Patents by Inventor Michael G. Colburn

Michael G. Colburn 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).

  • Publication number: 20190080797
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, methods, and software for monitoring compliance of sanitizees (e.g., health care workers, food service workers, sanitization/janitorial workers etc.) with sanitization protocols to be followed for encounters with sanitization-protocol targets (e.g., patients, food-preparation areas, health care facilities/appurtenances, restrooms, etc.). In one example, a system includes sanitization verification systems located close to the targets and mobile node devices issued to the sanitizees. Each verification system can be configured to test the efficacy of sanitization procedures performed by the sanitizees prior to encountering a target, to provide authorizations, via the node devices, to the sanitizees to proceed with target encounters, and to open monitoring sessions during which the node devices record information concerning interactions with the targets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Publication date: March 14, 2019
    Inventors: Michael G. Colburn, Nitai Friedman
  • Patent number: 10127356
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, methods, and software for monitoring compliance of sanitizees (e.g., health care workers, food service workers, sanitization/janitorial workers etc.) with sanitization protocols to be followed for encounters with sanitization-protocol targets (e.g., patients, food-preparation areas, health care facilities/appurtenances, restrooms, etc.). In one example, a system includes sanitization verification systems located close to the targets and mobile node devices issued to the sanitizees. Each verification system can be configured to test the efficacy of sanitization procedures performed by the sanitizees prior to encountering a target, to provide authorizations, via the node devices, to the sanitizees to proceed with target encounters, and to open monitoring sessions during which the node devices record information concerning interactions with the targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Cooper-Atkins Corporation
    Inventors: Michael G. Colburn, Nitai Friedman
  • Publication number: 20170076056
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, methods, and software for monitoring compliance of sanitizees (e.g., health care workers, food service workers, sanitization/janitorial workers etc.) with sanitization protocols to be followed for encounters with sanitization-protocol targets (e.g., patients, food-preparation areas, health care facilities/appurtenances, restrooms, etc.). In one example, a system includes sanitization verification systems located close to the targets and mobile node devices issued to the sanitizees. Each verification system can be configured to test the efficacy of sanitization procedures performed by the sanitizees prior to encountering a target, to provide authorizations, via the node devices, to the sanitizees to proceed with target encounters, and to open monitoring sessions during which the node devices record information concerning interactions with the targets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventors: Michael G. Colburn, Nitai Friedman
  • Patent number: 9557082
    Abstract: A stand alone venting apparatus for an enclosed space that converts open door and closed door emissions of a steam and hot air oven into cooler air and condensate, the apparatus comprising an expansion chamber, a condensing chamber and a chilling chamber. A capture hood is provided for capturing the open door emissions. An emissions inlet is provided for capturing the closed door emissions. The condensing chamber includes condensing tubes with each tube containing an interior and an exterior. The open door emissions are directed over the exterior of the condensing tubes and the closed door emissions are directed within the interior of the condensing tubes. The expansion chamber and chilling chambers work with the condensing chamber to further cool and condense the emissions. All emissions may be re-circulated back into the enclosed space without requiring ductwork to vent outside the enclosed space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: SA Vent, LLC
    Inventors: Michael G. Colburn, Stephen J. Bogner
  • Patent number: 9542663
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, methods, and software for monitoring compliance of sanitizees (e.g., health care workers, food service workers, sanitization/janitorial workers etc.) with sanitization protocols to be followed for encounters with sanitization-protocol targets (e.g., patients, food-preparation areas, health care facilities/appurtenances, restrooms, etc.). In one example, a system includes sanitization verification systems located close to the targets and mobile node devices issued to the sanitizees. Each verification system can be configured to test the efficacy of sanitization procedures performed by the sanitizees prior to encountering a target, to provide authorizations, via the node devices, to the sanitizees to proceed with target encounters, and to open monitoring sessions during which the node devices record information concerning interactions with the targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: CAIWD, LLC
    Inventors: Michael G. Colburn, Nitai Friedman
  • Patent number: 9462909
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating food, the apparatus includes a housing having a lid, a base and a cavity defined therein. The cavity is separated into an upper chamber and lower chamber by a divider. Upper chamber is for holding food placed upon the divider. One or more steam sources provide steam to the upper and lower chambers. One or more infrared sources are position within the upper and lower chambers to directly heat the steam, the food or the divider. A pressure-controlled environment may be provided in the upper chamber. Uniformity and increased speed of heating the food is facilitated by direct heat transfer in the upper chamber and by indirect heat transfer from the conduction of heat through the divider from the lower chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: IWD Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Michael G. Colburn, Stephen J. Bogner
  • Patent number: 9345069
