Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for substantially reducing undesired cumulative effects by preferentially heating the active particles. By preferentially heating the active particles, the active particles are “cleaned” of substances that may reduce or negate particle activity. In addition, preferential heating may reduce active particle adsorption of binder.

Abstract: A composite filter includes a mesh screen layer having 30 to 200 mesh, a first non-woven fabric layer disposed on the mesh screen layer, and a second non-woven fabric layer disposed between the mesh screen layer and the first non-woven fabric layer. The first non-woven fabric layer has a higher filtration efficiency than that of the second non-woven fabric layer for particles having a particle size of 0.3 ?m. A gas filter assembly includes the aforesaid composite filter pleated in a zigzag fashion, and a frame for holding and surrounding the composite filter.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a filtration article, such as a protective facemask, a method for using a filtration article, and a method for preparing a filtration article. In particular, the invention relates to a protective facemask that cost-effectively offers a broad spectrum of antimicrobial protection through the use of fibers treated with one or more oligodynamic metal and/or salt of an oligodynamic metal.

Abstract: An allergen trap is provided. The allergen trap includes a woven or nonwoven substrate having at least one strata. The trap is impregnated with or otherwise treated with a tacky adhesive by which allergens may be trapped. An example of an allergen is a dust mite. The tacky adhesive, in turn, may be treated with a miticide or activated carbon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to iodinated resins. It relates in particular to a process for preparing a polyiodide-resin wherein an anion exchange resin is contacted with a material capable of donating a member absorbable by the resin so as to convert the resin to the polyiodide-resin. The absorbable member is selected from the group consisting of I.sub.2 and polyiodide ion having a valence of ?1. In the process, conversion of the anion exchange resin to the polyiodide-resin is effected at elevated temperate and/or elevated pressure, the elevated temperature being about 100.degree. C. or higher, the elevated pressure being greater than atmospheric pressure. The present invention also relates to a substance comprising an iodine (impregnated) resin as produced by the above process.

Abstract: An antimicrobial purification device for ventilation, heating and/or air conditioning systems diffuses a volatile purification agent. The antimicrobial purification device includes an air filter (1) having a frame (2) holding a filtering agent (3). The filter (1) comprises at least one means for integrating substrate (5) holding the purification agent, consisting of a housing (4) holding the substrate (5) positioned in the frame (2) of the filter (1) or in a container mounted on this frame (2). A cap (6) sealing the housing (4) is fitted with a pin (18) to pierce a protective cover (19) in order to diffuse the purification agent as required.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated paper wherein the paper has capabilities and functionalities provided by both the fiber and the active agent ingredients, and a method of immobilizing the active agents within the integrated paper. The tight pore structure of the integrated paper of the present invention, a mean pore diameter of less than about 2 microns, provides short diffusion distances from a fluid to the surface of the paper ingredients by adsorption or diffusive interception making it an excellent medium for fluid filtration. The integrated paper of the present invention can further include a microbiological interception enhancing agent. The integrated paper can be formed using, preferably, wet laid paper-making processes for speed and efficiency. Also disclosed are devices utilizing the integrated paper useful in fluid filtration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to uses, compositions, devices, and methods involving the utilisation of nitric oxide to hinder, impede, inhibit, or prevent transmission of infectious viral particles to host cells.

Abstract: Vacuum cleaner filters, in particular replaceable vacuum cleaner filters suitable for both dry and wet/dry type vacuum cleaners are disclosed, as well as systems incorporating the use of such filters and methods for their use. The filters include a plurality of adjacently positioned pleats arranged in a closed circumferential, cylindrically-shaped path, a top end cap having a central orifice capable of constricting a post on a vacuum filter cage, and optionally a molded end ring oppositely-spaced from the top end cap for engagement with the motor housing of a vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: The two-stage air filter is formed of a nonwoven glass fiber first or inlet filter element and a second or outlet filter element formed of nonwoven fiber. The outlet filter element is preferably formed of either polyester material, or a blend of polyester and cotton fiber material. The first or inlet filter element is coarser than the second or outlet filter element, with the first element serving to capture larger particles while allowing smaller particles to pass therethrough to be captured by the finer second filter element. The two filter elements have a continuous and unbroken, homogeneous interface therebetween, with the attachment of the two filter elements with one another being solely at their mutual peripheries by a peripheral frame. Additional air freshening and cleaning, deodorizing, odor neutralizing, scent applying, fungicidal, bactericidal, and/or germicidal chemicals or materials may be applied to either or both filter elements.

