Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for purification of air, comprising the degradation of all or some of the pollutants by the action of UV rays that are obtained by means of a single light source emitting rays at 254 nm and rays at 185 nm, and optionally UVA rays, and by photocatalysis, the ratio of the amount of energy 185 to the amount of energy 254 ranging from 0.01 to 1. The present invention also relates to a device allowing said method to be carried out.

Abstract: A contaminant removal system is disclosed for selectively removing contaminants from a fluid stream. The contaminant removal system has a catalytic reactor of the type that is susceptible to deactivating agents, and is configured to remove contaminants from a fluid stream. The contaminant removal system has a first adsorbent device positioned upstream, with respect to the fluid stream direction, of the catalytic reactor, that is configured to chemically bind with and remove the deactivating agents from the fluid stream. The contaminant removal system can have a second adsorbent device positioned downstream, with respect to the fluid stream direction, of the catalytic reactor. The second adsorbent device is configured to remove undesirable byproducts that may be generated when the catalytic reactor removes contaminants from the fluid stream.

Abstract: Embodiments herein generally relate to the use, devices, and compounds for generating singlet oxygen. In some embodiments, the singlet oxygen can be used for fluid purification and/or sterilization.

Abstract: Systems and methods for air purification within an incubator using germicidal irradiation from an ultra-violet (UV) light source that is integrated in a path from ambient air into the cavity of an incubator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an add on filter and air filtration system and method incorporating an add on filter for applying ultraviolet light to an environment to create oxidizing agents for killing microbes, such as bacteria, mold, and viruses, and for destroying odors. The add on filter may be coupled to existing air filtration systems to provide further filtration of the air. The add on filter includes an ultraviolet light source for emitting a broad spectrum of ultraviolet light and a catalytic target structure mechanically coupled to the ultraviolet light source. The system and method result in the production of Hydroxyl Radicals, Super Oxide ions and Hydro Peroxide for killing microbes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for improving the efficiency of an aerator which is used for removing residual biocide used for decontamination, sterilization, sanitation, or disinfection processes. The apparatus comprises an aerator assembly that produces an optimum air flow region and a high surface area catalyst panel. The method comprises utilizing the apparatus with optimizing gas flow rates, residence time of the contaminated gas within the catalyst panel, air flow pattern, air transport rate, cleaned air discharge pattern, and the nature and configuration of the catalyst.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an air path housing, a charging-unit high-voltage electrode to charge airborne microorganisms introduced in the air path housing, a charging-unit ground electrode disposed so as to face the charging-unit high-voltage electrode, a hydrophilic filter to capture the airborne microorganisms charged by the charging-unit high-voltage electrode, a capturing/inactivating-unit high-voltage electrode to polarize the hydrophilic filter, and a capturing/inactivating-unit ground electrode disposed so as to face the capturing/inactivating-unit high-voltage electrode.

Abstract: A multi-layer article is provided containing a sorbent layer having a first side and a second side; a vapor permeable or microporous layer adjacent to at least a portion of at least one of the first side and second side of the sorbent layer; optionally, a second vapor permeable or microporous layer on a side of the vapor permeable or microporous layer not adjacent to the sorbent layer; optionally, a vapor impermeable layer adjacent to a portion of the sorbent layer not adjacent to the vapor permeable or microporous layer; and an active composition having at least one volatile component; wherein the sorbent layer contains the active composition, and each layer is capable of being formed into a required shape or structure; and a method for its use in treating the atmosphere of an environment such as a compartment or localized space.

Abstract: Devices and methods for sterilizing an enclosed space using ozone are disclosed herein. Various embodiments of the devices and methods also provide for accelerated degradation of the ozone upon sterilization. In some embodiments, a disclosed sterilization unit includes a first housing defining an ozone generation cavity, an ozone generator disposed within the ozone generation cavity, a second housing defining an ozone degradation cavity, and an ozone degrader disposed within the ozone degradation cavity. The sterilization unit of various embodiments is configured to cycle air between the enclosed space and the ozone generation cavity during an ozone generation cycle to sterilize the enclosed space; similarly, the unit is further configured to cycle air between the enclosed space and the ozone degradation cavity during an ozone degradation cycle to return the air within the enclosed space to safe ozone levels.

