Patents by Inventor Karen L. Thomas

Karen L. Thomas 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).

  • Electrochemical sensor for the specific detection of peroxyacetic acid in aqueous solutions using pulse amperometric methods
    Publication number: 20030209450
    Abstract: An electrochemical sensor (A, A′) is specific for the detection of peroxyacetic acid in a solution which also contains hydrogen peroxide. A potential is applied between a reference electrode (120, 120′) and a working electrode (118, 118′). A read voltage (FIG. 7) is selectively pulsed across a counter electrode (122, 122′) and the working electrode. The current flowing between the working electrode and the counter electrode is dependent on the peroxyacetic acid concentration in the solution (FIG. 6). By careful selection of the read voltage, the contribution of hydrogen peroxide to the current flow is virtually negligible. The sensor effectively measures peroxyacetic acid concentrations in the range generally employed in sterilization and disinfection baths (100-3000 ppm.).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Iain F. McVey, Brian J. DeSantis, Jan J. Lewandowski, Karen L. Thomas, Brian E. Schindly
  • Electrochemical sensor for the specific detection of peroxyacetic acid in aqueous solutions using pulse amperometric methods
    Patent number: 6558529
    Abstract: An electrochemical sensor (A, A′) is specific for the detection of peroxyacetic acid in a solution which also contains hydrogen peroxide. A potential is applied between a reference electrode (120, 120′) and a working electrode (118, 118′). A read voltage (FIG. 7) is selectively pulsed across a counter electrode (122, 122′) and the working electrode. The current flowing between the working electrode and the counter electrode is dependent on the peroxyacetic acid concentration in the solution (FIG. 6). By careful selection of the read voltage, the contribution of hydrogen peroxide to the current flow is virtually negligible. The sensor effectively measures peroxyacetic acid concentrations in the range generally employed in sterilization and disinfection baths (100-3000 ppm.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Steris Inc.
    Inventors: Iain F. McVey, Brian J. DeSantis, Jan J. Lewandowski, Karen L. Thomas, Brian E. Schindly