With Indicating, Signalling, Recording, Sampling, Or Inspection Means Patents (Class 422/119)
  • Publication number: 20040126284
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a credit card is combined with a breath analysis device. The breath analysis device may be coupled to a credit card as either a single unit, or in such a manner that the credit card may be detached from the breath analysis device. The credit card may have a cut-out portion formed therein operable to open containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph D. Lilly, Jeffrey E. Peed
  • Patent number: 6753186
    Abstract: A water quality sampling system and method in which compact water impurity detector and monitoring units intended for domestic use are installed in a residential environment while detected values are electronically transmitted to a Central Monitoring Station (CMS), where customers can register and pay over the Internet. Using the impurity detector units, a portion of an incoming water stream is passed to an analyzer for detection of chlorine and various contaminants. The detector analyzes related data for determining the condition and extent of impurity in the water elements. This data is transmitted from a compact control box, known as the wall unit, that translates the data for output to the CMS, located in another geographic locale, via a common data acquisition network. This network can be the Internet or a cellular and/or satellite connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: eWaterTek Inc.
    Inventor: Harold I. Moskoff
  • Patent number: 6746647
    Abstract: A method is provided for rapidly determining whether a load of equipment to be sterilized in a sterilization chamber absorbs, adsorbs, condenses, or decomposes significant amounts of germicide vapor or gas, such as hydrogen peroxide. The initial slope of the curve of a plot of ln(c/c0) versus time is determined, where c is the concentration of hydrogen peroxide and c0 is the maximum concentration of hydrogen peroxide. The initial slope is determined in the first 100 seconds after the maximum in the concentration of hydrogen peroxide. If the initial slope is approximately 0.016 sec−1 or less, the load is acceptable. If the initial slope is significantly steeper than 0.016 sec−1, the load absorbs, adsorbs, condenses, or decomposes significant amounts of hydrogen peroxide. If the slope of the curve is steep, the system can abort the sterilization run before significant amounts of hydrogen peroxide have been absorbed, adsorbed, or condensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventors: James P. Kohler, Nancy S. Chu
  • Patent number: 6716397
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an eluter instrument for an SPE system, including: a housing; an upper seal mounted in the housing for up and down motion with respect thereto; a lower seal mounted in the housing for up and down motion with respect thereto, and the upper seal and the lower seal being moveable between a first position in which the upper seal and the lower seal are spaced apart and not in proximity and a second position in which the upper seal and the lower seal are in proximity and spaced apart sufficiently only to clamp therebetween a first area of a plurality of areas of an SPE medium, the first area containing therein one or more compounds of interest, such as to permit elution of the one or more compounds of interest to another instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas W. Astle
  • Patent number: 6703243
    Abstract: A method for detecting protein present on the surface of a sample is disclosed, wherein substances present on a portion of said surface are transferred to a sampling means and wherein, subsequently, these substances are contacted with a reagent capable of forming or changing color upon reaction with protein. Finally, the color changed or formed by this reaction is visually determined. In this method, the substances transferred onto the sampling means are also contacted with a specific type of nonionic or zwitterionic surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: JohnsonDiversey, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin Baars, Guido Clemens Van den Brom, Winfried Linxweiler
  • Publication number: 20040037764
    Abstract: A control led odor generator, comprising a central processing unit, at least one micropump unit, a sensor unit and a fan. The micropump unit is housed in a casing containing odorous fluid and has a micropump array for ejecting the odorous fluid in tiny droplets. The central processing unit regulates operation of the micropump unit, allowing to control timing quantity and mixture of spread odor. The sensor unit provides the central processing unit with environmental data, like temperature, air density and humidity, as well as human body states for controlling the micropump unit. Environmental changes are followed by a change of spraying of odor, and varying taste and demand are adapted to.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Tien-Ho Gau, Yu-Yin Peng
  • Patent number: 6689324
