Abstract: Glycolic disinfectant compositions and related methods and apparatus for electrostatic dispensation.

Abstract: Systems and methods of forming photocatalytic nanocapsules and photocatalytic fibers are disclosed. The methods can include encapsulating one or more photocatalytic nanoparticles in a shell including at least one nanopore. The methods can further include forming photocatalytic fibers from a solution having one or more photocatalytic particles in a polycarbosilane melt.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sanitizing, decontaminating, deodorizing, conditioning, drying, treating, cleaning, modifying and/or otherwise improving an atmosphere within a container. The container can be a bag or other housing for equipment, food and/or suitable material. Ozone is generated within an atmosphere that is exposed to the materials. The generated ozone is mixed with the atmosphere. At least a portion of the generated ozone is then removed from the mixed atmosphere. The apparatus and method of this invention can be used to treat contaminated sports equipment and the like,_as well as to treat food storage atmospheres, such as those exposed to fresh fruits and vegetables.

Abstract: A bio-air sterilization system and method of use thereof is provided that can remove and render benign harmful contaminants and particulates, such as bacteria, viruses, and molds, from air within an enclosed area, as well as, in principle, from the exposed surfaces located within the enclosed area. In one aspect, the sterilization system includes a self contained, mobile sterilization unit that includes at least an ultraviolet array, an air flow control mechanism for diverting the air flow within the system through either a filter or through an ozone removal zone, an ozone generator, and a blower apparatus to pull the air through the system and out through ports, such as a nozzle system, to the surrounding environment.

Abstract: This invention relates to the purification of indoor air using a method that essentially comprises forcing the air to be processed to flow through an active medium exposed to a germicidal radiation in the presence of a photocatalytic material contained therein, with a destructive action on the microorganisms optionally present in the air and retained in the active medium such as reduced and/or weakened due to the impact on wall members provided therefore in the active medium. A first active medium includes a mass made in the form of a three-dimensional network of walls with photocatalytic surfaces and located in the immediate vicinity of a germicidal radiation source. A second active medium includes a liquid mass in which particles with a photocatalytic surface are dispersed and submitted to a germicidal radiation. The liquid mass is agitated by feeding air therein in order to generate a vortex.

Abstract: The methods and apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention provide substantially complete and rapid air cleaning and/or disinfection in the rooms that are substantially closed to outside air and have the typical complement and arrangement of furniture and people present, i.e. a “normal”environment. A study of air flow patterns in a variety of room configurations and arrangements demonstrates that EFA location within the room as well as furniture and people play a crucial role in air movement and airflow throughout the room, in minimizing or eliminating “dead spots” of stagnant air, and in achieving a goal of cleaning and disinfecting substantially all of the air.

Abstract: Provided is a method for reducing the amounts of fungal spores and small airborne particles in an enclosure, where the enclosure has or is in communication with an air handling system. The method comprises the steps of applying vacuum suction to the air handling system and contacting the air handling system with a first antimicrobial agent; applying a cleansing agent to the carpets and upholstery in the enclosure; fogging the enclosure with a second antimicrobial agent; releasing ozone within the enclosure for a period of time and terminating the release of ozone to allow the ozone concentration to return to normal levels; placing a reservoir containing tea tree oil into the air handling system, and initiating operation of an air purifier air in the enclosure, wherein for a period of at least 90 days, the airborne particles in the enclosure are fewer than 1.0 million airborne particles per cubic meter of air; the airborne fungal spores in the enclosure an amount at least 1.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing global warming. The system can include a container having a body portion for retaining a quantity of alkaline metal hydroxide and collecting a precipitate. At least one inlet on the container can be utilized for introducing a volume of air containing CO2 into the alkaline metal hydroxide, so that the CO2 in the volume of air can react with the alkaline metal hydroxide to reduce the amount of CO2 in the volume of air and to form a precipitate in the body portion of the container. At least one outlet on the container can be included for releasing the volume of air having reduced CO2 content into the atmosphere. A pump can be included for injecting the volume of air containing CO2 into the alkaline metal hydroxide under pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air cleaning and filtering system, comprising an air intake filtering part and an air outlet filtering part, wherein the air intake filtering part further comprises filtering devices which connect with the air inlet and the air outlet of the air intake filtering part, wherein the air intake filtering part and the air outlet filtering part further comprise sterilizing units. The air cleaning and filtering system of the present invention can provide filtering and sterilization to the incoming and outgoing air of a room to purify and circulate the indoor air and prevent the backflow of the infected air, thus preventing disease spreading through air flow. The air cleaning and filtering system of the present invention can be widely used in hospital, mobile treatment room, clinic, hotel, theatre, office, toilet, public vehicles and home, etc.