    Abstract: A device for generating heat from an applied current, the device comprises a mixture of conductive particles and dielectric particles. The device includes at least one pair of electrodes disposed within the mixture to direct an applied current through the mixture to resistively heat the mixture. The device may further heat a liquid that flows through the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Wood Stone Ideas, LLC
    Inventors: Michael G. Colburn, Stephen J. Bogner, David R. McCloskey
  • Patent number: 9335058
    Abstract: A system includes a plurality of capture hoods and a hood supporting unit. Each of the plurality of capture hoods has a hood portion and a connection portion. The connection portion is for connection to the hood supporting unit. The hood supporting unit is capable of connecting to just one of the plurality of capture hoods at a time. The hood portions of the plurality of capture hoods have different shapes. The connection portions of the plurality of capture hoods are identical so any one of the plurality of capture hoods can connect to the hood supporting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: SA Vent, LLC
    Inventors: Michael G. Colburn, Sarah Doyle Andrews, Iver I. Bjerke, Lisa Carol Bombardier, Stephen John Bogner
  • Publication number: 20150324716
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, methods, and software for monitoring compliance of sanitizees (e.g., health care workers, food service workers, sanitization/janitorial workers etc.) with sanitization protocols to be followed for encounters with sanitization-protocol targets (e.g., patients, food-preparation areas, health care facilities/appurtenances, restrooms, etc.). In one example, a system includes sanitization verification systems located close to the targets and mobile node devices issued to the sanitizees. Each verification system can be configured to test the efficacy of sanitization procedures performed by the sanitizees prior to encountering a target, to provide authorizations, via the node devices, to the sanitizees to proceed with target encounters, and to open monitoring sessions during which the node devices record information concerning interactions with the targets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Inventors: Michael G. Colburn, Nitai Friedman
  • Publication number: 20150324533
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, methods, and software for monitoring compliance of sanitizees (e.g., health care workers, food service workers, sanitization/janitorial workers etc.) with sanitization protocols to be followed for encounters with sanitization-protocol targets (e.g., patients, food-preparation areas, health care facilities/appurtenances, restrooms, etc.). In one example, a system includes sanitization verification systems located close to the targets and mobile node devices issued to the sanitizees. Each verification system can be configured to test the efficacy of sanitization procedures performed by the sanitizees prior to encountering a target, to provide authorizations, via the node devices, to the sanitizees to proceed with target encounters, and to open monitoring sessions during which the node devices record information concerning interactions with the targets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Inventors: Michael G. Colburn, Nitai Friedman
  • Patent number: 8857228
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating steam comprised of a water reservoir chamber for holding a source of water, a steam chamber and a vertical partition there between. A water communication port is located at a vertical height within the vertical partition. The water communication port allows the source of water to pass from the water reservoir chamber to the steam chamber. A pair of electrodes is located in the steam chamber, the electrodes arranged to provide an electric current through water fed to the steam chamber. The vertical height determines a set level of water contacting the electrodes as the source of water is fed from the reservoir chamber to the steam chamber. Water feeding occurs as gas in the steam chamber is passed through the water communication port at periodic intervals and replaced by the source of water in the reservoir chamber to equalize pressure difference between the two chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: IWD Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Michael G. Colburn, David R. McCloskey
  • Publication number: 20140297371
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, methods, and software for monitoring compliance of sanitizees (e.g., health care workers, food service workers, sanitization/janitorial workers etc.) with sanitization protocols to be followed for encounters with sanitization-protocol targets (e.g., patients, food-preparation areas, health care facilities/appurtenances, restrooms, etc.). In one example, a system includes sanitization verification systems located close to the targets and mobile node devices issued to the sanitizees. Each verification system can be configured to test the efficacy of sanitization procedures performed by the sanitizees prior to encountering a target, to provide authorizations, via the node devices, to the sanitizees to proceed with target encounters, and to open monitoring sessions during which the node devices record information concerning interactions with the targets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Michael G. Colburn, Nitai Friedman
  • Patent number: 8708553
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a system for verifying calibration of a temperature sensor comprising an above-ambient temperature verifier and a below-ambient temperature verifier. The above-ambient temperature verifier includes a first housing containing an ohmic material. At least one pair of electrodes is provided to direct an applied current through the ohmic material to heat the material. A well is provided within the ohmic material for accepting a temperature sensor. A compression assembly cooperates with the ohmic material to create intimate contact with the temperature sensor. An above-ambient reference temperature monitor maintains a calibrated temperature within the ohmic material. The below-ambient temperature verifier includes a second housing and a below-ambient reference temperature monitor to maintain a calibrated temperature of a below-ambient temperature medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Cooper-Atkins Corporation
    Inventors: Michael G. Colburn, Stephen J. Bogner, David R. McCloskey, Gavin McCormick
