With Means Exposing Gas To Electromagnetic Wave Energy Or Corpuscular Radiation Patents (Class 422/121)
  • Patent number: 6358478
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treatment of fluids, the invention being characterized in that ozone is generated in the medium, which ozone is exposed to UV radiation at the same time as it is being generated, so that the ozone is broken down and free radicals are obtained. The invention also relates to an apparatus in accordance with the method, which apparatus comprises an enclosure (1) provided with at least one inlet (2) and at least one outlet (3). The apparatus is characterized in that an oxidizing member (4) is arranged in the enclosure (1) and generates ozone and at the same time breaks down the ozone to free radicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Benrad Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Rune Söremark
  • Publication number: 20020012615
    Abstract: A gas purifying system including a water spraying system, and a collecting apparatus installed downstream of the water spraying system. The collecting apparatus has a surface composed of an electron emitting material, and the electron emitting material is capable of emitting electrons when subjected to visible light, ultraviolet light or electrical energy. The system can also include an ultraviolet lamp, with an ultraviolet photoelectron emitting material surrounding the ultraviolet lamp. The ultraviolet lamp and the ultraviolet photoelectron emitting material are positioned between the water spraying system and the collecting apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: Jung-Sung Hwang, Tae-Ho Kim, Soon-Young Lee, Jae-Heung Choi
  • Patent number: 6337483
    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 inlet and exit passages from the chamber are a grill formed from truncated elliptical concentric rings. Also positioned in the chamber is an ultraviolet transparent conduit through which a liquid such as water passes and is also germicidally cleansed. The conduit may very in diameter to retain UV energy in the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: MolecuCare, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur L. Matschke
  • Patent number: 6328937
    Abstract: An apparatus for killing microorganisms in a primary flow of a fluid medium using germicidal beams to kill microorganisms in a portion of the primary flow of the fluid medium has a housing having an inlet end 1 and an outlet end 4. The housing 20 has reflective inner surfaces 2R, 3R, 5R and 6R along the path 100 of the germicidal beams, a source 30 of germicidal beams located in the housing 20 and at least one baffle 40 located near the source 30 of the germicidal beams. The baffle 40 projects from an inner surface 6 of the housing 20 and is configured to converge the primary flow of air into the germicidal beams path in close proximity to the germicidal beams source 30. The at least one baffle 40 has an upstream portion 41 lying substantially out of the beam path 100 and a downstream portion 42 lying in the beam path 100.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Mark Glazman
  • Publication number: 20010043887
    Abstract: An air purifier includes a high mass-flow rate air-mover and a low mass-flow rate ultra-violet radiation decontamination device. The decontamination device is mounted in spaced relation to the air-mover so as to space the inlet of the air-mover from the inlet of the decontamination device. In particular, the inlet of the decontamination device may be disposed oppositely to the inlet of the air-mover, relative to the outlet of the decontamination device, along a low mass-flow rate flow path of a low mass-flow rate air flow. The low mass-flow rate air flow passes ambient air into the inlet of the decontamination device, through the decontamination device so as to pass for an operative dwell time into operative proximity to at least one UV emitter mounted in the decontamination device and so as to exit from the outlet of the air-mover to then be drawn into the inlet of the air-mover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: Guy G. Morneault, Stephen G. Morneault
  • Patent number: 6280686
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Steril-Aire U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Scheir, Forrest Fencl
  • Patent number: 6267924
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Steril-Aire U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventors: Forrest B. Fencl, Robert Scheir
  • Patent number: 6245293
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Steril-Aire U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventors: Forrest B. Fencl, Robert Scheir
  • Patent number: 6245132
    Abstract: Electrically enhanced filter, includes a filter element, a pair of electrodes sandwiching the filter element, a DC, AC, pulse, or RF power supply coupled to the electrode to create an electrostatic field across the filter element and to produce attracting forces between micro-organisms contained in the air and the filter element, and a power supply creating a sterilizing electrical field, which may be either an RF, DC, pulse, or AC power supply coupled to the electrodes and creating discharging or non-discharging voltages on the filter element to destruct the micro-organisms at and in the vicinity of the filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Environmental Elements Corp.
