Patents by Inventor Louis Martineau
Louis Martineau 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: 20200337543Abstract: A method of cleaning an endoscope in a computer-controlled washer/disinfector comprising the steps of connecting each lumen of an endoscope to a fluid distribution system for selectively conveying pressurized air or pressurized fluids through lumens in an endoscope; identifying the type of endoscope to be cleaned in said washer/disinfector; determining a blockage threshold flow coefficient for each lumen for said endoscope to be cleaned; pressurizing each lumen in said endoscope individually and determining an actual flow coefficient through said lumen; determining whether said endoscope is suitable for cleaning by comparing said actual flow coefficients for a lumen in said endoscope to said blockage threshold flow coefficient for said lumen; and determining whether a connection to a lumen in said endoscope is properly connected based upon said flow coefficient through said lumen.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2020Publication date: October 29, 2020Applicant: STERIS INC.Inventors: Alain CHOUINARD, Louis MARTINEAU, Nicolas VERREAULT, Maxime ROBERT
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Patent number: 10772491Abstract: A method of cleaning an endoscope in a computer-controlled washer/disinfector comprising the steps of connecting each lumen of an endoscope to a fluid distribution system for selectively conveying pressurized air or pressurized fluids through lumens in an endoscope; identifying the type of endoscope to be cleaned in said washer/disinfector; determining a blockage threshold flow coefficient for each lumen for said endoscope to be cleaned; pressurizing each lumen in said endoscope individually and determining an actual flow coefficient through said lumen; determining whether said endoscope is suitable for cleaning by comparing said actual flow coefficients for a lumen in said endoscope to said blockage threshold flow coefficient for said lumen; and determining whether a connection to a lumen in said endoscope is properly connected based upon said flow coefficient through said lumen.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2017Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: STERIS INC.Inventors: Alain Chouinard, Louis Martineau, Nicolas Verreault, Maxime Robert
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Patent number: 9987098Abstract: A rack for holding and washing surgical instruments in a washer/disinfector includes a frame assembly having tubular sections, a rotary spray arm mounted to the frame assembly, a fluid inlet positioned on the frame assembly to connect the frame assembly to the washer/disinfector, a first fluid path defined from the fluid inlet to the spray nozzles through one or more of the tubular sections to direct fluid from the washer/disinfector to the spray nozzles, a second fluid path defined from the fluid inlet to connectors through the tubular section, a filter for fluids from the fluid inlet, and a securing system to secure the surgical instruments.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2016Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: STERIS INC.Inventors: Maxime Robert, Louis Martineau
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Publication number: 20180020905Abstract: A method of cleaning an endoscope in a computer-controlled washer/disinfector comprising the steps of connecting each lumen of an endoscope to a fluid distribution system for selectively conveying pressurized air or pressurized fluids through lumens in an endoscope; identifying the type of endoscope to be cleaned in said washer/disinfector; determining a blockage threshold flow coefficient for each lumen for said endoscope to be cleaned; pressurizing each lumen in said endoscope individually and determining an actual flow coefficient through said lumen; determining whether said endoscope is suitable for cleaning by comparing said actual flow coefficients for a lumen in said endoscope to said blockage threshold flow coefficient for said lumen; and determining whether a connection to a lumen in said endoscope is properly connected based upon said flow coefficient through said lumen.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2017Publication date: January 25, 2018Applicant: STERIS INC.Inventors: Alain CHOUINARD, Louis MARTINEAU, Nicolas VERREAULT, Maxime ROBERT
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Patent number: 9440266Abstract: A washer having a plurality of water inlet diffusers, each diffuser connected to a water inlet line for directing the flow of fluid into the washing chamber. The water is directed, i.e., sprayed against the surfaces of the washing chamber to modify (adjust) the temperature of the washing chamber gradually prior to the start of a particular phase of a washing cycle.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: STERIS INC.Inventors: Louis Martineau, Maxime Robert
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Publication number: 20160242868Abstract: A rack for holding and washing surgical instruments in a washer/disinfector includes a frame assembly having tubular sections, a rotary spray arm mounted to the frame assembly, a fluid inlet positioned on the frame assembly to connect the frame assembly to the washer/disinfector, a first fluid path defined from the fluid inlet to the spray nozzles through one or more of the tubular sections to direct fluid from the washer/disinfector to the spray nozzles, a second fluid path defined from the fluid inlet to connectors through the tubular section, a filter for fluids from the fluid inlet, and a securing system to secure the surgical instruments.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2016Publication date: August 25, 2016Applicant: STERIS INC.Inventors: Maxime ROBERT, Louis MARTINEAU
