Patents by Inventor John C. Milligan

John C. Milligan 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).

  • ANAEROBIC REACTOR WITH AUGER IN THE EFFLUENT LINE
    Publication number: 20100133176
    Abstract: An upflow anaerobic reactor includes an effluent outlet configured to direct effluent out of the reactor and a fluid-filled gas trap configured to prevent loss of biogas from the vessel. An auger assembly is operably coupled to the effluent outlet to prevent clogging of the effluent outlet by solid matter that tends to collect in the effluent outlet. The auger assembly includes at least one helical screw conveyor that rotates so as to remove solid material that collects in the effluent outlet. auger assembly can be operated on a continuous or semi-continuous basis so as to allow for continuous operation of the reactor. The auger assembly can be operated on a continuous or semi-continuous basis so as to allow for continuous operation of the reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Conly L. Hansen, Carl S. Hansen, Edward D. Watts, Kevin D. Pack, John C. Milligan, Jacob Shaun Dustin
  • Anaerobic reactor with auger in the effluent line
    Patent number: 7727396
    Abstract: An upflow anaerobic reactor includes an effluent outlet configured to direct effluent out of the reactor and a fluid-filled gas trap configured to prevent loss of biogas from the vessel. An auger assembly is operably coupled to the effluent outlet to prevent clogging of the effluent outlet by solid matter that tends to collect in the effluent outlet. The auger assembly includes at least one helical screw conveyor that rotates so as to remove solid material that collects in the effluent outlet. auger assembly can be operated on a continuous or semi-continuous basis so as to allow for continuous operation of the reactor. The auger assembly can be operated on a continuous or semi-continuous basis so as to allow for continuous operation of the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Utah State University
    Inventors: Conly L. Hansen, Carl S. Hansen, Edward D. Watts, Kevin D. Pack, Jacob Shaun Dustin, John C. Milligan