Automatic Control Of Heat Supply Or Heat Effect Patents (Class 261/131)
  • Patent number: 10612131
    Abstract: A vaporization system without a pressure sensor including: a vaporizer that vaporizes the liquid material; a supply amount controller that controls the supply amount of the liquid material to the vaporizer; a flow rate regulation valve that regulates the flow rate of vaporized gas produced by the vaporizer; a flow rate sensor that measures the flow rate of the vaporized gas; and a valve control part that outputs a drive signal to the flow rate regulation valve to control a valve opening level so that a measured flow rate measured by the flow rate sensor becomes equal to a predetermined set flow rate, is adapted to acquire a drive signal value that is a value indicated by the drive signal; and output a control signal to the supply amount controller on the basis of the drive signal value and control the supply of the liquid material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: HORIBA STEC, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Taguchi, Ryoichi Kyoyama
  • Patent number: 9997937
    Abstract: An electronic cigarette charging apparatus used for charging a battery rod (100) of an electronic cigarette. One end of the battery rod (100) is provided with a first electrode (101) and a second electrode (102) both electrically connected to the electronic cigarette charging apparatus. The electronic cigarette charging apparatus includes a first magnetic charging electrode (2). The first charging electrode (2) is provided with at least one butted curved surface corresponding to the position of the first electrode (101) or the second electrode (102). During the charging, the first charging electrode (2) abuts against and is in magnetic attraction with the first electrode (101) or the second electrode (102) to form conductive connection. The implementation of the electronic cigarette charging apparatus has the beneficial effects: the electronic cigarette charging apparatus can increase the contact area of the charging electrode (2) and the battery rod (100), and the charging is stable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: HUIZHOU KIMREE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. SHENZHEN BRANCH
    Inventor: Qiuming Liu
  • Publication number: 20150137396
    Abstract: The present invention provides a humidifying unit, a humidification method, and a humidification system, whereby the efficiency of diffusing water vapor into the air, the absorption amount (absolute humidity), and the water supply utilization can be enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: SINNIHON BIFUU CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dai Aramaki, Yoshinobu Murakami, Shinsuke Ohara, Hiroshi Nagasawa
  • Patent number: 8814149
    Abstract: A humidity generator and method for setting operating parameters of the humidity generator to controllably generate humidity levels below 100% and greater than 100%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Nabin C. Panda, Carl W. Townsend
  • Publication number: 20140216308
    Abstract: This invention provides a system for removing ammonia from landfill leachate. The system comprises: an economiser 22 for producing high pressure hot water in a hot water circuit from heat exchange with a hot gas stream carrying waste heat; a boiler 26 which is heated by the high pressure hot water to produce steam; and an ammonia stripper 32. The ammonia stripper 32 has a leachate inlet 56 connected to a leachate flow path, and an ammonia containing gas outlet 36, at an upper end thereof. A leachate discharge outlet 72 is provided which is connected to a leachate discharge flow path 74, and a steam inlet 70 is provided which is connected to the boiler 26 by a conduit. At a lower end of the ammonia stripper there is a forced air inlet 68. A randomly packed bed 60, 64 located between the upper end and the lower end. In use there is a flow of steam and air in one direction and of leachate in the opposite direction which releases ammonia from the leachate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventors: Robert Eden, Mark Moulden
  • Publication number: 20140203459
    Abstract: A steam distribution apparatus having a heat exchanger header defining a chamber; steam distribution apparatus communicating with the heat exchanger chamber; a source of steam at a pressure higher than atmospheric; a heat exchanger having one end communicating with the source of steam and another end for communicating with the chamber and steam dispersion apparatus; and a valve. The valve operates the heat exchanger in an open-loop configuration which supplies humidification steam to the steam distribution apparatus at atmospheric pressure and operates the heat exchanger in a closed-loop at the steam pressure higher than atmospheric for heating the heat exchanger chamber wherein condensate within the chamber or steam distribution apparatus can be converted back to humidification steam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: National Environmental Products Ltd.
