Patents by Inventor James P. Gardner

James P. Gardner 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: 7232272
    Abstract: The present invention includes a system for applying floor finish. The system can include a back or other pack configured to hold one or more containers of liquid floor finish, a wand applicator, and metering valve. The wand applicator can include handle and conduit. The conduit can provide fluid communication of floor finish from the container to a floor. The metering valve can be configured to controllably provide fluid communication of floor finish through the conduit and to release floor finish onto the floor. In an embodiment the system also includes a cleanout coupler. In an embodiment the system also includes a filter configured to filter the floor finish. In an embodiment, the backpack includes a grip configured for carrying the backpack. In an embodiment, the backpack includes positioning portion or surface configured to support portions of the container. In an embodiment, the backpack includes padded attachment apparatus configured to support the backpack on a wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Balz, Wesley Nelson, Brian Carlson, Darren Jahnke, James P. Gardner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7071829
    Abstract: A non-destructive flying insect detector is disclosed. The detector creates a sheet or curtain of light comprising a sensing zone and detects, by means of light extinction, individual flying insects that intersect the sensing zone. The sensing zone is created by a beam of light that enters the sensing zone area and is then bounced between opposing reflective surfaces. Preferably a laser is utilized to generate the beam of light. The beam of light leaves the sensing zone area and is incident on a light detection device (such as a photo cell) connected to an amplifier circuit. The light detection device monitors the light intensity and is arranged and configured to detect changes in the light intensity. The changes are electronically converted to a pest detection signal and/or to a flying insect count. Each flying pest detection signal may also be associated with other monitored data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Gardner, Jr., David N. Demattia
  • Patent number: 6937156
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for capacitively sensing one or more pests is disclosed. The detector may be employed as either a passive detector and/or as a part of a combined detector and trap. The sensor system includes at least two sensor electrodes and a capacitance sensing circuit. When a non-capacitive object, such as a pest, approaches the sensor electrodes, the capacitance of the sensor electrodes increases due to the object having a higher dielectric constant than air. A capacitance sensing circuit detects the increased capacitance and provides an output signal that a pest has entered the area being monitored. The capacitance sensing circuit may also be constructed to measure the change in the electrode in order to determine the size and/or type of pest based on a characteristic change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Gardner, Jr., Louis Mark Holzman, Kraig S. Lund, Stephen X. Skaff
  • Patent number: 6895307
    Abstract: A data processing system is used to manage and track use of chemical product in a washing machine. A detergent dispenser distributes the chemical products (e.g., detergent, rinse agent, and bleach) to the washing machine. The dispenser includes a monitor that detects dispenser data based on distribution of the chemical product by the dispenser. A database is coupled to the dispenser and stores an account identifier and an alignment identifier in association with the dispenser data of the dispenser. The database further stores corporate data in association with the dispenser data, the account identifier, and the alignment identifier. An analysis application analyzes the dispenser data in relation with the corporate data to characterize use of the chemical product in the chemical application system and provide a feedback loop. The analysis application can limit its analysis to data associated with a given account identifier or a given alignment identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: James P. Gardner, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040234324
    Abstract: The present invention includes a system for applying floor finish. The system can include a back or other pack configured to hold one or more containers of liquid floor finish, a wand applicator, and metering valve. The wand applicator can include handle and conduit. The conduit can provide fluid communication of floor finish from the container to a floor. The metering valve can be configured to controllably provide fluid communication of floor finish through the conduit and to release floor finish onto the floor. In an embodiment the system also includes a cleanout coupler. In an embodiment the system also includes a filter configured to filter the floor finish. In an embodiment, the backpack includes a grip configured for carrying the backpack. In an embodiment, the backpack includes positioning portion or surface configured to support portions of the container. In an embodiment, the backpack includes padded attachment apparatus configured to support the backpack on a wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Eric Balz, Wesley Nelson, Brian Carlson, Darren Jahnke, James P. Gardner
  • Publication number: 20040187377
    Abstract: A glueboard (10, 110) includes a base member (11, 111) and a quantity of rodent arresting adhesive (12, 112). A first quantity of securing adhesive (15, 115) is operatively connected to the bottom surface of the base member (11, 111), wherein the glueboard (10, 110) is attachable to a contact surface (201, 301).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: James P. Gardner
  • Publication number: 20040088076
    Abstract: A data processing system is used to manage and track use of chemical product in a washing machine. A detergent dispenser distributes the chemical products (e.g., detergent, rinse agent, and bleach) to the washing machine. The dispenser includes a monitor that detects dispenser data based on distribution of the chemical product by the dispenser. A database is coupled to the dispenser and stores an account identifier and an alignment identifier in association with the dispenser data of the dispenser. The database further stores corporate data in association with the dispenser data, the account identifier, and the alignment identifier. An analysis application analyzes the dispenser data in relation with the corporate data to characterize use of the chemical product in the chemical application system and provide a feedback loop. The analysis application can limit its analysis to data associated with a given account identifier or a given alignment identifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: James P. Gardner