    Inventors: Paul L. Feldman, Dennis J. Helfritch
  • Patent number: 6245299
    Abstract: A device (10) for purifying a gas stream (30) made up of a plurality of DBD cells (12a, 12b, 12c) in series and, for each of the DBD cells (12a, 12b, 12c), a power supply (24a, 24b, 24e) for providing alternating current to each DBD cell (12a, 12b, 12e).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: State of Israel - Ministry of Defense Rafael Armament Development Authority
    Inventors: Joseph Shiloh, Avner Rosenberg, Elhanan Wurzberg
  • Patent number: 6242752
    Abstract: A translucent cover (9) is so provided as to cover a high pressure sodium lamp (11) adapted to radiate at least visible light and rays of light in the wavelength range of 300 nm to 400 nm. A photocatalytic film (13) which is capable of preventing generation of interference between visible light is formed on either one of or both the inner side and outer side of the translucent cover (9). The photocatalytic film (13) contains as the principal component titania (TiO2) of which the peak wavelength for visible light transmittance is nearly the same as the peak wavelength for visible light radiated from the high pressure sodium lamp (11). Ultraviolet light radiated from the high pressure sodium lamp (11) enhances oxidation and decomposition of substances performed by the photocatalytic film (13), thereby preventing grime and contaminants from adhering to the translucent cover (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignees: Toshiba Lighting and Technology Corp., Nihon Doro Kodan-Japan Highway Public Corp.
    Inventors: Ryuji Soma, Hisashi Honda, Ariyoshi Ishizaki, Tsutomu Watanabe, Hiroshi Kamata, Akiko Saitou, Akimasa Endou
  • Patent number: 6238630
    Abstract: A photocatalyst device includes light guide member composed of a substantially transparent member having a first surface and/or a second surface, a plurality of diffusing areas and a plurality of non-diffusing areas disposed alternately on the first surface and/or the second surface, and photocatalyst member including photocatalyst material, being disposed adjacent to the transparent member, or being disposed on the transparent member. Further, a photocatalyst reactor includes the photocatalyst device as described in the above and one or more light sources generating light directed toward the transparent member. The transparent member may be composed of a transparent panel having a substantially uniform thickness or a substantially variable thickness. A density of the diffusing areas and/or the non-diffusing areas may be variably distributed on the first surface and/or the second surface. The diffusing areas may be rough surface areas and/or the non-diffusing areas may be smooth surface areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Keiji Iimura
  • Patent number: 6228327
    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 also positioned in the chamber is an ultraviolet transparent conduit through which a liquid such as water passes and is also germicidally cleansed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: MolecuCare, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur L. Matschke
  • Patent number: 6221314
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for ultraviolet irradiation of air for the purpose of removing contaminants from that air is disclosed. A U-shaped ultraviolet bulb enshrouded within a quartz tube provides enhanced contaminant destruction characteristics. By combining a plurality of those bulbs in a chamber that is of polished aluminum, and further combining aluminum filters therewith, added irradiation enhancement is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Wil Bigelow
  • Patent number: 6187271
    Abstract: Electrostatic precipitator is disclosed, including a discharge unit having ground electrodes and discharge electrodes, and a collecting unit having collecting electrodes and positive electrodes, wherein the discharge unit is applied of a voltage enough to emit a photo-energy which can activate a photo-catalyst, and a component in the electrostatic precipitator contains the photo-catalyst, or a separate photo-catalyst filter containing the photo-catalyst is provided within a reach of the photo-energy emitted from the discharge unit , thereby the photo-energy from the discharge unit activating the photo-catalyst, whereby providing a simple structured electrostatic precipitator making sterilization and deodorization at a low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Sung Hwa Lee, Young Ki Hong, Kwang Ok Kang, Soo Yeon Shin, Kyeng Wook Heo, Jung Hun Kang, Akira Mizno
  • Patent number: 6179969
