For Deodorizing Of, Or Chemical Purification Of, Or Generation Of, Life-sustaining Environmental Gas Patents (Class 422/120)
  • Patent number: 7988909
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for conditioning the air within an interior area, includes a fan, a first module receiving air from the fan and preferably a first liquid, and a second module receiving air from the first module and preferably including a second liquid. The modules are preferably stacked, whereby air enters the fan module on the bottom and is delivered to the environment from the second module at the top. The air flows from the fan along a pathway which prevents liquid from escaping from the modules other than as vapor entrained in the air. The first liquid is preferably an aqueous alkaline solution, and the second liquid preferably includes a disinfectant and/or a buffer to neutralize the alkaline before air is delivered to the environment. The modules may have an inner wall and an outer wall presenting a dead-air space therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Ying Gang Ruan
  • Patent number: 7988911
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for aerating a region exposed to a gaseous/vaporous sterilant. A catalytic destroyer and a reactive chemical unit are used to reduce the concentration of the gaseous/vaporous sterilant within the region. The reactive chemical unit includes a chemistry that is chemically reactive with the gaseous/vaporous sterilant. In one embodiment, the gaseous/vaporous sterilant is vaporized hydrogen peroxide and the chemistry of the reactive chemical unit includes thiosulfate and iodide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Michael A. Centanni, Peter A. Burke
  • Patent number: 7988920
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for aerating a region exposed to a gaseous/vaporous sterilant. A catalytic destroyer and a reactive chemical unit are used to reduce the concentration of the gaseous/vaporous sterilant within the region. The reactive chemical unit includes a chemistry that is chemically reactive with the gaseous/vaporous sterilant. In one embodiment, the gaseous/vaporous sterilant is vaporized hydrogen peroxide and the chemistry of the reactive chemical unit includes thiosulfate and iodide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Michael A. Centanni, Peter A. Burke
  • Publication number: 20110171074
    Abstract: The present invention provides a deoxidizing multilayered body, which sufficiently suppresses the production of odorous organic components produced with oxidation, and which absorbs oxygen at a fast rate. The present invention is the deoxidizing multilayered body that is constituted by laminating at least an isolation layer (A) that contains a thermoplastic resin, an odor absorption layer (B), which is made from an odor absorbent resin composition (b) that contains an oxidizable thermoplastic resin, a transition metal catalyst, and an odor absorbent, an oxygen absorption layer (C), which is made from an oxygen absorbent resin composition (c) that contains an oxidizable thermoplastic resin and a transition metal catalyst, and an oxygen barrier layer (D), which contains an oxygen barrier substance, in this order.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI GAS CHEMICAL COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Kimitaka Nakao, Emiko Yokose
  • Patent number: 7976782
    Abstract: A folding type portable telephone in which a first housing and a second housing are fixed by a hinge includes a face panel fixed to the first housing and aromatic substances are accommodated inside the face panel. When the hinge is rotated, the aromatic substances are released in conjunction with the operation of opening the folding type portable telephone from the closed state. Furthermore, a sounding body is operated at a frequency of strongly generating an air vibration at a time defined in advance by timer control, so that fragrance of the aromatic substances is released outward by the air vibration of the sounding body. The fragrance corresponding to TPO can be generated from the face panel of the portable telephone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Iwao Matsuura, Junichi Yasuno, Akihiro Miyashita, Koji Taniguchi, Akitoshi Mori, Saori Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7972564
    Abstract: The present invention provides a combined labyrinthine fluid sterilizing apparatus, comprising a chamber having an inlet and an outlet as well as a blower/fan provided in the chamber. Ultraviolet lamps are mounted in the lumen of the chamber. The lumen of the chamber is divided by a plurality of bafflers having pores. The pores in the adjacent bafflers are arranged to stagger up and down or from side to side. A mesh plate is provided at the pore. The top and bottom plates of the chamber can be flipped open. The baffler is inserted in the slots in the inner side of the front and back plates. The top and bottom plates have the pore and a cover plate which are both covered by a shield. At least one of the bafflers has a pore, and is provided with a one-way openable valve. The blower is mounted at the pore of the baffler. The chamber and the bafflers are coated with a layer of titanium dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Solar City Limited
