Inventors list

Assignees list

Classification tree browser

Top 100 Inventors

Top 100 Assignees


Miller, IA

Alvin V. Miller, Swisher, IA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100030383METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING TEMPERATURE IN A REFRIGERATOR - A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, a fresh food compartment disposed within the cabinet, a freezer compartment disposed within the cabinet, an ice compartment disposed within the cabinet, and an electronic control system associated with the refrigerator and adapted to monitor and control the fresh food compartment, the freezer compartment and the ice compartment. The control system provides for energy efficient control and operation through various means, including adjusting cut-in and cut-out temperatures of the cooling system to control.02-04-2010
20100257876CONTROL FOR A REFRIGERATOR - A refrigerator includes a fresh food compartment, a freezer compartment and a refrigeration system. A duct, exposed to the freezer compartment, leads into the fresh food compartment. A damper is arranged within the duct to selectively allow the passage of cooling air into the fresh food compartment. The refrigerator also includes an air mixing fan arranged in the fresh food compartment, a freezer mounted ice maker, a user interface having a plurality of control elements and a controller operatively associated with the user interface. The controller includes a memory having stored therein a plurality of operating parameters for controlling various aspects or features of the refrigerator, including a temperature control mode, a super cool mode, a food saver mode and a quick ice mode, which can be synergistically combined to efficiently operate the refrigerator.10-14-2010
20100326102INSULATED ICE COMPARTMENT FOR BOTTOM MOUNT REFRIGERATOR WITH CONTROLLED DAMPER - A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, a fresh food compartment disposed within the cabinet, a freezer compartment disposed within the cabinet, an ice compartment disposed within the cabinet, and an electronic control system associated with the refrigerator and adapted to monitor and control the fresh food compartment, the freezer compartment and the ice compartment. The control system provides for energy efficient control and operation through various means, including by monitoring state of an ice maker associated with the ice compartment and controlling temperature within compartments of the refrigerator based on the ice maker state. A damper controls air flow between the fresh food and freezer compartments. The control system can direct heat to the damper if the damper becomes frozen.12-30-2010
20110000237INSULATED ICE COMPARTMENT FOR BOTTOM MOUNT REFRIGERATOR WITH CONTROLLED DAMPER - A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, a fresh food compartment disposed within the cabinet, a freezer compartment disposed within the cabinet, an ice compartment disposed within the cabinet, and an electronic control system associated with the refrigerator and adapted to monitor and control the fresh food compartment, the freezer compartment and the ice compartment. The control system provides for energy efficient control and operation through various means, including by monitoring state of an ice maker associated with the ice compartment and controlling temperature within compartments of the refrigerator based on the ice maker state. A damper controls air flow between the fresh food and freezer compartments. The control system can direct heat to the damper if the damper becomes frozen.01-06-2011
20110000238INSULATED ICE COMPARTMENT FOR BOTTOM MOUNT REFRIGERATOR WITH CONTROLLED DAMPER - A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, a fresh food compartment disposed within the cabinet, a freezer compartment disposed within the cabinet, an ice compartment disposed within the cabinet, and an electronic control system associated with the refrigerator and adapted to monitor and control the fresh food compartment, the freezer compartment and the ice compartment. The control system provides for energy efficient control and operation through various means, including by monitoring state of an ice maker associated with the ice compartment and controlling temperature within compartments of the refrigerator based on the ice maker state. A damper controls air flow between the fresh food and freezer compartments. The control system can direct heat to the damper if the damper becomes frozen.01-06-2011