    Abstract: A procedure and a filter device (1) serving the purpose of removing and/or destruction organic substances in contaminated air. The filter device comprises at least one ventilator (12) for sending an air stream through a first chamber (14) with an opening, which is connected with a source for contaminated air; a second chamber (15) with a number of sheets (20) placed abeam the main direction of the air stream in order to make the air stream change direction at least one time; a third chamber (16) with a number of perforated tubes (22) which at least at one end are in open connection to a secondary air source; a fourth chamber with a number of lamps for radiating the air stream with a short-waved ultra-violet light and; a fifth chamber (17) with a volume, which gives the air stream a predetermined duration time in the chamber, and which has an opening, through which the purified air passes in order to be released to the surroundings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Jimco A/S
    Inventor: Jimmy Kjoelby Larsen
  • Patent number: 6159422
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for treating hazardous biological wastes. According to one exemplary method, a biological waste material is placed into a chamber and a vacuum is applied to the chamber. After the pressure within the chamber is sufficiently reduced, water vapor is introduced into the chamber and electromagnetic radiation energy is applied to produce a plasma. In one particularly preferable aspect, the chamber is allowed to reach a static condition before the water vapor is introduced. In this way, the water vapor is able to equally distribute itself throughout the volume of the chamber so that an equally distributed plasma can be produced upon application of the electromagnetic radiation energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Graves' Trust Group
    Inventors: Clinton G. Graves, Clinton G. Graves, II
  • Patent number: 6139803
    Abstract: A process for photocatalytically treating a hospital room contaminated by bacteria or an interior environment bearing airborne malodorous substances. A thin film of photocatalyst made of a semiconductor such as titanium dioxide is disposed on the inner wall of the hospital room or living space. The photocatalytic thin film is irradiated by a light source suitable for general lighting applications, such as a fluorescent lamp, and is photoexcited by the small amount of ultraviolet radiation included in the light of the fluorescent lamp. The wattage of the fluorescent lamp as well as the distance between the photocatalytic thin film and the lamp are selected such that the intensity of those UV wavelengths which have a higher energy than the band gap energy of the photo-catalyst is 0.001-1 mW/cm.sup.2, preferably, 0.01-0.1 mW/cm.sup.2. The bacteria and chemical compounds deposited on the photoexcited thin film are photodecomposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Toto Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiya Watanabe, Atushi Kitamura, Eiichi Kojima, Kazuhito Hashimoto, Akira Fujishima
  • Patent number: 6113861
    Abstract: A photocatalytic sheet which has a base made of polymeric organic compound, that is not decomposed by a photocatalytic function, and also hardly loses the photocatalytic function after washing and is capable of providing the photocatalytic function even in an environment without sufficient ultraviolet radiation from outside. Using a fiber, a filament, a yarn made of fibers or filaments, a ribbon, a knitted fabric, a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, or a film as the base, a base protective layer is formed on a part of the base, which is made of the polymeric organic compound, and a photocatalytic semiconductor layer is formed on the entire surface of the base including the base protective layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: TAO, Inc.
    Inventor: Shiro Ogata
  • Patent number: 6074748
    Abstract: A molded article having a photocatalytic function, a desired shape, a large contact area, and being sufficiently irradiated with ultraviolet rays, even at an inner surface thereof. Unit particles such as glass beads, or filaments such as fibers, are bonded to one another into the desired shape. Subsequently, a photocatalytic functional layer is formed on a surface of each particle or fiber. Particles of a spontaneous emission ultraviolet radiating material or light storage-type ultraviolet radiating material may be mixed in the molded article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Tao Inc.
    Inventor: Shiro Ogata
  • Patent number: 6071472
    Abstract: The photocatalytic action of titanium dioxide and the anti-odor activity of undecylenic acid or its compounds are combined in an atmospheric scrubbing or renewal system. The invention consists in placing a filter impregnated with these two substances and exposed to a natural or artificial source of ultraviolet radiation in the path of the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Elf Atochem S.A.