    Inventor: Hak-Man Chan
  • Publication number: 20110150710
    Abstract: A housing having a suction port and a discharge port, an impeller 21 and a casing 22 that houses the impeller 21, an air blower 2 housed in the housing, a filter that lets through the air suctioned from the suction port by the air blower 2, and two ion generating sections that generate positive and negative ions are provided. The ion generating section is arranged on a circular-arc guide wall 2a in the casing 22. The positive and negative ions generated by the ion generating section are efficiently included in the air passing through as laminar flow along the circular-arc guide wall 22a.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Tsutomu Tsuda, Ichiro Yoshimura, Hiromu Nishida
  • Patent number: 7964138
    Abstract: An on-demand portable chlorine dioxide generator has a reagent bound medium in a first enclosed volume; a complementary reagent solution in a second enclosed volume, and a structure for selecting between a first position where the complementary reagent solution is forced through the reagent bound medium and a second position where said complementary reagent solution remains isolated from the reagent bound ion exchange medium, where a ClO2 solution is generated only during periods when the structure for forcing is actuated. The ClO2 solution can be discharged for use as a portable sprayer that can be used to treat surfaces infected by anthrax or other biological contaminants. When the bound reagent is chlorite, the complementary reagent is an acid or an oxidant. When the bound reagent is an acid or an oxidant, the complementary reagent solution is a chlorite solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Richardson, Daniel Denevan, Dwight C. Ramdon
  • Publication number: 20110126828
    Abstract: This invention relates to a personal air purifier having a housing with a filtering-and-purifying unit, a fan and an air-velocity-controlling unit therein. Under the control of the air-velocity-controlling unit, the fan can draw air through an air inlet into the housing and supply it via the filtering-and-purifying unit and a vent hole to the user, with comfortable air pressure and the filtering-and-purifying unit can purify most of the harmful substances from the air, making the air well purified. The vent hole is formed in the housing and connected with a duct that is extending to the user's nostril to supply the well purified air to the user. The personal air purifier is able to be carried on the shoulder or belt of the user anywhere, and is able to be activated by the solar energy when it is used outdoors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: Fu-Chi Wu, Steven Wu
  • Publication number: 20110123403
    Abstract: An air pollution control apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention has a denitration catalyst layer 13 that removes nitrogen oxides in flue gas, and atomizes hydrochloric acid into flue gas to oxidize mercury, and also includes a swirling-flow generating member 15A including a vertical axis 22 provided in a passage 14 of a honeycomb catalyst, and four swirling-flow generating vanes 23 provided radially with respect to the vertical axis 22 for generating a turbulent flow in flue gas, with the swirling-flow generating vanes 23 being arranged in a direction of the vertical axis 22 with a predetermined gap therebetween. With this configuration, by generating a swirling flow in flue gas in the passage 14 in the denitration catalyst layer 13, a contact time between flue gas and a denitration catalyst can be increased, and the oxidation reaction efficiency between mercury in flue gas and the denitration catalyst can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Sato, Nobuyasu Sakata, Rikuma Shijo, Moritoshi Murakami, Nobuyuki Ukai, Katsumi Nochi, Masashi Kiyosawa
  • Patent number: 7947228
    Abstract: An ultraviolet wastewater or water treatment system is described and comprises a plurality of ultraviolet lamps where each lamp includes a protective cladding and where the ultraviolet lamps are disposed in vertical modules that form a bank of ultraviolet lamps. A series of beams are disposed over the ultraviolet lamps with each beam supporting a carriage thereon. Each carriage supports a scraper that extends downwardly therefrom for engaging and cleaning a module of ultraviolet lamps. A common drive source is operatively connected to the respective carriages for driving the carriages back and forth on the respective beams such that as the common drive source drives the carriages back and forth, the respective scrapers move back and forth cleaning the protective cladding extending around the respective ultraviolet lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: OTV SA
    Inventors: Pierre Girodet, Christian Vanpeene
  • Patent number: 7947227
