Patents by Inventor Lewis I. Schwartz

Lewis I. Schwartz 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: 8129579
    Abstract: An oxidizing liquid (20), such as hydrogen peroxide, is vaporized (18) and the vapor is used to deactivate nerve gas, blistering gas, or other biologically active substances such as pathogens, biotoxins, and prions. A second chemical compound (42) in vapor, mist, or fog form is used in conjunction with the oxidizing vapor. In one embodiment, the second chemical preconditions the biologically active substances to be deactivated more efficiently by the oxidizing vapor. In another embodiment, the second chemical boosts the reactivity of the oxidizing vapor. In another embodiment, the other chemical reacts with the oxidizing vapor to form an intermediate compound that deactivates at least some of the biologically active substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Steris Inc
    Inventors: Iain F. McVey, Lewis I. Schwartz, Michael A. Centanni, Gerald E. McDonnell
  • Patent number: 8025848
    Abstract: Hydrogen peroxide is vaporized (20) and mixed (30) with ammonia gas in a ratio between 1:1 and 1:0.0001. The peroxide and ammonia vapor mixture are conveyed to a treatment area (10) to neutralize V-type, H-type, or G-type chemical agents, pathogens, biotoxins, spores, prions, and the lip-,e. The ammonia provides the primary deactivating agent for G-type agents with the peroxide acting as an accelerator. The peroxide acts as the primary agent for deactivating V-type and H-type agents, pathogens, biotoxins, spores, and prions. The ammonia acts as an accelerator in at least some of these peroxide deactivation reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignees: Steris Inc, The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Army, APG
    Inventors: Iain F. McVey, Lewis I. Schwartz, Michael A. Centanni, George W. Wagner
  • Patent number: 7901618
    Abstract: A large convoluted space, such as a multi-story concourse of an airport is isolated and a chemical or biological agent in the concourse is deactivated. A plurality of deactivation gas sources (100) introduce a deactivation gas at multiple points along the concourse. Fans (66, 106) circulate the deactivation gas, sensors (110) sense concentrations of the deactivation gas at numerous points around the concourse and exhaust fans (66) exhaust air, spent deactivation gas, and some deactivation gas. A control processor (84) controls the generators, the circulation fans, and the exhaust fans in accordance with the gas concentrations sensed by the sensors to increase and decrease deactivation gas concentration in selected subregions of the concourse by increasing or decreasing generation, increasing or decreasing exhausting, or altering flow patterns among subregions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Steris LLC
    Inventors: Iain F. McVey, Paul A. Wiget, Michael A. Centanni, Lewis I. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 7670565
    Abstract: When microbial contamination is introduced into a room (20*) of an enclosure, such as a building, an HVAC system including supply ductwork (16) and a return ductwork (34) is decontaminated with hydrogen peroxide vapor. A decontamination controller (46) operates controllable baffles (22) at outlet registers (20), temporary controllable baffles (44) at inlet registers (30), and a blower system (10) to circulate hydrogen peroxide vapor from hydrogen peroxide vapor generators (42) through the ductwork in both forward and reverse directions. Further, at least portions of the baffles are closed to create dwell times in which the hydrogen peroxide vapor resides in the ductwork with minimal or turbulent flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Steris Inc
    Inventors: Iain F. McVey, Victor M. Selig, Lewis I. Schwartz, Gerald E. McDonnell, Peter A. Burke
  • Patent number: 7651667
    Abstract: Hydrogen peroxide is vaporized (20) and mixed (30) with ammonia gas in a ratio between 1:1 and 1:0.0001. The peroxide and ammonia vapor mixture are conveyed to a treatment area (10) to neutralize V-type, H-type, or G-type chemical agents, pathogens, biotoxins, spores, prions, and the like. The ammonia provides the primary deactivating agent for G-type agents with the peroxide acting as an accelerator. The peroxide acts as the primary agent for deactivating V-type and H-type agents, pathogens, biotoxins, spores, and prions. The ammonia acts as an accelerator in at least some of these peroxide deactivation reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignees: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army, Steris Inc.
