Including Gas Generating Means Patents (Class 422/305)
  • Patent number: 11904076
    Abstract: A human-activity-environment air-purifying apparatus is provided that draws in airflow from an ambient environment, kills germs in the airflow within the apparatus and expels purified airflow back into the environment. The apparatus has a housing with an interior chamber. An airflow enters the chamber through an inlet. From the interior chamber, the airflow is expelled through an outlet. The apparatus has a germ-killing-system that kills germs in the airflow and has an airflow-generator which causes the airflow to flow from the inlet to the outlet. In one aspect, the apparatus has a three-dimensional filter structure that has air-filter-surfaces that define a filter interior region and encompassed by the air-filter-surfaces of the filter structure. The filter is positioned in connection with the inlet so that airflow entering the inlet is dispersed into the housing interior chamber in multiple directions exclusively through the air-filter-surfaces of the three-dimensional filter structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: AIR SANZ HOLDINGS PTY LTD
    Inventor: Richard Harold Rubin
  • Patent number: 11872323
    Abstract: A device capable of stably obtaining gas of a sterilizer containing hydrogen peroxide for a long time is provided. A cleaning device that cleans a heating surface that gasifies a sterilizer of a gasifier for a sterilizer is provided, and after an operation for a fixed time period, the heating surface is cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Hayakawa, Masatoshi Takagi, Kazufumi Suzuki, Hidenori Tanaka, Hayato Akiyama
  • Patent number: 11806437
    Abstract: A device capable of stably obtaining gas of a sterilizer containing hydrogen peroxide for a long time is provided. A cleaning device that cleans a heating surface that gasifies a sterilizer of a gasifier for a sterilizer is provided, and after an operation for a fixed time period, the heating surface is cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: DAI NIPPON PRINTING, LTD.
    Inventors: Atsushi Hayakawa, Masatoshi Takagi, Kazufumi Suzuki, Hidenori Tanaka, Hayato Akiyama
  • Patent number: 11802047
    Abstract: A method of producing chlorine dioxide is disclosed. The method may include feeding a reaction mixture into a separator. The reaction mixture may follow a helical path through the separator and produce gaseous chlorine dioxide within the separator. Gaseous chlorine dioxide may be withdrawn from the separator and used to disinfect process water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kun Xiong, Nicholas R. Denny, Shawn Dalke
  • Patent number: 11780627
    Abstract: Described and depicted is a method for filling packages that are open on one side, in particular cardboard composite packages, with free-flowing products, in particular foodstuffs, in a filling machine. In order to allow the heating, sterilisation and/or drying to be carried out at high throughputs more reliably and with less complexity in terms of the equipment and/or method, it is provided that preheating air and/or drying air and/or sterilising agent is introduced into the packages that are open on one side and that a volume of preheating air and/or drying air and/or sterilising agent, said volume corresponding to at least three times the volume of the package that is open on one side, is introduced into at least one, preferably at least substantially each, package that is open on one side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: SIG Technology AG
    Inventors: Rudolf Flörke, Hans-Willi Mainz
  • Patent number: 11712321
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for adjusting a void volume of a basin of a treatment apparatus are provided. A treatment apparatus comprising a basin and an expandable member are provided. The expandable member may be disposed in the basin. The expandable member may be configured to expand from a first state to a second state to adjust the void volume of the basin. A void volume of the basin when the expandable member is in the second state is less than the void volume of the basin when the expandable member is in the first state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Inventor: Navid Omidbakhsh
  • Patent number: 11607468
    Abstract: A decontamination device (1) for decontaminating products in the form of consumer goods and/or consumer good packaging having consumer goods located therein prior to supplying the consumer goods into an isolator, the decontamination device comprising several decontamination chambers (3, 4, 5, 6) each having a closable inlet opening (9) and a closable outlet opening (10), and each comprising application means (7) for applying a decontamination agent, to the decontamination chambers (3, 4, 5, 6), and the decontamination device (1) comprising a distributor chamber (11) disposed upstream of the decontamination chambers (3, 4, 5, 6) and having a supply opening (24) for products to be decontaminated, the distributor chamber (11) comprising distributor means (15) for distributing the products to the different decontamination chambers (3, 4, 5, 6), and the decontamination device (1) comprising a discharge chamber (12) disposed downstream of the decontamination chambers (3, 4, 5, 6) and having a discharge opening (2)