    Inventors: Zev W. KOPEL, Eric Landry, Antonio Di-Fruscio
  • Publication number: 20140065266
    Abstract: A system and a method for the production and provision of CO2 gas is disclosed. A sealable chamber is equipped with heating means and when sodium bicarbonate is placed in it and heated to its decomposition temperature CO2 gas is released. The released gas is conveyed into liquid within a container and when the pressure of the gas in the container raises more and more CO2 gas is dissolved. The heating may he done by conduction mechanism or by induction mechanism. The sodium bicarbonate or any other material including carbon dioxide may be disposed in powder or solid form. I may be disposed in thin envelope case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Pinchas SHALEV
  • Patent number: 8661919
    Abstract: The present invention is intended to improve response property and accuracy of temperature control of a liquid sample, and is provided with a vaporization tank that retains the liquid sample, one or more heaters that are provided in the vaporization tank and respectively have heating parts that come into contact with the liquid sample to heat the liquid sample, a temperature detection part that is provided in contact with an outer surface including the heating part of any of the heaters and detects a temperature of the outer surface, and a control part that receives a temperature detection signal from the temperature detection part to control electric power supplied to the heaters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Horiba STEC, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidenori Oba, Tadayuki Nagano
  • Patent number: 8632059
    Abstract: A fragrance disperser in one form includes a single fan that passes air over a wicked single or double fragrance. A second form has the fan reversible to provide two different airstreams that evaporate respective different fragrances one after the other. Where two fragrances are provided, the evaporation may be by respective electrical heaters. A fragrance source may be formed by two sheets joined together to form two chambers each receiving a respective wick and having respective exposed wick portions. The source may incorporate a source of electrical power. An alternative source has a reservoir for fragrance and a wick located in an air passage forming part of the source so that an air flow is guided through the passage past the wick to evaporate fragrance. Where two fragrances are provided, the fragrance sources may be located side-by-side and matching fragrances may have, for example, matching indicia on the sources so that the match can be easily determined visually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: CTR Consultoria Tecnica e Representacoes, Lda
    Inventors: Richard P. H. Pankhurst, Brian D. Smith, Michael J. Evans
  • Publication number: 20140007872
    Abstract: A device and a process for the heating and humidification of gas, especially respiratory gas. Fluid from a fluid reservoir is supplied to a sprinkling type chamber where, for the purpose of humidification, it is moved through the gas. The point is that the fluid is heated by a temperature controlled heater to a preset temperature. In addition to the description of the device, a description of the process underlying the operation of the device is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: Gründler Gmbh
    Inventors: Christoph GRÜNDLER, Markus GRÜNDLER, Daniel Heine
  • Publication number: 20130334716
    Abstract: A fan heater with a humidifier includes a housing in which both a warm air generation mechanism for generating warm air and a humidification mechanism for generating a mist are provided. The fan heater with the humidifier is characterized by its integrated structure for effectively providing warm air and appropriate moisture at the same time, so as to prevent the air around the fan heater from being too dry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Chan Ching
  • Publication number: 20130249124
    Abstract: A humidifying apparatus includes a nozzle and a base on which the nozzle is mounted. The nozzle has respective first and second air inlets, air outlets and interior passages for conveying air therefrom and thereto. The nozzle defines a bore through which air outside the humidifying apparatus is drawn by air emitted from the air outlets. The base generates first and second air flows through the respective first and second interior passages, and a water reservoir. First and second air passageways convey the first and second air flows to the respective first and second air inlets. As the second air passageway conveys the second air flow over the water in the reservoir, water stored in the reservoir is agitated. An ultraviolet radiation generator irradiates the agitated water for a period of time before water stored in the reservoir is atomized to increase the humidity of the second air flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: DYSON TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: Mark Joseph STANIFORTH, Daniel James BEAVIS, Jude Paul PULLEN
  • Patent number: 8491720
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to an HVPE chamber. The chamber may have two separate precursor sources coupled thereto to permit two separate layers to be deposited. For example, a gallium source and a separate aluminum source may be coupled to the processing chamber to permit gallium nitride and aluminum nitride to be separately deposited onto a substrate in the same processing chamber. The nitrogen may be introduced to the processing chamber at a separate location from the gallium and the aluminum and at a lower temperature. The different temperatures causes the gases to mix together, react and deposit on the substrate with little or no deposition on the chamber walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Ishikawa, David H. Quach, Anzhong Chang, Olga Kryliouk, Yuriy Melnik, Harsukhdeep S. Ratia, Son T. Nguyen, Lily Pang
  • Publication number: 20120248636
    Abstract: A heater unit is adapted to determine if a humidification chamber thermally coupled to a hot plate of the heater unit is effectively dry based on determining a thermal response of a hot plate of the heater unit. Also, the activation period during which the hot plate is being heated is adjusted toward an optimum period by adjusting the energization or power level to the heater element thereof in relation to the duration of a prior activation period. Further, the air flow rate of gas through the humidification chamber may be estimated based on a temperature of the hot plate determined in predetermined relationship to the beginning of an activation period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: Smiths Medical ASD, Inc.
