Patents by Inventor Robert L. Mills

Robert L. Mills 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).

  • Patent number: 8138676
    Abstract: A system for operating a fluorescent light is provided. The system comprises: a fluorescent lamp with at least one electrode having at least one corresponding heating filament; a filament signal power supply for providing a filament current signal having a filament current frequency, the filament signal power supply connected to create a filament current through the at least one filament; and a plasma signal power supply for providing a plasma power signal having a plasma power frequency, the plasma signal power supply connected to create a plasma current between the at least one electrode and a gas contained in the fluorescent lamp. The plasma power frequency is greater than the filament current frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Robert L. Mills
  • Publication number: 20100134023
    Abstract: A system for operating a fluorescent light is provided. The system comprises: a fluorescent lamp with at least one electrode having at least one corresponding heating filament; a filament signal power supply for providing a filament current signal having a filament current frequency, the filament signal power supply connected to create a filament current through the at least one filament; and a plasma signal power supply for providing a plasma power signal having a plasma power frequency, the plasma signal power supply connected to create a plasma current between the at least one electrode and a gas contained in the fluorescent lamp. The plasma power frequency is greater than the filament current frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: Robert L. MILLS
  • Patent number: 5337885
    Abstract: A travel monitor for a rectangular sludge conveyor having a plurality of scrapers attached to and driven by a pair of chains, each of which is formed in a closed loop having an upper run. A pair of detector sprockets independently engage and are driven by the upper runs. Switches positioned adjacent the sprockets create a series of pulses in response to their rotation. The phase difference between the series of pulses resulting from rotation of the sprockets is detected, and a misalignment alarm is activated when the phase difference exceeds a predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Robert L. Mills, John C. Lodholz, Rangasami Sarat-Chandra, Franklin P. Orlando, Donald J. Christian
  • Patent number: 4176693
    Abstract: An apparatus has means for containing a level of flowable hardenable material therein, and means is selectively operable for carrying a predetermined amount of the hardenable material from the level thereof in the containing means to a preselected position beyond the level of the remaining hardenable material in the containing means. Means is associated with the carrying means in its preselected position for extracting therefrom another amount of the hardenable material predeterminately less than the predetermined amount.A method of operating the apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1979
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jesse A. Stoner, Robert L. Mills