And Radioactive Or Ultraviolet Light Ionizer Patents (Class 96/16)
  • Patent number: 11938243
    Abstract: Mobile decontamination systems and microwave assisted decontamination methods for decontaminating a variety of contaminated surfaces disposed external to the system are disclosed. The systems and methods comprise treating the surfaces with benign chemical formulations followed by exposing to microwave irradiation for short periods of time to achieve at least 6-log reduction in biological contaminants including viruses and spores of B. anthracis, B. thuringiensis, and P. roqueforti. The formulations comprise a percarbonate and surfactant in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Zeteo Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas McCreery, Wayne A. Bryden, Emily Caton
  • Patent number: 11555626
    Abstract: A ventilation unit is for ventilating an indoor space, and incorporates an air cleaning device and mechanical restrictor for controlling a restriction to a flow resulting from a pressure differential across the unit. There is determination of the inside and outside air pressures in the vicinity of the unit and of air quality parameters inside and outside. The air cleaning device and the mechanical restrictor are controlled in dependence on the determined air pressures and air quality parameters. This provides a fan-less, and hence low-power ventilation unit, which relies on throttling the natural air flow across the unit to provide flow control, and hence enable control of air quality. The air cleaning device may be operated only when the flow is into the inside space, saving power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Marra, Achim Gerhard Rolf Koerber, Cornelis Reinder Ronda
  • Patent number: 11305031
    Abstract: An air treatment system includes a lower cowling configured to be suspended from a ceiling, the lower cowling defining an interior lower cowling surface and configured to be disposable radially outward from and around a fan configured to induce airflow. Further, the air treatment system includes an upper cowling configured to be disposed vertically above the lower cowling and define an interior upper cowling surface. A gap between the interior upper cowling surface and the interior lower cowling surface forms a fluid passageway comprising an intake opening, an exhaust opening, and a chamber. The fluid passageway is contoured to receive airflow from the fan via the intake opening and direct the airflow through the chamber to exit the exhaust opening. Moreover, the air treatment system includes at least one air treatment device secured within the chamber, the air treatment device configured to treat air passing through the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Sood, Seth, Khatri & Chaudhary LLC
    Inventors: Anurag Sood, Neeraj R. Chaudhary, Sandeep Seth, Danish S. Khatri
  • Patent number: 11291939
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to aggregating, neutralizing, and filtering ultra-fine particles in fluids such as air and water. Fluid may be drawn from an ambient environment into a neutralization chamber. Within the neutralization chamber, particles in the fluid may be agglomerated. An acoustic field may be applied to the fluid to agglomerate the particles. The agglomerated particles may be exposed to light. The light may denature or deactivate the agglomerated particles. The agglomerated and inert particles may be passed through a filter. After agglomeration and neutralization, the fluid may be released back into the ambient environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Smart Material Printing B.V.
    Inventor: Gregor Luthe
  • Patent number: 11105522
    Abstract: An air mover for forcing air through the system, a pre-treating stage with a particulate filter for removing larger contaminants from the air and an antimicrobial (e.g., copper and silver) filter for killing or damaging microorganisms, a UV chamber including an ultraviolet lamp that emits radiation and a catalytic (e.g., TiO2-coated) device and a reflective (e.g., mirror-finish anodized aluminum) lining for amplifying the UV radiation for killing microorganisms, a post-UV stage including a VOC-reducing (e.g., activated-charcoal) filter for removing odors and VOCs from the air, and optionally a supply of a surface disinfectant (e.g., ClO2). In example embodiments, the UV lamps and VOC filters are selected and configured for controlling microbial pathogens, and in other example embodiments they are selected and configured for removing ethylene from the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: PRODEW, INC.