    Inventors: Mikhail Fridberg, Boris Dubinsky
  • Patent number: 8276892
    Abstract: According to a humidity controller (10), a first heat exchanger chamber (37) and a second heat exchanger chamber (38) are arranged next to each other in the left-to-right direction in the casing (11). A first adsorption heat exchanger (51) is accommodated in the first heat exchanger chamber (37), and a second adsorption heat exchanger (52) is accommodated in the second heat exchanger chamber (38). The humidity controller (10) alternately performs an operation in which outdoor air passes through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) and room air passes through the second adsorption heat exchanger (52), and an operation in which outdoor air passes through the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) and room air passes through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Narikawa, Shuji Ikegami, Nobuki Matsui
  • Publication number: 20120211907
    Abstract: A humidity generator and method for setting operating parameters of the humidity generator to controllably generate humidity levels below 100% and greater than 100%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Nabin C. Panda, Carl W. Townsend
  • Publication number: 20120201900
    Abstract: A suspension of gas-filled microbubbles can be synthesized by sonicating a lipid solution and a first gas in a reaction volume. The resulting microbubble suspension can be stored for later use, for example, for infusion into a patient for gas delivery thereto. Various techniques can improve the shelf life of the microbubbles. For example, the microbubble suspension can be freeze-dried to remove water and the first gas therefrom while leaving the microbubble shells intact. In an alternative, the microbubble suspension can be frozen. In still another alternative, the microbubble suspension can be formed with a first gas that has a low solubility, thereby creating microbubbles with increased stability. Prior to use, the microbubble suspension can be prepared by exchanging the gas in the microbubble cores, rehydrating, and/or raising the temperature of the stored microbubbles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
    Inventors: Mark A. Borden, Edward J. Swanson
  • Publication number: 20120146251
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a humidifier for humidifying medical gases, comprising a humidification module including a control unit, wherein the humidification module is adapted for receiving a humidification chamber. Furthermore, the humidification module is further adapted to sense and/or receive information upon connection of the humidification chamber and/or additional equipment such as hoses, power supply pack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: GRÜNDLER GmbH
    Inventors: Daniel Heine, Markus Gruendler, Christoph Gruendler, Philipp Hiereth, Martin Busch
  • Patent number: 8171894
    Abstract: An engine system in which hydrogen is employed as a fuel, including a reactor configured to cause a reaction using a catalyst, in which the reactor is constituted by alternately disposing plural exhaust passages and plural fuel passageways of the engine system with a wall interposed therebetween; at least one carrier configured to carry the catalyst and to be formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape is fitted in at least one of fuel passageways; and the carrier is provided with a plate portion which has a surface disposed in a fuel flowing direction and is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape and at least one slit portion which divides the surface of the plate portion in the fuel flowing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Sano, Shigenori Togashi, Takao Ishikawa, Atsushi Shimada, Kenichi Souma
  • Publication number: 20110215487
    Abstract: A cooling tower for evaporating water from a brine solution is provided and may include a housing having an air inlet and a brine inlet. The cooling tower may also include a heat-exchange assembly having a heat-exchange media that suspends the brine solution and at least one nozzle in fluid communication with the brine inlet. The at least one nozzle may receive the brine solution from the brine inlet and may transfer the brine solution from the brine inlet to the heat-exchange media to allow the heat-exchange media to transfer moisture from the brine solution to air received from the air inlet to reduce the moisture content of the brine solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: RUSH AIR, INC.
