Including Gas Generating Means Patents (Class 422/305)
  • Patent number: 6416720
    Abstract: An oxygen generator of an emergency chemical oxygen generating system is mounted on a sliding mechanism that displaces the oxygen generator vertically and horizontally away from the walls of the oxygen generator container when the door of the module is opened, in order to reduce the heating of the container walls and the surrounding areas. The sliding mechanism can be a telescoping assembly having multiple sliding segments, a slot in the side of the module wall with a tab attached to the generator such that the tab slides within the slot allowing for downward sliding of the generator, or an arrangement of channels and rollers. The movement of the generator from a stowed position to a use position can also initiate the flow of oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace Incorporated
    Inventor: James C. Cannon
  • Patent number: 6413476
    Abstract: A diffuser for dispersing an aroma into a surrounding area includes a cartridge 100 having an aromatic substance dispersed in a wax carrier 102. The cartridge 100 includes a container 3 in which the wax carrier 102 is located and a cover 2 that includes a central vented tubular projection 27. The container is positioned in a heat conductive cup 6 and a heating element 7 is located below the cup 6 A fan 21 forces air past the cup 6 and aromatic vapors released when the wax carrier 102 is at least partially melted are entrained by the air currents and released through a vented dome 1 at the top of the diffuser. An outer cylindrical housing 12 is used to mount the components. When the heat is removed, the wax carrier solidifies, trapping the aromatic substance. The cartridge vent 27 extends into the container 3 and the annular volume around the inwardly projecting vent is sufficient to provide space for the melted wax if the diffuser is upset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: Mary F. Barnhart
  • Publication number: 20020068028
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for removing fumes from an endoscope disinfecting apparatus configured for disinfecting an endoscope with a disinfecting solution. In architecture, the exhaust system includes a fan housing, a fan disposed within the fan housing, an exhaust hose connected to the fan housing, and wherein the exhaust system is connected to the endoscope disinfecting apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventor: H. Thomas Hight
  • Publication number: 20020068012
    Abstract: A sterilization system and method applies low frequency power to a plasma within a vacuum chamber to remove gas or vapor species from an article. The sterilization system includes a switching module adapted to pulsate the low frequency power applied to the plasma and a low frequency power feedback control system for controllably adjusting the low frequency power applied to the plasma. A power monitor is adapted to produce a first signal indicative of the low frequency power applied to the plasma within the vacuum chamber. A power control module is adapted to produce a second signal in response to the first signal from the power monitor, and a power controller is adapted to adjust, in response to the second signal, the low frequency power applied to the plasma to maintain a substantially stable average low frequency power applied to the plasma while the article is being processed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: Robert C. Platt, Mitch Agamohamadi, Alfredo M. Choperena, Anthony Lemus
  • Patent number: 6395236
    Abstract: A non-aerosol, non-wick pump spray system consisting of an emulsion of triethylene glycol in a range of about 0.5% to about 6.0% in distilled water, a surfactant such as sodium alkylbenzene sulfonate, and a suitable fragrance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Smoke B Gone, Inc.