    Abstract: A nitric oxide delivery system, which includes a gas bottle having nitrogen dioxide in air, converts nitrogen dioxide to nitric oxide and employs a surface-active material, such as silica gel, coated with an aqueous solution of antioxidant, such as ascorbic acid. A nitric oxide delivery system may be used to generate therapeutic gas including nitric oxide for use in delivering the therapeutic gas to a mammal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Geno LLC
    Inventors: David H. Fine, David P. Rounbehler, Greg Vasquez
  • Patent number: 7942957
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an antimicrobial composition having antibacterial and antifungal properties and to an air filter manufactured using the composition. The filter of the present invention, comprising a filtration media treated with the antimicrobial composition having antibacterial and antifungal properties, has excellent antibacterial and antifungal properties, and thus can prevent the bacteria and fungi filtered by the filter from propagating in the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jun Seok Lee, Sunghak Hwang, Seongju Kim
  • Patent number: 7939015
    Abstract: A method for removing the human scent and any other scent that is not advantageous to the environment you are in from clothing and equipment used by sportsmen by the use of gaseous ozone or hydroxyl and hydroperoxide ions. The gas is applied directly or indirectly to the clothing, equipment and body while the hunter is in the field and/or prior to or after the hunt. The method can also be used by fishermen to eliminate fish odor. The method of delivering a gas in compressed/generated form from a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Parah, LLC
    Inventor: Scott Elrod
  • Publication number: 20110104012
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are described for contacting an oxidizing solution such as an aqueous hydrogen peroxide composition of hydrogen peroxide and at least one additive that catalyzes the decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide into hydroxyl radicals with an atmospheric effluent containing odorous and/or noxious components. These components are absorbed by the aqueous hydrogen peroxide composition to produce an atmospheric effluent having reduced amounts of the odorous and/or noxious components. Various methods are described for adding the hydrogen peroxide and the decomposition additive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Stephen R. Temple, Michael J. Stoltz
  • Patent number: 7935311
    Abstract: An air purifier according to the present invention includes: a tubular main body 2 having an inner space 3 surrounded by wall portions 6, 7, 8 having a plurality of air movement holes 12, 17; and a light applicator 4 in the inner space for throwing light toward inner surfaces of the wall portions. The inner side of the wall portions exposed to the light is made of a formed porous member. The formed porous member includes an inner surface having a surface part carrying a powdery photocatalyst capable of performing a photocatalytic reaction caused by light. The air purifier allows the carried photocatalyst to perform its catalytic action to a maximum, with a very simple construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Jet Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Iseo Katayama
  • Patent number: 7934387
    Abstract: An air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner includes a main body formed by a plurality of members assembled with each other and an air passage along which air introduced into the main body flows. At least one of the member includes a Kimchi lactic bacterium zymogenic material formed on a portion of the member, which contacts the air flowing along the air passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sung-Hwan Lee, Kam-Gyu Lee, Dong-Jin Kim, Ju-Ho Ock
  • Publication number: 20110091358
    Abstract: A wall-mounted aromatic air freshener device includes a board, and a housing and a frame, both disposed at a backside of the board, a container disposed in the housing for containing an essential oil, a light emitting element and a light emitting control element, both installed in the frame, a switch device for turning on or off the light emitting element, such that an oil wick can absorb and vaporize an essential oil to disperse an aromatic air, and the light emitting element produces an optical decorative effect, so as to constitute the aromatic air freshener device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventor: Hui-Chin Chen
  • Patent number: 7922104
    Abstract: An aromatic odor neutralizer includes a vaporization chamber containing a wick with an end part immersed in fluid in a storage cup that is gravity fed from an airtight vessel by the use of air pathways exposed when the liquid level in the cup is reduced. The vaporization chamber is located in a dispenser housing with an internal passage between end walls and communicating with vents in the sides for aerodynamic airflow to efficiently absorb vapors from a vaporizer chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: PESTCO, Inc.
