Patents by Inventor Kenneth J. Klobusnik
Kenneth J. Klobusnik 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: 20220257808Abstract: A steam sterilizer having a door movable relative to an opening between a first open position and a second closed position. A plurality of spaced-apart roller assemblies are aligned along edges of the door to align the door relative to the opening as the door moves between the open and closed position. Each of the roller assemblies are comprised of a cylindrical roller having an outer annual recess extending along the periphery thereof. The recess is dimensioned to receive a lateral edge of the door. The roller is mounted on a shaft and is movable against a biasing force axially along the axis of the shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2022Publication date: August 18, 2022Applicant: AMERICAN STERILIZER COMPANYInventors: Sandeepan DUTTA, Michael RABINOVICH, Kenneth J. KLOBUSNIK
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Patent number: 11351277Abstract: A steam sterilizer having a door movable relative to an opening between a first open position and a second closed position. A plurality of spaced-apart roller assemblies are aligned along edges of the door to align the door relative to the opening as the door moves between the open and closed position. Each of the roller assemblies are comprised of a cylindrical roller having an outer annual recess extending along the periphery thereof. The recess is dimensioned to receive a lateral edge of the door. The roller is mounted on a shaft and is movable against a biasing force axially along the axis of the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2017Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: AMERICAN STERILIZER COMPANYInventors: Sandeepan Dutta, Michael Rabinovich, Kenneth J. Klobusnik
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Publication number: 20210353792Abstract: A method and apparatus for reprocessing decontaminating articles in a steam sterilizer at low temperatures and sub-atmospheric pressure. The method includes steps for operating the steam sterilizer such that it can safely and effectively decontaminate articles at temperatures below conventional steam sterilization processing temperatures. The steam sterilizer includes a low temperature operating mode that processes articles in a chamber at low temperatures and at sub-atmospheric pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2021Publication date: November 18, 2021Applicant: American Sterilizer CompanyInventors: David F. McCall, Kenneth J. Klobusnik, Mark E. Chiffon
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Publication number: 20180369433Abstract: A steam sterilizer having a door movable relative to an opening between a first open position and a second closed position. A plurality of spaced-apart roller assemblies are aligned along edges of the door to align the door relative to the opening as the door moves between the open and closed position. Each of the roller assemblies are comprised of a cylindrical roller having an outer annual recess extending along the periphery thereof. The recess is dimensioned to receive a lateral edge of the door. The roller is mounted on a shaft and is movable against a biasing force axially along the axis of the shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2017Publication date: December 27, 2018Applicant: AMERICAN STERILIZER COMPANYInventors: Sandeepan DUTTA, Michael RABINOVICH, Kenneth J. KLOBUSNIK
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Patent number: 9302021Abstract: A method of sterilizing articles, using a low-vapor-pressure sterilant in a compact sterilizer, including a pre-pulse injection of sterilant to condition a sterilization chamber.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: AMERICAN STERILIZER COMPANYInventor: Kenneth J Klobusnik
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Patent number: 9120042Abstract: A device for removing oil mist and odors from an airstream comprising a base having an air inlet in the lower end thereof for receiving an airstream. A first tubular filter has a first end and a second end. The first end is closed, and the second end is mounted on the base wherein the first tubular filter defines an inner chamber that is in communication with the air inlet. A second tubular filter is mounted on the base. The second tubular filter surrounds the first tubular filter and defines an outer chamber therebetween. An opening is formed through the base. The opening connects the outer chamber with the air inlet. A valve element is disposed in the base. The valve element allows flow from the outer chamber to the air inlet when pressure in the outer chamber exceeds pressure in the air inlet.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2013Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: American Sterilizer CompanyInventors: Prantik Guha Biswas, Peter J. Buczynski, Kenneth J. Klobusnik
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Publication number: 20150059300Abstract: A device for removing oil mist and odors from an airstream comprising a base having an air inlet in the lower end thereof for receiving an airstream. A first tubular filter has a first end and a second end. The first end is closed, and the second end is mounted on the base wherein the first tubular filter defines an inner chamber that is in communication with the air inlet. A second tubular filter is mounted on the base. The second tubular filter surrounds the first tubular filter and defines an outer chamber therebetween. An opening is formed through the base. The opening connects the outer chamber with the air inlet. A valve element is disposed in the base. The valve element allows flow from the outer chamber to the air inlet when pressure in the outer chamber exceeds pressure in the air inlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2013Publication date: March 5, 2015Applicant: AMERICAN STERILIZER COMPANYInventors: Prantik Guha Biswas, Peter J. Buczynski, Kenneth J. Klobusnik