    Inventor: Burch Stewart
  • Publication number: 20020054826
    Abstract: In a process for sterilizing objects, the surfaces of the objects are dampened by condensating a steam compound of water and hydrogen peroxide. The steam compound reaches hereby the objects to be sterilized without any additional transport gas flow. Subsequent drying occurs by means of evacuation at a pressure below the boiling points of water and hydrogen peroxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: Robert Frost, Peter Awakowicz
  • Patent number: 6379633
    Abstract: There is disclosed a sterilizing fog, characterized by droplet size range, vapor density range, sterilant concentration range and sterilant concentration within the droplets. Specifically, there is disclosed a fog achieved by an apparatus combining pressure, temperature and acoustics to form a super-charged ozoneated water and an apparatus that creates small micro droplets which form a highly concentrated sterilizing fog. Specific sterilants used are ozone, chlorine and chlorous acid generating compositions such as sodium hypochlorite, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Holographic Engineering LLC
    Inventor: Todd Garlick
  • Publication number: 20020037244
    Abstract: The air cleaner comprises an air cleaner body, an air passage, a fan for forming air flow flowing in the air passage and a filter to which pollutant included in the air. The air cleaner body has fitting parts. When the turned angle of the grille with the body is small, a turning arm of the grille can be inserted or detached into/from the space between the fitting parts when the turned angle of the grille with the body is large, the grille is temporarily held in the air cleaner body by fitting the turning arm to the fitting parts. Further a photocatalytic holder containing a photocatalytic substance is provided in the air cleaner. A light emitting diode (LED) is provided for radiating light on the photocatalytic substance. Illumination of the LED is controlled in accordance with an actual voltage and the rated voltage of a power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Toshio Takahashi, Kazushi Noda, Kazuhiro Sakai, Takao Mukogawa, Shinichi Taniguchi
  • Publication number: 20020031454
    Abstract: A nitrogen oxide reducing system of a diesel engine can reduce nitrogen oxide contained in an exhaust gas of the diesel engine and whereby cab adapt to a restriction. At a tip end of a mixer, air holes required by the engine are formed, a nitrogen gas generating device for increasing concentration of nitrogen in the air is mounted to introduce nitrogen into the mixer, the mixer is mounted to the induction opening of the engine at opposite side of the air hole to introduce increased amount of nitrogen to prevent oxidation of nitrogen and discharge nitrogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventors: Toshiaki Ooe, Tokanori Iima
  • Publication number: 20020031654
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method for manufacturing products through the use of waste materials of various kind, such as heterogeneous plastic materials, wood, minerals, etc., derived from recycling processes, differentiated waste collection systems, solid urban wastes, industrial processing scraps or by-products, and the like, such products being adapted to be used in a wide range of most varied applications, particularly though not exclusively for manufacturing structural parts and decorative finishes for office furniture as well as furniture for cinematoghraph theatres, communities, concert halls and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventor: Mario Bertoglio
  • Patent number: 6350394
    Abstract: An independent and conserved source of fuel and/or power comprises a top stage rocket engine firing up to 5000 F. at very high pressures, delivering jet flows up to transonic velocities into a near adiabatic tunnel for mixing in general and/or for transforming reactants introduced to suit specific objectives. The related compression is supplied by an independent prime mover which compresses its exhaust and other recoverable fluids. Low grade flows, thereby upgraded in temperature and pressure, are adiabatically contained, are further upgraded in the tunnel to become part of the prescribed fuel for export at the tunnel ends; or fuel to be fired in a prime mover for electric or other power, or hydrogen for chemical use. Expansion turbines for this purpose are relieved of the load used to compress the excess air in standard gas turbines thus increasing export power. A portion of the expansion turbine's exhaust becomes part of recoverable fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: EGT Developments, LLC
    Inventors: Bernard P. Ennis, Anthony Cirrito
  • Publication number: 20020021990
    Abstract: A chlorine dioxide generator comprises a water eductor surrounded by a variable volume plenum. The plenum casing is threaded onto the venturi body, permitting the plenum volume and area to be modified depending on the capacity required. Chlorine and sodium chlorite may be fed tangentially into a conical plenum and reacted therein to form chlorine dioxide, which is discharged into water passing through the eductor at the venturi throat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: Gerald Cowley, David Andrew Dean
  • Publication number: 20020015672
