Abstract: Mobile apparatus and methods for ultraviolet (UV) light sanitization of an aircraft. The mobile apparatus generally comprises a mobile platform, such as a trolley, that has integrated therewith circuitry and devices that control and actuate ultra-violet C-spectrum (UV-C) light sources that are mechanically coupled to the trolley. The proposed mobile apparatus includes a controller that receives input from an operator and, optionally, from dosimeters mounted on the proposed system and/or within the aircraft. Based on the inputs received, the controller provides guidance to the operator in the form of alerts and messages, as well as automatically adjusting components of the mobile apparatus to adapt itself to a specific aircraft type.

Abstract: Mobile apparatus and methods for ultraviolet (UV) light sanitization of an aircraft. The mobile apparatus generally comprises a mobile platform, such as a trolley, that has integrated therewith circuitry and devices that control and actuate ultra-violet C-spectrum (UV-C) light sources that are mechanically coupled to the trolley. The proposed mobile apparatus includes a controller that receives input from an operator and, optionally, from dosimeters mounted on the proposed system and/or within the aircraft. Based on the inputs received, the controller provides guidance to the operator in the form of alerts and messages, as well as automatically adjusting components of the mobile apparatus to adapt itself to a specific aircraft type.

Abstract: A stabilized integrated optical circuit is presented. The stabilized integrated optical circuit includes at least one integrated optical chip formed from at least one inorganic material, a stabilizing-polarizable-fill gas, and an enclosure enclosing the at least one integrated optical chip and the stabilizing-polarizable-fill gas. At least one surface of the at least one integrated optical chip is modified by a treatment with at least one treatment gas selected to stabilize defects on the at least one surface. The stabilizing-polarizable-fill gas includes N2O and at least one polarizable material.

Abstract: A stabilized integrated optical circuit is presented. The stabilized integrated optical circuit includes at least one integrated optical chip formed from at least one inorganic material, a stabilizing-polarizable-fill gas, and an enclosure enclosing the at least one integrated optical chip and the stabilizing-polarizable-fill gas. At least one surface of the at least one integrated optical chip is modified by a treatment with at least one treatment gas selected to stabilize defects on the at least one surface. The stabilizing-polarizable-fill gas includes N2O and at least one polarizable material.

Abstract: A thin film composite membrane comprises a core layer and a sheath UV-crosslinked polymer layer. The thin film composite membrane is produced by the co-extrusion of two polymer solutions. The core layer and the sheath layer can be separately optimized. The sheath layer may be UV-crosslinked to provide stability and selectivity at the desired operating temperature of the composite membrane.

Abstract: An onboard inert gas generation system includes an evaporator comprising a vessel that receives a hydrocarbon fuel from a fuel tank, separates vapor fuel components from liquid fuel components, establishes a nearly constant fuel vapor composition, and outputs the fuel vapor to be mixed with air prior to combusting the fuel vapor and air mixture in a catalytic reactor. Water is separated from the inert gas produced and the inert gas is introduced into the ullage space of the fuel tank to prevent or reduce possible hazardous conditions in the fuel tank.

Abstract: Ozone resistant O2/N2 gas separation membranes comprise a polymer membrane and an ozone reacting component, such as an antioxidant. The antioxidant may be included in the support layer of a composite membrane or included in the entire structure of an asymmetric membrane. The antioxidants in the separation membrane reduce oxidation and deterioration of the actual separation layer of the membrane.

Abstract: A thin film composite membrane comprises a core layer and a sheath UV-crosslinked polymer layer. The thin film composite membrane is produced by the co-extrusion of two polymer solutions. The core layer and the sheath layer can be separately optimized. The sheath layer may be UV-crosslinked to provide stability and selectivity at the desired operating temperature of the composite membrane.

Abstract: A biological agent detector for detecting predetermined biological agents. The biological agent detector includes an optical fiber, a cladding that clads a length of the optical fiber and a bioindicator disposed within the cladding. The biological agent detector also includes a coherent light source that excites the optical fiber and a biological agent signature detector that detects the presence of a biological agent based upon a change in a resonance characteristic of the optical fiber caused by absorption of the predetermined biological agent into the cladding of the fiber.

Abstract: A gas generating system comprises a catalytic reactor in fluid communication with a sulfur separator. The catalytic reactor oxidizes a fuel to provide a supply of carbon dioxide. The sulfur separator removes sulfur components from the stream before or after the fuel is oxidized. A portion of the hot exhaust gas from the catalytic reactor can be used to regenerate an adsorption bed of the sulfur separator.