    Inventors: Arnold H. Zlotnik, Raymond Czapko, Eric R. Colburn, Anthony D. Shoemaker
  • Patent number: 7914733
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are deodorizer systems and methods for making and using the same. In one embodiment, a deodorizer system comprises: a mesh, nanoparticle titania coating on the mesh, and a frame disposed around a periphery of the mesh such that the mesh is configured to be in optical communication with sunlight and for receiving contaminated gas to be deodorized. The mesh has an open area of greater than or equal to about 35%, and has greater than or equal to 6,400 openings/in2. In another embodiment, a deodorizer system comprises: a mesh disposed in a housing and for receiving contaminated gas to be deodorized, nanoparticle titania coating on the mesh, and a UV light source disposed to be in optical communication with the mesh. The mesh has an open area of greater than or equal to about 35%, and has greater than or equal to 6,400 openings/in2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Northrock Distribution, Inc.
    Inventor: William F. Carey
  • Patent number: 7914743
    Abstract: Various systems, devices, NO2 absorbents, NO2 scavengers and NO2 recuperator for generating nitric oxide are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, an apparatus for converting nitrogen dioxide to nitric oxide can include a receptacle including an inlet, an outlet, a surface-active material coated with an aqueous solution of ascorbic acid and an absorbent wherein the inlet is configured to receive a gas flow and fluidly communicate the gas flow to the outlet through the surface-active material and the absorbent such that nitrogen dioxide in the gas flow is converted to nitric oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Geno LLC
    Inventors: David Fine, Gregory Vasquez, David P. Rounbehler
  • Patent number: 7901619
    Abstract: The present invention relates to suspensions for odor reduction comprising a porous metal-organic framework material in a liquid, and also atomizer and methods for odor reduction using the suspensions. The invention likewise relates to the use of the suspensions for odor reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ulrich Mueller, Michael Hesse, Hermann Puetter, Markus Schubert, Marcus Guzmann, Juergen Huff
  • Publication number: 20110052449
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for aerating a region exposed to a gaseous/vaporous sterilant. A catalytic destroyer and a reactive chemical unit are used to reduce the concentration of the gaseous/vaporous sterilant within the region. The reactive chemical unit includes a chemistry that is chemically reactive with the gaseous/vaporous sterilant. In one embodiment, the gaseous/vaporous sterilant is vaporized hydrogen peroxide and the chemistry of the reactive chemical unit includes thiosulfate and iodide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Michael A. Centanni, Peter A. Burke
  • Patent number: 7887759
    Abstract: Multiple delivery vapor dispensing mechanisms provide continuous fragrance release and supplemental on-demand fragrance releases with a portion of the on-demand fragrance releases being deposited to provide for a prolonged elevated fragrance intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: The Dial Corporation
    Inventor: Carl Triplett
  • Publication number: 20110027130
    Abstract: An air purification system formed from an adsorptive photo-catalytic oxidation device and a method of regenerating the oxidation device is disclosed. The air purification may be configured to be installed within an air duct of a central air handling system. The air purification system may also include an ultraviolet light emitted by the ultraviolet light source to breakdown captured volatile organic compounds into elemental carbon dioxide and water vapor and to irradiate air moving past the ultraviolet light and surfaces to reduce contaminants. The ultraviolet light source may be positioned to expose the adsorptive photo-catalytic oxidation device to ultraviolet light emitted by the ultraviolet light source to breakdown captured volatile organic compounds into elemental carbon dioxide and water vapor and to irradiate air moving past the ultraviolet light to reduce contaminants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Christopher C. Willette
  • Patent number: 7879299
    Abstract: Accessories and methods for ceiling paddle fan fixtures for enhancing room air quality and killing common air borne viruses by air sterilization immediately within the room where the germs originate in a relatively large and diffuse sterilization zone at a relatively low UV radiation level through which a relatively high volume of air is circulated by a paddle fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: John J. McEllen
  • Patent number: 7875247
    Abstract: An ultraviolet flux multiplying air sterilization chamber comprises inner surfaces having a diffuse reflective behavior. The sterilization chamber includes an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture for air to flow through said chamber and a light source emitting an ultraviolet light. Due to the reflectivity of the inner surfaces of the chamber, a flux of the ultraviolet light is multiplied by reflecting multiple times from the inner surfaces of the chamber. The inlet and outlet apertures are advantageously configured to reduce the amount of light that escapes from the chamber and increase the amount of photons available in the chamber. In an exemplary embodiment, perforated end panels having diffuse, reflective interior surfaces may be provided over at least a portion of the inlet and outlet apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Novatron, Inc.