    Abstract: A communication system for automatic synthesis apparatus is formed of an automatic synthesis apparatus and a computer connected to the automatic synthesis apparatus. The automatic synthesis apparatus has a reaction block to produce synthetic compounds along synthesis procedures, and an operation notification creation device for creating operation notification mails according to operating conditions in the synthesis procedures. The computer includes a per-operation transmission setting device for setting to the automatic synthesis apparatus as to whether transmissions of the operation notification mails along the synthesis procedures to the computer are performed or not, and an operation notification mail display device for displaying the operation notification mail. The operating conditions can be monitored by the operation notification mail display device as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Takaaki Inoue
  • Patent number: 6689321
    Abstract: Sensor arrays, methods, and systems for detecting the presence of gas phase materials by the formation of films based on the gas phase material are disclosed. The gas phase materials preferentially deposit conductive films on receptor materials that can be detected. The invention may also provide for increased sensitivity to the deposition of conductive materials through the use of closely spaced conductive electrodes interconnected by lines of receptor material. Examples of gas phase materials that may be detected include RuO4, IrO4 and RhO4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gurtej S. Sandhu
  • Publication number: 20040001783
    Abstract: A self-contained, single manual step unit for thermally sterilizing dental and medical instruments is disclosed. The unit, which requires only activation of a single manual switch and which controls an autoclaving cycle by monitoring temperature of matter which changes states between solid and liquid at a predetermined temperature, provides an effective autoclaving instrument. In disclosed embodiments, each unit comprises a protective housing with a pressure containing releasible lid, a heated vessel and a cooling assembly. Thermal regulation and autoclaving timing is determined by mass and thermal characteristics of the matter and by an electrical control circuit comprised primarily of electric heaters and thermally controlled switches. Steam for autoclaving is provided by capsules or other water containers disposed within a well of the vessel at the beginning of an autoclaving cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventor: John G. Bowen
  • Publication number: 20030231990
    Abstract: A disposable medical item for use with medical equipment includes circuitry forming an electrical path between the item and medical equipment. The circuitry is coupled to a medical equipment controller or independent microprocessor and includes a fuse. The controller transmits a status signal over the path in response to the equipment receiving the item. A disabled fuse prevents traversal of the path by the status signal, thereby indicating prior item use. If the controller does not detect the status signal, medical equipment operation is disabled. Otherwise, the controller transmits over the path a signal sufficient to disable the fuse to indicate item use and verifies the disabled fuse status. If the disabled fuse status is verified, the controller enables equipment operation. The controller periodically checks the fuse status during equipment operation and disables operation in response to a prior used item inserted into the medical equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Durward Faries, Bruce Heymann, Devid Hendrix
  • Patent number: 6659036
    Abstract: There is provided a plasma sterilization indicator enabling an accurate detection of the end-point of plasma sterilization. This invention relates to a plasma sterilization indicator comprising a support and, as formed thereon, a color-change layer comprised of a variable color ink composition containing an anthraquinone dye having at least one kind of amino groups, primary and/or secondary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Sakura Color Products Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Omatsu, Satoshi Maruyama
  • Publication number: 20030194346
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrogen peroxide indicator and a peracetic acid indicator that include a substrate on which is disposed an indicator composition that includes at least one of a select group of colorants and a transition metal salt. As a result of exposure to hydrogen peroxide and/or peracetic acid, the colorants change color, and even become colorless, thereby providing an indication of the presence of hydrogen peroxide and/or peracetic acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: David M. Read
  • Publication number: 20030190266
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an odor eliminating fiber structure having an indicator comprising a fiber substrate containing odor eliminating fibers, a surface thereof being visibly determined for change of odor eliminating power with a difference between a color of the fiber substrate discoloring through adsorption of a smelling gas and a color of a standard color display part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Hideyuki Tsurumi
  • Patent number: 6630309
    Abstract: Binding between two members of a recognition pair, e.g. antigen-antibody is determined by utilizing a probe which includes a piezoelectric crystal with electrodes on two opposite faces of the crystal. The crystal carries one or more metal plates which may be the same or different than the electrodes, the metal plates having immobilized thereon a first member of a recognition pair. Binding of a second member of the recognition pair to the first member, or dissociation between the two members and release of the second member from the probe, causes a change of immobilized mass which results in a change to the probe's resonance frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignees: Biosensor Applications Sweden AB, Yissum Research Development Company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
