Patents by Inventor Frank E. Dougherty

Frank E. Dougherty 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).

  • Patent number: 7544325
    Abstract: An apparatus for testing the efficacy of a sterilizing environment on a test indicator, comprising a test chamber, a loading chamber adjacent to the test chamber and an opening connecting the test chamber to the loading chamber. A movable gate mechanism has a first position closing the opening and isolating the test chamber from the loading chamber, and a second position wherein the opening connects the test chamber to the loading chamber. A system is connected to the inlet port and the outlet port of the test chamber for supplying a sterilant vapor to the test chamber to establish a sterilizing environment in the test chamber. An indicator holder is operable to move a test indicator from the loading chamber into and out of the test chamber when the gate mechanism is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Aaron L. Hill, Jeffrey A. Goughnour, Leslie M. Logue, Frank E. Dougherty
  • Patent number: 7431900
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Steris Inc
    Inventors: Aaron L. Hill, Arthur T. Nagare, Frank E. Dougherty, Stanley M. Voyten
  • 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
  • Patent number: 4416400
    Abstract: A container cap having threads on a surface thereof is integral in one piece with a flexible bulb having a wall thickness thinner than the wall thickness of the cap. A pipette is coaxial with the cap and bulb and welded to the cap. The cap, bulb and pipette are made from a polymeric plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1983
    Assignee: Dougherty Brothers Company
    Inventor: Frank E. Dougherty, Sr.