    Abstract: An autoclave sterilization installation has a recovery outlet for recovering sterilized objects in such a way that the objects can be transferred in total safety. The recovery outlet is equipped with a removable rigid closure member which is adapted to withstand high pressures and includes an annular coupling flange which receives a recovery container which is preferably disposable. The closure member closes off the opening in the flange during the sterilization cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventors: Bernard Saint-Martin, Christiane Prioult
  • Publication number: 20020015668
    Abstract: A device (10) for the atomization of cleaning and disinfecting liquids, comprises a portable container (11), divided into at least a first and second compartment (14, 15), wherein inside the first compartment (14) there is a body (16), which has an inlet channel (17) for a cleaning and/or disinfecting liquid, and means for grasping the neck of the cleaning and/or disinfecting liquid jar (20). On the bottom of the body (16) for containing and dosing the above liquid, there are piezoelectric elements (24), activated by an electronic circuit (25) in order to create the immediate atomization of the liquid to be applied. The device is also equipped with an exit channel (18), for the atomized liquid and the vapor generated starting from said liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventors: Lucio Dell'Acqua, Michelotti Luca
  • Patent number: 6337048
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for significantly increasing the solubility and dispersibility of consumer products such as food products, botanicals, cosmetic ingredients and medical products is disclosed. The method involves applying a continuous stream of oxygen-containing, i.e., OX gas to a material in a sealed chamber. The continuous stream of OX gas is prepared in an OX generation cell, which contains a means for generating the OX gas at a pressure less than 20 lbs/in2 using, for example, one or more of the following: corona discharge, high frequency electrical discharge, ultraviolet light, x-ray, radioactive isotope and electric beam. The apparatus contains: (a) a chamber; (b) a vacuum pump coupled to the chamber; (c) an OX generation cell, wherein the OX generation cell contains an OX generator capable of generating OX at a pressure less than 20 lbs/in2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Cosmed Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary B. Carman, Stephen K. Wirtz
  • Patent number: 6318876
    Abstract: An artificial flower arrangement that includes a number of lights and also includes a scent generating mechanism for dispensing a scent into the room. The scent generating mechanism is a plug in air freshener. Each of the light bulbs is positioned in the center of the corolla of an artificial flower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventors: Curt J. Sigro, Sheila Sigro
  • Publication number: 20010036430
    Abstract: A device for gasifying a sterilizing liquid comprises a hot air duct 12 having an inlet 36 at one end thereof and an outlet 33 at the other end thereof, a hot air generator 37 for supplying to the inlet 36 hot air having a temperature capable of gasifying the sterilizing liquid, a spray nozzle 13 for spraying the sterilizing liquid into the hot air duct 12, and a plate heater 23 disposed as opposed to the outlet 33.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Applicant: Shikoku Kakoki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasumasa Itoh, Yasuji Fujikawa, Tadao Akai, Michio Ueda
  • Publication number: 20010010806
    Abstract: A deodorizing apparatus for shoes, said deodorizing apparatus for shoes comprises a pair of leg portions which are to be inserted into the shoes, a joining portion which joins upper ends of the pair of leg portions at a predetermined interval, ozone generating ultraviolet lamps which are respectively received in the pair of leg portions, and a power supply which drives the ultraviolet lamps to light up, wherein each of the leg portions is formed with an ozone emitting portion for emitting ozone generated by the corresponding ultraviolet lamp, and/or an ultraviolet radiation emitting portion for emitting ultraviolet radiation of a wavelength having an ozone generating action as has been generated by the corresponding ultraviolet lamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Publication date: August 2, 2001
    Inventors: Toshio Kanazawa, Satoshi Watanabe, Hiroyoshi Sawada, Yasuhiro Tomita
  • Publication number: 20010008611
    Abstract: An apparatus for the remote or local delivery of stored or real-time aroma sensory information to an end user of a multimedia device. The present invention includes an aroma converter for encoding aroma information into electrical signals, a delivery system for delivering the electrical signals, and a retrieval system for receiving and processing the electrical signals to control the aroma or combination of aromas emitted by one or more aroma release chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Inventor: Mark Budman
  • Patent number: 6178875
    Abstract: A carbon dioxide precooling system, linked with a carbon dioxide source and with a carbonator, for aiding in carbonated water formation includes a carbon dioxide line linked with the carbon dioxide source at an inlet and with the carbonator at an outlet. As such, carbon dioxide travels from the carbon dioxide source, across the carbon dioxide line, and to the carbonator. The carbon dioxide precooling system includes a cooling device in cooperative engagement with the carbon dioxide line. The cooling device sufficiently cools the carbon dioxide within the carbon dioxide line prior to entering the carbonator thereby aiding in the formation of carbonated water within the carbonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Lancer Partnership. Ltd.
