • Publication number: 20110252580
    Abstract: Embodiments herein provide a nanoparticle, such as a metal nanoparticle, coupled to a linker molecule to form a nanoparticle-linker construct. In an embodiment, a nanoparticle-linker construct may be further bound to a substrate to take advantage of one or more properties of the nanoparticle. In an embodiment, a functionalized nanoparticle (a nanoparticle having a reactive functionality) may be bound to a linker to form a functionalized nanoparticle-linker construct which may in-turn be bound to a substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: Dune Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Miller, James E. Hutchison, Scott F. Sweeney
  • Patent number: 7982599
    Abstract: A method for transmitting advertisements includes receiving information regarding location of a user, and user profile or user demographic information; and transmitting a targeted advertisement to the user, the targeted advertisement is selected from a set of advertisements as a function of the location of the user, and the user profile or user demographic information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventors: John M. Miller, Himanshu S. Amin
  • Publication number: 20100332313
    Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates user selectable advertising networks. Advertising content can be formed into cohesive subsets of advertising. These subsets can be related to criteria to facilitate selection between available subsets of advertising content. A selection component can facilitate selection of the available subsets of advertising content based on these criteria. The criteria can be related to user preferences. Further the criteria can relate to explicit user preferences such as opt-in or opt-out indicia. The user can be presented with more relevant advertising content where user selection of advertising networks occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: John M. Miller, Janet Galore, Alexander Gounares, Eric Horvitz, Karim Farouki, Patrick Nguyen, Brett Brewer, Jayaram N.M. Nanduri, Milind Mahajan, Oscar Murillo
  • Patent number: D654281
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: John M Miller
  • Patent number: D739270
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Smart Temps, LLC.
    Inventors: John M. Miller, Michael J. McKay, Philip W. Caviness, Jason T. Driscoll, Ellen M. Scott, Kevin C. Zee