Abstract: A method is provided for the microbicidal treatment of a surface such as sanitization, disinfection, sterilization, and decontamination of a surface or object by use of an anti-microbial composition comprising an aqueous solution of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide with acetic acid, water soluble polymer containing lactam, and phosphate ester surfactant and little or no stabilizer, and according to the method enhanced microbicidal efficacy is obtained when the composition is applied onto a surface as a thin film wetting the surface so that a shorter contact time for a desired fractional reduction in microbial population is obtained Still further, the compositions comprise photosensitizer for light-activated anti-microbial efficacy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to team sports and sports implements, and more specifically to methods and devices for sanitizing balls during play. One or more sports balls are may be introduced into the device of the present invention which comprises one or more ultra-violet light sources, and has an insertion and a dispensing region, between which each of said plurality of balls travels at a rate that ensures that each of said plurality of balls remains in said apparatus for at least a kill-time period. Ultra violet rays are presented to the surfaces of the plurality of sports balls as the ball traverses between the insertion and extraction regions of the device.

Abstract: A system and method for disinfecting hard surfaces in an area such as a hospital room including a light source emitting UV light and a reflector mounted behind the light source for concentrating and directing the light toward a target. The light source and reflector rotate to direct the concentrated beam around a room, thereby making more efficient use of the energy being emitted.

Abstract: A portable UV-C purification system is provided that includes a current reduction technique for an electric pump to reduce power demands on an associated generator to thereby produce a light weight and efficient system.

Abstract: A system for air purification based on in-situ photocatalytic oxidation and ozonation includes a single multi-functional Ti02-based coating having photocatalytic activity for oxidation in the presence of a sufficient ozone supply and UV irradiation to synergistically oxidize gaseous pollutants at ambient conditions. Also disclosed is a method for removing gaseous pollutants using ozone and UV irradiation to simultaneously activate the photocatalytic oxidation in the presence of the Ti02-based coating to remove up to about 84% of the gaseous pollutants within 5 minutes.

Abstract: An electric deionized water production apparatus in which a direct current field is applied to a deionizing chamber packed with an ion-exchange material such that ions to be discharged are allowed to migrate in the direction identical or opposite to the direction of the water flow in the ion-exchange material, whereby ionic impurities adsorbed in the ion-exchange material are discharged from the system, the ion-exchange material being a mixture of a monolith-shaped organic porous ion-exchange material and ion-exchange resin particles. The electric deionized water production apparatus has a simple structure that can reduce material cost, process cost, and assembly cost, capable of accelerating migration of the adsorbed ionic impurities to facilitate discharge of the adsorbed ions and free from a deflected flow due to swelling or shrinkage accompanying an ion-exchanging reaction, and from poor contact with an ion-exchange membrane.

Abstract: An extreme ultraviolet light source apparatus in which a target material is irradiated with a laser beam and turned into plasma and extreme ultraviolet light is emitted from the plasma may include: a chamber in which the extreme ultraviolet light is generated; an electromagnetic field generation unit for generating at least one of an electric field and a magnetic field inside the chamber; and a cleaning unit for charging and separating debris adhered to an optical element inside the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a UV fluid sterilizer, which is suitably formed to sterilize fluid having poor UV transmission. According to the present invention, the UV fluid sterilizer includes a plurality of UV sterilization units.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the inactivation of pathogens such as bacteria and viruses in donor blood, blood plasma and erythrocyte concentrates by photodynamic treatment and/or irradiation with ultraviolet light in flexible irradiation bags under intense movement.

Abstract: There is disclosed various devices and articles comprising phosphors for converting electromagnetic energy to radiation having a shorter wavelength, the composition comprising at least one phosphor capable of converting an initial electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength (A) to an electromagnetic radiation having a shorter wavelength (B) comprising UV radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength. There is also a method of sterilizing such devices and articles by exposing it to UV radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength for a time sufficient to deactivate or kill at least one microorganism and/or for a time sufficient to inhibit abnormal cell growth within the body, when the composition is in an implantable medical device.