    Inventor: William A. Edwards
  • Patent number: 6171560
    Abstract: An air freshener composed of volatile substances having the appearance of a decorative snow globe. A method of making the air freshener is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Bath & Body Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Maxine Truax Pesu, Wendy E. Nitschke, Courtland Scott Parker
  • Patent number: 6171559
    Abstract: A toothbrush sterilization unit for sterilizing the bristle-head of at least one toothbrush with a disinfectant. The toothbrush sterilization unit includes a housing having an interior compartment. The interior compartment includes a plurality of docking stations for holding in place a plurality of toothbrushes. The housing includes a pumping system assembly for dispensing a disinfectant on the bristle-heads of the toothbrushes during a dispensing cycle. The housing also includes a rotary fan and a heating member for drying the disinfectant on the bristle-heads of the plurality of toothbrushes during a drying cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventors: Marcia Sanders, Daniel Sanders
  • Patent number: 6159422
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for treating hazardous biological wastes. According to one exemplary method, a biological waste material is placed into a chamber and a vacuum is applied to the chamber. After the pressure within the chamber is sufficiently reduced, water vapor is introduced into the chamber and electromagnetic radiation energy is applied to produce a plasma. In one particularly preferable aspect, the chamber is allowed to reach a static condition before the water vapor is introduced. In this way, the water vapor is able to equally distribute itself throughout the volume of the chamber so that an equally distributed plasma can be produced upon application of the electromagnetic radiation energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Graves' Trust Group
    Inventors: Clinton G. Graves, Clinton G. Graves, II
  • Patent number: 6152379
    Abstract: Two associated air treatment compositions are formulated such that when used together they produce a constant emanating composition throughout the life of an air treatment dispenser of the wick type (dispenser). Composition I comprises components (at least two active agents) in their respective intended concentrations and is used to impregnate the evaporation surface and/or wick of the dispenser. Composition II comprises the same components (at least the same two active agents) as the first composition. However, the concentrations of the components in Composition II with respect to Composition I are adjusted such that a constant emanating composition is maintained. The relationship between Composition I and II can be described by equation ##EQU1## where ##EQU2## is composition II and ##EQU3## is composition I. Coefficients c.sub.i can be calculated based on quantitative analysis of composition I and II by means known in the art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Dragoco Gerberding & Co. AG
    Inventor: Dirk Sorgenfrey
  • Patent number: 6143251
    Abstract: An oxygen generating apparatus according to the present invention includes a reaction vessel and a cartridge. The cartridge is constructed for insertion into the reaction vessel, and includes a cartridge plate and a plurality of reagent tubes holding oxygen-producing reagents. The reagent tubes, which include at least one short tube and a plurality of standard tubes, each have an upper end coupled to the cartridge plate and a lower end which has an opening or port. When the cartridge is inserted into the reaction vessel, each of the plurality of standard tubes extends substantially to a floor of the reaction vessel, while the at least one short tube extends to a point remote from the floor of the reaction vessel. The cartridge may include an activation plate which causes the release of the reagents into the reaction vessel by pulling up a retaining sleeve when the cartridge is inserted into the reaction vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignees: David E. Beller, Steven R. Broder
    Inventors: David Edward Beller, James Millington Howard, II, Mary-Jo Lyons, Steven Robert Broder
  • Patent number: 6113851
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for accomplishing low-temperature sterilization in a plasma generated using a variety of gas molecules. The plasma is generated using a hollow cathode discharge device of design that permits the device to be of commercially practical size and provides for the generation of moderate but extremely consistent plasma density throughout the chamber, thereby assuring sterilization of all items placed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Phygen
    Inventors: Igor A. Soloshenko, Vyacheslav V. Tsiolko, Vladimir A. Khomich
  • Patent number: 6106786
    Abstract: A blowing type aroma apparatus, involving no danger of fire and being capable of providing a natural aroma. A body of the aroma apparatus has an opening in its upper surface. A container for containing a liquid aromatic and a cylinder surrounding this container and having open upper and lower ends are located in the opening. An impregnator impregnated with the aromatic is disposed in the container. An axial flow fan is housed beneath the opening within the body and the air flow generated by the axial flow fan passes through the support member and flows into a space between the cylinder and the container. The air becomes a laminar flow and rises in the space between the cylinder and the container. The air flow permits the volatilization of the aromatic contained in the impregnator, whereby the aroma is diffused from the opening at the upper end of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Futaba Denshi Kogyo K.K.