    Inventors: Itamar Kleinberger, Shakeel Merchant, Faizan Aly, Paul Wilhelm, Kendall Palmer
  • Patent number: 10105463
    Abstract: An ultraviolet (UV) sterilization module and an air conditioner including a UV sterilization module are provided. The UV sterilization module may include a porous main body; a plurality of UV lamps having external electrodes; a plurality of conductive holders connected to the external electrodes and that supports the plurality of UV lamps to be spaced from the porous main body; and at least one bus bar connected to the plurality of conductive holders and provided between the plurality of conductive holders and the porous main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Taeyoung Kim, Gyoungsoo Kim
  • Patent number: 9506026
    Abstract: A culture apparatus includes a heat insulating box main body having an inner box; a culture vessel; a duct and a circulation blower forcing convection of a gas in the culture vessel; a humidifying pan disposed on the bottom of the culture vessel and positioned inside the duct; a heat pipe having a heat insulating section, a heat input section disposed at one end of the heat insulating section and a heat dissipation section disposed at the other end of the heat insulating section. The heat pipe is attached to the culture apparatus with the heat dissipation section being disposed outside the culture apparatus, the heat insulating section passing through the heat insulating box main body and the inner box, and the heat input section being disposed in a gas passage in the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: PASONIC HEALTHCARE HOLDINGS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Naoyuki Yamasaki, Yasuhiro Kikuchi, Hiroki Busujima, Yasutoshi Okamoto
  • Patent number: 9283295
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: RGF ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Ronald G. Fink, Walter B. Ellis
  • Patent number: 9011579
    Abstract: This disclosure describes embodiments of an air treatment apparatus that stimulates formation of large moisture droplets from small moisture droplets found in air flowing in power generating systems to a turbo-machine. In one example, the embodiments generate a field that promotes contact between the smaller moisture droplets. This contact can increase the size of moisture droplets to facilitate condensation of moisture out of the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: BHA Altair, LLC
    Inventors: Abhijeet Madhukar Kulkarni, Martin Gregory Hatfield, Richard Michael Ashley Mann
  • Patent number: 8961651
    Abstract: Energy consumption of the society is increasing due to expanding economic activity and increasing population. As greater consumption of energy generates more air pollution, there is an ongoing need to find better methods of reducing pollutants in terms of effectiveness and reduced energy consumption. The solution proposed in this disclosure takes advantage of electrical characteristics such as electron affinity and dipole moment. There are many pollutants which exhibit positive electron affinity. Such a pollutant can be easily converted to a negative ion by providing an extra electron. Many of the pollutants have dipolar charge distributions which facilitate electrical interactions with charges. If one of the pollutants becomes charged, it can attract other pollutants which are dipoles to form clusters of pollutants. Furthermore, charged clusters are responsive to electric and magnetic fields. For example, they can be separated from the rest of the flue gas by manipulating with such fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Halit Gokturk
  • Patent number: 8795601
    Abstract: Filter media for an active field polarized media air cleaner includes two layers of dielectric material with a higher resistance air permeable screen sandwiched between the lower resistivity electric layers. The filter media may further include a mixed fiber filter layer having fibers from different sides of the triboelectric scale. The filter media may further include a layer of relatively higher density dielectric material followed by a layer of relatively lower density dielectric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Environmental Management Confederation, Inc.