Abstract: A system for sanitizing an enclosed structure has first and second sensors, a germicidal ultraviolet light source, a motor, and a controller. The first sensor detects humans within the enclosed structure. The second sensor detects the position of at least one door to the structure. The motor selectively moves the light source from an inactive position to an active position. The controller receives inputs from the first and second sensors and transmits outputs to the light source and the motor. When the controller receives signals that no humans or animals are present in the enclosed structure and that the door is in a closed position, the controller transmits a signal to the motor to move the light source from the inactive to the active position. If humans are detected in the structure or if the door is detected open, then the controller deactivates or repositions the light source.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a casing that defines an inlet opening on a first surface thereof and an outlet opening on a second surface thereof. An elongate path is formed therebetween for receiving an article to be cleaned. A sanitizing device is carried by the casing in proximity to the path for sanitizing the article to be cleaned. A first roller is carried by the casing and extends into the path. The first roller is configured to rotate in the direction of the path to thereby translate the article to be cleaned from the inlet opening to the outlet opening.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a device for irradiating surfaces is provided. The device may include a radiation emitter having a radiation emitter vessel, wherein the radiation emitter vessel has at least one tunnel-like passage; and a structure configured to allow a process gas to flow through the at least one tunnel-like passage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sanitization devices and methods. More particularly, the invention relates to devices and methods that significantly reduce or eliminate germs, bacteria and/or other microorganisms from objects such as bags, purses, footwear or other objects, as well as bare feet, hands, paws, hooves or other anatomical surfaces, which come into contact with them. The device and method uses germicidal radiation which exposes only the areas of the object that come into applied contact with the device. A top platform of the devices may be in a tilted position when not in uses.

Abstract: In order to disinfect and to detoxify a fluid, a photoreactor contains at least two light sources. One light source activates the catalytic function of a semiconductor material in the fluid to reduce the concentration of contaminants in the fluid, such as by breaking down organic contaminants into non-toxic compounds. A second light source acts directly on living biological entities to sterilize or kill them and thereby disinfect the fluid, and can also serve to activate a semiconductor photocatalyst that in turn causes further damage to biological contaminants. The semiconductor photocatalyst is desirably attached to an optically transmitting fiber substrate in the fluid. The second light source in one embodiment is external to the fluid and illuminates the photocatalyst through transmitting surfaces in a fluid containment vessel. The light sources can comprise respective sets of plural LEDs.

Abstract: A ultraviolet irradiation apparatus includes: an ultraviolet-irradiation water tank; a protection pipe provided in the ultraviolet-irradiation water tank; an ultraviolet lamp provided in the protection pipe to be lit up with high-frequency discharge at a frequency of 10 kHz to 10 MHz, inclusive; protection covers respectively provided on the two ends of the ultraviolet-irradiation water tank; an electronic ballast provided in one of the protection covers; and a feeder wire electrically connecting the ultraviolet lamp to the electronic ballast. Each of the ultraviolet-irradiation water tank and the protection covers is made of a conductive material with a specific conductivity and a relative magnetic permittivity whose product is equal to or larger than 1, and has a thickness at least three times as large as a skin depth at a frequency of a high-frequency current that flows through the ultraviolet lamp.

Abstract: The sanitized brush, with skin powder, is retained in a sanitization system. The neck brush handle has a powder chamber, a bristle face with outwardly extending bristles and a powder input port. A portion of the powder chamber wall is flexible and a movable actuator depresses the flex-wall, compresses the size of the chamber and forces powder from an exit port on the bristle face. The sanitization system includes a brush stand holding the brush above a UV lamp. A sensor determines when the brush is on the stand and a timer is triggered ON controlling the lamp and counts down OFF. Additional features include: a base supporting the stand above the UV lamp; a rechargeable battery; an on-hook brush sensor (mechanical or optical); and a removable cover with a transparent segment to visually confirm lamp ON condition.

