With Ultraviolet Radiation Generating Means Patents (Class 422/186.3)
  • Patent number: 8128883
    Abstract: A thermoelectric reformer unit-for dissociating fossil-based hydrocarbons, renewable hydrocarbons or hydrogen-containing inorganic compounds to produce hydrogen in a reactor using thermoelectric technology with thermoelectric materials to achieve very high conversion efficiencies. Thermoelectric reforming occurs in a reactor core containing a number of energy sources. These energy sources generate extremely high temperature heat that reacts with the fuels in its local surrounding areas. Since the heat is locally generated, it will not penetrate far within the reactor core that is surrounded by walls that act as a casing for the reformer. Synthetic gas produced in the reformer can be fed into internal combustion engines certain, types of fuel cells, or other energy conversion equipment without or with only limited levels of purification. Ancillary components are needed to produce high-purity hydrogen fuel for other types of fuel cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Chi S. Wang
  • Publication number: 20120051977
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for point of use location treatment of potable water supplies on demand on board passenger vehicles, such as aircraft. The systems described generally provide increased safety features, alternate ultraviolet light sources, and reduced power consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: MAG Aerospace Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Razmik B. Boodaghians, Jeff Lassegard
  • Publication number: 20120051979
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for food processing equipment. The cleaning apparatus includes a base and a curved dome coupled to the base. The base has a first surface with a reflectance, and supports the food processing equipment. The dome is pivotable between an open position and a closed position relative to the base, and includes a second surface having a reflectance. The cleaning apparatus further includes an ultraviolet (“UV”)-based purification device that has at least one photohydroionization (“PHI”) cell operable to produce an advanced oxidation component. The UV-based purification device further has a plurality of UV light sources that are operable to produce UV light. The PHI cell and the UV light sources are coupled to at least one of the base and the dome to impinge directly and indirectly via reflection on the food processing equipment to clean the equipment when the dome is in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: HUSSMANN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sherri D. Clark, Michael J. Higgins, James L. Marsden
  • Publication number: 20120051973
    Abstract: The present invention relates to applications of TiO2-containing, macro-sized nanostructures in the fields including photocatalysis, information writing-erasing-rewriting, microfiltration, controlled drug release, and tire making. In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method of photocatalytically decomposing organic pollutants. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of mixing a solution containing organic pollutants and a plurality of TiO2-containing, macro-sized nanostructures to form a mixture and exposing the mixture to UV irradiation to decompose the organic pollutants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
    Inventor: Z. Ryan Tian
  • Patent number: 8124012
    Abstract: An air purification system for a structure includes a first radiation source for generating UV-B and/or UV-C radiation and having an imaginary horizontal plane intersecting with the center of the first radiation source. The system further includes a first screen facing the first radiation source for preventing UV radiation generated by the first radiation source from radiating directly outward from the air purification system into a space below the imaginary horizontal plane. A second screen, facing the first radiation source as well as the first screen, is adjustable with respect to the first radiation source and is at least partially coated with a photo-catalytic material at a surface facing the first radiation source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Alain Louis Claude Leroux, Jacques Maria Jozef Geboers
  • Patent number: 8105532
    Abstract: Ultraviolet light is an effective sterilization agent. Convenient mobile sterilization devices are described herein that, in certain embodiments, provide indications to a user of how much sterilizing light is required for a given sterilization goal and how much light has been applied to a surface towards that goal. Users can move the devices across a target surface as needed to sterilize or disinfect the surface, with the device tracking the dosage applied to the surface. One embodiment of a mobile device that comprises an ultraviolet C (UVC) light source, a distance detector, an indicator, and a microprocessor that receives data from the distance detector for calculating an intensity of the light from the source on a target surface and for calculating a dosage of the light on the surface to provide a signal to the indicator when a predetermined dosage is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Verilux, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Harmon, Ryan Douglas