Abstract: An apparatus for sanitizing and deodorizing air. The apparatus includes: a chamber including an inlet adapted to receive contaminated air, an outlet adapted to transport heated air, a baffle adapted to increase the length of a path traveled by air in the chamber, and an ash removal device adapted to remove ash from the chamber; and at least one combustor, wherein the combustor is adapted to combust a fuel to heat the air in the chamber so that the air is sterilized and deodorized, thereby generating such ash.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for purifying gases such as air of unwanted gaseous compounds, in which method the gas to be purified is brought into contact with a solution (2) that binds the unwanted gaseous compounds, and in which method the gas to be purified is caused to flow through a reactor filler (3) in a space filled with the solution that binds the unwanted gaseous compounds. At least the saturation level of the solution (2) and the surface level of the solution (2) are monitored in essence continuously, and on the basis of monitoring data the solution's saturation level and surface level are maintained essentially within predetermined limit values.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving air quality within an enclosed space. The apparatus provides at least three molecular sieves that contain zeolite material to treat the air to remove toxins such as suspended particles, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, bacteria, formaldehyde, total volatile organic compounds, radon, ozone, toxic mould and organic odor-causing compounds. The apparatus uses the sieves such that one of the sieves is locked and retaining air, substantially immobile within, for a period of not less than 2 seconds to allow the zeolite material to breakdown the compounds and release the individual natural elements.

Abstract: An UV-C air sterilizer with an optional visible light provides effective air sterilization through the use of a relatively low intensity UV-C radiation field external of the fixture and the continuous circulation of a mixture of treated and untreated air. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for managing air quality according to the present invention includes an air processing unit, said unit including an inlet for receiving feed air from a unidirectional air passage. A treatment path housing a module is coupled to inlet for receiving, processing and passing the feed air to remove one of more contaminants. Said module includes a body and one or more UV tubes in the body for emitting UV light at an ozone production wavelength and/an ozone destruction wavelength. Feed air travels through module housed in said treatment path. An outlet is couple to said treatment path for passing the feed air to the passage at a location downstream of inlet. The pressure drop between the inlet and the outlet is less than a predetermined value.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a gas treatment apparatus (1) comprising a gas-flow path and a plurality of reactor units (5)-(7) through which gas to be treated may flow arranged in series along the path. The reactor units (5)-(7) are adapted to generate a non-equilibrium plasma. This aspect of the invention may be used for decomposing pollutant materials in a gas (e.g. air). When air is being treated, the apparatus of this aspect of the invention is advantageously provided, downstream of the final reactor unit in series, with at least one catalyst bed (8) incorporating a catalyst capable of decomposing ozone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for disinfecting the air, comprising the distribution or atomization of a special antimicrobial composition. The invention also relates to antimicrobial compositions and the use thereof in order to disinfect the air.