Abstract: A mobile ultraviolet sterilization vehicle. A plurality of UV lamps are removably mounted to a wheeled vehicle. A plurality of tines and a brush are mounted to the vehicle extending across the width thereof and into the supporting surface to position the supporting surface to receive the UV light.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of a sterilization agent comprising H2O2 or a derivative thereof, capable of generating H2O2 as the sterilising component under sterilization conditions, for enhancing the hemocompatibility of objects.

Abstract: A device for administering a fluid includes a sterilization cassette having a shell, a fluid chamber, and an ultraviolet light transmitting window. An input tube directs fluid into the chamber. An ultraviolet light source is positioned to direct ultraviolet light through the window into the fluid chamber at an intensity sufficient to kill or render non-reproducible at least one species of a microorganism in the fluid while the fluid is in the chamber. An outlet tube receives fluid from the cassette and directs the fluid to a destination. The fluid is substantially uniformly exposed to the light while in the chamber. The cassette and light source are contained in a housing that prevents ultraviolet light from escaping the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sanitization devices and methods. More particularly, the invention relates to devices and methods that significantly reduce or eliminate germs, bacteria and/or other microorganisms from objects such as bags, purses, footwear or other objects, as well as bare feet, hands, paws, hooves or other anatomical surfaces, which come into contact with them. The device and method uses germicidal radiation which exposes only the areas of the object that come into applied contact with the device. A top platform of the device is partitioned so that each partition can act independently of each other.

Abstract: A sanitizer for sanitizing a portable electronic device is provided, the sanitizer having a base including a cavity for receiving the electronic device, at least one ultraviolet radiation source for emitting ultraviolet radiation into the cavity, a cover cooperating with the base, the cover moving between an open position wherein the electronic device can be inserted into or removed from the cavity and a closed position wherein the cavity is enclosed so as to substantially maintain the ultraviolet radiation within the cavity, and a controller for enabling the ultraviolet radiation source to be activated only when the cover is closed.

Abstract: This specification relates to an improved method, process and apparatus for disinfecting and sterilizing all types of surfaces and indoor air and room air contaminated with microorganisms. The improved apparatus consists of a multi-wavelength narrow spectral width UV source that is more effective than mercury based 254 nm germicidal lamps for destroying the DNA and outer shell or membrane of virus, bacteria, spores and cists.

Abstract: A water dispensing apparatus, comprising an input for water; a tank provided with means for chilling water; a UV lamp; a UV transmissive coil wrapped at least partially around the lamp such that the water to be dispensed passes through the coil and is thereby sterilized by the UV lamp to Class A UV standards and an output. A single Class A UV source can be used to sterilize both still and carbonated (sparkling) water, or chilled and ambient water, or all three.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the invention, a selective ultraviolet disinfection method is provided. The method includes selecting operating parameters for an ultraviolet disinfection process of flowing liquid carrying first and second types of entities to affect the first type of entities while the second type of entities remains intact, illuminating the liquid with ultraviolet light according to the operating parameters and continuously adjusting the operating parameters based on real-time measurements of ultraviolet transmission and flow rate of the liquid.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for a nanoparticle filter and system effective to move a nanoparticle from a fluid to a location. In some examples, the method includes providing the fluid including the nanoparticles. In some examples, the method further includes applying a first light to the fluid to create a first plasmon. In some examples, the first plasmon is effective to aggregate the nanoparticles to generate a nanoparticle aggregation. In some examples, the method includes applying a second light to the fluid to create a second plasmon. In some examples, the second plasmon is effective to move the nanoparticle aggregation to a location.

Abstract: A method and energy-efficient apparatus for the treatment of liquids through the joint use of a gas mixture-oxidizing agent and UV radiation. This method uses an excimer UV lamp performing two actions affecting the liquid and changing its properties with UV radiation and the generation of a gas mixture containing strong oxidizing agents for influence on the liquid, disinfection and purification of the liquid being treated from contaminants. The apparatus incorporates energy efficient design features to reduce energy consumption and operational costs, as well as an excimer lamp design that improves performance parameters to surpass and outlast existing devices. Unique electrode designs, cleaning systems, and materials combine to create a state-of-the-art liquid treatment apparatus that exceeds existing industrial analogs and norms.