    Inventors: Forwood C. Wiser, George R. Summers, Benjamin H. Kaeppner
  • Patent number: 8765072
    Abstract: Superior hydroxyls are provided which have effects on organic and inorganic compounds and/or pollutants over substantial periods of time and/or at substantial distances from where the superior hydroxyls are generated. Also provided is a hydroxyl generator, in which UV-lamps are positioned such that the coronas which they produce when emitting UV-radiation fill substantially all of the interior space of the hydroxyl generator. The coronas overlap each other by a maximum amount of between 5% and 25% of the radius of each corona.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: HGI Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Guy J. E. Morneault
  • Patent number: 8747526
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Hung Hsing Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ping Huang, Ying-Pin Huang, Chia-Chang Lee
  • Patent number: 8603262
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus may include a flow source such as a fan which creates air flow through a ventilation duct or other structure to be cleaned. A projectile source projects projectiles such as dry ice pellets proximate the structure to dislodge debris particles therefrom and introduce the dislodged debris particles into the air flow. An electrostatic precipitator removes the particles from the air flow. An upstream sensor may be used to detect the particles upstream of the electrostatic precipitator and determine if the structure is clean using a controller. A downstream sensor may be used to detect the particles downstream of the electrostatic precipitator and determine the efficiency of the electrostatic precipitator using the controller. Carbon dioxide within the air flow may also be detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Roseanne Lambert
  • Patent number: 8452489
    Abstract: The invention relates to a controlling system for controlling an air handling system that is arranged to handle air in an enclosure such as a cabin of a vehicle. The controlling system comprises a first sensing unit, a second sensing unit, and a controller. The first sensing unit is arranged to generate a first output signal based on a measurement of the 5 concentration of certain airborne pollutants at the upstream side of an air cleaning unit that is comprised in the air handling system. The second sensing unit is arranged to generate a second output signal based on a measurement of the concentration of certain airborne pollutants at the downstream side of the air cleaning unit. The first output signal and the second output signal are used for specific purposes in a decision-making process that can be 10 performed by the controller. The controller is arranged to switch the air handling system into recirculation mode when the first output signal exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Johan Marra
  • Patent number: 8409328
    Abstract: A substrate transfer device includes an atmosphere introduction unit and an atmosphere exhaust unit provided at a top and a bottom portion of a main body of the device, respectively; and a substrate transfer mechanism provided between the atmosphere introduction unit and the atmosphere exhaust unit. The substrate transfer device further includes a downward flow forming unit provided, adjacent to the atmosphere introduction unit, to allow an atmosphere to be introduced through the atmosphere introduction unit and to downwardly flow through the substrate transfer mechanism and be exhausted through the atmosphere exhaust unit; and a gas ionizing unit for ionizing the atmosphere and a particle collecting unit for collecting particles included in the atmosphere, the gas ionizing unit and the particle collecting unit being sequentially provided in the direction in which the atmosphere downwardly flows, between the downward flow forming unit and the substrate transfer mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Jun Yamawaku, Junji Oikawa, Hiroyuki Nakayama
  • Patent number: 8388731
    Abstract: A modular ductwork assembly decontaminates an air stream circulating within a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The assembly includes one or more of (a) an ionizing module for removing particulates from the air stream, (b) a sterilization module for neutralizing airborne pathogens present in the air stream, (c) an ozone treatment module for neutralizing pathogens or odoriferous constituents or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in the air stream, optionally (d) baffles for slowing and disrupting the flow rate and promoting turbulence in the air stream traveling through the modules and optionally (e) a fan module for directing a treated air stream, (f) an ozone sensor, (g) a monitoring or ozone control means, (h) a means of delivering and repurposing generated ozone. Each of the modules is arranged substantially adjacent to at least one of the other modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Karen Metteer
  • Patent number: 8347819
    Abstract: A litter box for pets is provided having a container defined by a bottom and side walls and a germicidal ultraviolet light lamp positioned parallel to the bottom of the container and around the interior peripheral edge of the container, whereby the light from the lamp has an unobstructed path to the absorbent granular material in the container. A motion detector may be provided to turn the lamp off and on when a pet approaches the litter box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Stewart Jeffrey Lovenvirth
  • Publication number: 20120285146
    Abstract: A gas treatment device includes an electric discharger, an electromagnetic wave oscillator, an antenna, and a fan. The electric discharger ionizes gas in a target space. The electromagnetic wave oscillator oscillates an electromagnetic wave to be radiated to the target space. The electromagnetic wave is radiated by the antenna toward a gas ionization region in which gas ionized by the electric discharger is provided. The electric discharger ionizes gas and the antenna radiates the electromagnetic wave thereto to generate plasma. The fan moves at least a part of the electric discharger, thereby changing a location of the gas ionization region, thereby moving the location of the plasma.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: IMAGINEERING, INC.
