Patents by Inventor Michael B. Miller
Michael B. 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).
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Patent number: 6267458Abstract: A tractor includes a track assembly having a frame, an idler wheel mechanically coupled to the frame, a drive wheel mechanically coupled to the frame, an endless track disposed around the idler wheel and the drive wheel, and a number of mid-rollers interposed between the idler wheel and the drive wheel. The tractor also includes a first protection member having a first upper edge and a first lower edge. The first protection member is secured to the frame such that a portion of the frame is positioned behind the first protection member. The tractor further includes a number of first guard members secured to the first protection member so that (i) the first guard members extend downwardly beyond the first lower edge toward the endless track and (ii) the first guard members are spaced apart from each other along the first lower edge such that a gap is defined between adjacent first guard members.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1999Date of Patent: July 31, 2001Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Gary W. Hansen, Lynn A. Sutton, Michael B. Miller
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Patent number: 5455703Abstract: A hybrid fiber optic transceiver is described which includes a transmitter for converting electrical data signals to corresponding light energy, a receiver for converting optical data signals back to electrical data signals and a clock recovery mechanism to maintain the electrical data signals outputs from the receiver in their proper order. The transceiver includes an optical splitter or coupler that allows light signals to be transmitted and received over a single fiber. The opto-electrical hybrid circuitry of the transceiver and the fiber optic coupler are enclosed in a small light weight package which is hermetically sealed.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1993Date of Patent: October 3, 1995Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael P. Duncan, Norris E. Lewis, Michael B. Miller, Robert T. Rogers, Sr.
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Patent number: 5409074Abstract: A motorized vehicle, particularly a wheelchair, having a joystick controller for controlling energization of driving motors which in turn drive vehicle wheels and control steering of the vehicle. The joystick controller includes fiber-optic arrangements which sense tilting movement of the joystick in forward, rearward, rightward or leftward directions, or a combination thereof. Light signals are generated of an intensity corresponding to the position of the joystick, which signals are converted into electric signals and supplied to a controller which in turn controls energization of the drive motors to control driving and steering of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1993Date of Patent: April 25, 1995Assignees: Haworth, Inc., Litton Systems, Inc.Inventors: Harold R. Wilson, Michael B. Miller, John Eide, Anthony L. Bowman, Robert T. Rogers, Sr., David R. Hawks, Philip J. Bakker
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Patent number: 5285512Abstract: A hybrid fiber optic transceiver is described which includes a transmitter for converting electrical data signals to corresponding light energy, a receiver for converting optical data signals back to electrical data signals and a clock recovery mechanism to maintain the electrical data signals outputs from the receiver in their proper order. The transceiver includes an optical splitter or coupler that allows light signals to be transmitted and received over a single fiber. The opto-electrical hybrid circuitry of the transceiver and the fiber optic coupler are enclosed in a small light weight package which is hermetically sealed.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1992Date of Patent: February 8, 1994Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael P. Duncan, Norris E. Lewis, Michael B. Miller, Robert T. Rogers, Sr.
