Patents Examined by Robert J. Warden
  • Patent number: 6638476
    Abstract: A unit for sterilizing strip packaging material for a pourable food product packaging machine, and having a sterilizing chamber for containing a liquid sterilizing agent and along which the packaging material is fed; a control circuit for controlling the sterilizing agent, and in turn having a collecting tank, input means for feeding the sterilizing agent from the tank to the chamber, and a drain assembly for draining the sterilizing agent from the chamber into the tank; a control system for controlling the temperature in the chamber; and preheating system for preheating the sterilizing agent in the tank, and which may be activated prior to feeding the sterilizing agent from the tank into the chamber; the preheating system for preheating the sterilizing agent may be activated independently of the control system for controlling the temperature in the chamber to bring the sterilizing agent to a temperature at least equal to that of the chamber before the sterilizing agent is fed into the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Detlef Elias, Paolo Benedetti
  • Patent number: 6634055
    Abstract: In a device for pivotally connecting a wiper blade for motor vehicle windows to a wiper arm, coupling elements on a part of the wiper arm are comprised of support bores disposed in already existing side walls of the wiper arm, and a connection between the wiper arm and wiper blade is performed by loose, reusable securing elements which on the one hand, can grasp edge strips of reusable longitudinal strips that are part of the likewise existing support element and on the other hand, are supported with their pivot pins in the support bores of the wiper arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Peter De Block
  • Patent number: 6635221
    Abstract: A method of inhibiting a base metal from rusting which comprises applying to the metallic base a thermosetting fluororesin powder coating composition containing substantially no chlorine. Thus, the metallic base can be effectively prevented from rusting. This method is especially useful for coating in coastal regions where salt damage is a problem, in the outdoors where acid rain causes damage, and in kitchens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuhiko Tsuda, Ryuji Iwakiri, Ryoichi Fukagawa, Keisuke Tano, Daisuke Tanizawa
  • Patent number: 6632397
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a two-part or multi-part concentrate system for preparing an activated solution which can be diluted with water to a use-dilution solution having improved anti-corrosive properties at room temperature. The concentrate system contains a first component containing at least one oxidizing agent, preferably hydrogen peroxide and a second component containing at least formic acid in a concentration of about 25 wt %. At least one corrosion inhibitor and at least one surfactant are also included in the concentrate system. When mixed and diluted, the resulting solution is excellent in its sterilization and anti-corrosive properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Minntech Corporation
    Inventors: Mary Beth Henderson, Patricia M. Stanley, Bradley K. Onstad
  • Patent number: 6631532
    Abstract: An engine block cylinder groove cleaner for cleaning the grooves in the cylinder of a diesel engine. The engine block cylinder groove cleaner includes a main housing comprising a lower portion. A plurality of groove cleaning members each being outwardly extendable from the lower portion. The groove cleaning member scrapes out debris from a circumferential groove when the main housing is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventor: Gerald Seehusen
  • Patent number: 6632405
    Abstract: A solar-power battery air freshener includes a housing (100) with an oscillating fan (61) for emitting a fragrance to the surrounding environment. A solar-power battery (20) utilizes energy derived from natural sunlight or light emitted from a regular light fixture in order to provide power to an oscillating device wherein a fan (61) is connected. The oscillating device includes a circuit (44), a coil (45), and magnets (46) connected to vertical iron plates (41, 42). A bracket (60) is attached to the iron plate (41) in such a manner that a fan (61) can be attached to the bracket. A fragrance container (81) is located directly below the fan (61). The oscillating movement of the fan (61) disperses the fragrance emitted from the fragrance container (81) out of the housing through air vents (105) and into the room or vehicle being freshened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventor: Edgardo R. Lua
  • Patent number: 6629329
    Abstract: A swab for cleaning electrical and electro-mechanical components includes a handle defining a longitudinal axis and having a cleaning head end and a grasping end. The cleaning head end is formed to define a taper. A fabric cleaning end is formed by forming a fabric around the handle at the taper. A conical cleaning head is formed and is sealed to the handle at a juncture of the cleaning head end and the grasping end to define a circumferential handle seal. The fabric is further sealed along the taper to define a longitudinal seal. A method for making the swab is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works
