Abstract: An apparatus and method for inactivation of airborne pathogens to include a reactor space with an intake opening, an exhaust opening, and an airflow path disposed between the intake and exhaust openings for air to continuously transit throughout the reactor space. The apparatus also includes at least one of (i) a corona discharge unit with a pressure swing adsorption unit, or (ii) a UV-C germicidal lamp to generate a sufficient concentration of ozone and UV light to inactive pathogens. The apparatus also includes a catalyst disposed within the path of the airflow to convert ozone to oxygen following the inactivation step and an adsorbent to remove nitrogen oxides from the air. The apparatus also includes sensors for measuring ozone and nitrogen oxides concentrations at the exhaust opening.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inactivation of airborne pathogens to include a reactor space with an intake opening, an exhaust opening, and an airflow path disposed between the intake and exhaust openings for air to continuously transit throughout the reactor space. The apparatus also includes at least one of (i) a corona discharge unit with a pressure swing adsorption unit, or (ii) a UV-C germicidal lamp to generate a sufficient concentration of ozone and UV light to inactive pathogens. The apparatus also includes a catalyst disposed within the path of the airflow to convert ozone to oxygen following the inactivation step and an adsorbent to remove nitrogen oxides from the air. The apparatus also includes sensors for measuring ozone and nitrogen oxides concentrations at the exhaust opening.

Abstract: A method of using a thermal hysteresis agent (THA) or antifreeze agent in a water solution that binds to ice crystals to inhibit growth and recrystallization of ice. The THA or AFA is selected from the group consisting of insect, fish, plant, and genetically modified THAs/AFAs wherein a concentration of THAs/AFAs in water of 5 mg/mL depresses the freezing temperature in the range of about 3.4 to 4° C.

Abstract: An insulated cold pack for cooling a product, the cold pack including a viscous cooling agent that may serve as a plant fertilizer when discarded. The cooling agent encapsulated in at least one sealed flexible walled package, the one or more flexible walled packages located on the first side of the insulated cold pack. In addition, the cold pack includes biodegradable loose-fill insulation covering the second side of the insulated cold pack. An encapsulating barrier surrounds both the viscous cooling agent on the first side of the insulated cold pack as well as the loose-fill insulation on the second side. The loose-fill insulation secured in position within the encapsulating barrier and the insulation positioned in contact with the product or optionally closely spaced from the product to be cooled.

Abstract: An apparatus for the inactivation of airborne pathogens and pathogens on the surface of an object. The apparatus including a housing with an intake region and an exhaust region and an airflow path disposed between the intake and exhaust regions. The apparatus also includes a space within the housing for placement of the object as well as an intake fan and an oxidant generator proximate the intake fan. The apparatus includes an air filter disposed in the airflow path for removing particulates and pathogens and passes the intake air through either or both of an activated carbon filter and a catalyst to convert the oxidant into oxygen.

Abstract: A system for obtaining a desired cooling effect that utilizes a water-soluble endothermic salt solution and pure water. The cooling effect is created by cycling between two phases, a refrigeration phase and a dehydration phase. In the refrigeration phase, a water-soluble endothermic salt solution is used as a refrigerant to absorb heat by pumping through a first heat exchanger which cools an object or an area. In the dehydration phase, the cooling process is regenerated by pumping the now heated endothermic salt solution through a distillation membrane, where the solution and pure water are continuously commingled and separated from one another through a distillation membrane to optimize the thermodynamic efficiency of the system. At least two pumps provide the motive energy to move the endothermic salt and pure water through the closed loop piping system. The concentrated salt solution leaving the distillation membrane is further cooled using a second heat exchanger to facilitate crystal formation.

Abstract: A system for cooling a substance that includes a heat transfer device with a coolant contained within the heat transfer device. The coolant has a first phase change temperature such that when the coolant is cooled below a phase change temperature the coolant transitions from a liquid to a solid phase. The system further includes a substance that has a second phase change temperature. The substance is positioned in close proximity to the heat transfer device such that thermal energy is transferred away from the substance into the coolant. The coolant may repeatedly undergo a phase change with re-exposure to a temperature below the phase change temperature and the heat transfer device requires no other activation than cooling below the first phase change temperature to commence thermal energy transfer with the substance.

Abstract: A wearable cold pack formed with a reservoir for retention of liquid, and a cooling agent composition including salt mixed with water in the reservoir. The salt having a capacity to provide an endothermic effect to enhance cooling when mixed with water. The salt material is primarily ammonium nitrate that has been stabilized against detonation by the addition of an effective amount of phosphate material. The wearable cold pack may be configured as a joint wrap, a head wrap, a neck wrap, a shoulder wrap, a helmet or many other articles. The wearable cold pack cooling agent composition is capable of cooling in the amount of at least 130 Btu/lb due to endothermic effect when mixed with water.

Abstract: Safe, stable, non-toxic and recyclable cooling agent compositions comprising solid particulate compounds undergo an endothermic process when mixed with water such that the resulting mixture is useful for cooling surfaces, liquids and solids. The mixtures include ammonium nitrate in an amount of at least 45 wt % of the mixture. Total nitrogen-containing salts exclusive of phosphates are present in an amount less than 68% by weight of the composition. A phosphate salt is also present in an amount as needed to stabilize the composition against detonation. A balance of additional salts is formulated to provide the mixture with a cooling capacity of at least 240 kJ/kg of the mixture.

