Patents by Inventor Michael A. Centanni

Michael A. Centanni 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).

  • TRANSPORTABLE DECONTAMINATION UNIT AND DECONTAMINATION PROCESS
    Publication number: 20080267819
    Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a portable decontamination unit. The invention also relates to a decontamination process. The decontamination unit may employ a shipping container for transporting a decontaminant generator and optionally a power generator, and for functioning as a decontamination chamber. The decontamination unit may be ruggedized for use in hostile environments such as those that may be anticipated for military applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Michael A. Bacik, Michael A. Centanni
  • Method of monitoring operational status of sensing devices for determining the concentration of chemical components in a fluid
    Patent number: 7431886
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor system for determining a concentration of a chemical component in a fluid having a first sensor that senses a first physico-chemical property of the chemical component and, a second sensor that senses a second, different physico-chemical property of the chemical component. A method to detect, control, monitor, maintain and confirm concentration levels of a decontaminant throughout a decontamination cycle is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Steris Corporation
    Inventor: Michael A Centanni
  • SHELF ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20080218047
    Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a bidirectional shelf assembly which may be used in a single door or double door cabinet. The cabinet may comprise the decontamination chamber of a decontamination unit. The cabinet may comprise a sterilizer and/or washer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Peter J. Buczynski, James M. Szumigala, Joseph B. Ott, Michael A. Bacik, Michael A. Centanni
  • APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING THE CONCENTRATION OF CHEMICAL COMPONENTS IN A LIQUID OR GASEOUS SYSTEM USING MULTIPLE SENSORS
    Publication number: 20080206105
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor system for determining a concentration of a chemical component in a fluid having a first sensor that senses a first physico-chemical property of the chemical component and, a second sensor that senses a second, different physico-chemical property of the chemical component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Michael A. Centanni
  • METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE EFFICIENCY OF A VAPORIZER IN A DECONTAMINATION SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20080110240
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining the efficiency of a vaporizer in a decontamination system, having a first sensor for generating a first signal indicative of the concentration of a decontaminating chemical in a liquid decontaminate before vaporization by a vaporizer, and a second sensor for generating a second signal indicative of the concentration of vaporized decontaminate after vaporization by said vaporizer, and means for determining efficiency in accordance with said first and second signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Michael A. Centanni
  • Apparatus for controlling the concentration of a sterilant chemical in a fluid
    Publication number: 20080063574
    Abstract: A sterilization system that includes a sensor for determining the concentration of a liquid sterilant in a sterilant fluid. The sterilant fluid is comprised of a blend of sterilant fluids from a plurality of sterilant supplies. The concentration of the liquid sterilant differs in each of the sterilant supplies. The sensor allows a controllable concentration of liquid sterilant to be supplied to a vaporizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Centanni
  • OZONE ENHANCED VAPORIZED HYDROGEN PEROXIDE DECONTAMINATION METHOD AND SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20080014113
    Abstract: A vapor decontamination system for decontaminating a defined region. The system is comprised of a chamber defining a region, a generator for generating vaporized hydrogen peroxide from a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water and a device for the introduction of ozone. A closed loop circulating system is provided for supplying the vaporized hydrogen peroxide and the ozone to the region. A destroyer breaks down the vaporized hydrogen peroxide. A sensor and a controller controlling the device for the introduction of ozone are provided to maintain the ozone at the desired concentration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Centanni
  • APPARATUS FOR VAPORIZING A STERILANT FLUID USING MICROWAVE ENERGY
    Publication number: 20070274878
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for vaporizing a sterilant fluid using microwave energy. A sterilant fluid is atomized to produce a spray, mist or fog of sterilant fluid. The atomized sterilant fluid is then exposed to microwave energy produced by a microwave generator. Molecules of at least one chemical component of the sterilant fluid rotate in response to exposure to the microwave energy, thereby vaporizing the sterilant fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventors: Stanley Voyten, Michael Bacik, Peter Adams, Michael Centanni
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INCREASING VOTER PARTICIPATION
    Publication number: 20070272749
    Abstract: A system and method for increasing voter participation during election day. A poll worker uses an Internet enabled portable device to record when a registered voter votes and transmits that information to a central database in real time. Campaign headquarters view and manipulate real time voting data submitted by poll workers to create targeted phone and walk lists and various other reports for use during election day to increase the number of votes and after the election for statistical analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventors: Jordan Gehrke, Michael Centanni, Kimberly Bellissimo
  • Sensor for determining concentration of fluid sterilant
    Patent number: 7232545
    Abstract: A sensor for detecting hydrogen peroxide, comprising an element exhibiting piezoelectric properties having a metal-oxide-containing coating, the metal-oxide having a divalent or tetravalent state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Steris Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Centanni, Chung-Chiun Liu, Dong Zhao, Jinsong Yu
  • Method for cleaning a lumen
    Publication number: 20070071832
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing soil from an inner surface of a lumen wall of a medical instrument are disclosed. A carrier gas entrains particles capable of sublimation at room temperature and transports the particles into and through the lumen. As the particles collide with the soil attached to the inner surface of the lumen wall, and as the particles sublime, the soil is removed from the inner surface of the lumen wall and transported out an exit of the lumen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventors: Jude Kral, Michael Centanni
  • Ozone containing fluid system for chemical and/or biological warfare agents
    Patent number: 7186375
