Abstract: An HVAC system for a motor vehicle including one or more ultraviolet light sources that are operatively disposed within one or more portions of the HVAC system and that are effective in treating microorganisms within the HVAC system. The HVAC system may also include one or more sensors and a controller for selectively activating and deactivating the one or more ultraviolet light sources.

Abstract: Light-leakage type photocatalyst fibers (10) are bundled together to form a filter assembly having an enormous number of minute gaps which provide fluid communication paths in a longitudinal direction of the photocatalyst fibers. Light is incident to each of the photocatalyst fibers constituting the filter assembly while an object fluid to be processed is introduced through an end face of the filter assembly to pass through the gaps among the photocatalyst fibers in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cleansing a fluid stream including a support structure positioned generally perpendicular to the fluid stream, the support structure creating an interior space and including a plurality of apertures to allow fluid to flow through the apertures. Also included is at least one expanded sheet positioned within the space, the expanded sheet having a plurality of expanded slits, and a photocatalytic agent coupled to the expanded sheet to oxidize airborne contaminants when exposed to a light source. Pleats may be formed in the expanded sheet to further increase the reactive surface area.

Abstract: An air cleaner having a first photocatalyst carrying member (26) carrying a photocatalyst for cleaning air upon being irradiated with light, a lamp (12) for illuminating the first photocatalyst carrying member (26), and a receiving member (17) receiving a portion between the ends of the lamp (12) through the first photocatalyst carrying member (26). The first photocatalyst carrying member (26) is contained in a containing section (20) of a main body casing (15), for example, and is interposed between the lamp (12) and an innermost portion (21) of the containing section (20). The receiving member (17) may be a projection (24), for example, provided in a standing posture in the innermost portion (21) of the containing section (20).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for sterilization, depyrogenization and/or annealing of containers and their closing elements (12) is proposed, in which in at least one method step, in a low-pressure chamber or vacuum chamber (4), a plasma treatment is performed jointly or separately for the containers and the closing elements (12) before the containers are filled, by means of excitation of an electromagnetic oscillation. The regions of the closing element or closing elements (12) and containers that are to be sterilized, depyrogenized and/or annealed are made to approach the oscillation-generating apparatus (15; 48) by means of a suitable conveyor device for one or more predetermined periods of time.

Abstract: An apparatus and methodology for abating fungi in a building supported on a ground surface and having an upper enclosed living space and a lower enclosed space beneath the upper enclosed space and proximate or beneath the ground. The apparatus includes a blower positioned in the lower enclosed space and having an air inlet and an air exhaust; a plurality of intake conduits having inlet ends adapted to open in the lower enclosed space proximate a lower boundary of that space and outlet ends connected to the inlet of the blower; a plurality of exhaust conduits having inlet ends connected to the exhaust of the blower and outlet ends positioned exteriorly of the building; and a plurality of ultraviolet lamps positioned at spaced locations in the lower enclosed space and establishing germicidal killing zones intercepting and cleansing air moving from the lower enclosed space into the inlet ends of the intake conduits.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for neutralizing airborne pathogens in ventilated air, and in heating or air conditioning systems. The pathogen neutralization system is effective against a wide spectrum of pathogens, it incorporates commercially available components, and it can be readily integrated into commercial HVAC systems where it neutralizes airborne pathogens in large volumes of ventilated air in real time without any chemical reagents. Typically, the system has a flow-through reaction chamber that contains a UV light source that emits short intense flashes of broad-spectrum UV light, a source of water vapor or spray, and an ozone generator. The system generates highly reactive ozone intermediates by irradiating ozone gas with UV light in the presence of water droplets or water vapor. The pathogens that can be neutralized by this system include bacteria, viruses, spores, fungi and parasites.

Abstract: A multi-function air treatment apparatus includes a photo-ionizing assembly and a negative ion generator. The photo-ionizing assembly emits a predetermined wavelength of light that produces ozone when it impinges upon air. When a portion of the light impinges on a target material, radicals and ions that bond with and reduce some of volatile organic compounds in the air are produced. The negative ion generator produces negative ions and a radiating negative electrostatic field from an outer high dielectric surface by an electrical charge applied to an enclosed conductive inner surface.