    Inventor: Ryoichi Akahoshi
  • Patent number: 6106772
    Abstract: A sterilizing system for receiving a stream of solid-stabilizer-containing fluid and sterilizing an article comprises a chamber for receiving the article and an injection assembly coupled to the chamber for generating and introducing a fluid jet into the chamber. The system particularly comprises an injector impinger for removing particulates and liquid droplets from the solid-stabilizer-containing fluid by causing a sudden change of the stream line direction of the fluid jet. The injector impinger is positioned between the injection assembly and the article, so that the fluid jet can not reach the article without first interacting with the injector impinger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Kohler, Harold R. Williams
  • Patent number: 6103190
    Abstract: A method for preventing microorganism multiplication, including using a gas containing a low concentration of ozone and a high concentration of ions, so that the multiplication of microorganisms can be safely and fully prevented by an additive effect of the ozone and ions. The generation of ozone is suppressed by reducing the discharge current in the ionization chamber using a pulse converter, which is provided to control the current flowing at the time of discharge, when generating the ions and ozone in the ionization chamber. Ions are produced in the ionization chamber in a high concentration to produce and supply ionized gas containing a low concentration of ozone and a high concentration of ions, which prevents microorganism multiplication on the objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Tanimura, Koji Ota, Takesi Sugimoto, Masao Kawasaki, Daisyuu Hirayama
  • Patent number: 6099805
    Abstract: A singlet-delta oxygen generator suitable for use in a COIL-type chemical laser system is provided wherein the generator has a gaseous reactant distributor which includes (a) side, top and bottom walls to form a distribution chamber; (b) a thin distribution plate disposed vertically within one of the side walls adjacent to the falling droplet zone, the distribution plate having a plurality of holes to allow the passage of gaseous first reactant therethrough; (c) a plurality of gaseous first reactant inlet openings for allowing the influx of gaseous first reactant into the distribution chamber; and (d) a liquid drain disposed in the bottom wall. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the gaseous reactant inlet openings are conduits which direct the influx of gaseous first reactant away from the distribution plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Hartlove
  • Patent number: 6093374
    Abstract: An automated device for periodically revitalizing potpourri can be placed in a potpourri container. The device includes a mixing element for mixing potpourri and an aerosol canister containing a fragrance oil for adding fragrance to the potpourri. A battery powered motor periodically rotates the mixing element to stir the potpourri and activates the aerosol canister to dispense the fragrance oil into the potpourri. The device thus uniformly mixes the fragrance into the potpourri. Electric timer circuitry is provided to activate the device on a preset periodic basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Clifton R. Bukowsky
  • Patent number: 6090349
    Abstract: A diffuser is a structure having a porous diffusing member into which aromatic matter or the like is impregnated and an incandescent lamp accelerating diffusion of the aromatic matter or the like impregnated into the diffusing member. When using the diffuser liquid aromatic matter is dropped into the diffusing member, after which the incandescent lamp is actuated. The actuated incandescent lamp accelerates diffusion of the aromatic matter impregnated into the diffusing member, so that the aromatic matter may be diffused over the whole room in a short time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Mutsuo Hirano
  • Patent number: 6090344
    Abstract: The system for and a method of generating a scent and an image based upon a coded signal transmitted from a remote location, and the scent is generated from a dry scent carrying medium which contains a plurality of independent sources of scent causing agents. The coded signal is indicative of simultaneously activating the independent sources of scent causing agents so as to generated a complex mixture of the scents on the fly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Yamauchi, Noboru Murayama