  • Publication number: 20120019917
    Abstract: Biopolymers that may be used in optical applications are provided. Suitable biopolymers include polylactic acid and polylactic acid blends. The polylactic acid may be used with a photocatalyst such as titonium dioxide in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the polylactic acid may incorporate decorative fused recycled particles. Generally, the biopolymer may be used in applications where optical characteristics and/or fire performance are desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Michael J. Riebel, Milton Riebel, Ryan W. Riebel
  • Patent number: 8101130
    Abstract: A gas ionizer includes a photocatalyst activated with an electric field to emit electrons. The photocatalyst is also illuminated with an ultraviolet light source. The ionized gas is passed through a chamber between the photocatalyst and the ultraviolet light source. The photocatalyst may be titanium oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Applied Nanotech Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Lee Fink
  • Publication number: 20120015305
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for catalyzing a reaction on a substrate (24) comprising, a light source (12), a micromirror (16) positioned to redirect light (14) from the light source (12) toward a substrate (24) wherein the redirected light (14) catalyzes a chemical reaction proximate a substrate (24), is disclosed. A computer (18) is connected to, and controls, the positioning of mirrors within the micromirror (16) to specifically redirect light to specific portions of a substrate. The substrate (24) can be placed in a reaction chamber (50), wherein the light (14) that is redirected by the micromirror (16) catalyzes a chemical reaction proximate a substrate (24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Harold R. Garner
  • Publication number: 20120014845
    Abstract: High surface energy materials with low refractive index and UV transparency wherein multilayers of similar or dissimilar materials are thermally fused together to form various functional optical requirements are provided. In some embodiments, a photocatalytic biopolymer structure comprising of a UV transparent biopolymer in integrating fused nanophotocatalytic minerals such as Tio2 used for various applications is provided. Many embodiments are based on the integration of nanophotocatalytic minerals fused to a biopolymer structure in which the biopolymer structure is UV transparent (UVT) and allows UV light to be transmitted through the biopolymer structure activating the nanophotocatalytic fused layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Michael J. Riebel
  • Patent number: 8097861
    Abstract: A system for sanitizing an enclosed structure comprises a first sensor, a second sensor, a third sensor, a germicidal ultraviolet light source, a motor, and a controller. The first sensor detects the presence of humans or animals within the enclosed structure. The second sensor detects the position of at least one door of the enclosed structure. The third sensor detects tampering with the system. The ultraviolet light source provides electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet range. The motor moves the ultraviolet light source from an inactive position to an active position and from the active position to the inactive position. The controller receives inputs from the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor, and transmits outputs to the ultraviolet light source and the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Sound Health Designs, LLC
    Inventor: David Leben
  • Patent number: 8092751
    Abstract: The ultraviolet and/or ozone-generation disinfection cutlery tray allows to improve the hygiene of the different cutlery items placed in it, by use of at least one ultraviolet light and/or ozone-generating source that irradiates the cutlery through the material itself making up the cutlery tray, made of a light-conductive plastic material, obtaining an homogeneous radiation, allowing objects that had been previously washed in a conventional way to maintain and conserve asepsis until the moment of use. Versions are contemplated for holding cutlery in vertical position, simultaneously allowing their drainage after washing and hygienization; and others in which the emission of ultraviolet light is located on the surface of the material making up the cutlery tray. The disinfection device is suitable for use for the domestic sector, catering industry, as well as the clinical sector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Kaparazoom, S.L.U.
