And Radioactive Or Ultraviolet Light Ionizer Patents (Class 96/16)
  • Patent number: 7473304
    Abstract: An air filtration device for suppressing biological pollutants for closed environments, including at least one enclosure with at least one air inlet, at which at least one perforated conducting grille is located, that has a present negative electrical potential adapted to emit electrons when air flows, so as to give negative electric charge to particles to which microorganisms adhere, at least one air passage duct being formed between at least one plate having predefined positive potential for collecting negatively charged particles to which microorganisms adhere, at least one deflector plate having a negative potential adapted to divert the particles to which microorganisms adhere, an electrical field being generated between the collector plate and the deflector plate, facing each other, the field to divert and precipitate the particles to which the microorganism adhere onto the collector plate, and an inactivator for inactivation of the microorganisms provided and at least one filtered air outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Inventor: Mario Besi
  • Publication number: 20080314243
    Abstract: A catalytic system (10) for fluid purification, the system (10) comprising: at least one photon source (2) to substantially break down at least two types of target molecules in the fluid to create short lived intermediates; and a ceramic core (5) including at least one type of micropore to adsorb the short lived intermediates for the propagation reactions and termination reactions of the short lived intermediates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Yiu Wai Chan, Sui Chun Law
  • Publication number: 20080250928
    Abstract: A dual ion generating module is incorporated into a conventional household appliance. The module alternately generates both positive (Antions) and negative (Anions) ions when the appliance is powered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Donald DeSalvo, Ho-Keung Mann
  • Patent number: 7384666
    Abstract: Fabrication of a quantum dot functional structure having ultra-fine particles homogeneously distributed in a transparent medium includes depositing such particles having a single particle diameter and uniform structure onto a substrate with the transparent medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignees: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., Japan as represented by Director General of National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
    Inventors: Nobuyasu Suzuki, Toshiharu Makino, Yuka Yamada, Takehito Yoshida, Takafumi Seto, Nobuhiro Aya
  • Publication number: 20080110339
    Abstract: An impact filter suitable for a kitchen exhaust hood is provided with a grease trap to capture grease particles and channel the particles away. The trap can be of different configurations. The filter can be used in various system layouts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Kui-Chiu Kwok, Russell Robison
  • Patent number: 7364605
    Abstract: A photo-electronic air purifying disinfector firstly filters out airborne impurities using a washable filter screen. It then utilizes an activated carbon filter to filter out airborne bacteria and germs. The bacteria and germs which are capable of passing through the activated carbon filter are then eliminated by extreme-UV light emitted by extreme-UV light tubes. It also utilizes a negative ion generator to boost the level of anions in the air before being discharged. These two modes operate in the following manner: the first mode involves cathodic high-voltage output that is discharged via a carbonized fibre. The ionized air is then expelled by a fan. The second mode eliminates bacteria, germs and mould from air as it passes extreme-UV light tubes by exposure to extreme-UV light emitted by these extreme-UV light tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: John Manufacturing Limited
    Inventor: John Se-Kit Yuen
  • Publication number: 20080092742
    Abstract: The invention relates to an air pollution sensor system (1) incorporated in an enclosure (E), said enclosure comprising an air handling system inside an air duct (2), said air duct enabling a communication between air inside said enclosure and air outside said enclosure. The air duct comprises an air inlet for receiving air and an air outlet for releasing handled air inside said enclosure. The air pollution sensor system comprises at least one soot particle sensor (21) capable of sensing soot particles with a diameter in a range of approximately 5-500 nm inside said enclosure and providing a pollution information signal (P) in response to the sensing of said soot particles. The invention further relates to various types of soot particle sensors and air handling systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventor: Johan Marra
  • Patent number: 7347888
    Abstract: An air purifier is disclosed having an electrostatic chamber and a germicidal chamber, wherein the two chambers are distinct and there is no air flow communication between the electrostatic and germicidal chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Sylmark Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Steve Hecker, Dale Honda