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Publication number: 20150064067Abstract: A method of sterilizing articles, using a low-vapor-pressure sterilant in a compact sterilizer, including a pre-pulse injection of sterilant to condition a sterilization chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Applicant: American Sterilizer CompanyInventor: Kenneth J. Klobusnik
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Patent number: 7429353Abstract: A method and apparatus for metering a predetermined quantity of liquid decontaminant into a vaporization system. A single vacuum source is used to fill an injector with the predetermined quantity of liquid decontaminant and to also establish a vacuum in a chamber. The chamber is injected with the liquid decontaminant filling the injector. The liquid decontaminant is vaporized in the chamber to produce a vaporized decontaminant.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2005Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignee: American Sterilizer CompanyInventors: Mark E. Chiffon, Peter J. Buczynski, Kenneth J. Klobusnik, Kimberly R. Goray
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Patent number: 6582654Abstract: A fluid delivery system (20) for an automated processor (A) includes spray nozzles (102, 104, 106, 108, 110) for sequentially spraying washing, microbial decontaminant and rinsing solutions over a lumened device (B), such as an endoscope. The fluid delivery system also includes connection ports (150, 152, 154) for connecting with internal passages (187) of the device to deliver the washing and microbial decontaminant solutions thereto. A removable rack (21), specially configured for the particular device, positions the device within a chamber (12). The spray nozzles are located on rear and side walls (114, 116, 118) and on a door (18) of the chamber, such that the device is impinged with spray from all directions. Sets (102, 104) of the spray nozzles are pulsed in sequence so that the spray jets (122) do not cancel each other out.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2000Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Steris Inc.Inventors: Jude A. Kral, Robert M. Priest, Daniel N. Kelsch, James C. Hlebovy, Bill R. Sanford, Alan J. Greszler, Francis John Zelina, Kenneth J. Klobusnik
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Patent number: 5591396Abstract: Blockage in sterilizers due to the solidification of spilled liquid agar downstream from the sterilization chamber is prevented by heating the drain stream exiting the sterilization chamber so that the temperature of the liquid agar stays above 45.degree.-50.degree. C. prior to discharge from the sterilization plumbing system.An improved modular plumbing system for sterilizers is provided, where the piping and valving requirements for a discrete operation performed by the sterilizer are segregated in a single manifold.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1995Date of Patent: January 7, 1997Assignee: American Sterilizer CompanyInventors: Mark E. Chiffon, Kenneth J. Klobusnik, Anthony B. Ruffo
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Patent number: 5556607Abstract: The present invention provides a sterilization process particularly well suited for sterilizing instruments and other devices having long narrow lumens. Apparatus in which the process can be practiced is also provided. The process uses a multicomponent sterilant vapor wherein one component is water. The lumened instruments are fluidly connected to the exhaust manifold of the sterilizer. A deep vacuum is drawn in the sterilization chamber followed by the injection of pulses of the sterilant vapor until a higher, but still subatmospheric pressure level is reached. When the pressure level reaches a predetermined subatmospheric level, a flow-through sterilization phase begins. It includes successive alternating periods of sterilant flow and the discontinuance of such flow. During sterilant flow periods, there are sterilant injection pulses where the sterilant flows through the chamber and the lumened instruments to exhaust. Each such flow period is followed by a hold period.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 1995Date of Patent: September 17, 1996Assignee: American Sterilizer CompanyInventors: Robert W. Childers, James R. Rickloff, Thaddeus J. Mielnik, Kenneth J. Klobusnik
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Patent number: 5492672Abstract: The present invention provides a sterilization process particularly well suited for sterilizing instruments and other devices having long narrow lumens. Apparatus in which the process can be practiced is also provided. The process uses a multicomponent sterilant vapor wherein one component is water. The lumened instruments are fluidly connected to the exhaust manifold of the sterilizer. A deep vacuum is drawn in the sterilization chamber followed by the injection of pulses of the sterilant vapor until a higher, but still subatmospheric pressure level is reached. When the pressure level reaches a predetermined subatmospheric level, a flow-through sterilization phase begins. It includes successive alternating periods of sterilant flow and the discontinuance of such flow. During sterilant flow periods, there are sterilant injection pulses where the sterilant flows through the chamber and the lumened instruments to exhaust. Each such flow period is followed by a hold period.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 1994Date of Patent: February 20, 1996Assignee: American Sterilizer CompanyInventors: Robert W. Childers, James R. Rickloff, Thaddeus J. Mielnik, Kenneth J. Klobusnik