Patents by Inventor Michael J. Aarnio

Michael J. Aarnio 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).

  • Control of detonative cleaning apparatus
    Patent number: 7267134
    Abstract: A shockwave cleaning apparatus cleans one or more surfaces within a vessel. A sensor senses one or more thermodynamic properties associated with the vessel. A control system is coupled to an initiator and a fuel/oxidizer source to control the firing of the apparatus responsive to input from the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Hochstein, Jr., Michael J. Aarnio, Donald W. Kendrick, Thomas R. A. Bussing, Robert R. Niblock
  • Detonative cleaning apparatus
    Patent number: 7011047
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for cleaning a surface within a vessel. A fuel/oxidizer charge is provided within a combustion conduit. An initial deflagration commenced in a first portion of the charge produces a final detonation at least in another portion of the charge to expel a shockwave from the conduit which impinges upon the surface. The deflagration-to-detonation transition may be encouraged by mechanical enhancements and/or by making the first charge portion more detonable than the second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Aarnio, Donald W. Kendrick, Thomas R. A. Bussing
  • Food processing method and apparatus
    Publication number: 20040266328
    Abstract: A food processing apparatus has fuel and oxidizer sources and an igniter positioned to ignite a mixture of fuel and oxidizer. The ignition produces a shock wave. The igniter is positioned to sequentially ignite sequential mixtures to produce sequential shock waves. A conveyor carries items of food to an operative position to be impacted by shock waves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: John B. Hinkey, Gerald R. Berg, Donn C. Mueller, Kirk R. Lupkes, Michael J. Aarnio