Abstract: An antiallergen filter of the present invention is characterized in that a water-insoluble high-molecular weight anti-allergenic agent having a phenolic hydroxyl group and a moisture-absorbing material are carried on a filter. Because of using the water-insoluble high-molecular weight substance as an anti-allergenic agent, the antiallergen filter of the present invention is free from a problem that the anti-allergenic agent flows and drops or is detached from the filter due to moisture in the atmosphere, etc. even in a highly humid environment or the like. Further, since the moisture-absorbing material is carried on the filter, moisture that the anti-allergenic agent requires for adsorbing and capturing an allergen and inactivating its allergic activity can be effectively retained on the filter. Thus, the antiallergen filter of the present invention can effectively exert its anti-allergenic effect over a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fiber with iodinated resin particles embedded therein. The innovative fibers a show no or negligible leaching of iodine into the atmosphere and thus are not toxic. In one aspect, the antimicrobial fibers can be bonded or woven together to form a filter media. Examples of nonwoven filters are provided. Additionally, an electric charge can be applied across the nonwoven substrate to increase antimicrobial efficacy.

Abstract: An illuminating filter which provides both clean air and light into a particle controlled environment. The integration of filtration and lighting simplifies the design of cleanrooms, mini-environments, and clean zones. Space savings and cost savings are served by integrating filtration and lighting into a single structure. Light emitters, such as LEDs or other solid state devices, may be used where low voltage or low current is desirable.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an article with an antimicrobial property, and a manufacturing method thereof which gives the antimicrobial property to a surface of an article which bacteria or viruses may contact to proliferate themselves, by using the Kimchi lactic acid bacteria culture fluid with antibacterial and antivirus effects. The article needing the antimicrobial effect is provided with the antimicrobial property, by using the Kimchi lactic add bacteria culture fluid with a wide antibacterial spectrum singly or in combination with nano metal particles.

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: The present invention discloses a molded article with an antimicrobial property, and a manufacturing method thereof which can prevent contact of bacteria or viruses by combining the Kimchi lactic acid bacteria culture fluid having antibacterial and antivirus effects with a raw material to mold the article. The molded article needing the antimicrobial effect is provided with the antimicrobial property, by using the Kimchi lactic acid bacteria culture fluid with a wide antibacterial spectrum singly or in combination with nano metal particles. The Kimchi lactic acid bacteria culture fluid is combined in the molding step of the article, for reducing the manufacturing time and simplifying the manufacturing process.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a filtration article, such as a protective facemask, a method for using a filtration article, and a method for preparing a filtration article. In particular, the invention relates to a protective facemask that cost-effectively offers a broad spectrum of antimicrobial protection through the use of fibers treated with one or more oligodynamic metal and/or salt of an oligodynamic metal.

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 deputation process and corresponding apparatus for purification of the air of a closed environment characterized by indoor pollution, in which, in order to reduce the pollution, a water tank is provided that contains a multiplicity of active biomasses designed to absorb and metabolize the pollutant substances that are contained in the water and come from the air of the closed environment, and elements of water-air contact, designed precisely to transfer the pollutant substances from the closed environment into the water within the tank.

Abstract: A detachable filtering apparatus for an air conditioning system and an installment method thereof provides an air disinfection function. It can be operated continuously, is suitable for conventional air conditioners and is applied at a place that requires disinfection. A hollow circular frame and a multi-aperture filter screen are detachably installed at a specified installation area of the air tube of the air conditioning system. The structure of the filtering apparatus can be installed easily and conveniently and is suitable for adjustable air pipes. It is convenient to maintain the air conditioner.