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Metall + Plastic GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Kleinmann, Thomas Kassner
  • Patent number: 11497879
    Abstract: A reservoir configured to retain a volume of liquid for use in an apparatus for humidifying a flow of pressurised air comprises a base portion and a lid portion. The reservoir may be configured to improve its level of thermal contact to the heater plate using the flow of pressurised air. The reservoir may be configured to improve thermal contact between the reservoir and the heater plate by pre-compression upon engagement of the reservoir with the humidifier. The reservoir may comprise a removable intermediate portion, which may include the inlet tube and/or the outlet tube, for improved access for cleaning. The reservoir may also be configured to prevent overfilling. Overfill prevention features in the reservoir may include defined flow egress paths and/or formation of air locks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: ResMed Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Andrew Roderick Bath, Mark Bertinetti, Justin John Formica, Matthew Rolf Harrington, Saad Nasr, Joseph Samuel Ormrod, Jose Ignacio Romagnoli, Nathan John Row, Luke Andrew Stanislas, Hargopal Verma
  • Patent number: 11412606
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a plasma generator capable of efficiently identifying the cause of an abnormal stoppage when an abnormal stoppage of the plasma generator occurs. When the controller determines that at least one detected value has become an abnormal value, the controller terminates plasma generation control. Further, in response to starting plasma generation control, the controller causes the storage section to store a history of detected values in association with time. As a result, it is possible to provide a history of detected values stored in the storage section to efficiently identify the cause of the abnormal stoppage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: FUJI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shinji Takikawa
  • Patent number: 11395861
    Abstract: A device including a receptacle that defines a neck. A liquid that impregnates diffusion means is housed inside the receptacle. The diffusion means includes a flexible band and a rigid band in contact with each other, the flexible band being in contact with the liquid inside the receptacle. The device also includes an inner closing element that fits tightly inside the neck and a regulation element complementary to the inner closing element. The rigid band is associated with the regulation element, the position of which determines the surface of the rigid band arranged on the outside of the receptacle. The device facilitates accurate regulation of the exposed surface of the rigid band, thereby regulating the intensity of the perfume in a room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: ZOBELE HOLDING SPA
    Inventors: Moisés Caballero Tapia, Jordi Masó Sabaté, Joaquim Llorente Alonso
  • Patent number: 11371816
    Abstract: A smoke device comprises a container, a base/base plate, a plate having at least one exit hole, a blend of chemicals contained in the container and a mechanical means by which generated smoke is prevented from directly exiting through the at least one exit hole without first being redirected in one or more directions. The mechanical means by which generated smoke is prevented from directly exiting through the at least one exit hole without first being redirected in one or more directions may include a plurality of baffles which have at least one hole therein and a plurality of chambers formed by the plurality of baffles. Each baffle has holes offset from holes in an adjacent baffle. The plurality of baffles may be spaced apart by using support posts and/or can be supported by support rings and/or can be supported by support pins and/or can be supported by support brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: 3RD LIGHT IP HOLDINGS LLC
    Inventors: James Rose, John Perriam
  • Patent number: 11305029
    Abstract: A device capable of stably obtaining gas of a sterilizer containing hydrogen peroxide for a long time is provided. A cleaning device that cleans a heating surface that gasifies a sterilizer of a gasifier for a sterilizer is provided, and after an operation for a fixed time period, the heating surface is cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Hayakawa, Masatoshi Takagi, Kazufumi Suzuki, Hidenori Tanaka, Hayato Akiyama
  • Patent number: 11135333