  • Patent number: 7318856
    Abstract: An air transporter-conditioner device is disclosed that can include an elongated housing having a bottom, a top and an elongated side wall. The housing can have an inlet located adjacent to the bottom and an outlet located adjacent to the elongated side wall, an emitter electrode and a collector electrode and a high voltage generator operably connected to both electrodes. An impeller can be used to draw air into the housing through the inlet and direct the air toward the outlet. The housing can also include a second elongated side wall and a baffle which can include a plurality of deflectors positioned along the second elongated side wall. The baffle can include a plurality of elongated columns of varying lengths and each column can include a deflector. The device can further include a second inlet located adjacent to the elongated side wall and a germicidal lamp located inside the elongated housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Andrew J. Parker
  • Patent number: 7300499
    Abstract: An airplane air purifier employs high voltage electrostatic ionic air charging grid and precipitator plates for the removal of particulates and contaminants, together with germicidal capabilities provided by an ultraviolet wavelength band UVC illuminator within the purifier. The purifier is adapted to operate from the aircraft passenger cabin electrical supply or alternately from replaceable or rechargeable batteries. The purifier provided with one or more nozzle adapters to removably and supportively install the air purifier to the typical varieties of aircraft passenger air vent nozzles. The air purifier is small in size and light in weight so as to be easily carried onboard the flight and installed without issue to the air vent nozzle, whereby the air purifier purifies the ducted cabin air in the plane before diffusing into the passenger's breathing air space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: Aaron L. Fleisher
  • Patent number: 7291207
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and apparatus for moving air using an air treatment apparatus, the air treatment apparatus preferably including at least one first electrode, at least one second electrode, and at least one third electrode, and at least a portion of the third electrode is positioned downstream of the second electrode. The air treatment apparatus includes a grill configured to be attached to the air treatment apparatus, and the grill is movable between a first position in which the grill covers the portion of the third electrode and a second position in which the portion of the third electrode is uncovered. The grill is attached to or detached from the housing when in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Andrew J. Parker, Igor Y. Botvinnik, Shek Fai Lau, Gregory S. Snyder, John Paul Reeves
  • Patent number: 7273515
    Abstract: A 4-in-1 photo-electronic air purifying and conditioning system, which utilizes alternating current suitable for use in all weather conditions has activated carbon filters used in the first stage to eliminate impurities, germs and bacteria in the air drawn into the system. The bacteria and germs which are capable of passing through the activated carbon filter are then eliminated by extreme-UV light emitted by extreme-UV light tubes. A negative ion generator is used to boost the level of anions in the air before being discharged. These two modes operate in the following manner: the first mode involves high-voltage cathodic output that is discharged via carbonized fibers. The ionized air is then expelled by a fan. The second mode eliminates bacteria, germs and mould from air as it passes extreme-UV light tubes by exposure to extreme-UV light emitted by these extreme-UV light tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: John Manufacturing Limited
    Inventor: John Se-Kit Yuen
  • Patent number: 7270696
    Abstract: A 3-in-1 photo-electronic air purifying and disinfecting system, which utilizes alternating current, has an activated carbon filter used in the first stage to eliminate impurities, germs and bacteria in the air drawn into the system. The bacteria and germs which are capable of passing through the activated carbon filter are then eliminated by extreme-UV light emitted by extreme-UV light tubes. An anion generator is also included to boost the level of anions in the air before being discharged. These two modes operate in the following manner: the first mode involves high-voltage cathodic output that is discharged via a carbonized fiber. The ionized air is then expelled by a fan. The second mode eliminates bacteria, germs and mold from air as it passes extreme-UV light tubes by exposure to extreme-UV light emitted by these extreme-UV light tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: John Manufacturing Limited
    Inventor: John Se-Kit Yuen
  • Patent number: 7264657
