Patents by Inventor Alan L. Weeks
Alan L. Weeks 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).
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Publication number: 20220233047Abstract: Embodiments of the invention disclosed herein include steam appliances and methods which apply steam and a liquid containing a cleaning agent to the floor via separate outlets. In some embodiments, the liquid containing a cleaning agent is applied to an area of the floor that is physically separated from a steam application area. The steam may be applied to the floor through a steam-permeable fabric. The liquid containing a cleaning agent may be heated before being applied to the floor or being mixed with steam.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2022Publication date: July 28, 2022Inventors: Alan L. WEEKS, Kim C. REEVES, William Scott HUGHES, Ognjen VRDOLJAK
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Patent number: 11297995Abstract: Embodiments of the invention disclosed herein include steam appliances and methods which apply steam and a liquid containing a cleaning agent to the floor via separate outlets. In some embodiments, the liquid containing a cleaning agent is applied to an area of the floor that is physically separated from a steam application area. The steam may be applied to the floor through a steam-permeable fabric. The liquid containing a cleaning agent may be heated before being applied to the floor or being mixed with steam.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2019Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: SharkNinja Operating LLCInventors: Alan L. Weeks, Kim C. Reeves, William Scott Hughes, Ognjen Vrdoljak
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Publication number: 20200046196Abstract: Embodiments of the invention disclosed herein include steam appliances and methods which apply steam and a liquid containing a cleaning agent to the floor via separate outlets. In some embodiments, the liquid containing a cleaning agent is applied to an area of the floor that is physically separated from a steam application area. The steam may be applied to the floor through a steam-permeable fabric. The liquid containing a cleaning agent may be heated before being applied to the floor or being mixed with steam.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2019Publication date: February 13, 2020Inventors: Alan L. WEEKS, Kim C. REEVES, William Scott HUGHES, Ognjen VRDOLJAK
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Patent number: 10448800Abstract: Embodiments of the invention disclosed herein include steam appliances and methods which apply steam and a liquid containing a cleaning agent to the floor via separate outlets. In some embodiments, the liquid containing a cleaning agent is applied to an area of the floor that is physically separated from a steam application area. The steam may be applied to the floor through a steam-permeable fabric. The liquid containing a cleaning agent may be heated before being applied to the floor or being mixed with steam.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2013Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: SharkNinja Operating LLCInventors: Alan L. Weeks, Kim C. Reeves, William Scott Hughes, Ognjen Vrdoljak
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Publication number: 20150297054Abstract: Embodiments of the invention disclosed herein include steam appliances and methods which apply steam and a liquid containing a cleaning agent to the floor via separate outlets. In some embodiments, the liquid containing a cleaning agent is applied to an area of the floor that is physically separated from a steam application area. The steam may be applied to the floor through a steam-permeable fabric. The liquid containing a cleaning agent may be heated before being applied to the floor or being mixed with steam.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2013Publication date: October 22, 2015Applicant: Euro-Pro Operating LLCInventors: Alan L. Weeks, Kim C. Reeves, William Scott Hughes, Ognjen Vrdoljak
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Publication number: 20080267790Abstract: A vacuum system comprises, as an integral assembly, a vacuum pump with drive motor, a purge valve, a roughing valve and an electronic control module. A cryogenic vacuum pump and a turbomolecular vacuum pump are disclosed. The control module has a programmed processor for controlling the motor and valves and is user programmable for establishing specific control sequences. The integral electronic control module is removable from the assembly and is connected to the other devices through a common connector assembly. In the turbomolecular pump system proper introduction of a purge gas through the purge valve is detected by detecting the current load on the pump drive or by detecting foreline pressure. To test the purge gas status, the purge valve may be closed and then opened as drive current or pressure is monitored. After power failure, the controller will continue normal drive of the turbomolecular pump so long as the speed of the pump has remained above a threshold value.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2008Publication date: October 30, 2008Inventors: Peter W. Gaudet, Robert J. Lepofsky, Alan L. Weeks, Gerald J. Fortier, Stephen R. Matte, Martin Stein, Steven C. Rosner