    Inventors: Itamar Willner, Shlomo Levi, Yael Cohen, Eugenii Katz, Arie Dagan
  • Publication number: 20030175148
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and articles for controlling the release of volatile materials are disclosed, including, but not limited to scented materials. The method can be applied to a wide variety of different types of emitting devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Frank Andrej Kvietok, Charles Michael Hardy, Brice Daniel Westring, Rachel T. Murdell, Eric Richard Bartsch
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20030168106
    Abstract: The invention is a gravity fed dispensing apparatus for waste water treatment biocatalyst. It uses a microprocessor to control an electromechanical solenoid value in order to dispense predefined amounts of liquid. It preferably comprises six major components. They are: 1) a printed circuit board, 2) a battery, 3) a solenoid valve, 4) a body having a base and a housing, 5) a reservoir, and 6) a hanger. The unit has the smallest footprint available for dispensing biocatalyst or other vital products into a waste water treatment system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Gary Morgan, Henry B. Schur
  • Patent number: 6613512
    Abstract: Electrokinetic devices having a computer for correcting for electrokinetic effects are provided. Methods of correcting for electrokinetic effects by establishing the velocity of reactants and products in a reaction in electrokinetic microfluidic devices are also provided. These microfluidic devices can have substrates with channels, depressions, and/or wells for moving, mixing and monitoring precise amounts of analyte fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Caliper Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Anne R. Kopf-Sill, Andrea W. Chow, Claudia B. Jaffe, Steven A. Sunberg, John Wallace Parce
  • Publication number: 20030147770
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for precisely monitoring and collecting data relating to the light treatment of a product in a treatment system. In one implementation, a method for use with a treatment system using light comprises the steps of: illuminating a product with a light treatment comprising light having a spectrum of wavelengths within a range of 170 to 2600 nm, the light treatment for treating the product; and measuring a fluence of a portion of the light treatment for each of a plurality of wavelengths of the spectrum of wavelengths simultaneously. In preferred implementations, the light treatment is a pulsed light treatment and the product is a biological fluid product flowed through a treatment chamber. Furthermore, in preferred implementations, the light treatment is for the deactivation of microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, fungus, and other pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: PurePulse Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eddie Lee Brown, Edward Domanico, William M. Fries, Jeffrey M. Holloway, Richard E. May, Kenton J. Salisbury, John S. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20030147773
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for the sanitation of biologically contaminated dry goods using a combined gaseous chemical and thermal treatment. The invention consists of three primary items: (1) an chemical dispenser, (2) a sanitizing chamber, and (3) a method of decontamination employing the previous two items. The dispenser is designed to eliminate the need for direct operator handling of the sanitizing chemicals, while providing for the release of an appropriate volume of chemical into the gas phase for the treatment process at the desired treatment temperature. The treatment chamber provides for containment of the chemical treatment gases at the desired concentration for the duration of the treatment. The method involves the use of a mixture of the chemicals used in combination with the dispenser and chamber. The chemical mixture is selected for chemical stability during storage in the dispenser and efficiency during treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Roger S. Bryner, Neil Arnold
  • Patent number: 6592827
    Abstract: There is provided an automated sampling system for taking polymer samples from a fluidized bed, gas phase reaction system which utilizes at least one volatile, hazardous monomer. The sampling system provides minimal sample-to-sample variability, improved reactor control and polymerization operability which minimizing potential exposure or release of the volatile, hazardous monomers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Univation Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Paul Zilker, Jr., Christopher Scott Hunnisett, Donald Robert Fields, Kiu Hee Lee
  • Publication number: 20030129080
    Abstract: An item of mail or other container having an irradiation target area containing a radiochromic polyacetylene monomer indicia which is substantially stable to incident light, humidity and ambient temperatures and which develops a darkened color phase alteration at a level of radiation exposure sufficient to deactivate a bio-hazardous agent and a method of applying said radiochromic polyacetylene to a package or container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Applicant: ISP INVESTMENTS INC.
