Patents by Inventor Karen L. Asher

Karen L. Asher 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).

  • Apparatus and method for sanitizing and cleaning a filter system
    Patent number: 6419823
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for sanitizing and cleaning filtration systems is provided. The apparatus includes a chamber fluidly connected to a source of fluid for backwashing the system, and a heat exchanger for increasing the temperature of the fluid. A filter media is positioned within the chamber. The method of sanitization involves backwashing the apparatus to remove debris, then continuing to circulate the backwash fluid through the system while increasing the temperature of the fluid, until the temperature of the water and apparatus is sufficient to deactivate microorganisms. The method may also involve increasing the disinfecting power of the fluid by adjusting the pH of the fluid. The apparatus may be provided with a scavenger to assist in the substantially complete removal of fluid from the chamber during and after a steaming or cleaning process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventors: Harry C. DeLonge, Michael G. Costello, Karen L. Asher
  • Apparatus and method for sanitizing and cleaning a filter system
    Patent number: 6342163
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for sanitizing and cleaning filtration systems is provided. The apparatus includes a chamber fluidly connected to a source of fluid for backwashing the system, and a heat exchanger for increasing the temperature of the fluid. A filter media is positioned within the chamber. The method of sanitization involves backwashing the apparatus to remove debris, then continuing to circulate the backwash fluid through the system while increasing the temperature of the fluid, until the temperature of the water and apparatus is sufficient to deactivate microorganisms. The method may also involve increasing the disinfecting power of the fluid by adjusting the pH of the fluid. The apparatus may be provided with a scavenger to assist in the substantially complete removal of fluid from the chamber during and after a steaming or cleaning process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventors: Harry C. DeLonge, Michael G. Costello, Karen L. Asher
  • Apparatus and method for sanitizing and cleaning a filter system
    Publication number: 20010052503
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for sanitizing and cleaning filtration systems is provided. The apparatus includes a chamber fluidly connected to a source of fluid for backwashing the system, and a heat exchanger for increasing the temperature of the fluid. A filter media is positioned within the chamber. The method of sanitization involves backwashing the apparatus to remove debris, then continuing to circulate the backwash fluid through the system while increasing the temperature of the fluid, until the temperature of the water and apparatus is sufficient to deactivate microorganisms. The method may also involve increasing the disinfecting power of the fluid by adjusting the pH of the fluid. The apparatus may be provided with a scavenger to assist in the substantially complete removal of fluid from the chamber during and after a steaming or cleaning process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Harry C. DeLonge, Michael G. Costello, Karen L. Asher