Patents by Inventor John S. Miller, JR.

John S. Miller, JR. 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: 9649732
    Abstract: A system for sealing a plurality of orifices through a wall of a vessel is provided. The system includes a plurality of sealing members configured to releasably seal respective orifices of the plurality of orifices. The system also includes a base defining a central axis therethrough. The base includes a plurality of segments disposed about the central axis. Each of the plurality of segments includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface is configured to engage at least one sealing member of the plurality of sealing members. Further, each segment of the plurality of segments is configured to deform toward the central axis on application of a force upon the outer surface thereof to bias the at least one sealing member into sealing engagement with a respective orifice of the plurality of orifices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Rahul N. Gami, Marion B. Grant, John S. Miller, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9593893
    Abstract: A method of remanufacturing a shell of a heat exchanger is provided. The shell has an inner surface that defines an inner diameter thereof and the inner surface has a worn portion adjacent to an end of the shell. The method includes machining the inner surface to remove the worn portion and machining to form a tapered surface adjacent to the end of the shell. A diameter of the tapered surface increases progressively from the inner diameter of the shell to a maximum diameter at the end of the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Eric R. Jeffery, John S. Miller, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20160361786
    Abstract: A fixture assembly for a work piece is provided. The fixture assembly includes a strap assembly including a plurality of straps. One or more parameters associated with each of the plurality of straps is configured to be dynamically adjusted in such a manner that the plurality of straps cooperatively interact with a surface of the work piece. The strap assembly is configured to secure the work piece by providing a clamping force thereon based on an arrangement of the strap assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Gabriel J. Ellicott, John S. Miller, JR., Richard G. Marsh, Gerald T. Otten, JR.
  • Publication number: 20160076817
    Abstract: A method of remanufacturing a shell of a heat exchanger is provided. The shell has an inner surface that defines an inner diameter thereof and the inner surface has a worn portion adjacent to an end of the shell. The method includes machining the inner surface to remove the worn portion and machining to form a tapered surface adjacent to the end of the shell. A diameter of the tapered surface increases progressively from the inner diameter of the shell to a maximum diameter at the end of the shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Eric R. Jeffery, John S. Miller, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150360330
    Abstract: A system for sealing a plurality of orifices through a wall of a vessel is provided. The system includes a plurality of sealing members configured to releasably seal respective orifices of the plurality of orifices. The system also includes a base defining a central axis therethrough. The base includes a plurality of segments disposed about the central axis. Each of the plurality of segments includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface is configured to engage at least one sealing member of the plurality of sealing members. Further, each segment of the plurality of segments is configured to deform toward the central axis on application of a force upon the outer surface thereof to bias the at least one sealing member into sealing engagement with a respective orifice of the plurality of orifices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Publication date: December 17, 2015
    Inventors: Rahul N. Gami, Marion B. Grant, John S. Miller, JR.
  • Patent number: 9133802
    Abstract: A device for sealing one or more orifices on a vessel for pressurizing fluid is provided. The device includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface includes one or more substantially semi-spherical protrusions corresponding to the orifices. The protrusions are configured to contact with edges of the orifices and seal the orifices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Rahul N. Gami, Marion B. Grant, John S. Miller, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140331729
    Abstract: A device for sealing one or more orifices on a vessel for pressurizing fluid is provided. The device includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface includes one or more substantially semi-spherical protrusions corresponding to the orifices. The protrusions are configured to contact with edges of the orifices and seal the orifices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Rahul N. Gami, Marion B. Grant, John S. Miller, JR.