Abstract: An apparatus is provided to generate a gas by mixing chemicals with water. Typically, the production of gas, particularly oxygen, by combining water with powders and other dry chemicals has not been widely employed. There have existed a number of preexisting barriers such as undesirable flow rates and yields. However, by utilizing multiple reaction chambers the flow rates and yields can be more precisely tailored for a variety of situations that may call for particular flow rates and yields. Additionally, the use of the dry chemicals would allow for a long self-life allowing the apparatus to be particularly useful in emergency situations.

Abstract: An air purifying device including a mounting body configured for connection to a duct or a plenum of an air handling system is provided. A low-profile porous substrate including a photocatalyst is connected to and extends from the mounting body. An ultraviolet lamp is connected to and extends from the mounting body adjacent to the low-profile porous substrate for activating the photocatalyst. The present invention further provides methods of purifying air within an air handling system.

Abstract: A system for disinfecting a fluid containing microorganisms or chemical contaminants includes a plurality of photocatalyst surfaces secured to a solid surface upon which a fluid to be disinfected contacts. A structure for removing a portion of the photogenerated electrons is in electrical contact with the photocatalyst layer, wherein an electron-hole recombination rate involving the photogenerated electrons and holes is reduced, thus increasing the removal rate of microorganisms or chemical contaminants from the fluid. The system can include a source of photons having a wavelength corresponding to a band gap energy of the photocatalyst to illuminate the photocatalyst layer. The invention can be used in air supply registers of a heating, ventilating and air conditioning system, or in air ducts, or used to disinfect wall coverings, floor coverings, envelopes, packages, and clothing articles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biodegradable material for controlling ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, odor, and/or volatile organic compounds emissions from organic wastes. The biodegradable material in accordance with the present invention may be used to control, reduce, or prevent noxious emissions from organic wastes from, for example, animals and animal production, food and food production, pets, composting, organic fertilizer, biosolids, and potting soil mixtures to name a few. The present invention also relates to sachets, bioscrubbers, biofilters, and biomass filters comprising a biodegradable material for controlling such emissions. The present invention further relates to processes for producing and processes for using a biodegradable material to control noxious emissions from organic waste. In particular, the present invention is useful with respect to managing animal wastes, including, for example, pet, poultry, swine, dairy, horse, other livestock, other animal, and human wastes.

Abstract: A device for air stream, fluid and vessel decontamination generally comprises an air-inlet portion, through which air enters the device; an iodine-treatment portion; and a bubble-forming element through which iodine-laden air bubbles are released from the device into the fluid contained within the vessel. Such a device and related method substantially reduces, eliminates, or maintains microbial contamination of: air entering the device for release into the vessel; the fluid within the vessel; the interior surfaces of the vessel; and surfaces of any additional components coming into contact with the fluid or the air released from the device.

Abstract: An activated carbon filter that treats a gas stream having a varying relative humidity, the gas stream contaminated with at least one of formaldehyde, an acid gas and an alkaline gas. The filter includes a plurality of activated carbon granules mixed together in a carbon bed filter. A first portion of the granules supports both manganese dioxide and potassium hydroxide. A second portion of the granules supports both potassium iodide and potassium hydroxide. A third portion of the granules supports phosphoric acid. The different portions operate to catalyze the oxidation of formaldehyde and other contaminants at varying humidity. The potassium hydroxide optionally chemisorbs any carboxylic acid by-products of the formaldehyde. Also provided is a method to treat a gas stream with the filter.

Abstract: A biofiltration apparatus and method for reducing methyl bromide concentration in a volume of a gas are disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing and a substrate component located in the housing. The substrate component includes a population of methyl bromide degrading microorganisms. The housing receives a volume of contaminated gas, such as exhaust from a fumigation site, through a contaminated gas inlet. The contaminated gas is exposed to the methyl bromide degrading microorganisms where the methyl bromide is biodegraded. The filtered gas, or the gas with a reduced methyl bromide concentration, is then directed out of the housing. The apparatus may also include a contaminated gas load dampening device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor exposure apparatus which includes a chamber for accommodating therein a main unit of the exposure apparatus, a gas controlling unit for controlling a gas in the chamber, a chemical filter for attracting a chemical substance in a controlling gas, and a dust removing filter for catching a dust particle in a controlling gas, wherein a gas blowing area of the chemical filter is smaller than that of the dust removing filter wherein said chemical filter and said dust removing filter are disposed separately from each other. The chemical filter is mounted obliquely with respect to a direction of flow of a supplied gas. A gas rectifying device is disposed at a gas inlet side of the chemical filter and the dust removing filter. The chemical filter can be a pleat filter, and it is mounted so that the pleat thereof is orthogonal to the direction of flow of the supplied air.