    Inventor: Francisco Salvador Barea
  • Patent number: 8087737
    Abstract: An ergonomic radiology work station has front and back tables or work platforms that can be raised or lowered electrically to adjust for optimum posture and comfort of the user. Video monitors on the rear platform displays medical images. Interface equipment, e.g., keyboard and mouse, are situated on the front work platform. A pull-out sanitizer hood irradiates the keyboard and other interface devices with ultraviolet radiation after a radiology work session. An interlock arrangement ensures that the work platforms cannot be moved up or down when the hood is pulled out, and ensures that UV lamps in the hood are disabled when the hood is pushed back in to its home or withdrawn position. The hood with slide(s) and interlock(s) may be provided as a kit to retrofit an existing work station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: S&S X-Ray Products, Inc
    Inventor: Norman A. Shoenfeld
  • Publication number: 20110318237
    Abstract: Ultraviolet reactors having an ultraviolet light source for treating a fluid are disclosed. In one embodiment, a reactor is disclosed which includes a vessel having an inlet for receiving fluid and an outlet for discharging fluid. The vessel further includes a plurality of segmented baffles. The baffles further include a partial circumferential edge section that terminates in a vertical edge section to form right and left segmented baffles. The left and right segmented baffles are arranged in an alternating pattern in the vessel to provide plug flow and enhanced radial mixing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Richard Woodling, Jing Feng, Davis Yohanes Arifin, Kok Wee Henry Lim
  • Patent number: 8083934
    Abstract: A water disinfection apparatus includes a chamber adapted for connection to a pressurized water source. An ultra violet light is oriented to shine ultra violet rays into the chamber and to disinfect water therein, and a normally closed output valve connects the chamber to a supply valve. A control senses when a connected supply valve has been opened, and is operative to turn the ultra violet light on when the connected supply valve is opened; open the output valve after the ultra violet light has been turned on; close the output valve off after a supply time period expires; and turn the ultra violet light off when the output valve has been closed. The ultra violet light is turned on at all times that the output valve is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Udo Staschik
  • Patent number: 8080214
    Abstract: An air cleaner X1 includes a cleaning chamber (R2) through which air can pass, an ultraviolet light source (12) provided in the cleaning chamber (R2), a flow generator (11) for generating an air flow in the cleaning chamber (R2) by passing air through the cleaning chamber (R2), and photocatalyst granules (13) having a photocatalytic function, held in the cleaning chamber (R2), and displaceable by the air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Masato Wakamura
  • Patent number: 8080213
    Abstract: One embodiment of an improved ozone generator is comprehensively disclosed by descriptions of computer generated drawings depicting the first commercial version of the invention, which combines the following features: an extruded base with longitudinal channels for receiving connections at distributed points; an extruded cover for detachably engaging the base at each opposing sides and covering a substantial portion of said base; a central baffle that is integral with the cover fro dividing the enclosed volume into a reaction chamber and a circuitry chamber; one or more ultraviolet light sources mounted to connection points on a channel within the reaction chamber; electronic circuitry mounted to connection points on a channel within the circuitry chamber for controlling and transforming an input voltage to drive the light sources; sliding end caps secured to channels in the base for separately covering apertures formed by the ends of the cover and base and for detachably connecting the cover to the base; and
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventor: S. Jepson Sutton
  • Publication number: 20110305603
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention combine a suitable photocatalyst with a non-conducting matrix such as plastic or rubber for the purpose of the production of hydrogen peroxide in the presence of light of a suitable frequency or frequencies and oxygenated, acidic water. A suitable photocatalyst such as Anatase titanium dioxide is combined at low temperature (>˜700 F) with a plastic such as polypropylene as one would a pigment. The impregnated plastic can be immersed in water to about an inch whereupon the excess hydrogen ion in the water combines with dissolved oxygen to produce hydrogen peroxide upon irradiation. Hydrogen peroxide is a excellent oxidizer and disinfectant and purifier and goes on to kill bacteria, algae, etc. in the water, as well as to precipitate hardness. Unused hydrogen peroxide breaks down into hydrogen ion and free oxygen in a short time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: SIGMA PRIME SOLAR LLC
    Inventor: Timothy J. Flick
  • Patent number: 8075844
    Abstract: An ozone generator for generating ozone by applying a specified process to oxygen by discharge includes a first raw material gas supply unit for supplying the oxygen as a first raw material gas, and a second raw material gas supply unit for supplying an oxide compound gas as a second raw material gas, in which, by excited light, excited and generated by a discharge in the oxygen and the oxide compound gas, the oxide compound gas is dissociated, or the oxide compound gas is excited accelerating dissociation of the oxygen, and ozone is generated. In this way, ozone generation efficiency is raised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Toshiba Mitsubishi-Electric Industrial Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Youichiro Tabata
  • Patent number: 8058629
    Abstract: A writing utensil sterilization apparatus includes a housing comprising an inlet for receiving a writing utensil and an outlet for dispensing the writing utensil, a UV light source disposed within the housing for emitting UV light, and a path disposed within the housing for guiding the writing utensil from the inlet to the outlet while exposing the writing utensil to the UV light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Catherine L. Long
