Patents by Inventor Kenneth A. Miller

Kenneth A. 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).

  • NANOSECOND PULSER PULSE GENERATION
    Publication number: 20200035458
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a high voltage pulsing power supply. A high voltage pulsing power supply may include: a high voltage pulser having an output that provides pulses with an amplitude greater than about 1 kV, a pulse width greater than about 1 ?s, and a pulse repetition frequency greater than about 20 kHz; a plasma chamber; and an electrode disposed within the plasma chamber that is electrically coupled with the output of the high voltage pulser to produce a pulsing an electric field within the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Timothy Ziemba, Ilia Slobodov, John Carscadden, Kenneth Miller, Morgan Quinley
  • NANOSECOND PULSER THERMAL MANAGEMENT
    Publication number: 20200037468
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a thermal management system for a nanosecond pulser. In some embodiments, the thermal management system may include a switch cold plates coupled with switches, a core cold plate coupled with one or more transformers, resistor cold plates coupled with resistors, or tubing coupled with the switch cold plates, the core cold plates, and the resistor cold plates. The thermal management system may include a heat exchanger coupled with the resistor cold plates, the core cold plate, the switch cold plate, and the tubing. The heat exchanger may also be coupled with a facility fluid supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Timothy Ziemba, Ilia Slobodov, John Carscadden, Kenneth Miller, Connor Liston
  • NANOSECOND PULSER BIAS COMPENSATION
    Publication number: 20200035457
    Abstract: A high voltage power system is disclosed. In some embodiments, the high voltage power system includes a high voltage pulsing power supply; a transformer electrically coupled with the high voltage pulsing power supply; an output electrically coupled with the transformer and configured to output high voltage pulses with an amplitude greater than 1 kV and a frequency greater than 1 kHz; and a bias compensation circuit arranged in parallel with the output. In some embodiments, the bias compensation circuit can include a blocking diode; and a DC power supply arranged in series with the blocking diode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Timothy Ziemba, Ilia Slobodov, John Carscadden, Kenneth Miller
  • NANOSECOND PULSER ADC SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20200036367
    Abstract: A nanosecond pulser system is disclosed. In some embodiments, the nanosecond pulser system may include a nanosecond pulser having a nanosecond pulser input; a plurality of switches coupled with the nanosecond pulser input; one or more transformers coupled with the plurality of switches; and an output coupled with the one or more transformers and providing a high voltage waveform with a amplitude greater than 2 kV and a frequency greater than 1 kHz based on the nanosecond pulser input. The nanosecond pulser system may also include a control module coupled with the nanosecond pulser input; and an control system coupled with the nanosecond pulser at a point between the transformer and the output, the control system providing waveform data regarding an high voltage waveform produced at the point between the transformer and the output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Ilia Slobodov, John Carscadden, Kenneth Miller, Timothy Ziemba, Huatsern Yeager, Eric Hanson, TaiSheng Yeager, Kevin Muggli
  • SPATIALLY VARIABLE WAFER BIAS POWER SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20200035459
    Abstract: A plasma deposition system comprising a wafer platform, a second electrode, a first electrode, a first high voltage pulser, and a second high voltage pulser. In some embodiments, the second electrode may be disposed proximate with the wafer platform. In some embodiments, the second electrode can include a disc shape with a central aperture; a central axis, an aperture diameter, and an outer diameter. In some embodiments, the first electrode may be disposed proximate with the wafer platform and within the central aperture of the second electrode. In some embodiments, the first electrode can include a disc shape, a central axis, and an outer diameter. In some embodiments, the first high voltage pulser can be electrically coupled with the first electrode. In some embodiments, the second high voltage pulser can be electrically coupled with the second electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Timothy Ziemba, Ilia Slobodov, John Carscadden, Kenneth Miller, James Prager
  • NANOSECOND PULSER BIAS COMPENSATION
    Publication number: 20190393791
    Abstract: A high voltage power system is disclosed. In some embodiments, the high voltage power system includes a high voltage pulsing power supply; a transformer electrically coupled with the high voltage pulsing power supply; an output electrically coupled with the transformer and configured to output high voltage pulses with an amplitude greater than 1 kV and a frequency greater than 1 kHz; and a bias compensation circuit arranged in parallel with the output. In some embodiments, the bias compensation circuit can include a blocking diode; and a DC power supply arranged in series with the blocking diode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventors: Timothy Ziemba, Ilia Slobodov, Alex Henson, Morgan Quinley, John Carscadden, James Prager, Kenneth Miller
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ADJUSTING VEHICLE NOISE FOR HUMAN-IN-THE-LOOP CRUISE CONTROL
    Publication number: 20190308640
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting vehicle noises to notify the vehicle operator of speed changes in human-in-the-loop cruise control and semi-autonomous vehicle operation. In one example, a method for drive unit of a vehicle may include responsive to a vehicle speed meeting a predefined condition relative to a threshold vehicle speed, adjusting one or more drive unit actuators to modulate engine noise while maintaining desired wheel torque within a threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Inventors: Kenneth Miller, Thomas Leone, Aed Dudar