    Abstract: A 4-in-1 photo-electronic air conditioning, dehumidifying, purifying and disinfecting system has an activated carbon filter in the first stage to eliminate impurities, germs and bacteria in the air drawn into the system. The bacteria and germs in the extracted air, which are capable of passing through the activated carbon filter, are then eliminated by extreme-UV light emitted by extreme-UV light tubes. The excessive moisture in the air is also removed. A negative ion generator is also used to boost the level of anions in the air. These two modes operate in the following manner: the first mode involves high-voltage cathodic output that is discharged via a carbonized fibre. The ionised air is then expelled by an air drum. The second mode eliminates bacteria, germs and mould from air as it passes extreme-UV light tubes by exposure to extreme-UV light emitted by these extreme-UV light tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: John Manufacturing Limited
    Inventor: John Se-Kit Yuen
  • Patent number: 7244290
    Abstract: An electrostatic room air cleaner includes a housing having a given profile and a plurality of electrostatic precipitation collector units arrayed in the housing with a common fan to circulate room air through the plurality of electrostatic precipitation collector units simultaneously. A total clean air delivery rate is delivered that is determined as the arithmetic sum of the clean air delivery rates of the plurality of electrostatic precipitation collector units arrayed in the housing of given profile. The greater the number of units arrayed, the smaller may be their size, and the easier they are to handle, maintain and replace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Headwaters, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudy A. Vandenbelt, Charles M. Lanning, Ross L. Cowie
  • Patent number: 7156897
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for removing airborne pathogens and toxic substances from a surface of an article or a volume of air, comprising: a main processing chamber having a door for ingress to and egress from the main processing chamber, at least two high voltage electrodes for generating a current. The electrode can form ozone, if desired, to destroy pathogens. Optionally, the electrodes can be in a sealed or unsealed glass tube, with or without mercury, to generate ultraviolet light for photochemical reaction with pathogens or other contaminants. The apparatus also includes a post processing chamber comprising at least one filter for removing or absorbing airborne particulates and pathogens, and includes low voltage electrodes to neutralize charges in air transmitted from the main processing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Sheree H. Wen
  • Patent number: 6984259
    Abstract: An air purification and disinfection apparatus incorporates an air inlet filter (1) spanning the intake of the apparatus, an ultraviolet light source (2) for treating the air within a chamber (14) of the apparatus, and an equalising screen (3) spanning the outlet of the apparatus. The chamber (14) is lined with a reflective sheet (11) or coating such that the ultraviolet light is reflected around the chamber (14). The air inlet filter (1) removes larger airborne particles from the airflow prior to entering the chamber (14). The light source (2) may be located in the chamber (14) or in a housing (16) which communicates with the chamber (14). With the reflective surface of the chamber (14), the intensity of the light source (2) can be maintained when dirt begins to build up on the light source (2), thereby extending the length of time that passes between each cleaning of the light source (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: UVGI Systems Limited
    Inventor: Gordon Hurst
  • Patent number: 6955708
    Abstract: Air-treatment apparatus and methods are disclosed that are especially suitable for treating the air in a room or other dwelling or working space. An apparatus embodiment of the subject apparatus includes a housing having air-intake and air-output openings. A gas-filter assembly inside the housing receives air entering the air-intake opening and includes a dual-media filter element having a matrix of fibers to which particles of activated carbon are adhered at mutual points of contact without using an extraneous binder. As air passes through the gas-filter assembly, the carbon particles adsorb odor compounds from the air. At least one electrostatic 3-dimensional (E3D) filter assembly downstream of the gas-filter assembly includes a respective charging element sandwiched between dielectric-fiber filters sandwiched between two respective electrically conductive screens. The screens are electrically grounded while the charging element (which is conductive) is connected to a source of high-voltage DC power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Shaklee Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Julos, Victor Dragotti, Forwood Cloud Wiser
  • Patent number: 6902603
    Abstract: An integrated air filtration unit includes a support structure for mounting a V-shaped filter bank to an air passage of an air handling system. The V-shaped filter bank may be moved from a working position in which the air is filtered to a service position in which a pair of filter pads in the filter bank can be accessed for service or replacement. The integrated air filter unit may include an ultraviolet irradiation system for destroying airborne micro-organisms trapped by the pair of filter pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Engineering Dynamics Ltd.