  • Publication number: 20040057977
    Abstract: Compositions, methods-of-preparing, and methods-of-use of a water-based rapid acting insecticidal bait containing a stabilized water-sensitive insecticide as an active ingredient are described. Also described is a storage stable composition containing the water-sensitive insecticide and an insecticide stabilizer, such as boric acid or a nanoparticle. The composition can be easily applied into cracks, crevices, voids, or other pest harborage areas to rapidly kill insect pests, particularly cockroaches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Gardner, S. John Barcay, Emory H. Matts, Steven J. Lange, Thomas R. Mohs, Robert D. Hei
  • Patent number: 6697706
    Abstract: A data processing system is used to manage and track use of chemical product in a washing machine. A detergent dispenser distributes the chemical products (e.g., detergent, rinse agent, and bleach) to the washing machine. The dispenser includes a monitor that detects dispenser data based on distribution of the chemical product by the dispenser. A database is coupled to the dispenser and stores an account identifier and an alignment identifier in association with the dispenser data of the dispenser. The database further stores corporate data in association with the dispenser data, the account identifier, and the alignment identifier. An analysis application analyzes the dispenser data in relation with the corporate data to characterize use of the chemical product in the chemical application system and provide a feedback loop. The analysis application can limit its analysis to data associated with a given account identifier or a given alignment identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventor: James P. Gardner, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030218543
    Abstract: A non-destructive flying insect detector is disclosed. The detector creates a sheet or curtain of light comprising a sensing zone and detects, by means of light extinction, individual flying insects that intersect the sensing zone. The sensing zone is created by a beam of light that enters the sensing zone area and is then bounced between opposing reflective surfaces. Preferably a laser is utilized to generate the beam of light. The beam of light leaves the sensing zone area and is incident on a light detection device (such as a photo cell) connected to an amplifier circuit. The light detection device monitors the light intensity and is arranged and configured to detect changes in the light intensity. The changes are electronically converted to a pest detection signal and/or to a flying insect count. Each flying pest detection signal may also be associated with other monitored data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: James P. Gardner, David N. Demattia
  • Publication number: 20030213161
    Abstract: A reporting system for collecting, communicating and analyzing information from a plurality of pest monitoring locations is disclosed. The monitored locations include activity sensing pest devices. These devices can include traps and/or passive and active monitoring devices not having a trapping or killing functionality. While traps may constitute the majority of activity sensing pest devices in a given pest control program, devices which only monitor pest activity may be preferred in some locations and applications. The system includes automatic reporting from the plurality of activity sensing pest devices and also includes physical inspection data. Preferably an automatic real-time communication system is used, with the preferred communication system being a radio-frequency (RF) or other over-the-air system. However, hardwired systems, use of a personal digital assistant (PDA) as an interim data carrier, and other technologies may also be employed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: James P. Gardner, Stephen X. Skaff, Kraig S. Lund, David N. Demattia, Louis Mark Holzman
  • Publication number: 20030195656
    Abstract: A data processing system is used to manage and track use of chemical product in a washing machine. A detergent dispenser distributes the chemical products (e.g., detergent, rinse agent, and bleach) to the washing machine. The dispenser includes a monitor that detects dispenser data based on distribution of the chemical product by the dispenser. A database is coupled to the dispenser and stores an account identifier and an alignment identifier in association with the dispenser data of the dispenser. The database further stores corporate data in associating with the dispenser data, the account identifier, and the alignment identifier. An analysis application analyzes the dispenser data in relation with the corporate data to characterize use of the chemical product in the chemical application system and provide a feedback loop. The analysis application can limit its analysis to data associated with a given account identifier or a given alignment identifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: James P. Gardner
  • Publication number: 20030195657
    Abstract: A data processing system is used to manage and track use of chemical product in a washing machine. A detergent dispenser distributes the chemical products (e.g., detergent, rinse agent, and bleach) to the washing machine. The dispenser includes a monitor that detects dispenser data based on distribution of the chemical product by the dispenser. A database is coupled to the dispenser and stores an account identifier and an alignment identifier in association with the dispenser data of the dispenser. The database further stores corporate data in associating with the dispenser data, the account identifier, and the alignment identifier. An analysis application analyzes the dispenser data in relation with the corporate data to characterize use of the chemical product in the chemical application system and provide a feedback loop. The analysis application can limit its analysis to data associated with a given account identifier or a given alignment identifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: James P. Gardner
  • Publication number: 20030184442