Abstract: A process for removal of carbon dioxide from air using lithium-exchanged X-zeolites at low carbon dioxide partial pressures is provided. The process is particularly useful in applications where fresh air is not available and exhaled air needs to be recycled. An apparatus for carrying out the process is also provided.

Abstract: A respirator is disclosed that includes a respirator housing, a filtration media element disposed adjacent the respirator housing, and a respiration assist pump adjacent the filtration media element. The respiration assist pump assists the flow of gas through the filtration media element. In addition, a filtration module is disclosed and includes a filtration media element having a photocatalytic agent and a photon source and a gas pump coupled to the filtration media element to assist the flow of gas through the filtration media element. Methods of providing a respirator air stream are also disclosed.

Abstract: Ozone resistant O2/N2 gas separation membranes comprise a polymer membrane and an ozone reacting component, such as an antioxidant. The antioxidant may be included in the support layer of a composite membrane or included in the entire structure of an asymmetric membrane. The antioxidants in the separation membrane reduce oxidation and deterioration of the actual separation layer of the membrane.

Abstract: A biological agent detector for detecting predetermined biological agents. The biological agent detector includes an optical fiber, a cladding that clads a length of the optical fiber and a bioindicator disposed within the cladding. The biological agent detector also includes a coherent light source that excites the optical fiber and a biological agent signature detector that detects the presence of a biological agent based upon a change in a resonance characteristic of the optical fiber caused by absorption of the predetermined biological agent into the cladding of the fiber.

Abstract: An onboard inert gas generation system includes an evaporator comprising a vessel that receives a hydrocarbon fuel from a fuel tank, separates vapor fuel components from liquid fuel components, establishes a nearly constant fuel vapor composition, and outputs the fuel vapor to be mixed with air prior to combusting the fuel vapor and air mixture in a catalytic reactor. Water is separated from the inert gas produced and the inert gas is introduced into the ullage space of the fuel tank to prevent or reduce possible hazardous conditions in the fuel tank.

Abstract: A gas generating system comprises a catalytic reactor in fluid communication with a sulfur separator. The catalytic reactor oxidizes a fuel to provide a supply of carbon dioxide. The sulfur separator removes sulfur components from the stream before or after the fuel is oxidized. A portion of the hot exhaust gas from the catalytic reactor can be used to regenerate an adsorption bed of the sulfur separator.

Abstract: A photoelectrocatalytic sensor system for measuring oxidizable impurities in air. The sensor system may include a transistor having an electrode and a channel for the flow of current, a photocatalytic material coated onto the electrode of the transistor, a light source for producing an ultraviolet light beam onto the photocatalytic material, and a sensor for measuring the flow of current.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the purification of alcohols, particularly for the purification of isopropyl alcohol. A invention provides a process for reducing the amount of ultraviolet light absorbing ketone impurities and/or aldehyde impurities in a fluid mixture containing an alcohol in addition to ketone impurities and/or aldehyde impurities, which comprises reacting a fluid mixture containing an alcohol in addition to ketone impurities and/or aldehyde impurities, with a sufficient amount of a reducing agent, under conditions wherein the reducing agent is preferentially more reactive with the ketone impurities and/or aldehyde impurities than the alcohol to thereby form a reaction product; and then recovering a recovered alcohol product from the reaction product.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cleansing a fluid stream including a support structure positioned generally perpendicular to the fluid stream, the support structure creating an interior space and including a plurality of apertures to allow fluid to flow through the apertures. Also included is at least one expanded sheet positioned within the space, the expanded sheet having a plurality of expanded slits, and a photocatalytic agent coupled to the expanded sheet to oxidize airborne contaminants when exposed to a light source. Pleats may be formed in the expanded sheet to further increase the reactive surface area.

Abstract: A robust, relatively simple air quality control system that can control the air quality in buildings during both the heating and cooling seasons. In one illustrative embodiment, a first air stream is directed through an air treatment module and back into the inside space. A desiccant in the air treatment module adsorbs water, volatile organic compounds and/or particulate material from the first air stream. A second air stream is then directed through the air treatment module to a location outside of the inside space. The second air stream is preferably heated relative to the first air stream so that at least a portion of the adsorbed water, volatile organic compounds and/or particulate material are desorbed from the desiccant into the second air stream. The second air stream carries the desorbed water, volatile organic compounds and/or particulate material to a location outside the inside space.