    Inventors: Iain F. McVey, Lewis I. Schwartz, Michael A. Centanni, George W. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20090311152
    Abstract: Hydrogen peroxide is vaporized (20) and mixed (30) with ammonia gas in a ratio between 1:1 and 1:0.0001. The peroxide and ammonia vapor mixture are conveyed to a treatment area (10) to neutralize V-type, H-type, or G-type chemical agents, pathogens, biotoxins, spores, prions, and the like. The ammonia provides the primary deactivating agent for G-type agents with the peroxide acting as an accelerator. The peroxide acts as the primary agent for deactivating V-type and H-type agents, pathogens, biotoxins, spores, and prions. The ammonia acts as an accelerator in at least some of these peroxide deactivation reactions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicants: STERIS INC., a Delaware corporation, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE ARMY. SBCCOM,ECBC, APG
    Inventors: Iain F. McVey, Lewis I. Schwartz, Michael A. Centanni, George W. Wagner
  • Patent number: 7629500
    Abstract: Hydrogen peroxide is vaporized (20) and mixed (30) with ammonia gas in a ratio between 1:1 and 1:0.0001. The peroxide and ammonia vapor mixture are conveyed to a treatment area (10) to neutralize V-type, H-type, or G-type chemical agents, pathogens, biotoxins, spores, prions, and the lip-,e. The ammonia provides the primary deactivating agent for G-type agents with the peroxide acting as an accelerator. The peroxide acts as the primary agent for deactivating V-type and H-type agents, pathogens, biotoxins, spores, and prions. The ammonia acts as an accelerator in at least some of these peroxide deactivation reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignees: Steris Inc, The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Iain F. McVey, Lewis I. Schwartz, Michael A. Centanni, George W. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20090263501
    Abstract: An oxidizing liquid (20), such as hydrogen peroxide, is vaporized (18) and the vapor is used to deactivate nerve gas, blistering gas, or other biologically active substances such as pathogens, biotoxins, and prions. A second chemical compound (42) in vapor, mist, or fog form is used in conjunction with the oxidizing vapor. In one embodiment, the second chemical preconditions the biologically active substances to be deactivated more efficiently by the oxidizing vapor. In another embodiment, the second chemical boosts the reactivity of the oxidizing vapor. In another embodiment, the other chemical reacts with the oxidizing vapor to form an intermediate compound that deactivates at least some of the biologically active substances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventors: Iain F. McVEY, Lewis I. SCHWARTZ, Michael A. CENTANNI, Gerald E. McDONNELL
  • Patent number: 7592500
    Abstract: An oxidizing liquid (20), such as hydrogen peroxide, is vaporized (18) and the vapor is used to deactivate nerve gas, blistering gas, or other biologically active substances such as pathogens, biotoxins, and prions. A second chemical compound (42) in vapor, mist, or fog form is used in conjunction with the oxidizing vapor. In one embodiment, the second chemical preconditions the biologically active substances to be deactivated more efficiently by the oxidizing vapor. In another embodiment, the second chemical boosts the reactivity of the oxidizing vapor. In another embodiment, the other chemical reacts with the oxidizing vapor to form an intermediate compound that deactivates at least some of the biologically active substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Steris Inc.
    Inventors: Iain F. McVey, Lewis I. Schwartz, Michael A. Centanni, Gerald E. McDonnell
  • Publication number: 20080152544
    Abstract: When microbial contamination is introduced into a room (20*) of an enclosure, such as a building, an HVAC system including supply ductwork (16) and a return ductwork (34) is decontaminated with hydrogen peroxide vapor. A decontamination controller (46) operates controllable baffles (22) at outlet registers (20), temporary controllable baffles (44) at inlet registers (30), and a blower system (10) to circulate hydrogen peroxide vapor from hydrogen peroxide vapor generators (42) through the ductwork in both forward and reverse directions. Further, at least portions of the baffles are closed to create dwell times in which the hydrogen peroxide vapor resides in the ductwork with minimal or turbulent flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: STERIS INC.