  • Publication number: 20130259454
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating steam comprised of a water reservoir chamber for holding a source of water, a steam chamber and a vertical partition there between. A water communication port is located at a vertical height within the vertical partition. The water communication port allows the source of water to pass from the water reservoir chamber to the steam chamber. A pair of electrodes is located in the steam chamber, the electrodes arranged to provide an electric current through water fed to the steam chamber. The vertical height determines a set level of water contacting the electrodes as the source of water is fed from the reservoir chamber to the steam chamber. Water feeding occurs as gas in the steam chamber is passed through the water communication port at periodic intervals and replaced by the source of water in the reservoir chamber to equalize pressure difference between the two chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: IWD HOLDINGS LLC
    Inventors: Michael G. Colburn, David R. McCloskey
  • Patent number: 8522770
    Abstract: A system includes an intake, an exhaust, and an adjustable directing member. The intake is for taking in air, the exhaust is for exhausting air, and the adjustable directing member is positioned for directing exhaust air toward the intake. Another aspect is a system that includes a source of polluted air and an air cleaning system. The air cleaning system includes an intake, an exhaust, and a directing member. The intake is for taking in polluted air and the exhaust is for exhausting air. The directing member is for directing air from the exhaust toward the intake to provide an air screen for keeping the polluted air in the vicinity of the intake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: SA Vent, LLC
    Inventors: Michael G. Colburn, Sarah Doyle Andrews, Iver I. Bjerke, Lisa Carol Bombardier, Stephen John Bogner
  • Patent number: 8464562
    Abstract: An apparatus for steaming a garment comprising an expandable enclosure having a wall circumscribing a hollow space therein, the hollow space accessible through a re-closeable opening in the wall. A clothes hanging element and stretch element contained within the hollow space, the clothes hanging element for holding the garment and the stretch element for stretching the garment. A steam generator connected to provide steam to the hollow space. The steam generator has a water reservoir chamber and a steam chamber with a partition there between. At least one pair of electrodes is arranged within the steam chamber to provide an electric current that resistively heats a source of water to create steam. A water communication port in the partition allows water to pass from the water reservoir chamber to the steam chamber in a manner that self-regulates the amount of steam generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventors: Michael G. Colburn, David R. McCloskey
  • Publication number: 20130008429
    Abstract: A system includes a plurality of capture hoods and a hood supporting unit. Each of the plurality of capture hoods has a hood portion and a connection portion. The connection portion is for connection to the hood supporting unit. The hood supporting unit is capable of connecting to just one of the plurality of capture hoods at a time. The hood portions of the plurality of capture hoods have different shapes. The connection portions of the plurality of capture hoods are identical so any one of the plurality of capture hoods can connect to the hood supporting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: Michael G. Colburn, Sarah Doyle Andrews, Iver I. Bjerke, Lisa Carol Bombardier, Stephen John Begner
  • Publication number: 20120138592
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a composition for generating heat from an applied current, comprising a mixture of graphite particles and dielectric particles. The graphite particles have a diameter from 1 to 1500 microns. The dielectric particles have a diameter from 1 to 1500 microns. The mixture has a resistivity from 0.015 ohm-meters to 2.3 megaohm-meters. The mixture is incorporated into heat generation devices and exchange devices. The devices include at least one pair of electrodes disposed within the mixture to direct an applied current through the mixture to resistively heat the mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Michael G. Colburn, Stephen J. Bogner, David R. McCloskey
  • Publication number: 20120140789
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a system for verifying calibration of a temperature sensor comprising an above-ambient temperature verifier and a below-ambient temperature verifier. The above-ambient temperature verifier includes a first housing containing an ohmic material. At least one pair of electrodes is provided to direct an applied current through the ohmic material to heat the material. A well is provided within the ohmic material for accepting a temperature sensor. A compression assembly cooperates with the ohmic material to create intimate contact with the temperature sensor. An above-ambient reference temperature monitor maintains a calibrated temperature within the ohmic material. The below-ambient temperature verifier includes a second housing and a below-ambient reference temperature monitor to maintain a calibrated temperature of a below-ambient temperature medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Michael G. Colburn, Stephen J. Bogner, David R. McCloskey, Gavin McCormick
  • Publication number: 20110266272
    Abstract: A steam generator system for rapidly creating steam by a direct conversion of electrical energy to heat in ionic, water molecules. The system generally includes a supply of water having an ionic content to be received by a heating tank for contacting current-carrying electrodes to produce steam in a continuous, intermittent, or a determinant amount, via a control system. Also possibly included are a water reservoir, filter, pump, check valve, and various optional embodiments of the heating tank. The present invention also permits for controlling the supplied current input to the electrodes by the combination of ionic content added to the water, water level as controlled by the pump, and a phase angle controller and current sensor of an electrical circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Michael G. Colburn, Stephen J. Bogner