  • Patent number: 8048316
    Abstract: A method for subjecting a microorganism to a combination of ozone and irradiation of UV light which has a synergistic effect on the reduction of the microorganism that may be resistant to either ozone or UV light alone. In particular, Adenovirus and Naegleria fowleri, are significantly more reduced when subjected simultaneously to the combination of ozone and UV light than when subjected only to ozone or UV light, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Zuvo Water, LLC
    Inventor: Raymond P. Denkewicz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8048391
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas purifier containing a filtering media having a photocatalytic action, a system for illuminating said media with UV radiation, a time-delay means or a volatile organic compound analyzer, and a means for automatically adjusting the speed of the gas passing through the media or for adjusting the intensity of the UV illumination, said adjusting being carried out as a function of the time determined by the time-delay means or as a function of the content of a volatile organic compound analyzed by the analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Quartz S.A.S
    Inventor: Laurent Molins
  • Publication number: 20110263033
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to devices and methods for performing photoreactions of photo-reacting compounds in solution. The invention features a vessel and a light source. The vessel has at least one wall defining a chamber. The chamber, for performing photoreactions, has a chamber volume, a first window, an inlet and an outlet. The inlet and outlet are in fluid communication with a source of photo-reacting compounds in solution. The first window is transparent to light transmission and is placed in optical communication with a light source to receive photons. The chamber is for receiving a solution over time to define a dwell time. The solution potentially has one or more photo-reactive compounds having a concentration. The device further comprises a light source, in optical communication with the first window, for emitting photons which photons are received by the first window and transmitted into the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark Basile, Anthony Jeannotte
  • Patent number: 8038777
    Abstract: An air sterilization device with low aerosol bounce includes an air conditioning pipe, a porous filter media, and a UV light generator. This porous filter media, it is secured on the fixing portion. This porous filter media has many irregularly distributed channels. The channel is coated with a coating layer having a thickness between 10 ?m to 1000 ?m sticking aerosols for avoiding bounce effect. The UV light generator can emit UV light to kill biological aerosols. It is suitable for long-term usage. So, the bounce effect of aerosols can be significantly reduced. The maintenance cost is low. The sterilization effect is excellent. Plus, the flow rate of the air conditioning system remains high.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Council of Labor Affairs, Executive Yuan
    Inventors: Chane-Yu Lai, Po-Chen Hung, Sheng-Hsiu Huang, Yu-Fang Ho, Cheng-Ping Chang, Tung-Sheng Shih, Tai-Shan Yu, Chi-yu Chuang
  • Patent number: 8038778
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for purifying polluted air consisting of particle phase pollutants and gaseous phase pollutants, the apparatus (10) comprising: a dust level sensor (23) to measure the amount of particle phase pollutants in the polluted air; a dust removal component (14) to remove the particle phase pollutants from the polluted air; a catalyst filtering core (17) to decompose the gaseous phase pollutants by chemical reaction; a valve (22) for selectively controlling a path of air flow within the apparatus (10) and is movable between an open position and closed position, the valve (22) being positioned downstream from the dust removal component (14); wherein if the amount of particle phase pollutants measured by the dust level sensor (23) is above a predetermined value, the valve (22) is moved to the open position to enable the air to bypass the catalyst filtering core (17); and if the amount of particle phase pollutants measured by the dust level sensor (23) is less than a predetermined value, the valve (22)
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Akos Advanced Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Yiu Wai Chan, Sui Chun Law
  • Publication number: 20110250125
    Abstract: A device, system, and method, for the formation of advanced oxidation products by contacting a hydrated catalytic surface of a catalytic target structure with broad spectrum ultraviolet light in the 100 nm to 300 nm range that preferably includes 185 nm and 254 nm wavelengths. The catalytic surface reacts with the ultraviolet light energy and hydrate at the catalytic surface to form advanced oxidation products, The catalytic surface in one embodiment includes a hydrophilic agent, titanium dioxide, silver, copper, and rhodium. Preferably, the catalytic surface is coated with a coating that includes the hydrophilic; agent, titanium dioxide, silver, copper, and rhodium. A photohydroionization cell (100) that includes an ultraviolet light source (204) and a catalytic target structure (110) in an air environment to form advanced oxidation product is also provided. A U.V. light indicator and a monitor and/or control system for the photohydroionization cell (100) are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: RGF Environmental Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald G. FINK, Walter B. Ellis
  • Publication number: 20110250099
    Abstract: An ultraviolet treatment chamber for treating exhaust streams, particularly those containing organic particulates, utilizes ultraviolet light energy very efficiently. This is done by setting up a circulating flow in a treatment plenum so that all of the effluent experiences a substantially uniform residence time without the need for baffles or other flow controllers that would block the ultraviolet light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: Oy Halton Group Ltd.