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Patent number: 8857448Abstract: A tunnel washer that includes fluid exhaust paths that are optimized to minimize fluid transfer between chambers of the washer and minimize heat loss from each chamber of the washer. The fluid exhaust paths also facilitate uniform vapor evacuation from each chamber of the washer. The tunnel washer also includes spaced-apart double wall curtains for isolating chambers of the tunnel washer to prevent fluid and heat transfer therebetween, and to the exterior of the tunnel washer. The double wall curtains include surfaces that inhibit the curtains from sticking together during operation of the tunnel washer. The tunnel washer also includes an air manifold that provides uniform drying efficiency for articles of varying dimensions.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2009Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: STERIS Inc.Inventors: Maxime Robert, Eugene Cantin, Daniel Giguère, Louis Martineau, Nathalie Thibault
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Publication number: 20140150827Abstract: A washer having a plurality of water inlet diffusers, each diffuser connected to a water inlet line for directing the flow of fluid into the washing chamber. The water is directed, i.e., sprayed against the surfaces of the washing chamber to modify (adjust) the temperature of the washing chamber gradually prior to the start of a particular phase of a washing cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2013Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: STERIS INC.Inventors: Louis Martineau, Maxime Robert
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Patent number: 8522453Abstract: A tunnel washer that includes fluid exhaust paths that are optimized to minimize fluid transfer between chambers of the washer and minimize heat loss from each chamber of the washer. The fluid exhaust paths also facilitate uniform vapor evacuation from each chamber of the washer. The tunnel washer also includes spaced-apart double wall curtains for isolating chambers of the tunnel washer to prevent fluid and heat transfer therebetween, and to the exterior of the tunnel washer. The double wall curtains include surfaces that inhibit the curtains from sticking together during operation of the tunnel washer. The tunnel washer also includes an air manifold that provides uniform drying efficiency for articles of varying dimensions.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2009Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: STERIS Inc.Inventors: Maxime Robert, Eugene Cantin, Daniel Giguère, Louis Martineau, Nathalie Thibault
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Patent number: 8176651Abstract: A method of drying articles within a washer comprising: creating an airflow from an upper compartment of a chamber to a lower compartment of the chamber through a gap such that a curtain of air is formed along side walls of the chamber; creating an air flow from the lower compartment to the upper compartment through an opening therebetween wherein a portion of the curtain of air is drawn in a first direction over articles in the lower compartment and a portion of the curtain of air continues along the side walls and is redirected in a second direction over the articles in the lower compartment; heating the air in the upper compartment to a temperature sufficient to vaporize fluid in the chamber; venting a portion of the air in the lower compartment; and introducing clean filtered air into the upper compartment.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2010Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Steris Inc.Inventors: Maxime Robert, Ghislain Parent, Louis Martineau
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Publication number: 20110005098Abstract: A method of drying articles within a washer by creating an airflow from an upper compartment to a lower compartment within the washer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2010Publication date: January 13, 2011Inventors: Maxime Robert, Ghislain Parent, Louis Martineau
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Patent number: 7841104Abstract: The present invention provides a washer for washing articles. A housing of the washer defines a chamber. A partition divides the chamber into an upper compartment and a lower compartment. An outer peripheral edge of the partition generally conforms to side walls of the housing such that a gap is formed between the edge of the partition and the side walls of the housing. A blower assembly disposed in the upper compartment has a first air inlet, a second air inlet and an air outlet. The first air inlet fluidly communicates with the lower compartment. The second air inlet fluidly communicates with an external air inlet line. The air outlet fluidly communicates with the upper compartment. An impeller is provided to circulate air from the lower compartment and from the air inlet line into the upper compartment. A heating means heats the air in the upper compartment.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2007Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Steris Inc.Inventors: Maxime Robert, Ghislain Parent, Louis Martineau
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Publication number: 20100024240Abstract: A tunnel washer that includes fluid exhaust paths that are optimized to minimize fluid transfer between chambers of the washer and minimize heat loss from each chamber of the washer. The fluid exhaust paths also facilitate uniform vapor evacuation from each chamber of the washer. The tunnel washer also includes spaced-apart double wall curtains for isolating chambers of the tunnel washer to prevent fluid and heat transfer therebetween, and to the exterior of the tunnel washer. The double wall curtains include surfaces that inhibit the curtains from sticking together during operation of the tunnel washer. The tunnel washer also includes an air manifold that provides uniform drying efficiency for articles of varying dimensions.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2009Publication date: February 4, 2010Inventors: Maxime Robert, Eugene Cantin, Daniel Giguère, Louis Martineau, Nathalie Thibault
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Publication number: 20100024849Abstract: A tunnel washer that includes fluid exhaust paths that are optimized to minimize fluid transfer between chambers of the washer and minimize heat loss from each chamber of the washer. The fluid exhaust paths also facilitate uniform vapor evacuation from each chamber of the washer. The tunnel washer also includes spaced-apart double wall curtains for isolating chambers of the tunnel washer to prevent fluid and heat transfer therebetween, and to the exterior of the tunnel washer. The double wall curtains include surfaces that inhibit the curtains from sticking together during operation of the tunnel washer. The tunnel washer also includes an air manifold that provides uniform drying efficiency for articles of varying dimensions.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2009Publication date: February 4, 2010Inventors: Maxime Robert, Eugene Cantin, Daniel Giguère, Louis Martineau, Nathalie Thibault
