Patents by Inventor Steven R. Miller

Steven R. 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).

  • Publication number: 20230382165
    Abstract: A tire-inflation system for a small trailer may include a fluid pressure source mountable to the trailer, and air conduits providing sealed fluid communication between the air pressure source and the small trailer's pneumatic tires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2021
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: Kevin Mark Hennig, Benjamin Tyler Morgan, Thomas C. Musgrave, IV, Jonathan Gravell, James Raymond Snider, Charles Blanton Robertson, Steven R. Miller
  • Publication number: 20220185009
    Abstract: A rotary union is configured for removable disposition into the central bore of a hubcap through an orifice in the outboard face of the hubcap. The hubcap includes a fluid channel extending from the central bore to the exterior of the hubcap. The rotary union includes a port through which fluid may flow into the fluid channel when the rotary union is disposed in the central bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2020
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Inventors: Dane Henry, Steven R. Miller, James Sharkey, Mark Kevin Hennig
  • Patent number: 10131376
    Abstract: A steering controller can control steering of a vehicle and is suitable for precision farm controlling. The steering controller can rotate the steering shaft of the vehicle direct the vehicle on a desired path, for example, using a satellite positioning system. Components of the steering controller are environmental protected by a housing that has an opening extending between its front and rear surfaces. The opening is lined by a shaft. A hub located near the front of the opening can be coupled to the steering shaft of the vehicle. A motor has a stator fixed to the housing and a rotor fixed to the hub. When the housing is attached to a fixed location on the vehicle, the motor can rotate the steering shaft by rotating the hub with respect to the housing. A control module drives the motor based on commands from a guidance module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: AGJUNCTION LLC
    Inventors: Raymond Mortimer, Steven R. Miller, Brian Ganz, James Hutchings, Charles D. Syverson
  • Patent number: 9896172
    Abstract: A lubrication system in a marine drive has a lubrication circuit that conveys lubrication to componentry of the marine drive and a lubrication service port connected to the lubrication circuit. The lubrication system further includes a pump disposed in the marine drive, wherein the pump pumps lubrication through the lubrication circuit. A hydraulic valve is connected to the lubrication circuit, wherein the hydraulic valve has a normal operating position wherein lubrication in the lubrication circuit is pumped by the pump to the componentry, and has a servicing position wherein lubrication in the lubrication circuit is pumped by the pump to the lubrication service port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Jason F. Pugh, Steven R. Miller
  • Publication number: 20160039454
    Abstract: A steering controller can control steering of a vehicle and is suitable for precision farm controlling. The steering controller can rotate the steering shaft of the vehicle direct the vehicle on a desired path, for example, using a satellite positioning system. Components of the steering controller are environmental protected by a housing that has an opening extending between its front and rear surfaces. The opening is lined by a shaft. A hub located near the front of the opening can be coupled to the steering shaft of the vehicle. A motor has a stator fixed to the housing and a rotor fixed to the hub. When the housing is attached to a fixed location on the vehicle, the motor can rotate the steering shaft by rotating the hub with respect to the housing. A control module drives the motor based on commands from a guidance module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Raymond Mortimer, Steven R. Miller, Brian Ganz, James Hutchings, Charles D. Syverson
  • Patent number: 9243906
    Abstract: A system and related method is disclosed for automated setting of a barometric altimeter onboard an aircraft. The system may receive inputs from a plurality of integrated systems and, based on those inputs, automatically set the barometric altimeter to the proper setting for safe operation of the aircraft. Recognition of a voice command from an onboard operator as well as from an offboard source, and parsing of received METAR reports coupled with positioning information may form the basis of the integrated inputs. Once the barometric altimeter is automatically set, the system notifies the crewmember of the new barometric altimeter setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC.