Abstract: A method of treating an air stream that is contaminated with organic substances, comprising irradiating the contaminated air stream with UV-light emitted from UV-lamps, wherein the UV-lamps have a given length of life (T1) which is determined by the decrease of the set UV-radiation in accordance with a first function (F1) from a starting state when setting the method into operation (E1) to a smallest theoretically acceptable value (E2). The UV-lamps shall be cleaned at a time interval (T2) that is determined by the reduction of the actual set radiation to a smallest desired value (E3). The lamps are cleaned at time intervals (T2) calculated with the aid of—the value of the UV-radiation at the initial starting state (E1),—the value of the smallest desired actual UV-radiation (E3),—the first function (F1) for reduction of the UV-radiation during the working period (T); and—a second function (F2) for reducing the UV-radiation due to dirtying of the UV-lamps.

Abstract: A photocatalytic fog disseminating system is used to disperse and activate photocatalytic particles. The photocatalytic particles preferably are nanoscale particles of titanium oxide. An aqueous suspension of the photocatalytic particles is dispersed by the system as an aerosol, and a photon source is used to excite the dispersed particles in order to initiate photocatalytic redox reactions that degrade airborne or sedentary organic impurities that come into contact with the aerosol.

Abstract: A photocatalytic air treatment system, including an apparatus and method, is provided for killing and/or mineralizing bacteria, viruses, mold, fungi, spores, mycotoxins, allergens, and other similar microorganisms and agents and similar organic matter, and for oxidizing volatile organic compounds. 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. Adjacent ultraviolet light sources are positioned to create killing zones of photocatalyst coated media that are irradiated with ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet light sources and in which an increased number of hydroxyl radicals are present.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an air filtration system includes a first ventilation path connected between at least one external air supply and a clean room. The first ventilation path is configured to direct air from the at least one external air supply to the clean room. A second ventilation path is connected to the clean room. The second ventilation path is configured to recirculate air in the clean room. A third ventilation path, separate from the first path, is connected between the at least one external air supply and a tool environment disposed within the clean room. The third ventilation path includes an ultra-pure air filtration unit disposed between the outdoor air supply and the tool environment. The ultra-pure air filtration unit includes a compressor and a dryer.

Abstract: A chemical vapor sterilization process is enhanced by flowing a portion of the sterilant vapor through an instrument container using a normal portion of the exhaust process. Preferably, an exhaust conduit which draws a vacuum on a sterilization chamber is oriented so that the container is adjacent an inlet to the conduit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for sterilizing articles using an ozone-containing gas, where condensation of water from the sterilization atmosphere during the sterilization process is substantially prevented. The inventive sterilization method includes providing a sterilization chamber and placing an article into the sterilization chamber. The sterilization chamber is sealed prior to equalizing the temperature of the article and the atmosphere in the sterilization chamber. A vacuum is applied to achieve a preselected vacuum pressure in the sterilization chamber. Once the vacuum pressure is set, water vapour is supplied to the sterilization chamber. Ozone-containing gas is then supplied to the sterilization chamber and the sterilization chamber remains sealed for a preselected treatment period, where the sterilization chamber remains sealed throughout the whole process. Finally, vacuum in the sterilization chamber is released.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the formation of gas hydrates in a petroleum fluid having hydrate-forming constituents is claimed. More specifically, the method can be used to treat a petroleum fluid, such as natural gas conveyed in a pipe, to inhibit the formation of a hydrate flow restriction in the pipe. The preferred hydrate inhibitors used for practicing the method comprise substantially water soluble homopolymers and copolymers of isopropylmethacrylamide derivatives which have a bimodal molecular weight distribution.

Abstract: The invention relates to an appliance for the continuous photocatalytic purification of the air in a room, said appliance preferably being in the form of a wall (1) and comprising an external steel structure, an opening (11) for the admission of the air to be processed, an internal metallic framework (4) to which a plurality of UVA lamps (3) are fixed, a photocatalytic filter (2), and an opening (12) for discharging the purified air. The inventive appliance is characterised in that the photocatalytic filter comprises at least one metal grating (2) covered by a film containing titanium dioxide (TiO2), mainly in an anatase phase, in order to maximise the surface of the photocatalyst illuminated by the UVA light.