    Inventors: Forwood Cloud Wiser, III, George Robert Summers
  • Patent number: 6899745
    Abstract: An air cleaner electrode assembly includes an elongated collector electrode and a plurality of elongated discharge electrodes arranged around the collector electrode. A fan may move air in a direction parallel to a length of the electrodes. The collector electrode may have a plurality of distinct faces where at least one discharge electrode is associated with a corresponding face. A cleaning shuttle may be configured to ride on and remove debris from the elongated electrodes. A voltage differential across the electrodes and the fan speed may be adjusted independently of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Kaz, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen M. Gatchell, Chi-Hsiang Wang
  • Patent number: 6861036
    Abstract: An improved method for charging ultrafine particles in coronas (e.g., unipolar or bipolar corona discharges) by exposing the particles to X-ray irradiation. Experimental tests have verified that positive corona in the presence of X-ray irradiation results in maximum or optimum charging efficiency, followed by a negative corona in the presence of X-ray irradiation, X-ray radiation only (without corona), negative corona only (without X-ray irradiation), and finally positive corona only (without X-ray irradiation). This method and system is particularly well suited for use with bioaerosol particles wherein exposure to the corona discharge and X-ray irradiation serves to both capture and inactivate the bioaerosol particles using a single device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Washington University in St. Louis
    Inventors: Pratim Biswas, Norikazu Namiki, Pramod Kulkarni
  • Patent number: 6841136
    Abstract: A lighting equipment for purifying air, includes an anion generator generating anions to purify air; a housing including an electric power source supplying an electric power, an amplifier amplifying the electric power from the electric power source, and an emitting aperture member having a plurality of holes for exhausting the generated anions therethrough; and at least one illumination unit engaged with the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Donovan Dongsoon Kwak
    Inventor: Kyung Bae Kwak
  • Publication number: 20040261620
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for sterilizing airborne pathogens and reducing airborne pollutants in air for buildings, aircraft, or other structures. The apparatus is capable of high air flows and is optionally integrated with an efficient air heating/cooling system. High fields are produces by a static, preferably infrared, field combined with a high intensity microwave field. This combination allows fields to develop that are high enough in intensity to kill pathogens and dissociate contaminant molecules and other pollutants. The heat produced by the field generators is optionally used to operate an absorption chiller to cool and dehumidify, or alternatively heat, the sterilized air before it is returned to the building or structure. Also a method and apparatus for vehicle emissions control, providing significant pollutant reductions in vehicle exhaust without significantly heating the exhaust and with very low backpressures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: George Thompson
  • Publication number: 20040226447
    Abstract: An electro-kinetic electro-static air conditioner with a bead member having a bore, through which a wire-like electrode passes. The bead is moved along the wire to frictionally clean the wire-like electrode when an electrode array is removed. A bead lifting arm is mounted to the electrode array. The bead lifting arm can move the bead to clean the electrode as the electrode array is removed from the air conditioner for cleaning. The electro-kinetic electro-static air conditioner has insulated parts which protect against high voltage arcing and conductive deposits relative to the electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Applicant: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Shek Fai Lau, Andrew Parker, Gregory S. Snyder, John Paul Reeves
  • Publication number: 20040226448
    Abstract: A particle precipitation device for removing particles entrained in a gas stream includes an array of passages through which a gas stream can be directed relatively freely. The passages are provided between plastics walls adapted to create an electrical field within the array. The plastics walls may have areas of conductive material in contact therewith. High and low electrical potentials alternately applied to isolated areas of the conductive material provide charged sites in the array for collecting particles from the gas stream. Alternatively, the plastics walls may have electret properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Applicant: Darwin Technology Limited
    Inventors: George Griffiths, Geoffrey Norman Walter Gay
  • Patent number: 6776822