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for capacitively sensing one or more pests is disclosed. The detector may be employed as either a passive detector and/or as a part of a combined detector and trap. The sensor system includes at least two sensor electrodes and a capacitance sensing circuit. When a non-capacitive object, such as a pest, approaches the sensor electrodes, the capacitance of the sensor electrodes increases due to the object having a higher dielectric constant than air. A capacitance sensing circuit detects the increased capacitance and provides an output signal that a pest has entered the area being monitored. The capacitance sensing circuit may also be constructed to measure the change in the electrode in order to determine the size and/or type of pest based on a characteristic change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Gardner, Louis Mark Holzman, Kraig S. Lund, Stephen X. Skaff
  • Publication number: 20020096537
    Abstract: A data processing system is used to manage and track use of chemical product in a washing machine. A detergent dispenser distributes the chemical products (e.g., detergent, rinse agent, and bleach) to the washing machine. The dispenser includes a monitor that detects dispenser data based on distribution of the chemical product by the dispenser. A database is coupled to the dispenser and stores an account identifier and an alignment identifier in association with the dispenser data of the dispenser. The database further stores corporate data in associating with the dispenser data, the account identifier, and the alignment identifier. An analysis application analyzes the dispenser data in relation with the corporate data to characterize use of the chemical product in the chemical application system and provide a feedback loop. The analysis application can limit its analysis to data associated with a given account identifier or a given alignment identifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: James P. Gardner
  • Patent number: 6377868
    Abstract: A data processing system is used to manage and track use of chemical product in a washing machine. A detergent dispenser distributes the chemical products (e.g., detergent, rinse agent, and bleach) to the washing machine. The dispenser includes a monitor that detects dispenser data based on distribution of the chemical product by the dispenser. A database is coupled to the dispenser and stores an account identifier and an alignment identifier in association with the dispenser data of the dispenser. The database further stores corporate data in associating with the dispenser data, the account identifier, and the alignment identifier. An analysis application analyzes the dispenser data in relation with the corporate data to characterize use of the chemical product in the chemical application system and provide a feedback loop. The analysis application can limit its analysis to data associated with a given account identifier or a given alignment identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: James P. Gardner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6171735
    Abstract: A photosensitive composition is prepared containing a polymer of the formula B(X)(Y) wherein B represents an organic backbone, each X independently is an acidic group or salt thereof and each Y independently is a photocurable group and a photoinitiating compound or compounds. Preferably, free-radically polymerizable multi-functional monomer and/or oligomer is added to the photosensitive composition. The photosensitive composition can be coated on a suitable substrate for planographic printing plate applications. Imagewise irradiation causes the light struck regions to photocure, becoming insoluble in aqueous and organic mediums, while the non-light struck regions remain highly soluble/dispersable. Printing plates of this construction do not require processing prior to being run on a press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Minyu Li, James P. Gardner, John E. Kluge, Sumita B. Mitra
  • Patent number: 6027857
    Abstract: A photosensitive composition is prepared containing a polymer of the formula B(X)(Y) wherein B represents an organic backbone, each X independently is an acidic group or salt thereof and each Y independently is a photocurable group and a photoinitiating compound or compounds. Preferably, free-radically polymerizable multi-functional monomer and/or oligomer is added to the photosensitive composition. The photosensitive composition can be coated on a suitable substrate for planographic printing plate applications. Imagewise irradiation causes the light struck regions to photocure, becoming insoluble in aqueous and organic mediums, while the non-light struck regions remain highly soluble/dispersable. Printing plates of this construction do not require processing prior to being run on a press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Minyu Li, James P. Gardner, John E. Kluge, Sumita B. Mitra
  • Patent number: 5939237
    Abstract: A no-process printing plate forming photosensitive article having a protective top coat layer is described. The top coat layer may be a water soluble or dispersible polymer, sol, salt, or mixture thereof. The protective top coat layer may provide the no-process printing plate with protection from contamination during handling, improved suppression of odors during imaging, and improved roll-up performance on press. The hydrophilic protective top coat is removed on press by action of the fountain solution and/or ink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Imation Corp.
    Inventors: James P. Gardner, Jr., Leonard J. Stulc, Richard A. Johnson, Dennis E. Vogel
  • Patent number: 5925497
    Abstract: A photosensitive composition is prepared containing a polymer of the formula B(X)(Y) wherein B represents an organic backbone, each X independently is an acidic group or salt thereof and each Y independently is a photocurable group and a photoinitating compound or compounds. Preferably, free-radically polymerizable multi-functional monomer and/or oligomer is added to the photosensitive composition. The photosensitive composition can be coated on a suitable substrate for planographic printing plate applications. Imagewise irradiation causes the light struck regions to photocure, becoming insoluble in aqueous and organic mediums, while the non-light struck regions remain highly soluble/dispersable. Printing plates of this construction do not require processing prior to being run on a press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Minyu Li, James P. Gardner, John E. Kluge, Sumita B. Mitra