Abstract: The invention provides a dual compartment pouch having first and second compartments that are separated from each other by an impervious inner sheet having a breathable membrane. The breathable membrane comprises a breathable material that is pervious to moisture and gases, and impervious to liquids as well as microorganisms. The breathable membrane allows a sterilizing gas to be introduced between the first and second compartments. The front and back sheets are sealed to the inner sheet to define the first and second compartments in which the inner sheet forms a common wall between the compartments. The breathable membrane is disposed towards a central portion of the inner sheet and is spaced apart from the seams joing the front and back sheets to the inner sheet. In one embodiment, a sterilized article is disposed in one compartment, and an absorbent packets are disposed in the other compartment.

Abstract: A container having a plurality of walls, and at least one inlet and/or outlet, said container including an apparatus for controlling the composition of gases within the container, the apparatus including at least one sensor, at least one controller and at least one gas permeable membrane, through which membrane different gases can pass at different rates, said membrane dividing the container into a first region being for holding cargo and a second region defining a gas buffer region, and said membrane being permeable permitting for nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide at different flow rates, wherein the buffer region is in communication with the ambient atmosphere through one or more vacuum pump(s).

Abstract: A biocide composition that is a gel, and includes least one biocidal agent and a method of making the same. Also disclosed is a device comprising the gel and method of air purification and sterilization using the inventive composition.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a fluid conditioning apparatus for conditioning a fluid disposed within, wherein the fluid conditioning apparatus is in fluid communication with a self contained system. The fluid conditioning apparatus includes a housing having a surrounding sidewall positioned about a longitudinal axis, the surrounding sidewall having an inlet portion and an outlet portion, the sidewall, inlet portion, and outlet portion all defining a housing interior. Further included in the fluid conditioning apparatus is structure for disbursing a selected component within the housing interior and structure for controlling the selected component disbursing to a achieve a selected fluid condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides titanium dioxide/single-walled carbon nanotube composites (TiO2/SWCNTs), articles of manufacture, and methods of making and using such composites. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides membrane filters and ceramic articles that are coated with TiO2/SWCNT composite material. In other embodiments, the present invention provides methods of using TiO2/SWCNT composite material to purify a sample, such as a water or air sample.

Abstract: An automatic fragrance dispensing system used for distributing fragrances and/or anti-microbial solutions throughout a building using the HVAC system. The system includes a printed circuit board which controls the duration of the misting levels, time sequences, and instant misting operations. A dispensing nozzle to atomizing the solutions, an air flow switch to detect air flow when used with the HVAC system, a pump, a reservoir to hold the solution, a conductivity probe for detecting the level of solution in the reservoir, a keyed air flow switch for changing the operation of the fragrance system in order to dispense the solution of choice with air flow or no air flow. The design of this system is to be user friendly and fully adjustable to suit every consumers needs.

Abstract: A clean air supply apparatus is provided which has an ability of sterilizing effectively and uniformly also a secondary side surface of a filter. The apparatus has a pre-filter 23 for roughly filtering air sequentially introduced from an air inlet port 18 for introducing air to an air supply port 22 for sending clean air to a work environment, a blower 24 for sucking air to the introduced, a heater 25 for adjusting a temperature of introduced air, a chemical agent gas supply apparatus 27, a chemical agent gas eject apparatus 26 for supplying chemical agent gas into the air path, high performance filters or ultrahigh performance filters 41 and 42 for filtering air to be delivered from an air supply port 22 to generate clean air.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are described for contacting an oxidizing solution such as an aqueous hydrogen peroxide composition of hydrogen peroxide and at least one additive that catalyzes the decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide into hydroxyl radicals with an atmospheric effluent containing odorous and/or noxious components. These components are absorbed by the aqueous hydrogen peroxide composition to produce an atmospheric effluent having reduced amounts of the odorous and/or noxious components. Various methods are described for adding the hydrogen peroxide and the decomposition additive.