    Inventors: Kelly D. Rushmore, James H. Shoffner
  • Patent number: 7980535
    Abstract: A steam dispersion system is disclosed. The steam dispersion system includes a header, a divider dividing the header into at least two interior chambers that are generally not in fluid communication with each other, and at least two steam dispersion tubes, each steam dispersion tube communicating with only one interior chamber. Each interior chamber includes a separate steam flow valve for independently controlling the amount of steam flow to each chamber based on the difference between a measured humidity value and a predetermined desired humidity value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Dristeem Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. Dovich, Robert Russell Nelson, James M. Lundgreen
  • Patent number: 7942390
    Abstract: A steam humidifier provided by the present invention has a tank having a reservoir section and a cover removably and sealingly secured thereto. The tank contains water during a humidifying operation in which the humidifier humidifies an indoor environment. The cover has a heating element mounted thereon and extending therefrom into the reservoir section and a steam outlet assembly mounted thereon and extending therethrough into the tank. The heating element evaporates at least a portion of the water during the humidifying operation into steam output through the steam outlet assembly to humidify the indoor environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Thermolec LTEE
    Inventor: Cherif Menassa
  • Publication number: 20110074053
    Abstract: A humidifying apparatus is disclosed in which gas is provided to a first side of a membrane and liquid to a second side of the same membrane. The membrane is non-porous to the liquid but porous to vapour of the liquid and is liquidphilic to said liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventor: Antonius Johannus VAN DER NET
  • Publication number: 20100308481
    Abstract: A vaporising device (80) for vaporising vaporisable matter without burning the vaporisable matter, typically, tobacco, comprises a vaporisation chamber (61) for the vaporisable matter, and a gas powered heating unit (1) for heating the vaporisation chamber (61). The heating unit (1) comprises a housing (2) having a main cylindrical side wall (4) closed at its respective ends by a first end wall (5) and a second end wall (6) to form a main chamber (8) within which fuel gas is converted to heat. A secondary cylindrical side wall (62) extends from the second end wall (6) to form the vaporisation chamber (61) for receiving a tobacco product (81), a cylindrical sleeve (83) of tobacco (84) for producing an aerosol of vaporisable constituents in the tobacco (84). A cylindrical partition wall (10) concentric with the main side wall (4) of the housing (2) extends into the main chamber (8) from the first end wall (5) and defines a primary combustion chamber (11) and a secondary combustion chamber (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: OGLESBY & BUTLER RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT LIMITED
    Inventors: Alfred Peter Oglesby, John Paul Oglesby
  • Publication number: 20100193976
    Abstract: A water mister for a humidifier has a hollow base, a control assembly, and a diaphragm connected electrically to the control assembly. The hollow base has a tank formed therein and a heat-dissipating hole formed through the tank. The tank has a bottom and a diaphragm hole. The diaphragm hole is formed through the bottom of the tank. The control assembly has a chip. The chip is water-proof and mounted in the hollow base under and covers the heat-dissipating hole. Therefore, heat of the chip can be dissipated to the water in the tank. Because the water absorbs the heat of the chip, the heat can be dissipated quickly and efficiently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Keng-U FANG
  • Publication number: 20100181690
    Abstract: According to a humidity controller (10), a first heat exchanger chamber (37) and a second heat exchanger chamber (38) are arranged next to each other in the left-to-right direction in the casing (11). A first adsorption heat exchanger (51) is accommodated in the first heat exchanger chamber (37), and a second adsorption heat exchanger (52) is accommodated in the second heat exchanger chamber (38). The humidity controller (10) alternately performs an operation in which outdoor air passes through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) and room air passes through the second adsorption heat exchanger (52), and an operation in which outdoor air passes through the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) and room air passes through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: Yoshinori Narikawa, Shuji Ikegami, Nobuki Matsui
