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: 20200401088Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2020Publication date: December 24, 2020Inventors: 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: 10795324Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 7, 2016Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.Inventors: Christopher D. Diller, Louis M. Holzman, Ronald B. Howes, Stephen X. Skaff, Quang Van Dao, Christopher A. Buck
-
Publication number: 20160223996Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2016Publication date: August 4, 2016Inventors: Christopher D. Diller, Louis M. Holzman, Ronald B. Howes, JR., Stephen X. Skaff, Quang Van Dao, Christopher A. Buck
-
Patent number: 9261866Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 18, 2012Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: 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: 9249539Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 25, 2006Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Stephan M. Hubig, Stephen X. Skaff, Monica P. Tindel-Koukal, Mihnea A. Popa, Russell D. Maziarka
-
Patent number: 8635806Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 30, 2009Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: James P. Gardner, Jr., Stephen X. Skaff, Kraig S. Lund, David N. Demattia, Louis Mark Holzman
-
Publication number: 20120296447Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2012Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: 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: 7591099Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 28, 2006Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Jason Gregory Lang, Joelle Francine Olson, Stephen John Barcay, Stephen X. Skaff
-
Publication number: 20090192763Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2009Publication date: July 30, 2009Inventors: James P. Gardner, JR., Stephen X. Skaff, Kraig S. Lund, David N. Demattia, Louis Mark Holzman
-
Patent number: 7509770Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 27, 2003Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: James P. Gardner, Jr., Stephen X. Skaff, Kraig S. Lund, David N. Demattia, Louis Mark Holzman
-
Publication number: 20080072448Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2006Publication date: March 27, 2008Applicant: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Stephan M. Hubig, Stephen X. Skaff, Monica P. Tindel-Koukal, Mihnea A. Popa, Russell D. Maziarka
-
Patent number: 6937156Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 27, 2003Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: James P. Gardner, Jr., Louis Mark Holzman, Kraig S. Lund, Stephen X. Skaff
-
Publication number: 20040143368Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2003Publication date: July 22, 2004Inventors: Robert E. May, Stephen X. Skaff
-
Publication number: 20030213161Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2003Publication date: November 20, 2003Inventors: James P. Gardner, Stephen X. Skaff, Kraig S. Lund, David N. Demattia, Louis Mark Holzman
-
Publication number: 20030184442Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Applicant: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: James P. Gardner, Louis Mark Holzman, Kraig S. Lund, Stephen X. Skaff
-
Publication number: 20020170861Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2001Publication date: November 21, 2002Inventors: Lee J. Monsrud, Joshua L. Thielen, Stephen X. Skaff, Michael P. Kremer
-
Publication number: 20020170354Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2001Publication date: November 21, 2002Inventors: Lee J. Monsrud, Joshua L. Thielen, Stephen X. Skaff, Michael P. Kremer