    Inventors: M. Henri-Jean Caupin, M. Joseph Dussaud
  • Patent number: 6063170
    Abstract: This invention relates to an air filtration system including four principle segments interconnected in series as one unit through which contaminated air is passed. The first segment includes a prefilter for the removal of dust particles; the second segment is provided with germicidal UV lamps for bacteria removal; the third segment contains a medicated wet filtration system for virus removal, and the fourth segment contains a final carbon filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Air-A-Medic Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald H. Deibert
  • Patent number: 6063343
    Abstract: A compact, efficient reactor for the photocatalyzed conversion of contaminants in a fluid stream. The reactor includes a photocatalyst disposed on a support structure with a light source in optical proximity to the support structure to activate the photocatalyst. In one embodiment of the invention, the support structure includes multiple non-intersecting fins oriented parallel to the general flow direction of the fluid stream to provide a reactor with low pressure drop and adequate mass transfer of the contaminant to the photocatalyst disposed on the surface of the fins. The light source includes one or more lamps that may penetrate the fins to provide efficient illumination of the photocatalyst. The fins may be flat or pleated. In an alternative embodiment, the fins are pleated and composed of a porous material. These fins are oriented so that the fluid stream flows through the fins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: E. Heller & Company
    Inventors: James Say, Roger Bonnecaze, Adam Heller, Steven Sitkiewitz, Ephraim Heller, Paul Haugsjaa
  • Patent number: 6051194
    Abstract: A photochemical reactor system employing an optical fibers in the form of a cable to transmit light to solid-supported TiO.sub.2 -containing photocatalyst is disclosed. Light energy is transmitted to TiO.sub.2 -containing particles, chemically anchored onto one or more quartz fiber cores, via radial refraction of light out of each fiber. TiO.sub.2 -containing coating layer minimizes the interfacial surface area of the quartz core and TiO.sub.2 -containing particles and operation with incident irradiation angles near 90.degree. enhance light propagation along the fibers. A maximum quantum efficiency of .phi.=1.1% for the oxidation of 4-chlorophenol was achieved. Fiber efficiency permits the light source to be separated from the photocatalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Nicola J. Peill, Michael R. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 6048500
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for reducing pollutants in the exhaust gases produced from the combustion of a fuel by introducing hydroxyl and associated radicals and oxidizers into at least one of the precombustion and postcombustion gas stream of the combustion engine upstream of the catalytic converter and treating the exhaust gases with the catalytic converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Litex, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert P. Caren, Jack A. Ekchian
  • Patent number: 6048499
    Abstract: An antiseptic clean system according to the invention is designed to effectively and thoroughly destruct not only drifting microbes but also germs that have fallen and are adhering to the panels and to the backsides and the gaps of the pieces of equipment installed in the room. It is adapted for use with a clean room provided with antiseptic panels and comprises one or more than one air conditioners, each having an air conditioner main body containing therein a photocatalyst so that air is fed back into the room after passing through the photocatalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Hirayma Setsube Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shoji Hirayama
  • Patent number: 6033457
    Abstract: An oxygen generating system includes an oxygen generator having an oxygen ion conducting honeycomb structure and a heat exchanger thermally coupled to the oxygen generator. The system also includes a heater thermally coupled to the oxygen generator and a control module coupled to the oxygen generator and the heater. The control module monitors one or more of the system parameters and dynamically controls the oxygen generating system in response to the one or more system parameters such as, for example, varying the speed of a draft fan in the outlet waste air stream. A method of operating an oxygen generating system includes initializing the oxygen generating system in response to an operation status request and generating oxygen in an oxygen ion conducting honeycomb structure in response to a desired oxygen flow rate input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: OxyNet, Inc.