    Abstract: A pathogen disinfection fan system includes a fan having blades or other motive device to induce airflow in a particular direction and a motor coupled to the fan. The motor configured for rotating the fan blades or motive device to induce the airflow in the particular direction. The system further includes a ceiling mount and a connecting member connecting the ceiling mount to the fan and motor. Further, the system includes a pathogen disinfection apparatus mounted to the connecting member. The apparatus including at least one ultraviolet (UV) light source configured to emit UV light having a mean peak wavelength between 200-280 nanometer in a target volume, in a substantially horizontal path substantially normal to the direction of the induced airflow to at least partially inactivate pathogens exposed to the emitted UV light in the path of the emitted light in the target volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Sood, Seth, Khatri & Chaudhary LLC
    Inventors: Anurag Sood, Neeraj R. Chaudhary
  • Patent number: 11009324
    Abstract: A smoke device comprises a container, a base/base plate, a plate having at least one exit hole, a blend of chemicals contained in the container and a mechanical means by which generated smoke is prevented from directly exiting through the at least one exit hole without first being redirected in one or more directions. The mechanical means by which generated smoke is prevented from directly exiting through the at least one exit hole without first being redirected in one or more directions may include a plurality of baffles which have at least one hole therein and a plurality of chambers formed by the plurality of baffles. The plurality of baffles is placed in a staggered formation such that the hole(s) formed in each baffle is offset from the hole(s) in an adjacent/neighboring baffle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: 3RD LIGHT IP HOLDINGS LLC
    Inventors: James Rose, John Perriam
  • Patent number: 10869473
    Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for solvent-free delivery of volatile compounds, where an energy source is used to release the volatile compounds. The systems and methods provided herein have at least one advantage of (1) no solvent (for example water) is required; (2) immediate release of volatile compounds (for example 1-MCP can be released from HAIP within milliseconds or seconds instead of minutes or hours of the existing method using water); and/or (3) instantly starting and stopping the delivery of the volatile compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: AgroFresh Inc.
    Inventor: Tirthankar Ghosh
  • Patent number: 10617778
    Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides a system and method for sterilizing a wide variety of products. Specifically, in some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a package that is capable of self-sterilizing by initiating sterilizing conditions inside the package interior without the necessity of being treated with an externally-supplied sterilizing medium. Particularly, the disclosed package includes at least one dual-layer lid that comprises inner and outer layers and an interstitial space that houses a sterilizing gas-producing component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Roberts, Joshua D. Wofford, Charles D. Robnett
  • Patent number: 10600607
    Abstract: A device comprising an RF cavity enclosure including a tubular section having a plurality of interior structures radially or axially arranged which forms an unobstructed inner hollow center within the tubular section. Each interior structure of the plurality of interior structures includes side walls between which is formed an internal hollow sub-cavity. Resonating cavities exist between adjacent interior structures to produce a resonating frequency response. Vents are formed in at least one side wall for permeation of a gas into the internal hollow sub-cavity. A high-power microwave system and method of manufacture are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Patrick M. Kelly, James-William B. Bragg
  • Patent number: 9878062
    Abstract: A decontamination operation chamber is partitioned into a first operation chamber and a second operation chamber. A connecting portion that connects the first operation chamber and the second operation chamber can be closed. The pressure of the first operation chamber and the second operation chamber is adjusted by a pressure-adjusting mechanism. When the connecting portion is opened and the first operation chamber and the second operation chamber are connected, an inlet portion for the first operation chamber and an outlet portion for the second operation chamber are closed and air flow is generated from the second operation chamber to the first operation chamber by the pressure-adjusting mechanism. When carrying an object into an aseptic manipulation chamber, the object is housed in the first operation chamber and a first decontamination operation is performed, then the object is transferred to the second operation chamber and a second decontamination operation is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: SHIBUYA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaharu Shomura, Takuya Funazuka