Patent applications by Alvin V. Miller, Swisher, IA US

Bill L. Miller, Fort Dodge, IA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080241313Method of feeding young monogastric mammals and composition fed to young monogastric mammals - A method of feeding a monogastric mammal, the method including feeding the monogastric mammal a milk replacer during a feeding period and feeding the monogastric mammal a psyllium composition during the feeding period.10-02-2008
20090028995Animal feed with a soluble fiber and sugar alcohol and method of making and method of feeding - An animal feed such as a milk replacer includes a soluble fiber and a sugar alcohol. The milk replacer enhances weight gain, starter intake and reduces weaning time. The method of feeding the animal includes feeding a mixture of a soluble fiber and sugar alcohol. The animal feed may be used as a method of weaning young ruminants such as calves.01-29-2009
20090258124Hydrolyzed liquid sweetener for livestock - The present invention includes a liquid sweetener made from a lactose containing liquid that can be used to coat animal feed to increase palatability. It also includes methods of making the liquid sweetener and making animal feed with increased palatability. The methods include hydrolyzing whey or whey derivatives and adding amino acids to promote a Maillard reaction to synthesize the sweetener.10-15-2009
20090326071Method of feeding milk replacer with carnitine - A method of the present invention includes feeding a calf a milk replacer at an enhanced rate with carnitine. The method of the present invention enhances weight gain, starter intake and reduces weaning time.12-31-2009
20100159067Hydrolyzed liquid sweetener for livestock - The present invention includes a liquid sweetener made from a lactose containing liquid that can be used to coat animal feed to increase palatability. It also includes methods of making the liquid sweetener and making animal feed with increased palatability. The methods include hydrolyzing whey or whey derivatives and adding amino acids to promote a Maillard reaction to synthesize the sweetener.06-24-2010
20110201545GEL BASED LIVESTOCK FEED, METHOD OF MANUFACTURE AND USE - A method of making a gel-type livestock feed includes initially forming a feed mixture by mixing feed nutrient components, water, alginate, and a calcium component insoluble in water or a sequestrate to inhibit the calcium component from reacting with the alginate. Once the feed mixture is formed, the calcium component is solubilized or the sequestrates affecting the reactivity between the alginate and the calcium component is removed such that a gel feed is formed that includes a gel matrix containing the feed nutrient components. The gel feed may then be fed to the livestock. In another aspect of the present invention, piglets are weaned by feeding the gel feed for at least seven days directly after weaning. The gel feed may also include protein derived from blood with or without egg protein.08-18-2011

Patent applications by Bill L. Miller, Fort Dodge, IA US

David D. Miller, Everly, IA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110115168Seal With Snap-In Back-Up Ring - A seal for a reciprocating rod includes an annular body having inner and outer seal lips extending axially from the annular body. The annular body includes a recess including a generally radially extending wall portion and a chamfered axially extending wall surface that is angled relative to a central axis of the annular body. A back-up ring is provided with an angled mating surface such that the backup ring is snap-fit in the recess of the annular body.05-19-2011

Dennis D. Miller, Council Bluffs, IA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130087675FURNITURE OR APPLIANCE TIPPING RESTRAINT - A furniture or appliance tipping restraint is provided which includes a first flexible strap member having one end secured to a piece of furniture or an appliance and which has a buckle fastener member at its other end. The device also includes a second flexible strap member having one end secured to a wall and which has a buckle fastener member secured to the other end thereof. The buckle fastener members may be easily connected together and when so connected, prevent the furniture or appliance from tipping.04-11-2013

Dennis L. Miller, Bettendorf, IA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110283509Container Protector - In one embodiment of a container protector the container protector comprises two opposing side skirts, two opposing end skirts, and a interior lip connected to both side skirts and end skirts. The container protector may also include one or more handle extension to facilitate use with a container having one or more handles. The container protector is designed to sealing fit around the top periphery of a container with the interior lip extending upward to prevent material within the container from flowing outward therefrom during transitions. Such transitions may be caused by heating, transportation, or other disturbances. The precise dimensions of the container protector will vary from one embodiment to the next, and the container protector may take any shape depending on the container for which it is designed.11-24-2011