    Inventors: Joel A. Conrad, Steven R. Miller
  • Patent number: 9002571
    Abstract: A system for completing a walk around inspection of an aircraft is provided. The system may include a processor, a memory, and a user interface. The user interface also includes a user input system and a user output system. The user interface is configured for presenting a graphical checklist for a walk around inspection of an aircraft. The system also includes a communications device. The communications device is configured for communicating with an Onboard Maintenance System for the aircraft. The system, including the processor, memory, user interface and communications device, can be used to perform the inspection of the aircraft and provide a compliance record for the inspection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Gribble, Steven R. Miller
  • Patent number: 9002566
    Abstract: A visual, GNSS and INS (gyro) system for autosteering control uses crop row and furrow row edge visual detection in an agricultural application in order to closely track the actual crop rows. Alternatively, previous vehicle tracks can be visually detected and followed in a tramline following operating mode. GNSS and inertial (gyroscopic) input subsystems are also provided for supplementing the video input subsystem, for example when visual references are lost. Crop damage is avoided or at least minimized by avoiding overdriving the existing crops. Other applications include equipment control in logistics operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: AgJunction, LLC
    Inventors: John A. McClure, Steven R. Miller
  • Patent number: 8594879
    Abstract: A global navigation satellite sensor system (GNSS) and gyroscope control system for vehicle steering control comprising a GNSS receiver and antennas at a fixed spacing to determine a vehicle position, velocity and at least one of a heading angle, a pitch angle and a roll angle based on carrier phase position differences. The roll angle facilitates correction of the lateral motion induced position errors resultant from motion of the antennae as the vehicle moves based on an offset to ground and the roll angle. The system also includes a control system configured to receive the vehicle position, heading, and at least one of roll and pitch, and configured to generate a steering command to a vehicle steering system. The system includes gyroscopes for determining system attitude change with respect to multiple axes for integrating with GNSS-derived positioning information to determine vehicle position, velocity, rate-of-turn, attitude and other operating characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: AgJunction LLC
    Inventors: André C. Roberge, Walter J. Feller, Michael L. Whitehead, John A. McClure, Steven R. Miller
  • Patent number: 8583315
    Abstract: A global navigation satellite sensor system (GNSS) and gyroscope control system for vehicle steering control comprising a GNSS receiver and antennas at a fixed spacing to determine a vehicle position, velocity and at least one of a heading angle, a pitch angle and a roll angle based on carrier phase position differences. A vehicle control method includes the steps of computing a position and a heading for the vehicle using GNSS positioning and a rate gyro for determining vehicle attitude, which is used for generating a steering command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: AgJunction LLC
    Inventors: Michael L. Whitehead, Steven R. Miller, John A. McClure, Walter J. Feller
  • Publication number: 20130176171
    Abstract: A multi-frequency down converter includes first and second signal paths. A common local oscillator/synthesizer drives both of the signal paths. Exemplary applications include GNSS systems operating across superbands. The down converter is adapted for use in a GNSS receiver system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventors: Mark R. Webber, Bradley P. Badke, Walter J. Feller, Steven R. Miller
  • Patent number: 8456356
    Abstract: A GNSS system includes a receiver connected to an external mass storage device. Applications for the system, including GNSS data processing methods are also disclosed. The external storage device can comprise a flash (thumb) drive, which can be connected to the receiver via a USB interconnection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Hemisphere GNSS Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Whitehead, Bradley P. Badke, John A. McClure, Steven R. Miller
  • Patent number: 8334804
    Abstract: A dual-frequency DSP correlator receives I and Q signal components from a down convertor in a GNSS receiver system. The signal components are cross-wiped (de-spread) for noise cancellation and can be combined for use in a processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Hemisphere GPS LLC
    Inventor: Steven R. Miller
  • Patent number: 8271194