    Inventors: Reginald W. Clark, Bernard J. Eastlund, Michael W. Ingram, Joseph C. Stumpf
  • Publication number: 20110006216
    Abstract: A system for filtering and purifying air within a closed environment. Air is drawn through a sequence of six filtration and purification stages, comprising, in order, an electrostatic prefilter to remove airborne impurities >=3 microns, an ultraviolet light source, a catalytic surface effective for breaking down hydrocarbons, a HEPA or other particulate filter for mechanically capturing airborne particles, a gas absorption filtration medium for removing volatile organic compounds and comprised primarily of activated charcoal, and an ionization module. The UV light is directed both upstream and downstream. The catalytic surface is semitransparent to UV light so that UV light strikes and kills microbes in the HEPA or other particulate filter medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: Bruce R. Searle
  • Patent number: 7857236
    Abstract: An aromatic odor neutralizer includes a dispenser housing with an internal passage between end walls and communicating with vents in the sides for aerodynamic airflow to efficiently absorb vapors from a vaporizer chamber within the dispenser housing. The vaporization chamber contains a wick with an end part immersed in fluid in a storage cup that is gravity fed from an air tight vessel by the use of air pathways exposed when the liquid level in the cup is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Pestco
    Inventors: Arnold H. Zlotnik, Raymond Czapko, Eric R. Colburn, Anthony D. Shoemaker
  • Patent number: 7854901
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an oil-smoke extractor including a housing defining a number of air holes, a bottom plate detachably secured to the housing and a sterilization and deodorization device seated in a receiving space jointly defined by the housing and the bottom plate. The sterilization and deodorization device includes two lamp supports fixed to the front plate, a pair of lamp holders respectively secured to the lamp supports, at least one nano photocatalyst lamp disposed between the lamp holders, a sterilization lampshade fixed to the lamp supports and an axial flow fan corresponding to one of the air holes in the front plate. When the oil-smoke extractor stops running, the sterilization and deodorization device is powered and begins to work. The kitchen air flows into and out of the oil-smoke extractor via the air slots and the air holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Inventor: Gong-wei Pan
  • Patent number: 7854900
    Abstract: An ion generating device generates O2?(H2O)n (where n is a natural number) as negative ions and H+(H2O)m (where m is a natural number) as positive ions, and discharges those ions into the air so that airborne germs are killed through an oxidation reaction by hydrogen peroxide H2O2 or radical hydroxyl OH generated through as an active species a chemical reaction between the negative and positive ions. Satisfactory sterilization is achieved when the negative and positive ions are generated in such a way that the concentrations of the negative and positive ions are both 10,000 ion/cc at a distance of 10 cm from the point at which they are generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasukata Takeda, Yoshinori Sekoguchi, Takeshi Furukawa, Mamoru Morikawa, Toshiaki Takano, Katsutoshi Noguchi, Hideo Nojima, Kazuo Nishikawa, Akio Miyata
  • Patent number: 7850925
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for aerating a region exposed to a gaseous/vaporous sterilant. A catalytic destroyer and a reactive chemical unit are used to reduce the concentration of the gaseous/vaporous sterilant within the region. The reactive chemical unit includes a chemistry that is chemically reactive with the gaseous/vaporous sterilant. In one embodiment, the gaseous/vaporous sterilant is vaporized hydrogen peroxide and the chemistry of the reactive chemical unit includes thiosulfate and iodide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Michael A. Centanni, Peter A. Burke
  • Patent number: 7845213
    Abstract: Dispensers and refills for volatile liquids, such as fragrances, are disclosed. Dispensers and refills in combination with dispensers according to the present invention may comprise a volatile liquid and a housing. In certain embodiments, the volatile liquid of the present invention has a predetermined evaporation rate, measured and calculated by the method described herein. In other embodiments, the volatile liquid exhibits a predefined relative evaporation rate. In addition to the housing, the present invention includes optional components, such as a motorized fan and/or a wick, to facilitate release of the volatile liquid into the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Padma Prabodh Varanasi, Joel E. Adair, Michael C. Liptrot, Qing Song
  • Publication number: 20100303673
    Abstract: The sun imparts 174 petawatt per second on the earth, and a large portion of this energy is absorbed by the earth's atmosphere in the form of translational energy for the gaseous molecules, i.e. continuous random motion in the average speed range of 500 meters per second on earth's surface. This invention utilizes a partition with large number of through-holes which all have the characteristic of providing greater cross section for gas molecules to transit from one side to the other than the reverse, thus creating a higher statistical probability for the molecules to move from one side of the partition to the other side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Franklin Dun-jen Hwang, Ching Ching Huang, Jennifer Peng, Francis N. Hwang, Francine N. Hwang
