Patents by Inventor Michael A. Centanni

Michael A. Centanni 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).

  • Method and apparatus for determining the concentration of chemical components in a liquid or gaseous system using multiple sensors
    Publication number: 20060073077
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor system for determining a concentration of a chemical component in a fluid having a first sensor that senses a first physico-chemical property of the chemical component and, a second sensor that senses a second, different physico-chemical property of the chemical component. A method to detect, control, monitor, maintain and confirm concentration levels of a decontaminant throughout a decontamination cycle is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Publication date: April 6, 2006
    Inventor: Michael Centanni
  • Method and apparatus for monitoring the purity and/or quality of steam
    Patent number: 6992494
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring at least one of steam purity and steam quality for steam used in a decontamination process. A capacitor is exposed to the steam, wherein the steam acts as a dielectric between the plates of the capacitor. Permittivity of the dielectric is affected by the purity and/or quality of the steam, and thus a measurement of electrical properties of the capacitor is used to monitor steam purity and/or quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Steris Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert J. Kaiser, Michael A. Centanni
  • Method and apparatus for controlling the concentration of a sterilant chemical in a fluid
    Publication number: 20050276721
    Abstract: A sterilization system that includes a sensor for determining the concentration of a liquid sterilant in a sterilant fluid. The sterilant fluid is comprised of a blend of sterilant fluids from a plurality of sterilant supplies. The concentration of the liquid sterilant differs in each of the sterilant supplies. The sensor allows a controllable concentration of liquid sterilant to be supplied to a vaporizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Publication date: December 15, 2005
    Inventor: Michael Centanni
  • Method and apparatus for vaporizing a sterilant fluid using microwave energy
    Publication number: 20050260096
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for vaporizing a sterilant fluid using microwave energy. A sterilant fluid is atomized to produce a spray, mist or fog of sterilant fluid. The atomized sterilant fluid is then exposed to microwave energy produced by a microwave generator. Molecules of at least one chemical component of the sterilant fluid rotate in response to exposure to the microwave energy, thereby vaporizing the sterilant fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Publication date: November 24, 2005
    Inventors: Stanley Voyten, Michael Bacik, Peter Adams, Michael Centanni
  • Method for vaporizing a fluid using an electromagnetically responsive heating apparatus
    Patent number: 6967315
    Abstract: A method of microbially decontaminating at least one of a defined area and an item within the defined area. The method includes the steps of (a) inductively heating a block comprising an electrically non-conductive material and an electromagnetically responsive material; (b) passing an atomized liquid into an interior passage defined by the block, wherein the inductively heated block vaporizes the atomized liquid that contacts walls of the passage to form an antimicrobial vapor; and (c) flowing the vapor out of the block to the defined area to microbially decontaminate at least one of the defined area and the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Steris Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Centanni, Aaron L. Hill, Francis J. Zelina
  • Method and apparatus for determining the efficiency of a vaporizer in a decontamination system
    Publication number: 20050252274
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining the efficiency of a vaporizer in a decontamination system, having a first sensor for generating a first signal indicative of the concentration of a decontaminating chemical in a liquid decontaminate before vaporization by a vaporizer, and a second sensor for generating a second signal indicative of the concentration of vaporized decontaminate after vaporization by said vaporizer, and means for determining efficiency in accordance with said first and second signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Publication date: November 17, 2005
    Inventor: Michael Centanni
  • Method and apparatus for real time monitoring of metallic cation concentrations in a solution
    Patent number: 6960921
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the concentration of metal cations in a chemical solution. In a preferred embodiment, the chemical solution is a solution for derouging or passivating stainless steel. A capacitive sensor provides data indicative of the concentration of chemical components (e.g., iron or chromium) in the chemical solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Steris Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert J. Kaiser, Michael A. Centanni
  • Method and apparatus for measuring concentration of a chemical component in a gas mixture
    Patent number: 6946852
    Abstract: A chemical concentration detecting system for determining the relative concentration of a chemical component in a gas mixture. The gas mixture may include chemical components that are antimicrobial chemicals, as well as chemical components that are base chemicals, acting as a diluent for the antimicrobial chemical, or as a vehicle or carrier for the antimicrobial chemical. A capacitor is exposed to the gas mixture, wherein the gas mixture acts as a dielectric between the plates of the capacitor. Permittivity of the dielectric is affected by the relative concentrations of the chemical components, and thus a measurement of the capacitance is used to determine the relative concentration levels of the chemical components in the gas mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Steris Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Centanni
  • Sensor for sensing a chemical component concentration using an electroactive material
    Publication number: 20050186116
    Abstract: An electroactive material (e.g., a doped electroactive polymer, or an intercalcated carbon/graphite fiber) responsive to the concentration of a chemical component is used to sense the concentration of the chemical component inside a chamber. The conductivity, or other electrical property of the electroactive material, varies in response to the exposure to the chemical component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventor: Michael Centanni
  • Method and apparatus for measuring the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in a fluid
    Patent number: 6933733
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in a liquid or gaseous fluid. A capacitor is exposed to the fluid, wherein the fluid acts as the dielectric between the conductors of the capacitor. The permittivity and dielectric constant associated with the fluid is affected by the relative concentrations of the chemical components comprising the fluid. A measurement of the capacitance is used to determine the relative concentration levels of the chemical components in the fluid. In an alternative embodiment, a resistor, and associated resistance values, are used to determine the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in a liquid or gaseous fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: STERIS Inc.
