Patents by Inventor Robert J. Witonsky
Robert J. Witonsky 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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Patent number: 6491774Abstract: A method is disclosed for improving the signal retention of a liquid crystal sensing element comprising an embossed cavity containing the liquid crystal and a cover layer sealing the liquid crystal in the cavity by heat treating at about 95 to about 120° C. for a time sufficient to cause the embossed cavity to shrink to substantially its original form thereby forcing the liquid crystal to be forced up against the cover layer to form a domed structure. Essential to the success of the process is incorporation in the cavity of about 10 to about 50% by volume of air based on the volume of the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2001Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: Medical Indicators, Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Witonsky, John W. Scarantino
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Patent number: 6410896Abstract: A shielding method for achieving highly uniform temperatures in liquids during microwave heating by substantially enhancing vertical mixing currents in said liquids, making determinations of final temperature reached in said liquids either by touch or the use of a temperature indicator efficacious, comprising: a electrically conductive shield having very low impedance at microwave frequencies; having, a generally cylindrical shape, and dimensions chosen to accommodate a variety of microwaveable containers. said shield: to be concentric with a microwaveable container, containing a liquid to be heated by microwave radiation; and, to be located so as the top edge of said shield is at or above a vertical level corresponding to the level of the liquid in said container; and, to be of sufficient height as to cover at least 10% of the height of the liquid in said container.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2001Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Assignee: Medical Indicators, Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Witonsky, John W. Scarantino
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Publication number: 20020074074Abstract: A method is disclosed for improving the signal retention of a liquid crystal sensing element comprising an embossed cavity containing the liquid crystal and a cover layer sealing the liquid crystal in the cavity by heat treating at about 95 to about 120° C. for a time sufficient to cause the embossed cavity to shrink to substantially its original form thereby forcing the liquid crystal to be forced up against the cover layer to form a domed structure. Essential to the success of the process is incorporation in the cavity of about 10 to about 50% by volume of air based on the volume of the cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2001Publication date: June 20, 2002Applicant: MEDICAL INDICATORS, INC.Inventors: Robert J. Witonsky, John W. Scarantino
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Patent number: 6403938Abstract: A system and method for facilitating microwave heating of a liquid includes the use of a generally cylindrical holder for receiving the liquid to be heated. A shielding sleeve at least partially composed of high microwave reflectivity material, blocks microwave energy from entering a selected interior portion only of the holder to prevent direct microwave heating of the liquid in the selected portion. As a result, there are shielded and unshielded portions of the liquid being heated to cause the liquid to be heated to a substantially uniform temperature throughout the liquid being heated. A mechanism enables the sleeve to be positioned such that the blocking portion of the sleeve is positioned at or above the level of the liquid disposed within the interior of the holder so that the top layer of the liquid is shielded from direct microwave heating to prevent unwanted super heating of a portion of the liquid and thus causing hot spots.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2001Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Medical Indicators, Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Witonsky, John W. Scarantino, John C. Estill, Ronald M. Benincasa, Robert A. Barish
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Publication number: 20010042748Abstract: A system and method for facilitating microwave heating of a liquid includes the use of a generally cylindrical holder for receiving the liquid to be heated. A shielding sleeve at least partially composed of high microwave reflectivity material, blocks microwave energy from entering a selected interior portion only of the holder to prevent direct microwave heating of the liquid in the selected portion. As a result, there are shielded and unshielded portions of the liquid being heated to cause the liquid to be heated to a substantially uniform temperature throughout the liquid being heated. A mechanism enables the sleeve to be positioned such that the blocking portion of the sleeve is positioned at or above the level of the liquid disposed within the interior of the holder so that the top layer of the liquid is shielded from direct microwave heating to prevent unwanted super heating of a portion of the liquid and thus causing hot spots.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2001Publication date: November 22, 2001Inventors: Robert J. Witonsky, John W. Scarantino, John C. Estill, Ronald M. Benincasa, Robert A. Barish
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Patent number: 6284078Abstract: A method is disclosed for improving the signal retention of a liquid crystal sensing element comprising an embossed cavity containing the liquid crystal and a cover layer sealing the liquid crystal in the cavity by heat treating at about 95° C. to about 120° C. for a time sufficient to cause the embossed cavity to shrink to substantially its original form thereby forcing the liquid crystal to be forced up against the cover layer to form a domed structure. Essential to the success of the process is incorporation in the cavity of about 10 to about 50% by volume of air based on the volume of the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1997Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: Medical Indicators, Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Witonsky, John W. Scarantino
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Publication number: 20010008238Abstract: A shielding method for achieving highly uniform temperatures in liquids during microwave heating by substantially enhancing vertical mixing currents in said liquids, making determinations of final temperature reached in said liquids either by touch or the use of a temperature indicator efficacious, comprising: a electrically conductive shield having very low impedance at microwave frequencies; having, a generally cylindrical shape, and dimensions chosen to accommodate a variety of microwaveable containers. said shield: to be concentric with a microwaveable container, containing a liquid to be heated by microwave radiation; and, to be located so as the top edge of said shield is at or above a vertical level corresponding to the level of the liquid in said container; and, to be of sufficient height as to cover at least 10% of the height of the liquid in said container.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2001Publication date: July 19, 2001Inventors: Robert J. Witonsky, John W. Scarantino
