Patents Examined by Sean E. Conley
  • Patent number: 9808009
    Abstract: A solid body of dazomet for use in internal remedial treatments of wood and methods of applying such solid bodies to wooden structures and manufacturing such solid bodies. The solid bodies can be easily transported and inserted into treatment holes in utility poles, wooden pilings, and other wooden structures, delivering a dose of insecticide and fungicide that combats internal decay in the wood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: OSMOSE UTILITIES SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Pope, Douglas J. Herdman, Peter Tham
  • Patent number: 8147761
    Abstract: An air freshener has at least one vent rod configured to engage an air vent. A scent material is associated with the at least one vent rod. A head is coupled to the at least one vent rod. The head has a domed face opposite the vent rod. Indicia is associated with the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: American Covers, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan J. Wheatley, Christopher D. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8110156
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the sanitization, detoxification, disinfection, high level disinfection, or sterilization of both the interior and exterior surfaces of an object or plurality of objects, including those with lumens and/or channels of various sizes, within a closed space, or closed system of space, in addition to their surrounding atmosphere, and relates particularly, though not exclusively, to the generation of an aerosol including an anti-pathogen/toxin/fungal/sporicidal agent(s) or substance(s) (applied agent), or chemical neutralizing agent(s) or substance(s), by way of one or more ultrasonic nebulizer(s). However the applied agent used in the present invention may also be in the form of any gas, vapor, plasma, aerosol, or other form. The said apparatus and method also includes an option to incorporate and utilize a means to wash the object(s) or endoscope(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventors: Jonathan J. Ricciardi, Carl L. Ricciardi, Howard J. Swidler
  • Patent number: 8097214
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an air freshener that is constructed and arranged to be secured to the supporting shaft of a ceiling fan. One embodiment of the device includes a scented ring of wickable material having an inner aperture and split through one side. The aperture is sized to cooperate with the supporting shaft of the fan and the split allows the scented ring to be sprung apart for easy installation of the device about the supporting rod. The wickable material includes properties that allow the device to remain in position about the supporting rod once installed while wicking a fragrance composition substantially to its surface for distributing a fragrance evenly throughout an open area, such as a large room. The inner and bottom surfaces of the scented ring may include a polymeric coating to prevent the fragrance composition from wicking to a supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventor: Susan M. Wood
  • Patent number: 8021618
    Abstract: A filter change indicator is provided and includes a fragrance and auditory emission apparatus adapted to be installed in disposable-type air filters utilized to remove contaminants carried along in the air stream of HVAC systems. The fragrance and auditory emission apparatus functions to emit a shrill tone or whistling noise when the air filter becomes dirty or clogged. The fragrance and auditory emission apparatus also functions as an air freshener or a room deodorizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventor: Nathan R. Cooper
  • Patent number: 7468158
    Abstract: Corrosion inhibitor and method of protecting metallic materials in strongly alkaline medium by means of a corrosion inhibitor, characterized in that it contains an amine containing at least one CH group bound to the nitrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: LANXESS Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Lutz Heuer, Stylianos Savakis, Helmut Diekmann, Eberhard Zirngiebl
  • Patent number: 7438850
    Abstract: The sterilization of biological material of animal or human origin, which is to be used as an implant or transplant, is performed according to a validated sterilization method with a margin of safety of 106 germs by which harmful microorganisms are physically separated and chemically sterilized in four successive steps, initially in an antibiotic, then in deoxicholic acid, then in a surface-active substance and finally in primary alcohol, respectively accompanied by rinsing steps involving an aqueous solution after steps two to four. A bioprosthesis sterilized with a margin of safety>106 germs can be implanted without any further treatment, does not have a tendency towards calcification, and ensures a long service life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: AutoTissue GmbH
    Inventors: Marita Stein-Konertz, Wilhelm Erdbrügger
  • Patent number: 7425301