Abstract: A fan type chemical diffusing apparatus includes an apparatus main body having an air inlet and an air outlet, a fan type blower disposed in the apparatus main body, and an active ingredient impregnated body or mass for containing an active ingredient. The fan type blower includes a fan casing, a motor, and a fan including a rotary disk and a plurality of blades fastened to a peripheral portion of the rotary disk and provided with a hollow space that is on an interior of the fan with respect to the blades. The fan type blower is operable to send air from the air inlet through the hollow space and out through the air outlet.

Abstract: A system for electronically disinfecting air includes a first electrode, at least a second electrode, the first and second electrode being spaced apart from one another. The surfaces of the first or second electrode include a semiconductor or a dielectric layer having a thickness of at least 10 angstroms disposed thereon. An electrical power supply is connected between the first and said second electrode, wherein pollutants in air to be disinfected are destroyed by exposure of the air to surfaces of the first or second electrode.

Abstract: A method for bactericidal, fungicidal, virucidal and insecticidal treatment of ambient air includes circulating air through a permeable container having at least a treating agent therein. The treating agent is used as bactericide, fungicide, virucide and insecticide additionally to mechanical air filtering, and is distributed uniformly inside the container so as to prevent micro-organisms from developing on the container itself. The method may be applied to caloric-exchanging and air-recycling installations and appliances, and to coating elements of building surfaces.

Abstract: The invention is a composition, device, system or method for mitigating odors or other contaminants from a target environment. The present invention relates to devices that contain a formulation for removing, in whole or in part, foul odors from the air. In certain embodiments the present invention provides odor-mitigating reagents that are delivered by means of a spray dispenser. The present invention also contemplates applications where the invention can be delivered via a foam or gel dispenser. Certain embodiments of the invention therefore particularly relate to devices such deodorizers, air fresheners and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a sterilant from a sterilant containing atmosphere of a room includes an enclosure having an inlet to receive sterilant containing air from the room following sterilization of the room, outlet nozzles to return air from which sterilant has been removed to atmosphere, and a catalyst within the enclosure for removing sterilant from the air. A fan draws sterilant containing air from the inlet through the catalyst and thence to atmosphere. An additional fan is provided to circulate air containing sterilant from the room during a room sterilization process through that part of the enclosure which is downstream of the catalyst to ensure sterility of that part of the enclosure for the sterilant removal phase.

Abstract: A sterilizing air filter has a casing, a base, multiple spray devices, a cover, multiple fans and multiple bent tubes. The casing has an inlet and an outlet. The base is mounted in the casing and has multiple chambers in the base. Disinfectant can be poured into the chambers. The spray devices respectively mounted in the chambers and the cover fitted on the base are both used for spraying disinfectant in the chamber. The multiple fans and the multiple bent tubes are used for spreading the sprayed disinfectant between the different chambers and out to the air. The sterilizing air filter not only sucks the air into the microbial filter for sterilization and filtration but also automatically sprays the disinfectant out to the air to kill microbes in the air.

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: A semiconductor manufacturing process facility requiring use therein of air exhaust for its operation, such facility including clean room and gray room components, with the clean room having at least one semiconductor manufacturing tool therein, and wherein air exhaust is flowed through a region of the clean room. The facility includes an air exhaust treatment apparatus arranged to (i) receive air exhaust after flow thereof through said region of said clean room, (ii) produce a treated air exhaust, and (iii) recirculate the treated air exhaust to an ambient air environment in the facility, e.g., to the gray room of the facility.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a deodorizer disposed in a cold air circulation path for deodorizing an atmosphere in the refrigerator. The deodorizer includes discharging means for producing ozone and ultraviolet rays by means of high-voltage discharge and a photocatalyst module for decomposing an odor component and injurious matter contained in the atmosphere by means of photocatalyst.

Abstract: An air purifier is provided for mounting to a leading edge of a fan paddle so that equal, mirror-image portions reside above and below the fan paddle. The air purifier is formed with a synthetic fiber filter medium assembled to a lattice framework. Adhesive tape strips are positioned on the framework for mounting the air purifier to the fan paddle.

Abstract: A household electric appliance including a heating part and titanium oxide particles to be activated by heating, the heating part being a heating device inherently possessed by the household electric appliance and/or an additional heating device not inherently possessed by the household electric appliance.

