Patents by Inventor Robert W. Johnson

Robert W. Johnson 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: 4490255
    Abstract: A cylindrical storage tank of large diameter and depth is concentrically surrounded by a settling tank that has a width to internal diameter ratio that provides essentially plug flow. Liquid containing suspended particles capable of separation by settling is introduced into the upper part of a body of liquid in the settling tank at a zero radius of the tank at a controlled rate and flows slowly in both directions around the storage tank to a weir which extends no more than about halfway around the storage tank and is bisected by a 180.degree. radius of the tank. A slurry of particle-laden liquid is drawn from the lower part of the settling tank, and relatively particle-free surface liquid flows over the weir into the storage tank from which it is drained at a controlled rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1984
    Assignee: United Conveyor Corporation
    Inventor: Robert W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4301398
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a resonant power module comprising a resonant power circuit which is coupled to a load. First and second switching elements are coupled to the resonant circuit for alternately supplying a flow of current. Trigger generator means are provided for supplying trigger signals to alternately enable the first and second switching elements. A control means is coupled to the trigger generator for operating the power module in a first mode in which the resonant circuit current is controlled by varying the repetition rate of the trigger signals. The control means operates the power module in a second mode by maintaining the trigger signal repetition rate at a fixed limit and controlling the resonant circuit current by varying the on/off duty cycle of the power module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1981
    Assignee: Exide Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Robert W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4255746
    Abstract: A home safety unit having an emergency light system for providing light in the event of a power failure or the detection of a fire condition, and a fire detection system for providing an alarm indicating the existence of a fire. The safety unit is designed to have an aesthetically pleasing appearance and to be installed inconspicuously between the base of an existing light fixture and a wall or ceiling. Installation of the safety unit is a simple process, whether installing it when constructing a new building or by retro-fitting it into an existing building.A modified light switch having parallel impedance across the light switch terminals is installed to provide continuous power to the safety unit when the switch is in its off position. Also included is a low voltage dropout system for disconnecting the auxiliary lights when the battery voltage falls below a certain level and for providing an audible alarm indicating this low voltage condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1981
    Assignee: ESB Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Johnson, William J. Raddi
  • Patent number: 4237895
    Abstract: A system for encoding and transmitting commands to effect modifications in the operating characteristics of an implanted pacer. A preferred embodiment of the system further comprises detection and display stages for use in monitoring pacer operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1980
    Assignee: Medcor, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4199754
    Abstract: A circuit for a home safety unit having an emergency light system for providing light in the event of a power failure or when a fire is detected, and a fire detection system for providing an audible alarm indicating the existence of a fire. The circuit includes a battery which is constantly being charged and a low voltage responsive system for indicating a low voltage condition on the battery. A latching system causes the emergency light to be turned off when this low voltage condition is reached, and to remain off until the battery is recharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1980
    Assignee: ESB Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert W. Johnson, William J. Raddi
  • Patent number: 4192661
    Abstract: A cryogenic apparatus is disclosed herein with an improved flow path for removing impurities introduced by a make-up stream of cryogenic fluid by directing the make-up stream to means to adsorb impurities therein prior to combining the make-up stream with the main feed stream for the cryogenic apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1980
    Assignee: Helix Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Robert W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4087697
    Abstract: A system for rapidly substituting one source of AC power for another. A solid-state gated electronic valve is coupled in circuit with a principal power source or "line" and the current through the valve is monitored. Line voltage is also monitored and a timing signal produced to keep the system in synchronism with the principal power source. When the source voltage decreases or changes abruptly, or if its phase drifts unacceptably, the difference detected between the source and a reference effects the termination of valve gating signals, and allows the application of synchronous enabling signals to a standby power source. If the solid-state valve is non-conducting the standby source starts immediately in synchronism with the previously-supplied load voltage. If current is flowing in the valve, however, a commutating signal is produced which overrides the synchronous standby enabling signal to energize the standby power source with the proper polarity to extinguish current through the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1978
    Assignee: ESB Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4080548
    Abstract: A lighting system provided with a plurality of filaments, the wattage ratings of which differ in a predetermined relationship. The filaments are selectively energized so that the light intensity of the lamp may be varied in steps, without a change in color temperature which otherwise results when the intensity is varied in response to a varying voltage applied to a single filament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1976
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1978
    Assignee: Precision Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4011732
    Abstract: A heat-stationed bayonet connector suitable for connecting liquid cryogen sources and refrigeration loads to a cryogenic fluid transfer line or for connecting components such as flexible sections, etc., into the transfer line. The incorporation of a cold heat station in the bayonet connector and its thermal connection to a coolant makes it possible to intercept heat flow along the length of the bayonet and thereby to minimize heat losses associated with the connector. The use of a cryogenic coolant transfer line in the form of a flexible bypass connecting the male and female sections of the bayonet makes it possible to use the bayonet connector in a transfer line which incorporates a cooled radiation shield along essentially its entire length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1974
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1977
    Assignee: Helix Technology Incorporated
    Inventors: Paul R. Doherty, Robert W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 3954292
    Abstract: When turned to a locked position, a turn button causes the outside operating lever of the latch to be held against rotation so as to lock the door against entry from the outside. Turning of the inside operating lever in either direction to open the door causes the turn button to return automatically to its unlocked position to prevent inadvertent locking of the door. Automatic return of the locking button is effected through the coaction of a spring-loaded pin on the inside lever with a pair of shoulders on the inner face of the turn button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1975
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1976
    Assignee: Amerock Corporation
    Inventor: Robert W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 3945215
    Abstract: A helium transfer line adapted to be constructed in extended lengths and to carry liquid helium and/or 4.2.degree.K helium gas with minimum loss of refrigeration capacity due to heat leaks into and through the line. The transfer line, in its basic structure, comprises a fluid helium process line, radiation shielding, vacuum jacketing and a cryogenic coolant line in thermal contact with the radiation shielding and carrying a cryogenic coolant such as liquid nitrogen. Line components, comprising heat-stationed bayonets with or without LN.sub.2 bypass lines, expansion/contraction joints, and flexible sections and, if desired, valves, ell-sections and tee-sections, are designed to be integrated into the basic structure so that this structure may be carried through essentially the entire length of the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1974
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1976
    Assignee: Cryogenic Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Johnson, Paul R. Doherty
  • Patent number: D260898
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1981
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Robert Chieda, Robert W. Johnson, Douglas W. Smith, Eugene J. Casey, Jr.
  • Patent number: D264173
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1982
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Wilbur Hampel, Robert W. Johnson, Douglas W. Smith, Eugene J. Casey, Jr.
  • Patent number: D269553
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1983
    Assignee: Exide Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Johnson, Donald W. Doman
  • Patent number: D269913
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1983
    Assignee: Exide Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Johnson, Donald W. Doman