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FUEL FILTER DIAGNOSTICS
    Publication number: 20190285020
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a fuel system of a vehicle to diagnose whether a fuel filter is functioning as desired. In one example, a method may include, in response to a fuel rail pressure decreasing below a threshold pressure while an engine of the vehicle is running, diagnosing whether degradation of fuel injectors or a fuel pressure regulator of the vehicle has occurred while the engine is not running. Then, only if degradation of the fuel injectors and fuel pressure regulator has not occurred, a fuel filter cleaning routine is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Inventors: Aed Dudar, Thomas Leone, Kenneth Miller
  • Systems and methods for starting an engine in a hybrid vehicle
    Patent number: 10407056
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for starting an engine in a hybrid vehicle. In one example, a method includes cranking an engine of the vehicle by controlling a capacity of a clutch of a dual clutch transmission positioned downstream of the engine and compensating for driveline disturbance resulting from the cranking via controlling an electric machine positioned downstream of the dual clutch transmission. In this way, engine starting may be conducted under a variety of vehicle operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stan L. Bower, Kenneth Miller, Jason Meyer, Xiaoyong Wang, Matthew John Shelton
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A RANGE EXTENDER ENGINE OF A HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20190248359
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving the operating range of an electric vehicle having an engine wherein waste heat generated during motor operation is transferred to pre-heat the engine. Engine starting is predicted based on the electrical torque demand of the vehicle relative to the actual and predicted electrical energy consumption of the electric vehicle. Prior to starting the engine to charge a battery of the motor, various engine components are pre-heated in an order that improves vehicle range while also optimizing fuel economy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Kenneth Miller, Thomas Leone, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A RANGE EXTENDER ENGINE OF A HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20190249640
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving the operating range of an electric vehicle having an engine wherein waste heat generated during motor operation is transferred to pre-heat the engine. Engine starting is predicted based on the electrical torque demand of the vehicle relative to the actual and predicted electrical energy consumption of the electric vehicle. Prior to starting the engine to charge a battery of the motor, various engine components are pre-heated in an order that improves vehicle range while also optimizing fuel economy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Kenneth Miller, Thomas Leone, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A RANGE EXTENDER ENGINE OF A HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20190249639
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving the operating range of an electric vehicle having an engine wherein waste heat generated during motor operation is transferred to pre-heat the engine. Engine starting is predicted based on the electrical torque demand of the vehicle relative to the actual and predicted electrical energy consumption of the electric vehicle. Prior to starting the engine to charge a battery of the motor, various engine components are pre-heated in an order that improves vehicle range while also optimizing fuel economy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Kenneth Miller, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Thomas Leone, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A RANGE EXTENDER ENGINE OF A HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20190249638
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving the operating range of an electric vehicle having an engine wherein waste heat generated during motor operation is transferred to pre-heat the engine. Engine starting is predicted based on the electrical torque demand of the vehicle relative to the actual and predicted electrical energy consumption of the electric vehicle. Prior to starting the engine to charge a battery of the motor, various engine components are pre-heated in an order that improves vehicle range while also optimizing fuel economy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Kenneth Miller, Thomas Leone, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A RANGE EXTENDER ENGINE OF A HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20190248358
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving the operating range of an electric vehicle having an engine wherein waste heat generated during motor operation is transferred to pre-heat the engine. Engine starting is predicted based on the electrical torque demand of the vehicle relative to the actual and predicted electrical energy consumption of the electric vehicle. Prior to starting the engine to charge a battery of the motor, various engine components are pre-heated in an order that improves vehicle range while also optimizing fuel economy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Kenneth Miller, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Magnetic mount device
    Patent number: 10304429
    Abstract: A mount device including: (a) a base portion comprised of a first material, the base portion having an exposed portion; (b) a magnetically attractable layer on the exposed portion of the base portion; and (c) a plurality of magnetic structures arranged about the magnetically attractable layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: One Beat Better, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Broadbelt, Kenneth Miller, Jr.