Abstract: The present invention reduces the amount of oxygen in an oxygen-containing gas within a closed environment. A selected amount of hydrogen gas is mixed with a portion of the oxygen-containing gas from the closed environment to form a first gas mixture. A catalyst exposed to the first gas mixture causes a reaction between the hydrogen and at least a portion of the oxygen therein. The resulting second gas mixture, which is returned to the closed environment, has a lower percentage of oxygen. At least one oxygen sensor is positioned in the closed environment to determine when oxygen levels in the closed environment reach a threshold level. The output signal from the sensor is used to control when and/or how much hydrogen is mixed in the first gas mixture.

Abstract: A system for sterilizing or microbially deactivating instruments and devices. The system includes a circulation system for circulating a microbial deactivation fluid through a chamber for containing the instruments and devices. The chamber forms a portion of the circulation system. The system further includes a fluid over-flow/make-up air assembly. The fluid over-flow/make-up air assembly includes a manifold having an inner cavity that is in fluid communication with the circulation system, an overflow port in the manifold, and an overflow valve assembly disposed in the manifold allowing fluid flow from the cavity to the overflow port when a pressure in the cavity exceeds a pressure in the overflow port by a predetermined amount. A filter assembly is attached to the manifold. The filter assembly has a filter valve assembly in communication with the cavity.

Abstract: A gas reclaiming equipment capable of separating SF6 gas from a mixed gas efficiently and shortening reclaiming work under reduced pressure. A gas separation equipment is provided between a gas insulated equipment and a gas liquefaction system. The gas separation equipment separates nitrogen gas from the mixed gas, and concentrates SF6 gas. Only SF6 gas is sent into the gas liquefaction system. The gas separation equipment uses pressure swing adsorption using an adsorbent with selective adsorption. Moreover, a buffer tank for storing mixed gas is provided between the gas separation equipment and the gas insulated equipment. The buffer tank and the gas liquefaction system are connected by a reflux-line. The reflux-line refluxes the gas in a gas phase in the gas liquefaction system to the buffer tank. Furthermore, the gas separation equipment is connected to a storage tank. The storage tank accumulates the nitrogen gas separated with the gas separation equipment.

Abstract: A ventilation system is disclosed for an enclosure in which people live. The ventilation system comprises a first ducting means for ducting fresh air from outside to inside the enclosure and a second ducting means for ducting stale air. The second ducting means comprises a stale air inlet for receiving stale air containing carbon dioxide from inside the enclosure and an exhaust manifold having a first vent to exhaust air outside the enclosure and a second vent in fluid communication with the first ducting means to return clean air into the first ducting means. The ventilation system is further characterised in that it comprises catalysing means for catalysing hydration of carbon dioxide contained in at least a portion of the stale air into a solution of carbonate ions and hydrogen ions, and thereby removing carbon dioxide from said portion of the stale air and obtaining clean air. Evacuating means are also provided for evacuating the solution out of the ventilation system.

Abstract: A container liner, shelf liner or drawer liner that will absorb liquids spilled or leaked into a container or onto a shelf or drawer. The liner is a layered product having a layer which is impervious to liquids and an absorbent layer. The absorbent layer further contains a material which is capable of controlling odors, such as those odors found in refrigerators and waste receptacles. The liner of the present invention provides the benefit of absorbing spills and controlling odors in containers such as refrigerators and waste receptacles.

Abstract: A method for reducing NOx in lean exhaust gases to N2 includes injecting a fuel into the exhaust gases and passing the exhaust gases and fuel mixture through a catalyst to reduce the NOx to N2. The catalyst may be (a) a perovskite compound, (b) at least one metal oxide impregnated with at least one precious metal, (c) a zeolite impregnated with at least one precious metal, or (d) a combination of a zeolite and at least one metal oxide impregnated with at least one precious metal.

Abstract: A system for extracting including a cooled condenser apparatus in contact with the volume of pressurized air being dehumidified, the condensed water being transferred into collection areas by means of capillary attraction; an evaporation chamber in thermal contact with the condenser apparatus having an inlet connected to the collection areas by means of a first valve device and an outlet connected by means of a second valve device to a space wherein the pressure is lower than that of the volume of pressurized air; and a control device for controlling the valve devices in order to carry out a control cycle with a first phase for placing the evaporation chamber under negative pressure in relation to the volume of pressurized air, and a second phase for suctioning the condensed water in the collection areas towards the decompression chamber, until the pressure in the decompression chamber reaches a predefined threshold.