Abstract: A filtration medium includes a fine filter layer having a plurality of nanofibers and a coarse filter layer having a plurality of microfibers attached to the fine filter layer. The coarse filter layer is positioned proximal to a direction of fluid flow, and the fine filter layer is positioned distal to the direction of fluid flow.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for removing malodor from the air, particularly from confined spaces are disclosed. Such devices and methods are useful for example for storing and preserving food in closed compartments such as refrigerators. The apparatus and methods utilize baking soda as the odor removing substance, either alone, or in combination with another odor removing substance, which may include activated carbon. In one embodiment, the apparatus has a detachable cartridge member which contains baking soda. In one version of this embodiment, the detachable cartridge member is used with an air moving member that draws air through the detachable cartridge member. In one embodiment, the method involves using a detachable cartridge member with an air moving member in one confined space, and using another cartridge member without the air moving member in another compartment of the confined space.

Abstract: A hydrogen peroxide vapor generation unit (10) receives hydrogen peroxide and water solution at an interface (20) and interconnects with an air dryer (14) by way of nipples (72, 92). In one embodiment, the dryer includes a clamping assembly (42) which is latched (74, 94) with the nipples and which receives a disposable desiccant cartridge (40). In an alternate embodiment, a reusable desiccant cartridge (40?) is connected directly to the nipples (72, 92). When the desiccant cartridge (40?) is saturated, it is removed and placed in a regenerator unit (120). A regenerated cartridge is installed in its place.

Abstract: An antiallergen filter of the present invention is characterized in that a water-insoluble high-molecular weight anti-allergenic agent having a phenolic hydroxyl group and a moisture-absorbing material are carried on a filter. Because of using the water-insoluble high-molecular weight substance as an anti-allergenic agent, the antiallergen filter of the present invention is free from a problem that the anti-allergenic agent flows and drops or is detached from the filter due to moisture in the atmosphere, etc. even in a highly humid environment or the like. Further, since the moisture-absorbing material is carried on the filter, moisture that the anti-allergenic agent requires for adsorbing and capturing an allergen and inactivating its allergic activity can be effectively retained on the filter. Thus, the antiallergen filter of the present invention can effectively exert its anti-allergenic effect over a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: An oxygen enrichment apparatus includes an oxygen enriching unit for generating oxygen-enriched air and a discharge unit for discharging the oxygen-enriched air transferred from the suction unit. The oxygen-enriched air generated by the oxygen enriching unit has an oxygen concentration ranging from about 25% to 35%. The apparatus also includes a suction unit for suctioning the oxygen-enriched air from the oxygen enriching unit and a control unit for controlling the operation of the suction unit. The main body is provided with a display unit for indicating a state that the oxygen-enriched air is being discharged out by the discharge unit. The oxygen enriching unit has at least one oxygen enriching membrane for generating the oxygen-enriched air and a condensed water treating unit is installed at an air passage for guiding the oxygen-enriched air from the oxygen enriching unit to the discharge unit via the suction unit.

Abstract: There are provided: an air blower 25 that introduces indoor air from an air inlet 13 and delivers the air through air outlets 29 and 30; and a dust collecting filter 55 that collects dust contained in air. The dust collecting filter 55 carries a porous microcapsule 37 impregnated with an aromatic agent, and is formed of an HEPA filter having a filtering material 55a impregnated with an antiviral agent. On the surface of the dust collecting filter 55, there is provided a breathable antibacterial sheet 37 impregnated with an antiallergenic agent.

Abstract: Ventilating and air purifying device including a case having a blower therein provided to a ceiling or a wall, a first flow passage provided between the blower and a room for making an outdoor, the blower, and the room in communication, a second flow passage for making the room, an inside of the case, and the outdoor in communication, and a damper in the case for isolating the first flow passage from the second flow passage so that room air is discharged to the outdoor and the room air is guided to the blower, or making the first flow passage and the second flow passage in communication so that the room air introduced into the second flow passage is guided to the blower, thereby ventilating and purifying the room air.