  • Publication number: 20100170481
    Abstract: A conversion system for a gasoline engine based generator enables the use of heavier fuels. A vertically disposed vortex separation chamber includes an inlet proximate the bottom of the chamber and tangential to the longitudinal axis of the chamber for delivering to the chamber partially vaporized fuel in an air-fuel mixture from a carburetor associated with the engine. An outlet proximate the top of the chamber also tangential to the longitudinal axis of the chamber for delivering vaporized fuel from the chamber to the engine. An electric heater is in communication with the bottom of the chamber for heating the chamber wall to vaporize any fuel thereon so vaporized fuel is reintroduced in swirling air-fuel mixture in the chamber. A battery source charged by the generator provides power to the electric heater. A jacket is disposed about and spaced from the chamber wall creating an annulus between the jacket and the chamber wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: David H. Walker, Andrew C. Harvey, Nathan B. Longo
  • Patent number: 7618027
    Abstract: A vaporizing device is provided for control, delivery, and purification of low vapor pressure gases in conjunction with carrier gas in micro-electronics and other critical applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Rasirc
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Spiegelman
  • Patent number: 7563360
    Abstract: A top temperature T1 of a distillation tower 1 is held below a liquefying temperature of a light fraction by returning a part of an exhaust gas W, which is cooled by a condenser 5, to the upper zone of the distillation tower 1. A bottom temperature T2 is raised up to 300° C. at highest by returning a part of a liquid product P from a re-boiler 3 to a lower zone of the distillation tower 1. When a liquid hydrocarbon L comes in countercurrent contact with a stripping gas G inside the distillation tower 1 with the temperature profile that an inner temperature gradually falls down along an upward direction, mercury is efficiently transferred from the liquid L to a vapor phase without effusion of the light fraction in accompaniment with the exhaust gas W.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi, Senichiro Kaku, Kazutoshi Chaki
  • Patent number: 7547005
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a vapor are described. In one variation, liquid is placed in a containment vessel, and a pressure in the containment vessel is reduced below atmospheric pressure. The pressure in the vessel is monitored and the liquid is heated in response to the sensed pressure falling below a desired level. When needed, the vapor is delivered from the liquid containment vessel to the external system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Fernando Gustavo Tomasel, Justin Mauck, Juan Jose Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 7536873
    Abstract: For cooling a gas by direct heat exchange with a cooling liquid, the gas (1) to be cooled is introduced into the lower region of a direct contact cooler (2). A first stream of cooling liquid (8) is fed into the direct contact cooler (2) above the point of introduction of the gas (1). Cooled gas (5) is removed above the point of introduction of the gas (1) from the direct contact cooler (2). A liquid backflow (10) is drawn off from the lower region of the direct contact cooler (2). At least at times, a second stream of cooling liquid (13) with a temperature that is lower than that of the backflow (10) is fed into the liquid backflow (10) and combined with the latter to form a return flow (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Thomas Nohlen
  • Patent number: 7389813
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods of controlling local environment. In one embodiment, incoming air enters a contactor such the Direct Contact Cooler-Condenser (DCCC) where the air contacts water distributed on the contact media. After passing through the DCCC, the air is saturated at a temperature equal or close to that of the water. Depending on the state of the incoming air, in the DCCC will be humidified or dehumidified to yield saturated air at the desired humidity ratio. In one embodiment, a blower draws air through the DCCC and blows into the heater. The heater heats the air to the desired dry-bulb temperature. Before exiting, the air may pass through a filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: ASML Holding N.V.