Jason D. Miller, Iowa Falls, IA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090008042RETRACTABLE SAFETY BARRIERS AND METHODS OF OPERATING SAME - A retractable barrier system includes an example gear assembly that can be manipulated for rapidly deploying a flexible barrier, exerting high torque for the initial tightening of the barrier, maintaining high static tension in barrier when in use, and/or rapidly retracting barrier for storage. In some examples, the gear assembly is a worm drive with a worm that can be selectively disengaged from a worm gear. Other optional features of the barrier system include selective right-hand/left-hand configurations, an electric switch that can be added to indicate whether the barrier system is in use, an intermediate coupling that joins the distal ends of two barriers for creating an extra long barrier system, and removable vehicle-mounted posts for certain loading dock applications.01-08-2009
20090322195Additive Dispenser Drawer Assembly - An additive dispenser drawer includes roller assemblies located on opposite sides near a rear portion of the dispenser drawer. Each roller assembly moves within a guide rail attached to a side of a housing. Bearing fixtures are attached to the housing near the front and act upon surfaces of the dispenser drawer.12-31-2009
20110000626VERTICALLY MOVABLE DOOR WITH SAFETY BARRIER - A vertically moving door of a truck loading dock includes a disconnectable horizontal joint that provides the door with a barrier position, wherein an upper section of the door can be separated from a lower section to create a ventilation area between the two. The ventilation area allows fresh outside air to enter the building, while the lower section remains at its lowermost position for safety and security. More specifically, the lower section serves as a barrier that helps prevent someone or something from accidentally falling through the doorway when a truck is not present at the dock. A lightweight, resilient strap can be attached to the lower section of the door to help protect that section from an otherwise damaging impact. A lattice of straps or a mesh can be installed across the ventilation area to help secure the building against theft.01-06-2011
20120061032RETRACTABLE SAFETY BARRIERS AND METHODS OF OPERATING SAME - A retractable barrier system includes an example gear assembly that can be manipulated for rapidly deploying a flexible barrier, exerting high torque for the initial tightening of the barrier, maintaining high static tension in barrier when in use, and/or rapidly retracting barrier for storage. In some examples, the gear assembly is a worm drive with a worm that can be selectively disengaged from a worm gear. Other optional features of the barrier system include selective right-hand/left-hand configurations, an electric switch that can be added to indicate whether the barrier system is in use, an intermediate coupling that joins the distal ends of two barriers for creating an extra long barrier system, and removable vehicle-mounted posts for certain loading dock applications.03-15-2012
20130081431Water Recirculation and Drum Rotation Control in a Laundry Washer - In a laundry washer, relatively short bursts of operation of a recirculation pump are coordinated with corresponding brief intervals of tub rotation during the initial fill periods. The aim is to thoroughly wet the clothes early in each wash/rinse phase to thus improve the wash/rinse effectiveness, while also avoiding excessive suds formation. Following the initial fill periods and during regular wash/rinse agitations, the recirculation system may also be employed to “recharge” the laundry load with detergent that has settled in the bottom of the tub. In a further aspect of the invention, some or all of the conventional intermediate spin extractions are omitted. In this manner, more water is carried over in the clothes from one wash/rinse cycle to the next. An intermediate spin of reduced speed (RPM) and duration as compared to typical normal intermediate spins may be employed between the wash phase and first rinse.04-04-2013

Patent applications by Jason D. Miller, Iowa Falls, IA US

Jason D. Miller, Alden, IA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090119849Sequenced Water Delivery in an Additive Dispenser - An automatic washing machine includes a wash additive dispenser for dispensing detergent and one or more additives into a wash tub. Water is delivered to a first wash agent chamber in the wash additive dispenser for delivery into a wash tub during a wash cycle. Water is subsequently delivered to a second wash agent chamber to flush from that chamber any unintended collection of water or additive residue therein, as may result from the water delivery to the first wash agent chamber and/or from an earlier dispensing of additive from the second wash agent chamber.05-14-2009

Patent applications by Jason D. Miller, Alden, IA US

Jeffrey D. Miller, Dubuque, IA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100222975Automatic Control Of Mechanical Front Wheel Drive Using Speed Ratio - A work vehicle (09-02-2010
20100228457Momentary Activation Of Mechanical Front Wheel Drive - A work vehicle (09-09-2010

Jerry L. Miller, Marshalltown, IA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090114867ROTARY VALVE LEVER APPARATUS HAVING INTERCHANGEABLE SHAFT ADAPTOR INSERTS - Rotary valve lever apparatus having removable shaft adaptor inserts are described. An example lever apparatus includes a lever arm to rotatably mount to a stem of an actuator. The lever apparatus also includes a first opening having a first splined inner surface to receive a splined shaft, and a second opening adjacent the first opening and having a second splined inner surface to receive at least a portion of an insert member having a splined outer surface.05-07-2009