    Inventors: Sergey A. Korenev, Ivan S. Korenev, Michael A. Centanni
  • Method and apparatus for monitoring detergent concentration in a decontamination process
    Patent number: 6930493
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the concentration of a detergent in a detergent solution. A capacitive sensor is exposed to the detergent solution, and electrical properties of the capacitive sensor are responsive to changes in the concentration of detergent in the detergent solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: STERIS Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert J. Kaiser, David G. Allen, Michael A. Centanni, Mark D. McGinley
  • Method and apparatus for monitoring the state of a chemical solution for decontamination of chemical and biological warfare agents
    Patent number: 6927582
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the state of a chemical solution for neutralization of chemical and biological warfare agents are disclosed. A capacitor is exposed to the chemical solution, wherein the steam acts as a dielectric between the plates of the capacitor. Permittivity of the dielectric is affected by the oxidant levels in the chemical solution, and thus a measurement of electrical properties of the capacitor is used to monitor the state of the chemical solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Steris Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert J. Kaiser, Michael A. Centanni
  • System and method for decontaminating articles
    Patent number: 6916445
    Abstract: A system for irradiating mail, comprising a device for conveying mail along a predetermined path and a device for irradiating the mail moving along the path with a beam of electrons. An apparatus for chilling the mail is provided along the path. The apparatus exposes the mail to a low-temperature, gaseous fluid created using a cryogenic fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: STERIS Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Centanni, Mark Kusner
  • Method and apparatus for formulating and controlling chemical concentration in a gas mixture
    Patent number: 6917885
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for formulating and controlling concentrations of deactivating chemicals in a gas mixture inside a chamber. The gas mixture may include chemical components that are deactivating chemicals, as well as chemical components that are base chemicals, acting as a dilutant for the deactivating chemical, or as a vehicle or carrier for the deactivating chemical. A capacitor is exposed to the gas mixture, wherein the gas mixture comprises a dielectric material between the plates of the capacitor. Permittivity of the dielectric is affected by the relative concentrations of the chemical components, and thus a measurement of the capacitance is used to determine the concentration levels of multiple chemical components in the gas mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Steris Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Centanni
  • Method and apparatus for formulating and controlling chemical concentrations in a solution
    Patent number: 6909972
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for formulating and controlling concentrations of deactivating chemicals in a solution inside a chamber. The solution may include chemical components that are deactivating chemicals, as well as chemical components that are base chemicals, acting as a diluent for a deactivating chemical, or as a vehicle or carrier for a deactivating chemical. A capacitor is exposed to the solution, wherein the solution comprises a dielectric material between the plates of the capacitor. Permittivity of the dielectric is affected by the relative concentrations of the chemical components, and thus a measurement of the electrical properties of the capacitor can be used to determine the concentration levels of multiple chemical components in the solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Steris Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Centanni
  • Ozone enhanced vaporized hydrogen peroxide decontamination method and system
    Publication number: 20050129571
    Abstract: A vapor decontamination system for decontaminating a defined region. The system is comprised of a chamber defining a region, a generator for generating vaporized hydrogen peroxide from a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water and a device for the introduction of ozone. A closed loop circulating system is provided for supplying the vaporized hydrogen peroxide and the ozone to the region. A destroyer breaks down the vaporized hydrogen peroxide. A sensor and a controller controlling the device for the introduction of ozone are provided to maintain the ozone at the desired concentration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Publication date: June 16, 2005
    Inventor: Michael Centanni
  • Electromagnetically responsive heating apparatus for vaporizer
    Patent number: 6906296
    Abstract: A vaporizer heating apparatus is comprised of electromagnetically responsive material and electrically non-conductive material. A antimicrobial fluid to be vaporized, such as water or hydrogen peroxide solution, is supplied to the heating apparatus where it is converted to a vapor. In one embodiment of the present invention, electromagnetically responsive material particulate is embedded into the electrically non-conductive material. In another embodiment of the present invention, a microwave generator is used to produce heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: STERIS Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Centanni, Aaron L. Hill, Francis J. Zelina
  • Method and apparatus for detection of contaminants in a fluid
    Patent number: 6897661
    Abstract: A contaminant detecting system for determining the presence of a miscible or immiscible contaminant in a fluid. The fluid acts as a dielectric between the plates of a capacitive sensing element. The measured capacitance value varies in accordance with the composition of the fluid, to indicate the presence or absence of the contaminant in the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Steris Inc.
    Inventors: David Allen, Michael A. Centanni
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FORMULATING AND CONTROLLING CHEMICAL CONCENTRATION IN A GAS MIXTURE
    Publication number: 20050100475
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for formulating and controlling concentrations of deactivating chemicals in a gas mixture inside a chamber. The gas mixture may include chemical components that are deactivating chemicals, as well as chemical components that are base chemicals, acting as a diluent for the deactivating chemical, or as a vehicle or carrier for the deactivating chemical. A capacitor is exposed to the gas mixture, wherein the gas mixture comprises a dielectric material between the plates of the capacitor. Permittivity of the dielectric is affected by the relative concentrations of the chemical components, and thus a measurement of the capacitance is used to determine the concentration levels of multiple chemical components in the gas mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Publication date: May 12, 2005
    Inventor: Michael Centanni
  • Method for vaporizing a fluid using an electromagnetically responsive heating apparatus
    Publication number: 20050095168
    Abstract: A vaporizer heating apparatus is comprised of electromagnetically responsive material and electrically non-conductive material. A antimicrobial fluid to be vaporized, such as water or hydrogen peroxide solution, is supplied to the heating apparatus where it is converted to a vapor. In one embodiment of the present invention, electromagnetically responsive material particulate is embedded into the electrically non-conductive material. In another embodiment of the present invention, a microwave generator is used to produce heat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventors: Michael Centanni, Aaron Hill, Francis Zelina