Abstract: A system for processing a wafer using ozone includes an ozone gas source connecting into the process chamber. Wafers are held within a holder or fixture in the chamber. A chamber exhaust line connects the process chamber to an inlet at the top end of an ozone destructor. A system or cabinet exhaust line extends from an outlet also at the top end of the ozone destructor. A canister within the ozone destructor contains a catalyst. Exhaust flow from the process chamber moves down through the ozone destructor and then up through the catalyst. Saturation of the catalyst by condensing water vapor and loss of catalytic efficiency, is reduced. As the process chamber and chamber exhaust line are better isolated from the catalyst, potential for catalyst particles moving into the process chamber or chamber exhaust line, or for condensing vapor to back up in the chamber exhaust line, are reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for terminal sterilization of solid forms of nanoparticulate active agent compositions via gamma irradiation. The nanoparticulate active agent has an effective average particle size of less than about 2 microns, prior to incorporation into a solid form for sterilization. The resultant sterilized compositions exhibit excellent redispersibility, homogeneity, and uniformity. Also encompassed are compositions made via the described method and methods of treating animals and humans using such compositions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a number of UV generators needed to destroy at least 90% of biological matter in an air stream of a ventilation system is disclosed. The method comprises determining the number of UV generators needed to destroy a proportion of biological matter in the air stream of the ventilation system.

Abstract: A method is for selectively removing gaseous pollutants from the ambient air, and a device is for implementing the method. Undesirable emissions may be selectively and completely removed from the ambient air using relatively simple equipment and a small amount of energy. Pollutants contained in the air to be purified are ionized by the action of optical radiation, based on resonant and/or non-resonant single-photon excitation and/or multiple-photon excitation, so that the ionized pollutants are drawn off and removed from the air to be purified, using an electric field. A small portion of the energy necessary for the ionization may also be applied in the form of microwave energy or electric-field energy. The method and device may be used in air-conditioning or other air-circulation systems.

Abstract: An ultraviolet disinfection (UV) system for gases including a UV light-ready gas purifier having at least one portal in the gas purifier for receiving UV light input from a UV light source, which is removably connected to the gas purifier via a connector at the portal, and positioned to provide a focused, controllable UV light output that has at least one UV dose zone for providing effective sterilization of microorganisms and disinfection within an interior of the gas purifier. The light source is positioned within a housing that is external to the gas purifier and capable of being connected thereto via optical connectors, such as fiber optic transmission lines. A method for UV disinfection of the interior of gas purifiers is also included in the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fixture type sterilizing and lighting apparatus provided together with a sterilizing apparatus and a lighting apparatus, so that it can accomplish a sterilization and an illumination concurrently by the same electric lamp, economize in energy and resources and solve one's double share in expenses. The fixture type sterilizing and lighting apparatus includes a ultraviolet electric lamp 1, 4, 22, 14 for emitting ultraviolet rays (wavelength of 253.7 nm); a fluorescent film 2, 5, 8, 15 formed with a fluorescent substance which emits the necessary rays such as visible rays, ultraviolet rays and infrared rays by the ultraviolet rays (wavelength of 253.7 nm) emitted from the above ultraviolet electric lamp 1, 4, 22, 14; a transparent tube or transparent plate 3, 6, 9, 16 coated with the above fluorescent film; (wavelength of 253.7 nm); and a reflection plate 17 for reflecting the ultraviolet rays (wavelength of 253.

Abstract: An apparatus for decontaminating air within an enclosed workspace located downstream and in fluid communication with the apparatus. The apparatus includes a housing containing an array of ultraviolet lamps mounted within an enclosure in the housing. The enclosure has an intake aperture and an exhaust aperture. The housing and the array form an airflow processor such that uncontaminated air entering the intake aperture passes through the array before exiting the exhaust aperture. An airflow motivator, which may be a fan, urges the airflow through the housing and the array from the intake aperture and out through the exhaust aperture. A downstream conduit, which may be a flexible hose, is in fluid communication between the exhaust aperture and the workplace directs the airflow into the workplace after being processed in the airflow processor. The intake aperture is positionable relative to the workspace so that the airflow entering the intake aperture is uncontaminated air.