    Inventor: William N. Lawless
  • Patent number: 6022511
    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. A chamber is mounted at each return vent to cleanse the air from a room as it returns to the duct system. In addition, where exterior contamination is feared, outside air entering the system may also be treated. Chambers may be connected by their respective ducts in series or in parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: MolecuCare, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur L. Matschke
  • Patent number: 5993738
    Abstract: A method for disinfecting an airstream containing microorganisms by electrostatic precipitation by passing the airstream through the space between at least one grounded collection plate having at least one electrode spaced apart therefrom connected to a source of electrical potential, wherein the improvement comprises contacting the airstream with a photocatalyst having a predetermined band gap energy coated on the surface of each grounded collection plate and illuminated with photons having a wavelength corresponding to the band gap energy of the photocatalyst, so that at least a portion of the microorganisms that collect on the grounded collection plate are destroyed by photocatalytic oxidation. Devices embodying disinfecting methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Universal Air Technology
    Inventor: D. Yogi Goswani
  • Patent number: 5980610
    Abstract: An apparatus and process that utilize a low temperature nonequilibrium plasma reactor, for improving the particulate removal efficiency of an electrostatic precipitator (ESP) are disclosed. A portion of the flue gas, that contains a low level of SO.sub.2 O.sub.2 H.sub.2 O, and particulate matter, is passed through a low temperature plasma reactor, which defines a plasma volume, thereby oxidizing a portion of the SO.sub.2 present in the flue gas into SO.sub.3. An SO.sub.2 rich flue gas is thereby generated. The SO.sub.3 rich flue gas is then returned to the primary flow of the flue gas in the exhaust treatment system prior to the ESP. This allows the SO.sub.3 to react with water to form H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 that is in turn is absorbed by fly ash in the gas stream in order to improve the removal efficiency of the EPS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Hann-Sheng Huang, Anthony J. Gorski
  • Patent number: 5968455
    Abstract: In a first aspect of the invention, an ultraviolet air sterilization device includes a housing and one or more mounts which connect to germicidal lamp units which protrude into the air stream of an air handling duct. Each lamp has an integral receptacle with an electrical connection for attachment to a source of power from within the housing. The receptacle/lamp combination provides stiffening reinforcement to the lamp. The receptacles connect to their corresponding mounts by means of a threaded connection which enables the lamp units to be easily removed from within the air handling duct. In a second aspect of the invention, a mobile ultraviolet sterilization is provided. The mobile ultraviolet sterilization device includes the sterilization device of the first aspect mounted to a mobile platform or frame. A handle is also provided enabling an operator to traverse the sterilization device over a floor covering at a desired speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: James Lawrence Brickley
  • Patent number: 5961929
    Abstract: The present invention includes an oxygen generator having a ceramic honeycomb body. The honeycomb body includes one or more oxygen collection channels which extend laterally across a plurality of second channels in which oxygen is generated via the conduction of oxygen ions from a source gas residing in or passing through a plurality of first channels. The oxygen collection channels are located either positionally along a face of the generator, on one longitudinal end of the generator or are staggered about the side face such that the oxygen collection channels do not substantially impact the structural integrity of the honeycomb body. In addition, a method in which a honeycomb body having oxygen collection channels at its face includes extruding a ceramic body and forming one or more channels at a face of the extruded body. The method further includes forming electrodes within the body and sealing selected channels for the collection of oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: CeramPhysics, Inc.