    Inventors: Dikran S. Babikian, Bryan H. Wade
  • Patent number: 7364139
    Abstract: A carburetor having a throttle valve in the form of a disc which can be rotated to control flow of an air/fuel mixture through a duct, the throttle disc having a heating element and a temperature sensor formed on at least one surface of said throttle disc; and an electric power supply, the electric power supply being controlled by the temperature sensor, to maintain the temperature of the throttle disc above a predetermined minimum temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Inventor: Bernard Bollons
  • Patent number: 7261150
    Abstract: A method for humidifying and controlling the temperature of a process gas stream comprising the steps of super-saturating and heating the process gas stream with steam until it reaches a first pre-set temperature; cooling the process gas stream until it reaches a second pre-set temperature; removing excess condensed water from the process gas stream; and heating the process gas stream until it reaches a third pre-set temperature. An apparatus for implementing this method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Hydrogenics Corporation
    Inventors: Joe Cargnelli, Ravi B. Gopal
  • Patent number: 7051801
    Abstract: A method for humidifying and controlling the temperature of a process gas stream comprising the steps of super-saturating and heating the process gas stream with steam until it reaches a first pre-set temperature; cooling the process gas stream until it reaches a second pre-set temperature; removing excess condensed water from the process gas stream; and heating the process gas stream until it reaches a third pre-set temperature. An apparatus for implementing this method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Hydrogenics Corporation
    Inventors: Joe Cargnelli, Ravi B. Gopal
  • Patent number: 6966364
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods of controlling local environment. In one embodiment, incoming air enters a contactor such the Direct Contact Cooler-Condenser (DCCC) where the air contacts water distributed on the contact media. After passing through the DCCC, the air is saturated at a temperature equal or close to that of the water. Depending on the state of the incoming air, in the DCCC will be humidified or dehumidified to yield saturated air at the desired humidity ratio. In one embodiment, a blower draws air through the DCCC and blows into the heater. The heater heats the air to the desired dry-bulb temperature. Before exiting, the air may pass through a filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: ASML Holding N.V.
    Inventors: Dikran S. Babikian, Bryan H. Wade
  • Patent number: 6874771
    Abstract: A humidifier includes a base defining a reservoir for retaining liquid, a humidification device for inducing dispersion of liquid withdrawn from the reservoir into the environment and a liquid storage tank having an outlet for feeding liquid into the reservoir. The humidification device includes a heated disc for evaporating a stream of liquid delivered from the reservoir to the heated disc by a delivery mechanism. The delivery mechanism may deliver the stream of liquid as a mist, a thin film or a controlled stream of liquid onto the disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Kaz, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter G. Birdsell, David Feer, William J. Montague, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6802314
    Abstract: A flow probe for use in a humidification system is disclosed. The flow probe is adapted to be positioned in a humidified gases flow (for example oxygen or anaesthetic gases) such as that which is provided to a patient in a hospital environment. The flow probe is designed to provide both temperature and flow rate sensing of the gases flow by incorporating two sensors (preferably thermistors) and the shape and alignment of the probe enables accurate readings by reducing the occurrence of condensation on the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Limited
    Inventor: Stephen William McPhee
  • Patent number: 6772999
    Abstract: A humidifier for use with a breathable gas supply apparatus includes a hollow body adapted for partial filling with water to a predetermined maximum water level, a gas inlet to the body above the maximum water level and a gas outlet from the body above the maximum water level. The humidifier further includes a constant temperature heating element for heating the water and/or an adjustable flow divider adapted to divide the interior of the body above the maximum water level into a relatively dry gas region and a relatively wet gas region. The position of the divider is variable so as to vary the relative proportion of the gas flowing from the inlet to the outlet that passes through the relatively dry and relatively wet gas regions to thereby vary the amount of humidification thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Matthew Lipscombe, Richard L. Jones
  • Patent number: 6694974
    Abstract: A flow probe for use in a humidification system is disclosed. The flow probe is adapted to be positioned in a humidified gases flow (for example oxygen or anaesthetic gases) such as that which is provided to a patient in a hospital environment. The flow probe is designed to provide both temperature and flow rate sensing of the gases flow by incorporating two sensors (preferably thermistors) and the shape and alignment of the probe enables accurate readings by reducing the occurrence of condensation on the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Limited