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Patent number: 5250058Abstract: A mechanism which is capable of anastomosis of two lumens by an absorbable fastener. The fastener is made from two washer-like plates. One such plate has holes to receive latching prongs protruding from the other plate. Fastening is done through a single linear motion that causes the prongs to pierce the tissue, latches the prongs into a receiver and causes a knife blade to cut through excess fastener material and tissue. The ease of removal, by pulling the mechanism through the formed anastomosis, is greatly enhanced. The system can be used such that the plates can be placed in any configuration to properly anastomose tissue.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1991Date of Patent: October 5, 1993Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Michael B. Miller, Mark S. Zeiner, James A. Transue
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Patent number: 5222963Abstract: A mechanism which is capable of anastomosis of two lumens by an absorbable fastener. The fastener is made from two washer-like plates. One such plate has holes to receive latching prongs protruding from the other plate. Fastening is done through a single linear motion that causes the prongs to pierce the tissue, latches the prongs into a receiver and causes a knife blade to cut through excess fastener material and tissue. The ease of removal, by pulling the mechanism thorugh the formed anastomosis, is greatly enhanced. The system can be used such that the plates can be placed in any configuration to properly anastomose tissue.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 1991Date of Patent: June 29, 1993Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Ronald J. Brinkerhoff, Mark S. Zeiner, Michael B. Miller, James A. Transue
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Patent number: 4978567Abstract: A semiconductor wafer holding and support fixture having a low effective thermal mass comprises a planar surface having a recess for a wafer and consisting essentially of chemical vapor deposited silicon carbide. The wafer holder is specifically designed to isolate the wafer from regions of significant thermal mass of the holder. The wafer holder is particularly adapted for accomplishing chemical reactions in rapid thermal processing equipment in the fabrication of electronic integrated circuits. The method for making such an article comprises shaping a substrate, e.g. graphite, to provide a planar surface having a recess installing means for masking any regions of the substrate where silicon carbide is not desired, chemically vapor depositing a conformal outer coating of silicon carbide onto the substrate, removing the means for masking and removing the graphite by machining, drilling, grit-blasting, dissolving and/or burning.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1988Date of Patent: December 18, 1990Assignee: Materials Technology Corporation, subsidiary of the Carbon/Graphite Group, Inc.Inventor: Michael B. Miller
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Patent number: 4892788Abstract: A brazing fixture for use in the electronics industry which resists adherence of brazing compounds and insulative materials during the brazing operation and a method for making and using the same. The fixture is characterized in that it is made from a graphite substrate coated with a composite layer of titanium carbide and titanium nitride.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 1988Date of Patent: January 9, 1990Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Michael B. Miller, Robert D. Bertin
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Patent number: 4861533Abstract: A capillary for use in ball bonding tools designed to bond metal leads to the bonding pads on a microchip and pads or leads on a chip support is formed by chemically vapor depositing a substantially smooth silicon carbide coating having high electrical resistivity onto a substrate which is then removed by etching or combustion.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1987Date of Patent: August 29, 1989Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Robert Bertin, Michael B. Miller, Burl M. Moon, Robert C. Post
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Patent number: 4815812Abstract: An alignable single channel fiber optic rotary joint for effecting and maintaining accurate axial alignment of the input and output optic fibers maximizing optical throughput comprising, inner and outer housings rotatively joined at a bearing, ferrules loosely enclosed by the inner and outer housings, the ferrules comprising means for supporting an optic fiber and a lens, and for making an optical joint therebetween, alignment collar means for affecting radial displacement of the ferrules including, adjustment screw means for engaging and selectively positioning the alignment collar means thereby maximizing optical throughput between the input and output optic fibers, cement means for rigidly maintaining the alignment collar in the selected location, and end cap means for securing the cement means and providing fiber cable strain relief.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1982Date of Patent: March 28, 1989Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.Inventor: Michael B. Miller
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Patent number: 4772498Abstract: A capillary for use in ball bonding tools designed to bond metal leads to the bonding pads on a microchip and pads or leads on a chip support is formed by chemically vapor depositing a substantially smooth silicon carbide coating having high electrical resistivity onto a substrate which is then removed by etching or combustion.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1986Date of Patent: September 20, 1988Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Robert Bertin, Michael B. Miller, Burl M. Moon, Robert C. Post
