Patents by Inventor Stephen X. Skaff

Stephen X. Skaff 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: 20200401088
    Abstract: A controlling and monitoring control application associated with one or more work operations of one or more utility devices is disclosed. The controller is programmed for controlling one or more external work operations associated with one or more utility devices. An I/O board is connected in communication with the primary controller having a module with a plurality of device-specific control applications associated with one or more device-specific work operations. The housing of the controller includes one or more cable access points for plugging a cable into the controller. The cable access points are sealed to prevent water from entering into the housing. A mounting bracket assembly provides flexibility for mounting the controller at various orientations and/or positions. The controller also includes a DC control circuit for controlling backlight luminance over the entire dimming ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: CHRISTOPHER D. DILLER, LOUIS M. HOLZMAN, RONALD B. HOWES, STEPHEN X. SKAFF, QUANG V. DAO, CHRISTOPHER A. BUCK, BRIAN PHILIP CARLSON, RYAN A. CHERNIK, ARON D. DAHLGREN, WESLEY M. NELSON
  • Patent number: 10795324
    Abstract: A controlling and monitoring control application associated with one or more work operations of one or more utility devices is disclosed. The controller is programmed for controlling one or more external work operations associated with one or more utility devices. An I/O board is connected in communication with the primary controller having a module with a plurality of device-specific control applications associated with one or more device-specific work operations. The housing of the controller includes one or more cable access points for plugging a cable into the controller. The cable access points are sealed to prevent water from entering into the housing. A mounting bracket assembly provides flexibility for mounting the controller at various orientations and/or positions. The controller also includes a DC control circuit for controlling backlight luminance over the entire dimming ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Diller, Louis M. Holzman, Ronald B. Howes, Stephen X. Skaff, Quang Van Dao, Christopher A. Buck
  • Publication number: 20160223996
    Abstract: A controlling and monitoring control application associated with one or more work operations of one or more utility devices is disclosed. The controller is programmed for controlling one or more external work operations associated with one or more utility devices. An I/O board is connected in communication with the primary controller having a module with a plurality of device-specific control applications associated with one or more device-specific work operations. The housing of the controller includes one or more cable access points for plugging a cable into the controller. The cable access points are sealed to prevent water from entering into the housing. A mounting bracket assembly provides flexibility for mounting the controller at various orientations and/or positions. The controller also includes a DC control circuit for controlling backlight luminance over the entire dimming ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher D. Diller, Louis M. Holzman, Ronald B. Howes, JR., Stephen X. Skaff, Quang Van Dao, Christopher A. Buck
  • Patent number: 9261866
    Abstract: A controlling and monitoring control application associated with one or more work operations of one or more utility devices is disclosed. The controller is programmed for controlling one or more external work operations associated with one or more utility devices. An I/O board is connected in communication with the primary controller having a module with a plurality of device-specific control applications associated with one or more device-specific work operations. The housing of the controller includes one or more cable access points for plugging a cable into the controller. The cable access points are sealed to prevent water from entering into the housing. A mounting bracket assembly provides flexibility for mounting the controller at various orientations and/or positions. The controller also includes a DC control circuit for controlling backlight luminance over the entire dimming ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Chris D. Diller, Louis M. Holzman, Ronald B. Howes, Jr., Stephen X. Skaff, Quang Van Dao, Christopher A. Buck
  • Patent number: 9249539
    Abstract: A dryer monitor detects when textiles in a dryer are dry, detects when textiles in a dryer are overdry, and/or may count dryer cycles. The dryer monitor includes a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, a controller and various status indicators. The humidity and temperature sensors may be located outside the drying compartment of the dryer. In the case of a clothes dryer, the humidity and temperature sensors may be located outside the drum of the dryer and may be located, for example, in the exhaust compartment of the dryer. The dryer monitor determines dryness of items in the dryer, and may also determine whether the items are overdry, based on humidity information received from the humidity sensor. The dryer monitor counts dryer cycles based on temperature information received from the temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Stephan M. Hubig, Stephen X. Skaff, Monica P. Tindel-Koukal, Mihnea A. Popa, Russell D. Maziarka
  • Patent number: 8635806