    Abstract: A method for locating GNSS-defined points, distances, directional attitudes and closed geometric shapes includes the steps of providing a base with a base GNSS antenna and providing a rover with a rover GNSS antenna and receiver. The receiver is connected to the rover GNSS antenna and is connected to the base GNSS antenna by an RF cable. The receiver thereby simultaneously processes signals received at the antennas. The method includes determining a vector directional arrow from the differential positions of the antennas and calculating a distance between the antennas, which can be sequentially chained together for determining a cumulative distance in a “digital tape measure” mode of operation. A localized RTK surveying method uses the rover antenna for determining relative or absolute point locations. A system includes a base with an antenna, a rover with an antenna and a receiver, with the receiver being connected to the antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Hemisphere GPS LLC
    Inventors: Michael L. Whitehead, Steven R. Miller, John A. McClure, Cary Davis, Walter J. Feller
  • Patent number: 8217833
    Abstract: A multi-frequency down converter includes first and second signal paths. A common local oscillator/synthesizer drives both of the signal paths. Exemplary applications include GNSS systems operating across superbands. The down converter is adapted for use in a GNSS receiver system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Hemisphere GPS LLC
    Inventors: Mark R. Webber, Bradley P. Badke, Walter J. Feller, Steven R. Miller
  • Patent number: 8140223
    Abstract: A global navigation satellite sensor system (GNSS) and gyroscope control system for vehicle steering control comprising a GNSS receiver and antennas at a fixed spacing to determine a vehicle position, velocity and at least one of a heading angle, a pitch angle and a roll angle based on carrier phase position differences. The roll angle facilitates correction of the lateral motion induced position errors resultant from motion of the antennae as the vehicle moves based on an offset to ground and the roll angle. The system also includes a control system configured to receive the vehicle position, heading, and at least one of roll and pitch, and configured to generate a steering command to a vehicle steering system. The system includes gyroscopes for determining system attitude change with respect to multiple axes for integrating with GNSS-derived positioning information to determine vehicle position, velocity, rate-of-turn, attitude and other operating characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Hemisphere GPS LLC
    Inventors: Michael L. Whitehead, Walter J. Feller, John A. McClure, Steven R. Miller
  • Patent number: 7967045
    Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes a non-rotating spindle having a cylindrical body defining an internal cavity and an axle shaft assembly mounted within the internal cavity for rotation about an axis. A seal assembly is positioned within the internal cavity to provide a sealed chamber between the axle shaft assembly and the non-rotating spindle. A first air passage is formed within the cylindrical body and includes an air inlet to be in fluid communication with an air supply and an air outlet in fluid communication with the sealed chamber. A second air passage is formed within the axle shaft assembly and receives air input from the sealed chamber and includes an air output to be associated with at least one tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Jenkinson, Jeremy Tertzakian, Steven R. Miller, David Gonska, Tracy G. Ellis, Christopher J. Wittry, John D. Morgan, Richard Decaire, Norman D. Austin, Yenkai Wang
  • Publication number: 20110057834
    Abstract: A dual-frequency DSP correlator receives I and Q signal components from a down convertor in a GNSS receiver system. The signal components are cross-wiped (de-spread) for noise cancellation and can be combined for use in a processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventor: Steven R. Miller
  • Publication number: 20110054729
    Abstract: A global navigation satellite sensor system (GNSS) and gyroscope control system for vehicle steering control comprising a GNSS receiver and antennas at a fixed spacing to determine a vehicle position, velocity and at least one of a heading angle, a pitch angle and a roll angle based on carrier phase position differences. The roll angle facilitates correction of the lateral motion induced position errors resultant from motion of the antennae as the vehicle moves based on an offset to ground and the roll angle. The system also includes a control system configured to receive the vehicle position, heading, and at least one of roll and pitch, and configured to generate a steering command to a vehicle steering system. The system includes gyroscopes for determining system attitude change with respect to multiple axes for integrating with GNSS-derived positioning information to determine vehicle position, velocity, rate-of-turn, attitude and other operating characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Michael L. Whitehead, Steven R. Miller, John A. McClure, Walter J. Feller
  • Publication number: 20110018765
    Abstract: A GNSS system includes a receiver connected to an external mass storage device. Applications for the system, including GNSS data processing methods are also disclosed. The external storage device can comprise a flash (thumb) drive, which can be connected to the receiver via a USB interconnection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Michael L. Whitehead, Bradley P. Badke, John A. McClure, Steven R. Miller