Abstract: A wearable cold pack formed with a reservoir for retention of liquid, and a cooling agent composition including salt mixed with water in the reservoir. The salt having a capacity to provide an endothermic effect to enhance cooling when mixed with water. The salt material is primarily ammonium nitrate that has been stabilized against detonation by the addition of an effective amount of phosphate material. The wearable cold pack may be configured as a joint wrap, a head wrap, a neck wrap, a shoulder wrap, a helmet or many other articles. The wearable cold pack cooling agent composition is capable of cooling in the amount of at least 130 Btu/lb due to endothermic effect when mixed with water.

Abstract: Safe, stable, non-toxic and recyclable cooling compositions comprising solid particulate compounds undergo an endothermic process when mixed with water such that the resulting mixture is useful for cooling surfaces, liquids and solids. The compositions always include one or more compounds from a group consisting of endothermic compounds that contain potassium; one or more compounds from a group of endothermic compounds that contain nitrogen; and at least one compound from a group consisting of ammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, ammonium polyphosphate, ammonium pyrophosphate and ammonium metaphosphate such that the compound or mixture of compounds in this group is at least 1% by weight of the final composition.

Abstract: Safe, stable, non-toxic and recyclable cooling agent compositions comprising solid particulate compounds undergo an endothermic process when mixed with water such that the resulting mixture is useful for cooling surfaces, liquids and solids. The mixtures include ammonium nitrate in an amount of at least 45 wt % of the mixture. Total nitrogen—containing salts exclusive of phosphates are present in an amount less than 68% by weight of the composition. A phosphate salt is also present in an amount as needed to stabilize the composition against detonation. A balance of additional salts is formulated to provide the mixture with a cooling capacity of at least 240 kJ/kg of the mixture.

Abstract: Safe, stable, non-toxic and recyclable cooling compositions comprising solid particulate compounds undergo an endothermic process when mixed with water such that the resulting mixture is useful for cooling surfaces, liquids and solids. The compositions always include one or more compounds from a group consisting of endothermic compounds that contain potassium; one or more compounds from a group of endothermic compounds that contain nitrogen; and at least one compound from a group consisting of ammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, ammonium polyphosphate, ammonium pyrophosphate and ammonium metaphosphate such that the compound or mixture of compounds in this group is at least 1% by weight of the final composition.

Abstract: Safe, stable, non-toxic and recyclable cooling compositions comprising solid particulate compounds that undergo an endothermic process when mixed with water such that the resulting mixture is useful for cooling surfaces, liquids and solids. The compositions always include one or more compounds from a group consisting of endothermic compounds that contain potassium; one or more compounds from a group of endothermic compounds that contain nitrogen; and at least one compound from a group consisting of ammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, ammonium polyphosphate, ammonium pyrophosphate and ammonium metaphosphate such that the compound or mixture of compounds in this group is at least 1% by weight of the final composition.

Abstract: A container cap or lid used to make a self-heating or self-cooling container having an improved shelf-life and an independent heat-transfer compartment or insert in which are utilized liquid-activated endothermic or exothermic agents, a liquid-activated mixer within the compartment, a simple actuation means for initiating the cooling or heating processes and a method for using the same.

Abstract: A container cap or lid or insert for use in heating food and beverage containers having an independent heating chamber in which are utilized a trigger capable of initiating crystallization of a super-cooled salt solution comprising: a thin metallic strip which is bendable with snap displacement having a centrally located crystallization strike zone consisting of an orifice with a saw-toothed patterned inner diameter; a simple actuation means for initiating the heating process upon contact with the strike zone; and a structure for holding the trigger in position. The independent heating chamber can be made to be a permanent fixture of the cap or lid or may be a removable insert.

Abstract: A container cap or lid or insert for use in cooling food and beverage containers having a cooling chamber in which are utilized water-activated endothermic cooling agents, a water-activated mixer within the chamber, a simple actuation means for initiating the cooling process, a feature that facilitates the recycling of the spent cooling agents and a method for using the same.

Abstract: A self-cooling container having an independent cooling chamber in which are utilized water-activated endothermic cooling agents, a water-activated mixer within the chamber, a simple actuation means for initiating the cooling process, a feature that facilitates the recycling of the spent cooling agents and a method for using the same.

Abstract: Safe, stable, non-toxic and recyclable cooling compositions comprising solid particulate compounds that undergo an endothermic process when mixed with water such that the resulting mixture is useful for cooling surfaces, liquids and solids. The compositions always include one or more compounds from a group consisting of endothermic compounds that contain potassium; one or more compounds from a group of endothermic compounds that contain nitrogen; and at least one compound from a group consisting of ammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, ammonium polyphosphate, ammonium pyrophosphate and ammonium metaphosphate such that the compound or mixture of compounds in this group is at least 1% by weight of the final composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for a catalytic cavitation reactor comprising an inner pipe having a wall with plurality of spaced apart radially bored inner pipe holes located thereon. A second pipe having a wall with plurality of spaced apart radially bored second pipe holes is also provided. The inner pipe is located within and joined to the second pipe. Within the interior of the second and out pipes are lengths of static mixing baffles. An outer pipe is also provided. The second pipe is located within and joined to the outer pipe. Within the interior of the second and out pipes are lengths of static mixing baffles. A plurality of nozzles are provided wherein each of the inner pipe holes and second pipe holes receives one of the plurality of nozzles. Each of the plurality of nozzles has an inlet end, an outlet end and a constriction therebetween. A catalytically active zone is formed between the constriction and the outlet end.