Abstract: A free radical sterilization system having a chamber defining a region, and a generator for generating free radical reach effluent from a free radical electric generator and/or a vaporizer. A closed loop circulating system without a free-radical destroyer is provided for supplying the mixture of free radicals from the electric generator mixed with the hydrogen peroxide solution in the form of the effluent to the chamber. The free-radical sterilization system is used in sterilizing items in the chamber and, with an open-bottomed wound chamber, in treating wounds on a body.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an air cleaning method and device that realize sufficient purification of polluted air, high-efficiency removal of germs or the like from polluted air, and has a relatively simplified structure.

Abstract: A method for controlling odor in an air scrubber makes use of a dicarboxylic acid, which is placed in contact with odor-causing contaminants, and which is maintained at a pH of about 5.0 to about 8.0.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatuses for treating a condensate stream from a condenser that contains odorous compounds, such as various condensate streams produced in a rendering process. In one embodiment, the condensate stream is treated by adding an oxidizer to the liquid condensate stream to oxidize odor-causing compounds in the stream prior to being treated in a waste water pre-treatment system. In this manner, the odor resulting from these compounds can be reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A vertical type air humidifying and purifying machine, comprising a front casing, a rear casing, a humidifying unit, an ultraviolet light purifying unit, a motor-fan unit and a negative ion generator; in which the front casing and the rear casing are assembled correspondingly with each other, and the humidifying unit, the UV light purifying unit, and the motor-fan unit are disposed orderly between the front and the rear casings, and the negative ion generator is installed at an air outlet of the motor-fan unit; ON-OFF switches being respectively provided on the humidifying unit, the UV purifying unit and the negative ion generator for ON-OFF switching.

Abstract: The present invention provides a breathing assistance apparatus that has a convenient and effective method of cleaning internal conduits inside the apparatus. The breathing assistance apparatus is preferably a gases supply and humidification device. The cleaning method is a method of disinfection that is automated so minimal training is required to disinfect in particular an internal elbow conduit within the device. It is therefore not necessary to dismantle the gases supply and humidification device, therefore, inadvertent damage to the internal parts of the device is avoided. The present invention also provides a method of disinfecting a heated breathing conduit and a patient interface.

Abstract: A system for disinfecting a room comprising a spray dispenser which dispenses a solution having antimicrobial properties at predetermined time intervals so as to provide continuous disinfection of the room, in combination with an HVAC system having an air filter which has been treated with a solution also having antimicrobial properties so as to further aid in disinfection of air entering the room. The system is designed to provide around-the-clock disinfection of the room thereby reducing the reliance on personnel to disinfect a room, especially in a healthcare setting such as in an emergency room or a surgical theatre.

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 method and an apparatus are provided for deodorizing and disinfecting air and droplets from urinal, toilet bowl, and other receivers and holders of urine and fecal matter. The apparatus comprises a housing (1) having an air inlet (2) and air outlet (3), wherein the housing (1) encloses a droplet removal chamber (4) for removing droplets from airflow; a deodorization and disinfection chamber (5) for removing air contaminants in the airflow; and an delivery unit (6) for airflow generation. Being actively drawn into the apparatus, air contaminants such as odor, bacteria and virus are removed without discharge of contaminated air and causing secondary pollution. The apparatus and method provide odorless and comfortable environment and avoid disease transmission in both public and domestic toilets.

Abstract: Methods and systems for selection radiation exposure in sterilization of medical devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing a material, said method comprising the steps of: (a) introducing a solution comprising peroxyacetic acid into a hot gaseous stream to produce a peroxyacetic acid vapor; and (b) contacting such peroxyacetic acid vapor with the material to be sterilized.

