Abstract: A method for passively reducing nosocomial infections by providing fabrics for patient contact only as media for air filtration in areas with patient populations, which fabrics have been treated with a solution of eugenol of sufficient strength and for sufficient time to reduce the percentage of viable microbes in the fabrics by at least 2 log units.

Abstract: An antimicrobial fabric and method for treating fabric to impart antimicrobial properties thereto by preparing an aqueous solution of eugenol, polyvinyl alcohol, and glyoxal, padding the fabric with the aqueous solution to achieve a preselected desired part by weight wet pickup, drying the fabric; and curing the fabric.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for combating sick building syndrome include a plenum that is at least partially bounded by fabric comprising at least one naturally occurring botanically based, antimicrobial, morbidity-inducing fabric and preferably a fan for introducing air into the plenum for passage outwardly through the fabric thereby to cleanse the air of microbes contributing to sick building syndrome.

Abstract: A method for passively reducing nosocomial infections by providing fabrics for patient contact only as media for air filtration in areas with patient populations, which fabrics have been treated with a solution of eugenol of sufficient strength and for sufficient time to reduce the percentage of viable microbes in the fabrics by at least 2 log units.

Abstract: An antimicrobial fabric and method for treating fabric to impart antimicrobial properties thereto by preparing an aqueous solution of eugenol, polyvinyl alcohol, and glyoxal, padding the fabric with the aqueous solution to achieve a preselected desired part by weight wet pickup, drying the fabric; and curing the fabric.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for combating sick building syndrome include a plenum that is at least partially bounded by fabric comprising at least one naturally occurring botanically based, antimicrobial, morbidity-inducing fabric and preferably a fan for introducing air into the plenum for passage outwardly through the fabric thereby to cleanse the air of microbes contributing to sick building syndrome.

Abstract: A space divider and method for making same, the space divider comprising a peripheral frame, having at least two portions lying in different planes and a fabric sleeve stretched over and entirely covering the peripheral frame, forming at least two double-curvilinear surfaces. The peripheral frame may comprise side rail members and a plurality of braces connecting the rail members. The fabric sleeve may be impregnated with a resinous material, thereby providing a substantially rigid omni-directional sound reflecting and dispersing surface, or left soft, with fill or padding optionally disposed between opposite surfaces of the fabric sleeve, thereby providing a omni-directional sound absorbing surface. The fabric sleeve may be a one-piece, two-way stretch member, such as different types of knitted materials or a non-stretch member of different types of woven materials.

Abstract: A space divider and method for making same, the space divider comprising a peripheral frame, having at least two portions lying in different planes and a fabric sleeve stretched over and entirely covering the peripheral frame, forming at least two double-curvilinear surfaces. The peripheral frame may comprise side rail members and a plurality of braces connecting the rail members. The fabric sleeve may be impregnated with a resinous material, thereby providing a substantially rigid omni-directional sound reflecting and dispersing surface, or left soft, with fill or padding optionally disposed between opposite surfaces of the fabric sleeve, thereby providing a omni-directional sound absorbing surface. The fabric sleeve may be a one-piece, two-way stretch member, such as different types of knitted materials or a non-stretch member of different types of woven materials.

Abstract: An article of furniture, and a method for making same, the furniture comprising a self-supporting peripheral frame, having an open central region, and a fabric sleeve, covering said peripheral frame and providing a body support surface. The peripheral frame, which comprises two side rail members and a plurality of braces connecting the rail members, defines a body contour. The fabric sleeve may be impregnated with a resinous material, thereby providing a substantially rigid body support surface, or padding may be disposed between the fabric sleeve and the peripheral frame, thereby providing a softer body support surface. The fabric sleeve may be a one-piece, two-way stretch member, such as different types of knitted materials or a non-stretch member of different types of woven materials. The article of furniture may be formed as a chair, a lounger or recliner or a foot rest.