  • Patent number: 6080367
    Abstract: An aromatic container has a rotating device, a disk vessel disposed on the rotating device, a ring disposed on the disk vessel, a pivot seat engaging with the rotating device, and a clamp device engaging with the pivot seat. The ring has a plurality of lower columns, a plurality of circular apertures, and a center opening receiving a center cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventor: Jun-Ru Lin
  • Patent number: 6077480
    Abstract: A multiple flashpoint vaporization system rapidly sterilizes large enclosures. A plurality of vaporizers (10) inject hydrogen peroxide vapor into streams of carrier gas supplied by a generator (20). Supply lines (30) transport the mixture of carrier gas and hydrogen peroxide vapor to a plurality of regions of an enclosure (32). Monitors (52) monitor hydrogen peroxide vapor concentration or other conditions in each region of the enclosure. A control system (50) adjusts the hydrogen peroxide vapor supply rate in response to the corresponding monitored conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Steris Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Edwards, Stephen G. Geist, Paul A. Steen
  • Patent number: 6054097
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for disinfecting material such as a fluid stream, (e.g., water) or various objects (e.g., packaging, fruits, vegetables) using a high temperature expanding plasma emission source (EPES lamp) to generate intense pulses of ultraviolet light primarily in the 200-400 nm range. The EPES lamp is preferably mounted axially in a pipe through which the fluid to be disinfected is flowed or perpendicular to the direction of a fluid flow or an object conveyor. Each pulse is terminated before the resulting plasma within the EPES lamp reaches the inside surface of the EPES lamp wall so that the EPES lamp operates in an expanding plasma emission source mode rather than in a wall stabilized mode. The EPES lamp is operated at a plasma temperature of at least about 15,000.degree. K. and an energy density (Q) of at least about 300.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Innovatech
    Inventors: Barton Mass, Robert LaFrenz, David LaFrenz
  • Patent number: 6039884
    Abstract: A purifier treating a batch of liquid with ozone uses a reversible pump that directs liquid flow along different courses during forward and reverse pumping. In a forward mode, the pump directs ozonized liquid through a purification course that purifies the liquid; and in a reverse mode, the pump withdraws ozonized liquid from the purification course and redirects the withdrawn liquid to a reverse destination, which can be a purified liquid output or a return of the withdrawn liquid to a liquid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Alab, LLC
    Inventors: William Alan Burris, Philip M. Prinsen
  • Patent number: 6036925
    Abstract: This invention provides an air freshener candle product which is a slender combustible body composed of ingredients which include (1) candle-wax, (2) thermoplastic polymer and (3) particulate air freshener-release filler. The air freshener is released into the atmosphere under candle burning conditions. An invention taper-shaped candle can be produced by a continuous molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary Beth Adams, Judith R. Zaunbrecher, Luz P. Requejo
  • Patent number: 6013227
    Abstract: A method for cleaning/sterilizing a device having a lumen with at least two open ends comprises the steps of: a) providing a container having at least one enclosure and at least one interface separating the enclosure from the container, the interface having at least one opening thereon, b) placing the device across the opening with one open end in the container and another open end in the enclosure, c) generating a flow of a cleaning solution through the lumen to clean the inner surface of the lumen, d) generating a flow of rinse solution through the lumen to rinse the inner surface of the lumen, e) treating the device with a chemical germicide, and f) adjusting the opening in any of steps c) to e) to reduce the areas on surface of the device occluded by contacting with the opening. An apparatus for cleaning/sterilizing a lumen device comprises a container having a fluid port for flowing and draining a fluid in and out the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Szu-Min Lin, Paul Taylor Jacobs
