Patents by Inventor Harry Bala
Harry Bala 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: 20230053793Abstract: A sterilization challenge device for verifying the efficacy of a gas sterilization process includes an outer container, an inner container, a chemical indicator, and a cap. The outer container includes an open end, a closed end, a chamber configured to contain the inner container containing the chemical indicator, and at least one hole arranged proximate the open end. The cap is configured to engage with the outer container to close the open end, and the at least one hole is configured to provide a flow path for the gaseous sterilant into the chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2021Publication date: February 23, 2023Applicant: American Sterilizer CompanyInventor: Harry Bala
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Publication number: 20220111100Abstract: A sterilization challenge device for verifying the efficacy of a sterilization process includes a container, an insert member, a sterilization indicator, and a cap. The container includes an open end, a closed end, a chamber configured to contain the biological indicator and the insert member, and at least one hole arranged proximate the open end. The cap is configured to engage with the container to close the open end, and the at least one hole is configured to provide a flow path for the gaseous sterilant into the chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2021Publication date: April 14, 2022Inventor: Harry Bala
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Patent number: 11248251Abstract: A biological sterilization indicator for evaluating the effectiveness of a sterilization process includes a cap containing a culture medium, a container containing a concentration of microorganism, and a breakable barrier attached to the cap to encapsulate the culture medium therein. The breakable barrier is formed from a multilayer structure including an aluminum layer and a sealing layer. The biological indicator is configured such that the breakable barrier may be broken at a selected time by engaging the cap and the container at an activated position to introduce the culture medium into the container.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2018Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: American Sterilizer CompanyInventors: Harry Bala, Richard Koszyk, Anthony Fiorello
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Patent number: 11147897Abstract: A sterilization process challenge device configured to test the efficacy of a sterilization process includes a tubular body for containing at least one sterilization indicator and a filter assembly including at least one filter member. The only flow path into the interior of the tubular body containing at least one sterilization indicator is provided through the filter assembly to control and restrict flow of a gaseous sterilization medium from an external environment.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2018Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: American Sterilizer CompanyInventor: Harry Bala
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Patent number: 10953123Abstract: A sterilization process challenge pack including a base tray, a first cover, and a second cover is configured to provide a restrictive flow path for gaseous sterilization medium to test the efficacy of a sterilization process. The base tray includes at least one chamber containing a biological indicator and/or chemical indicator. The first cover including a notch is configured to cover the at least one chamber. The second cover is attached to peripheral surfaces of the base tray except at an unsealed portion. A flow path through the unsealed portion and the notch in the first cover provides the only fluid communication between an external environment and the at least one chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2018Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: American Sterilizer CompanyInventor: Harry Bala
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Patent number: 10704077Abstract: A steam sterilization indicator for indicating acceptability of a sterilization cycle includes a temperature indicator for indicating the temperature used in the sterilization cycle.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2017Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: American Sterilizer CompanyInventor: Harry Bala
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Publication number: 20200165658Abstract: A biological sterilization indicator for evaluating the effectiveness of a sterilization process includes a cap containing a culture medium, a container containing a concentration of microorganism, and a breakable barrier attached to the cap to encapsulate the culture medium therein. The breakable barrier is formed from a multilayer structure including an aluminum layer and a sealing layer. The biological indicator is configured such that the breakable barrier may be broken at a selected time by engaging the cap and the container at an activated position to introduce the culture medium into the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2018Publication date: May 28, 2020Inventors: Harry Bala, Richard Koszyk, Anthony Fiorello
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Publication number: 20190307911Abstract: A sterilization process challenge pack including a base tray, a first cover, and a second cover is configured to provide a restrictive flow path for gaseous sterilization medium to test the efficacy of a sterilization process. The base tray includes at least one chamber containing a biological indicator and/or chemical indicator. The first cover including a notch is configured to cover the at least one chamber. The second cover is attached to peripheral surfaces of the base tray except at an unsealed portion. A flow path through the unsealed portion and the notch in the first cover provides the only fluid communication between an external environment and the at least one chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2018Publication date: October 10, 2019Inventor: Harry Bala