Abstract: An abatement system is provided, including an abatement unit adapted to abate effluent using ambient air; and an ambient air delivery system in fluid communication with the abatement unit and adapted to deliver ambient air to the abatement unit; wherein the ambient air delivery system allows sufficient ambient air to flow into the abatement unit to abate the effluent without compressed air. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: The air clarifying apparatus includes a negative ion generator and an indoor air circulator. It further includes an ozone generator having a capability of maintaining the average concentration value of ozone in an indoor atmosphere at 0.02 to 0.05 ppm, while the average concentration value of negative ions in the vicinity of the blowout port of the negative ion generator is maintained at 200,000 to 1,000,000 pieces/cc. With this configuration, the negative ions coexist with ozone having a low concentration.

Abstract: Der-f and/or Der-p dust mite allergens are deactivated by a liquid composition comprising one or more of the following deactivants: i) cedarwood oil, ii) hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, iii) aluminium chlorohydrate, iv) 1-propoxy-propanol-2, v) polyquaternium-10 vi) silica gel, vii) propylene glycol alginate, viii) ammonium sulphate, ix) hinokitiol, x) L-ascorbic acid, xi) immobilised tannic acid, xii) chlorohexidine, xiii) maleic anhydride, xiv) hinoki oil, xv) a composite of AgCl and TiO2, xvi) diazolidinyl urea, xviii) a compound of formula I xix) the compound of formula II xx) a polymeric dialdehyde containing two or more of a recurring unit of the formula III where n=2 to 200, xxi) urea, xxii) cyclodextrin, xxiii) hydrogenated hop oil, xxiv) polyvinylpyrrolidone, xxv) N-methylpyrrolidone, xxvi) the sodium salt of anthraquinone, xxvii) potassium thioglycolate, and xxviii) glutaraldehyde. Deactivants (i) to (xx) are effective against allergens derived from both species.

Abstract: A method using vibration for conditioning, air-conditioning, cooling and decontaminating, disinfecting and sterilizing physical media. The method includes a first vibratory action (13) performed on a regulated incoming current of the physical medium (2) so that the flow of the physical medium (2) is formed and the necessary and adequate conditions for cooling are created; a refrigerating medium (3) and a cold-absorbing medium (6) interact in a heat exchanging system (1); and another vibratory action (10) is performed on a cold-absorbing medium in order that the physical medium is continuously and/or periodically decontaminated and the necessary and adequate conditions for the functioning of the decontamination system in its steady state are created.

Abstract: Titania is a semiconductor and photocatalyst that is also chemically inert. With its bandgap of 3.0, to activate the photocatalytic property of titania requires light of about 390 nm wavelength, which is in the ultra-violet, where sunlight is very low in intensity. A method and devices are disclosed wherein stress is induced and managed in a thin film of titania in order to shift and lower the bandgap energy into the longer wavelengths that are more abundant in sunlight. Applications of this stress-induced bandgap-shifted titania photocatalytic surface include photoelectrolysis for production of hydrogen gas from water, photovoltaics for production of electricity, and photocatalysis for detoxification and disinfection.

Abstract: A cooking device includes a cooking chamber; a first deodorization region along which air from the cooking chamber flows and in which a plasma discharge is generated for removing odor-producing materials generated in the cooking chamber from the air; and a bypass region along which air from the cooking chamber flows to bypass the first deodorization region.

Abstract: It is intended to provide an air purification filter which has a high dry tensile strength, a high wet tensile strength in association with a high water resistance and a high water repellency and exhibits a bactericidal effect due to a gas phase reaction in a gas phase. Namely, an air purification filter having a high dry tensile strength, a high wet tensile strength (a high water resistance) and a high water repellency as well as a bactericidal effect which is obtained by blending a filter fiber having a functional group with a mixture of a modification enzyme which has an ionic polarity opposite to the ionic polarity of the whole filter fiber as described above and a bactericidal effect with an ionic synthetic resin binder having the opposite ionic polarity similar to the modification enzyme.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating the lungs by adding ultrasound energy to the inspiration air or gas.

