Patents by Inventor Kent S. Miller

Kent S. 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: 8194385
    Abstract: A precision alignment system for the alignment of modular frames of an electronic sign including a plurality of precision alignment mechanisms which are mounted to the outer panels of the modular frames and an alignment fixture having a plurality of configurable jig towers. The configurable jig towers include moveable components which are used to precisionally align the outer contact surfaces of contact blocks in the precision alignment mechanisms for subsequent intimate contact between other like outer contact surfaces of contact blocks in the precision alignment mechanisms of horizontally and vertically adjacent modular frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent S. Miller, Mark D. Dennis, Nathan L. Nearman
  • Patent number: 8154864
    Abstract: The present invention is a robust LED display module for use in an electronic sign which display module includes a metallic housing, a heat conductive interface panel, an LED circuit board and LEDs, and a metallic mask arranged in intimate contact and association therewith, and which components operate synergistically in concert with each other in order to evenly distribute, reduce and dissipate heat along, about and within the structure of the present invention. Display uniformity is provided by the use of major metallic structures in order to prevent warpage and to protect the geometric integrity of the LED display module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan L. Nearman, Shannon Lee Mutschelknaus, Matthew R. Mueller, Douglas P. Tvedt, Kent S. Miller, Mark D. Dennis, John L. Hage, Ryan J. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 8122627
    Abstract: A ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure having an intake duct and an exhaust duct located along the front thereof. The ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure is geometrically configured to prevent or dissuade entry of fluid streams to the interior of the enclosure through the exhaust duct and through the intake duct. Combinations of vertically spaced vent tabs and vent spaces in the intake duct and the exhaust duct are incorporated to allow air flow freely therethrough and also provide through various relationships of structure to prevent or dissuade cleaning water streams from entry to the interior of the enclosure. An alternate embodiment provides a ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure using formed components including formed full and partial width mid-panels supporting a protective shroud support and a plurality of angled protective shrouds having interchangeability accommodating features providing for rapid field installation assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kent S. Miller
  • Publication number: 20110072697
    Abstract: A ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure having an intake duct and an exhaust duct located along the front thereof. The ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure is geometrically configured to prevent or dissuade entry of fluid streams to the interior of the enclosure through the exhaust duct and through the intake duct. Combinations of vertically spaced vent tabs and vent spaces in the intake duct and the exhaust duct are incorporated to allow air flow freely therethrough and also provide through various relationships of structure to prevent or dissuade cleaning water streams from entry to the interior of the enclosure. An alternate embodiment provides a ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure using formed components including formed full and partial width mid-panels supporting a protective shroud support and a plurality of angled protective shrouds having interchangeability accommodating features providing for rapid field installation assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Kent S. Miller
  • Patent number: 7869198
    Abstract: The present invention provides a multiple seal electronic display module having displacement springs for distributed use as major components of an electronic sign. Displacement springs are provided to displace the electronic display module from the front of an electronic sign mounting panel until latching mechanisms are properly actuated in order to secure the electronic display module to the electronic sign mounting panel and thus provide a visual clue indicating proper or improper securing. A configured front edge seal provides for multiple surface sealing of multiple components consisting of, but not limited to, a louver panel, an LED circuit board, and a housing. A rear seal is also provided to seal the rear of the electronic display module to the electronic sign mounting panel. Input and output signal jack base seals and a power jack base seal provide effective seals between the housing and the signal and power jacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan L. Nearman, Ryan J. Nielsen, Kent S. Miller, Mark D. Dennis, Bradley D. Rinschen, Douglas P. Tvedt, Lenny A. Sik, Kurt L. Peters, Brian W. Kroll, Derek J. Heronimus, David G. Philips
  • Patent number: 7774968
    Abstract: A transportable electronic sign display system having modular cabinets which support electronic display modules and electronics having male and female latching assemblies connecting adjacent electronic display modules. Robust male and female latching assemblies at the top and bottom of electronic display modules provide for forcible positive action latching between vertically situated electronic display modules to provide a minimally visible horizontally oriented seam therebetween. Side latches between horizontally situated electronic display modules assemblies provide for latching to provide a minimally visible vertically oriented seam therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan L. Nearman, Mark D. Dennis, Kent S. Miller, John Hage
  • Patent number: 7694444
    Abstract: An electronic sign having a formed metal cabinet where precise and close tolerance formed planar panels and formed channels are fastened together only by rivets, nut inserts or the combination thereof for rapid assembly thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent S. Miller, Todd M. Letcher, Nathan L. Nearman, Lane A. Munson, Cassandra L. Fuls
  • Publication number: 20090021127
    Abstract: An electronic sign having a formed metal cabinet where precise and close tolerance formed planar panels and formed channels are fastened together only by rivets, nut inserts or the combination thereof for rapid assembly thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Kent S. Miller, Todd M. Letcher, Nathan L. Nearman, Lane A. Munson, Cassandra L. Fuls
  • Publication number: 20080263924
    Abstract: A transportable electronic sign display system having modular cabinets which support electronic display modules and electronics having male and female latching assemblies connecting adjacent electronic display modules. Robust male and female latching assemblies at the top and bottom of electronic display modules provide for forcible positive action latching between vertically situated electronic display modules to provide a minimally visible horizontally oriented seam therebetween. Side latches between horizontally situated electronic display modules assemblies provide for latching to provide a minimally visible vertically oriented seam therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Nathan L. Nearman, Mark D. Dennis, Kent S. Miller, John Hage
  • Patent number: 6505789
    Abstract: A data storage cartridge (10) includes a housing (12) having a first section (13) and a second section (14) operatively connected to each other. A first positioning member (40) and second positioning member (50) are operatively connected to the housing and are in axial alignment with each other. A leader pin (30) is positioned in the positioning members 40, 50 and held in position by the two-sided springs 44. The springs 44 are in position around a locating member 41, 51.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Imation Corp.
    Inventors: Peter A. Ridl, Geoffrey A. Lauinger, Craig D. Lingwall, Kent S. Miller, Brad L. Miller
  • Publication number: 20020079396
    Abstract: A data storage cartridge (10) includes a housing (12) having a first section (13) and a second section (14) operatively connected to each other. A first positioning member (40) and second positioning member (50) are operatively connected to the housing and are in axial alignment with each other. A leader pin (30) is positioned in the positioning members 40, 50 and held in position by the two-sided springs 44. The springs 44 are in position around a locating member 41, 51.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Peter A. Ridl, Geoffrey A. Lauinger, Craig D. Lingwall, Kent S. Miller, Brad L. Miller