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Publication number: 20190307910Abstract: A sterilization process challenge device configured to test the efficacy of a sterilization process includes a tubular body for containing at least one sterilization indicator and a filter assembly including at least one filter member. The only flow path into the interior of the tubular body containing at least one sterilization indicator is provided through the filter assembly to control and restrict flow of a gaseous sterilization medium from an external environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2018Publication date: October 10, 2019Inventor: Harry Bala
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Publication number: 20190024137Abstract: A steam sterilization indicator for indicating acceptability of a sterilization cycle includes a temperature indicator for indicating the temperature used in the sterilization cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2017Publication date: January 24, 2019Inventor: Harry Bala
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Patent number: 10119946Abstract: A compact sterilization indicator includes a wicking element having at least two different wicking rates across the length of the wicking element.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2016Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: AMERICAN STERILIZER COMPANYInventors: Harry Bala, Mark Bala
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Publication number: 20170307573Abstract: A compact sterilization indicator includes a wicking element having at least two different wicking rates across the length of the wicking element.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2016Publication date: October 26, 2017Inventors: Harry Bala, Mark Bala
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Patent number: 9623134Abstract: A sterilization test strip includes a temperature sensitive material, which liquefies and travels along a wicking element when exposed to steam at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period time to reach a marker to indicate that an acceptable level of sterilization has not occurred.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2015Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: American Sterilizer CompanyInventor: Harry Bala
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Patent number: 9360464Abstract: An indicator for a sterilization process is configured to function for two different sterilization conditions. The indicator includes two pass zones to indicate whether an acceptable sterilization has occurred after a sterilization process at a first condition of after a sterilization process at a second condition.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2014Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: American Sterilizer CompanyInventors: Harry Bala, Mark Bala
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Patent number: 9354227Abstract: An indicator for a sterilization process is configured to function for two different sterilization conditions. The indicator includes two pass zones to indicate whether an acceptable sterilization has occurred after a sterilization process at a first condition or after a sterilization process at a second condition.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2014Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: American Sterilizer CompanyInventors: Harry Bala, Mark Bala
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Patent number: 9265846Abstract: An air removal test system for verifying adequate air removal during a sterilization cycle of a pre-vacuum type sterilizer includes specimen holder and a test strip. The test strip includes a solid indicator chemical, which liquefies and travels along a wicking element during the sterilization cycle. The test strip is configured to verify adequate removal of air during the sterilization cycle by displaying a color change through a window.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2014Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: American Sterilizer CompanyInventors: Harry Bala, Mark Bala
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Publication number: 20150252403Abstract: An indicator for a sterilization process is configured to function for two different sterilization conditions. The indicator includes two pass zones to indicate whether an acceptable sterilization has occurred after a sterilization process at a first condition of after a sterilization process at a second condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2014Publication date: September 10, 2015Applicant: DANA PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Harry Bala, Mark Bala
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Publication number: 20150253311Abstract: An indicator for a sterilization process is configured to function for two different sterilization conditions. The indicator includes two pass zones to indicate whether an acceptable sterilization has occurred after a sterilization process at a first condition or after a sterilization process at a second condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2014Publication date: September 10, 2015Applicant: DANA PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Harry Bala, Mark Bala
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Patent number: 9010269Abstract: A counting device includes a shaft, a handle affixed to a first end of the shaft, and a locking unit mounted in the handle spaced from the shaft. A locking plate has an opening for accommodating the shaft. The locking plate has a plurality of recesses facing the locking unit for cooperating with the locking unit. A position indicating assembly is coupled to the shaft to move as the handle is rotated. The recesses are arranged in a circular pattern on the locking plate such that the locking unit engages each recess as the handle is rotated around the shaft. The recesses are configured to permit one-way rotation of the handle.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2012Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Dana Products, Inc.Inventors: Harry Bala, Mark Bala
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Publication number: 20140273239Abstract: An air removal test system for verifying adequate air removal during a sterilization cycle of a pre-vacuum type sterilizer includes specimen holder and a test strip. The test strip includes a solid indicator chemical, which liquefies and travels along a wicking element during the sterilization cycle. The test strip is configured to verify adequate removal of air during the sterilization cycle by displaying a color change through a window.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Dana Products, Inc.Inventor: Harry Bala