  • Patent number: 6004516
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating odor upon electronic signal demand using a disk having an aroma-impregnated adsorbent and a substrate. The disk is inserted into a disk drive that receives signals from a user and/or a server computer. A controller within the disk drive supplies an electric, mechanical or thermal signal to the disk, resulting in the heating of the adsorbent. The controller may also activate a blower to distribute the scent produced by the heated adsorbent and to cool the adsorbent at the end of the scent distribution cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Illinois Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Firooz Rasouli, Hamid Arastoopour, Ali Oskouie
  • Patent number: 5972290
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for the programmed scenting of environments, comprising the steps of piercing a capsule containing a fragrant substance and dispersing a sequence of the fragrances throughout the environment in synchronization with an event being held. The event can be any live, recorded, or pre-programmed performance, including motion pictures, television episodes, computer games, or stage plays. The fragrances dispersed into the environment derive from capsules of scenting substances and compounds embedded on a disk and pierced in synchronization with the actions, places, and motions being executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Mauricio De Sousa
  • Patent number: 5968454
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating chlorine dioxide. Reagents are introduced into the lower end of a reaction column through "V" inlets. The reagent column surrounds a center column through which motive fluid moves upwardly into a nozzle and venturi throat to produce a zone of reduced pressure at the upper end of the reaction column. The reagents move upwardly through the column interacting throughout 360.degree.. Reaction product exits the generator through the venturi throat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Vulcan Chemical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter W. Deacon, Jess McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 5961936
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for generating, administering, extracting and recovering sterilant gas for sterilizing and/or decontaminating enclosed spaces such as, interior spaces of microbial isolators and also components associated with such apparatus and methods. Specifically contemplated herein, inter alia, is a modular system that includes at least one modular section (A), which includes an arrangement for administering gas to a target and for recirculating gas back to the target, and at least one of: at least one modular section (B) which includes an arrangement for generating a gas and at least one modular section (C) which includes an arrangement for selectively extracting gas away from the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson
    Inventor: Leon M. Heredia
  • Patent number: 5961929
    Abstract: The present invention includes an oxygen generator having a ceramic honeycomb body. The honeycomb body includes one or more oxygen collection channels which extend laterally across a plurality of second channels in which oxygen is generated via the conduction of oxygen ions from a source gas residing in or passing through a plurality of first channels. The oxygen collection channels are located either positionally along a face of the generator, on one longitudinal end of the generator or are staggered about the side face such that the oxygen collection channels do not substantially impact the structural integrity of the honeycomb body. In addition, a method in which a honeycomb body having oxygen collection channels at its face includes extruding a ceramic body and forming one or more channels at a face of the extruded body. The method further includes forming electrodes within the body and sealing selected channels for the collection of oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: CeramPhysics, Inc.
