Abstract: A control system for monitoring an antimicrobial application system may include a controller having a monitoring program including an operations unit and an interface unit. The operations unit may include a sensor module operatively coupled to a plurality of sensors positioned to detect operation data associated with the application system in real-time. An adjustment module may adjust the operation of the application system. An analysis module may analyze real-time operation data and initiate a specified response when the analysis indicates that a trigger event has occurred. The response may include issuing a notification to a notification device or initiating the adjustment module to perform a control operation to modify the operation of the antimicrobial application system. A remote monitoring center may control multiple and remote application systems. Mobile devices and a control panel may be operable to interface with operations of the antimicrobial application system via the control system.

Abstract: A computing device in a vehicle can be programmed to activate a self-cleaning glass surface by irradiating the self-cleaning glass surface with LED ultraviolet radiation based on a determined energy of external ultraviolet radiation and a schedule. The computing device can activate a self-cleaning glass surface by irradiating the self-cleaning glass surface with LED ultraviolet radiation based on determining an optical state of the self-cleaning glass.

Abstract: An emanator device for emanating an air treatment agent into the surrounding air comprises a housing which contains a solid or liquid source of the air treatment agent, wherein the housing comprises a blister or capsule containing an air treatment agent and a plurality of openings which are sufficiently small that they can be closed by a film or plug of water. For example the openings may be provided by a gauze or mesh. The openings do not inhibit the emanation of air treatment agent released from the blister, but when the emanator device is subject to wet conditions, as may happen in a dishwashing machine, the openings are blocked by a film or plug of water. The air treatment agent does not therefore enter the water, where it may have caused adverse effects, or simply have been wasted. Under dry conditions, however, emanation occurs normally.

Abstract: A process for the thermal-chemical modification treatment of wood is described, in which such a modification is obtained through multiple chemical reactions of the substances comprising the wood structure generated by exposing the wood to temperatures at which the pyrolysis phenomenon begins, i.e., in the range of 180° C.-240° C., in a vacuum autoclave-cell while always maintaining the internal pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure, in a range of values of 70-350 mBar of absolute pressure, consisting in the steps of pre-heating, actual heat treatment, and cooling of a wood mass.

Abstract: A method includes sterilizing a column assembly including a column having a parent radionuclide contained therein with a sterilizer. The method further includes transferring the column assembly from the sterilizer to a first clean room environment, transferring the column assembly from the first clean room environment to a second clean room environment, and collecting a sterility test sample from the column assembly within the second clean room environment.

Abstract: The invention relates mainly to an apparatus comprising a chamber for physically and/or chemically treating one or more samples or products, said apparatus comprising a door for introducing samples inside the apparatus chamber or bringing samples outside the apparatus, said apparatus comprising a membrane or film defining a chamber wall inside said apparatus when the door is closed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sanitization of surfaces, such as hands, are provided. In general, the described techniques utilize a system including a housing having an active agent receptacle in fluid communication with at least one nozzle, and an air pump in fluid communication with the at least one nozzle. The system also includes a control module configured to control the delivery of an active agent as an aerosol spray through the at least one nozzle in a delivery dose. The delivery dose is expelled onto the surface as a thin uniform layer and dried such that the entire surface sanitization process is completed in less than or equal to 5 seconds. The active agent receptacle can be configured to receive a removable and replaceable cartridge carrying the active agent.

Abstract: A long-acting ultrasonic dispenser that effuses a water-based deodorizer solution into ambient air as a dry fog in a closed environment, and a method for deodorizing noxious odors in that closed environment by the dry fog. The dry fog, containing the deodorizer, chemically reacts with materials producing the odors, thereby neutralizing them. The dispenser contains an electronic ultrasonic wave generator comprising a piezoelectric crystal and an ultrasonic membrane, which is always submerged under liquid. As the liquid evaporates, droplets larger than five microns are filtered out, and the remaining dry fog is emitted into the air. The dispenser is connected to a large reservoir. When the liquid level reaches a minimum permissible height, additional deodorizer solution is pumped into the dispenser. This system is ideal for use with central air conditioners in large office buildings to eliminate odors over a long period of time with minimum maintenance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating a nanofibrillar cellulose hydrogel, wherein the method comprises the steps of: providing a nanofibrillar cellulose hydrogel; and subjecting the nanofibrillar cellulose hydrogel to a heat treatment, wherein the heat treatment is carried out by transferring the nanofibrillar cellulose hydrogel through at least one heat exchanger or through at least one insulated holding tube, during which heat treatment the nanofibrillar cellulose hydrogel is kept at a predetermined temperature within the range of 110-150° C. for a period of time in the range of 15 seconds to 20 minutes, wherein the pre-determined temperature and period of time are chosen such that the number of viable micro-organisms in the nanofibrillar cellulose hydrogel is reduced by a factor of at least 103.

Abstract: Articles and methods of using and making adaptive garment portions are provided. An adaptive garment portion is one that has shifting surfaces with apertures that shift from an aligned to an offset orientation depending on environmental conditions/stimuli. For example, a first surface material and a second surface material may be coupled by a responsive material portion. The responsive material portion may physically change in response to a change in environmental conditions internal or external to the garment (e.g., thermal energy, moisture) and/or stimuli (e.g., light energy, electrical energy, magnetic fields). The physical change in the responsive material portion facilitates the planar shift of the first surface material relative to the second surface material.