Abstract: A connector for joining two parts of a medical product, where the parts are sterilized by different forms of sterilization, is disclosed. The connector includes a generally tubular body having a first end adapted for connection to a part of the medical product, another closed, but openable end, and an expansion chamber of one-piece integral construction with the tubular body.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for decontaminating, sterilizing, or disinfecting an environmental unit chamber and its atmosphere that includes a filter, an air pump, a radical generator, an environmental unit, and an airflow ductwork system. The radical generator is capable of generating radicals selected from the group consisting of singlet oxygen ions, hybrid ozone, ionized oxygen, ionized nitrogen, hydroxyls, and hydrogen peroxide. A method for decontaminating, sterilizing, or disinfecting an environmental unit chamber and its atmosphere using radicals are provided.

Abstract: Air decontamination method and device designed for bioterrorism, nerve gas, toxic mold, small pox, Ebola, anthrax and other agents require built in air sampling, rapid filter changes and the ability to use a mobile, transportable and connectable system in positive mode to push contaminates away or in negative mode to contain a toxin from spreading. This application combines features in respirators, industrial and hospital grade air filtration with the ability to provide air testing to guide the connection of the device with other treatment modules or existing HVAC and other equipment. With this new flexibility, ozone, UV, absorption, Thermal destruction, filters and liquid chemical neutralization can be manually or automatically adapted for emergency response to both daily airborne contamination and military grade terrorist threats of airborne contamination.

Abstract: A lighting equipment for purifying air, includes an anion generator generating anions to purify air; a housing including an electric power source supplying an electric power, an amplifier amplifying the electric power from the electric power source, and an emitting aperture member having a plurality of holes for exhausting the generated anions therethrough; and at least one illumination unit engaged with the housing.

Abstract: A germicidal UV chamber for use on air passing through a duct system, such as a central air system which replace one or more sections of the duct and, in essence, becomes part of the duct work. Each chamber is in the form of one or more ellipsoid sections which focus the energy uniformly throughout the chamber. The UV lamp is in the form of a helix around the center line of the chamber. Its pitch may very along its length so as to concentrate the UV radiation towards the center of the chamber. A UV transparent conduit may be positioned in the center of the coils of the helical UV lamp to convey a liquid through the lamp.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing at least one article by means of a plasma and in the presence of humidity using a non-biocidal gas containing oxygen and nitrogen, the article being placed outside the discharge in a sealed treatment enclosure that is subjected substantially to atmospheric pressure, the method comprising the following steps: introducing the humidified non-biocidal gas into the treatment enclosure; creating a first plasma discharge A for a determined duration enabling the effectiveness of the sterilizing species created during the following stage to be guaranteed within the entire enclosure; creating a second plasma discharge B during a determined duration enabling said article to be sterilized; and rinsing the treatment enclosure during a determined duration so as to guarantee that it contains a non-polluting atmosphere when the enclosure is subsequently opened.

Abstract: Electromagnetic energy the microwave range, radio frequency range or a combination of both frequencies may be used to treat poultry litter or other animal wastes to remove or reduce pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc. that affect animal and human health. The treatment may be applied to the litter as well as to the floor upon which the litter is setting. The preselected amount and type of energy applied by radio frequency and microwave frequency depends upon the conditions of the litter and floor such as thickness, material, moisture content and length and of intensity of use of the litter. The litter may be treated in place on the floor to avoid contamination caused by moving the litter from the floor and into a treatment chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of purifying air where a photocatalyst is exposed to ambient air to purify it from bacteria, hydrocarbons, and volatile organic compounds. The apparatus can contain a vertical reactor containing the photocatalyst either on sheets, in a web-like structure, or in a fibrous mass, or any other way of holding it. The photocatalyst can be excited with an ultraviolet light source. Air rises through the reactor by natural convection caused by heat from a transformer and/or from the ultraviolet light.

Abstract: An automobile air filter comprising a filter element, an outer hood receiving the filter element, and a plurality of metal electrodes arranged in the filter element. Each pair of the metal electrodes is connected by a cable and pass through the outer hood. A high voltage generator circuit is installed at appropriate location of an automobile for generating instantaneous high voltage to provide instantaneous high voltage power to each pair of metal electrodes, so that the metal electrodes generate high voltage flashes and ozone to purify the air flowing in the filter element and increase oxygen content in the air intake in the engine.

Abstract: An air purifier includes a housing having a purification chamber with an inlet to the housing for drawing in contaminated air and an outlet from the housing for releasing purified air. The air purifier also includes an inlet for introducing a fluid containing a source of antimicrobial ions into the purification chamber. The air purifier also includes at least one microwave radiation source and at least one ultraviolet radiation source which work in combination to increase the effectiveness of the antimicrobial ions. Also included are filters for removing airborne particulates and adsorbing antimicrobial ions from treated air.