    Inventors: Yuji Ikeda, Shigeo Miyake
  • Patent number: 8257649
    Abstract: Superior hydroxyls are provided which have effects on organic and inorganic compounds and/or pollutants over substantial periods of time and/or at substantial distances from where the superior hydroxyls are generated. Also provided is a hydroxyl generator, in which UV-lamps are positioned such that the coronas which they produce when emitting UV-radiation fill substantially all of the interior space of the hydroxyl generator. The coronas overlap each other by a maximum amount of between 5% and 25% of the radius of each corona.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: HGI Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Guy J. E. Morneault
  • Publication number: 20120174773
    Abstract: A gas purification apparatus capable of removing fine particles of substantially any size without lowering the efficiency of gas supply. A loader module of a substrate processing apparatus includes a fan filter unit for producing a downward flow of atmospheric air in the internal space of a transfer chamber. The fan filter unit includes a fan for generating an atmospheric air flow, a filter of mesh structure for trapping and removing particles mixed in the atmospheric air flow, an irradiation heater disposed between the fan and the filter, and a high temperature part disposed in the atmospheric air flow and higher in temperature than the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi MORIYA
  • Publication number: 20120118150
    Abstract: A device for reducing airborne contaminants is provided. The device includes an intake enclosure having an intake manifold at an open end thereof, a UV light emitter disposed within the intake enclosure, an exhaust enclosure having an exhaust manifold at an open end thereof, an electrostatic filter disposed within the exhaust enclosure, a second filter disposed within the exhaust enclosure, the second filter including at least one of activated carbon and HEPA filter material, a base forming a base conduit connecting the intake enclosure and the exhaust enclosure and providing fluidic communication therebetween, and a fan disposed in the base conduit, the fan being adapted to generate an airflow passing the UV light emitter in the intake enclosure and through the electrostatic and second filters in the exhaust enclosure. A method for reducing airborne contaminants is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Christopher Brizes, James P. Cooney, Tianwen Zhang
  • Patent number: 8152907
    Abstract: A gas purification apparatus capable of removing fine particles of substantially any size without lowering the efficiency of gas supply. A loader module of a substrate processing apparatus includes a fan filter unit for producing a downward flow of atmospheric air in the internal space of a transfer chamber. The fan filter unit includes a fan for generating an atmospheric air flow, a filter of mesh structure for trapping and removing particles mixed in the atmospheric air flow, an irradiation heater disposed between the fan and the filter, and a high temperature part disposed in the atmospheric air flow and higher in temperature than the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Moriya
  • Patent number: 8123840
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrostatic particle filter for removing particles from air. The electrostatic particle filter includes a filter medium (3) with first and second opposite sides, a first electrode (1) and a second electrode (2), the first electrode (1) and second electrode (2) being conformally provided on the first and second sides of the filter medium (3), respectively. The first electrode (1), the second electrode (2), and the filter medium (3) are arranged to allow an electrical conduction current through the filter medium (3). The first electrode (1) is a moderately-conductive electrode having a sheet resistance in a range with a lower boundary value of about 106 Ohm per square and an upper boundary value of about 1012 Ohm per square, at a relative humidity of 30%. The invention also relates to an electrostatic filtration system including the electrostatic particle filter, and a particle charging section (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Johan Marra
  • Patent number: 8007574
    Abstract: An air conditioner having an interior casing in which an air filter is provided along an inner face of an air suction inlet, includes a filter cleaning part, a cleaning time drive member for moving the air filter and the filter cleaning part with respect to each other, and an ultraviolet light irradiation unit which irradiates the air filter with ultraviolet rays. The air filter and the filter cleaning part are relatively moved by the cleaning time drive member to remove dust adhered to the air filter, and the ultraviolet light irradiation unit irradiates an uncleaned face of the air filter with the ultraviolet rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Fujitsu General Limited
    Inventors: Shun Iwano, Nobutaka Nakahen
  • Publication number: 20110100221
    Abstract: An air purifier includes a vertically disposed housing provided with a wire gauze filter, electric fans and air filter elements. The electric fans draw outside air around the floor vertically into the bottom air intake port toward the top air output port of the housing so that the flow of air, when passed out of the air output port, flows upwards to a certain elevation and is then diffused and lowered in all directions around the housing. By means of the traction of the flow of air, the pressure difference of the convection of air between the low air pressure and the high air pressure at the bottom and top sides of the housing, high concentration of car waste gas, micro dust particles, hair dust, micro fibers and other harmful industrial odors that fall to the floor due to the effect of gravity or floating nearly above the floor are sucked into the inside of the housing by the low air pressure zone at the open bottom side of the housing and then removed by the filter elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Fu-Chi Wu
  • Patent number: 7909912
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for enhancing condensation and separation in a fluid separator, wherein: —a fluid mixture is accelerated to a transonic or supersonic velocity in a throat section of a flow channel and thereby expanded and cooled such that at least some initially gaseous components become supersaturated and condense; —at least some condensed components are removed from the fluid mixture in the flow channel at a location downstream of the throat section; and —condensation of at least some supersaturated components is enhanced by illuminating the fluid mixture flowing through the flow channel by a radiation source (10), such as an Ultraviolet (UV) light source which excites and/or ionizes and induces mercury, water, aromatic hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide and/or other components to condense thereby forming condensation nuclei for other supersaturated fluid components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Twister B.V.