    Inventors: David F. Lewis, J. Michael Donahue, Carl A. Listl, Xiang Yu
  • Publication number: 20030124025
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided to protect the mail carrier and mail recipient from exposure to mail contaminated with biological agents. A bio-safe device is user programmed and loaded with an inexpensive decontaminant to automatically perform a treatment cycle on deposited mail to eliminate anthrax and other infectious agents from within an enclosed mail receptacle. This provides the delivery mail carrier or an individual mail recipient the means to destroy infectious agents before physical contact with the mail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Gary W. Mize, Brandy O. Mize
  • Patent number: 6582657
    Abstract: A very sensitive dosimeter that detects ionizing radiation is described. The dosimeter includes a breakable sealed container. A solution of a reducing agent is inside the container. The dosimeter has an air-tight dosimeter body with a transparent portion and an opaque portion. The transparent portion includes a transparent chamber that holds the breakable container with the reducing agent. The opaque portion includes an opaque chamber that holds an emulsion of silver salt (AgX) selected from silver chloride, silver bromide, silver iodide, and combinations of them. A passageway in the dosimeter provides fluid communication between the transparent chamber and the opaque chamber. The dosimeter may also include a chemical pH indicator in the breakable container that provides a detectable color change to the solution for a pH of about 3-10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Benjamin P. Warner, Deidre M. Johns
  • Publication number: 20030113246
    Abstract: A deodorization apparatus comprises: a case body 2a formed therein with an air-flow passage 2i through which air flows; first and second lamp units 8, 10 disposed in an air-flow passage in the case body and adapted to generate ozone; first, second and third photo-catalyst filters 7, 9, 11 disposed in the air-flow passage in the case body and provided with photo-catalyst filters; and an impregnated carbon disposed on the downstream side of at least one of the first and second lamp units 8, 10 and the photo-catalyst filters and formed by impregnating an activated carbon adsorbing an odor component with at least one component of iron oxide, potassium hydroxide, nickel nitrate. According to this structure, the deodorization effect at the one passing of the contaminated air, in the air-flow passage, containing odor component is improved, the usable life time can be elongated, and the maintenance of the impregnated carbon, can be simplified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Akiko Saitou, Ryoutarou Matsuda, Ariyoshi Ishizaki, Kazunari Otsuka, Takanobu Oishi
  • Patent number: 6576460
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a filtration-detection device for detecting or quantifying an analyte in a test sample including a filtration device having a first binding material immobilized thereto, wherein the first binding material is capable of binding to a portion of the analyte, and a detection assembly positioned relative to the filtration device to detect or quantify analyte bound to the first binding material. The present invention also relates to methods of using the filtration-detection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignees: Cornell Research Foundation, Inc., Innovative Biotechnologies International, Inc.
    Inventors: Antje J. Baeumner, Richard A. Montagna
  • Publication number: 20030099569
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling operation of an ultraviolet air treatment device including an ultraviolet lamp positioned to treat air within an air handling system that operates in either an on state or an off state. The method includes activating the ultraviolet lamp, and determining the operational state of the air handling system. The ultraviolet lamp is deactivated upon expiration of a predetermined time period during which the air handling system remains in the off state. The predetermined time period is preferably 30-60 minutes, preferably 40 minutes for residential applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Tracy L. Lentz, Timothy J. Kensok, Jeffrey M. Hammer, Mark E. Stout, Richard N. Metzger, Jon W. Orr
  • Patent number: 6558622
    Abstract: A chamber (10) is supplied with a pressurized cleaning agent of carbon dioxide and cosolvents from a first source (12) and an antimicrobial fluid, such as ethylene oxide or hydrogen peroxide from a second source (16). Chamber conditions are maintained in the sub-critical range for the carbon dioxide. The cleaning agent and antimicrobial fluid are recirculated through a separator (32) and a condenser (38) to filter contaminants from the mixture before returning the carbon dioxide, and optionally the antimicrobial fluid and other additives, to the chamber. Medical instruments or other articles within the chamber are cleaned by the cleaning agent and sterilized by the antimicrobial fluid in a single cycle, rendering them ready for reuse in a short period of time. The instruments may be cleaned and stored in hermetically sealable containers (82). The cleaning agent is rapidly evaporated from surfaces of the articles at the end of the cycle by reducing the pressure in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Steris Corporation
    Inventor: Paul S. Malchesky
  • Patent number: 6558640
    Abstract: A sanitizer which utilizes hot air to destroy bacteria upon household products such as nursery, bathroom and kitchen items. The sanitizer includes a base, heating element, fan, and a sanitizing chamber with spacers which allow optimal placement of the products being sanitized. The sanitizer includes a vented cover which allows operation within a set temperature range and fast cool down when the sanitizing process is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Novalabs, LLC
    Inventors: John R. Nottingham, Christopher Riker, John W. Spirk, Marc L. Vitantonio
  • Publication number: 20030082073