Abstract: The invention is to provide an anion-generating device, which may generate anion to the air, and which may design the air ionization device as a modular structure. Further, when there is a short circuit occurred in the interior circuit of the anion-generating device, it may automatically switch off the high-voltage power source for protecting the anion-generating device. By the arrangement of a switch device, the anion-generating device is resumed to normal operation after being automatically switched off. The invention controls and generates the necessary high-voltage power source by designing a controlling device, which includes a logic controlling circuit and a high-voltage power-source generating circuit, wherein the logic controlling circuit is then comprised of a switch and an indicating device, which may indicate the operational state, while the high-voltage power-source generating circuit may generate high-voltage power source to ionize the air.

Abstract: The UV Bulk Mail Irradiation System consists of a chamber for disinfecting mail that has become contaminated by pathogens and spores such as Bacillius anthracis (anthrax bacteria) and Bacillius magaterium sp. (anthrax spores). Contaminated mail is placed in the chamber. Consideration for the characteristics of the chamber in which the contaminated mail has been place, the location of the C-band ultraviolet lights, the duration of the sterilization process allow effective elimination of this biohazard from the contaminated mail.

Abstract: An ultraviolet area sterilizer (UVAS) is mobile or stationary. The UVAS is positioned in a room, such an operating room or intensive care unit. Motion detectors sense movement, to assure that personnel have evacuated the space to be sterilized. Subsequently, UV-C generators, such as a bank of mercury bulbs, generate intense levels of UV-C. An array of multiple UV-C sensors scan the room, and determine the darkest area, or the area reflecting the lowest level of UV-C back to the sensors. A BASIC Stamp contained in the device calculates the time required to obtain a bactericidal dose of UV-C reflected back from darkest area. Once a bactericidal dose has been reflected to all the sensors, the unit notifies the operator and shuts down. By relying on reflected doses rather than direct exposure, the UVAS is able to sterilize or sanitize all surfaces within the room that are within view of an exposed wall or ceiling.

Abstract: A germicidal method and apparatus for destroying airborne pathogenic bacteria such as tuberculosis bacteria using ultraviolet light. Air is drawn through a filter and into a sterilization chamber that is irradiated with ultraviolet light, and out through an exhaust opening. Consideration for the characteristics of the room in which the apparatus is installed and the positioning of the installation allows effective prevention of transmission of disease through expectoration and inhalation of airborne microdroplets of bacteria-containing sputum. The filter is of the low-density type which traps large particulates, but not small particulates of the size of the microdroplets, so that the filter does not become a bacteria colonization site. Baffles on the air intake opening and air exhaust opening to prevent ultraviolet light from escaping into the environment. The sterilization chamber is constructed such that the air passes the ultraviolet light bulbs twice as it circulates therethrough.

Abstract: This system consists of a static device (1) provided with ultraviolet ray lamps (12), fixed permanently inside the air duct (2) near the inlet in the circuit, to disinfect the incoming air flow. The system also includes a mobile device (3) to be periodically inserted inside the duct (2) and moved inside in order to fully disinfect the duct. This device consists of an axle (31), on which ultraviolet ray lamps (34) are assembled, end discs (32 and 33) provided with wheels (35 and 36) on the edge, and traction and retention cables (38 and 39).

Abstract: An apparatus for generating ozone and anion capable of respectively controlling an ozone generator and an anion generator is disclosed. The apparatus includes an ozone generator, an ozone generator-driving portion, a second power source supplying power to the ozone generator-driving portion, an anion generator, an anion generator-driving portion, a circulating fan circulating the generated anion, a first power source supplying power to the anion generator-driving portion, a selecting valve selectively discharging the anion generated from the anion generator to a water purifier 100 or an ozone container, an activated carbon filter removing smell of the ozone introduce through the selecting valve into the water purifier, a controlling portion controlling the anion generator-driving portion and the ozone generator-driving portion, an operating portion inputting an external instruction to the controlling portion, and a timer controlling a reserving function of the operating portion.