  • HIGH VOLTAGE RESISTIVE OUTPUT STAGE CIRCUIT
    Publication number: 20190080884
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a high voltage, high frequency switching circuit. The switching circuit may include a high voltage switching power supply that produces pulses having a voltage greater than 1 kV and with frequencies greater than 10 kHz and an output. The switching circuit may also include a resistive output stage electrically coupled in parallel with the output and between the output stage and the high voltage switching power supply, the resistive output stage comprising at least one resistor that discharges a load coupled with the output. In some embodiments, the resistive output stage may be configured to discharge over about 1 kilowatt of average power during each pulse cycle. In some embodiments, the output can produce a high voltage pulse having a voltage greater than 1 kV and with frequencies greater than 10 kHz with a pulse fall time less than about 400 ns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Publication date: March 14, 2019
    Inventors: Timothy M. Ziemba, Kenneth Miller, James R. Prager, Jone G. Carscadden, Llia Slobodov
  • Methods and systems for coupling a surgical tool to a tool driver of a robotic surgical system
    Patent number: 10143524
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for coupling a robotic surgical tool with a tool driver of a robotic surgical system via a sterile barrier disposed between the tool and the driver. The tool has an elongate shaft and an end effector coupled thereto, as well as a mating interface member having a plurality of independently movable portions and a plurality of coupling features disposed about a perimeter of an outer wall of the mating interface member. The coupling features are configured to reversibly engage with a proximal end of a corresponding actuation member from a plurality of actuation members of the tool driver. The coupling features reversibly engage with the proximal ends of the actuation members so as to allow the actuation members to move in proximal and distal directions independently from one another to thereby control operation of the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Koch, Jeffery Kirk, Andrew Beckman, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Mark D. Overmyer, Eric W. Thompson, Kenneth Miller
  • Methods and apparatus to couple manifold blocks to form a manifold
    Patent number: 10125883
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to couple manifold blocks to form a manifold are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first manifold block including a first fluid passageway defining a first opening in a first surface of the first manifold block. The example apparatus includes a first keyway extending along the first surface of the first manifold block. The example apparatus includes a first key to be inserted in the first keyway and a second keyway of a second manifold block to couple the first manifold block to the second manifold block to fluidly couple the first fluid passageway to a second fluid passageway of the second manifold block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: TESCOM CORPORATION
    Inventors: John Leonard Schlegel, Todd William Larsen, William John Neubauer, Robert Kenneth Miller
  • Methods and systems for coupling a surgical tool to a tool driver of a robotic surgical system
    Patent number: 10064690
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for coupling a robotic surgical tool with a tool driver of a robotic surgical system via a sterile barrier disposed between the tool and the driver. The tool has an elongate shaft and an end effector coupled thereto, as well as a mating interface member having a plurality of independently movable portions and a plurality of coupling features disposed about a perimeter of an outer wall of the mating interface member. The coupling features are configured to reversibly engage with a proximal end of a corresponding actuation member from a plurality of actuation members of the tool driver. The coupling features reversibly engage with the proximal ends of the actuation members so as to allow the actuation members to move in proximal and distal directions independently from one another to thereby control operation of the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon, LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Koch, Jeffery Kirk, Andrew Beckman, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Mark D. Overmyer, Eric W. Thompson, Kenneth Miller
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR STARTING AN ENGINE IN A HYBRID VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20180244263
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for starting an engine in a hybrid vehicle. In one example, a method includes cranking an engine of the vehicle by controlling a capacity of a clutch of a dual clutch transmission positioned downstream of the engine and compensating for driveline disturbance resulting from the cranking via controlling an electric machine positioned downstream of the dual clutch transmission. In this way, engine starting may be conducted under a variety of vehicle operating conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Inventors: Stan L. Bower, Kenneth Miller, Jason Meyer, Xiaoyong Wang, Matthew John Shelton