    Abstract: The present invention features an ozone sanitation device and system and a method of using the same to sanitize various objects in various environments. The present invention is particularly adapted to be used to sanitize food products, such as fruit and vegetable products as well as others at the site of the marketing and selling of such products. The ozone sanitation device functions to combat harmful pathogens by reduce microbial growth and bacteria existing on the treated object. The device comprises an ozone generator that produces ozone gas that mixes with temperature controlled water to create an ozonated water solution to be applied to an object for treatment. Moreover, the present invention features several methods of using the ozone sanitation device to treat various objects, as well as a method for restoring water to dehydrated objects, such as fruits and vegetables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Fresh Food Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Gillette, James M. Gillette
  • Patent number: 7422729
    Abstract: A reprocessor for microbially deactivating items. The reprocessor has a circulation system for circulating a microbial deactivation fluid through a deactivation chamber that forms part of the circulation system. A container is provided for insertion into the deactivation chamber for holding items to be microbially deactivated. The container includes a tray and a lid. The tray and lid have interlocking, integrally formed, rigid seal elements formed thereon to form a seal between the tray and the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Victor Selig, Karl F. Ludwig, Jude A. Kral, Christopher A. Jethrow, Jeffrey Horacek, Donald A. Sargent
  • Patent number: 7407633
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for neutralizing airborne pathogens in ventilated air, and in heating or air conditioning systems. The pathogen neutralization system is effective against a wide spectrum of pathogens, it incorporates commercially available components, and it can be readily integrated into commercial HVAC systems where it neutralizes airborne pathogens in large volumes of ventilated air in real time without any chemical reagents. Typically, the system has a flow-through reaction chamber that contains a UV light source that emits short intense flashes of broad-spectrum UV light, a source of water vapor or spray, and an ozone generator. The system generates highly reactive ozone intermediates by irradiating ozone gas with UV light in the presence of water droplets or water vapor. The pathogens that can be neutralized by this system include bacteria, viruses, spores, fungi and parasites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Richard S. Potember, Wayne A. Bryden
  • Patent number: 7381377
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided to generate a gas by mixing chemicals with water. Typically, the production of gas, particularly oxygen, by combining water with powders and other dry chemicals has not been widely employed. There have existed a number of preexisting barriers such as undesirable flow rates and yields. However, by utilizing multiple reaction chambers the flow rates and yields can be more precisely tailored for a variety of situations that may call for particular flow rates and yields. Additionally, the use of the dry chemicals would allow for a long self-life allowing the apparatus to be particularly useful in emergency situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: OxySure Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Julian Ross, Charles R. Keyes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7378065
    Abstract: A heat exchange unit for axial and radial pseudo-isothermal reactors which comprise a substantially cylindrical shell (2) closed at the opposite ends by base plates (3, 4), a reaction zone (6) containing a catalytic bed and at least one heat exchanger (11) of the type with a plate having a variable section along the direction of the flow of operating heat exchange fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Methanol Casale S.A.
    Inventors: Ermanno Filippi, Enrico Rizzi, Mirco Tarozzo
  • Patent number: 7371345
    Abstract: Adhesive compositions, particularly medical adhesive compositions, often include several components that may react differently to different sterilization processes, particularly when combined with one another. The present invention is directed to methods of sterilizing different components or groups of components of a final adhesive composition. The different components or groups of components may be sterilized in separate containers before packaging the components or groups of components within a kit, and thereafter sterilizing the kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Closure Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Ubonwan A. Stewart, Melanie Vander Klok
  • Patent number: 7361304
    Abstract: When microbial contamination is introduced into a room (20*) of an enclosure, such as a building, an HVAC system including supply ductwork (16) and a return ductwork (34) is decontaminated with hydrogen peroxide vapor. A decontamination controller (46) operates controllable baffles (22) at outlet registers (20), temporary controllable baffles (44) at inlet registers (30), and a blower system (10) to circulate hydrogen peroxide vapor from hydrogen peroxide vapor generators (42) through the ductwork in both forward and reverse directions. Further, at least portions of the baffles are closed to create dwell times in which the hydrogen peroxide vapor resides in the ductwork with minimal or turbulent flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Steris Inc.