    Abstract: An air filtration system according to the present invention includes an enclosure having a floor section, a top section and an opening. A ventilation subsystem within the enclosure includes an air duct having an air intake and an exhaust vent. First and second electrode arrays are positioned within the air duct so that the first array is located between the air intake and the second array and the second array is located between the exhaust vent and the first array. A voltage regulator is electrically coupled to the first and second electrode arrays to apply a voltage differential between the electrode arrays that creates an air flow within the air duct drawing air into the air intake and out of the exhaust vent. Airborne particulate matter carried through the air duct collects on the second electrode array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Dayne Christopher Johnson
  • Publication number: 20040134354
    Abstract: An air filtration system according to the present invention includes an enclosure having a floor section, a top section and an opening. A ventilation subsystem within the enclosure includes an air duct having an air intake and an exhaust vent. First and second electrode arrays are positioned with in the air duct so that the first array is located between the air intake and the second array and the second array is located between the exhaust vent and the first array. A voltage regulator is electrically coupled to the first and second electrode arrays to apply a voltage differential between the electrode arrays that creates an air flow within the air duct drawing air into the air intake and out of the exhaust vent. Airborne particulate matter carried through the air duct collects on the second electrode array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Dayne Christopher Johnson
  • Patent number: 6749669
    Abstract: A particle precipitation device for removing particles entrained in a gas stream includes an array of passages (10) through which a gas stream can be directed relatively freely. The passages are provided between plastics walls adapted to create an electrical field within the array. The plastics walls may have areas of conductive material (1, 2) in contact therewith. High and low electrical potentials alternately applied to isolated areas of the conductive material provide charged sites in the array for collecting particles from the gas stream. Alternatively, the plastics walls may have electret properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Darwin Technology Limited
    Inventors: George Griffiths, Geoffrey Norman Walter Gay
  • Patent number: 6730141
    Abstract: A method is for selectively removing gaseous pollutants from the ambient air, and a device is for implementing the method. Undesirable emissions may be selectively and completely removed from the ambient air using relatively simple equipment and a small amount of energy. Pollutants contained in the air to be purified are ionized by the action of optical radiation, based on resonant and/or non-resonant single-photon excitation and/or multiple-photon excitation, so that the ionized pollutants are drawn off and removed from the air to be purified, using an electric field. A small portion of the energy necessary for the ionization may also be applied in the form of microwave energy or electric-field energy. The method and device may be used in air-conditioning or other air-circulation systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: EADS Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Goebel, Helmut Oberpriller, Peter Peuser
  • Publication number: 20040065594
    Abstract: A system for separating a gaseous constituent from a gaseous mixture includes a substantially sealed passageway extending between a first exhaust port and a second exhaust port. An entry port for a gas mixture to be separated opens into the passageway. At least three gas-permeable electrodes are disposed across the passageway at intervals. The electrodes divide the passageway into multiple sections. Each section is bounded at opposing ends by an electrode, and the sections are disposed in serial fashion through at least a portion of the passageway. A high-voltage static electric field may be applied to opposing electrodes of one or more sections. When voltage is so applied, gas may be drawn through a static electric field in one or more sections, by applying suction to the exhaust ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Komad Parsa
  • Publication number: 20040045341
    Abstract: Fabrication of a quantum dot functional structure having ultra-fine particles homogeneously distributed in a transparent medium includes depositing such particles having a single particle diameter and uniform structure onto a substrate with the transparent medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicants: MATSUSHITA RESEARCH INSTITUTE TOKYO, INC., Japan as Rep by Dir Gen of Nat'l Inst of Advanced
    Inventors: Nobuyasu Suzuki, Toshiharu Makino, Yuka Yamada, Takehito Yoshida, Takafumi Seto, Nobuhiro Aya
  • Publication number: 20040007134