Abstract: In order to remove a pathogenic effect of a microorganism in a room or a work space in a short period of time, an ion diffusing apparatus, which includes an ion generator (17, 18) for generating positive ions each including H+(H2O)m and negative ions each including O2?(H2O)n, where m and n are arbitrary integers, and a blower for delivering the positive ions and the negative ions, which are generated from the ion generator (17), from a blowout opening, is operated to widely distribute, with a high concentration, the positive ions and the negative ions in the room.

Abstract: The present invention provides an allergen inhibitor which effectively prevents allergens from reacting with specific antibodies, mitigates the allergic symptoms or prevents appearance thereof, and is less likely to cause unpredictable discoloration and discoloration under usual conditions. The allergen inhibitor of the present invention comprises an allergen-inhibiting compound including a linear polymer having at least one of substituents represented by the formulas (1) to (3) at a side chain. Thus, the allergen inhibitor of the present invention shows excellent allergen-inhibiting effects.

Abstract: Contaminants are filtered from a fluid flow stream and the filter is regenerated by a process including steps of: providing a filter material comprising both carbon and potassium iodide; passing a contaminated fluid stream in contact with the filter material; adsorbing contaminants from the fluid stream onto surfaces in the filter material; passing an electric current through the filter material with adsorbed contaminant thereon; disassociating contaminant from the surfaces of the filter material; and removing disassociated contaminant from the filter material by carrying away the disassociated contaminant in a fluid flow mass. Separately, a stable, active iodine solution is also provided for numerous deodorizing and disinfecting applications.

Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing active ingredient such as insect repellant. The device. The device generates two distinct air streams. A first air stream contains the active ingredient and a second air stream generated by a mechanical blower assists in carrying the dispensed active ingredient.

Abstract: The containment facility ventilation system comprises a two stage scrubber configuration. Exhaust air flows out of an animal containment facility and into a particulate scrubber, which removes particulates and reduces the alkalinity of the exhaust air. The particulate scrubber also reduces the carbon dioxide in the exhaust air. The air then flows into a chemical scrubber which effectively removes ammonia from the exhaust air. The chemical scrubber comprises a potassium bisulfate scrubber solution, and the particulate scrubber comprises a neutral calcium salt scrubber solution.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for ionizing air includes a first reflector and a first target. The first reflector receives direct UV energy (from a UV emitter) and reflects it to form reflected UV energy. The first target has an inner face that also receives direct UV energy (from the UV emitter). The first target also has an outer face that receives the reflected UV energy from the first reflector. The faces of the first target are coated with a photo-catalytic coating. The first target may also have passages between the faces.

Abstract: A photo-catalytic cell may produce bactericidal molecules in air by passing air across catalyst coated targets. Ultraviolet (UV) energy may be emitted from a source. A first portion of the UV energy from the source may be applied directly onto the targets. A second portion of the UV energy from the source may be reflected onto the targets.

Abstract: Methods and devices for generating gas from nitrous oxide are provided as well as downstream uses for the product gas. Reactor devices of the invention are compact and incorporate a novel heat-exchange/regenerative cooling system to optimize N2O decomposition and reactor durability.

Abstract: A display table for supporting produce includes an enclosure, a table top defining an upper surface of the enclosure, a blower, an ethylene scrubber and an outlet. The table top is open to the atmosphere and configured to support the produce, and includes perforations. The blower is positioned in communication with the enclosure to create an underpressure that draws a gas into the enclosure through the perforations. The ethylene scrubber is positioned in communication with the enclosure and in a flow path of the gas, the ethylene scrubber being configured to remove at least a portion of ethylene from at least a portion of the gas. The outlet is located downstream of the ethylene scrubber for returning the gas from the enclosure to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A photocatalytic oxidation filter including a support medium and a photocatalyst provided on the support medium is configured to oxidize target compounds within an airstream when irradiated by a light source. In one embodiment, the support structure has an air permeability of more than approximately 155 CFM/ft2. In other embodiments, the air permeability of the support structure may be at least approximately 200 CFM/ft2 or at least approximately 247 CFM/ft2. In another embodiment, the support medium is pleated and the air permeability of the support medium is less than approximately 155 CFM/ft2.