Abstract: In an example method of purifying air, steps may include: using a motor driven fan wherein the motor has at least two speeds; using an indoor air handling system with the motor driven fan and with a baffle that has at least an open and a closed position; installing a bypass for air to flow through a constricted space around the baffle, so that air can flow past the baffle when the baffle is in the closed position and through the bypass and back into the air handling system; and disinfecting air in the bypass using a UV lamp and a photocatalyst.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing unpleasant odour by means of a first section (10) through which the input gas is constrained to travel and which treats the input gas by exposure to ozone and a second section (11) which converts into oxygen any remaining ozone in the gas stream issuing from the first section. The first and second sections are spaced apart by an interconnecting duct. The ozone is produced from air in the input gas, or alternatively the ozone is produced from air outside the input gas and introduced into the input gas in the first section.

Abstract: Disclosed are an air purification system for a vehicle and an air purification method thereof. When an air purifier is tuned on, an aroma is discharged, and, if an air conditioner is turned on, discharge of the aroma is stopped and a deodorant is discharged for a predetermined time period. If discharge of the deodorant is stopped, the aroma is discharged again, and if the air conditioner is turned off, discharge of the aroma is stopped and the deodorant is discharged for a preset time period. If discharge of the deodorant is stopped, the aroma is discharged again.

Abstract: A method for remediation of mold in a building comprising the steps of investigating the building to determine a presence of unwanted mold, sampling said unwanted mold both inside and outside of said building to determine a species of said mold and an indoor to outdoor ratio of mold spores for said species, a spore concentration for said species, and a number of colony forming units for said species, diffusing essential oils into the building for a predetermined period of time, where said predetermined period of time is based on a determination of three measures of said species, ratio of indoor to outdoor mold spores, spore concentration, and number of colony forming units; and directly applying a household cleaner with essential oils to any mold-affected areas. Removal and preventative steps prevent the recurrence of the mold infestation.

Abstract: Organic materials being indirectly heated via hot air having the temperature required for their treatment, the process consists in the recycling of the vapours and gases evolving from the organic materials into a hot air circuit by forcing them into contact with the flame of a burner in order to bum the organic gases contained therein. The apparatus for executing the process comprises a double wall sealed tank; the outer wall being insulating and the inner wall being heat-conducting, the space, created by the walls, defines the hot air circuit.

Abstract: Ultraviolet radiation is used to disinfect air (105) in a flow tube (110), where the flow tube (110) includes total internal reflecting features (120) on a portion of its external surface and said ultraviolet radiation propagates through a portion of the flow tube via total internal reflection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for providing microbial control and/or disinfection/remediation of an environment. The methods generally comprise: generating a Purified Hydrogen Peroxide Gas (PHPG) that is substantially free of, e.g., hydration, ozone, plasma species, and/or organic species; and directing the gas comprising primarily PHPG into the environment such that the PHPG acts to provide microbial control and/or disinfection/remediation in the environment, preferably both on surfaces and in the air.

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.

Abstract: Accessories and methods for ceiling paddle fan fixtures for enhancing room air quality and killing common air borne viruses by air sterilization immediately within the room where the germs originate in a relatively large and diffuse sterilization zone at a relatively low UV radiation level through which a relatively high volume of air is circulated by a paddle fan.

Abstract: A method and device for sterilizing containers in which a plasma treatment is executed through excitation of an electromagnetic oscillation so that the plasma is excited in a vacuum in the vicinity of the container regions to be sterilized. Between arrival and discharge, the container regions to be sterilized are moved closer to the oscillation-generating device in the chamber, with continuous movement of the container and/or of the oscillation-generating device for one or more predetermined time intervals in such a way that a plasma is excited in these regions inside and/or outside the container. The chamber is provided with a transport apparatus inside it, which produces an essentially rotating motion of the container during the transport from the arrival to the discharge in the chamber.