    Abstract: A continuous process for separating a gaseous constituent from a gaseous mixture comprises continuous and concurrent steps of: (a) introducing the gaseous mixture through an entry port into an enclosed ionization chamber; (b) ionizing the gaseous mixture between oppositely charged electrodes (i.e., an anode and a cathode) of static polarity; (c) pumping the gaseous constituent out of a space between the anode and the cathode through a first passage adjoining a selected one of the anode or the cathode; and (d) pumping the balance of the gaseous mixture out of the space between the anode and cathode through a second passage adjoining the anode/cathode of opposite polarity. The ionization chamber comprises an anode and a cathode separated by a volume for containing the gaseous mixture. Ions of a gaseous constituent are drawn towards one of the anode or cathode of opposite polarity to the ions, and away from the other anode or cathode of same polarity to the ions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Komad Parsa
  • Patent number: 6663690
    Abstract: Elemental mercury is removed from emissions of coal-fired utilities by the selective photoionization of mercury atoms using ultraviolet light, followed by electrostatic precipitation of the mercury ions. Mercury is first exposed to light of a wavelength which boosts the mercury to an excited state. Then mercury is ionized using light of a different wavelength. The ionized mercury atoms are exposed to supersaturated water vapor to produce charged droplets which are precipitated, such that the exhaust effluent is substantially devoid of mercury or the mercury level is substantially reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Johns Hopkins University
    Inventor: Joseph L. Katz
  • Patent number: 6648975
    Abstract: The present invention is to fabricate a quantum dot functional structure having ultra-fine particles homogeneously distributed in a transparent medium by efficiently fabricating high-purity ultra-fine particles having a single particle diameter and uniform structure and depositing the ultra-fine particles onto a substrate in conjunction with the transparent medium. For these purposes, an apparatus for fabricating a quantum dot functional structure is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignees: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., Agency of Industrial Science and Technology, Ministry of International Trade and Industry
    Inventors: Nobuyasu Suzuki, Toshiharu Makino, Yuka Yamada, Takehito Yoshida, Takafumi Seto, Nobuhiro Aya
  • Patent number: 6623544
    Abstract: A housing for purifying an air flow moving through it provides a reception space for receiving the air flow. The air is treated with mechanical filtration of particles larger than approximately 2 micron, ionizing with energetic ions, exposure to ultraviolet light radiation, and electrostatic precipitation of particles in the air inflow. The ionizing and UV bombardment of the air inflow occur simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Inventor: Kamaljit S. Kaura
  • Patent number: 6589486
    Abstract: The apparatus and method of the present invention are suitable for use in the HVAC system of a building or dwelling such as a home or small commercial building. The apparatus and method cleans, purifies and deodorizes air in the building or dwelling. The air purifying apparatus comprises the following basic components: a UV germicidal lamp, an ozone generator, an air flow sensor, a control system, a status display system, a coupling system to connect the apparatus to an HVAC system, and a power system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Osceola Specialty Products
    Inventor: John B Spanton
  • Patent number: 6585809
    Abstract: A system for separating a gaseous constituent from a gaseous mixture includes an ionization chamber, suction plenums separated from the chamber by an anode or a cathode, suction pumps for drawing gas from the plenums, and a throttle valve for controlling the entry of gas into the ionization chamber so as to maintain the chamber at a pressure less than atmospheric. The ionization chamber is bounded by an anode and a cathode, which are separated by a volume for containing the gaseous mixture. When the electrodes are oppositely charged, ions of a gaseous constituent are drawn towards the electrode of opposite polarity to the ions, and away from the other electrode. As ions approach the electrodes, they are collected and sucked though exhaust ports by the pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Komad Parsa
  • Patent number: 6565633
    Abstract: The electron beam is irradiated from the center part to the outer direction in the irradiation duct. Then required electron range is decreased and the required beam energy is decreased. The electron beam introduction window is formed as a thin curved surface and made of Al alloy or SiC ceramics, then the energy absorption is decreased, a large beam current is available and X-ray shield become very small sized and very simple. By dividing the acceleration voltage into a positive and negative voltage, the absolute value of the applied voltage is decreased, then the reliability for the insulator is increased and the acceleration voltage can be obtained without mechanical movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Mamoru Nakasuji