  • Patent number: 7837958
    Abstract: The present invention is a system for and method of providing an autonomously mobile air purifier and surface cleaner in combination with a source of air fragrance in a single device for home or office use. The autonomously mobile air and surface cleaner and fragrancing system includes an air purifier, a fragrancer, a floor cleaner, an input means, a power system, operational and auxiliary sensors, robotics that drive and steer the device, and a central controller operatively connected to each of the aforementioned items to control the operation of the device. The present invention also provides a method for the operation of the device using the air purifier, fragrancer, floor cleaner and robotics to clean a room, and for modifying the operation of the device in response to signals sent from the sensors or from the input means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Crapser, Thomas P. Gasper
  • Patent number: 7828940
    Abstract: An onsite chemistry air filtration system to remove gaseous contaminants from air is disclosed. The onsite chemistry air filtration system of the present invention comprises: a conventional particulate filtration section, a photochemical filtration section, a static gas phase filtration section and a catalytic filtration section. The conventional particulate filtration section captures solids and condensables. In the photochemical filtration section, UV lamps generate bio-destruction and surface photochemical activity on a semiconductor catalyst material, provide a radiation source to irradiate airborne contaminant molecules and to energize their states to promote reactions and generate airborne ozone and radicals. In the static gas phase filtration section, gas phase filtration media is used to capture contaminants, concentrate them in a relatively confined space and allow airborne generated chemistries to concentrate and react in-situ, thereby creating a regeneration effect on the media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Roseberry, Robert A. Darling
  • Patent number: 7824626
    Abstract: A system that captures and eliminates indoor pollutants and chemical and biological agents within a HVAC system by breaking down the pollutants and chemical and biological threats into non-hazardous molecules. The surface area created by crystalline titanium dioxide nano-structures results in highly effective elimination rates when catalytic ionization by UV exposure occurs. The catalyst is activated with UVA light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Nanotech Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Krzysztof C. Kwiatkowski
  • Patent number: 7819336
    Abstract: A fragrance is held in one or more layers of a three-layer liquid mixture. The three layers are mutually immiscible to form an aesthetically pleasing effect while the specific gravities of the layers are adjusted so as to provide for their transfer to the atmosphere via a simple wick. Such adjustment is determined as a function of the wicking material that is used. The formulation of the mixture involves the combination of two mutually immiscible non-aqueous components that are temporarily rendered miscible during the formulation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Latitudes International
    Inventor: Ron Newman
  • Patent number: 7815879
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are described for contacting an oxidizing solution such as an aqueous hydrogen peroxide composition of hydrogen peroxide and at least one additive that catalyzes the decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide into hydroxyl radicals with an atmospheric effluent containing odorous and/or noxious components. These components are absorbed by the aqueous hydrogen peroxide composition to produce an atmospheric effluent having reduced amounts of the odorous and/or noxious components. Various methods are described for adding the hydrogen peroxide and the decomposition additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Steen Research, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen R. Temple, Michael J. Stoltz
  • Patent number: 7815878
    Abstract: An air freshener device includes an open-cell, polyurethane foam body having a scent material interspersed in the foam body that is capable of diffusing out of the foam, and a flexible cover surrounding and conforming to the foam body having at least one hole in the cover to facilitate the release of scent. The foam body can be flexible and compressible, and also resilient and returnable to its original configuration. The flexible cover can have a fabric shell that is soothing to the touch, and may also have a non-porous inner liner to contain the scent material and prevent it from migrating out of the foam body. In addition, the air freshener can have a freestanding, self-supported, three-dimensional shape, and can be fashioned into the shape of a common sports ball, such as a baseball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: American Covers, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan J. Wheatley