Abstract: Spherical (23) or cylindrical (27, 36) electrodeless ultraviolet lamps are used to remediate fluid, directly or by excitation of ultraviolet-activated photocatalyst surfaces, which may be on the lamps themselves, or on structures which are permeable by the fluid. The lamps may be excited in cavities (18, 19; 43) by microwave energy from a magnetron (22), or by radio frequency power (39) inductively coupled (40) to the lamps. The lamps (44) may have start-up electrodes (47).

Abstract: An air treatment system includes at least one chamberless tube having air inlet and air outlet ends and a UV light reflective interior surface. The tube has an inside diameter and is preferably made from a UV grade aluminum. At least one tubular UV light source corresponding to the at least one chamberless tube is disposed generally coaxially within the UV reflective tube. The UV light source has an exterior light emitting surface spaced from the tube reflective interior surface. The light emitting surface has an outside diameter. Airborne pathogens in air moved through the tube and over the UV light source are eliminated.

Abstract: In a sterilizing apparatus, a first electrode is provided in a chamber, and a target to be sterilized is supported by the first electrode. The first AC power supply is connected to the first electrode to supply AC power to the first electrode such that a plasma is generated around the first electrode. The DC pulse power supply is connected to the first electrode to supply DC pulse power to the first electrode such that ions or electrons are accelerated toward the target.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for the sterilization of Prion infected surgical tools and the method for such sterilization includes disposing Prion infected surgical tools in the chamber, evacuating the chamber and introducing ozone into the chamber for a period of time sufficient to oxidize Prion amino acids. During this exposure the tools are agitated in order to insure all surface areas are exposed to the ozone. Following sterilization the ozone and sterilized tools are removed from the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides an Ultraviolet apparatus or system for delivering substantially pure compressed air to desired locations. The invention is particularly useful for delivering substantially pure compressed air to dental unit handpieces and instruments. The invention provides a dental chair unit including apparatus for delivering substantially pure 99.9% compressed air and method for delivering substantially pure compressed air to a dental handpieces, other medical applications and also in industrial automotive assemblies with pneumatic tools.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for decontaminating chemical and biological agents using the reactive properties of both the single atomic oxygen and the hydroxyl radical for the decontamination of chemical and biological agents. The apparatus is self contained and portable and allows for the application of gas reactants directly at the required decontamination point. The system provides for the use of ultraviolet light of a specific spectral range to photolytically break down ozone into molecular oxygen and hydroxyl radicals where some of the molecular oxygen is in the first excited state. The excited molecular oxygen will combine with water vapor to produce two hydroxyl radicals.

Abstract: There are described apparatus and methods wherein ultraviolet light kills and/or degrades and vaporizes microorganisms and organic material which naturally form over time on a heat exchanger. As this matter is eliminated, the pressure drop is decreased (i.e., airflow is increased) and the heat exchange efficiency (capacity) is increased. Less energy per Btu removed is used by the cooling system, and less energy is used by the HVAC system to move air.

Abstract: A system for sterilizing air includes an air duct for flowing the air therethrough. A first electron beam generator is positioned relative to the duct for irradiating the air flowing therethrough with a first electron beam. The first electron beam for disabling microorganisms within the air.

Abstract: A gas conversion system for removing carbon dioxide from gases includes a duct through which gases are circulated. The duct has a port for introducing a reaction agent into the duct to the gases. An electron beam emitter is positioned relative to the duct for directing an electron beam into the duct to cause components of the carbon dioxide and the reaction agent to react to remove carbon dioxide from the gases and release oxygen.

Abstract: A housing for purifying an air flow moving through it provides a reception space for receiving the air flow. The air is treated with mechanical filtration of particles larger than approximately 2 micron, ionizing with energetic ions, exposure to ultraviolet light radiation, and electrostatic precipitation of particles in the air inflow. The ionizing and UV bombardment of the air inflow occur simultaneously.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for purifying a gas containing contaminants are disclosed. The gas is irradiated with an ultraviolet ray and/or a radiation ray so as to produce microparticles of the contaminants. The resultant microparticles of the contaminants are contacted with a photocatalyst. Then, the photocatalyst is irradiated with light so as to decompose the contaminants held in contact with the photocatalyst. Organic compounds, organosilicon compounds, basic gas and the like can be decomposed by the action of the photocatalyst. Even when these species are present at a low concentration, they can be concentrated locally by transforming into microparticles, and hence can be removed.

