Patents by Inventor Rick Miller
Rick 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: 9435520Abstract: A small form-factor gimbal system that provides for stabilization of payload assets in a manner that provides improved stabilization capability. Such a small form-factor gimbal system provides for precision payload asset steering functionality through integration of an inertially stabilized two-axis gimbal in combination with a beam stabilization mechanism (BSM). In a preferred embodiment, such a small form-factor gimbal system has a gimbal diameter of about 5? or less and employs a laser assembly having a Coudé path arrangement in which the laser beam passes from the azimuth subassembly to the elevation subassembly along the elevation subassembly rotational axis.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2013Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: ASCENDANT ENGINEERING SOLUTIONSInventors: Eric Segerstrom, Greg Mooty, Rick Miller
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Patent number: 9073708Abstract: Provided herein is a pneumatic carrier having a leak resistant cargo area where first and second mating shells form the carrier. To provide a leak resistant cargo area, the one embodiment of the carrier employs a flap-type sealing member. In one embodiment, a first engagement surface about a peripheral edge of a first of the shells includes a groove into which a base portion of a sealing member is disposed. A second portion of the sealing member forms a flap that extends upward and inward from the base portion. A second engagement surface of the second shell contacts this flap and compresses the flap toward the first engagement surface when the shells are in a closed position.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2013Date of Patent: July 7, 2015Assignee: TRANSLOGIC CORPORATIONInventors: Rick Miller, Craig Grafmiller, Edward H Davis
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Publication number: 20140064861Abstract: Provided herein is a pneumatic carrier having a leak resistant cargo area where first and second mating shells form the carrier. To provide a leak resistant cargo area, the one embodiment of the carrier employs a flap-type sealing member. In one embodiment, a first engagement surface about a peripheral edge of a first of the shells includes a groove into which a base portion of a sealing member is disposed. A second portion of the sealing member forms a flap that extends upward and inward from the base portion. A second engagement surface of the second shell contacts this flap and compresses the flap toward the first engagement surface when the shells are in a closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: TRANSLOGIC CORPORATIONInventors: Rick Miller, Craig Grafmiller, Edward H. Davis
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Publication number: 20140049643Abstract: A small form-factor gimbal system that provides for stabilization of payload assets in a manner that provides improved stabilization capability. Such a small form-factor gimbal system provides for precision payload asset steering functionality through integration of an inertially stabilized two-axis gimbal in combination with a beam stabilization mechanism (BSM). In a preferred embodiment, such a small form-factor gimbal system has a gimbal diameter of about 5? or less and employs a laser assembly having a Coudé path arrangement in which the laser beam passes from the azimuth subassembly to the elevation subassembly along the elevation subassembly rotational axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2013Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: ASCENDANT ENGINEERING SOLUTIONSInventors: Eric Segerstrom, Greg Mooty, Rick Miller
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Patent number: 7796255Abstract: The invention relates to particle sensors that are capable of passively cooling high-powered optical sources within the sensor, thereby extending the optical source lifetime without requiring additional power. The sensor detects particles within a sample fluid by optical interaction of the optical source with flowing sample fluid in the sample chamber. Sample fluid that exits the sample chamber is directed into thermal contact with the optical source, thereby cooling the optical source. Sample fluid that has come into thermal contact with the optical source is continuously removed from the sensor to ensure the optical source is adequately cooled. A variety of elements are used to facilitate thermal contact between the optical source and sample fluid including plenums, heat sinks, and airflow cavities. Provided are related methods for cooling a one or more heat-producing device within a particle sensor.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2008Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Particle Measuring Systems, Inc.Inventor: Rick Miller
