Patents by Inventor Phillip Miller
Phillip 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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Publication number: 20040044667Abstract: A mobile customer service station operating within a wireless multi-hop communication network includes a console on a wheeled chassis. The console carries and houses a number of components which are used in merchandising operations to conclude customer purchase transactions. The items supported externally on the console are a printer for printing purchase receipts, customer credit charge agreements and records of transactions, and a magnetic card reader for reading information from a magnetic stripe of a customer's credit card. In one embodiment, the operation of the printer, credit card reader and the cash drawer is controlled by a multi-function control unit located within an enclosure of the console. The control unit is electrically powered by a self-contained power source which is preferably a deep cycle rechargeable battery. The console also houses a transceiver unit which under the control of the control unit is capable of interactive communication with a premises network.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2003Publication date: March 4, 2004Inventors: Ronald L. Mahany, Steven E. Koenck, Alan G. Bunte, Robert C. Meier, Phillip Miller, Roger L. Wolf, Julie Ann Miller, George E. Hanson, Ronald E. Luse, Guy J. West, Charles D. Gollnick, Keith K. Cargin, Steven H. Salvay, Arvin D. Danielson
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Publication number: 20040038717Abstract: A mobile customer service station operating within a wireless multi-hop communication network includes a console on a wheeled chassis. The console carries and houses a number of components which are used in merchandising operations to conclude customer purchase transactions. The items supported externally on the console are a printer for printing purchase receipts, customer credit charge agreements and records of transactions, and a magnetic card reader for reading information from a magnetic stripe of a customer's credit card. In one embodiment, the operation of the printer, credit card reader and the cash drawer is controlled by a multi-function control unit located within an enclosure of the console. The control unit is electrically powered by a self-contained power source which is preferably a deep cycle rechargeable battery. The console also houses a transceiver unit which under the control of the control unit is capable of interactive communication with a premises network.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2003Publication date: February 26, 2004Inventors: Ronald L. Mahany, Steven E. Koenck, Alan G. Bunte, Robert C. Meier, Phillip Miller, Julie Ann Miller, Roger L. Wolf, George E. Hanson
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Publication number: 20040017824Abstract: Modular, portable data collection terminals are disclosed for use in mixed wireless and hard-wired RF communication networks, wherein various radio transmitter modules and associated antennas may be selectively added to a base terminal unit to solve networking problems associated with specific types of business environments. Modularity exists in both the hardware (splitting data collection and processing control circuitry from radio transceiver control circuitry) and software (splitting transceiver-specific, lower level communication protocol from generic, higher level communication protocol). The control circuitry, including associated microprocessors devices, interact to selectively activate communication circuits to perform necessary communication or data processing functions and enter and remain in a power-saving dormant state during other times. To support such dormant or “sleeping” states, a series of communication protocols provide for channel access to the communication network.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventors: Steven E. Koenck, Phillip Miller, Guy J. West, Ronald L. Mahany, Patrick W. Kinney
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Publication number: 20040018851Abstract: Modular, portable data collection terminals are disclosed for use in mixed wireless and hard-wired RF communication networks, wherein various radio transmitter modules and associated antennas may be selectively added to a base terminal unit to solve networking problems associated with specific types of business environments. Modularity exists in both the hardware (splitting data collection and processing control circuitry from radio transceiver control circuitry) and software (splitting transceiver-specific, lower level communication protocol from generic, higher 1 vel communication protocol). The control circuitry, including associated microprocessors devices, interact to selectively activate communication circuits to perform necessary communication or data processing functions and enter and remain in a power-saving dormant state during other times. To support such dormant or “sleeping” states, a series of communication protocols provide for channel access to the communication network.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventors: Steven E. Koenck, Phillip Miller, Guy J. West, Ronald L. Mahany, Patrick W. Kinney
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Patent number: 6654378Abstract: A communication system including a battery powered mobile service station is used to provide transactional support within a premises. The mobile service station includes a plurality of network devices that operate on a second wireless network, where at least one of the plurality of network devices participates on a first wireless network. In one embodiment, a network device participates as a slave device on the first wireless network and participates as a master device in the second wireless network. In another embodiment, a mobile service station includes a mobile network device that simultaneously operates over a wireless premises network and a wireless peripheral sub-network having a relatively shorter range than the wireless premises network. One or more peripheral devices communicate with the mobile network device in the peripheral sub-network. The mobile service station includes a battery power supply and may further include a peripheral device coupled to the battery.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1995Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: Broadcom Corp.Inventors: Ronald L. Mahany, Steven E. Koenck, Alan G. Bunte, Robert C. Meier, Phillip Miller, Roger L. Wolf, George E. Hanson
