Patents by Inventor Roland C. Kippenhan

Roland C. Kippenhan 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).

  • Electronic system for tracking and monitoring articles to be sterilized and associated method
    Patent number: 8492162
    Abstract: An electronic system for tracking and monitoring articles to be subjected to a sterilization cycle is disclosed. The method uses a sterilization indicator and electronically links sterilization information with the articles subjected to the sterilization process. The indicator allows a sterilization cycle to be monitored without the need for a user to subjectively distinguish between color, quality or intensity of display patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Roland C. Kippenhan, Steven S. Kirckof, Philip A. Bolea, Richard M. Rumble, Rodney K. Hehenberger, Ramon T. Ignacio
  • ELECTRONIC SYSTEM FOR TRACKING AND MONITORING ARTICLES TO BE STERILIZED AND ASSOCIATED METHOD
    Publication number: 20100217620
    Abstract: An electronic system for tracking and monitoring articles to be subjected to a sterilization cycle is disclosed. The method uses a sterilization indicator and electronically links sterilization information with the articles subjected to the sterilization process. The indicator allows a sterilization cycle to be monitored without the need for a user to subjectively distinguish between color, quality or intensity of display patterns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Roland C. Kippenhan, Steven S. Kirckof, Philip A. Bolea, Richard M. Rumble, Rodney K. Hehenberger, Ramon T. Ignacio
  • Apparatus and method for steam reprocessing flexible endoscopes
    Patent number: 7138087
    Abstract: A system for reprocessing flexible endoscopes having lumen therein. The reprocessing system deploys steam to disinfect and/or sterilize the endoscopes, and designs, components and methods for reducing or balancing the reprocessing cycle time and the effects of thermal expansion and contraction on the endoscopes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Minntech Corporation
    Inventors: Roy K. Malkin, Roland C. Kippenhan, Jr., Michael P. Petersen, Thomas L. Fenton
  • Apparatus and method for steam reprocessing flexible endoscopes
    Patent number: 6884392
    Abstract: A system for reprocessing flexible endoscopes having lumen therein. The reprocessing system deploys steam to disinfect and/or sterilize the endoscopes, and designs, components, and methods for reducing or balancing the reprocessing cycle time and the effects of thermal expansion and contraction on the endoscopes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Minntech Corporation
    Inventors: Roy K. Malkin, Roland C. Kippenhan, Jr., Michael P. Petersen, Thomas L. Fenton
  • Apparatus and method for monitoring biofilm cleaning efficacy
    Patent number: 6793880
    Abstract: Methods and devices for determining the efficacy of a cleaning, disinfecting, or sterilizing process intended to remove biofilms are provided. The devices involve a biofilm sample, a biofilm indicator, and a simulated endoscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Minntech Corporation
    Inventor: Roland C. Kippenhan, Jr.
  • Apparataus and method for steam reprocessing flexible endoscopes
    Publication number: 20040091389
    Abstract: A system for reprocessing flexible endoscopes having lumen therein. The reprocessing system deploys steam to disinfect and/or sterilize the endoscopes, and designs, components, and methods for reducing or balancing the reprocessing cycle time and the effects of thermal expansion and contraction on the endoscopes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Roy K. Malkin, Roland C. Kippenhan, Michael P. Petersen, Thomas L. Fenton
  • Electronic system for tracking and monitoring articles to be sterilized and associated method
    Publication number: 20030170901
    Abstract: A electronic system for tracking and monitoring articles to be subjected to a sterilization cycle is disclosed. The method uses a sterilization indicator and electronically links sterilization information with the articles subjected to the sterilization process. The indicator allows a sterilization cycle to be monitored without the need for a user to subjectively distinguish between color, quality or intensity of display patterns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Roland C. Kippenhan, Steven S. Kirckof, Philip A. Bolea, Richard M. Rumble, Rodney K. Hehenberger, Ramon T. Ignacio
  • Apparatus and method for monitoring biofilm cleaning efficacy
    Publication number: 20030012688
    Abstract: Methods and devices for determining the efficacy of a cleaning, disinfecting, or sterilizing process intended to remove biofilms are provided. The devices involve a biofilm sample, a biofilm indicator, and a simulated endoscope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Roland C. Kippenhan
  • Electronic system for tracking and monitoring articles to be sterilized and associated method
    Patent number: 6485979
    Abstract: A electronic system for tracking and monitoring articles to be subjected to a sterilization cycle is disclosed. The method uses a sterilization indicator and electronically links sterilization information with the articles subjected to the sterilization process. The indicator allows a sterilization cycle to be monitored without the need for a user to subjectively distinguish between color, quality or intensity of display patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Roland C. Kippenhan, Steven S. Kirckof, Phillip A. Bolea, Richard M. Rumble