    Inventors: Cornelis Antonie Tjeenk Willink, Marco Betting, Jeroen Geldorp, Bart Prast
  • Patent number: 7896950
    Abstract: Provided are plasma-aided gas storage methods and apparatus. In one embodiment, a porous powder bed assembly equipped with corona discharge electrodes is used to generate a non-equilibrium plasma of negatively ionized gas molecules which absorb onto porous particles, e.g., activated charcoal, to form a gas storage entity. Gas adsorbed onto the particles is desorbed at moderate temperatures by aid of ultraviolet light illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventor: Yashen Xia
  • Patent number: 7857892
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an air pollution sensor system incorporated in an enclosure, the enclosure including an air handling system inside an air duct, the air duct enabling a communication between air inside the enclosure and air outside the enclosure. The air duct including an air inlet for receiving air and an air outlet for releasing handled air inside the enclosure. The air pollution sensor system includes at least one ultra fine particle sensor capable of sensing particles with a diameter in a range of approximately 5-2500 nm, preferably in a range of approximately 5-1000 nm and more preferably in a range of approximately 5-500 nm inside the enclosure and providing a pollution information signal in response to the sensing of the particles. The disclosure further relates to various types of ultra fine particle sensors and air handling systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Johan Marra
  • Patent number: 7839619
    Abstract: An apparatus for reducing static electricity includes an ionizer that generates ions for neutralizing static electricity, a blower that produces a current of air for moving the ions to a desired location, and a motion detector operatively connected to the blower. Upon detecting motion, the motion detector activates the blower, which disperses ions to reduce static electricity at the desired location. The apparatus can include a heater for heating the current of ionized air. In addition, the motion detector can be operatively linked to the ionizer and heater so that they are also activated upon detection of motion. The blower can be linked to a timer such that it runs for a predetermined amount of time upon activation by the motion detector, or the blower can run continuously until the motion detector no longer detects any motion. The apparatus is particularly useful for reducing static electricity around fuel dispensers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventors: Kent J. George, Keith J. George, D. Duane Gilliam
  • Patent number: 7824469
    Abstract: A catalytic system (10) for fluid purification, the system (10) comprising: at least one photon source (2) to substantially break down at least two types of target molecules in the fluid to create short lived intermediates; and a ceramic core (5) including at least one type of micropore to adsorb the short lived intermediates for the propagation reactions and termination reactions of the short lived intermediates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Akos Advanced Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Yiu Wai Chan, Sui Chun Law
  • Publication number: 20100236406
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a processing chamber for accommodating therein a processing target substrate; a gas exhaust path through which a gas inside the processing chamber is exhausted; one or more exhaust pumps provided in the gas exhaust path; and a scrubber for collecting harmful components from an exhaust gas. The apparatus further includes an ionized gas supply unit for supplying to the gas exhaust path an ionized gas for neutralizing charged particles included in the exhaust gas flowing therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Jun Yamawaku, Junji Oikawa, Hiroyuki Nakayama
  • Publication number: 20100212406
    Abstract: A system for rapid collection of large volumes of dissolved gases from groundwater pumps the water from a large-diameter passage through a small-diameter restrictor passage, and then into a flow-through collection chamber. The small-diameter passage causes a drop in the hydrostatic pressure of the groundwater traveling therein, causing spontaneous ebullition of gas bubbles, which are then collected in the collection chamber. A treatment station within the passages selectively alters the concentration of dissolved gases within the groundwater. Testing reveals that the gases are collected in proportion to their presence in the groundwater, and thus the system allows accurate quantification of concentrations of dissolved gas in groundwater. The system may beneficially be made easily portable, thereby allowing its use in the field, as well as in laboratory settings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Bryant A. Browne, Kathryn Lane Browne
  • Publication number: 20100162893