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Patent number: 6614768Abstract: A mobile customer service station operating within a wireless multi-hop communication network includes a console on a wheeled chassis. The console carries and houses a number of components which are used in merchandising operations to conclude customer purchase transactions. The items supported externally on the console are a printer for printing purchase receipts, customer credit charge agreements and records of transactions, and a magnetic card reader for reading information from a magnetic stripe of a customer's credit card. In one embodiment, the operation of the printer, credit card reader and the cash drawer is controlled by a multi-function control unit located within an enclosure of the console. The control unit is electrically powered by a self-contained power source which is preferably a deep cycle rechargeable battery. The console also houses a transceiver unit which under the control of the control unit is capable of interactive communication with a premises network.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1998Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: Ronald L. Mahany, Steven E. Koenck, Alan G. Bunte, Robert C. Meier, Phillip Miller, Roger L. Wolf, George E. Hanson, Ronald E. Luse, Guy J. West, Charles D. Gollnick, Keith K. Cargin, Jr., Steven H. Salvay, Arvin D. Danielson
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Publication number: 20030136495Abstract: A new machine control method and system for registering pre-produced webs into a converting line producing disposable absorbent articles such as diapers, pull-ups, feminine hygiene articles or a component thereof. The pre-produced webs can include a multiplicity of pre-produced objects spaced on the web at a pitch interval in the web direction. The pre-produced web being manipulated in order for the pre-produced object of the web to be registered in relation to a target position constant. The present invention includes three embodiments, where the first embodiment is expressed as a generic claim. The first embodiment includes a closed-loop feedback registration system; the second and third embodiments, in addition, include an open-loop feedforward phasing system. In addition, the third embodiment uses a machine vision system to recognize any element of a complex pre-produced object (e.g., colorful graphics).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2002Publication date: July 24, 2003Applicant: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Charles Phillip Miller, Michael S. Kolodesh, Douglass Scott Henry, Michael Joseph Lamping, Jon Kevin McLaughlin, Terry Howard Thomas
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Publication number: 20030010455Abstract: Disclosed is a registration system and a method useful for controlling and correcting the phase and position of simultaneously advancing webs having pre-printed objects spaced at a pitch length characterized by a pitch variation to a target web. Also disclosed are consumer products, such as disposable absorbent articles including the preprinted objects which were previously included in the webs phased before combining with a target web by utilizing the instant registration system. The pre-printed objects may include pre-printed, pre-bonded, pre-applied, pre-cut, or pre-glued objects or elements of disposable absorbent articles or registration marks produced on a separate independent process not control-linked to the instant registration method. The registration marks may be visible or normally invisible to the human eye.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2002Publication date: January 16, 2003Inventors: Douglass Scott Henry, Toshiyuki Matsuda, Charles Phillip Miller, Alton Henry Stephens, Paul Kevin King
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Publication number: 20020162892Abstract: A data communications device includes a base unit having a first microprocessor and a data and communication module received by the base unit that includes a second microprocessor and a transceiver. The data and communication module is selected from a plurality of data and communication modules each having different types of transceivers. A program is stored in one of the base unit and the data and communication module to control communication of control signals and data between the first microprocessor and the second microprocessor according to a uniform data protocol that is understandable to the base unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2002Publication date: November 7, 2002Inventors: Steven E. Koenck, Phillip Miller, George E. Hanson, Darald R. Schultz, Jeffrey S. Krunnfusz
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Patent number: 6473081Abstract: A mechanism for depicting a plurality of graphical components is provided. According to an aspect of the present invention, a graphical component hierarchy is displayed. A graphical component hierarchy includes graphic nodes that each correspond to a graphical component, links between graphic nodes, and images associated with graphic nodes. A link between graphical components represent manipulations performed between the graphical components. The graphical component hierarchy includes images for each graphical component, graphically representing how they affect a final image at various stages.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1999Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Autodesk, Inc.Inventors: Daniel D. Silva, Gary S. Yost, Phillip Miller