    Abstract: A reporting system for collecting, communicating and analyzing information from a plurality of pest monitoring locations is disclosed. The monitored locations include activity sensing pest devices. These devices can include traps and/or passive and active monitoring devices not having a trapping or killing functionality. While traps may constitute the majority of activity sensing pest devices in a given pest control program, devices which only monitor pest activity may be preferred in some locations and applications. The system includes automatic reporting from the plurality of activity sensing pest devices and also includes physical inspection data. Preferably an automatic real-time communication system is used, with the preferred communication system being a radio-frequency (RF) or other over-the-air system. However, hardwired systems, use of a personal digital assistant (PDA) as an interim data carrier, and other technologies may also be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Gardner, Jr., Stephen X. Skaff, Kraig S. Lund, David N. Demattia, Louis Mark Holzman
  • Publication number: 20120296447
    Abstract: A controlling and monitoring control application associated with one or more work operations of one or more utility devices is disclosed. The controller is programmed for controlling one or more external work operations associated with one or more utility devices. An I/O board is connected in communication with the primary controller having a module with a plurality of device-specific control applications associated with one or more device-specific work operations. The housing of the controller includes one or more cable access points for plugging a cable into the controller. The cable access points are sealed to prevent water from entering into the housing. A mounting bracket assembly provides flexibility for mounting the controller at various orientations and/or positions. The controller also includes a DC control circuit for controlling backlight luminance over the entire dimming ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: CHRIS D. DILLER, LOUIS M. HOLZMAN, RONALD B. HOWES, JR., STEPHEN X. SKAFF, QUANG VAN DAO, CHRISTOPHER A. BUCK
  • Patent number: 7591099
    Abstract: An insect monitoring and trapping device is provided according to the invention. The device includes a base and a lid for covering the base, and is constructed to provide a trap interior and an insect opening for insects to access the trap interior. The device includes a heating device provided within the trap interior for attracting insects, and an adhesive surface provided within the trap for trapping insects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Gregory Lang, Joelle Francine Olson, Stephen John Barcay, Stephen X. Skaff
  • Publication number: 20090192763
    Abstract: A reporting system for collecting, communicating and analyzing information from a plurality of pest monitoring locations is disclosed. The monitored locations include activity sensing pest devices. These devices can include traps and/or passive and active monitoring devices not having a trapping or killing functionality. While traps may constitute the majority of activity sensing pest devices in a given pest control program, devices which only monitor pest activity may be preferred in some locations and applications. The system includes automatic reporting from the plurality of activity sensing pest devices and also includes physical inspection data. Preferably an automatic real-time communication system is used, with the preferred communication system being a radio-frequency (RF) or other over-the-air system. However, hardwired systems, use of a personal digital assistant (PDA) as an interim data carrier, and other technologies may also be employed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventors: James P. Gardner, JR., Stephen X. Skaff, Kraig S. Lund, David N. Demattia, Louis Mark Holzman
  • Patent number: 7509770
    Abstract: A reporting system collects, communicates and analyzes information from a plurality of pest monitoring locations. The monitored locations include activity sensing pest devices. These devices can include traps and/or passive and active monitoring devices not having a trapping or killing functionality. The system includes automatic reporting from the plurality of activity sensing pest devices and also includes physical inspection data. Preferably an automatic real-time communication system is used, with the preferred communication system being a radio-frequency (RF) or other over-the-air system. However, hardwired systems, use of a personal digital assistant (PDA) as an interim data carrier, and other technologies may also be employed. Manual input devices for providing the additional physical inspection data on the activity sensing pest device parameters and a computer based report generator (of the resulting combined data) provide for a robust and efficient pest monitoring and/or trapping tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Gardner, Jr., Stephen X. Skaff, Kraig S. Lund, David N. Demattia, Louis Mark Holzman
  • Publication number: 20080072448
    Abstract: A dryer monitor detects when textiles in a dryer are dry, detects when textiles in a dryer are overdry, and/or may count dryer cycles. The dryer monitor includes a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, a controller and various status indicators. The humidity and temperature sensors may be located outside the drying compartment of the dryer. In the case of a clothes dryer, the humidity and temperature sensors may be located outside the drum of the dryer and may be located, for example, in the exhaust compartment of the dryer. The dryer monitor determines dryness of items in the dryer, and may also determine whether the items are overdry, based on humidity information received from the humidity sensor. The dryer monitor counts dryer cycles based on temperature information received from the temperature sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Stephan M. Hubig, Stephen X. Skaff, Monica P. Tindel-Koukal, Mihnea A. Popa, Russell D. Maziarka
  • Patent number: 6937156