    Abstract: A reflux trap for use in a plasma generator and delivery system to prevent back flow of fluids and debris from a patient to the plasma generator during a surgical procedure comprising a trap housing including a proximal diffuser chamber and a distal deflection chamber having a collection area separated by a baffle disposed within the trap housing having at least one gas flow aperture formed therethrough, a proximal inlet port and a distal outlet port formed on opposite end portions of the trap housing to feed gas to and from the trap housing through the proximal diffuser chamber, gas flow aperture and the distal deflection chamber, the baffle further includes a diffuser member disposed in the proximal diffuser chamber such that gas fed into the proximal diffuser chamber through the proximal inlet port impigns thereon and diffused through the gas flow aperture into the distal deflection chamber and through the distal outlet port to the surgical site on the patient and a deflection member disposed in the distal
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Gary Gerard Gogolin
  • Patent number: 7740686
    Abstract: A modular ductwork assembly decontaminates an air stream circulating within an heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The assembly includes (a) an ionizing module for removing particulates from the air stream, (b) a sterilization module for neutralizing airborne pathogens present in the air stream, (c) an ozone treatment module for neutralizing odoriferous constituents or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in the air stream, optionally (d) baffles for slowing and disrupting the flow rate and promoting turbulence in the air stream traveling through the modules and optionally (e) a fan module for directing a treated air stream. Each of the modules is arranged substantially adjacent to at least one of the other modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventor: Karen Metteer
  • Patent number: 7704463
    Abstract: This UV light system for use in a central air handling unit of a heating or air conditioning system includes a UV light source and is adapted for operation on, and receives power from, an approximately 24VAC low voltage power supply for a thermostat of the heating or air conditioning system. In its preferred embodiments it is provided with a mounting system including a bendable “Z” shaped mounting bracket, which bracket can be bent to multiple angles allowing the UV light source to be positioned in numerous ways within the central air handling unit. It is preferably packaged in a cylindrical packing case where the elongate cylindrical emitter portion of the UV light source is aligned with the axis of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Christopher A. Willette
  • Publication number: 20100095844
    Abstract: A portable room air purifier includes a hollow cylindrical air filter disposed within a housing and having an inner surface circumscribing a cylindrical air treatment space and an outer surface. A sorbant material is disposed on the inner surface of the air filter and a germicidal lamp is disposed within the cylindrical air treatment space to emit germicidal light within the space and incident upon the sorbant material on the inner surface of the air filter. A fan is disposed in the housing to draw air from the cylindrical air treatment space through the air filter such that the air enters the filter through the inner surface and exits the filter through the outer surface. The portable room air purifier preferably includes an electrical circuit configured to power the fan and the germicidal lamp when the housing is in an assembled condition, and to deactivate both the fan and the lamp when the housing is disassembled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: Steril-Aire, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Gilleland, Robert M. Culbert, Robert Scheir
  • Publication number: 20100011959
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrostatic particle filter for removing particles from air. The electrostatic particle filter comprises a filter medium (3) with first and second opposite sides, a first electrode (1) and a second electrode (2), the first electrode (1) and second electrode (2) being conformally provided on the first and second sides of the filter medium (3), respectively. The first electrode (1), the second electrode (2), and the filter medium (3) are arranged to allow an electrical conduction current through the filter medium (3). The first electrode (1) is a moderately-conductive electrode having a sheet resistance in a in a range with a lower boundary value of about 106 Ohm per square and an upper boundary value of about 1012 Ohm per square, at a relative humidity of 30%. The invention also relates to an electrostatic filtration system comprising the electrostatic particle filter, and a particle charging section (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: Johan Marra
  • Publication number: 20100005970