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for decontaminating mail. The preferred embodiment includes a sealable container of sufficient size to hold one or more pieces of mail. A chamber, in gaseous communication with the container, holds a quantity of oxidizer material, and a heater is used to raise the temperature of the oxidizer to form a disinfecting gas that permeates the mail. The oxidizer material is preferably a liquid such as chlorine dioxide or hydrogen peroxide. The apparatus may further include a timer so that the oxidizer is heated for a desired period of time, a pressure relief valve, and/or an indicator responsive to the pressure within the container when sealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventor: Roy J. Mankovitz
  • Publication number: 20030077202
    Abstract: The system provides for the monitoring and elimination of hydrogen and combustible gases in the air, with the help of catalysers, being implemented in an apparatus consisting of a passive hydrogen recombiner and a monitoring detector, in which use is made of the free convective feed of a recorded and eliminated gaseous mixture of components, the components having a construction of the same type, it being possible to locate the detector both inside and outside the recombiner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Dimitri Furkasov, Alexander Kalinnikov, Garri Boronov, Ricardo Blach Bizoso
  • Publication number: 20030064006
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for conducting and evaluating chemical reactions within the confines of a sealed experimental system. The invention allows for quantitative and qualitative analyses of contained reactions combinatorially or in a parallel array, with total conservation of mass throughout the reaction process. The analytical studies thus performed may be qualitative and/or quantitative, and may be obtained in real time during and/or following the reactive process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: James Claude Carnahan, John Patrick Lemmon
  • Patent number: 6537497
    Abstract: The invention discloses a composition and method of absorbing and/or detecting the presence of ignitable liquids. The composition includes a hydrophobic polymer, a hydrophobic long-chain carboxylic acid and, optionally, a hydrophobic solvent indicator dye and a hydrophobic white metallic oxide. The composition may be applied to an area suspected of containing an ignitable liquid and allowed to remain on the area for a time period sufficient to react with the ignitable liquid. If an ignitable liquid is present, the composition will form an aggregate by agglomeration with the ignitable liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: John H. Woodland
  • Publication number: 20030049159
    Abstract: A deodorizer includes (a) a deodorant which decomposes odor, (b) a tank containing the deodorant therein, (c) at least one nozzle which blows out the deodorant downwardly in the form of jet, (d) a conduit connecting the tank to the nozzle, (e) a pump which feeds the deodorant to the nozzle from the tank through the conduit, (f) a chamber which surrounds a distal end of the nozzle and is formed with an air inlet, and (g) a deodorizing tower which is in fluid communication with the chamber and which extends towards the deodorant contained in the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventor: Keiichi Onaka
  • Patent number: 6528318
    Abstract: Sensors and/or taggants feature high optical gain materials which are disposed in a high scattering environment. These materials, when adequately excited, emit intense and spectrally narrow light that is dependent on the chemical environment in which high gain materials are dispersed. When two materials are placed in the same high scattering environment, the spectal emission properties of each emitter will depend on the chemical composition of the surrounding medium. The switching or transferring of energy from one emitter to the other when the chemical environment is changed in a specific manner is enabled and a shift in the spectral emissions can be detected and/or predicted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Joseph A. Miragliotta, Richard C. Benson, Robert Osiander
  • Patent number: 6528016
    Abstract: A method is provided for rapidly determining whether a load of equipment to be sterilized in a sterilization chamber absorbs, adsorbs, condenses, or decomposes significant amounts of germicide vapor or gas, such as hydrogen peroxide. The initial slope of the curve of a plot of ln(c/co) versus time is determined, where c is the concentration of hydrogen peroxide and co is the maximum concentration of hydrogen peroxide. The initial slope is determined in the first 100 seconds after the maximum in the concentration of hydrogen peroxide. If the initial slope is approximately 0.016 sec−1 or less, the load is acceptable. If the initial slope is significantly steeper than 0.016 sec−1, the load absorbs, adsorbs, condenses, or decomposes significant amounts of hydrogen peroxide. If the slope of the curve is steep, the system can abort the sterilization run before significant amounts of hydrogen peroxide have been absorbed, adsorbed, or condensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Kohler, Nancy S. Chu
  • Patent number: 6528317
    Abstract: A method of providing a detectable marker in a fluid. The method comprises disposing in said fluid a marker composition 10 comprising a matrix material 12 having a detectable marker substance 14 incorporated therein, the matrix material 12 serving to release the marker substance 14 into the fluid over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Wrc plc
    Inventors: Gerald Frank Moss, Gerald Melville Aubrey Jones
  • Patent number: 6524790
    Abstract: Electrokinetic devices having a computer for correcting for electrokinetic effects are provided. Methods of correcting for electrokinetic effects by establishing the velocity of reactants and products in a reaction in electrokinetic microfluidic devices are also provided. These microfluidic devices can have substrates with channels, depressions, and/or wells for moving, mixing and monitoring precise amounts of analyte fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Caliper Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Anne R. Kopf-Sill, Andrea W. Chow, Claudia B. Cohen, Steven A. Sundberg, John Wallace Parce