Abstract: A method for treating a radioactive liquid waste containing a sodium salt, which includes: feeding a radioactive liquid waste containing at least one of sodium hydroxide, sodium hydrogencarbonate and sodium carbonate to an anode chamber in an electrolytic cell provided with an anode and a cathode on both sides of a permeable membrane, which is selectively permeable to sodium ions, and electrodialyzing the radioactive liquid waste; separating sodium ions permeated through the permeable membrane as sodium hydroxide from the radioactive liquid waste in a cathode chamber; separating a radioactive substance remaining in the anode chamber as a concentrated radioactive liquid waste; and recovering the separated sodium hydroxide and concentrated radioactive liquid waste, respectively.

Abstract: Peritoneal dialysis systems are provided by the present disclosure. In a general embodiment, a peritoneal dialysis system includes a cycler, a disposable cassette operable with the cycler, a supply bag connected to the disposable cassette, a supply connector, a supply line extending from the disposable cassette, a patient connector in fluid communication with a patient's indwelling catheter, a device to connect the supply connector to the patient connector, and a housing around the device. The housing includes a plurality of ultraviolet (“UV”) light-emitting diodes (“LED's”) for directing energy towards at least one of the supply or patient connectors. The LED's are configured to deliver about 200 milliJoules in a period of about a minute.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sanitization devices and methods. More particularly, the invention relates to devices and methods that significantly reduce or eliminate germs, bacteria and/or other microorganisms from objects such as bags, purses, footwear or other objects, as well as bare feet, hands, paws, hooves or other anatomical surfaces, which come into contact with them. The device and method uses germicidal radiation which exposes only the areas of the object that come into applied contact with the device. A top platform of the device is partitioned so that each partition can act independently of each other.

Abstract: An extreme ultraviolet light source apparatus in which a target material is irradiated with a laser beam and turned into plasma and extreme ultraviolet light is emitted from the plasma may include: a chamber in which the extreme ultraviolet light is generated; an electromagnetic field generation unit for generating at least one of an electric field and a magnetic field inside the chamber; and a cleaning unit for charging and separating debris adhered to an optical element inside the chamber.

Abstract: A water purification device (30) is provided for installation in an aircraft potable water system. The device (30) comprises a treatment cell (40) incorporated into the water system's plumbing and a flashlamp (50) positioned to productively transmit into the treatment chamber (41) of the cell (40). The flashlamp (50) emits short-pulse and high-intensity flashes, thereby delivering adequate UV doses (e.g., at least 40 mJ/cm2) with reasonable input power (e.g., 400 watts) for an aircraft system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing at least one fluid flowing through a fluid system using ultraviolet light to control organisms. Ultraviolet lamps are positioned in the fluid flow and arrays of triangularly shaped mixing elements are arranged at spaced intervals along the length of each lamp, wherein the plurality of arrays of triangularly shaped mixing elements create four vortices surrounding each elongated member forming a square array of vortices.

Abstract: A fluid disinfection unit [40] is incorporated into a patient warming/cooling system [10], to reduce the risk of bacteria buildup in the warming/cooling fluid, which is typically water. More particularly, a mobile housing [17] contains the operable components for circulating warming/cooling fluid to a patient [12], including a pump [23], a heating/cooling source [24], a reservoir [22], a controller [26] and a control panel [32] to assist a user in operating the components. The reservoir [22] has upper [22a] and lower [22b] sections, for replenishing water and circulating water, respectively. A UV source [40] is mounted so as to extend through both reservoir sections [22a, 22b], to simultaneously emit UV light into both sections during circulation of the warming/cooling fluid, thereby to disinfect the water contained therein. The UV source [40] includes a bulb [42] protected within a transparent cover [44] that is completely transparent, and has been treated so as to be shatterproof.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus for controlling a plant disease is provided to reliably inhibit a spore formation and a hyphal growth of a filamentous fungi, reliably induce a disease resistance, prevent a leaf scorch, and promote a growth of a plant. A UV light source repeats a light irradiation which has an irradiation pattern of combining a light irradiation, in which UV-C and UV-B and a visible light are superimposed, with a visible light irradiation alone at least twice a day. The emission of UV-B and UV-C enables the reliable inhibition of the spore formation of the filamentous fungi, for example. Its intermittent emission prevents a plant from getting too used to ultraviolet rays, promotes a generation of an antibacterial substance, for example, and prevents a leaf scorch. The continuous emission of the visible light enables a promotion of a growth of the plant.

