Patents by Inventor Patrick E. Flynn

Patrick E. Flynn 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: 7673638
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method to monitor and count particles removed from a component. The particle monitoring system includes a jet spray device, a snow generator, a particle collection device, and a particle counter. The jet spray device includes an outlet that is disposed locally relative to the component. The snow generator is operable to generate cleaning snow comprising a stream of ice particles, wherein the cleaning snow is emitted from the outlet of the jet spray device onto the component to cause the ejection of particles from the component. The particle collection device includes a collector that is disposed locally around the component to collect particles ejected from the component. The particle counter is coupled to, and in fluid communication with, the particle collection device. The particle counter is operable to detect and count particles ejected from the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudy C. Boynton, Patrick E. Flynn, Paul W. Webb, Gary W. Knoth