    Inventor: William N. Lawless
  • Patent number: 5961920
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treatment of fluids, the invention being characterized in that ozone is generated in the medium, which ozone is exposed to UV radiation at the same time as it is being generated, so that the ozone is broken down and free radicals are obtained. The invention also relates to an apparatus in accordance with the method, which apparatus comprises an enclosure (1) provided with at least one inlet (2) and at least one outlet (3). The apparatus is characterized in that an oxidizing member (4) is arranged in the enclosure (1) and generates ozone and at the same time breaks down the ozone to free radicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Benrad Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Rune Soremark
  • Patent number: 5961919
    Abstract: A deodorizing and disinfecting apparatus having catalyst deterioration detection function of the present invention comprises: an air supply portion for inhaling air inside; an ozone generating portion for discharging ozone to the inhaled air: a catalyst for accelerating deodorizing and disinfecting actions and decomposition of the ozone disposed downstream from the ozone generating portion; an ozone sensor for detecting the concentration of remaining ozone disposed downstream from the catalyst; and means for repeating a cycle including stop of ozone discharge from the ozone generating portion for a predetermined time period when the concentration of the remaining ozone reaches a predetermined concentration or more, and for determining that the catalyst is deteriorated when a condition wherein an interval between times when the concentration of the remaining ozone is not less than a predetermined concentration becomes shorter than a predetermined time period is recognized at a predetermined frequency, and then
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Tachibana, Akiyoshi Hattori, Nobuyuki Yoshiike, Akihiko Yoshida
  • Patent number: 5958336
    Abstract: A device for surface sterilization of objects includes a housing, a conveyor assembly including a frame, a conveyor bed selectively movably connected to the frame and a plurality of legs spacedly disposed beneath and supporting the frame above a support surface. At least part of the conveyor bed is located longitudinally within the housing to thereby movably support objects to be surface sterilized as they are passed through the housing from a contaminated area to a clean area. An air filtration system is in communication with the housing, and at least one ultraviolet light assembly is located within of the housing to decontaminate the object to be surface sterilized within the sterilization device as the object is transferred via the conveyor through the housing and into the clean area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Raul Duarte
  • Patent number: 5948355
    Abstract: An air-purifying filter includes a carrier base and a TiO.sub.2 -Pd composite catalyst supported on the carrier base. CO in air treated by the filter is adsorbed onto the Pd surface and thus decomposed by oxidization to CO.sub.2, whereas sulfur compounds in the air are adsorbed onto the Pd surface and then transferred to the TiO.sub.2 surface where they are decomposed by oxidization to SO.sub.4.sup.-2 when the TiO.sub.2 is subjected to irradiation. Preferably, Pd exists in a relatively small quantity at a first side of the carrier base in the vicinity of a light source and in a greater quantity at a second side opposite the first side. The first side is preferably located upstream relative to flow of air treated by the filter. An air-purifier utilizing this filter is mounted in an automobile, preferably on a rear shelf or in a trunk compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignees: Akira Fujishima, Kazuhito Hashimoto, KabushikiKaisha Equos Research, Aisin Aw Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Fujishima, Kazuhito Hashimoto, Shuzo Moroto, Masao Ando, Masako Sakai
  • Patent number: 5938823
    Abstract: Air cleansing apparatus includes an electrostatic precipitator in which the collector plates are made of, for instance, reticulated chemical vapor deposited silicon carbide, or reticulated silicon carbide ceramic coated with titanium nitride, zirconium diboride, or chemical vapor deposited silicon carbide. Microorganisms entrained on the collector plates are thermally degraded or vaporized by microwave radiation directed against the plates during a sterilization period which follows a collection period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Condit, Timothy N. Obee, Willard H. Sutton, Richard R. Grzybowski, Christopher M. Pater, Antonio Rinaldi, Sunita Satyapal, Wayde R. Schmidt, Charles R. Winston, Michael Winter
  • Patent number: 5939026