Abstract: An improved air-conditioner filter, including a planar element for entrapping dust particles, and an additional planar porous element impregnated with a bacteriostat, the filter being arranged in an air-handler unit such that inducted air is first filtered for dust, and subsequently treated for remaining micro-sized organic material. A frame element peripherally encloses the element for entrapping dust particles and the additional porous element so that the components of the filter may be readily replaced as a unit.

Abstract: A filter block having a permeability of greater than about 3.0*10?9 cm2, and a F-VLR of greater than about 99% is provided. The filter block may be made of filter particles having a median particle size of less than about 50 microns and having a particle span of about 1.4 or less. The filter blocks of the present invention can be used to make a filter for filtering liquids and more specifically, for providing potable water. The filter particles may be mesoporous. Kits comprising filters and information relating to the killing or removal of bacteria, viruses, and microbials are also provided.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner including an electric blower for generating suction air, a collecting unit for collecting dust contained in the suction air, a dust removing unit for removing dust adhered to the collecting unit, and a dust removing stop unit for stopping an operation of the dust removing unit. The dust removing stop unit stops the operation of the dust removing unit in response to a user's selection or an operation mode of the vacuum cleaner, thereby saving a power consumption of the dust removing unit.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical electrostatic air cleaner that combines a low air resistance dielectric fibrous filter material positioned between and electrically charged by two electrically resistant carbon coated screens. The screens are charged by a remotely mounted bi-polar power supply. A pair of post ionization electrodes charge particles in the air with opposite charges, causing the particles to agglomerate. A plurality of screens may be placed in an array for increased one-pass filtration.

Abstract: An air cleaner and method of controlling an operation of the same is disclosed. The air cleaner includes a cabinet having an inlet and an outlet; a filter assembly removing dust and smell particles from a room air; a fan; a sensor assembly sensing the composition of the room air; a supplier assembly providing at least one of insufficient components of the room air to a cleaned air; and a controller controlling the supplier assembly on the basis of data regarding the composition of the room air. In another aspect, the method of controlling the operation of the air cleaner includes steps of sensing a room air; measuring insufficient components of the room air and the amount thereof; and providing at least one of the insufficient components of the room air to a cleaned air.

Abstract: A self-powered, personally wearable air purifier includes a sequence of packed bed filter media packets having filter media therein of specifically targeted types that will absorb those ambient air pollutants that have been identified as being particularly dangerous to human health. A HEPA filter is included for the removal of particulate matter that will have adhered thereto many of such pollutants. Media types can be selected to meet different environmental circumstances, including normal highway or city center air, or terrorist attacks of chemical, biological or “dirty bomb” types as on a battlefield or similar environments. Shoulder straps and a chest strap are provided for wearing the apparatus on a user's back, or other means such as a shoulder pouch can also be employed. Emergency substitution of filter media using thermal insulation from the clothing of the user is available upon depletion of the normal media material.

Abstract: Particles may be used to filter harmful biological material from an fluid stream such as air. The particles can be arranged into a bed to filter the harmful biological material from the fluid. The particles include a biocidal agent which is used to destroy the harmful biological material.

Abstract: An improved cartridge, typically in cylindrical or panel form that can be used in a dry or wet/dry vacuum cleaner. The cartridge is cleanable using a stream of service water, or by rapping on a solid object, or by using a compressed gas stream, but can provide exceptional filtering properties even for submicron particulate in the household or industrial environment. The cartridge has a combination of nanofiber filtration layer on a substrate. The nanofiber and substrate are engineered to obtain a maximum efficiency at reasonable pressure drop and permeability. The improved cartridge constitutes at least a substrate material and at least a layer including a non-woven, fine fiber separation layer.