    Inventors: Kristine Y. Webb, James J. Holley, Stewart F. Scott
  • Patent number: 6630110
    Abstract: The improved method and apparatus for scented candle, is provided using a specifically sized and prepared candle body. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the candle body is uniformly an elongated cylinder. In the preferred embodiment, three vertical shafts are added to the set, specifically sized cylindrical candle body: (i) one shaft is a centrally drilled hole to a specified depth; (ii) a second shaft is a hole drilled off-center, to a specified depth; and (iii) a third shaft is a hole drilled into the center of the second shaft from the end of the second-shaft, specified depth through the bottom of the candle. A wick is inserted into the centrally drilled shaft. A heat conductive vial is inserted into the second shaft, with the vial open end directionally facing up towards and above the candle top. The vial is filled with a preselected fluid, such as fragrance oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Global Aromatics, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernard Ilon Urfig
  • Patent number: 6630105
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for decontaminating chemical and biological agents using the reactive properties of both the single atomic oxygen and the hydroxyl radical for the decontamination of chemical and biological agents. The apparatus is self contained and portable and allows for the application of gas reactants directly at the required decontamination point. The system provides for the use of ultraviolet light of a specific spectral range to photolytically break down ozone into molecular oxygen and hydroxyl radicals where some of the molecular oxygen is in the first excited state. The excited molecular oxygen will combine with water vapor to produce two hydroxyl radicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Hugh J. O'Neill, Kenneth L. Brubaker
  • Patent number: 6630106
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for reducing the growth of microorganisms and other contaminants of water processing and holding systems. Rapid reduction in the growth of fungi, algae, spores, molds, bacteria, protozoa and/or other contaminating microorganisms found in water processing and holding equipment is achieved by placing a material comprising an antimicrobial composition, preferably one containing a metal oxide and a binder, in an area of such equipment where there is water movement or storage, thereby destroying contaminating water-borne or air borne microorganisms in the water and on the surfaces of the equipment in contact with the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Selecto, Inc.
    Inventor: Ehud Levy
  • Patent number: 6625840
    Abstract: An ergonomically-designed squeegee apparatus utilizes a substantially T-shaped body formed of a pair of hollow tube members, the laterally-extending tube member of the “T” frictionally mounting an easily removable and replaceable wiper blade member in substantially snap-fit engagement in an axial mounting slot, the longitudinally extending tube member of the “T” forming an arcuately curved handle member arranged for a comfortable and natural grasp by the hand of a user when the wiper blade member is positioned correctly for squeegeeing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventors: Alan M. Hansen, Dylan G. Ernst, Lance M. Lechner
  • Patent number: 6627150
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for sterilization of medical instruments by concentrating a sterilant such as hydrogen peroxide inside of a sterilizer and sterilizing articles therewith. This concentrating process is monitored by determining the concentrations of water and peroxide in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Jenn-Hann Wang, Paul Jacobs, Szu-Min Lin
  • Patent number: 6625833
    Abstract: A pool cleaner includes a cleaning body adapted to be coupled to a suction source, a foot pad assembly coupled to the elongate member, and at least one deflection member coupled to the foot pad assembly by an adjustable coupling. The deflection member may be configured both horizontally and vertically relative to the cleaning body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Pentair Pool Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Sanford F. Campbell, Suresh Cherulassery Gopalan
  • Patent number: 6623085
    Abstract: A method for making a bath scrubber for use in cleaning the body skin involves a tubular net main body which is fitted over two support members separated from each other by a predetermined distance. The main body is then tightened. The present invention is characterized in that the main body is pulled alternatively with one hand toward one direction and other hand toward other direction, and each time when the tubular net body is pulled, a portion of the tubular body is pulled out of the two support members synchronously until the tubular net body is completely pulled out of the two support members, thereby enabling the main body to expand along the tightening point to form a spherical body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Inventor: Che-Yuan Chang
  • Patent number: 6622334