    Inventors: Iain F. McVey, Victor M. Selig, Lewis I. Schwartz, Gerald E. McDonnell, Peter A. Burke
  • Patent number: 7361304
    Abstract: When microbial contamination is introduced into a room (20*) of an enclosure, such as a building, an HVAC system including supply ductwork (16) and a return ductwork (34) is decontaminated with hydrogen peroxide vapor. A decontamination controller (46) operates controllable baffles (22) at outlet registers (20), temporary controllable baffles (44) at inlet registers (30), and a blower system (10) to circulate hydrogen peroxide vapor from hydrogen peroxide vapor generators (42) through the ductwork in both forward and reverse directions. Further, at least portions of the baffles are closed to create dwell times in which the hydrogen peroxide vapor resides in the ductwork with minimal or turbulent flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Steris Inc.
    Inventors: Ian F. McVey, Victor M. Selig, Lewis I. Schwartz, Gerald E. McDonnell, Peter A. Burke
  • Patent number: 7102052
    Abstract: Hydrogen peroxide is vaporized (20) and mixed (30) with ammonia gas in a ratio between 1:1 and 1:0.0001. The peroxide and ammonia vapor mixture are conveyed to a treatment area (10) to neutralize V-type, H-type, or G-type chemical agents, pathogens, biotoxins, spores, prions, and the like. The ammonia provides the primary deactivating agent for G-type agents with the peroxide acting as an accelerator. The peroxide acts as the primary agent for deactivating V-type and H-type agents, pathogens, biotoxins, spores, and prions. The ammonia acts as an accelerator in at least some of these peroxide deactivation reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignees: Steris INC, The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Iain F. McVey, Lewis I. Schwartz, Michael A. Centanni, George W. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20040215046
    Abstract: Hydrogen peroxide is vaporized (20) and mixed (30) with ammonia gas in a ratio between 1:1 and 1:0.0001. The peroxide and ammonia vapor mixture are conveyed to a treatment area (10) to neutralize V-type, H-type, or G-type chemical agents, pathogens, biotoxins, spores, prions, and the like. The ammonia provides the primary deactivating agent for G-type agents with the peroxide acting as an accelerator. The peroxide acts as the primary agent for deactivating V-type and H-type agents, pathogens, biotoxins, spores, and prions. The ammonia acts as an accelerator in at least some of these peroxide deactivation reactions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: Iain F. McVey, Lewis I. Schwartz, Michael A. Centanni, George W. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20040184950
    Abstract: When microbial contamination is introduced into a room (20*) of an enclosure, such as a building, an HVAC system including supply ductwork (16) and a return ductwork (34) is decontaminated with hydrogen peroxide vapor. A decontamination controller (46) operates controllable baffles (22) at outlet registers (20), temporary controllable baffles (44) at inlet registers (30), and a blower system (10) to circulate hydrogen peroxide vapor from hydrogen peroxide vapor generators (42) through the ductwork in both forward and reverse directions. Further, at least portions of the baffles are closed to create dwell times in which the hydrogen peroxide vapor resides in the ductwork with minimal or turbulent flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Applicant: STERIS INC.
