Mills L Fleming

Title: Innovations by Mills L Fleming in Telephone Plant Rehabilitation

Introduction

Mills L Fleming, an accomplished inventor from Lawrenceville, GA, has made significant contributions to the field of telecommunications through his innovative patents. With a total of two patents, Fleming has focused on methods and apparatus designed to enhance the efficiency and reliability of outside telephone plants.

Latest Patents

Fleming's latest patents include a method for rehabilitating outside telephone plant and a cable shield connecting device. The rehabilitation method involves a unique procedure where a length of tubing from a kit is moved over the end portions of cables that require resplicing. By collapsing the tubing near the jacketed sections of the cables, he forms a sealing collar with tape and positions a spacer block to maintain the necessary distance between the cables. A perforated, transversely corrugated strip of plastic is then wrapped around the splice, followed by extending the tubing over it to create a closed system that prevents waterproofing material from escaping. This encapsulated splice is often housed within a pedestal cabinet or near a telephone pole, offering mechanical protection via a metallic guard.

The cable shield connecting device further exemplifies Fleming's ingenuity, providing electrical continuity for the metallic shield of jacketed distribution cables during splicing operations. This device includes specially designed clamps that secure the jacket and shield, ensuring sufficient electrical contact while preventing any damaging movement of service wires.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Fleming has worked with reputable organizations such as Western Electric Company, Inc. and Bell Telephone Laboratories. His tenure at these leading firms provided him with a solid foundation and the necessary environment to develop his innovative solutions for the telecommunications industry.

Collaborations

Fleming's journey in innovation was supported by collaborations with notable colleagues like George L Fuchs and Robert H Gladden, Jr. These partnerships have undoubtedly played a role in refining and advancing his inventions, contributing to their successful implementation in the industry.

Conclusion

Mills L Fleming continues to be a notable figure in the realm of telecommunications inventions. His methods for rehabilitating outside telephone plants and devices for cable shield connectivity underscore the importance of innovation in enhancing the functionality and stability of telecommunications infrastructure. Through his work, Fleming has demonstrated a commitment to improving the industry, leaving a lasting impact that will benefit future developments in the field.