  • Patent number: 9862613
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing dimeric and/or trimeric silanes by conversion of monosilane in a plasma and to a plant for performance of the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Evonik Degussa GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Erwin Lang, Hartwig Rauleder, Ekkehard Mueh
  • Patent number: 9541279
    Abstract: Devices dispenser air treatment chemicals in response to heat generated by a candle. Heat transfer elements carry flame heat to an impregnated substrate that is positioned mostly or entirely below the candle. The air treatment chemical vapors are kept away from prolonged direct exposure to flame heat, thereby reducing heat degradation of the active. The candle automatically adjusts heat transfer rates to correct for decreasing amounts of active on the substrate as the substrate sears being used up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Nitin Sharma, Allyce M. Gilligan
  • Patent number: 9131930
    Abstract: A filling device (300) for breaking at least one ampoule (700) and for filling a syringe (600) from the ampoule is disclosed. The filling device has a base body (310), which delimits at least one hollow space (315). At the distal end, each hollow space has a removal opening, which is connected to a port (313) for the multi-use syringe. A breaking unit is designed to break the ampoule located in the hollow space. In some embodiments, the breaking unit comprises an actuating element, which is used to slide at least two ampoules onto a wedge-shaped structure, respectively, by way of a single actuating movement in the longitudinal direction, in order to apply a lateral force on the tips of the ampoules. In other embodiments, the breaking unit comprises an actuating element (320) that can be inserted in the transverse direction and acts directly on the tips of the ampoules in order to shatter or shear them off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: MEDMIX SYSTEMS AG
    Inventor: Andy Greter
  • Patent number: 9125960
    Abstract: A portable gas transfer device for sterilization at a sterilization site includes: a housing; a pressurized gas canister held by the housing; a first passageway in fluid communication with the pressurized gas canister and configured to supply pressurized pre-sterilization gas from the pressurized gas canister to the site; a gas discharge canister held by the housing; and a second passageway in fluid communication with the gas discharge canister and configured to supply post-sterilization gas from the site to the gas discharge canister. Additional related devices, systems and methods are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignees: Bürkert Contromatic Corp., Bürkert Werke GMBH
    Inventors: Harm Stratman, Heinz Duemmler, Ray M. Frey
  • Patent number: 9072805
    Abstract: An apparatus for decontaminating a region within an enclosure. The apparatus comprises a conduit having a passageway therethrough that defines a path for a carrier gas. A plurality of tube sections, each of the tube sections having an opening extending therethrough, is selectively movable into and out of a gap in the conduit. A heating element is disposed in one of the tube sections and is operable to heat the carrier gas flowing therethrough. A destroyer is disposed in another of the tube sections and is operable to destroy sterilant in the carrier gas. A controller controls movement of the tube sections into and out of the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: AMERICAN STERILIZER COMPANY
    Inventors: Steven D. Leight, Cameron J. Pedersen, Francis J. Zelina
  • Patent number: 9039968
    Abstract: A smart home system having a controller which controls an ozone generator, gas supply outlets connected to gas supply outlets of the ozone generator via a pipe, and solenoid valves which control opening and closing of the gas supply outlets. The controller is connected with each of the solenoid valves and controls opening and closing of each of the solenoid valves. An operation method for the system discloses driving the ozone generator by the controller to generate ozone, controlling opening of the solenoid valves by the central processor when the central processor receives an external signal for opening the solenoid valves, reducing opening level of the solenoid valves when a gas flow sensor detects that the ozone flow rate passing through the gas inlet is greater than the flow rate threshold, and controlling closing of the solenoid valves by the central processor when the central processor receives a signal for closing the solenoid valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Hong Jiang
  • Patent number: 9028750