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Publication number: 20020139484Abstract: Disclosed is a registration system and a method useful for controlling and correcting the phase and position of simultaneously advancing webs having pre-printed objects spaced at a pitch length characterized by small but significant pitch variation to a target web. Also disclosed are consumer products, such as disposable absorbent articles including the preprinted objects which were previously included in the webs phased before combining with a target web by utilizing the instant registration system. The pre-printed objects may include pre-printed, pre-bonded, pre-applied, pre-cut, or pre-glued objects or elements of disposable absorbent articles or registration marks produced on a separate independent process not control-linked to the instant registration method. The registration marks may be visible or normally invisible to the human eye.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2002Publication date: October 3, 2002Applicant: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Douglass Scott Henry, Toshiyuki Matsuda, Charles Phillip Miller, Alton Henry Stephens, Paul Kevin King
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Patent number: 6444064Abstract: Disclosed is a registration system and a method useful for controlling and correcting the phase and position of simultaneously advancing webs having pre-printed objects spaced at a pitch length characterized by small but significant pitch variation to a target web. Also disclosed are consumer products, such as disposable absorbent articles including the preprinted objects which were previously included in the webs phased before combining with a target web by utilizing the instant registration system. The pre-printed objects may include pre-printed, pre-bonded, pre-applied, pre-cut, or pre-glued objects or elements of disposable absorbent articles or registration marks produced on a separate independent process not control-linked to the instant registration method. The registration marks may be visible or normally invisible to the human eye.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2000Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Douglass Scott Henry, Toshiyuki Matsuda, Charles Phillip Miller, Alton Henry Stephens, Paul Kevin King, II
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Patent number: 6431451Abstract: A portable, hand-held data terminal of modular structure includes a base module with a keyboard and a display screen. A data and communications module may be selected from a number of different data and communications modules, each having different types of data communications transceivers, or including in addition data collection devices, such as shelf label readers or bar code readers. The base module includes a microprocessor-controlled data communications and control interface having a predetermined protocol. To adapt the various types of data and communications modules for selection of any one thereof to become attached to the base module and function therewith, each of the data and communications modules includes a microprocessor operable to function as an emulator to interact with the microprocessor of the base module and communicate with the microprocessor of the base module in accordance with the protocol of the data communications and control interface of the base module.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2000Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.Inventors: Steven E. Koenck, Phillip Miller, George E. Hanson, Darald R. Schultz, Jeffrey S. Krunnfusz
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Publication number: 20020101218Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a battery conditioning system monitors battery conditioning and includes a memory for storing data based thereon; for example, data may be stored representative of available battery capacity as measured during a deep discharge cycle. With a microprocessor monitoring battery operation of a portable unit, a measure of remaining battery capacity can be calculated and displayed. Where the microprocessor and battery conditioning system memory are permanently secured to the battery so as to receive operating power therefrom during storage and handling, the performance of a given battery in actual use can be accurately judged since the battery system can itself maintain a count of accumulated hours of use and other relevant parameters. In the case of a nonportable conditioning system, two-way communication may be established with a memory associated with the portable unit so that the portable unit can transmit to the conditioning system information concerning battery parameters (e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2001Publication date: August 1, 2002Applicant: Intermec IP CorpInventors: Steven E. Koenck, Ronald D. Becker, Phillip Miller
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Patent number: 6307349Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a battery conditioning system monitors battery conditioning and includes a memory for storing data based thereon; for example, data may be stored representative of available battery capacity as measured during a deep discharge cycle. With a microprocessor monitoring battery operation of a portable unit, a measure of remaining battery capacity can be calculated and displayed. Where the microprocessor and battery conditioning system memory are permanently secured to the battery so as to receive operating power therefrom during storage and handling, the performance of a given battery in actual use can be accurately judged since the battery system can itself maintain a count of accumulated hours of use and other relevant parameters. In the case of a nonportable conditioning system, two-way communication may be established with a memory associated with the portable unit so that the portable unit can transmit to the conditioning system information concerning battery parameters (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2000Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.Inventors: Steven E. Koenck, Ronald D. Becker, Phillip Miller