  • Patent number: 6524537
    Abstract: A fragrance emitter used with internet is disclosed. The fragrance emitter is able to emit various kinds of fragrance stored in vessels according to the command sent by a frequency detector which is used to search for the existence of a specific frequency specially used by a specific web site. Therefore, when the existence of a specific frequency matches with a predetermined frequency, the electromagnetic valve is able to activate the movement of a valve mounted on a fragrance vessel in an air tight manner, such that the fragrance is ventilated and mix with the air by a fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Chum Lee
  • Patent number: 6514461
    Abstract: A system for automatically testing a fluid specimen, e.g., urine, to indicate the presence of specified chemical components in the specimen. The system preferably utilizes an assaying device comprised of a collection cup and a cap which carries at least one test strip. The device includes an integrated aliquot delivery mechanism actuatable to wet the test strip with an aliquot delivered from the fluid specimen. The assaying device is configured to operate in conjunction with an electronic reader device capable of actuating the aliquot delivery mechanism and reading the reaction of the test strip. A preferred reader device defines a keyed receptacle for accommodating a complementary shaped cup housing in a particular orientation. The reader device is comprised of a camera for capturing the image of a test strip, an actuator for actuating an aliquot delivery mechanism, and a microprocessor/controller for (1) controlling the camera and actuator and (2) processing the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: eScreen, Inc.
    Inventors: Murray I. Lappe, David A. Birkner, John W. Goodin, Keith Patten, Bill Whitford
  • Publication number: 20030021724
    Abstract: A vaporizer (14) supplies hydrogen peroxide and water vapor to a high level disinfection or sterilization region (20). Mid-infrared light detectors (32) detect light in the mid-infrared range which has traversed a region of the treatment chamber in a first narrow spectrum centered at 8,000 nanometers which is absorbed by the hydrogen peroxide vapor, a second narrow spectrum which is absorbed by the water vapor, and a third spectrum that is absorbed by neither the hydrogen peroxide vapor nor the water vapor. From these measurements, an absorbance or transmittance is determined (40) from which the concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and water vapor are determined (42). Monitored temperature (44) and the determined concentrations are converted into a percent saturation (54). The supply of hydrogen peroxide and water vapor to the chamber is controlled (60) in accordance with the determined percent saturation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventor: Iain F. McVey
  • Publication number: 20030021723
    Abstract: A device for detecting, isolating and exterminating hazardous microbiological agents contained inside delicate objects such as envelopes and packages commonly used in worldwide mail and transport systems which may be safely used in houses, is very economic and which can be easily produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Applicant: Inovatek Corporation
    Inventor: Oscar Raul Lopez Ordaz
  • Publication number: 20030012689
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for testing one or more sterilization indicators (e.g., biological indicators or chemical indicators) or other articles by contacting them under controlled sterilization conditions with a flowing antimicrobial gas containing hydrogen peroxide vapor are disclosed. This invention also provides apparatus and method for testing sterilization processes that use a flowing antimicrobial gas containing hydrogen peroxide vapor under controlled sterilization conditions, or for testing materials for such processes under controlled sterilization conditions, or for testing both such processes and such materials under controlled sterilization conditions. There can be an essentially square-wave contact of the sterilization indicators or other articles with the antimicrobial gas (i.e.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: PHARMACEUTICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Ross A. Caputo, Robert R. Reich, Robert J. Thrash, Jimmy Fisher, Davoud Khorzad, Thomas F. Cullen
  • Patent number: 6506605
    Abstract: An OBD system is provided for monitoring an ozone depletion system that includes a catalyst coating containing MnO2 applied to a heat exchange surface on a moving vehicle over which atmospheric air passes. A physical characteristic of the catalyst coating or a material containing a physical characteristic within the catalyst coating is sensed to determine the presence or absence of the catalyst coating for detecting catastrophic failure of the ozone depleting system and/or degradation or wear of the catalyst coating to ascertain the efficiency of the catalyst coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Engelhard Corporation
    Inventors: Fred Mitchell Allen, Xiaolin David Yang, Ronald Marshall Heck, Jeffrey B. Hoke, Earl Marvin Waterman, Xinsheng Liu, Dennis Ray Anderson, Arthur Bruce Robertson, Terence Christopher Poles
  • Publication number: 20030007887
    Abstract: An aromatic substance heating device including a base, an integral heating element carried by the base, wherein the aromatic substance heating device is configured to receive and non-combustively heat an aromatic substance that is a solid at room temperature and a liquid at an elevated temperature. An aromatic substance container can be included to contain and transfer heat to the aromatic substance. The aromatic substance can include a candle wax.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Applicant: Pende, Inc.