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Patent number: 7621285Abstract: A tunnel washer that includes fluid exhaust paths that are optimized to minimize fluid transfer between chambers of the washer and minimize heat loss from each chamber of the washer. The fluid exhaust paths also facilitate uniform vapor evacuation from each chamber of the washer. The tunnel washer also includes spaced-apart double wall curtains for isolating chambers of the tunnel washer to prevent fluid and heat transfer therebetween, and to the exterior of the tunnel washer. The double wall curtains include surfaces that inhibit the curtains from sticking together during operation of the tunnel washer. The tunnel washer also includes an air manifold that provides uniform drying efficiency for articles of varying dimensions.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2005Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: Steris Inc.Inventors: Maxime Robert, Eugene Cantin, Daniel Giguère, Louis Martineau, Nathalie Thibault
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Publication number: 20090114252Abstract: The present invention provides a washer for washing articles. The washer is comprised of a housing defining a chamber. The housing has side walls and a top wall. A partition divides the chamber into an upper compartment and a lower compartment that is dimensioned to receive articles to be washed. The partition has an outer peripheral edge that generally conforms to the side walls of the housing. The partition is dimensioned such that a gap is formed between the edge of the partition and the side walls of the housing. An external air inlet line fluidly communicates with the upper compartment. A blower assembly is disposed in the upper compartment. The blower assembly is comprised of a housing having a first air inlet, a second air inlet and an air outlet. The first air inlet fluidly communicates with the lower compartment. The second air inlet fluidly communicates with the external air inlet line. The outlet fluidly communicates with the upper chamber. An impeller is disposed in the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2007Publication date: May 7, 2009Inventors: Maxime Robert, Ghislain Parent, Louis Martineau
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Patent number: 7431141Abstract: A conveyor system for conveying a basket or rack through a chamber having a system for stopping a rack at a predetermined location along the conveyor. The system is comprised of a rocker device mounted relative to the chamber. The rocker device has a first normal position wherein the rocker device is movable from the first normal position when the rack engages the rocker device. The rocker device has an upper arm and a lower arm. The rocker device is rotatable about an axis disposed between the upper arm and the lower arm. A magnet is disposed on the lower arm of the rocker device. A sensing element is aligned with the magnet when the rocker device is in the first normal position. The sensing element is operable to provide a signal to a system controller. A stop is mounted relative to the chamber. The stop is rotatable from a first position to a second position. The stop has a tab dimensioned to engage the rack in the conveyor system when the stop is in the first position.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2007Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: American Sterilizer CompanyInventors: Erik Nadeau, Louis Martineau, Michel Emond, Serge Coulombe
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Publication number: 20080006508Abstract: A conveyor system for conveying a basket or rack through a chamber having a system for stopping a rack at a predetermined location along the conveyor. The system is comprised of a rocker device mounted relative to the chamber. The rocker device has a first normal position wherein the rocker device is movable from the first normal position when the rack engages the rocker device. The rocker device has an upper arm and a lower arm. The rocker device is rotatable about an axis disposed between the upper arm and the lower arm. A magnet is disposed on the lower arm of the rocker device. A sensing element is aligned with the magnet when the rocker device is in the first normal position. The sensing element is operable to provide a signal to a system controller. A stop mounted relative to the chamber. The stop is rotatable from a first position to a second position. The stop has a tab dimensioned to engage the rack in the conveyor system when the stop is in the first position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2007Publication date: January 10, 2008Inventors: Erik Nadeau, Louis Martineau, Michel Emond, Serge Coulombe
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Publication number: 20070056612Abstract: A tunnel washer that includes fluid exhaust paths that are optimized to minimize fluid transfer between chambers of the washer and minimize heat loss from each chamber of the washer. The fluid exhaust paths also facilitate uniform vapor evacuation from each chamber of the washer. The tunnel washer also includes spaced-apart double wall curtains for isolating chambers of the tunnel washer to prevent fluid and heat transfer therebetween, and to the exterior of the tunnel washer. The double wall curtains include surfaces that inhibit the curtains from sticking together during operation of the tunnel washer. The tunnel washer also includes an air manifold that provides uniform drying efficiency for articles of varying dimensions.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2005Publication date: March 15, 2007Inventors: Maxime Robert, Eugene Cantin, Daniel Giguere, Louis Martineau, Nathalie Thibault
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Patent number: D597395Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2008Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: STERIS Inc.Inventor: Louis Martineau