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for capacitively sensing one or more pests is disclosed. The detector may be employed as either a passive detector and/or as a part of a combined detector and trap. The sensor system includes at least two sensor electrodes and a capacitance sensing circuit. When a non-capacitive object, such as a pest, approaches the sensor electrodes, the capacitance of the sensor electrodes increases due to the object having a higher dielectric constant than air. A capacitance sensing circuit detects the increased capacitance and provides an output signal that a pest has entered the area being monitored. The capacitance sensing circuit may also be constructed to measure the change in the electrode in order to determine the size and/or type of pest based on a characteristic change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Gardner, Jr., Louis Mark Holzman, Kraig S. Lund, Stephen X. Skaff
  • Publication number: 20040143368
    Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for managing, i.e., control and monitoring, processes associated with a group of utility devices. The utility devices in the group may be of the same or different types of devices. For example, one or all of the utility devices in the group may be a warewashing machine. Regardless of type, each utility device in the group is provided an agent control unit, which is a controller responsible for locally overseeing operation of the various processes performed by each utility device. A master control unit provides a field person with control over and the ability to monitor processes performed by all utility devices in the group by providing a single device operable to communicate with the agent control units associated with the utility devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventors: Robert E. May, Stephen X. Skaff
  • Publication number: 20030213161
    Abstract: A reporting system for collecting, communicating and analyzing information from a plurality of pest monitoring locations is disclosed. The monitored locations include activity sensing pest devices. These devices can include traps and/or passive and active monitoring devices not having a trapping or killing functionality. While traps may constitute the majority of activity sensing pest devices in a given pest control program, devices which only monitor pest activity may be preferred in some locations and applications. The system includes automatic reporting from the plurality of activity sensing pest devices and also includes physical inspection data. Preferably an automatic real-time communication system is used, with the preferred communication system being a radio-frequency (RF) or other over-the-air system. However, hardwired systems, use of a personal digital assistant (PDA) as an interim data carrier, and other technologies may also be employed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: James P. Gardner, Stephen X. Skaff, Kraig S. Lund, David N. Demattia, Louis Mark Holzman
  • Publication number: 20030184442
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for capacitively sensing one or more pests is disclosed. The detector may be employed as either a passive detector and/or as a part of a combined detector and trap. The sensor system includes at least two sensor electrodes and a capacitance sensing circuit. When a non-capacitive object, such as a pest, approaches the sensor electrodes, the capacitance of the sensor electrodes increases due to the object having a higher dielectric constant than air. A capacitance sensing circuit detects the increased capacitance and provides an output signal that a pest has entered the area being monitored. The capacitance sensing circuit may also be constructed to measure the change in the electrode in order to determine the size and/or type of pest based on a characteristic change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Gardner, Louis Mark Holzman, Kraig S. Lund, Stephen X. Skaff
  • Publication number: 20020170861
    Abstract: A solid product level indicator (100) for determining the specific gravity of a use-solution (120) thereby indicating the concentration of the solid product (123) dissolved in the use-solution (120) includes a float assembly (125). The float assembly (125) includes a float (101) and a float stem (102). A guide member (104, 106 and 108) positions and guides the float (101). Magnets (114) contained inside the float (101) trigger a signal mechanism (112) inside the float stem (102) when the float (101) is displaced along the stem (102) due to the decrease in the specific gravity of the use-solution (120) when the concentration of the solid product (123) is low. The float assembly (125) can be positioned to provide early or late alert to allow replenishment of the solid product (123) before the supply of solid product (123) is critically low. The solid product level indicator (100) can be used in systems with constant liquid levels or variable liquid levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Lee J. Monsrud, Joshua L. Thielen, Stephen X. Skaff, Michael P. Kremer
  • Publication number: 20020170354
    Abstract: A solid product level indicator (100) for determining the specific gravity of a use-solution (120) thereby indicating the concentration of the solid product (123) dissolved in the use-solution (120) includes a float assembly (125). The float assembly (125) includes a float (101) and a float stem (102). A guide member (104, 106 and 108) positions and guides the float (101). Magnets (114) contained inside the float (101) trigger a signal mechanism (112) inside the float stem (102) when the float (101) is displaced along the stem (102) due to the decrease in the specific gravity of the use-solution (120) when the concentration of the solid product (123) is low. The float assembly (125) can be positioned to provide early or late alert to allow replenishment of the solid product (123) before the supply of solid product (123) is critically low. The solid product level indicator (100) can be used in systems with constant liquid levels or variable liquid levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Lee J. Monsrud, Joshua L. Thielen, Stephen X. Skaff, Michael P. Kremer