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Publication number: 20100001554Abstract: A vehicle body pass-through structure is basically provided with a seal member, a rigid mounting member and a grommet. The seal member includes a first side, a second side and an access opening extending through the seal member between the first side and the second side. The rigid mounting member overlies the second side of the seal member so that the access opening of the seal member aligns with an attachment aperture of the mounting member. The grommet includes a first open end portion, a second open end portion, and a passageway extending between the first open end portion and the second open end portion. The first open end portion is disposed in the attachment aperture of the mounting member.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2008Publication date: January 7, 2010Applicant: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.Inventors: Vedat Haydin, Rick Miller, Jim Beach
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Patent number: 7641271Abstract: A vehicle body pass-through structure is basically provided with a seal member, a rigid mounting member and a grommet. The seal member includes a first side, a second side and an access opening extending through the seal member between the first side and the second side. The rigid mounting member overlies the second side of the seal member so that the access opening of the seal member aligns with an attachment aperture of the mounting member. The grommet includes a first open end portion, a second open end portion, and a passageway extending between the first open end portion and the second open end portion. The first open end portion is disposed in the attachment aperture of the mounting member.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2008Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.Inventors: Vedat Haydin, Rick Miller, Jim Beach
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Publication number: 20080246965Abstract: The invention relates to particle sensors that are capable of passively cooling high-powered optical sources within the sensor, thereby extending the optical source lifetime without requiring additional power. The sensor detects particles within a sample fluid by optical interaction of the optical source with flowing sample fluid in the sample chamber. Sample fluid that exits the sample chamber is directed into thermal contact with the optical source, thereby cooling the optical source. Sample fluid that has come into thermal contact with the optical source is continuously removed from the sensor to ensure the optical source is adequately cooled. A variety of elements are used to facilitate thermal contact between the optical source and sample fluid including plenums, heat sinks, and airflow cavities. Provided are related methods for cooling a one or more heat-producing device within a particle sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2008Publication date: October 9, 2008Inventor: Rick Miller
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Publication number: 20070225721Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for reducing a hip fracture utilizing a minimally invasive procedure which does not require incision of the quadriceps. A femoral implant in accordance with the present invention achieves intramedullary fixation as well as fixation into the femoral head to allow for the compression needed for a femoral fracture to heal. To position the femoral implant of the present invention, an incision is made along the greater trochanter. Because the greater trochanter is not circumferentially covered with muscles, the incision can be made and the wound developed through the skin and fascia to expose the greater trochanter, without incising muscle, including, e.g., the quadriceps. After exposing the greater trochanter, novel instruments of the present invention are utilized to prepare a cavity in the femur extending from the greater trochanter into the femoral head and further extending from the greater trochanter into the intramedullary canal of the femur.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2007Publication date: September 27, 2007Inventors: Sarah Thelen, Antony Lozier, Steven Dietzel, Billy Sisk, Rick Miller
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Patent number: 7258692Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for reducing a hip fracture utilizing a minimally invasive procedure which does not require incision of the quadriceps. A femoral implant in accordance with the present invention achieves intramedullary fixation as well as fixation into the femoral head to allow for the compression needed for a femoral fracture to heal. To position the femoral implant of the present invention, an incision is made along the greater trochanter. Because the greater trochanter is not circumferentially covered with muscles, the incision can be made and the wound developed through the skin and fascia to expose the greater trochanter, without incising muscle, including, e.g., the quadriceps. After exposing the greater trochanter, novel instruments of the present invention are utilized to prepare a cavity in the femur extending from the greater trochanter into the femoral head and further extending from the greater trochanter into the intramedullary canal of the femur.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2002Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.Inventors: Sarah L. Thelen, Antony J. Lozier, Steven E. Dietzel, Billy N. Sisk, Rick Miller, Gregory C. Stalcup