    Abstract: Fumigation systems and processes that are especially applicable for the fumigation of perishable (or otherwise sensitive to temperature) agricultural products as the temperature conditions under which the product is being treated are closely controlled to advantageously prevent the product from being exposed to temperature drops and/or spikes during the fumigation cycle. In addition, the present invention incorporates an air filtration system as a part of the fumigation system to substantially remove the toxic fumigant residuals from the air before it is exhausted into the open atmosphere, which typically occurs at the completion of a fumigation cycle. As such, the harmful effect of the fumigant on the products and the surrounding environment and work areas is greatly minimized. In summary, the systems and processes of the present invention provide the ability to conduct fumigations in a well-controlled environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Florida East Coast Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Manuel A. Fernandez
  • Patent number: 9028749
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and method for decontaminating and sterilizing chemical and biological agents, which can efficiently decontaminate and sterilize high precision electronic devices, communication devices, computers or inside of vehicles and air planes contaminated with chemical and biological agent by using mixture of non-thermal atmospheric pressure air plasma and oxidizing peroxide vapor. The apparatus according to the present invention comprises a decontamination and sterilization chamber 10; a first fluid supplying line L1 and a second fluid supplying line L2, which are installed in the form of closed circuit between the inlet 11 and outlet 12 of the decontamination and sterilization chamber 10; a peroxide vapor supplier which is installed on the first fluid supplying line; and a non-thermal atmospheric pressure air plasma reactor 70 which is installed on the second fluid supplying line L2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Agency for Defense Development
    Inventors: Sam Gon Ryu, Hae Wan Lee
  • Patent number: 9028769
    Abstract: The oxygen generation system includes a chemical oxygen generator that creates oxygen through an exothermic chemical reaction that creates sufficient heat to pose a serious risk to a user. The oxygen generation system therefore includes a containment layer to permit safer administration of oxygen from a chemical oxygen generator by shielding a user from and/or dissipating the heat generated by the chemical generator. The oxygen generation system may be handheld and portable for use in extreme, remote, and/or hostile conditions, locations, environments, and situations with a simple activation method easily operated under stress without any preparation or maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Pacific Precision Products Mfg.
    Inventors: Francois Vigier, Ahmad Marshall, Gerald White, Tae Kim, Francisco Castro, Emmanuel Angelo Fantuzzi
  • Patent number: 9011792
    Abstract: An isolator includes a work chamber, a sterilizing substance supply unit, a gas flow channel pressure adjustment unit, a work chamber barometer, and a controller. The controller is configured to control execution of a gas flow channel leak test for checking a gas leak in a gas flow channel based on a detection result by the work chamber barometer after making the gas flow channel pressure adjustment unit increase or decrease the pressure in the gas flow channel, and is configured to control supply of the sterilizing substance by the sterilizing substance supply unit. The controller performs heating of a heater, which accompanies the supply of the sterilizing substance, in parallel with the gas flow channel leak test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Panasonic Healthcare Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Yokoi, Jiro Ohnishi, Akifumi Iwama, Masaki Harada, Yoshiaki Noguchi
  • Patent number: 8999261
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for hand washing and disinfection by nebulization of an in-situ electrolyzed active solution. The dispensed solution contains active chlorine optionally added with ozone or peroxides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Industrie de Nora S.p.A.
    Inventor: Mariachiara Benedetto
  • Patent number: 8992853
    Abstract: A portable gas transfer device for point-of-use sterilization at a sterilization site includes: a housing; a pressurized gas canister held by the housing; a first passageway in fluid communication with the pressurized gas canister and configured to supply pressurized pre-sterilization gas from the pressurized gas canister to the site; a gas discharge canister held by the housing; and a second passageway in fluid communication with the gas discharge canister and configured to supply post-sterilization gas from the site to the gas discharge canister. Additional related devices, systems and methods are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Bürkert Contromatic Corp.
