Patents by Inventor Lee A. Miller

Lee 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).

  • Patent number: 11642967
    Abstract: A machine may a first high voltage interlocking loop (HVIL) system to provide power to one or more components of the machine, the first HVIL system comprising: a plurality of groups of batteries; a plurality of disconnect components connected to the plurality of groups of batteries; a plurality of sets of contactors, a set of contactors, of the plurality of sets of contactors, being connected to a group of batteries of the plurality of groups of batteries. The machine may a second HVIL system to receive power from a power source, the second HVIL system comprising: a port configured to receive a connector of the power source and receive power, from the power source via the connector, to charge the plurality of groups of batteries, wherein the second HVIL system is independent with respect to the first HVIL system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Baumann, Justin D. Middleton, Jason Lee Miller, Dustin Craig Selvey, Alexander C. Crosman, III
  • Patent number: 11644878
    Abstract: A discrete VRM card comprises a set of VRM controllers. The set of VRM controllers comprises a VRM controller with two feedback loops. The VRM card comprises a power stage and a power-stage critical-signal multiplexer. The output of the power-stage critical-signal multiplexer determines a feedback loop with which the power stage communicates. The VRM card also comprises a configuration selector. The configuration selector determines a feedback-loop assignment for the power-stage critical-signal multiplexer and provides VRM instructions to the VRM controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Justin Henspeter, Michael Lee Miller, Jordan Keuseman
  • Publication number: 20230118372
    Abstract: Power supply hold-up time is increased using regenerative braking. A power line disturbance (“PLD”) event is detected in a power supply unit. One or more fan motors associated with the power supply unit may be signaled to provide regenerative braking based on identifying the PLD event, where the one or more fan motors transition from a motor operating mode to a regenerative braking mode. The regenerative braking may be applied to the one or more fan motors associated with the power supply unit, where a hold-up time is extended to prevent shut down of the power supply unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2021
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Inventors: MICHAEL LEE MILLER, BRET P. ELISON
  • Publication number: 20230117006
    Abstract: A system for obtaining dark current images includes one or more processors and one or more hardware storage devices storing instructions that are executable by the one or more processors to configure the system to perform various acts. The acts include obtaining a first image frame, generating a first low-pass filtered image by applying a low-pass filter to the first image frame, and generating a first estimated dark current image by subtracting the first low-pass filtered image from the first image frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2021
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Inventors: Raymond Kirk PRICE, Michael BLEYER, Christopher Douglas EDMONDS, Casey Lee MILLER
  • Patent number: 11607756
    Abstract: A pneumatic motor propulsion source including a friction welding apparatus, a gas accumulator tank operably coupled to the friction welding apparatus, and an air compressor operably coupled to the gas accumulator tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Forge Tech Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Lee Miller, Daniel J. Rybicki, Mathew A. Rybicki, Lawrence J. Povse, Kenneth R. Vejr, Andre S. Todd, John M. Griffin
  • Publication number: 20230074514
    Abstract: A process of forming a sintered article includes heating a green portion of a tape of polycrystalline ceramic and/or minerals in organic binder at a binder removal zone to a temperature sufficient to pyrolyze the binder; horizontally conveying the portion of tape with organic binder removed from the binder removal zone to a sintering zone; and sintering polycrystalline ceramic and/or minerals of the portion of tape at the sintering zone, wherein the tape simultaneously extends through the removal and sintering zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: Michael Edward Badding, William Joseph Bouton, Douglas Edward Brackley, Lanrik Wayne Kester, Thomas Dale Ketcham, Eric Lee Miller, Cameron Wayne Tanner, James William Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 11600997
    Abstract: In some aspects, a method of monitoring a battery system of an industrial vehicle is disclosed. The battery system may include a first string of battery modules including at least two battery modules connected in series; a first contactor connected to a positive end of the first string of battery modules, a second contactor connector to a negative end of the first string of battery modules; a third contactor connected to the first contactor; a fourth contactor connected to the second contactor; and one or more controllers configured to monitor the first contactor and the second contactor. The method may include receiving, at the one or more controllers, an indication of a failure of one of the first contactor and the second contactor; and opening, via the one or more controllers, at least one of the third contactor or the fourth contactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Justin D. Middleton, Jonathan M. Baumann, Jason Lee Miller, Dustin C. Selvey, Adam R. Rosenberger, Evan B. Stumpges