Abstract: A system for sterilizing or microbially deactivating instruments and devices. The system includes a circulation system for circulating a microbial deactivation fluid through a chamber for containing the instruments and devices. The chamber forms a portion of the circulation system. The system further includes a fluid over-flow/make-up air assembly. The fluid over-flow/make-up air assembly includes a manifold having an inner cavity that is in fluid communication with the circulation system, an overflow port in the manifold, and an overflow valve assembly disposed in the manifold allowing fluid flow from the cavity to the overflow port when a pressure in the cavity exceeds a pressure in the overflow port by a predetermined amount. A filter assembly is attached to the manifold. The filter assembly has a filter valve assembly in communication with the cavity.

Abstract: An air cleaner for cleaning air and for providing sterilization and deodorization effects, includes an air-liquid contact part, for bringing the air into contact with a water screen formed by spraying, using nozzles, pressurized circulating water, and for removing foreign materials from the air; a liquid separating part for separating from the air, tiny water droplets that are included in the air passing through the air-liquid contact part; a cylindrical body into which air to be cleaned is guided, and in which the air-liquid contact part and the liquid separating part are arranged in order; a chlorine dioxide addition unit, for adding a stabilized chlorine dioxide solution to a water tank for the water that is circulated; and a chlorine dioxide activation unit, for activating chlorine dioxide added to the circulating water, that is arranged in a circulating water pipe that extends from the water tank to the spray nozzles.

Abstract: An air cleaning apparatus includes an air cleaning unit moved in a vertical direction to clean room air, allowing the room air to be effectively and uniformly cleaned in a short period of time. The air cleaning apparatus includes a longitudinal cabinet to stand on a support surface. An air cleaning unit is installed in the cabinet to move in the vertical direction, and is provided with a blowing unit and a filtering unit to clean air. An elevating unit is provided at at least one of the cabinet and the air cleaning unit to move the air cleaning unit in the vertical direction. The air cleaning apparatus also includes upper and lower sensors, and a control unit. The upper and lower sensors are provided on upper and lower portions of the cabinet, respectively, to sense air pollution levels of upper and lower parts of a room. The control unit controls the air cleaning unit so that the air cleaning unit moves upward or downward, according to data obtained from the upper and lower sensors.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-pathogenic air filtration medium comprising a fibrous substrate whose fibers are coated with coating comprising a polymer. The coating provides an environment that is destructive to airborne pathogens. In particular, the filter medium can be used in a building air handling system that both filters the air and eliminates pathogens. The filter medium also can be used to create a new bio-protective gas mask that not only offers protection against chemical warfare agents, but also provides protection against biological pathogens.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a microporous filter medium treated with a microbiological interception enhancing agent comprising a cationic chemical having a medium to high charge density and a molecular weight greater than about 5000 Daltons, adsorbed on at least a portion of the microporous structure, and a biologically active metal in direct proximity to the cationic chemical and also on at least a portion of the microporous structure, wherein the flow of fluid through the filter medium decreases in response to an amount of polyanionic acids present in an influent. Robust microbiological interception is still maintained due to the extended empty bed contact time as a result of the diminished flow rate.

Abstract: A filter media comprises a medium for capturing and neutralizing harmful substances. Methods for fabricating a low-pressure, high efficiency filter media for capturing harmful substances produce filter media having engineered pores that have an engineered pour size dispersion, which may be monodispersed and uniformly arranged. Neutralizing components may be coated on filter media, providing both increased capture efficiency and neutralization of at least one harmful substance, such as harmful pathogens, aerosols, particulates, VOCs, gases and vapors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ultraviolet air purification devices and custom component kits useful residential and commercial settings. Apparatus and kits according to the invention include an electrical control relay, a safety switch, and a separate ballast for each lamp. When multiple lamps are used, a suppressor ballast is used to protect the lamps from electrical surges. Terminal strips are included so multiple ballasts and lamps can be used as part of the electrical configuration. The invention allows for UV-C bulbs and is designed so that only the lamps and their connectors must be disposed in the path of the air flow. The lamps are easily installed by pushing into a connector on one end. Supports for the end and the middle of the bulbs may be used in installation. LED indicator lights show if each lamp is receiving the electrical charge. Multi-faceted tin reflectors may be installed on each end.