    Inventors: Harm Stratman, Heinz Duemmler, Ray M. Frey
  • Patent number: 8986610
    Abstract: A system and method delivers an atomized solution to the interior volume of a building or room utilizing a venturi effect for the atomization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Roei Ben Haim
  • Patent number: 8961894
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of producing an atmospheric non-equilibrium plasma (ANEP) in a sealed container having a selected working gas and an object to be treated is described. A variety of working gas mixtures including air, O2, N2, CO2, He and Ar, in combination with a range of ionization gradients, voltages and ANEP column lengths was investigated so as to establish effective ranges of the variables using the sterilization of a sample as a measure of effectiveness. Certain combinations of working gas, voltage gradient, voltage and ANEP column length were found to have greater effectiveness. The approach may be used for food products, medical equipment, or other objects where treatment with reactive gas atmospheres is effective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Kevin M. Keener, Jeanette L. Jensen
  • Patent number: 8945468
    Abstract: A sterilizing apparatus includes an enclosure defining an interior chamber and a door for accessing the interior chamber. A fluid source communicates with the chamber to supply a working fluid thereto. A heater heats the fluid in the chamber and a pump moves the fluid in the chamber by the heater. A valve communicates with the chamber and with the exterior of the chamber and is configured to vent the fluid in the chamber to the exterior at a pressure of approximately one atmosphere. Such provides superheating and concentrating of the working fluid in the chamber. A method of sterilization includes introducing a working fluid into an interior chamber and circulating the fluid through at least one recirculation loop having a heater for heating the fluid to an operational temperature suitable for killing microorganisms. The method further provides for killing of very high temperature resistant microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Micropyretics Heaters International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ganta S. Reddy, Ramgopal Vissa, Jaingesh A. Sekhar
  • Patent number: 8940245
    Abstract: A sterilizing apparatus (10, 80) includes an enclosure (18, 84) defining an interior chamber (20, 86) and a door (22) for accessing the interior chamber (20, 86). A fluid source (42, 88) communicates with the chamber (20, 86) to supply a working fluid thereto. A heater (64, 102) heats the fluid in the chamber (20, 86) and a pump (62, 82) moves the fluid in the chamber (20, 86) by the heater (64, 102). A valve (50, 150) communicates with the chamber (20, 86) and with the exterior of the chamber (20, 86) and is configured to vent the fluid in the chamber (20, 86) to the exterior at a pressure of approximately one atmosphere. Such provides superheating and concentrating of the working fluid in the chamber (20, 86). A method of sterilization includes introducing a working fluid into an interior chamber (20, 86) and circulating the fluid through at least one recirculation loop (54, 96) having a heater (64, 102) for heating the fluid to an operational temperature suitable for killing microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Micropyretics Heaters International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ganta S. Reddy, Ramgopal Vissa, Jaingesh A. Sekhar
  • Patent number: 8926920
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plasma source (1) comprising: a conduit (3, 4) carrying a gas flow and an ionization chamber (10) in which a plasma is generated, wherein the ionization chamber (10) is connected to the conduit (3, 4), so that the gas flow in the conduit (3, 4) carries away gas particles out of the ionization chamber (10) thereby reducing the pressure in the ionization chamber (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Wissenschaften e.V.
    Inventors: Gregor Eugen Morfill, Bernd Steffes
  • Patent number: 8916093
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus (10) for decontaminating an enclosure that includes a passage having an inlet (18) to receive a carrier gas from the enclosure, an outlet (31) to discharge the carrier gas to the enclosure, a fan (21) for causing a low of carrier gas through the passage from the inlet to the outlet, and a vapour generator (19) where a decontaminant vapour is introduced into the flow of carrier gas to be discharged with the flow at the outlet to decontaminate the enclosed space. A further fan (33) delivers a separate flow of gas from the enclosure bypassing the passageway in which the decontaminant vapour is introduced to be delivered into the enclosure from outlet vents (32) adjacent the vapour outlets (31) to assist in dispersing the carrier gas containing decontaminant vapour throughout the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Bioquell UK Limited
    Inventor: Anthony M. Martin
  • Patent number: 8900873