Abstract: A gas treatment system has a housing defining an interior space adapted for holding liquid therein. The housing has an inlet port and an outlet port spaced from the inlet port so that gas passing through the interior space flows through the liquid therein. A gas delivery system directs gas to be treated into the interior space of the housing at the inlet port. An ultrasonic waveguide assembly is disposed within the interior space of the housing and includes an ultrasonic horn disposed at least in part intermediate the inlet port and the outlet port of the housing. The ultrasonic horn is operable at an ultrasonic frequency to ultrasonically energize liquid within the housing. An ultraviolet light source is for emitting ultraviolet light into the interior space of the housing to treat liquid flowing from the inlet port to the outlet port.

Abstract: The disclosed water purifier comprises an outer wall, a RAW water inflow section that allows inflow of RAW water from outside said outer wall, a purifying section, an ultraviolet ray sterilizing section that has an ultraviolet ray source, a purified water outflow section that allows purified water that has been purified in said purifying section and sterilized in said ultraviolet ray sterilizing section to flow to the outside of said outer wall, a condition-detecting unit, and a control unit that controls generation of ultraviolet rays from said ultraviolet ray source according to the detection by said condition-detecting unit.

Abstract: A system includes a UV light source and an optical medium coupled to receive UV light from the UV light source. The optical medium is configured to emit UV light proximate to a surface to be protected from biofouling. A method corresponds to the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating slurries of organic solids is disclosed. A slurry of organic solids is admixed with hydrogen peroxide, followed by exposure to microwave irradiation resulting in the heating of the mixture and enhanced hydrolysis of the organic solids. The treated slurry of organic solids can then be further treated in a variety of downstream processes, including solid separation, digestion and fermentation. The supernatant portion of the treated slurry of organic solids can be a source from which to recover compounds such as nutrients (for example nitrogen, phosphate, potassium, magnesium, calcium) or industrial organic compounds (such as acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid), or as a source of readily biodegradable organic compounds for supplementing a biological wastewater treatment process, digester or fermenter.

Abstract: A patient support includes a patient support surface, a barrier adjacent the patient support surface, with a portion of the barrier or patient support surface including at least one material suspended therein, applied thereto, or embedded therein having an antimicrobial property, and an energy generation system directing energy to the portion or another portion of the barrier or patient support surface, the energy comprising a current, a field, heat, sound waves, or light to provide antimicrobial treatment to the portion or the other portion.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the invention relate to systems for removing dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or related compounds, or odors associated with same. The systems include adsorbents, odor adsorbing fabrics, masks, clean air members and clean air supply assemblies.

Abstract: An air purifier is provided, including a body comprising a wall defining an interior space, a first opening to the interior space, and a second opening to the interior space. In one example the body is a tubular body. An airflow pathway is provided through the tubular body defined between the first and second openings. A source of ultraviolet radiation is arranged to emit ultraviolet radiation into the interior space. A photocatalyst is arranged within the interior space and along the airflow pathway, and the ultraviolet radiation can be emitted onto at least a portion of the surface of the photocatalyst to activate the photocatalyst. In one example, the wall includes an aperture, and a cover is coupled to the body about the aperture and configured to enclose the source of ultraviolet radiation. In another example, the air purifier includes turbulence structure.