Abstract: Photocatalyst filter, method for fabricating the same, and air cleaner thereof, the photocatalyst filter including a base material of a required shape, an enamel layer consisting of frit for forming an inorganic layer and additives for forming a porous surface layer as main composition coated on a surface of the base material, and a photocatalyst layer consisting of a photocatalyst solution consisting of a photocatalyst and a dispersion solvent and bonding agents as main composition coated on the enamel layer, and the method including the steps of (1) coating an enamel layer on a surface of a base material subjected to pretreatment for removal of foreign matters, the enamel layer consisting of frit for forming an inorganic layer on a surface of the base material and additives for forming a porous surface layer on the surface of the base material as main composition, and (2) coating a photocatalyst layer on the enamel layer; the photocatalyst layer consisting of a photocatalyst solution and bonding agents as m

Abstract: The invention provides a portable or hand-held vacuum cleaner that includes a filtration system or filtration module that can pick up particles and contaminants. It has a first passive stage (such as a HEPA filter) to collect dust particles, and contaminants over a predetermined size. The invention also includes an active stage filter(such as an ozone generator) which may include one or more chemical (or biological) agents effective to kill bacteria, viruses, and the like.

Abstract: A mechanical ventilation system, which obtains and maintains to below threshold reduced concentrations of volatile organic compounds and common organic odors in an air stream. The air stream has a concentration of volatile organic compounds of at least 100 parts per million and a temperature of between 30° and 70° F. The mechanical ventilation system comprises a duct, an air moving apparatus and a low-pressure germicidal lamp. The duct has a volume of at least five cubic feet for temporally containing and directing the air stream. The air moving apparatus moves the air stream through the duct at a speed of at least 100 cubic feet per minute. The low-pressure germicidal lamp is installed with respect to the duct such that the germicidal lamp, when energized, will irradiate the air stream passing through the duct.

Abstract: There is provided a system for cleaning a contaminated airflow. The system includes a macro-contaminant separator that creates substantially macro-contaminant free airflow, a micro-contaminant separator that creates a substantially contaminant free airflow from said substantially macro-contaminant free airflow, and a germ controlling device that kills or controlling any germs remaining in the substantially contaminant free airflow. The macro-contaminant separator may be a cyclone-type contaminant separator. The micro-contaminant separator may include a micro-particle filter, an odor adsorber, or both. The germ controlling means may be an ultraviolet light source.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the present invention are suitable for use in the HVAC system of a building or dwelling such as a home or small commercial building. The apparatus and method cleans, purifies and deodorizes air in the building or dwelling. The air purifying apparatus comprises the following basic components: a UV germicidal lamp, an ozone generator, an air flow sensor, a control system, a status display system, a coupling system to connect the apparatus to an HVAC system, and a power system.

Abstract: An air purifier has an air flow path with a dielectric body interposed across the path. The dielectric body may be made of, for example, quartz or alumina fibers or silica granules or sponge so that it is porous to air and transmissive to ultraviolet (“UV”) light. A source of ultraviolet light emits UV1 and UV2 light into the airflow path upstream of the dielectric body and at least UV2 light into the dielectric body itself. The UV light forms ozone. The ozone, as well as water vapor in the air, naturally attaches to the dielectric body which concentrates these materials in the dielectric body. The UV light irradiating the ozone and water in the dielectric body causes the formation of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals which assist in sterilizing the incoming air.

Abstract: An embodiment of the system of the present invention generally comprises a mailpiece sorting apparatus which includes a feeder, an OCR scanner, a mailpiece transporter, a sanitizer and compartments or bins for receiving sorted mailpieces, an optical character recognition system (OCR) for reading addressee information, an addressee database, and a personal computer (PC) or microprocessor based control system. In an embodiment of the present invention, mailpieces are feed, singulated and sanitized. In another embodiment of the present invention mailpieces are fed, singulated, sanitized and sorted. In another embodiment of the present invention the system is contained in a sanitization area and clean room. The system provides for sanitization of mailpieces so as to help deter delays in incoming mail delivery caused by the presence of life harming material and sanitize the mail so as to protect the intended recipients from harm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterilizing and disinfecting bedclothes. The method includes preparing a sterilizing room defined by a cover; placing bedclothes into the sterilizing room; and exposing the bedclothes to ultraviolet rays and ozone generated by a generator in communication with the sterilizing room. The apparatus includes a generator for generating ultraviolet rays and ozone and a cover for defining a sterilizing room to accommodate the bedclothes.