Abstract: A photocatalytic air treatment system, including apparatuses and methods, for killing and/or mineralizing bacteria, viruses, mold, fungi, spores, mycotoxins, allergens, and other similar microorganisms or agents, and for oxidizing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The system comprises one or more reactor beds configured in one or more stages with each reactor bed including a plurality of photocatalyst coated media substantially surrounding a plurality of sheathed ultraviolet light sources that may be arranged in a plurality of configurations. Adjacent ultraviolet light sources are positioned so as to create killing zones of photocatalyst coated media therebetween that are irradiated with ultraviolet light from multiple sources and in which an increased number of hydroxyl radicals are present. The photocatalyst generally comprises titanium dioxide, but may include one or more enhancers. The media is formed from or is coated with a material that induces the photocatalyst to form a nano-particle structure.

Abstract: An apparatus (100 and/or 200) and corresponding method (500) for air sterilization and disinfection can include an electronics and control module (110 and/or 210), a means for drawing air from the surrounding environment into the apparatus (120 and/or 220), an air management chamber (130 and/or 230), and a housing (170 and/or 270). The means for drawing air from the surrounding environment into the apparatus (120 and/or 220) mobilizes latent pathogens in the environment and draws them into the apparatus (100 and/or 200) for sterilization and disinfection. The air management chamber (130 and/or 230) provides for exposure of the airborne pathogens to UV radiation, via UV LEDs (150 and/or 250), with a dosage sufficient to penetrate the cell walls and destroy the pathogens. The electronics and control module (110 and/or 210) powers the apparatus (100 and/or 200) and interfaces with the electronic components. The housing (170) forms the outer shell of the apparatus (100).

Abstract: A motivational air freshener that is scented, configured, and decorated to provide motivation to a user. The sight and scent of the motivational air freshener serves as an olfactory and visual reminder of monetary incentives. Some versions of the motivational air freshener may be configured to have the general appearance of a hundred dollar bill United States currency, which may include the scent of currency. Other versions my include a motivational symbols. The motivational air freshener includes a body portion, which may be sized in some scaled correspondence to a hundred dollar bill. The body portion may also include scent chemistry to disperse the fragrance of the currency. The body portion may also include a hole for receiving a chain which may be useful for hanging it inside a vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention obtains both the feature of deodorizing by means of active species and the feature of killing floating and attached bacteria by releasing the active species to the exterior of a device. The present invention is provided with a pair of electrodes (21, 22), electrode (21) being arranged with the dielectric film (21a) on the surface facing electrode (22) and electrode (22) being arranged with dielectric film (22a) on the surface facing electrode (21), wherein plasma is discharged when a predetermined voltage is applied between the electrodes (21, 22). The present invention is configured in a manner such that a fluid through-hole (21b, 22b) is disposed on and through each electrode (21, 22) on a corresponding location, and is characterized in that at least a portion of the outline of the corresponding fluid through-holes (21b, 22b) are positioned at a different position from one another when viewing from face plate direction of the electrodes.