  • Publication number: 20100254852
    Abstract: A modular ductwork assembly decontaminates an air stream circulating within a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The assembly includes one or more of (a) an ionizing module for removing particulates from the air stream, (b) a sterilization module for neutralizing airborne pathogens present in the air stream, (c) an ozone treatment module for neutralizing pathogens or odoriferous constituents or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in the air stream, optionally (d) baffles for slowing and disrupting the flow rate and promoting turbulence in the air stream traveling through the modules and optionally (e) a fan module for directing a treated air stream, (f) an ozone sensor, (g) a monitoring or ozone control means, (h) a means of delivering and repurposing generated ozone. Each of the modules is arranged substantially adjacent to at least one of the other modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventor: Karen Metteer
  • Publication number: 20100254868
    Abstract: A system and method (60) for a purifying a fluid (such as air or water) containing contaminants includes removing the contaminants from the fluid (70) using a capturing device, such as an adsorbent and/or a particle filter. The contaminants may include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and microorganisms. The method (60) further includes generating ozone molecules using an ozone generating device (62). An ozone decomposition device is used to decompose at least a portion of the ozone molecules into oxygen and oxygen radicals (68). The captured contaminants (VOCs and microorganisms) react with the oxygen radicals and the ozone molecules to denature the contaminants (72), rendering them less harmful than the original contaminants in the fluid. In some cases, the contaminants may be reduced to carbon dioxide and water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy N. Obee, Stephen O. Hay, Susan D. Brandes, Leland G. Brandes, Thomas Henry Vanderspurt, Wayde R. Schmidt, Norberto O. Lemcoff
  • Publication number: 20100221143
    Abstract: The invention provides a fragrance delivery system comprising: a control unit for controlling a release mechanism to release at least one selected fragrance, said control unit comprising a selection unit for selecting said selected fragrance from at least two fragrances and controlling said release mechanism to release said selected fragrance, and a switching element for switching said release mechanism between an first state and an second state or vice versa, in which first state said release mechanism releases said selected fragrance at a higher rate than in said second state. The invention further provides a kit of parts comprising said device and a at least two fragrance reservoirs filled with a fragrance chemical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: Toni Broncano Atencia, Silvia Sorribes, Francisco Güell
  • Publication number: 20100221144
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a kit for assembling a passive air freshener comprising fragranced sail crystals. In the preferred form, the kit minimally comprises: 1) a package containing a plurality of fragranced salt crystals; 2) a container with an opening for placing said crystals therein, said container defining an enclosed space having a height/width ratio of from about 0.5 to about 3; and, 3) a carton for containing both the package of crystals and the container, where the carton preferably has a viewing window that displays at least the decorative aspects of the container design to potential purchasers. The kit may also include instructional literature and optional lighting source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: The Dial Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory W. Bedson, Deborah J. Cowan, Geoffrey Faires, Jeff Gaunt, Eric J. Horsman, Nancy Miiller, Elizabeth Polaski, Keith Queen, Judith A. Wallis, Cheryl Watkins
  • Patent number: 7776276
    Abstract: An air filtering system for a vehicle includes a housing having a fan, a HEPA filter, a carbon-impregnated military cloth and a scent dispersing mechanism received therein. Air intake modules are positioned at desired locations within the vehicle passenger compartment, each of which is in communication with the housing interior. To remove smoke or other pollutants, a passenger activates the fan to deliver ambient air to the housing interior whereby the HEPA filter removes particles while the charcoal cloth removes entrained odors. The housing also includes a fragrance dispenser for dispersing a scented material, if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Veltilena Newbolt
  • Publication number: 20100196213
    Abstract: The present invention relates to spherical agglomerates based on zeolite(s) and clay(s), having controlled size and morphology, in particular a size of less than or equal to 600 ?m, very good sphericity, high content of zeolitic material, and their production process. These agglomerates are particularly suitable for uses in gaseous and/or liquid-phase adsorption processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: CECA S.A.