    Abstract: An electron beam gas processing apparatus includes a single vacuum vessel maintained at vacuum by means of a vacuum pump and first and second lenses are disposed in the vacuum vessel. An electron beam emitted from an electron source is focused by each of the lenses, and the electron beam is irradiated onto a processing gas in a duct. When the current value of the electron beam is increased as the concentration of NOx in the processing gas increases, the focal distance is decreased by increasing the intensity of magnetic fields or the intensity of electric fields of the lenses in accordance with the current value of a filament, the current value of an arc power supply and the gas pressure in a gas reservoir and the first lens is moved toward a draw-out electrode and the second lens is moved toward the duct, so that a parallel electron beam of constant diameter is formed and the electron beam can be prevented from being increased in focusing diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirofumi Seki, Hirofumi Shirakata, Yasuro Hori, Shigeo Shiono
  • Patent number: 5935525
    Abstract: An air abatement system that includes a pre-treatment system and an air treatment system for abatement of contaminated air that includes pollutants such as V.O.C.s, NOx, and/or CO. The air stream is treated using activated air, activated water, and ultraviolet light under conditions that produce hyroxyls, peroxides, and other oxidants without the formation of ozone. These oxidants are also utilized in the activated air, with the activated water being formed as an aqueous solution of the activated air. The pre-treatment system includes a quenching zone where activated water is misted into the air stream, followed by alternating reaction zones and depletion zones where activated air is added and then turbulently mixed with the air stream. The air treatment system includes a primary treatment tunnel, carbon bed system, activated air generator, and a sparger tank farm. Activated air produced by the generator as added into water while being exposed to ultraviolet light in the sparger tank farm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Tri-Mark Corporation
    Inventors: Phillip A. Lincoln, Jessie E. Roberts
  • Patent number: 5925320
    Abstract: An air purification system comprises a housing, a generally S-shaped duct mounted within the housing, at least one blower mounted within the housing for circulating air through the system, and purification structure for removing contaminants from the air. The system preferably comprises two blowers, a master control switch for activating one of the blowers to circulate air through the filter, and a secondary control switch for activating the other blower and the UVC source to initiate a UVC purification process to further purify the filtered air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Inventor: John P. Jones
  • Patent number: 5919422
    Abstract: A photo-catalyzer for deodorizing, cleaning, sterilizing, and water purifying operations includes a substrate, a titanium dioxide film disposed on the substrate and functioning as a photo-catalyst, and a light-emitting diode disposed adjacent to the titanium dioxide film and producing ultraviolet light having a wavelength from 360 to 400 nm onto the titanium dioxide film. The photo-catalyzer can be used in places where there is no sunlight because it is optionally provided with a light-emitting diode. The light-emitting diode does not require a large installation space because it is an extremely small light-emitting device. Hence, the photo-catalyzer has a compact structure and can be used easily anywhere, including small places. The substrate can be fabricated into a variety of useful appliances to take advantage of the strong oxidizing properties of the photo-catalyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Yamanaka, Tadanobu Iwasa, Makoto Tamaki, Kazuhiro Sakai, Hisao Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 5912396
    Abstract: The system includes a platform assembly which includes a plurality of helium airships for support of an emitting electrode to produce a large amount of electrical charges, in the form of electrons, into the surrounding atmosphere. The electrons may be generated by various apparati, including field induced emission and ultraviolet induced emission and ionization. Also provided are a large bank of solar cells to produce the necessary power for the assembly and a propulsion system, either a propeller system or an ion engine. A positive electrode may also be included which collects the undesirable atmospheric elements, such as chlorine atoms, to which negative charges have become attached. Alternatively, the platform could be arranged to include a negatively charged surface at which chlorofluorocarbons, for instance, can dissociate after they come in contact with negative charges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Inventor: Alfred Y. Wong
  • Patent number: 5902552
    Abstract: An ultraviolet air sterilization device includes a housing and one or more mounts which connect to germicidal lamp units which protrude into the air stream of an air handling duct. Each lamp has an integral receptacle with an electrical connection for attachment to a source of power from within the housing. The receptacle/lamp combination provides stiffening reinforcement to the lamp. The receptacles connect to their corresponding mounts by means of a threaded connection which enables the lamp units to be easily removed from within the air handling duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventor: James Lawrence Brickley
  • Patent number: 5897471