Abstract: The device for the treatment of a gaseous medium according to the invention comprises in flow direction of the gaseous medium a plasma-generating device for the generation of a plasma in the gaseous medium. The plasma comprises in particular excited molecules, radicals, ions, free electrons, photons and any combination thereof. Furthermore, the device according to the invention comprises at least one dielectric structure, in particular at least one fused silica tube. The plasma is conveyable into the at least one dielectric structure, in particular after generation in the plasma-generating device.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to minimize ozone production while increasing the production of an active species. The plasma generating device (100) comprises: a pair of electrodes (21, 22) in which dielectric films (21a, 21b) are disposed on at least one opposing face; voltage application means (4) for applying a pulse voltage across the electrodes (21, 22) to bring about a plasma discharger; and fluid circulation holes (21b, 22b) that are disposed in locations corresponding to the electrodes (21, 22), respectively, and that are configured to pass entirely therethrough. The plasma generating device is also configured such that a fluid passing through the fluid circulation holes (21b, 22b) comes into contact with the plasma, generating ions or radicals, wherein the voltage applying means (4) varies the peak value and/or the pulse width of the pulse voltage applied across the electrodes (21, 22).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gas scrubbing process for removing at least one odorous vaporous compound from a gas stream generated by a rendering process or at least reducing the concentration of that odorous vaporous compound. In one embodiment, a series of two gas/liquid contactors is used, each having a different liquid scrubbing solution, with one scrubbing solution controlled at an alkaline pH and the other scrubbing solution controlled at an acidic pH. In another embodiment, the pH of the respective scrubbing solutions in each of the two gas/liquid contactors is reversed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of treating atmospheres that are laden with substances that are nauseating and/or detrimental to human or animal health, specifically to the field of deodorising, perfuming, and/or purifying air at industrial or private sites. For this purpose, there is disclosed a method for enriching, preferably saturating, ordinary atmospheric air with active substances present in the gas phase, to a device for implementing the method, and to the use of the method for the treatment of polluted atmospheres. The method is especially characterized in that it advantageously includes a step of reinjecting a portion of the enriched gaseous mixture (MG) into an enrichment or saturation chamber (7) in order to increase the enrichment rate of the gaseous mixture (MG) or to maintain the mixture at the maximum saturation level thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for an ion generation device that includes an elongate housing having a back portion and a pair of side portions extending from the back portion and forming a cavity therein. A conductive portion is disposed within the cavity and connected to a power supply for providing power to the conductive portion. A plurality of tines are engaged to the conductive portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for disinfecting a room and the objects that may be contained therein, or surfaces in general, including the following steps: (a) determining the volume of the room to be disinfected; (b) as a function of the value determined in step a) above, determining a volumetric concentration of an aqueous disinfecting solution delivered into the room in the form of a dry mist required for obtaining a predefined level of disinfection, said disinfecting solution comprising hydrogen peroxide and silver ions (Ag+); (c) delivering into the room said aqueous disinfecting solution in the form of a dry mist until the desired volumetric concentration is achieved; (d) keeping said aqueous disinfecting solution in the form of a dry mist in contact with the room and with the objects that may be contained therein for a predefined time, so as to achieve a desired level of disinfection.

Abstract: A method for decontaminating bioaerosol with high concentrations of bacterial, viral, spore and other airborne microorganisms or biologic contaminants in flight at high flow rates. A plasma screen created across the flow of air contaminated with airborne biologic agents renders contaminants non-culturable within milliseconds. The technology may cooperate with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. It may be particularly beneficial in preventing bioterrorism and the spread of toxic or infectious agents, containing airborne pandemic threats such as avian flu, sterilizing spaces such as hospitals, pharmaceutical plants and manufacturing facilities, treating exhaust ventilation streams, minimizing biological environmental pollutants in industrial settings, improving general air quality, preventing sick building syndrome.

Abstract: Disclosed are a composition for the prophylaxis of influenza viral infection comprising tannic acid, an air filter coated with the same, and an air cleaner comprising the air filter. Having high inhibitory activity against influenza virus, the composition comprising tannic acid can be applied to the prevention of influenza viral infection. Also, the filter coated with the composition can remove influenza virus from the air so that it can be employed in an air cleaner for the prophylaxis of influenza viral infection.

