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).

  • Publication number: 20220233047
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2022
    Publication date: July 28, 2022
    Inventors: Alan L. WEEKS, Kim C. REEVES, William Scott HUGHES, Ognjen VRDOLJAK
  • Patent number: 11297995
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: SharkNinja Operating LLC
    Inventors: Alan L. Weeks, Kim C. Reeves, William Scott Hughes, Ognjen Vrdoljak
  • Publication number: 20200046196
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Publication date: February 13, 2020
    Inventors: Alan L. WEEKS, Kim C. REEVES, William Scott HUGHES, Ognjen VRDOLJAK
  • Patent number: 10448800
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: SharkNinja Operating LLC
    Inventors: Alan L. Weeks, Kim C. Reeves, William Scott Hughes, Ognjen Vrdoljak
  • Publication number: 20150297054
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Applicant: Euro-Pro Operating LLC
    Inventors: Alan L. Weeks, Kim C. Reeves, William Scott Hughes, Ognjen Vrdoljak
  • Publication number: 20080267790
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Peter W. Gaudet, Robert J. Lepofsky, Alan L. Weeks, Gerald J. Fortier, Stephen R. Matte, Martin Stein, Steven C. Rosner
  • Patent number: 7413411
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter W. Gaudet, Robert J. Lepofsky, Alan L. Weeks, Gerald J. Fortier, Stephen R. Matté, Martin Stein, Steven C. Rosner
  • Patent number: 6902378
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Helix Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Peter W. Gaudet, Robert J. Lepofsky, Alan L. Weeks, Gerald J. Fortier, Stephen R. Matté, Martin Stein, Steven C. Rosner
  • Patent number: 6461113
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Helix Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Peter W. Gaudet, Robert J. Lepofsky, Alan L. Weeks, Gerald J. Fortier, Stephen R. Matté, Martin Stein, Steven C. Rosner
  • Publication number: 20020094277
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Applicant: Helix Technology Corporation
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 6243184
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: ECRM, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan L. Weeks, Gregory G. Cappiello
  • Patent number: 6022195
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Helix Technology Corporation
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 5901558
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Helix Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen R. Matte, Alan L. Weeks
  • Patent number: 5483803
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Helix Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen R. Matte, Alan L. Weeks, Philip A. Lessard
  • Patent number: 5443368
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Helix Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Alan L. Weeks, Gerald J. Fortier, Stephen R. Matte', Peter W. Gaudet, Martin Stein, Steven C. Rosner, Robert J. Lepofsky
  • Patent number: 4842287
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Assignee: Helix Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Alan L. Weeks
  • Patent number: D720904
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Euro-Pro Operating LLC
    Inventors: Alan L. Weeks, Gustavo Fortes Chohfi
  • Patent number: D747055
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: SharkNinja Operating LLC
    Inventors: Dmitry Layevsky, Alan L. Weeks, David Jalbert, Brian F. Kaminer