Patents by Inventor Tara L. Kowalski

Tara L. Kowalski 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).

  • Portable steam generating device
    Patent number: 9574764
    Abstract: A steam generating device has a handle and a nozzle or pad attached to the handle for treating a surface. The handle includes a heat exchanger, a water reservoir, a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the water reservoir and heat exchanger, and a fluid delivery system for moving water from the water reservoir, through the fluid conduit, and into the heat exchanger. A fuel powered heater is positioned on a side of the wall of the heat exchanger opposite the interior space of the heat exchanger. A first section of the wall of the heat exchanger transfers heat from the heater to water located in the heat exchanger for generating steam from the water located in the heat exchanger. A second section of the wall of the heat exchanger includes an opening that allows steam to exit the heat exchanger and handle and flow through the nozzle or pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Tara L. Kowalski, Wayne Rees, Ronald H. Spang, Jennifer R. Harris, Xiaolan Wei
  • Portable Steam Generating Device
    Publication number: 20130312212
    Abstract: A steam generating device has a handle and a nozzle or pad attached to the handle for treating a surface. The handle includes a heat exchanger, a water reservoir, a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the water reservoir and heat exchanger, and a fluid delivery system for moving water from the water reservoir, through the fluid conduit, and into the heat exchanger. A fuel powered heater is positioned on a side of the wall of the heat exchanger opposite the interior space of the heat exchanger. A first section of the wall of the heat exchanger transfers heat from the heater to water located in the heat exchanger for generating steam from the water located in the heat exchanger. A second section of the wall of the heat exchanger includes an opening that allows steam to exit the heat exchanger and handle and flow through the nozzle or pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventors: Tara L. Kowalski, Wayne Rees, Ronald H. Spang, Jennifer R. Harris, Xiaolan Wei