Abstract: A furnace exhaust filter assembly for removing harmful particles being expelled through an exhaust pipe of a furnace. The furnace exhaust filter assembly includes a tubular member having a side wall and open top and bottom ends; and also includes filter members being attached to the tubular member for filtering exhaust from a furnace; and further includes filtering materials being attached to the filter members for filtering the exhaust from the furnace.

Abstract: Fresh and clean air in a forest, which contains abundant anion and phytoncide molecules, relaxes stress and anxiety and helps the metabolism of human body. An apparatus is disclosed in the present invention, which removes the dust particles, chemicals, smelly compounds, etc. in the air. The apparatus further disperses anions and phytoncide molecules in the air to generate an air condition resembling the air environment in a forest, which is fresh, clean and containing substantial amount of anions and phytoncide molecules. The apparatus of the present invention is also very concise and can be used in a small space, such as in an office, a vehicle, etc. The present invention also discloses the design for building the apparatus, which can generate air condition resembling the air environment of a forest, in a compact manner.

Abstract: A method and system removes nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) agents from an air stream from a facility HVAC. The system includes an irradiation zone, a saturation zone and a precipitation zone. A contaminant detection apparatus controls the irradiation, saturation and precipitation of the air stream. The irradiation destroys biological agents along with saturation of air stream with a water based solution. The biological debris and dissolved chemical agents are precipitated out of the air stream by condenser coils. Nuclear agents are removed from the air stream by diverting the air stream though a bypass filter containing high mass particulate filters and activated charcoal. The contaminants are stored for later removal and destruction. The contaminate detection apparatus includes NBC sensors.

Abstract: The invention provides a portable or hand-held vacuum cleaner that includes a filtration system or filtration module that can pick up particles and contaminants. It has a first passive stage (such as a HEPA filter) to collect dust particles, and contaminants over a predetermined size. The invention also includes an active stage filter(such as an ozone generator) which may include one or more chemical (or biological) agents effective to kill bacteria, viruses, and the like.

Abstract: A method for removing biofilm from, and/or for preventing biofilm from forming on, an interior surface of a conduit that receives a supply of water, is performed by disabling the supply of water to the conduit, and passing an ozone-containing gas to the conduit. The ozone-containing gas can be generated from an oxygen-containing gas that is exposed to either a corona discharge or ultraviolet radiation. In an alternate embodiment, the water is disinfected by the ultraviolet radiation. The invention is especially suited for use with dental equipment.

Abstract: An air purification apparatus is disclosed that includes a HEPA or ULPA cartridge filter having mounted axially therein an UV lamp extending from a closed end of the cartridge. An air channeling housing is provided for removably mounting the combination filter and lamp assembly for ingress of an air stream through the open end of the combination filter and lamp assembly and for egress of the air stream through the filter medium. A fan can be mounted in the housing either upstream or downstream of the combination filter to provide the means for flowing air through the housing for decontamination by both the filter and UV irradiation provided by the combination filter and lamp assembly. With this arrangement, all contaminants trapped on the filter are within the combination filter and lamp assembly for constant illumination by the UV lamp to destroy bacteria both in the incoming air stream and while resident on the interior of the filter assembly.

Abstract: An air filtration system for refrigerated compartments. In one embodiment, the refrigerated compartment of the invention includes a plurality of walls defining the refrigerated compartment, an air inlet passage and an air outlet passage extending through at least one of the walls, a plenum chamber positioned outside of said refrigerated compartment having an air inlet port and an air outlet port wherein the air inlet port and air outlet port are respectively fluidly coupled to the air inlet passage and said air outlet passage, a fan to produce airflow between the air inlet port and the air outlet port, and an air filter assembly disposed within the plenum. The air filtration system of the invention can be utilized in a refrigerated commercial transport vehicle.

Abstract: An air purifying filter includes a modified enzyme immobilized on a surface of a carrier. The modified enzyme has been modified with a bonding agent that improves bonding. The surface of the carrier has not been rendered to be water repellant prior to immobilizing the modified enzyme on the surface of the carrier. The bonding agent improves bonding of the modified enzyme to the carrier.