    Inventors: Iain F. McVey, Victor M. Selig, Lewis I. Schwartz, Gerald E. McDonnell
  • Publication number: 20040166216
    Abstract: Food products, such as precooked meats, raw meats, and poultry are treated with a decontaminant solution to remove surface microorganism contamination. The decontaminant solution contains peracetic acid at a concentration of from about 100 to 4000 ppm and has broad spectrum activity against a variety of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms, such as Listeria monocytogenes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Applicant: STERIS INC. , a Delaware corporation
    Inventors: James L. Marsden, Eric W. Krieger, Lewis I. Schwartz, Alan J. Greszler, Bill R. Sanford
  • Patent number: 6767569
    Abstract: Cooked food products, such as cooked meats, and poultry, are treated with a decontaminant solution to remove surface microorganism contamination. The decontaminant solution contains peracetic acid at a concentration of from about 100 to 4000 ppm and has broad spectrum activity against a variety of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms, such as Listeria monocytogenes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Steris Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Marsden, Eric W. Krieger, Lewis I. Schwartz, Alan J. Greszler, Bill R. Sanford
  • Publication number: 20040057868
    Abstract: An oxidizing liquid (20), such as hydrogen peroxide, is vaporized (18) and the vapor is used to deactivate nerve gas, blistering gas, or other biologically active substances such as pathogens, biotoxins, and prions. A second chemical compound (42) in vapor, mist, or fog form is used in conjunction with the oxidizing vapor. In one embodiment, the second chemical preconditions the biologically active substances to be deactivated more efficiently by the oxidizing vapor. In another embodiment, the second chemical boosts the reactivity of the oxidizing vapor. In another embodiment, the other chemical reacts with the oxidizing vapor to form an intermediate compound that deactivates at least some of the biologically active substances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventors: Iain F. McVey, Lewis I. Schwartz, Michael A. Centanni, Gerald E. McDonnell
  • Patent number: 6329207
    Abstract: A wet chemical indicator for peracetic acid solutions includes an indicator for peracetic acid and an inhibitor. The inhibitor is selected to inhibit a selected peracetic acid concentration in a reproducible sample of a solution containing peracetic acid. The indicator exhibits an observable change when the selected concentration of peracetic acid is exceeded. In this manner, a rapid indication of whether the peracetic acid solution is of a required minimum strength is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Steris Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher M. Fricker, Brian C. Wojcieck, Paul D. Walkley, Jr., Robert F. Korb, Giridhar Shamsunder, Elijah L. Booker, Jr., Kathleen A. Hughes, Lewis I. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 5662866
    Abstract: A lid (10) of a countertop decontamination unit (A) is opened to gain access to a tray (12) for receiving items to be sterilized and a well (16) for receiving a two compartment powdered anti-microbial agent carrying cup (C). The cup includes an outer cup portion (50) and an inner cup portion (70) that have peripheral walls (52, 72) affixed together at flanges (54, 74). The outer cup portion (50) is closed at one end by a first detachable base (58). The inner cup portion (70) is closed by a second detachable base (78). The outer and inner cups (50, 70) define a first powdered reagent receiving chamber (56) therebetween. The inner cup defines a second chamber therein. A permeable sheet (100) is affixed to the inner cup portion flange (74) for ventedly sealing both chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Steris Corporation
    Inventors: Norman L. Siegel, Lewis I. Schwartz, Raymond C. Kralovic, Joseph J. Switka, Craig M. Saunders, Nick E. Stanca, Gregory A. Dale, Jeffrey S. Plantz
  • Patent number: 5601712
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for removing liquids from biological waste by the employment of centrifugal force to separate the liquid from the biological waste particulate and into a container separate from a biological waste container, permitting the dried biological waste and removed liquid to be separately and conveniently disposed of. Preferably, a rotatable drum can be rotatably supported within an outer liquid-tight drum, and a disposable porous container, such as a bag made of porous material, can be placed within the rotatable foraminous drum. Biological waste can be placed within the porous, disposable container within the rotatable drum, and the rotatable drum can be rotated at a rate of rotation sufficient to substantially transfer unabsorbed liquid from the biological waste through the disposable porous container and the openings in the foraminous inner drum to the outer liquid-tight collection drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Ecomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Mathew J. Adams, Kenneth R. Lamaster, David B. Mennel, Jeffrey C. Rapp, Lewis I. Schwartz, Norman L. Siegel, Joseph H. Wilson