Abstract: A system for cleaning a compartment includes a conductive thread incorporated near a surface that has microbes on it. An electric current may flow through the conductive thread to kill the microbes on the surface through low-frequency electromagnetic pulse sterilization of the surface. The conductive trace is also in contact with air in the compartment. The electric current flowing through the conductive trace also ionizes the air within the compartment, which produces charged particles that are removed from the air.

Abstract: A filter includes filter medium that screens out impurities from a fluid, and a conductive thread contacting the filter medium. A power source provides electric current flowing through the conductive thread, which causes electrical phenomena that is detected by a sensor. A sensor detects the electrical phenomena resulting from the flow of electric current through the conductive thread. Buildup on impurities in the filter causes a change in the electrical phenomena, which change is detected by the sensor and indicates the level of impurities in the filter. An indicator is in communication with the sensor, and provides an alert that the filter should be replaced when the level of impurities exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A system for providing an alert to an owner of an object that the object is on a surface. The alert reminds the owner that the object is on the surface and to retrieve the object, thus inhibiting abandonment of the object by the owner. The system includes a material layer including a conductive thread thereon. The material layer can define the surface and be arranged in a vehicle. An electrical current flowing through the conductive thread produces an electrical phenomenon. The object produces a change in the electrical phenomenon detected by the sensor. If the object is detected on the surface and the owner of the object is leaving the object on the surface, the system provides the alert to the owner that the object is on the surface so the object can be retrieved by the owner.

Abstract: A system for cleaning a compartment includes a conductive thread incorporated near a surface that has microbes on it. An electric current may flow through the conductive thread to kill the microbes on the surface through low-frequency electromagnetic pulse sterilization of the surface. The conductive trace is also in contact with air in the compartment. The electric current flowing through the conductive trace also ionizes the air within the compartment, which produces charged particles that are removed from the air.

Abstract: A system for providing an alert to an owner of an object that the object is on a surface. The alert reminds the owner that the object is on the surface and to retrieve the object, thus inhibiting abandonment of the object by the owner. The system includes a material layer including a conductive thread thereon. The material layer can define the surface and be arranged in a vehicle. An electrical current flowing through the conductive thread produces an electrical phenomenon. The object produces a change in the electrical phenomenon detected by the sensor. If the object is detected on the surface and the owner of the object is leaving the object on the surface, the system provides the alert to the owner that the object is on the surface so the object can be retrieved by the owner.

Abstract: A filter includes filter medium that screens out impurities from a fluid, and a conductive thread contacting the filter medium. A power source provides electric current flowing through the conductive thread, which causes electrical phenomena that is detected by a sensor. A sensor detects the electrical phenomena resulting from the flow of electric current through the conductive thread. Buildup on impurities in the filter causes a change in the electrical phenomena, which change is detected by the sensor and indicates the level of impurities in the filter. An indicator is in communication with the sensor, and provides an alert that the filter should be replaced when the level of impurities exceeds a predetermined threshold.