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Patent number: 6257759Abstract: A self-updating temperature thermometer is disclosed that is capable of generating a real-time signal of core body temperature. The thermometer comprises a double-sided flexible substrate, having a first side and a second side. The first side has a plurality of cavities, and a liquid crystal composition in these cavities to define a plurality of sensor dots. A cover layer is disposed on the first side, and a pressure-sensitive adhesive is disposed on the second side of the substrate. The sensor surface area to substrate thickness is maximized using the structural features of this invention, thereby providing a thermometer exhibiting unexpectedly good results in that it is capable of generating a continuous temperature measurement that is automatically updated with changes in body temperature.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1999Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Medical Indicators, Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Witonsky, John W. Scarantino
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Patent number: 6222168Abstract: A shielding method for achieving highly uniform temperatures in liquids during microwave heating by substantially enhancing vertical mixing currents in said liquids, making determinations of final temperature reached in said liquids either by touch or the use of a temperature indicator efficacious, comprising: a electrically conductive shield having very low impedance at microwave frequencies; having, a generally cylindrical shape, and dimensions chosen to accommodate a variety of microwaveable containers. said shield: to be concentric with a microwaveable container, containing a liquid to be heated by microwave radiation; and, to be located so as the top edge of said shield is at or above a vertical level corresponding to the level of the liquid in said container; and, to be of sufficient height as to cover at least 10% of the height of the liquid in said container. 2.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1996Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Medical Indicators, Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Witonsky, John W. Scarantino
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Patent number: 5676465Abstract: A method is disclosed for improving the signal retention of a liquid crystal sensing element comprising an embossed cavity containing the liquid crystal and a cover layer sealing the liquid crystal in the cavity by heat treating at about 95.degree. to about 120.degree. C. for a time sufficient to cause the embossed cavity to shrink to substantially its original form thereby forcing the liquid crystal to be forced up against the cover layer to form a domed structure. Essential to the success of the process is incorporation in the cavity of about 10 to about 50% by volume of air based on the volume of the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1994Date of Patent: October 14, 1997Assignee: Medical Indicators, Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Witonsky, John W. Scarantino
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Patent number: 4643980Abstract: An indicator capable of determining whether the concentration of a disinfectant/sterilant solution of glutaraldehyde exceeds a predetermined value comprising an indicator medium impregnated with a sulfite compound and an amino acid or an ammonium salt.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 1985Date of Patent: February 17, 1987Assignee: Info-Chem, Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Witonsky, Raymond P. Larsson
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Patent number: 4521376Abstract: An indicator capable of determining whether the concentration of a disinfectant/sterilant solution of glutaraldehyde exceeds a predetermined value comprising an indicator medium impregnated with a sulfite compound and an amino acid or an ammonium salt.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1983Date of Patent: June 4, 1985Assignee: Info-Chem Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Witonsky, Raymond P. Larsson
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Patent number: 4138216Abstract: A device for monitoring ethylene oxide sterilization processes comprising a wick means impregnated with an ethylene oxide responsive chemical compound, a pH sensitive dye and a quantifier mounted on a backing strip and sealed with a cover strip to form an envelope having one edge at which the wick means is exposed. The device is responsive to time, temperature and relative humidity as well as ethylene oxide concentration.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1977Date of Patent: February 6, 1979Assignee: Bio-Medical Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Raymond P. Larsson, Robert J. Witonsky
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Patent number: 3981683Abstract: A sterility indicator comprising a backing strip of a dimensionally stable material e.g. aluminum foil having mounted thereon an organic compound containing oxygen or nitrogen in intimate contact with a wicking means and a cover strip bonded to the backing strip overlaying the organic compound and wicking means. The cover strip is a polymeric rate controlling film which permits water vapor to pass through at a rate sufficient to make the device operative at a temperature to be monitored.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1975Date of Patent: September 21, 1976Assignee: Bio-Medical Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Raymond P. Larsson, Robert J. Witonsky
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Patent number: 3966414Abstract: A system operable to signal the attainment of a preselected time-temperature integral for monitoring the temperature history of a product utilizes a free-radical sensitive dye and a peroxide on a carrier.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1974Date of Patent: June 29, 1976Assignee: Bio-Medical Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Ghazi Khattab, Robert J. Witonsky
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Patent number: 3952597Abstract: A disposable type cooking thermometer having a reservoir for holding a fluid, an indicator means, and a capillary tube or channel connecting the reservoir with the indicator means. The reservoir is made from a material which shrinks from an initial size at ambient temperatures to some smaller size when exposed to cooking temperatures. As the reservoir progressively shrinks during cooking, fluid is expelled therefrom thru the capillary tube or channel and onto the indicator means to denote the degree of cooking achieved in the foodstuff in which the thermometer has been inserted.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1974Date of Patent: April 27, 1976Assignee: Bio-Medical Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Witonsky, Raymond P. Larsson
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Patent number: 3942467Abstract: A system operable to signal the attainment of one or more preselected time-temperature integrals which monitor the temperature history of a product utilizes an organic compound which is subject to solvolysis with the generation of an acid, at least one base in an amount less than the stoichiometric equivalent of the acid generated, and a pH sensitive indicator.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1974Date of Patent: March 9, 1976Assignee: Bio-Medical Sciences, Inc.Inventor: Robert J. Witonsky