    Inventors: Rick A. Bagwell, Darrin W. Beardslee, Derek W. Schrock, Andrey V. Livchak
  • Publication number: 20110240566
    Abstract: A photo-catalyzing fluid mobilizing system and method are disclosed. A chamber has a power source. A fluid mobilizer is mounted in the chamber and connected with the power source to mobilize a fluid through the chamber. The fluid mobilizer includes one or more fan blades that are coated with a photo catalyst. A UV light source is mounted in the chamber proximate the fluid mobilizer and connected with the power source to catalyze the photo catalyst coating the blades to purifier the fluid being mobilized thereover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: Life Spring Limited Partnership
    Inventor: ROLF ENGELHARD
  • Publication number: 20110237842
    Abstract: An ultraviolet (UV) reactor for carrying out chemical reactions in a pumpable medium by means of UV. The pumpable medium may also be, where appropriate, a multi-phase medium. The UV reactor has a reactor chamber through which the medium can flow In a direction of flow from an inlet to an outlet. The reactor chamber is penetrated by a number of UV transparent jacket tubes, which are arranged one behind the other in the direction of flow. UV emitters are arranged within the jacket tubes for emitting UV radiation into the reactor chamber. The jacket tubes are arranged one behind the other and are interlocked against one another at an angle ?in the circumferential direction of the reactor chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: ITT MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Ernst Martin Billing, Friedhelm Krüger
  • Publication number: 20110233142
    Abstract: A water purification system and method for removing inorganic, organic and biological species from water. The system and method involve simultaneous treatment of water using mild heat, a photoactive catalyst such as titanium dioxide and UV irradiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Lorne D. Grossman, Hersh I Forman, Andrew Lewis Maxwell, William Alexander Anderson
  • Publication number: 20110223091
    Abstract: A spinning fluids reactor, includes a reactor body (24) having a circular cross-section and a fluid contactor screen (26) within the reactor body (24). The fluid contactor screen (26) having a plurality of apertures and a circular cross-section concentric with the reactor body (24) for a length thus forming an inner volume (28) bound by the fluid contactor screen (26) and an outer volume (30) bound by the reactor body (24) and the fluid contactor screen (26). A primary inlet (20) can be operatively connected to the reactor body (24) and can be configured to produce flow-through first spinning flow of a first fluid within the inner volume (28). A secondary inlet (22) can similarly be operatively connected to the reactor body (24) and can be configured to produce a second flow of a second fluid within the outer volume (30) which is optionally spinning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: Jan D. Miller, Jan Hupka, Robert Aranowski
  • Publication number: 20110217211
    Abstract: A smell-diffusing cell array substrate, an apparatus configured to transfer smell information and an electronic device are provided, the smell-diffusing cell array substrate includes at least one smell-diffusing cell having a microcapsule with a core-shell structure. A shell of the microcapsule includes a wall material and a photocatalyst dispersed in the wall material. A core of the microcapsule includes a smell-diffusion material and a hydrophilic liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventors: Jong-jin Park, Seung-nam Cha, Jae-hyun Hur, Jong-min Kim
  • Patent number: 8012242
    Abstract: A method of removing pollutants from building materials using an externally applied adsorbent. The adsorbent has a high affinity to common pollutant chemicals. The pollutants are transferred from the contaminated microporous building materials onto the adsorbent until sufficient amounts of pollutant chemicals are reduced to make the building materials acceptable and safe to use. The adsorbent may be regenerated and reused or treated as a waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: The University of North Dakota
    Inventors: Evguenii I. Kozliak, Wayne S. Seames
  • Patent number: 8012412
    Abstract: Described is an air and surface purifying device having a purifying cell structured for maximizing the realized photocatalytic reaction at a photocatalytic surface without using an additional ultraviolet bulb. The purifying cell positions at least three photocatalytic surfaces about a single ultraviolet bulb such that the photocatalytic surfaces substantially encompass the ultraviolet bulb and are saturated by ultraviolet light radiating from the ultraviolet bulb. Because the photocatalytic surfaces are saturated, the potential photocatalytic reaction at the photocatalytic surfaces is fully realized. Stated differently, the realized photocatalytic reaction is maximized. Because the purifying cell maximizes the realized photocatalytic reaction, the purifying cell maximizes the purifying capacity of the photocatalytic surface and, thus, the purifying cell itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Vollara, LLC