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for continuously determining the concentration of at least one CN compound in an aqueous solution, wherein a carrier gas, for example compressed air, is introduced into the aqueous solution and the introduced carrier gas is fed at least partially to a gas analyzer, for example an HCN gas analyzer, the analysis data of which are considered in the determination of the concentration of the CN compound in the aqueous solution. In order to create advantageous method conditions, the temperature of the aqueous solution exposed to carrier gas is considered in the determination of the concentration of the CN compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Voestalpine Stahl GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Parzermair, Leopold Moser, Manfred Naderer
  • Patent number: 8894926
    Abstract: It is to provide a mechanism where a sterilization process using a concentrated sterilizing agent and a sterilization process using a sterilizing agent that has not been concentrated can be switched without changing the sterilization process. In the case where the concentrated mode is received by receiving means the transfer of the sterilizing agent to the concentration chamber is controlled according to a first timing, and in the case where the non-concentrated mode is received by the receiving means, the transfer of the sterilizing agent to the concentration chamber is controlled according to a second timing, wherein the first timing is different from the second timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignees: Canon Marketing Japan Kabushiki Kaisha, Elk Corporation, Kabushiki Kaisha Elquest
    Inventors: Yasushi Hanada, Takashi Koyama
  • Patent number: 8883076
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating used absorbent sanitary products, comprising, a rotary cylindrical autoclave having an inner surface and two ends, at least one of which terminates in a hatch that can be opened to enable access to said autoclave and sealably closed to enable pressurization of said autoclave; and a circuit for heating and pressurizing the autoclave for heating the absorbent sanitary products to a sterilization temperature, wherein said autoclave comprises a sealing layer on said inner surface, designed to prevent adhesion on said inner surface of material coming from destructuring of said absorbent sanitary products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: FATER S.p.A.
    Inventors: Marcello Somma, Giorgio Vaccaro, Jan K. Michalek, Theodore Thomas
  • Patent number: 8877126
    Abstract: A decontamination system for decontaminating at least one contaminant in a process stream. Decontaminant liquid is dispersed into the process stream using atomization. A controller detects contaminant levels in the process stream and adjusts the flow of decontaminant fluid into the process stream in response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Lance Witt
  • Patent number: 8865065
    Abstract: A device for sanitizing objects using ozone is disclosed having a container defining an enclosed space and a selectively closeable opening for enclosing the space, an ozone generator, an ozone converter, a controller, and a timer working together to generate a predetermined concentration of ozone within the enclosed space and maintain approximately the same concentration for a predetermined period of time. Also disclosed are assemblies and methods detecting and warning of entrapment within the enclosure and halting ozone production when it occurs. Further disclosed are devices and methods for coupling a maintenance device to the sanitizing system to perform various maintenance operations such as adjusting operational control parameters, and observing conditions within the enclosed chamber in real-time such as temperature, humidity, and ozone concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Global Ozone Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Rikki F. Kain, Michael A. Engle, Donald Ray Fraser
  • Patent number: 8858896
    Abstract: Processes for making toners, and in particular, emulsion aggregation (EA) toners. These toners exhibit a low melt temperature while simultaneously exhibiting excellent relative humidity sensitivity regarding charging properties. In embodiments, the process comprises the preparation of the latex emulsion comprising high ratio resin compositions by injection of steam and neutralization agent vapors into the latex emulsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Yu Liu, Yulin Wang, Frank Ping-Hay Lee, Ke Zhou, Shigang S. Qiu
  • Patent number: 8852542
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus enabling the efficient utilization of urea for purposes such as selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx, which enable feeding urea to a chamber designed to efficiently and completely gasify the urea to enable ammonia feed. Preferably, aqueous urea is fed to a gasification chamber, which is also fed with heated gases. An injector means, capable of distributing the aqueous urea as fine droplets, is positioned centrally of a gas distribution plate in the chamber. An arrangement of spaced holes in the gas distribution plate provides higher gas velocity in the vicinity of the injector means than near the walls of the chamber. Uniform gas distribution without equipment fouling is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Fuel Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Sun, John M. Boyle, Ronald A. Lau
  • Patent number: 8845325