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Patent number: 6271643Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a method of charging a battery includes supplying a charging current to the battery and measuring one or more battery parameters. The battery parameters may be, for example, temperature, voltage and/or charging current. The battery parameter measured is used to determine a charging current set point. The set point may be selected from a number of different set points stored in memory, where each set point corresponds to a respective battery parameter range. If the charging current being supplied to the battery is different from the charging current set point determined the charging current is adjusted to match the set point. This process is repeated for each of a plurality of time periods (e.g., sampling periods) during charging of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2000Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.Inventors: Ronald D. Becker, Phillip Miller, Steven E. Koenck
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Patent number: 6244512Abstract: A hand-held data collection device with a user interface surface that is wider than its handgrip area. Also, a hand-held data collection device with an upwardly facing surface containing a user interface and a side surface containing a plurality of actuators. The data collection device can be held in one hand with a finger reaching the actuators. An opposite side surface can also contain a plurality of actuators. The data collection device can include combinations of a marker beam generator, an indicia reader, a display, a manually actuatable selector, a voice input and a digitizer. The indicia reader can be an optical reader or a radio frequency tag reader. Some of the actuators can have different shapes. The actuators can include an indicia reader actuator or a function selector. The data collection device can collect, for example, handwritten information, including signatures.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1998Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.Inventors: Steven E. Koenck, Phillip Miller, Arvin D. Danielson, Ronald L. Mahany, Dennis A. Durbin, Keith K. Cargin, Jr., George E. Hanson, Darald R. Schultz, Robert G. Geers, Darrell L. Boatwright, William T. Gibbs, Stephen J. Kelly
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Patent number: 6192400Abstract: A computerized system for managing freight or the like which is picked up at various points and delivered to other various destinations, and more particularly to such a system which utilizes hand-held terminals, scanners and printers which are linked together by a micro link radio to each other and by a wide area network radio link to a main area station which can receive and transmit information to a plurality of sets of terminals, printers and the like for managing an overall freight system.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1998Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.Inventors: George E. Hanson, Arvin D. Danielson, Steven H. Salvay, Steven E. Koenck, Alan G. Bunte, Phillip Miller, Ronald L. Mahany, Guy J. West, Keith K. Cargin
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Patent number: 6043630Abstract: In an exemplary fast charging system, a hand-held computerized terminal with rechargeable batteries therein may be bodily inserted into a charger receptacle. The terminal may have volatile memory and other components requiring load current during charging.. The system may automatically identify battery type and progressively increase charging current while monitoring for an increase in battery terminal voltage to ascertain the level of load current. The battery temperature may be brought into a relationship to surrounding temperature such that by applying a suitable overcharge current value and observing any resultant temperature increase, the level of remaining battery charge can be determined. For example, if the battery is found to be relatively fully discharged, a relatively high fast-charge rate may be safely applied while monitoring battery temperature.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 1999Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.Inventors: Steven E. Koenck, Phillip Miller, Ronald D. Becker
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Patent number: 6014705Abstract: Modular, portable data collection terminals are disclosed for use in mixed wireless and hard-wired RF communication networks, wherein various radio transmitter modules and associated antennas may be selectively added to a base terminal unit to solve networking problems associated with specific types of business environments. Modularity exists in both the hardware (splitting data collection and processing control circuitry from radio transitive control circuitry) and software (splitting transceiver-specific, lower level communication protocol from generic, higher level communication protocol). The control circuitry, including associated microprocessors devices, interact to selectively activate communication circuits to perform necessary communication or data processing functions and enter and remain in a power-saving dormant state during other times. To support such dormant or "sleeping" states, a series of communication protocols provide for channel access to the communication network.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1997Date of Patent: January 11, 2000Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.Inventors: Steven E. Koenck, Phillip Miller, Guy J. West, Ronald L. Mahany, Patrick W. Kinney