  • Publication number: 20030079606
    Abstract: Elemental mercury is removed from emissions of coal-fired utilities by the selective photoionization of mercury atoms using ultraviolet light, followed by electrostatic precipitation of the mercury ions. Mercury is first exposed to light of a wavelength which boosts the mercury to an excited state. Then mercury is ionized using light of a different wavelength. The ionized mercury atoms are exposed to supersaturated water vapor to produce charged droplets which are precipitated, such that the exhaust effluent is substantially devoid of mercury or the mercury level is substantially reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph L. Katz
  • Publication number: 20030019355
    Abstract: A method is for selectively removing gaseous pollutants from the ambient air, and a device is for implementing the method. Undesirable emissions may be selectively and completely removed from the ambient air using relatively simple equipment and a small amount of energy. Pollutants contained in the air to be purified are ionized by the action of optical radiation, based on resonant and/or non-resonant single-photon excitation and/or multiple-photon excitation, so that the ionized pollutants are drawn off and removed from the air to be purified, using an electric field. A small portion of the energy necessary for the ionization may also be applied in the form of microwave energy or electric-field energy. The method and device may be used in air-conditioning or other air-circulation systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Johann Goebel, Helmut Oberpriller, Peter Peuser
  • Publication number: 20030010211
    Abstract: An air purifier, which is mainly comprised of shell body, high-voltage electric sources, ionizing device, at least an electricity-conducting plate, and at least a set of metal filtering net set, wherein, the ionizing device and the metal filtering net set are connected to the high-voltage electric sources of same polarity. And, the electricity-conducting plates are spaced apart by the manner of appropriate distance and are arranged in parallel to the side surface of the metal filtering net set. By arranging the ionizing device at the position of air inlet, the air and micro-dusts sucked into the purifier are charged with charges. And, in the interior, by arranging a metal filtering net set comprised of at least one piece of charged metal filtering net, the charged micro-dusts in the air flowing through the metal filtering net set are expelled by the same polarity charges on the metal filtering net set and pushed toward the electricity-conducting plate located at the position adjacent to the air inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Chi-Chin Yu
  • Patent number: 6454862
    Abstract: In the fine-particle classification apparatus of the present invention, a carrier gas velocity in a take-in section to introduce the aerosol to the fine-particle classification apparatus from the aerosol generation apparatus is increased so as to decrease the static pressure in the take-in section. It is thereby possible to decrease the static pressure in the take-in section than the total pressure in the aerosol generation apparatus. As a result, it is possible to introduce the aerosol inside the fine-particle classification apparatus with a total pressure equal to or higher than that in the aerosol generation apparatus from a fine particle generating area, i.e. aerosol generation apparatus with a pressure equal to or lower than that in the fine-particle classification apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takehito Yoshida, Toshiharu Makino, Nobuyasu Suzuki, Yuka Yamada
  • Patent number: 6379427
    Abstract: A method for protecting an exposed surface in an enclosed space, such as a building, medical room, manufacturing space or consultation room, from harmful airborne agents. Airborne agents are charged by exposure to an electrostatically-charged cloud and an electrostatically-charged field is created for electrostatically manipulating the harmful airborne agent away from or toward the exposed surface for protecting the exposed surface from the harmful airborne agent. The harmful airborne agent may be collected on a charged surface, and destroyed by ultraviolet light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: Harold E. Siess
  • Patent number: 6372131
    Abstract: The present invention is a waste water treatment system, which includes at least one closed, covered structure having waste water ingress and waste water egress and waste water treatment capabilities within the structure, and having an ambient air ingress with predetermined volumetric air flow rates, and having an ambient air egress for release of air to the atmosphere; and further includes an ionic oxygen generator connected to the air ingress or egress and has sufficient capacity to generate at least 200 ions of ionic oxygen for removal of odor from exiting air before it is released to the atmosphere. In some preferred embodiments, the waste water treatment is a dissolved air flotation treatment with at least one covered tank containing solid-liquid waste content, and includes sufficient pumping capacity to floatate a solid component of the solid-liquid waste content of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventors: Bernard J. Mirowsky, Paul D. Mirowsky
