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: In consumer-market containers for beverages or other contents under pressure, the cap provides a gas-tight seal by way of two mechanisms that work interdependently. The first is a pressure grip configured to grip the outside wall of the container. The second is twist threads, or some other second attachment structure, that urges the inside of the cap (or, typically, a cap liner disposed thereon) against the rim of the container. Release of pressurized gases when the container is first opened can be by way of release vents in the cap, or via the bottom of the cap through the twist thread area. In the latter case, particular configurations of the pressure grip are relied on to establish the gas escape path.

Abstract: The utilitarian function of the engagement features on a lidded vessel is at least partially camouflaged so that the engagement features' utilitarian function is less apparent to the consumer after the lid is removed. The lidded vessel may be, for example, a lidded drinking glass—such as a lidded wine glass, beer glass, whiskey tumbler or soda glass—that is sold pre-filled and sealed with the wine, beer, whiskey or soda already inside. The camouflaging may be accomplished using one or more camouflaging techniques, some or all of them involving the presence of non-engagement elements.

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: The utilitarian function of the engagement features on a lidded vessel is at least partially camouflaged so that the engagement features' utilitarian function is less apparent to the consumer after the lid is removed. The lidded vessel may be, for example, a lidded drinking glass—such as a lidded wine glass, beer glass, whiskey tumbler or soda glass—that is sold pre-filled and sealed with the wine, beer, whiskey or soda already inside. The camouflaging may be accomplished using one or more camouflaging techniques, some or all of them involving the presence of non-engagement elements.

Abstract: The utilitarian function of the engagement features on a lidded vessel is at least partially camouflaged so that the engagement features' utilitarian function is less apparent to the consumer after the lid is removed. The lidded vessel may be, for example, a lidded drinking glass—such as a lidded wine glass, beer glass, whiskey tumbler or soda glass—that is sold pre-filled and sealed with the wine, beer, whiskey or soda already inside. The camouflaging may be accomplished using one or more camouflaging techniques, some or all of them involving the presence of non-engagement elements.

Abstract: A pre-filled stemmed glass has product sealed inside using a rigid lock-on cap. The stemmed glass illustratively includes a circumferential ledge with a groove against which the bottom rim of the cap seats, creating a liquid resistant barrier that could help prevent liquid from penetrating under the cap from the outside, if desired. The stemmed glass has a rim with a rounded profile at the outside surface of the glass and a flat profile on the inside surface thereof, facilitating injection-molding manufacture of the glass. The ledge and the lower rim of the cap of the stemmed glass have the same diameter, which facilitates the filling with product and capping of the stemmed glass by high-speed filling and capping machinery.

Abstract: A pre-filled stemmed glass has product sealed inside using a rigid lock-on cap. The stemmed glass illustratively includes a circumferential ledge with a groove against which the bottom rim of the cap seats, creating a liquid resistant barrier that could help prevent liquid from penetrating under the cap from the outside, if desired. The stemmed glass has a rim with a rounded profile at the outside surface of the glass and a flat profile on the inside surface thereof, facilitating injection-molding manufacture of the glass. The ledge and the lower rim of the cap of the stemmed glass have the same diameter, which facilitates the filling with product and capping of the stemmed glass by high-speed filling and capping machinery.

Abstract: A pre-filled wine glass product is sealed using a rigid lock-on cap. The wine glass illustratively includes a circumferential ledge with a groove against which the bottom rim of the cap seats, creating a liquid resistant barrier that helps to prevent liquid from penetrating under the cap from the outside. The wine glass has a rim with a rounded profile at the outside surface of the glass and a flat profile on the inside surface thereof, facilitating injection-molding manufacture of the glass. The ledge, the lower rim of the cap and a rounded pedestal base of the wine glass have the same diameter, which facilitates the capping and filling of the pre-filled wine glass product by high-speed filling and capping machinery. Further facilitating this is the fact that the edge of the rounded pedestal base is at least 4 mm high and has a flat profile.

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: In consumer-market containers for beverages or other contents under pressure, the cap provides a gas-tight seal by way of two mechanisms that work interdependently. The first is a pressure grip configured to grip the outside wall of the container. The second is twist threads, or some other second attachment structure, that urges the inside of the cap (or, typically, a cap liner disposed thereon) against the rim of the container. Release of pressurized gases when the container is first opened can be by way of release vents in the cap, or via the bottom of the cap through the twist thread area. In the latter case, particular configurations of the pressure grip are relied on to establish the gas escape path.

Abstract: In consumer-market containers for beverages or other contents under pressure, the cap provides a gas-tight seal by way of two mechanisms that work interdependently. The first is a pressure grip configured to grip at least one of a) the inside wall of the container and, b) the outside wall of the container. The second is twist threads, or some other second attachment structure, that urges the inside of the cap (or, typically, a cap liner disposed thereon) against the rim of the container. Release of pressurized gases when the container is first opened can be by way of release vents in the cap, or via the bottom of the cap through the twist thread area. In the latter case, particular configurations of the pressure grip are relied on to establish the gas escape path.

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: The utilitarian function of the engagement features on a lidded vessel is at least partially camouflaged so that the engagement features' utilitarian function is less apparent to the consumer after the lid is removed. The lidded vessel may be, for example, a lidded drinking glass—such as a lidded wine glass, beer glass, whiskey tumbler or soda glass—that is sold pre-filled and sealed with the wine, beer, whiskey or soda already inside. The camouflaging may be accomplished using one or more camouflaging techniques, some or all of them involving the presence of non-engagement elements.

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.