Patents by Inventor Dean Croucher

Dean Croucher 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).

  • Ceramic heating elements having open-face structure and methods of fabrication thereof
    Publication number: 20090179023
    Abstract: The invention provides new ceramic resistive heating elements and new methods for manufacturing ceramic resistive heating elements wherein the heating element body comprises two or more regions of differing resistivity, and wherein the heating elements are open face. Heating elements such as igniters and glow plugs also are provided obtainable from fabrication methods of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, INc.
    Inventors: Suresh Annavarapu, Ara Vartabedian, Dean Croucher
  • Method of heating a stovetop range using a continuously energized ceramic igniter having relight capability
    Patent number: 6002107
    Abstract: This invention relates to the use of a continuously energized ceramic igniter in providing a "relight" function in stovetop cooking applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Industrial Ceramics, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig A. Willkens, Linda S. Bateman, Dean Croucher
  • Method of heating a stovetop range using a ceramic igniter
    Patent number: 5892201
    Abstract: The present invention relates a ceramic igniter comprising:a) a pair of electrically conductive portions, each portion having a first end,b) a hot zone disposed between and in electrical connection with each of the first ends of the electrically conductive portions, the hot zone having an electrical path length of less than 0.5 cm, andc) an electrically non-conductive heat sink material contacting the hot zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Industrial Ceramics, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean Croucher, Craig A. Willkens, Linda S. Bateman