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for neutralizing biological and/or chemical warfare agents using an ozone-containing solution. The ozone-containing solution is produced by combining ozone-containing gas with an ozone vehicle, such as an organic solution. The ozone-vehicle prolongs the shelf life of the ozone to allow for extended periods of storage. A storage container is used to store the ozone-containing solution and facilitate its transportation to an environment contaminated by the biological and/or chemical warfare agents, or near a potential site for biological or chemical attack. The ozone-containing solution is drawn out of the storage container to apply it to a contaminated environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Steris Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Centanni, Daniel J. Subach, Iain F. McVey
  • Visual detector for vaporized hydrogen peroxide
    Patent number: 7186373
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing the concentration of a gaseous sterilant in a sealable enclosure. An indicator is provided that has a chemistry such that the indicator changes color when exposed to vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP). The chemistry is adapted to react when exposed to a specific minimum concentration of vaporized hydrogen peroxide for a specific minimum period of time. In this manner, it can be visually determined whether articles (e.g., medical instruments and like devices) located within the sealable enclosure have been exposed to a minimum threshold of vaporized hydrogen peroxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Steris Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Centanni
  • Self-contained deactivation device
    Publication number: 20070034095
    Abstract: A mobile deactivation apparatus for deactivating contaminants within a defined region that includes a source of a vaporous deactivating agent, a gas handling system, a support member, a drive means, a control system, and a power system is disclosed. The gas handling system dispenses the vaporous deactivating agent to the defined region. The support member is movable in the defined region and supports the source of the vaporous deactivating agent and the gas handling system. The support member can be propelled by the drive means. The control system is programmed to control the operation of the gas handling system and the drive means. A power system is provided to supply power to the mobile deactivation apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Publication date: February 15, 2007
    Inventors: Gerald McDonnell, Thaddeus Mielnik, Francis Zelina, Michael Centanni
  • Activated oxidizing vapor treatment system and method
    Publication number: 20060252974
    Abstract: An oxidizing liquid (20), such as hydrogen peroxide, is vaporized (18) and the vapor is used to deactivate nerve gas, blistering gas, or other biologically active substances such as pathogens, biotoxins, and prions. A second chemical compound (42) in vapor, mist, or fog form is used in conjunction with the oxidizing vapor. In one embodiment, the second chemical preconditions the biologically active substances to be deactivated more efficiently by the oxidizing vapor. In another embodiment, the second chemical boosts the reactivity of the oxidizing vapor. In another embodiment, the other chemical reacts with the oxidizing vapor to form an intermediate compound that deactivates at least some of the biologically active substances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Publication date: November 9, 2006
    Applicant: STERIS INC., a Delaware corporation
    Inventors: Iain McVey, Lewis Schwartz, Michael Centanni, Gerald McDonnell
  • Use of an ozone containing fluid to neutralize chemical and/or biological warfare agents
    Publication number: 20060233684
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for neutralizing biological and/or chemical warfare agents using an ozone-containing solution. The ozone-containing solution is produced by combining ozone-containing gas with an ozone vehicle, such as an organic solution. The ozone-vehicle prolongs the shelf life of the ozone to allow for extended periods of storage. A storage container is used to store the ozone-containing solution and facilitate its transportation to an environment contaminated by the biological and/or chemical warfare agents, or near a potential site for biological or chemical attack. The ozone-containing solution is drawn out of the storage container to apply it to a contaminated environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Publication date: October 19, 2006
    Inventors: Michael Centanni, Daniel Subach, Iain McVey
  • Activated vapor treatment for neutralizing warfare agents
    Publication number: 20060205991
    Abstract: Hydrogen peroxide is vaporized (20) and mixed (30) with ammonia gas in a ratio between 1:1 and 1:0.0001. The peroxide and ammonia vapor mixture are conveyed to a treatment area (10) to neutralize V-type, H-type, or G-type chemical agents, pathogens, biotoxins, spores, prions, and the lip-, e. The ammonia provides the primary deactivating agent for G-type agents with the peroxide acting as an accelerator. The peroxide acts as the primary agent for deactivating V-type and H-type agents, pathogens, biotoxins, spores, and prions. The ammonia acts as an accelerator in at least some of these peroxide deactivation reactions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventors: Iain McVey, Lewis Schwartz, Michael Centanni, George Wagner
  • Activated vapor treatment for neutralizing warfare agents
    Patent number: 7102052
    Abstract: Hydrogen peroxide is vaporized (20) and mixed (30) with ammonia gas in a ratio between 1:1 and 1:0.0001. The peroxide and ammonia vapor mixture are conveyed to a treatment area (10) to neutralize V-type, H-type, or G-type chemical agents, pathogens, biotoxins, spores, prions, and the like. The ammonia provides the primary deactivating agent for G-type agents with the peroxide acting as an accelerator. The peroxide acts as the primary agent for deactivating V-type and H-type agents, pathogens, biotoxins, spores, and prions. The ammonia acts as an accelerator in at least some of these peroxide deactivation reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignees: Steris INC, The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Iain F. McVey, Lewis I. Schwartz, Michael A. Centanni, George W. Wagner
  • Use of an ozone containing fluid to neutralize chemical and/or biological warfare agents
    Patent number: 7087805
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for neutralizing biological and/or chemical warfare agents using an ozone-containing solution. The ozone-containing solution is produced by combining ozone-containing gas with an ozone vehicle, such as an organic solution. The ozone-vehicle prolongs the shelf life of the ozone to allow for extended periods of storage. A storage container is used to store the ozone-containing solution and facilitate its transportation to an environment contaminated by the biological and/or chemical warfare agents, or near a potential site for biological or chemical attack. The ozone-containing solution is drawn out of the storage container to apply it to a contaminated environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: STERIS Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Centanni, Daniel J. Subach, Iain F. McVey
  • Sensor for determining concentration of ozone
    Publication number: 20060105466
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a sensor for detecting ozone, the sensor comprises an element exhibiting piezoelectric properties having a coating that is removed from the quartz crystal upon exposure to ozone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Publication date: May 18, 2006
    Inventors: Michael Centanni, Peter Burke