    Abstract: A first embodiment upper body muscle toner device and leg and knee exerciser (12) comprising a U-shaped flexure member (14) and a pair of handgrips (16). Each handgrip (16) is on an opposite end of the U-shaped flexure member (14), so that a person can grasp the handgrips (16) to flex the U-shaped flexure member (24) in and out with arm power to tone up the upper body muscles and exercise the legs and knees during a workout exercise. A second embodiment upper body muscle toner device and leg and knee exerciser (12a) contains two different types of removable extended handgrips (16a) and (16b) on the ends of the U-shaped flexure member (14a). A third embodiment upper body muscle toner device and leg and knee exerciser (12b) consists of the U-shaped flexure member (14b) being a curved tube piece (50) and a pair of straight tube pieces (52) connected with two springs (54).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventors: William Multanen, Paris Williams
  • Patent number: 5894130
    Abstract: An ultraviolet sterilization unit having a housing attached to an air heating and cooling system. The housing including two apertures into which lamp cartridges are inserted. The lamp cartridges carrying ultraviolet lamps operating in a frequency capable of sterilizing air within the system. The cartridges are configured to automatically de-energize the lamps when a lamp cartridge is removed from the housing. When the sterilization unit is a multiple lamp system, when one of the lamp cartridges is removed all lamps are de-energized. The de-energizing of the lamps occurring before a user will view the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Aquatron, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley W. Bach
  • Patent number: 5891399
    Abstract: A device used in an air purifying system. The device includes an ultraviolet radiation source, a pre-filter, and a post-filter. The pre-filter is arranged adjacent to the ultraviolet light source such that the pre-filter is irradiated by the ultraviolet light source to destroy bacteria, virus, or other organisms on the pre-filter. The device also includes a cover that is movable between an open and closed position. In the closed position, the device operates in a passive mode to irradiate air within the device and to filter air through filters in the device. In the open position, the device operates in an active mode to irradiate an area external of the device and to simultaneously filter air through a filter in the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Klean As
    Inventor: Yngvar S. Owesen
  • Patent number: 5866076
    Abstract: A germicidal lamp is disclosed. The lamp's tube has a single stem and may be installed in the lamp's fixture without touching the tube's envelope. The fixture includes a mounting mechanism and a damping mechanism which ease installation and render the tube less susceptible to adverse forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Steril-Aire U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventors: Forrest B. Fencl, Robert M. Culbert
  • Patent number: 5861127
    Abstract: A portable air purifying apparatus including a high frequency voltage booster and an anion generator. The high frequency voltage booster is comprised of a control box accommodating therein a circuit board and two batteries. The circuit board has electronic components assembled thereon to form a high frequency high voltage circuit for generating high frequency high voltage pulse currents when the batteries supply electric currents. The anion generator is comprised of a generator body accommodating therein a discharge electrode, a necklace attached to the generator body, and a terminal connector. The generator body has two air vents. The high frequency voltage booster and the anion generator may be carried around by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Inventor: Kuo Chung Yeh
  • Patent number: 5837207
    Abstract: A lightweight portable germicidal air filter for home and personal use is disclosed. The air filter includes a cabinet which houses an electrostatic air filter, an ultraviolet lamp and a parabolic reflector or a convex lens for focusing the ultraviolet radiation emitted by the lamp on an upstream side of the air filter. The reflector or the lens are constantly oscillated to systematically sweep the upstream side of the filter with germicidal levels of radiation. A fan located adjacent the downstream side of the filter draws air through the filter and impels it out through areas for air outlet in the sidewalls of the cabinet. The advantage is a simple, lightweight germicidal air filter with few moving parts which is inexpensive to manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Engineering Dynamics Limited
    Inventor: George Robert Summers
  • Patent number: 5795131
    Abstract: A ceiling fan for cleaning air in a room wherein each blade of the ceiling fan has a cavity open to the top and bottom surfaces of each fan blade and a filter unit in each of the cavities but within the confines of the fan blade such that, when the ceiling fan is operated, the airflow created by the ceiling fan will be forced through the filter unit from the bottom surface through to the top surface, wherein the filter units can collect airborne particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: ClairIon Inc.
    Inventors: Paul E. Crowhurst, David Lekhtman