John Kevin Miller, Clive, IA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090100902Programmable, digital vacuum-operated liquid sampler - A programmable liquid sampler for obtaining and digitally analyzing multiple, sequential samples in real time from an external source of liquid to be analyzed comprises an adaptive feedback algorithm for correcting sample weight measurements occasioned by vacuum delays. A sampling assembly receives and at least temporarily stores a sample drawn by suction through an air port that can also pressurize the chamber. A load cell determines sample mass through a logic controller that implements adaptive feedback by recognizing a desired target sample size, requesting an initial sample, and measuring the initial sample size. A variable scaling factor is derived by comparing the target sample size to said measured sample size and the subsequent requesting size is scaled. Samples can be stored in multiple compartments of a radial table that is indexed by the computer software for proper sample control.04-23-2009

Julie Ann Miller, Cedar Rapids, IA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090046609TRANSACTION CONTROL SYSTEM INCLUDING PORTABLE DATA TERMINAL AND MOBILE CUSTOMER SERVICE STATION - 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. In another embodiment, the mobile service station comprises an access device which participates with a variety of peripherals at the station in a lower power communication LAN, while providing higher power communication to other network devices via a premises network with routing via a wireless spanning tree configuration.02-19-2009
20100167782TRANSACTION CONTROL SYSTEM INCLUDING PORTABLE DATA TERMINAL AND MOBILE CUSTOMER SERVICE STATION - 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. In another embodiment, the mobile service station comprises an access device which participates with a variety of peripherals at the station in a lower power communication LAN, while providing higher power communication to other network devices via a premises network with routing via a wireless spanning tree configuration.07-01-2010

Kenneth L. Miller, Ankeny, IA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110275425CONDUCTING A JACKPOT RACE EVENT - A system for wagering on a jackpot race event, comprises a memory and a processor. The memory stores a qualifying bet associated with a customer and comprising a first bet component and a second bet component. The first bet component is associated with a first qualifying race event and comprises a first bet amount. The second bet component is associated with a second qualifying race event and comprises a second bet amount. The processor identifies the outcome of the first and second bet components. If both the first bet component and the second bet components are winning bets, the processor allocates to the customer a particular number of jackpot bets for a jackpot race event. The particular number of jackpot bets is based at least in part upon the first bet amount and the second bet amount. The first bet amount is allocated to a common pari-mutuel pool for the first qualifying race event.11-10-2011

Lisa M. Miller, Marshalltown, IA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090065726High Temperature Ball Valve Seal - A high temperature ball valve seal is disclosed that achieves Class IV shutoff for operating temperatures above 550 degrees F. The ball valve seal includes a C-seal positioned between a main seal and a seal housing to prevent fluid from flowing through a secondary flowpath when the ball valve is in a closed position.03-12-2009

Lorin Dion Miller, Colo, IA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100264868METHODS AND APPARATUS TO COUPLE AN ELECTRO-PNEUMATIC CONTROLLER TO A POSITION TRANSMITTER IN A PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEM - Example methods and apparatus to couple an electro-pneumatic controller to a position transmitter in a process control system are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a position transmitter having a first connection and having a second connection coupled to a power source, an electro-pneumatic controller including at least a first connection coupled to the first connection of the position transmitter, and a resistor coupled between the first connection and a second connection of the electro-pneumatic controller.10-21-2010

Matthew A. Miller, Ames, IA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090192644METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANUFACTURING AN ARTICLE USING PORTABLE HAND-HELD TOOLS - A method of manufacturing an article includes the steps of: establishing a defined location for a tool activity to occur; determining an actual location of the tool; comparing the actual location of the tool with the defined location; ascertaining an occurrence of the tool activity at the actual location; and verifying whether the tool activity occurred at the defined location.07-30-2009

Orin L. Miller, Pella, IA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110174545DRILLING MACHINE AND METHOD - The present disclosure provides a machine capable of drilling into the ground at a wide range of angles relative to the ground surface. The present disclosure also provides novel drilling methods.07-21-2011