    Abstract: An air purifier for industrial plants has an air pump and a water cleaner and an ultraviolet (UV) cleaner. The air duct has an air outlet, air inlet, first duct casing and second duct casing. The first duct casing and the second ducting casing each has a top being connected by a connecting tube and are bigger than the air outlet. The water cleaner is mounted in the first duct casing of the air duct. The UV cleaner cleans and purifies dirty air and has multiple UV generators. The air purifier sprays water to contain particulates in the dirty air and decomposes the pollutants using UV. Since the dirty air in the air duct has enough reactive time to turn into the clean air, the air purifier without any air-cleaning agents generates clean air without air cleaning agents in the air to endanger people and the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: RACE AHEAD TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventor: Hui-Hsiung Lee
  • Patent number: 7635450
    Abstract: A system for disinfecting a fluid containing microorganisms or chemical contaminants includes a plurality of photocatalyst surfaces secured to a solid surface upon which a fluid to be disinfected contacts. A structure for removing a portion of the photogenerated electrons is in electrical contact with the photocatalyst layer, wherein an electron-hole recombination rate involving the photogenerated electrons and holes is reduced, thus increasing the removal rate of microorganisms or chemical contaminants from the fluid. The system can include a source of photons having a wavelength corresponding to a band gap energy of the photocatalyst to illuminate the photocatalyst layer. The invention can be used in air supply registers of a heating, ventilating and air conditioning system, or in air ducts, or used to disinfect wall coverings, floor coverings, envelopes, packages, and clothing articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: Dharendra Yogi Goswami
  • Patent number: 7582144
    Abstract: A compact, hybrid particulate and gas collector that can be used in an ultra-clean air purification, vehicle emissions control system, gas turbine, or in any other application where space and lower cost is important or in applications where sub-micron and nano-particulate filtering is needed such as in clean rooms and surgical suites. A gas flow enters the device in a first chamber and can be immediately exposed to a high-tension corona discharge electric field which typically results in a strong ionic flow by charging and collecting the incoming effluent (oil mist, soot particles, etc.). Subsequently, the charged flow enters a second zone of high-tension uniform electric field that causes the remaining charged particles to migrate to one of the charged electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventor: Henry Krigmont
  • Patent number: 7558044
    Abstract: An apparatus for reducing static electricity includes an ionizer that generates ions for neutralizing static electricity, a blower that produces a current of air for moving the ions to a desired location, and a motion detector operatively connected to the blower. Upon detecting motion, the motion detector activates the blower, which disperses ions to reduce static electricity at the desired location. The apparatus can include a heater for heating the current of ionized air. In addition, the motion detector can be operatively linked to the ionizer and heater so that they are also activated upon detection of motion. The blower can be linked to a timer such that it runs for a predetermined amount of time upon activation by the motion detector, or the blower can run continuously until the motion detector no longer detects any motion. The apparatus is particularly useful for reducing static electricity around fuel dispensers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Inventors: Kent J. George, Keith J. George, D. Duane Gillian
  • Publication number: 20090165648
    Abstract: The subject matter of the invention are electrostatic filter method and electrostatic filter for separating particles from industrial waste gases, whereas an optimal electric charging or ionization in the ionization zone are performed in a high-voltage zone and its unchanged ducts with one high-voltage supply source to ensure the subsequent particle separation in the separation zone at sufficient field strength which requires minimal energy input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: BALCKE-DURR GMBH
    Inventors: Werner Jakob Frank, Helga Frank
  • Publication number: 20090151567
    Abstract: A compact, hybrid particulate and gas collector that can be used in an ultra-clean air purification, vehicle emissions control system, gas turbine, or in any other application where space and lower cost is important or in applications where sub-micron and nano-particulate filtering is needed such as in clean rooms and surgical suites. A gas flow enters the device in a first chamber and can be immediately exposed to a high-tension corona discharge electric field which typically results in a strong ionic flow by charging and collecting the incoming effluent (oil mist, soot particles, etc.). Subsequently, the charged flow enters a second zone of high-tension uniform electric field that causes the remaining charged particles to migrate to one of the charged electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Henry Krigmont