Abstract: A filter such as an air having a reagent which chemically reacts with and removes a gaseous component of an air stream. The reagent contains functional groups covalently bonded to a non-volatile inorganic substrate which is incorporated in the filter. The filter can remove gaseous components such as aldehydes. Preferred functional groups are 3-aminopropylsilyl groups covalently bonded to silica gel (APS silica gel). The reagent can be contained in a space in the filter or incorporated in one or more filter elements. The reagent can be part of or coated on paper such as filter paper or incorporated in non-paper filter elements formed from fibrous materials such as cellulose acetate or polypropylene fibers. Other preferred reagents include aminoethylaminopropylsilyl silica gel (AEAPS) and aminoethylaminoethylaminopropylsilyl silica gel (AEAEAPS).

Abstract: An air improver device and method for air improvement in spaces. The device for air improvement for an air-conditioning system comprises a metering mechanism which carries out a controllable metering of the quantity of an active substance discharged per unit time. The device further includes an absorbent receiving carrier, onto which the active substance discharged by the metering mechanism is metered.

Abstract: A controlled atmosphere incubator having an interior chamber adapted to be heated and humidified. An easily accessed blower is located within the gaseous environment of the incubator chamber and includes a HEPA filter and VOC filter readily replaceable by the user from within the chamber.

Abstract: An assay article for detection biopolymers contained in a sample is described. The assay article includes a substrate and a biopolymer directly adsorbed on the surface of the substrate. A plurality of biopolymers may be adsorbed on the surface of the substrate to form an array. Also disclosed is a method of making the assay article. In the preferred method, an aminated polypropylene substrate is used. A biopolymer is contacted with the aminated substrate under a condition sufficient for direct adsorption of the biopolymer on the surface of the substrate. A method of detecting a target biopolymer contained in a sample is also disclosed. In this method, a substrate is contacted with either a probe or target biopolymer under a condition sufficient for a direct adsorption of either the probe or target biopolymer on the substrate to form a probe assay article or a target assay article.

Abstract: A UV air cleaning and disinfecting system has an enclosed chassis with an inlet/outlet surface panel on one planar side thereof, and the chassis is mounted in the space behind a drop ceiling with its surface panel coplanar with the ceiling surface and facing into the room space. The surface panel has a pair of inlet vent arrays on opposite longitudinal sides of the surface panel from each other, and a pair of outlet vent arrays on opposite latitudinal sides of the surface panel from each other. Arranged in the chassis are an air blower unit and an array of UV lamps. The positioning of the inlet and outlet vent arrays establish four mutually circulating air streams in a four-leaf-clover pattern in the room space, which obtains a high-efficiency throughput of air handled by the system. The UV lamp array is arranged longitudinally across the chassis between the inlet ventsat a lower elevational position of the chassis.

Abstract: A new and improved air purifying apparatus having a housing that is adapted to be mounted in-line with an air duct, such as a return air duct of an air-conditioning system. The housing is designed for easy installation without modifying the existing air-conditioning duct work. An ultraviolet light-emitting device is positioned within the housing for radiating the air passing through the return air duct with UV-C and UV-V radiation to destroy air borne chemical and biological odors, bacteria, and microorganisms. A high flow pleated air filter is provided and is removably positioned within the housing for removing air borne particulate material such as dust and pollen.

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: An artificial flower includes a hollow stem and a flower portion disposed adjacent one end of the hollow stem. A fragrance source is associated with the artificial flower. In one embodiment, the fragrance source is disposed within the hollow stem of the artificial flower and the fragrance source is adapted to emit a fragrance that moves through at least a portion of the hollow stem.

Abstract: A tungsten oxide/titanium dioxide photocatalyst coating oxidizes contaminants in the air that adsorb onto the coating into water, carbon dioxide, and other substances. The tungsten oxide forms a monolayer on the titanium dioxide. When photons of the ultraviolet light are absorbed by the tungsten oxide/titanium dioxide photocatalyst coating, an electron is promoted from the valence band to the conduction band, producing a hole in the valence band. The holes in the valence band react with water applied on the tungsten oxide/titanium dioxide photocatalyst coating, forming reactive hydroxyl radicals. When a contaminant in the air is adsorbed onto the tungsten oxide/titanium dioxide photocatalyst, the hydroxyl radical attacks the contaminant, abstracting a hydrogen atom from the contaminant. The hydroxyl radical oxidizes the contaminant, producing water, carbon dioxide, and other substances. The tungsten oxide/titanium dioxide photocatalytic coating has low sensitivity to humidity variations.