  • Patent number: 11592117
    Abstract: In some implementations, an apparatus comprises a pipe, a stud that is forge-welded to the pipe, creating a forge-welded stud, a bracket that is operably coupled to the forge-welded stud, and a ladder support operably coupled to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Forge Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Lee Miller, Daniel J. Rybicki, Mathew A. Rybicki, Lawrence J. Povse, Kenneth R. Vejr, Andre S. Todd, John M. Griffin
  • Patent number: 11585633
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a handgun brace arranged with a rigid structure extending radially away from a handgun trigger guard, and having a forward-facing surface configured to physically engage with at least one finger of a user's non-primary grip hand in a stable position below the handgun's barrel and in front of the handgun's trigger, such that a counter-force applied by the finger(s) at the forward-facing surface tends to prevent the handgun (especially the muzzle), from rising or rotating in response to shooting, such as due to muzzle jump. In an illustrative example, the brace may be releasably fixed to the handgun (e.g., as a modular handgun accessory). A handgun brace that substantially mitigates the unwanted effects of muzzle jump/recoil may advantageously yield higher shooting accuracy and beneficially promote proper handgun grip positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: R MILLER & ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventor: Richard Lee Miller
  • Patent number: 11578936
    Abstract: Systems and methods for an adjustable gas block are described. Systems may include an adjustment subassembly. The adjustment subassembly may include a valve stem end with a front-most portion larger in diameter than the rear-most portion and a boss extending from the forward portion of the valve stem end; a valve ring surrounding the boss of the valve stem end; a valve threaded portion for receiving the boss of the valve stem end and having a threaded portion; and a valve rotator coupled to the valve threaded portion for adjusting the flow of gas. Systems may include a gas block assembly. The gas block assembly may include a gas block through hole; a first duct to direct pressurized gas from a barrel to a plenum; a second duct to direct a regulated volume of gas to a gas operating system; a seat valve to control the regulated volume of gas to the gas operating system; and a gas block threaded portion for coupling to the valve threaded portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: LWRC International LLC
    Inventors: Robert Stanley Schilling, Jason Lee Miller, Michael R. Llewellyn
  • Patent number: 11577427
    Abstract: A manufacturing system includes a tape advancing through the manufacturing system and a station of the manufacturing system. The tape includes a first portion having grains of an inorganic material bound by an organic binder. The station of the manufacturing system receives the first portion of the tape and prepares the tape for sintering by chemically changing the organic binder and/or removing the organic binder from the first portion of the tape, leaving the grains of the inorganic material, to form a second portion of the tape and, at least in part, prepare the tape for sintering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael Edward Badding, William Joseph Bouton, Lanrik Wayne Kester, Thomas Dale Ketcham, Andrew Peter Kittleson, Dale Charles Marshall, Gary Edward Merz, Eric Lee Miller, Emmanuel Chima Okpara, Conor James Walsh
  • Publication number: 20230035165
    Abstract: A system for charging a battery unit to power a work machine. The system includes a charger to charge the battery unit, charging receptacles, power supply connectors, and a charging controller. The power supply connectors are configured to be received into the charging receptacles to attain connections between the charger and the battery unit. The charging controller is communicably coupled to the charger and is configured to receive an input corresponding to a net charge capacity of the battery unit; determine a power to be supplied to the battery unit by the charger to charge the battery unit in response to the input; and supply the power to the battery unit from the charger through the connections. The power to be supplied to the battery unit corresponds to a maximum possible power that meets the net charge capacity of the battery unit in the shortest possible time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2021
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Matthew Baumann, Dustin Craig Selvey, Jason Lee Miller, Alexander C. Crosman,, III
  • Publication number: 20230030259
    Abstract: A bowl that has a beach at a beach angle to a horizontal axis and a lip at a lip angle relative to the horizontal axis. The bowl is configured to contain a substance in a concave inner portion between the beach, lip and between two sides connecting the lip and beach. The beach angle and lip angle allow for maximized scoping of the substance in the concave inner portion, but providing a low contact entry and a lip that forces the substance onto the dipping instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2022
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Inventors: Douglas Lee Miller, Rodney Wayne Long
  • Publication number: 20230021984