  • Patent number: 7520978
    Abstract: A system for purifying a fluid uses ultra violet (UV) light to inactivate micro-organisms present in the fluid. The system has an arrangement of UV light emitters on perforated plates. The fluid, while passing through perforations in the perforated plates, is exposed to the UV light emitted by the UV light emitters. Micro-organisms present in the fluid pass very close to the UV light emitters. The UV light absorbed by the micro-organisms causes genetic damage and inactivation. The system has feedback units providing feedback about the physical properties of the fluid to a power unit supplying power to the UV light emitters. The power unit varies the amount of power supplied to the UV light emitters, based on the feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Philips Lumileds Lighting Co., LLC
    Inventor: Gerard Harbers
  • Publication number: 20090071328
    Abstract: In one embodiment, apparatuses and methods for collecting particulates use an aperture air flow control system and an inline series of alternating discharge and grid type electrodes each with a separate electrical circuit centrally located between either parallel grid electrodes or plate electrodes. In another embodiment, an external enclosed pre-discharger design and physical arrangement improves agglomeration of sub-micron particles. In yet another embodiment, an external opposing dual channel discharger design also improves agglomeration of particles. In another embodiment, two or more separate electrode arrangements are used within a collecting chamber to improve the operation and collection efficiency of the apparatus. The present invention also preferably increases the frequency of recharging the particles, to increase collection efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventor: John P. Dunn
  • Publication number: 20090056539
    Abstract: An air purifying device including a mounting body configured for connection to a duct or plenum of an air handling system is provided. The mounting body includes a substantially planar surface for removable connection to an ultraviolet illumination device. An aperture is provided through the substantially planar surface of the mounting body for passing an ultraviolet lamp of the ultraviolet illumination device through the mounting body. A low-profile porous substrate including a photocatalyst is connected to and extends from the mounting body. Further provided is a combination air purifying device and ultraviolet illumination device and a method of purifying air within an air handling system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: AirGorilla Corporation
    Inventor: John R. Garrett
  • Patent number: 7498004
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Saccomanno
  • Publication number: 20090049985
    Abstract: The invention relates to an air purification system for a structure comprising a first radiation source (7) for generating UV-B and/or UV-C radiation and having an imaginary horizontal plane (13) intersecting with the centre of the first radiation source (7), a first screen (3) facing the first radiation source (7) for preventing UV radiation generated by the first radiation source (7) from radiating directly outward from the air purification system (1, 31, 35, 41) into a space below the imaginary horizontal plane (13), a second screen (5) facing the first radiation source (7) as well as the first screen (5), adjustable with respect to the first radiation source (7) and at least partially coated with a photo-catalytic material at a surface facing the first radiation source (7). The invention further relates to a method for purifying air inside a structure using such an air purification system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Alain Louis Claude LEROUX, Jacques Maria Jozef GEBOERS
  • Publication number: 20090035176
    Abstract: Described is an air and surface purifying device having a purifying cell structured for maximizing the realized photocatalytic reaction at a photocatalytic surface without using an additional ultraviolet bulb. The purifying cell positions at least three photocatalytic surfaces about a single ultraviolet bulb such that the photocatalytic surfaces substantially encompass the ultraviolet bulb and are saturated by ultraviolet light radiating from the ultraviolet bulb. Because the photocatalytic surfaces are saturated, the potential photocatalytic reaction at the photocatalytic surfaces is fully realized. Stated differently, the realized photocatalytic reaction is maximized. Because the purifying cell maximizes the realized photocatalytic reaction, the purifying cell maximizes the purifying capacity of the photocatalytic surface and, thus, the purifying cell itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: EcoQuest International, Inc.
    Inventors: James Normark, Neal Morris, Allen Johnston