Abstract: A mobile ultraviolet sterilization vehicle. A plurality of UV lamps are removably mounted to a wheeled vehicle. A plurality of tines and a brush are mounted to the vehicle extending across the width thereof and into the supporting surface to position the supporting surface to receive the UV light.

Abstract: An injection system (108) includes a sterilization port (130) operable to sterilize a tube set connector (116) inserted therein. The sterilization port (130) may include a single sterilization port opening (132) through which the tube set connector (116), in an unconnected state, may be inserted. The sterilization port (130) may include an ultraviolet light source (158) capable of irradiating the tube set connector (116) with ultraviolet radiation when the tube set connector (116) is disposed within the sterilization port (130). The sterilization port (130) may include a movable member or door (136) capable of closing around the inserted tube set connector (116) and/or a tubing (118) connected to the tube set connector (116) to reduce the amount of ultraviolet light that may escape from the sterilization port (130). A sensor (194) may be included to determine if the tube set connector (116) has been inserted into the sterilization port (130).

Abstract: An arrangement is disclosed for automatically sterilizing hand-held electronic devices. The arrangement includes a source of Ultraviolet (UV) light, as well as one or more fiber-optic filaments for transmitting the UV light for output at one or more locations on the hand-held electronic device. Software is provided to enable a user to pre-program a desired sanitization schedule for one or more portions of the device. In one embodiment, a UV protective cover is provided to protect UV-sensitive portions of the hand-held electronic device.

Abstract: A foot/shoe sanitizing system includes a housing having at least one opening and a set of foot/shoe support bars coupled to the housing in proximity to the at least one opening. The foot/shoe support bars support a foot or shoe placed through the opening(s). At least one ultraviolet emitting device is supported within the housing beneath the set of foot/shoe support bars. The ultraviolet emitting devices direct ultraviolet light around and/or through the set of foot/shoe support bars towards the foot or shoe placed on the foot/shoe support bars. The ultraviolet emitting devices are controllably powered by a source of power to emit ultraviolet light. In a preferred embodiment, the ultraviolet emitting device emits light that includes short wavelength ultraviolet light, causing the formation of ozone in the area of the shoe, thereby killing pathogens that are not easily killed with ultraviolet light alone.

Abstract: A method and a system for producing a change in a medium. The method places in a vicinity of the medium at least one energy modulation agent. The method applies an initiation energy to the medium. The initiation energy interacts with the energy modulation agent to directly or indirectly produce the change in the medium. The system includes an initiation energy source configured to apply an initiation energy to the medium to activate the energy modulation agent.

Abstract: A disinfecting device having an outlet (2, 42) for a flowing liquid, particularly water, and a UV irradiator (6), preferably a UV-C radiator (16) or one or more UV-C emitting light emitting diodes, and an electric power supply (7), such as a battery, turbine driven generator or a solar module, for supplying the UV irradiator with up to 25 V alternating voltage or up to 60 V direct voltage. The outlet may be constructed with a reflective interior, and a controller for regulating liquid temperature, liquid pressure and/or liquid flow rate and/or an aerator (14) for introducing air into the flowing liquid may be integrated into the device, which may be a plumbing fixture such as a water spigot.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for the treatment and purification of fluids (e.g., water) using a light-emitting diode (LED) light source. In one embodiment, for example, there is provided a fluid flow conduit having an LED light source and a photo-catalytic material disposed therein. The LED light source emits ultraviolet light with a peak wavelength between about 265 nm and about 400 nm. In operation, the photo-catalytic material absorbs the ultraviolet light from the LED light source, and releases free radicals into the fluid. The free radicals then degrade organic substances (e.g., bacteria) in the fluid.

Abstract: A UV disinfection system and methods of UV disinfection are provided. The disinfection system may include a UV transparent conduit to carry a flowing liquid to be disinfected, the conduit having an inlet to receive the liquid and an outlet to discharge the liquid and two or more radiation sources positioned within the conduit substantially perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the conduit. The walls of the conduit may be coated with a reflective coating acting as a back-surface mirror for enhancing the performance of the disinfection system.