Abstract: An illuminator comprising more than one set of ultraviolet radiation sources. A first set of ultraviolet radiation sources operate in a wavelength range of approximately 270 nanometers to approximately 290 nanometers. A second set of ultraviolet radiation sources operate in a wavelength range of approximately 380 nanometers to approximately 420 nanometers. The illuminator can also include a set of sensors for acquiring data regarding at least one object to be irradiated by the first and the second set of ultraviolet radiation sources. A control system configured to control and adjust a set of radiation settings for the first and the second set of ultraviolet radiation sources based on the data acquired by the set of sensors.

Abstract: A solution for controlling mildew in a cultivated area is described. The solution can include a set of ultraviolet sources that are configured to emit ultraviolet and/or blue-ultraviolet radiation to harm mildew present on a plant or ground surface. A set of sensors can be utilized to acquire plant data for at least one plant surface of a plant, which can be processed to determine a presence of mildew on the at least one plant surface. Additional features can be included to further affect the growth environment for the plant. A feedback process can be implemented to improve one or more aspects of the growth environment.

Abstract: Ultraviolet radiation is directed within an area. Items located within the area and/or one or more conditions of the area are monitored over a period of time. Based on the monitoring, ultraviolet radiation sources are controlled by adjusting a direction, an intensity, a pattern, and/or a spectral power of the ultraviolet radiation generated by the ultraviolet radiation source. Adjustments to the ultraviolet radiation source(s) can correspond to one of a plurality of selectable operating configurations including a storage life preservation operating configuration, a disinfection operating configuration, and an ethylene decomposition operating configuration.

Abstract: An approach for controlling ultraviolet intensity over a surface of a light sensitive object is described. Aspects involve using ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength range that includes ultraviolet-A and ultraviolet-B radiation to irradiate the surface. Light sensors measure light intensity at the surface, wherein each sensor measures light intensity in a wavelength range that corresponds to a wavelength range emitted from at least one of the sources. A controller controls the light intensity over the surface by adjusting the power of the sources as a function of the light intensity measurements. The controller uses the light intensity measurements to determine whether each source is illuminating the surface with an intensity that is within an acceptable variation with a predetermined intensity value targeted for the surface. The controller adjusts the power of the sources as a function of the variation to ensure an optimal distribution of light intensity over the surface.

Abstract: A solution for controlling mildew in a cultivated area is described. The solution can include a set of ultraviolet sources that are configured to emit ultraviolet radiation in an ultraviolet range of approximately 260 nanometers to approximately 310 nanometers to harm mildew present on a plant or ground surface. A set of sensors can be utilized to acquire plant data for at least one plant surface of a plant, which can be processed to determine a presence of mildew on the at least one plant surface. Additional features can be included to further affect the growth environment for the plant. A feedback process can be implemented to improve one or more aspects of the growth environment.

Abstract: Multi-metal phosphonates are generally provided. The multi-metal phosphonate can generally have the composition: AB(RPO3)3, where A is Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+, Pb2+, La3+, or combinations thereof; B is Ti4+, Zr4+, Al3?, or combinations thereof; and R is an organic group (e.g., aryl group, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, etc.). The multi-metal phosphonate can be combined with a polymeric material to form a polymeric film. Methods of making the multi-metal phosphonate by combining and reacting a metal oxide and an organophosphonic acid are also provided.

Abstract: Mixed metal phosphonates are generally provided. The mixed metal phosphonate can generally have the composition: AB(RPO3)3, where A is Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+, Pb2+, La3+, or combinations thereof; B is Ti4+, Zr4+, Al3?, or combinations thereof; and R is an organic group (e.g., aryl group, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, etc.). The mixed metal phosphonate can be combined with a polymeric material to form a polymeric film. Methods of making the mixed metal phosphonate by combining and reacting a metal oxide and an organophosphonic acid are also provided.

Abstract: Mixed metal phosphonates are generally provided. The mixed metal phosphonate can generally have the composition: AB(RPO3)3, where A is Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+, Pb2+, La3+, Co2+, Mn2+, Fe2+, or combinations thereof; B is Ti4+, Zr4+, Al3+, or combinations thereof; and R is an organic group (e.g., aryl group, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, etc.). The mixed metal phosphonate can be combined with a polymeric material to form a polymeric film. Methods of making the mixed metal phosphonate by combining and reacting a metal oxide and an organophosphonic acid are also provided.

Abstract: Mixed metal phosphonates are generally provided. The mixed metal phosphonate can generally have the composition: AB(RPO3)3, where A is Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+, Pb2+, La3+, or combinations thereof; B is Ti4+, Zr4+, Al3+, or combinations thereof; and R is an organic group (e.g., aryl group, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, etc.). The mixed metal phosphonate can be combined with a polymeric material to form a polymeric film. Methods of making the mixed metal phosphonate by combining and reacting a metal oxide and an organophosphonic acid are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new methods of producing polymer composite materials. More specifically, the invention involves a process in which layered materials including clays and other inorganic materials are dispersed into polymer systems to create polymer nanocomposite films. The resulting films exhibit improved resistance to fading when compared to polymer films that lack the additional layered materials.