    Inventors: James Normark, Neal Morris, Allen Johnston
  • Publication number: 20110206554
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining an effective dose of monochromatic or polychromatic light from one or more light sources to inactivate microorganisms present in a biological fluid, preferably a non-transparent fluid. Moreover, there is provided a method for the inactivation of microorganism in a biological fluid in a flow-through-reactor. Moreover, the invention advantageously provides a flow-through-reactor with one or more thermostated light sources. The invention further provides a method of controlling the light sum dose of monochromatic or polychromatic light emitted from one or more light sources to effectively inactivate microorganisms present in a biological fluid in a batch reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicants: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Heinz Anderle, Peter Matthiessen, Hans-Peter Schwarz, Peter Turecek, Thomas Kreil, Daniel R. Boggs
  • Patent number: 8003058
    Abstract: An air purification reactor is described that has a variety of improvements. In one aspect, the air purification reactor includes an ionizer (or plasma chamber), an electrostatic filter, a photocatalyst, and a UV light source that is distinct from the ionizer. The ionizer is arranged to introduce ions into a gaseous fluid stream passing through the air purification device. The electrostatic filter is located downstream of the ionizer and is arranged to electrostatically filter particles from the fluid stream. The UV light source is positioned to subject the photocatalyst to ultraviolet light and may be arranged upstream, downstream, or intermediate the electrostatic filter. With this arrangement, the ultraviolet light that impinges on the photocatalyst causes a photocatalytic oxidative reaction to occur at the photocatalyst that is capable of reducing volatile organic compounds carried in the fluid stream. In other (separate) aspects, the reactor includes an absorber or an oxidation catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Airinspace B.V.
    Inventors: Vance Bergeron, Laurent Adrien Fullana
  • Publication number: 20110195519
    Abstract: A photochemical vapour generator is disclosed having a reaction chamber with a liquid sample inlet, a carrier gas inlet and a carrier gas outlet. A liquid sample support surface for supporting a film of a liquid sample is in the reaction chamber. A source of ultraviolet radiation is positioned in radiative contact with the liquid sample support surface. Also described is a process for detecting and/or quantifying an analyte by providing a liquid film of a sample containing an organic acid or a salt thereof and a precursor compound of the analyte, exposing the liquid film to ultraviolet radiation to generate a volatile species of the analyte, separating the volatile species from the liquid film to form a vapour containing the volatile species, and directing the vapour to a detector to detect and/or quantify the analyte in the vapour.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Ralph Sturgeon, Chengbin Zheng
  • Patent number: 7989779
    Abstract: A universal ultraviolet light sanitation device that can be mounted to existing doors and the like wherein the UV light sources are positioned for treatment of a door knob or handle. The device provides for opposing UV lights in a light emitting housing around the doorknob. Sensor means within the assembly determines the non-presence of the user's hand and activates the UV lights before and after handle contact assuring sanitation of the light exposed non-porous surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventors: David A. Ray, Martin M. Abitzsch
  • Patent number: 7988923
    Abstract: A device, system, and method, for the formation of advanced oxidation products by contacting a hydrated catalytic surface of a catalytic target structure with broad spectrum ultraviolet light in the 100 nm to 300 nm range that preferably includes 185 nm and 254 nm wavelengths. The catalytic surface reacts with the ultraviolet light energy and hydrate at the catalytic surface to form advanced oxidation products. The catalytic surface in one embodiment includes a hydrophilic agent, titanium dioxide, silver, copper, and rhodium. Preferably, the catalytic surface is coated with a coating that includes the hydrophilic agent, titanium dioxide, silver, copper, and rhodium. A photohydroionization cell (100) that includes an ultraviolet light source (204) and a catalytic target structure (110) in an air environment to form advanced oxidation product is also provided. A U.V. light indicator and a monitor and/or control system for the photohydroionization cell (100) are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: RGF Environmental Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald G. Fink, Walter B. Ellis