Abstract: There are provided a porous honeycomb structure body capable of satisfying a pressure loss and isostatic strength which are mutually contradictory properties simultaneously and a method for manufacturing the same. In a porous honeycomb structure body having partition walls which contain cordierite as a primary crystal phase and have a porosity of 40 to 75% and an average pore diameter of 10 to 50 &mgr;m, porosity and an average pore diameter in a center portion of the structure body are made larger than porosity and an average pore diameter in a peripheral portion of the structure body.

Abstract: Nucleic acid is captured from a mixture of cellular debris produced by cell lysis by exposing the mixture to an electrode and applying a nucleic acid capturing voltage to the electrode which is then removed from the mixture carrying said nucleic acid. The nucleic acid is undamaged and can be amplified by PCR.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photocatalytic material that can selectively inactivate a specific biologically harmful substance through photocatalysis, and uses thereof.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for preventing the habituation of a fragrance composition. The method and device are adapted to provide to a space, which it is desired to fragrance, a continuous supply of a first fragrance composition and a periodic supply of a second fragrance composition. The fragrance composition(s) may be vaporized by heating and may include deodorant and/or insecticidal compounds.

Abstract: An ultraviolet disinfection (UV) system for purifying effluent streams, in particular produced by industrial or mechanical combustion, the system including a UV light-based gas purifier including a UV light source, which is positioned to provide a focused, controllable UV light output into the effluent streams contained by a channel housing that has at least one UV dose zone for providing effective sterilization of microorganisms and disinfection within an interior of the gas purifier. A method for UV purification using gas purifiers is also provided.

Abstract: Object of this invention is to provide a photocatalyst deodorizer wherein it is possible to extend the life and increasing an efficiency of filters, and it is possible to activate a photocatalyst which a deodorizing filter carries, by optimizing the positional relation between a tubular light source for emitting light to activatee a photocatalyst and a deodorizing filter, and an emission angle of the tubular light source. Further a photocatalyst deodorizer of this invention makes it easy to maintenance and replacement of filters and the tubular light source.

Abstract: A diffuser includes a base portion and a lid portion. The diffuser is adapted to allow emanation of vapor from a burning block of combustible material and contains a block receiving portion elevated from a surface of the base portion. The block receiving portion has one or more grooves formed in a top surface of the block receiving portion and extending below the top surface of the block receiving portion. The base portion further includes apertures forming channels extending from within the base portion to an outer surface of the base portion. The lid portion is preferably substantially pyramidal in shape and has an apex at an end remote from the base portion. The lid portion further includes apertures positioned towards the apex. In use, a burning block of combustible material, impregnated with fragrance, is placed on the block receiving portion, and the lid portion is placed over the block.

Abstract: An air sterilization system comprising an adherent agent, a plurality of electrostatically charged non-conductive objects, and high-energy is disclosed. The system preferably includes an enclosed chamber, an adherent generator, and at least one high-energy source. The air produced by the sterilization system is breathable air.

Abstract: A device operable to form a fog or mist from a liquid oxidizing agent, and to induce that fog to contact a surface of an article or item for purpose of deodorizing that article or item by way of a chemical reaction between the oxidizing fog agent and the odiferous hydrocarbons carried on the item. Exemplary liquid oxidizing agents include aqueous solutions of hydrogen peroxide, chlorine dioxide, or bromine dioxide, and ozone containing fluids.

Abstract: A method of treating exhaust gases containing halogen compound, the improvement in that the exhaust gases containing halogen compounds such as halogen gases and/or hydrogen halide gases (halogenated acid gases) are brought into contact with simple metals. The halogen compounds such as acid gases and halogen gases can thereby effectively be removed from the exhaust gases.

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: This invention corresponds to a device that delivers sulfur dioxide (SO2) in a controlled manner after getting in touch the active ingredient of the device, sodium metabisulfite, with humidity. The most important characteristic of the invention is that emission control of the gas is obtained with one or several homogeneous layers of the active ingredient at different concentrations allowing, if required, for a multilayer generator system with fast and slow emission of SO2 making use additionally of physical barriers specially designed for controlling the flux of water and SO2 through them. The invention also discloses the methods of obtaining the SO2 generator device.

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 ceramic oxygen generator is described which is capable of modular construction to permit the oxygen generation capacity to be expanded. An ionically conducted ceramic electrolyte is formed into a series of rows and columns of tubes on a tube support member and like electrolyte bodies can be connected together to form a manifold therebetween of oxygen produced in the interiors of the rubes. An electrical connection between tubes is formed such that the anodes and cathodes of tubes in a column are connected in parallel while the tubes in the row are, respectively, connected anode to cathode to form a series connection.