Abstract: A self-cleaning retractable partition apparatus includes a tower assembly defining an interior area, and a primary ultraviolet light mounted to bottom and top walls thereof operable to illuminate the interior area. A partition assembly in the tower assembly includes a reel and a flexible panel movable between coiled and uncoiled configurations wrapped about the reel. A mobile base is unconnected to a bottom wall of the tower assembly is movable between a stowed configuration proximate the tower assembly and a deployed configuration positioned away from the tower assembly and includes a grip member coupled to the leading edge of the panel. The partition apparatus includes a guide assembly having an upper guide member complementary to the upper fastener and operable for engaging the upper fastener, the upper guide member including a plurality of spacer segments each having a metallic core and being operable to maintain an angled configuration.

Abstract: A fragrance dispensing system includes a fragrance dispensing mechanism, a network interface, and a control module. The control module receives a control signal from an input device via the network interface and controls the fragrance dispensing mechanism based on the control signal. The control signal corresponds to settings of the fragrance dispensing mechanism. The fragrance dispensing mechanism may include a fan, a light source, a power save switch, or a combination thereof. A method for controlling a fragrance dispensing system includes generating an interface at an input device, receiving input via the interface, generating a control signal based on the input, and remotely transmitting the control signal to the fragrance dispensing system. The input indicates settings of the fragrance dispensing system. The interface may include a selectable timer option, a selectable power mode, a fan control, a light control, or a combination thereof. The interface may include a fragrance indicator.

Abstract: An apparatus including a first apparatus for producing light, which may include a first device for detecting movement of a door, and a first set of one or more light sources. The first set of one or more light sources may be configured to turn on when the first device for detecting movement of the door detects movement of the door. The first set of one or more light sources are configured to produce short wavelength ultraviolet light. The first device for detecting movement of the door may include an accelerometer. The first apparatus for producing light may include a computer processor; a computer memory; having a stored threshold value. The computer processor may compare a value of a detected signal produced with the threshold value and to cause the first set of one or more light sources to be turned on if the detected signal exceeds the threshold value.

Abstract: The present application relates to an apparatus and method for fluids microbiological control in electrical conductive or not electrical conductive current pipes, by applying electric and magnetic fields generated from alternating electrical current of low voltage and low frequency. The apparatus is characterized by comprising a set of cells (21) of piping being electrical conductor or not, separated by electrical insulating joints (10A), but hydraulically interconnected to form sections (22) arranged or connected in series. The apparatus has an electrical arrangement that allows the direction of the magnetic field generated by the current passing through the insulated electric wire, which goes inside the pipe, be added to the direction of magnetic field generated within the pipe. The result of the sum of these magnetic and electrical fields is a tangential reinforced force. The reinforced resultant has helically—centrifuged form with direction to the inner wall of the tube (which carries lots of electrons).

Abstract: A fluid heating system includes a tank assembly having an interior surface bounding a chamber, the tank assembly including a sidewall encircling the chamber and extending between a first end and an opposing second end, the first end bounding an opening to the chamber, and a lid movable between a first position wherein the opening to the chamber is exposed and a second position wherein the lid is disposed over the opening. A collapsible bag is removably disposed within the chamber of the tank assembly, the collapsible bag bounding a compartment adapted to hold a fluid. A mechanism is provided for controlling the temperature of fluid within the collapsible bag when the collapsible bag is positioned within chamber of the tank assembly.

Abstract: A disinfecting apparatus may include a shelf securable to a wall; a mount configured to secure the shelf to the wall; at least one UV light source coupled to the shelf, the UV light being configured to sanitize air and surfaces in close proximity to the UV light source; and a programmable controller being operatively coupled to the motion detector, the controller being configured to cause cause at least one of energization and de-energization of the UV light source upon a predetermined event. A method of safely disinfecting or sterilizing air and surfaces may include the apparatus and may further provide UV light in the range of 250-290 nm and interruption of the generation of UV light in response to the predetermined event.

Abstract: A low flow apparatus for creating a solution in water of a solid chemical is provided. Also provided is a cartridge containing a solid chemical which may be placed into the apparatus. Further provided is a method of using the apparatus to create a chemical solution form a solid chemical.

Abstract: An aromatic agent container includes a container, a supporting bracket and a flow guiding device. The container contains an aromatic agent therein, and its top surface is formed of an opening. The supporting bracket of a ring shape is mounted onto the top of the container. The wall of the supporting bracket is formed of through holes. The flow guiding device is arranged inside the supporting bracket and at a spacing from the top of the container. The flow guiding device includes a driving motor with a fan arranged at an external of the bottom thereof. Accordingly, when the flow guiding device is activated and the fan is driven to rotate for fragrance of the aromatic agent to flow out of the opening of the container, the airflow generated by the fan allows the fragrance to exit from through holes and to spread into the surrounding air effectively and actively.

Abstract: The safe incense evaporator has a bowl, a flat lid covering the bowl, and a cap or dome defining a chamber above the lid. The bowl defines a basin, and a crucible is concentrically seated at the top of the basin. The basin allows water to surround the crucible. Very small orifices are defined in a central area of the lid, and are also defined in the dome to allow the scent of burning incense to leave the evaporator. The crucible is adapted for holding incense coal or charcoal used to burn or heat incense. The evaporator may have a latch holding the cap onto the bowl in case the evaporator tips over onto its side so that the coals or charcoal will be extinguished by the water from the basin. The evaporator may also have a dual latch or lock to prevent children from tampering with the evaporator.

Abstract: A device is presented for disinfecting needleless connectors. The device has a housing that contains a UV light source. The UV light source is operably connected to a power source. The housing has a receptacle configured to selectively receive a shield. The shield has an inner reflective chamber with an internal surface that reflects UV light. In use, the UV light source can illuminate a needleless connector inserted within the shield.