  • Publication number: 20110180385
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for controlling a chemical process comprises receiving a catalytic materials composition. The catalytic materials composition comprise at least one catalyst material and at least one reactant material. Nanostructure material is added to the catalytic materials composition. The nanostructure material comprises at least one nanoscale-sized space therein. The nanostructure material is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation such that the nanostructure material facilitates energy transfer between the nanostructure material and the catalytic materials composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Timothy J. Imholt
  • Publication number: 20110182772
    Abstract: A method and device degrade microbes. In one embodiment, the device includes a purification device for producing hydrogen peroxide gas from air. The air comprises water vapor and oxygen. The purification device includes a body comprising an interior, an air inlet, and a gas outlet. The purification device also includes a catalyst. The catalyst is disposed within the interior. The catalyst comprises titanium dioxide. In addition, the purification device includes a light disposed to emit electromagnetic radiation into the catalyst. Moreover, the purification device includes a fan. The fan is disposed to blow air in a direction. The catalyst is disposed at an angle in relation to the direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: Alton R. Holt
  • Publication number: 20110171080
    Abstract: A UV photocatalytic air purifier/sterilizer in which the multiple limited-lifetime components (such as the UV light, UV light electronics, and catalytic portion) of a photocatalytic UV air purifier/sterilizer are packaged together to form a single, handheld, unitized package, designed for easy insertion and removal into an air purifier. The invention may be configured enable maximum air flow through the photocatalytic portions of the device, thus further improving air cleaning efficiency by allowing many volumes of room air to be recirculated through the device and cleaned/purified/sterilized over the course of a day. In a preferred embodiment, the device may package a series of stacked TiO2 coated parallel metal catalytic plates, a UV germicidal lamp with a fluorescent tube form factor, and a UV lamp ballast into a single disposable or recyclable unit. This disposable unit can be easily clipped into a motorized air purifier unit designed for rapid servicing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: AIRGLE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yang Zhen Lo
  • Patent number: 7976777
    Abstract: A method, a sensor device (204), and a package storage system (200), are used to monitor the inside of a storage volume in a package container (202) containing at least one product and/or object (201). The sensor device is inside of the storage volume in the package container (202) and senses the presence of at least one of a sanitizing agent comprising ozone (316) and ultraviolet radiation energy inside of the storage volume. The sensor device (204) wirelessly transmits the sensed information from inside the at least one storage volume to a wireless receiver (222) outside of the storage volume to provide the sensed information to a processor (220) that monitors the presence of the at least one of the sanitizing agent comprising ozone (316) and ultraviolet radiation energy inside of the storage volume in the package container (202). The sensor device (204) can communicate using an RF ID device communication protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Jose Gutman
  • Publication number: 20110163044
    Abstract: A ceramic structure for water treatment, a water treatment apparatus and method are provided. Immersion efficiency of a photo catalyst and a specific surface area of the immersed photo catalyst can be improved using a ceramic medium including a ceramic paper prepared of a ceramic fiber. Accordingly, it is possible to provide the water treatment apparatus and method capable of increasing decomposition efficiency of contaminated materials due to irradiation of ultraviolet light, and so on, enabling continuous purification treatment, and remarkably reducing preparation, management and water treatment expenses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: LG HAUSYS, LTD.