    Abstract: An improvement is disclosed in a brush cleaning apparatus for cleaning a major surface of a wafer and including wafer guide wheels for transporting the wafer. The improvement includes a polish pad material disposed on a circumference of the guide wheels. The polish pad material is a material used in chemical-mechanical polishing of the wafer. The polish pad material contacts an edge portion of the wafer during cleaning thereof, thereby removing contaminants from the edge portion of the wafer, so that edge cleaning is performed in situ in addition to the brush cleaning of the major surface of the wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Uldis A. Ziemins, Donald J. Delehanty, Raymond M. Khoury, Jose M. Ocasio
  • Patent number: 6623695
    Abstract: An anticorrosive, penetration enhancing composition for cleaning decontaminating and rinsing includes electrochemically activated (ECA) water as the decontamination agent. The anticorrosive decontamination composition has, as the anticorrosive agent, a compound or mixture of compounds capable of inhibiting corrosion of various metals used in sterilization decontamination and rinsing systems and objects such as medical instruments. Preferred anticorrosive compounds include phosphates, azoles, and sulfates. Other additives, including wetting agents, are added to reduce the surface energy of the ECA water. This reduced surface energy permits the ECA water to penetrate into objects of complex design thus permitting complete decontamination of the treated object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Steris Corporation
    Inventors: Paul S. Malchesky, Christopher M. Fricker
  • Patent number: 6623694
    Abstract: A fragrant, non-foaming emulsified composition has a siloxane anti-foam agent and water solution, a block co-polymer, denatured 200 proof alcohol and fragrance oil. Alternative compositions contain a solubilized fragrance or an insoluble fragrance oil for adding to water. The compositions may be provided in a concentrated form, for addition to a pre-existing water supply in a recirculating fountain, or in a dilute form for use as the recirculating fluid in the fountain. The compositions are clear and do not foam when used in a recirculating fountain. The compositions provide fragrance at a release rate significantly greater than solid or gel air fresheners with the same concentration of fragrance. Methods of fragrancing a room with the compositions are disclosed as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Bath & Body Works, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Ferguson, Kristin Prince
  • Patent number: 6622341
    Abstract: A position shifting plate for an air blowing device includes a casing having an inlet defined in an underside of the casing and an outlet defined in an end of the casing. An annular neck extends from the underside of the casing and encloses the inlet. A gap is defined between the underside of the casing and the neck. A guide member extends from the underside of the casing. A shifting plate has a grated portion and a hole. A flange extends from the shifting plate and two rails extend inward from the flange so as to be movably inserted in the gap. The shifting plate movably contacts the guide member to shift the hole or the grated portion to cover the inlet of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Jenn Feng Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jung-Chang Jong
  • Patent number: 6618889
    Abstract: The washing apparatus is based on a process comprising the steps of extracting a plurality of workpieces W to be washed from rows of workpieces arranged longitudinally and at certain intervals in a carrier 10 at intervals of a plurality of workpieces by means of a plurality of lifting arms 21a and 21b; lifting the thus extracted workpieces to respective washing positions at alternately high and low heights; holding the thus lifted workpieces W from both sides thereof by means of rotating pairs of washing rollers 3a and 3b; scrubbing the works in a washing solution 2 by the use of the washing rollers 3a and 3b while forcedly rotating with the driving belt 34 by pressing the works against the driving belt 34 under the action of the rotational force of the washing rollers 3a and 3b; and the workpieces in the carrier 10 are washed by repeating these steps a plurality of times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Speedfam Clean System Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Terui, Hiroji Sato, Noriaki Mizuno
  • Patent number: 6618891
    Abstract: A rotary drum release assembly includes a multiple of lock pins which engage a rotary drum shaft to lock and unlock a rotary drum to a drain cleaning machine without the need for tools. The rotary drum release assembly is mounted within a support frame assembly. A rotary drum shaft groove is located within a sleeve mounted to the support frame assembly to minimize localized weakening of the shaft. Rotation of an actuating handle engages cam surfaces with the lock pins to overcome their spring bias of the lock pins and simultaneously drive the lock pins away from the shaft to allow release of the drum. To mount the drum, the drum shaft is pushed into the sleeve and the lock pins are received into the shaft groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Masco Corporation
    Inventor: Randall Paul Schmitt