  • Patent number: 6322614
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a device for high-purity filtering and disinfecting breathing air. The device includes a fine-dust filter and fan arranged on a housing. An elongate air flow tube is also arranged on the housing and is oriented to receive air flow from the housing. A second filter for disinfecting air is included in the elongate air flow tube. Arranged in series in the air flow tube are a third, main filter for removing microorganisms and a fourth, activated carbon filter for removing noxious fumes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: Kurt Tillmans
  • Patent number: 6302944
    Abstract: A dehumidifier uses high voltage to cause moisture to condense out of an airflow in contact with a series of needles and a screen forming the cathode and anode respectively of a diode structure. Condensate is sucked into small holes in either or both of the needles and/or the screen by a vacuum. Ultra-violet light is applied to reduce the incidence of ozone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: Stuart Alfred Hoenig
  • Patent number: 6187271
    Abstract: Electrostatic precipitator is disclosed, including a discharge unit having ground electrodes and discharge electrodes, and a collecting unit having collecting electrodes and positive electrodes, wherein the discharge unit is applied of a voltage enough to emit a photo-energy which can activate a photo-catalyst, and a component in the electrostatic precipitator contains the photo-catalyst, or a separate photo-catalyst filter containing the photo-catalyst is provided within a reach of the photo-energy emitted from the discharge unit , thereby the photo-energy from the discharge unit activating the photo-catalyst, whereby providing a simple structured electrostatic precipitator making sterilization and deodorization at a low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Sung Hwa Lee, Young Ki Hong, Kwang Ok Kang, Soo Yeon Shin, Kyeng Wook Heo, Jung Hun Kang, Akira Mizno
  • Patent number: 6179969
    Abstract: A procedure and a filter device (1) serving the purpose of removing and/or destruction organic substances in contaminated air. The filter device comprises at least one ventilator (12) for sending an air stream through a first chamber (14) with an opening, which is connected with a source for contaminated air; a second chamber (15) with a number of sheets (20) placed abeam the main direction of the air stream in order to make the air stream change direction at least one time; a third chamber (16) with a number of perforated tubes (22) which at least at one end are in open connection to a secondary air source; a fourth chamber with a number of lamps for radiating the air stream with a short-waved ultra-violet light and; a fifth chamber (17) with a volume, which gives the air stream a predetermined duration time in the chamber, and which has an opening, through which the purified air passes in order to be released to the surroundings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Jimco A/S
    Inventor: Jimmy Kjoelby Larsen
  • Patent number: 6162285
    Abstract: An apparatus for increasing the ozone concentration in the output of an ozone-generating system is disclosed. The invention reduces the concentration of O.sup.+ ions, which would otherwise react with ozone to form diatomic oxygen, by means of an ionic filter. In one embodiment, a gas-permeable electrode within a gas conduit attached to the output of an ozonator is negatively charged to several kilovolts with respect to the distribution line. This electrode attracts the positively charged oxygen ions, removing them before they can react with the ozone. This provides a higher ozone concentration that does not vary as much with distance from the ozone generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Fong, Quoc Truong
  • Patent number: RE39313
    Abstract: A procedure and a filter device (1) serving the purpose of removing and/or destruction organic substances in contaminated air. The filter device comprises at least one ventilator (12) for sending an air stream through a first chamber (14) with an opening, which is connected with a source for contaminated air; a second chamber (15) with a number of sheets (20) placed abeam the main direction of the air stream in order to make the air stream change direction at least one time; a third chamber (16) with a number of perforated tubes (22) which at least at one end are in open connection to a secondary air source; a fourth chamber with a number of lamps for radiating the air stream with a short-waved ultra-violet light and; a fifth chamber (17) with a volume, which gives the air stream a predetermined duration time in the chamber, and which has an opening, through which the purified air passes in order to be released to the surroundings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Jimco A/S
    Inventor: Jimmy K. Larsen