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Patent number: 7413411Abstract: A vacuum system comprises, as an integral assembly, a vacuum pump with drive motor, a purge valve, a roughing valve and an electronic control module. A cryogenic vacuum pump and a turbomolecular vacuum pump are disclosed. The control module has a programmed processor for controlling the motor and valves and is user programmable for establishing specific control sequences. The integral electronic control module is removable from the assembly and is connected to the other devices through a common connector assembly. In the turbomolecular pump system proper introduction of a purge gas through the purge valve is detected by detecting the current load on the pump drive or by detecting foreline pressure. To test the purge gas status, the purge valve may be closed and then opened as drive current or pressure is monitored. After power failure, the controller will continue normal drive of the turbomolecular pump so long as the speed of the pump has remained above a threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2005Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.Inventors: Peter W. Gaudet, Robert J. Lepofsky, Alan L. Weeks, Gerald J. Fortier, Stephen R. Matté, Martin Stein, Steven C. Rosner
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Patent number: 6902378Abstract: A vacuum system comprises, as an integral assembly, a vacuum pump with drive motor, a purge valve, a roughing valve and an electronic control module. A cryogenic vacuum pump and a turbomolecular vacuum pump are disclosed. The control module has a programmed processor for controlling the motor and valves and is user programmable for establishing specific control sequences. The integral electronic control module is removable from the assembly and is connected to the other devices through a common connector assembly. In the turbomolecular pump system proper introduction of a purge gas through the purge valve is detected by detecting the current load on the pump drive or by detecting foreline pressure. To test the purge gas status, the purge valve may be closed and then opened as drive current or pressure is monitored. After power failure, the controller will continue normal drive of the turbomolecular pump so long as the speed of the pump has remained above a threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2002Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignee: Helix Technology CorporationInventors: Peter W. Gaudet, Robert J. Lepofsky, Alan L. Weeks, Gerald J. Fortier, Stephen R. Matté, Martin Stein, Steven C. Rosner
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Patent number: 6461113Abstract: A vacuum system comprises, as an integral assembly, a vacuum pump with drive motor, a purge valve, a roughing valve and an electronic control module. A cryogenic vacuum pump and a turbomolecular vacuum pump are disclosed. The control module has a programmed processor for controlling the motor and valves and is user programmable for establishing specific control sequences. The integral electronic control module is removable from the assembly and is connected to the other devices through a common connector assembly. In the turbomolecular pump system proper introduction of a purge gas through the purge valve is detected by detecting the current load on the pump drive or by detecting foreline pressure. To test the purge gas status, the purge valve may be closed and then opened as drive current or pressure is monitored. After power failure, the controller will continue normal drive of the turbomolecular pump so long as the speed of the pump has remained above a threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1999Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: Helix Technology CorporationInventors: Peter W. Gaudet, Robert J. Lepofsky, Alan L. Weeks, Gerald J. Fortier, Stephen R. Matté, Martin Stein, Steven C. Rosner
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Publication number: 20020094277Abstract: A vacuum system comprises, as an integral assembly, a vacuum pump with drive motor, a purge valve, a roughing valve and an electronic control module. A cryogenic vacuum pump and a turbomolecular vacuum pump are disclosed. The control module has a programmed processor for controlling the motor and valves and is user programmable for establishing specific control sequences. The integral electronic control module is removable from the assembly and is connected to the other devices through a common connector assembly. In the turbomolecular pump system proper introduction of a purge gas through the purge valve is detected by detecting the current load on the pump drive or by detecting foreline pressure. To test the purge gas status, the purge valve may be closed and then opened as drive current or pressure is monitored. After power failure, the controller will continue normal drive of the turbomolecular pump so long as the speed of the pump has remained above a threshold value.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2002Publication date: July 18, 2002Applicant: Helix Technology CorporationInventors: Peter W. Gaudet, Michael J. Eacobacci, Robert J. Lepofsky, David E. Roche, Alan L. Weeks, Gerald J. Fortier, Stephen R. Matte, Martin Stein, Steven C. Rosner
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Patent number: 6243184Abstract: A light scanner includes a beam deflector supported for rotary motion to deflect an incoming light beam into an image field in response to being rotationally aligned. A motor mechanically couples to rotate the deflector in and out of the rotational alignment. The beam deflector scans the image field with the deflected incoming light in response to being rotated. A gas permeable screen structure partially encloses a region adjacent the rotating beam deflector and reduces gas turbulence in the region of the deflector.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1998Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Assignee: ECRM, Inc.Inventors: Alan L. Weeks, Gregory G. Cappiello
