Patents by Inventor Ward J. Sly

Ward J. Sly 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).

  • Endoscope reprocessor connectivity apparatus and method
    Patent number: 7901349
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting connectivity in a channel in an endoscope undergoing reprocessing using an automatic reprocessor, the apparatus including a source of pressurized fluid which may be a gas alone or gas and liquid and a back pressure detector connected to the channel or channels of interest in the endoscope, the method including providing a source of pressurized fluid, directing the pressurized fluid to a channel in an endoscope, monitoring the time for the back pressure in the pressurized fluid to decay to a predetermined level; and determining whether the channel is connected and open or disconnected by comparing the decay time of the actual back pressure to one or more predetermined values corresponding to the specific channel or channels and model of endoscope undergoing reprocessing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Minntech Corporation
    Inventors: Paul T. Feld, Michael P. Petersen, John E. Marxer, Ward J. Sly, Johannes Antonius Walta
  • Endoscope reprocessing and sterilization system
    Patent number: 7061597
    Abstract: A system for reprocessing and sterilizing a previously used endoscope having at least one lumen is disclosed. The reprocessing system includes a reaction chamber into which individual chemical components of a sterilant are transferred by pneumatic force. The system includes a central processor which controls the asynchronous reprocessing and sterilization of at least two endoscopes. A novel sterilant is also disclosed. Also disclosed is a combination of the sterilization device and the sterilant and methods of using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Minntech Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond Paul Oberleitner, John E. Marxer, Ward J. Sly, Patricia M. Stanley, Gregory Worsnick, Kurt J. Weimer, Bruce D. Martin, Mary Beth B. Henderson, Bradley K. Onstad
  • Endoscope reprocessing and sterilization system
    Patent number: 6585934
    Abstract: A system for reprocessing and sterilizing a previously used endoscope having at least one lumen is disclosed. The reprocessing system includes a reaction chamber into which individual chemical components of a sterilant are transferred by pneumatic force. The system includes a central processor which controls the asynchronous reprocessing and sterilization of at least two endoscopes. A novel sterilant is also disclosed. Also disclosed is a combination of the sterilization device and the sterilant and methods of using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Minntech Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond Paul Oberleitner, John E. Marxer, Ward J. Sly, Patricia M. Stanley, Gregory Worsnick, Kurt J. Weimer, Bruce D. Martin, Mary Beth Henderson, Bradley K. Onstad
  • Endoscope reprocessing and sterilization system
    Publication number: 20020163636
    Abstract: A system for reprocessing and sterilizing a previously used endoscope having at least one lumen is disclosed. The reprocessing system includes a reaction chamber into which individual chemical components of a sterilant are transferred by pneumatic force. The system includes a central processor which controls the asynchronous reprocessing and sterilization of at least two endoscopes. A novel sterilant is also disclosed. Also disclosed is a combination of the sterilization device and the sterilant and methods of using the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Applicant: Minntech Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond Paul Oberleitner, John E. Marxer, Ward J. Sly, Patricia M. Stanley, Gregory Worsnick, Kurt J. Weimer, Bruce D. Martin, Mary Beth B. Henderson, Bradley K. Onstad
  • Endoscope reprocessing and sterilization system
    Patent number: 6068815
    Abstract: A system for reprocessing and sterilizing a previously used endoscope having at least one lumen is disclosed. The reprocessing system includes a reaction chamber into which individual chemical components of a sterilant are transferred by pneumatic force. The system includes a central processor which controls the asynchronous reprocessing and sterilization of at least two endoscopes. A novel sterilant is also disclosed. Also disclosed is a combination of the sterilization device and the sterilant and methods of using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Minntech Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond Paul Oberleitner, John E. Marxer, Ward J. Sly, Patricia M. Stanley, Gregory Worsnick, Kurt J. Weimer, Bruce D. Martin, Mary Beth B. Henderson, Bradley K. Onstad