Patents by Inventor Aaron L. Hill

Aaron L. Hill 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).

  • Publication number: 20030230567
    Abstract: An induction coil (36) generates a magnetic field which induces current in an induction vessel (28). The induction vessel is heated by the current and supplies the heat to a passage (34) within the vessel. A liquid to be vaporized, such as water or hydrogen peroxide solution, is supplied to the passage where it is converted to vapor. The vapor is supplied to a defined area, such as a chamber (14) of a steam or vapor hydrogen peroxide sterilizer (10), where items are microbially decontaminated by the vapor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: STERIS INC.
    Inventors: Michael A. Centanni, Francis J. Zelina, Aaron L. Hill
  • Publication number: 20030164091
    Abstract: A hydrogen peroxide vapor generation unit (10) receives hydrogen peroxide and water solution at an interface (20) and interconnects with an air dryer (14) by way of nipples (72, 92). In one embodiment, the dryer includes a clamping assembly (42) which is latched (74, 94) with the nipples and which receives a disposable desiccant cartridge (40). In an alternate embodiment, a reusable desiccant cartridge (40′) is connected directly to the nipples (72, 92). When the desiccant cartridge (40′) is saturated, it is removed and placed in a regenerator unit (120). A regenerated cartridge is installed in its place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Applicant: STERIS INC.
    Inventors: Aaron L. Hill, Arthur T. Nagare, Frank E. Dougherty, Stanley M. Voyten
  • Publication number: 20020159915
    Abstract: A flash vapor generator (10) provides a constant flow of vaporized hydrogen peroxide for rapidly sterilizing a large decontamination tunnel (11) with a high container throughput. The vaporizer includes a heated block which defines an interior bore or bores. The conditions within the decontamination tunnel are carefully monitored to avoid condensation of the vapor while maintaining the vapor as close as possible to the saturation limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Applicant: STERIS INC.
    Inventors: Francis J. Zelina, Gerald E. McDonnell, Aaron L. Hill, Thaddeus Mielnik, Iain F. McVey, Peter J. Buczynski
  • Publication number: 20020114727
    Abstract: A flash vaporizer (34) provides a constant flow of vaporized hydrogen peroxide or other antimicrobial compounds for rapidly sterilizing large enclosures (10), such as rooms or buildings. The vaporizer includes a heated block (50) which defines an interior bore or bores (70, 72, 74). The flowpath created by the bore or bores increases in cross sectional area as the hydrogen peroxide passes through the block to accommodate the increase in volume during the conversion from liquid to gas. The vapor is injected into dry air in a duct that circulates it to the large enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Iain F. McVey, Francis J. Zelina, Aaron L. Hill, Gerald E. McDonnell, Kevin O. Williams
  • Patent number: 6416144
    Abstract: A guidance assembly (28) guides a door (22) to a cabinet (10) while it is moved between an open position, in which access to an interior chamber is provided through an opening (16) in the cabinet, and a closed position, in which the door covers the opening. The guidance assembly includes two pivotable support members (90, 92) which are pivotally connected to the door. The pivotable support members each include a roller (110, 112) which rolls along a horizontal rail (80) mounted to an exterior wall (18) of the cabinet, adjacent an upper end of the opening. A door positioning system (130), comprising upper and lower door positioners (132, 134, 136), maintains a space between the door the cabinet during opening and closing the door. This prevents damage to the door and the exterior wall of the cabinet and to a sealing member (70) disposed between the door and the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Steris Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Houston, Mark E. Chiffon, Arthur T. Nagare, Aaron L. Hill