Pete Miller, Davenport, IA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100221402Cold-Water Soluble Extruded Starch Product - Disclosed is a cold-water soluble starch and a process for preparing same. Generally, the process comprises providing a hydroxyalkyl starch and applying a shearing force to the starch in an extruder in the presence of moisture, the force and the moisture each being sufficient to gelatinize at least substantially all of the granules of the starch to thereby form a sheared starch. The starch is heated to its gelatinization temperature after the starch has passed partially through the barrel of the extruder, with the moisture being maintained at a level sufficiently high to allow gelatinization but sufficiency low to protect the starch from becoming too sticky to extrude. The extruded starch product thus formed may be used in connection with a number of film-forming, coating, and other applications.09-02-2010
20120266869Cold-Water Soluble Extruded Starch Product - Disclosed is a cold-water soluble starch and a process for preparing same. Generally, the process comprises providing a hydroxyalkyl starch and applying a shearing force to the starch in an extruder in the presence of moisture, the force and the moisture each being sufficient to gelatinize at least substantially all of the granules of the starch to thereby form a sheared starch. The starch is heated to its gelatinization temperature after the starch has passed partially through the barrel of the extruder, with the moisture being maintained at a level sufficiently high to allow gelatinization but sufficiency low to protect the starch from becoming too sticky to extrude. The extruded starch product thus formed may be used in connection with a number of film-forming, coating, and other applications.10-25-2012

Patent applications by Pete Miller, Davenport, IA US

Peter A. Miller, Muscatine, IA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110188983Rail Car And Method For Transport Of Bulk Materials - Disclosed are a method and an assembly for balk transport. An inflatable bladder is inserted into a container and disposed proximal and above a gravity-fed aperture. The container may be, for instance, a hopper rail car. A bulk material then is introduced into the container, the bulk material being, for instance, a grain-based material such as corn gluten feed. The bladder is positioned and preferably secured laterally with respect to the aperture to impede access to the aperture by the bulk material. When the container has reached the transport destination, the bladder is deflated. If the bulk material has set up during transport, access to the aperture nonetheless will have been maintained.08-04-2011

Robert Lynn Miller, Iowa City, IA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110191892GENETIC MARKERS ASSOCIATED WITH DROUGHT TOLERANCE IN MAIZE - The presently disclosed subject matter relates to methods and compositions for identifying, selecting, and/or producing drought tolerant maize plants or germplasm. Maize plants or germplasm that have been identified, selected, and/or produced by any of the methods of the presently disclosed subject matter are also provided.08-04-2011

Scot C. Miller, Pella, IA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120102872SELF-SEALING WINDOW AND INSTALLATION METHOD - A self-sealing window with a flexible gasket that extends around the entire perimeter of closure assemblies and a method of installing such closure assemblies in a rough opening. A sealing member is attached continuously around an entire perimeter of the closure assembly to form a water impermeable seal between the sealing member and the closure assembly. The closure assembly is inserted into the rough opening. Accurate positioning of the closure assembly in the rough opening is verified. The closure assembly is secured in the rough opening. The sealing member is engaged with an exterior surface of the structure proximate the rough opening. A foam material is delivered into at least a portion of a space between perimeter edge surfaces of the closure assembly and inner surfaces of the rough opening.05-03-2012

Victor Miller, Iowa City, IA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090105169ALLELE-SPECIFIC SILENCING OF DISEASE GENES - The present invention is directed to small interfering RNA molecules (siRNA) targeted against an allele of interest, and methods of using these siRNA molecules.04-23-2009
20110244561siRNA-MEDIATED GENE SILENCING - The present invention is directed to small interfering RNA molecules (siRNA) targeted against an allele of interest, and methods of using these siRNA molecules.10-06-2011

Patent applications by Victor Miller, Iowa City, IA US

W. Allen Miller, Ames, IA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090055975Plant virus transmission inhibitor and methods - Provided is a peptide, peptide multimer or fusion protein containing such peptide which binds to the gut of sap-sucking insects, e.g., aphids. When bound, this peptide inhibits the binding of targeted virus to the insect gut. When this peptide or tandem repeat peptide is expressed (or is expressed as part of a fusion protein) in the fluids of transgenic plants, it is taken up by the insect with the sap, binds to gut receptors and thereby inhibits transmission of the virus from plant to plant via the insect vector. Thus, the use of such transgenic plants blocks or reduces the transmission of the targeted virus and others which share the peptide binding site within the insect gut among plants susceptible to the virus and thereby reduces losses due to viral infection.02-26-2009