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Patent number: 4525025Abstract: A fiber optic rotary joint which couples an optical signal across a rotary interface includes an annular reflective wall formed on a stator and an optic fiber mounted on the stator having one end in close proximity to the annular reflective wall. A rotor includes a rotor optic fiber which has one end positioned in close proximity and tangential to the annular reflective wall. A signal emitted by one of the optic fibers will be reflected in short chordal paths along the annular reflective wall and received by the other of the optic fibers.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 1983Date of Patent: June 25, 1985Assignee: Litton Systems Inc.Inventors: Thomas C. Hohmann, Norris E. Lewis, Michael B. Miller
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Patent number: 4496180Abstract: A vacuum operated apparatus is provided for releasably grasping and transporting a thin solid object or article (e.g. silicon semiconductor wafer). The apparatus has two fixed rigid arms joined together at their rear end to define a gap therebetween having an open end and closed end wherein the upper arm directs the thin solid object into the gap and toward the lower arm having a port communicating with the gap and an enclosed passage way connected to a vacuum source. A vacuum applied to the lower arm holds the object against the grasping surface of the lower arm. Silicon semiconductor wafers may be grasped and transported with the apparatus and more especially silicon semiconductor wafers can be deposited onto and removed from the surface of a barrel type susceptor of an epitaxial reactor with enhanced ease and reduced danger of scratching and breaking the wafer.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 1983Date of Patent: January 29, 1985Assignee: Cincinnati Milacron Industries, Inc.Inventors: Joseph T. Hillman, Michael B. Miller
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Patent number: 4492427Abstract: An optical slip ring assembly couples an optic signal from a rotating source to a stationary detector. The rotor of the optical slip ring comprises rotor optic fibers each having a first end coupled with the optic signal source and a second light-emitting end which is aimed at the stator optic fibers. The stator optic fibers each have a first pickup end mounted in the stator block and are positioned in a radially symmetric array surrounding the rotor. An optic signal transmitted from the source through the rotor fiber is picked up by the stator fibers.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 1982Date of Patent: January 8, 1985Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.Inventors: Norris E. Lewis, Michael B. Miller
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Patent number: 4436367Abstract: An optical slip ring assembly couples an optic signal from a rotating source to a stationary detector. The rotor of the optical slip ring comprises a rotor optic fiber having a first end coupled with the optic signal source and a second end portion having one side adapted to form a light-emitting area of a selected length. The stator comprises a plurality of stator fibers each having a first pickup end and a stator block for mounting the fiber pickup ends in a radially symmetric array opposite the light emitting area of the rotor whereby an optic signal transmitted from the source through the rotor fiber is picked up by the stator fibers.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1981Date of Patent: March 13, 1984Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.Inventors: Norris E. Lewis, Michael B. Miller
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Patent number: 4323902Abstract: An improved power actuated antenna installation, particularly for automotive vehicles, of the type including a mast jacket rigidly attached to body structure of the vehicle, a telescoping antenna disposed on the mast jacket, a power actuator disposed on an L-shaped housing with a first leg parallel to the mast jacket and a second leg below the mast jacket, and a flexible drive element projecting into the mast jacket through a guide bushing at the lower end thereof for attachment to the antenna and into the second leg of the housing for attachment to the actuator, the improvement residing in the provision of elastomeric grommets between a pair of pins on the mast jacket and a pair of rigid arms on the first leg of the housing and in the provision of a combination seal and grommet between the drive element and housing generally immediately below the mast jacket, the grommets and the combination seal and grommet effecting resilient support of the actuator on the mast jacket in a manner discouraging transmissionType: GrantFiled: October 3, 1980Date of Patent: April 6, 1982Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: James L. Hussey, Michael B. Miller, William C. Staker, Jr.
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Patent number: 4213937Abstract: A balanced, closed cycle silicon refinery system has been developed for producing electronic grade silicon from industrial grade silicon. Impurities comprising approximately 1% of the industrial grade silicon are removed in the refinery system to produce the purified silicon, while only a relatively small percentage of make-up chemicals are added to the system. In the refinery, hydrogen chloride is reacted with the impure silicon in a halide reactor to provide trichlorosilane and silicon tetrachloride and hydrogen. The trichlorosilane and/or silicon tetrachloride are passed through purification means, and then reacted with the hydrogen from the halide reactor in a fluidized bed reactor to produce the purified silicon and an effluent comprised of unreacted trichlorosilane, silicon tetrachloride, hydrogen, and the by-product hydrogen chloride.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1976Date of Patent: July 22, 1980Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Francois A. Padovani, Michael B. Miller, James A. Moore, James H. Fowler, Malcom N. June, James D. Matthews, T. R. Morton, Norbert A. Stotko, Lewis B. Palmer