    Abstract: A machine includes a plurality of battery string modules that supply electric current to an inverter of the machine. The machine also includes a control system that opens at one contactor coupled to at least one battery string module of the plurality of battery string modules to disconnect the at least one battery string module. The other battery string modules of the plurality of battery string modules, apart from the at least one battery string module, continue supplying electric current to the inverter of the machine while the at least one battery string module is disconnected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2021
    Publication date: January 26, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan M. BAUMANN, Justin Dale MIDDLETON, Jason Lee MILLER, Evan Blair STUMPGES
  • Patent number: 11505468
    Abstract: A process of forming a sintered article includes heating a green portion of a tape of polycrystalline ceramic and/or minerals in organic binder at a binder removal zone to a temperature sufficient to pyrolyze the binder; horizontally conveying the portion of tape with organic binder removed from the binder removal zone to a sintering zone; and sintering polycrystalline ceramic and/or minerals of the portion of tape at the sintering zone, wherein the tape simultaneously extends through the removal and sintering zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: CORNING INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Michael Edward Badding, William Joseph Bouton, Douglas Edward Brackley, Lanrik Wayne Kester, Thomas Dale Ketcham, Eric Lee Miller, Cameron Wayne Tanner, James William Zimmermann
  • Publication number: 20220364243
    Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for testing a cathodic protection system that protects a metallic structure with one or more DC power sources electrically connected to the metallic structure and an associated reference electrode. The metallic structure may be cathodically protected at multiple locations. A Cathodic Protection Waveform Monitoring Unit (CPWMU) operates independently from power cycling by the cathodic protection system to measure cathodic protection voltage levels by measuring, over one or more measurement time periods, a voltage differential between the metallic structure and its associated reference electrode, a plurality of times when power provided to the metallic structure is cycled on and off. The CPWMU includes digital storage to store values indicative of the measured voltage differentials over the measurement time period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Applicant: Indrocorp Inc.
    Inventors: Darren Lee Miller, Michael William Novakowicz, Haydn Russell Wintersgill
  • Publication number: 20220326339
    Abstract: A system includes a plurality of wireless transmitters and a processor configured to: receive, from a mobile device, signal strengths of signals from the wireless transmitters as detected by the mobile device. The processor is also configured to determine a location of the mobile device in a vehicle, based on a distance from the mobile device to each of the wireless transmitters, as indicated by the received signal strengths and store the location of the mobile device as an occupant location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Inventors: Mark A. CUDDIHY, Eric L. REED, Manoharprasad K. RAO, Thomas Lee MILLER
  • Publication number: 20220297344
    Abstract: A manufacturing system includes a tape advancing through the manufacturing system and a station of the manufacturing system. The tape includes a first portion having grains of an inorganic material bound by an organic binder. The station of the manufacturing system receives the first portion of the tape and prepares the tape for sintering by chemically changing the organic binder and/or removing the organic binder from the first portion of the tape, leaving the grains of the inorganic material, to form a second portion of the tape and, at least in part, prepare the tape for sintering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Inventors: Michael Edward Badding, William Joseph Bouton, Lanrik Wayne Kester, Thomas Dale Ketcham, Andrew Peter Kittleson, Dale Charles Marshall, Gary Edward Merz, Eric Lee Miller, Emmanuel Chima Okpara, Conor James Walsh
  • Publication number: 20220278364
    Abstract: Electrolyte for a solid-state battery includes a body having grains of inorganic material sintered to one another, where the grains include lithium. The body is thin, has little porosity by volume, and has high ionic conductivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2022
    Publication date: September 1, 2022
    Inventors: Michael Edward Badding, Jacqueline Leslie Brown, Jennifer Anella Heine, Thomas Dale Ketcham, Gary Edward Merz, Eric Lee Miller, Zhen Song, Cameron Wayne Tanner, Conor James Walsh
  • Publication number: 20220250475
    Abstract: A display assembly for an automotive interior comprises a dynamically bendable cover panel having first and second panel portions a flexible panel portion connecting the first and second panel portions, a display positioned adjacent the first and second panel portions, and a frame that supports the cover panel and comprises a first frame portion for supporting the first panel portion, a second frame portion for supporting the second panel portion, and a hinge portion coupling the first frame portion and the second frame portion, the hinge portion configured to induce a curvature having smoothly connected arc segments in the flexible panel portion between the first panel portion and the second panel portion when the second frame portion is articulated relative to the first frame portion from a straight position to a deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Publication date: August 11, 2022
    Inventors: Wesley J Buth, Scott Steven Cronk, Thomas Augustus Keebler, Evan Gray Kister, Eric Lee Miller, Jason Scott Stewart