    Abstract: An apparatus for lighting an oxygen candle within a drum and for sealing the drum of an oxygen candle furnace. The apparatus includes a housing member for positioning the ignition assembly on a lid of the drum. The housing member having an upper portion, a lower portion and a borehole extending through the upper and lower portions. An ignition nail is placed in the borehole and housing member is structured to hold prevent the ignition nail from moving laterally, and to automatically align the nail with the oxygen candle within the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Matthew J. Smith
  • Patent number: 8834808
    Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing cap-like container closures includes a transport system for moving closures through treatment zones. The first zone preheats the closures, the second exposes them to a sterilizing agent, and the third activates or dries them. The first and third zones each have a rotor that circulates about a rotor axis thereof, and closure holders formed on a periphery thereof for moving closures through the first zone from a closure pickup disposed therein to a first closure delivery position, and through the third zone from a second closure delivery position disposed therein to a closure discharge. The second treatment zone is between the first and second closure delivery positions such that closures delivered to the first position, after passing the second zone and after exposure to the sterilizing agent, are passed on to a closure holder ready at the second position of the rotor in the third zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Alfred Drenguis
  • Publication number: 20140255842
    Abstract: A method for preparing a latex or dispersion, the method comprising contacting at least one resin with an organic solvent to form a resin mixture; neutralizing the resin mixture with a neutralizing agent; and subjecting the resin mixture flow to steam flow in a continuous manner to form a dispersion. A method for forming toner, the method comprising: contacting a resin to an organic solvent and a neutralizing agent to form a resin mixture; subjecting the resin mixture flow to a steam flow in a continuous manner to form a dispersion; aggregating particles from a pre-toner mixture, the pre-toner mixture comprising the dispersion, an optional colorant, and an optional wax; and coalescing the aggregated particles to form toner particles. An apparatus that can perform the methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yu LIU, Yulin WANG, Frank Ping-Hay LEE, Ke ZHOU
  • Publication number: 20140242806
    Abstract: Described are methods and apparatuses for the stabilization of precursors, which can be used for the deposition of manganese-containing films. Certain methods and apparatus relate to lined ampoules and/or 2-electron donor ligands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventors: David Knapp, David Thompson
  • Patent number: 8815174
    Abstract: A sterilizer having a cassette for holding metal instruments or medical devices. The cassette includes a metallic container that defines a sterilization chamber. The container has at least one outer surface. A plurality of spaced-apart, elongated rails extend along the at least one outer surface of the container. Each of the rails includes a free, longitudinal edge wherein the edges of the rails lie in a first plane. An insulating shell encases the metallic container and the plurality of rails. An outer surface of the insulating shell lies in the first plane. A receiving unit includes a housing having an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface engages the edges of the rails and the outer surface of the insulating shell when the cassette is disposed within the inner housing. A plurality of spaced-apart elongated ribs extends along the outer surface of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Michael A Bacik, Peter J Buczynski, Francis J Zelina, Jeffrey C Robertson
  • Patent number: 8815173
    Abstract: The method of microbiological decontamination of a machine comprising an enclosure (5, 100) for treating a support (6) and a conveyor comprising a shuttle (30), comprises the steps of obtaining a container (6) adapted to be received on said shuttle (30) and to diffuse biocidal agent in said enclosure (5, 100), of placing said container (6) on said shuttle (30), of moving said shuttle (30) within said enclosure, and of evacuating said agent. The microbiological analysis system comprises a container (6), a microbiological analysis machine comprising at least two stations (2, 3, 4) for treatment of said support (6), a conveyor comprising a shuttle (30) adapted to receive and to move said support (6), said container (6) being adapted to be received on said shuttle (30), as well as means (150, 156, 159) for evacuating said biocidal agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Sebastien Ribault, Christel Noehringer, Vincent Kieffer
  • Patent number: 8802023
    Abstract: A steam autoclave (steam sterilization system) has a door for opening and closing an opening that defines the entrance to and exit from a steam sterilization chamber. The door may be latched and locked and pneumatically sealed when in a closed position. Preferably, the door has a convex portion that projects into the sterilization chamber when the door is in a closed position for aiding in providing an even distribution of steam throughout the sterilization chamber during operation of the steam autoclave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: OnSite Sterilization LLC
    Inventors: Robert W. Lewis, Timothy A. Barrett