    Inventors: Ian F. McVey, Victor M. Selig, Lewis I. Schwartz, Gerald E. McDonnell, Peter A. Burke
  • Patent number: 7354550
    Abstract: The invention relates to a disinfection or sterilisation method. The material to be disinfected is introduced in a receptacle and the receptacle is sealed. Subsequently, the sealed receptacle is heated under a water vapour and/or radical pressure. The water vapour pressure and/or radical pressure is obtained during the heating by evaporating the water and the radicals absorbed and/or formed in a natural way at the surface of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: NV Bekaert SA
    Inventor: Bruno Aubert
  • Patent number: 7351386
    Abstract: A cartridge holder (30) for an automated endoscope reprocessor (10) is mounted on a movable rack (14). As the rack is wheeled into the chamber, a connector (164) on the cartridge holder (164) automatically makes a fluid connection with a connection port (158) within the chamber. The cartridge holder includes a base (42) and a lid (44), which is pivotally connected to the base by a hinge (110). A cartridge (40) holding a dose of a disinfectant concentrate or reagents is positioned in a well (50) defined by the base and the lid closed. Water flows through the cartridge holder via a fluid passageway (A) defined in part by the lid and in part by the hinge. The water mixes with the concentrate or reagents and the resulting disinfectant solution passes out of a lower end (205) of the cartridge into the well. The solution flows upwardly, around the cartridge, through an annular space (232) between the cartridge and the well, disinfecting the well in the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Steris Inc
    Inventors: Eric Halstead, Serge Coulombe
  • Patent number: 7341698
    Abstract: An evaporator, for use with a bottle containing a substance to be evaporated and a wick that has its lower portion disposed within the bottle and its upper portion protruding from the bottle, includes a housing in which the bottle is retained, a fan, disposed within the housing, for creating an airstream, and a louver structure, disposed downstream of the fan, for directing the airstream created by the fan upwardly and away from the upper portion of the wick. Preferably, the louver structure includes a plurality of louvers inclined at an angle between about 20 degrees to about 60 degrees relative to horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Pedrotti, Filippo Stenico, Fabio Marchetti, Stefano Deflorian, Alessandro Frisanco
  • Patent number: 7335332
    Abstract: A method is provided for minimizing the emissions of odorous gases and neutralizing volatile fatty acids generated by anaerobic decomposition of digestible and odiferous animal waste that includes the step of adding an alkaline solution to the digestible and odiferous animal waste to at least partially neutralize volatile fatty acids present in the digestible and odiferous animal waste and applying a layer of oil and activated carbon to the surface of the waste. A system for applying the above method includes means for applying the layer of oil and activated carbon to a surface of the waste; means for injecting the alkaline solution into the waste below the layer of oil and activated carbon; means for monitoring the pH level of the waste; and means for triggering the injection of additional alkaline solution when the pH level of the waste reaches a set point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventors: Gary L. Rapp, Carrie L. Rapp
  • Patent number: 7335333
    Abstract: An improved method of altering a fluid-borne contaminant includes the steps of: providing a positive-displacement pump (21) having an inlet (22) and an outlet (23); connecting the pump inlet to a source (24) of contaminated fluid; operating the pump at a pressure ratio sufficient to elevate the pressure and temperature of the fluid and contaminants passing through the pump to alter or convert substantially all of the contaminants passing through the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: The Research Foundation of the State University of New York
    Inventors: James F. Garvey, John A. Lordi, Joseph C. Mollendorf, James D. Felske
  • Patent number: 7326382
    Abstract: A method of sterilizing a site or contained volume includes providing an aqueous biocide solution containing a biocide agent such as hydrogen peroxide. A mist of reactive biocide droplets is generated by atomization at ambient pressure from the biocide solution and a flow of carrier medium or air is provided in communication with the mist. The flow of carrier medium is controlled to generate a biocide mist comprising a concentration of stable mist droplets within the carrier medium. By controlling aersolization, extraction and delivery of the stable mist droplets, a sufficient portion of the stable mist droplets for a sterilizing treatment of a designated site do not coalesce prior to treatment interaction with the treatment site. The process of formation, stabilization and extraction are done in-situ so that droplets do not coalesce during transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Nanomist Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Kayyani C. Adiga, Rajani Adiga