    Inventors: Cecile Lutz, Sylvie Szendrovics, Quitterie Persillon
  • Publication number: 20100196214
    Abstract: A luminaire system having a lamp compartment and sterilization compartment permitting both illumination and the sterilizing of airborne bacteria. The sterilization compartment has one or more germicidal lamps to sterilize airborne bacteria when air is circulated through the luminaire system. The lamp compartment has one or more lamps to illuminate the desired outside environment away from the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Eugene Graff, Carlton B. Plunk
  • Patent number: 7767141
    Abstract: Provided is a method for reducing the amounts of fungal spores and small airborne particles in an enclosure, where the enclosure has or is in communication with an air handling system. The method comprises the steps of applying vacuum suction to the air handling system and contacting the air handling system with a first antimicrobial agent; applying a cleansing agent to the carpets and upholstery in the enclosure; fogging the enclosure with a second antimicrobial agent; releasing ozone within the enclosure for a period of time and terminating the release of ozone to allow the ozone concentration to return to normal levels; placing a reservoir containing tea tree oil into the air handling system, and initiating operation of an air purifier air in the enclosure, wherein for a period of at least 90 days, the airborne particles in the enclosure are fewer than 1.0 million airborne particles per cubic meter of air; the airborne fungal spores in the enclosure an amount at least 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Pure Solutions LLC
    Inventor: Goran B. Andersson
  • Patent number: 7763206
    Abstract: An air decontamination device comprising an air stream generator (20), a non-thermal plasma filter (22), an ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitting device (24), an ozone catalysing device (26), and a hydrocarbon emitter (28). The air stream generator (20) generates and directs an air stream through or across the non-thermal plasma filter (22), the UV radiation emitting device (24), the ozone catalysing device (26), and the hydrocarbon emitter (28). The plasma filter (22) produces free radicals by which contaminants in the air stream are nuetralised. The UV radiation emitting device (24) breaks down ozone in the air stream, catalysed by the ozone catalysing device (26). The hydrocarbon emitter (28) discharges an aromatic hydrocarbon into the air stream to preferentially react with residual ozone so that the air stream becomes suitable for human exposure. A method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Tri-Air Developments Limited
    Inventor: Alan Mole
  • Patent number: 7758836
    Abstract: A system and method for removing sulfur-containing contaminants from indoor air includes a panel system having a first layer and a second layer. The first layer can include a base media onto which sodium bicarbonate is attached. The second layer can include a base media onto which activated carbon is attached. Indoor air including sulfur-containing contaminants can contact and pass through the first layer. Sulfuric acid can react with the sodium bicarbonate to produce sodium sulfate, which can, in turn, act as a drying agent for organic sulfur-containing contaminants in the indoor air, such as carbon disulfide and carbonyl sulfide. As a result of such drying, the second layer can more effectively trap and/or bind (adsorb) the organic sulfur-containing contaminants so that these contaminants are removed from the contaminated air. The treated air can be returned to an indoor space of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventors: Ronald G. Huggins, Carl M. Sabatello, Paul T. Sabatello