    Inventors: Deno N. Roumpos, George Roumpos, Mark Smith
  • Publication number: 20020182119
    Abstract: A temperature sensing assembly utilizing a multipoint thermocouple. The assembly comprises a vessel, e.g. a chemical reaction pressure vessel, into which a thermocouple is inserted. The thermocouple utilizes an elongated sheath having a plurality of sensors therein. The sensors are arranged to detect temperature at a plurality of unique locations within the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Jeffrey N. Daily, Robert F. Poteet, Michael W. Rahn, Larry D. Welch
  • Patent number: 6479297
    Abstract: Sensor arrays, methods, and systems for detecting the presence of gas phase materials by the formation of films based on the gas phase material are disclosed. The gas phase materials preferentially deposit conductive films on receptor materials that can be detected. The invention may also provide for increased sensitivity to the deposition of conductive materials through the use of closely spaced conductive electrodes interconnected by lines of receptor material. Examples of gas phase materials that may be detected include RuO4,IrO4 and RhO4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gurtej S. Sandhu
  • Publication number: 20020130069
    Abstract: A water quality sampling system and method in which compact water impurity detector and monitoring units intended for domestic use are installed in a residential environment while detected values are electronically transmitted to a Central Monitoring Station (CMS), where customers can register and pay over the Internet. Using the impurity detector units, a portion of an incoming water stream is passed to an analyzer for detection of chlorine and various contaminants. The detector analyzes related data for determining the condition and extent of impurity in the water elements. This data is transmitted from a compact control box, known as the wall unit, that translates the data for output to the CMS, located in another geographic locale, via a common data acquisition network. This network can be the Internet or a cellular and/or satellite connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Harold I. Moskoff
  • Patent number: 6436712
    Abstract: A method and apparatus according to the present invention monitors an emission gas, such as a carbon monoxide gas, from an emission source, such as a carbon monoxide source, by periodically sensing a concentration level of emission gas, such as carbon monoxide, in ambient air and generating a signal corresponding to the sensed concentration level of the emission gas. In response to the signal, a percent blood concentration value of the emission gas is determined. The calculated blood concentration value is compared to a threshold value, and if greater than the threshold value, the source of emission gas, such as carbon monoxide gas, is disabled. The blood concentration value can be determined on a predetermined time interval, and at least in part, can be based on a prior blood concentration value in combination with a current blood concentration value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Yurgil, Guy E. LaFalce
  • Patent number: 6436722
    Abstract: Invention performs an assay to determine presence or quantity of specific analyte in fluid sample. Representative device has two separate flow paths established sequentially in device with a single user activation step. First flow path delivers sample, and conjugate soluble binding reagents to solid phase. If analyte is present, an analyte:conjugate complex is formed and immobilized. Sample volume delivered by first path determined by absorbent capacity of solid phase, and not by amount of sample added to device. User need not measure sample volume. Sample/conjugate mixture is prevented from entering second flow path because capillary and surface energy of second flow path prevent it from being wetted by this mixture. Second flow path allows wash reagent to remove unbound conjugate and sample from solid phase to the absorbant, and optionally deliver detection reagents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Idexx Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott M. Clark, Robert H. Suva, Michael R. Kepron, Stanislaw Barski, Jr., Erwin F. Workman, Jr.