    Inventors: Moonsuk HAN, Ju-Hyung Lee, Seongmoon Jung
  • Patent number: 7972564
    Abstract: The present invention provides a combined labyrinthine fluid sterilizing apparatus, comprising a chamber having an inlet and an outlet as well as a blower/fan provided in the chamber. Ultraviolet lamps are mounted in the lumen of the chamber. The lumen of the chamber is divided by a plurality of bafflers having pores. The pores in the adjacent bafflers are arranged to stagger up and down or from side to side. A mesh plate is provided at the pore. The top and bottom plates of the chamber can be flipped open. The baffler is inserted in the slots in the inner side of the front and back plates. The top and bottom plates have the pore and a cover plate which are both covered by a shield. At least one of the bafflers has a pore, and is provided with a one-way openable valve. The blower is mounted at the pore of the baffler. The chamber and the bafflers are coated with a layer of titanium dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Solar City Limited
    Inventor: Hak-Man Chan
  • Publication number: 20110150720
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an air filtration system and a method for making a photocatalytic oxidation substrate by powder coating a photocatalyst onto a metal substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: Garfield Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kirk Garfield, John Potter
  • Publication number: 20110150707
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultraviolet irradiation system that sterilizes, disinfects, and inactivates raw water such as city water or underground water, includes a plurality of ultraviolet irradiation devices connected in series, and a controller configured to control output and non-output of the ultraviolet irradiation devices. The ultraviolet irradiation device includes a water processing vessel through which the raw water flows, an ultraviolet lamp configured to irradiate the raw water in the water processing vessel with ultraviolet rays, and an ultraviolet sensor configured to measure an amount of ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet lamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Shinji Kobayashi, Norimitsu Abe, Takahiro Soma, Akihiko Shirota
  • Publication number: 20110150708
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultraviolet irradiation device that sterilizes, disinfects, and inactivates raw water such as city water or underground water, includes a water processing vessel, an ultraviolet sensor, and a controller. The water processing vessel includes a water supply port into which the raw water flows, at least a pair of ultraviolet lamps configured to irradiate the raw water that flows into the water processing vessel with ultraviolet rays, and a water discharge port from which the raw water irradiated with the ultraviolet rays is discharged. The ultraviolet sensor is configured to measure an amount of ultraviolet rays irradiated from the ultraviolet lamps. The controller is configured to control turnon and turnoff of the ultraviolet lamps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Shinji KOBAYASHI, Norimitsu Abe, Takahiro Soma, Akihiko Shirota
  • Patent number: 7964104
    Abstract: A method which comprises using a treatment apparatus comprising (1) a treatment tank, (2) a vibrating stirrer disposed inside the treatment tank, (3) a photocatalyst layer or a layer comprising a photocatalyst and a bactericidal metal, disposed on any surface inside the treatment tank, and (4) a light irradiator; placing water or a water-containing fluid to be treated in the treatment tank; carrying out the steps of (i) transmitting vibration between 10 and 200 Hz to a vibration vane by a vibration generator to causing the vibration vane to vibrate at an amplitude of 0.01 to 15 mm, and (ii) irradiating the photocatalyst or the layer comprising a photocatalyst and a bactericidal metal with light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Japan Techno Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryushin Omasa
  • Publication number: 20110142725
    Abstract: A photocatalytic air purification apparatus and method of fabricating the same. The apparatus may be configured to include a light source surrounded by one or more porous plate substrates. An inner and outer surface of each plate substrate may be coated with a photocatalyst material. The light source may be placed in a direction parallel to the direction of an air flow and in optical proximity to the plate substrates in order to activate the photocatalyst coating. The photocatalyst coating associated with the plate substrates may be activated by absorbing light with a wavelength shorter than a cut-off activation wavelength from the light source in order to capture and decompose organic components and airborne pollutants in the air by the activated photocatalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Xuanbin Liu, Li Wang