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Patent number: 6022195Abstract: A vacuum system comprises, as an integral assembly, a vacuum pump with drive motor, a purge valve, a roughing valve and an electronic control module. A cryogenic vacuum pump and a turbomolecular vacuum pump are disclosed. The control module has a programmed processor for controlling the motor and valves and is user programmable for establishing specific control sequences. The integral electronic control module is removable from the assembly and is connected to the other devices through a common connector assembly. In the turbomolecular pump system proper introduction of a purge gas through the purge valve is detected by detecting the current load on the pump drive or by detecting foreline pressure. To test the purge gas status, the purge valve may be closed and then opened as drive current or pressure is monitored. After power failure, the controller will continue normal drive of the turbomolecular pump so long as the speed of the pump has remained above a threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1995Date of Patent: February 8, 2000Assignee: Helix Technology CorporationInventors: Peter W. Gaudet, Michael J. Eacobacci, Robert J. Lepofsky, David E. Roche, Alan L. Weeks, Gerald J. Fortier, Stephen R. Matte, Martin Stein, Steven C. Rosner
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Patent number: 5901558Abstract: A cold trap includes a fluid conduit having a fluid flow path therethrough, a length along the fluid flow path and a width transverse to the fluid flow path. The width of the fluid conduit is greater than the length. A gate valve is formed integrally with the fluid flow conduit for opening and closing the fluid flow path. A cryopumping array having an outer rim surrounding a central opening is positioned within the fluid conduit downstream from the gate valve and transverse to the fluid flow path such that the fluid flow path extends through the central opening. The outer rim captures water vapor from the fluid flow path.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1997Date of Patent: May 11, 1999Assignee: Helix Technology CorporationInventors: Stephen R. Matte, Alan L. Weeks
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Patent number: 5483803Abstract: A cryogenically cooled water pump traps water vapor with a high probability but is open to non-condensing gases for high conductance to a turbomolecular pump. The preferred array is a single cylinder, having a length to diameter ratio of between 0.5 and 1, concentric with and near to an ambient temperature conduit. A center baffle, preferably of closed frustoconical shape, may be positioned at the center of the array over the upper bearing plate of the turbomolecular pump where it results in minimal reduction in conductance to the pump.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1994Date of Patent: January 16, 1996Assignee: Helix Technology CorporationInventors: Stephen R. Matte, Alan L. Weeks, Philip A. Lessard
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Patent number: 5443368Abstract: A vacuum system comprises, as an integral assembly, a turbomolecular pump with drive motor, a vent valve, a purge valve, a roughing valve, a heater and an electronic control module. The control module has a programmed processor for controlling the motor and valves and is user programmable for establishing specific control sequences. The integral electronic control module is removable from the assembly and is connected to the other devices through a common connector assembly. Proper introduction of a purge gas through the purge valve is detected by detecting the current load on the pump drive or by detecting foreline pressure. To test the purge gas status, the purge valve may be closed and then opened as drive current or pressure is monitored. After power failure, the controller will continue normal drive of the turbomolecular pump so long as the speed of the pump has remained above a threshold value. Otherwise the vent valve will have been opened, and a start-up sequence must be initiated.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1993Date of Patent: August 22, 1995Assignee: Helix Technology CorporationInventors: Alan L. Weeks, Gerald J. Fortier, Stephen R. Matte', Peter W. Gaudet, Martin Stein, Steven C. Rosner, Robert J. Lepofsky
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Patent number: 4842287Abstract: A pressure seal used for containing helium within a cryogenic refrigerator, which utilizes a linear drive assembly. A deformable gasket is used to seal the enclosing elements of the linear drive assembly to reduce helium leakage. Concentrically serrated members compress onto opposite sides of the soft metal gasket to form labyrinthine sealing grooves therein.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1987Date of Patent: June 27, 1989Assignee: Helix Technology CorporationInventor: Alan L. Weeks
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Patent number: D720904Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2013Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Euro-Pro Operating LLCInventors: Alan L. Weeks, Gustavo Fortes Chohfi
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Patent number: D747055Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2013Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: SharkNinja Operating LLCInventors: Dmitry Layevsky, Alan L. Weeks, David Jalbert, Brian F. Kaminer