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Publication number: 20070123995Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for reducing a hip fracture utilizing a minimally invasive procedure which does not require incision of the quadriceps. A femoral implant in accordance with the present invention achieves intramedullary fixation as well as fixation into the femoral head to allow for the compression needed for a femoral fracture to heal. To position the femoral implant of the present invention, an incision is made along the greater trochanter. Because the greater trochanter is not circumferentially covered with muscles, the incision can be made and the wound developed through the skin and fascia to expose the greater trochanter, without incising muscle, including, e.g., the quadriceps. After exposing the greater trochanter, novel instruments of the present invention are utilized to prepare a cavity in the femur extending from the greater trochanter into the femoral head and further extending from the greater trochanter into the intramedullary canal of the femur.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2006Publication date: May 31, 2007Applicant: ZIMMER TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Sarah Thelen, Antony Lozier, Nicolas Pacelli, Michael Liberti, Michael Hawkins, Billy Sisk, Rick Miller
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Publication number: 20050070380Abstract: A combination of a ball marker and divot repairing tool in a single, unitary device. The combination includes a ball marker with a body having a substantially circular perimeter in the tradition of a ball marker and a divot repairing tool that has a prod (e.g., fork). The prod is mounted for movement relative to the body of the ball marker between a retracted position within the circular perimeter of the body and a protruding position extending outwardly of the perimeter of the body. In one embodiment, the fork of the divot repairing tool is mounted to slide between the retracted and protruding positions. In a second embodiment, it is mounted to pivot between the retracted and protruding positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2003Publication date: March 31, 2005Inventors: Rick Miller, Dennis Shaver
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Publication number: 20030220646Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for reducing a hip fracture utilizing a minimally invasive procedure which does not require incision of the quadriceps. A femoral implant in accordance with the present invention achieves intramedullary fixation as well as fixation into the femoral head to allow for the compression needed for a femoral fracture to heal. To position the femoral implant of the present invention, an incision is made along the greater trochanter. Because the greater trochanter is not circumferentially covered with muscles, the incision can be made and the wound developed through the skin and fascia to expose the greater trochanter, without incising muscle, including, e.g., the quadriceps. After exposing the greater trochanter, novel instruments of the present invention are utilized to prepare a cavity in the femur extending from the greater trochanter into the femoral head and further extending from the greater trochanter into the intramedullary canal of the femur.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2002Publication date: November 27, 2003Inventors: Sarah L. Thelen, Antony J. Lozier, Nicolas J. Pacelli, Michael Andrew Liberti, Michael E. Hawkins, Billy N. Sisk, Rick Miller
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Publication number: 20030220641Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for reducing a hip fracture utilizing a minimally invasive procedure which does not require incision of the quadriceps. A femoral implant in accordance with the present invention achieves intramedullary fixation as well as fixation into the femoral head to allow for the compression needed for a femoral fracture to heal. To position the femoral implant of the present invention, an incision is made along the greater trochanter. Because the greater trochanter is not circumferentially covered with muscles, the incision can be made and the wound developed through the skin and fascia to expose the greater trochanter, without incising muscle, including, e.g., the quadriceps. After exposing the greater trochanter, novel instruments of the present invention are utilized to prepare a cavity in the femur extending from the greater trochanter into the femoral head and further extending from the greater trochanter into the intramedullary canal of the femur.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2002Publication date: November 27, 2003Inventors: Sarah L. Thelen, Antony J. Lozier, Steven E. Dietzel, Billy N. Sisk, Rick Miller
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Publication number: 20020129004Abstract: The present invention relates to software enabled wizards that receive input from a user and use the input to generate a customized response. Embodiments of the present invention include design wizards, selection wizards and troubleshooting wizards advantageous for use in commerce, particularly within the chemical industry.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2001Publication date: September 12, 2002Inventors: Jimmy G. Bassett, William Joseph Burgess, James Palmer Dickerson, Michael Eugene Donelson, Dennis Joseph Golob, Samuel LeRoy Gott, William Carl Jackson, Steven L. Lyons, Stacey James Marsh, Rick Miller, David P. Fischer, Henry Gonzalez, James W. Mercer, Bobby J. Quillen, Srihari Sitarama Dantuluri, Mark E. Stewart