    Inventor: William N. Lawless
  • Patent number: 5951948
    Abstract: Apparatus for the decontamination, disinfection, or sterilization of materials such as medical waste by exposure to ozonized air comprises a generator of ozonized air, an enclosure for the accumulation of ozonized air, a processing enclosure in which the materials to be processed are placed, and a destroyer of residual ozone leaving the processing enclosure. The ozonized air reaches the processing enclosure via the accumulation enclosure. A vacuum pump operating in air is situated downstream from the ozone destroyer for creating a partial vacuum in the processing enclosure. The generator of ozonized air is connected in open circuit with the accumulation enclosure. The apparatus further comprises an injection valve interposed between the accumulation enclosure and the processing enclosure. The injection valve is controlled in such a way as to periodically to trigger the sudden and forceful injection of ozonized air into the processing enclosure as soon as the pressure drops below a certain limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Carba Societe Anonyme
    Inventors: Patrick Duroselle, Fabrice Laberge
  • Patent number: 5942125
    Abstract: An ozone generator injects and entrains ozone enriched air into water to be used by a dentist or technician during a dental procedure. The ozone entrained in the water will eliminate the motility and viability of any microbes and pathogens present in the water or in biofilm present in the water lines or channels conveying water to a patient's oral cavity. The ozone generator may be used in combination with water from a municipal water source or from bottled water. Alternatively, the ozone generator may be incorporated within a bottle supplying distilled or otherwise puritied water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Germiphene Corporation
    Inventors: Rolf Engelhard, Stephen P. Kasten
  • Patent number: 5939033
    Abstract: A system to deliver gas/vapor from solid materials. Specifically, the delivery system for the use of gas or vapor released from a solid material, such as a non-aqueous/solid hydrogen peroxide complex. The system is comprised of a delivery system that is configured to receive a plurality of disks containing the solid material and provide these disks into an injector. The injector heats the disks to produce a gas or vapor that is then provided into a chamber. The sterilization process can be done by gas or vapor alone, or in combination with plasma or ultra violet radiation. In particular, a control system automatically induces the delivery system to provide the injector with a disk and then remove the disk once the injection sequence is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Jed Kendall, Xiaolan Chen, Michael Hahs, Paul Taylor Jacobs, Szu-Min Lin, Robert M. Spencer, Harold R. Williams
  • Patent number: 5932172
    Abstract: Fumigation of grain in a storage facility having a plurality of grain silos or bins is effected from a single source of a gaseous fumigant. The single source of gaseous fumigant is connected to a gas supply duct through which a carrier gas flows. The gas inlet ports of the silos are also connected to the gas supply duct. The connection between each gas inlet port and the duct is provided with a respective valve and a respective orifice plate, the orifice or aperture of which is sized so that the pressure drop across the orifice plate into the silo is substantially greater than the pressure drop across any other component between the gas source and the silo. With this arrangement, the flow rate of gaseous fumigant through the grain-containing silos in the facility suffers only a minor perturbation when a valve between the duct and a silo is opened or closed. This minor perturbation can be readily compensated by maintaining the gas pressure in the duct at a constant value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Organisation
    Inventor: Robert Gordon Winks
  • Patent number: 5928610
    Abstract: An improved oxygen generator (20) includes an air compressor (21) having a pressure port (22) and a suction port (23) and being selectively operable to produce a flow of air from the suction port to the pressure port; a molecular sieve (30) having an inlet communicating with the compressor and having an outlet, the sieve being adapted to adsorb nitrogen from a flow of gas passing therethrough; a storage tank (33) communicating with the sieve outlet and adapted to store oxygen-rich gas passing through the sieve; and a control valve (24) operatively arranged between the compressor and the sieve and being selectively movable between a first position in which air flows from the compressor suction port through the sieve to the storage tank and a second position in which oxygen-rich gas flows from the storage tank through the sieve and control valve to desorb nitrogen in the sieve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Oxygen Generating Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Moran, Joseph M. McMahon, Shane R. Manning
  • Patent number: 5925316
    Abstract: A system to deliver gas/vapor from solid materials. Specifically, the delivery system for the use of gas or vapor released from a solid material, such as a non-aqueous/solid hydrogen peroxide complex. The system is comprised of a delivery system that is configured to receive a plurality of disks containing the solid material and provide these disks into an injector. The injector heats the disks to produce a gas or vapor that is then provided into a chamber. The sterilization process can be done by gas or vapor alone, or in combination with plasma or ultra violet radiation. In particular, a control system automatically induces the delivery system to provide the injector with a disk and then remove the disk once the injection sequence is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Jed Kendall, Szu-Min Lin, Robert M. Spencer, Harold R. Williams