Abstract: A method for reducing the biological contamination of indoor air and sanitizing the walls and surfaces in a closed space, which method comprises causing a stream of air to flow upwardly through a treatment zone, and to contact, on a substantially horizontally aligned perforated surface, with a stream of brine solution having Redox potential of not less than 500 mV, whereby an active layer is formed on said horizontally aligned perforated surface, in which layer the brine and air mix, and delivering the treated air which exits said treatment zone into the space to be sanitized.

Abstract: A high-intensity light source is formed by a micro array of a semiconductor light source such as a LEDs, laser diodes, or VCSEL placed densely on a liquid or gas cooled thermally conductive substrate. The semiconductor devices are typically attached by a joining process to electrically conductive patterns on the substrate, and driven by a microprocessor controlled power supply. An optic element is placed over the micro array to achieve improved directionality, intensity, and/or spectral purity of the output beam. The light module may be used for such processes as, for example, fluorescence, inspection and measurement, photopolymerzation, ionization, sterilization, debris removal, and other photochemical processes.

Abstract: The use of fragrance compositions comprising fragrance compounds selected among: aldehydes, ?,?-unsaturated aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, and mixtures thereof in any home and personal care product, each fragrance compound being able to restrict the formation of indole to less than 0.01 ppm (wt/wt) after 24 hours incubation at room temperature in an airtight sealed vessel of suitable fresh human urine containing 0.28% by weight of each fragrance compound in order to prevent the development of indole based malodours from faecal and urine based soils.

Abstract: A portable odorous gas filter may provide for substantially even distribution of byproduct gas throughout a containment vessel by utilizing a diffuser plate having a plurality of holes therein. Byproduct gas from manufacturing or treatment processes may be directed into a gas plenum layer in the containment vessel through an inlet below the diffuser plate. The geometry of the diffuser plate may provide for a high-pressure differential between the plenum layer below the plate and a filter layer containing an odor-filtering media above the plate. Certain types bacteria and/or fungal strains may be added to extend the effective life of the biological media used therein.

Abstract: A non-thermal plasma (NTP) system treats fluid flows (e.g., air) containing pollutants (e.g., VOCs; particulate) using two or more stages, each operated to produce NTP with a respective frequency targeted toward one or more pollutants. NTP generation cell assemblies or dielectric barrier discharge devices are arranged in stages along a flow path. Parallel flow paths with multiple stages may be employed. NTP fields in successive stages operate at a different frequency, power density and/or waveforms, which are controlled to be a vibrational harmonic of a targeted compound. Power density can be adjusted to only create gaseous ionized species or to incinerate organic airborne, suspended particulate in situ. Automatic fault detection employs a split ground current so that an imbalance indicates a fault. A faulted component is automatically isolated. Automatic re-routing allows operation with only slightly degraded performance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter granulate for binding constituents of a gas flow, comprising filter particles which have the following components: a) a component for the physisorption of constituents, b) a component for the chemisorption of constituents, c) a component for the dissolving of oil constituents.

Abstract: A method for reducing airborne contamination within a home includes installing an air-pressure control system within a window of the home, and drawing air from outside the home through the system inlet and an airflow path through the system. As it passes through the airflow path, a germicidal radiation chamber with a UV light source sterilizes the air. Additionally, filter(s) may clean the drawn air by removing particulates from the air as it passes through the filter. The method may then introduce the sterilized/cleaned air into the home through the system outlet. The sterilized/cleaned air may displace an equal volume of contaminated air within the home.

Abstract: Methods and devices for emitting volatile materials are disclosed. In some embodiments, methods and devices for emitting two or more fragrance compositions are disclosed. In one non-limiting embodiment of a device, the device has a housing, and the housing is supported on an electrical outlet by a plug at least indirectly joined to the housing. The device contains a first volatile composition and a second volatile composition. The first volatile composition is emitted in an alternating period relative to said second volatile composition. In one embodiment of the method, the volatile compositions are alternately emitted during periods that are greater than 15 minutes and less than 2 hours.