    Inventors: Lewis George-Gradon, Stephen William McPhee, Paul John Seakins, Peter John Leonard
  • Patent number: 6584972
    Abstract: A flow probe for use in a humidification system is disclosed. The flow probe is adapted to be positioned in a humidified gases flow (for example oxygen or anaesthetic gases) such as that which is provided to a patient in a hospital environment. The flow probe is designed to provide both temperature and flow rate sensing of the gases flow by incorporating two sensors (preferably thermistors) and the shape and alignment of the probe enables accurate readings by reducing the occurrence of condensation on the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Limited
    Inventor: Stephen William McPhee
  • Publication number: 20030098516
    Abstract: A gas humidifier provides a continuous flow of gas through two stages of bubbling with an intermediate heating stage. Gas is introduced into an enclosure containing a quantity of bulk water by pumping the gas into a gas entry pipe or tube. The gas exits the gas entry pipe to bubble up through a bubbling evaporator. At the water surface of the bubbling evaporator, a heating element heats the gas-vapor mixture. The heated gas-vapor mixture then bubbles up through the bulk water, and the temperature of the bulk water determines the thermal cycles of the heating element. The gas-vapor mixture bubbles up through the bulk water, reaching saturation at the dew point. The saturated gas is then directed from the humidifier for use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventor: Chaojiong Zhang
  • Patent number: 6443435
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for vaporizing and delivering liquid precursors to a processing chamber is provided. In one aspect, the apparatus is a liquid delivery system including a liquid supply, a vaporization assembly fluidicly coupled to the liquid supply, the vaporization assembly consisting essentially of an ampoule and a mass flow controller connected to the ampoule, and a processing chamber fluidicly coupled to the vaporization assembly. The liquid precursor is vaporized in the ampoule. In a preferred embodiment, the ampoule is located adjacent the processing chamber to provide point of use vaporization of the liquid precursor. In another aspect, the method includes providing a liquid supply containing a liquid precursor, delivering the precursor to an ampoule, vaporizing a portion of the liquid precursor in the ampoule, and flowing vaporized precursor to a processing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Hendrickson
  • Patent number: 6406006
    Abstract: Improved systems and methods for the hydration of environments such as display cases, walk-in storage rooms, greenhouses and large-scale storage facilities are provided. Consistent humidification is provided while effectively eliminating the problem of water streaming from atomization nozzles at the end of a pressurization and atomization cycle. The present invention eliminates the traditional regulators, pressure tanks and solenoid valve assemblies required to control water pressure, as well as bladder tanks and regulator valves for regulating air pressure, while more effectively controlling the problem of streaming by incorporating a drawback valve and, optionally, a miniature water regulator. Kits for retrofitting existing humidification systems to incorporate the improvements described herein are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Raytec Corporation
    Inventors: Charlie R. Dettling, James Coyle, Spencer Croydon
  • Patent number: 6398196
    Abstract: A steam humidifier for use with a forced air heating system includes a steam nozzle mounted in the plenum of the heating system and connected to a water feed line connected to a continuous pressurized water source. The water feed line is made of a thermal conducting material and is coiled about a heating element wherein the heating element and conductive coil are substantially surrounded by an insulation barrier. The water feed line is controlled by a solenoid operated valve that will be activated only when the heater is on and a humidistat detects that humidity is required by the area being serviced by the forced hot air system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Allied Systems Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry D. Light, Timothy W. Roberts
  • Patent number: 6354573
    Abstract: A jet reactor pump as used to circulate heated water into a swimming pool at near sonic velocity to heat the swimming pool water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventor: Jorge A. Morando
  • Patent number: 6352244
    Abstract: An auxiliary gasline-heating unit is used in a chemical vapor deposition apparatus. The auxiliary gasline-heating unit serves to increase the exit temperature of the mixture of N2 gas and He-dilute gas in order to prevent TDMAT, Ti[N(CH3)2]4, from being condensed and becoming a gasline contaminant when the mixture mixes with the TDMAT and a carrier gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: United Microelectronics, Corp.
    Inventors: Juen-Kuen Lin, Chien-Hsin Lai, Peng-Yih Peng, Fu-Yang Yu
  • Patent number: 6349722
    Abstract: A flow probe for use in a humidification system is disclosed. The flow probe is adapted to be positioned in a humidified gases flow (for example oxygen or anaesthetic gases) such as that which is provided to a patient in a hospital environment. The flow probe is designed to provide both temperature and flow rate sensing of the gases flow by incorporating two sensors (preferably thermistors) and the shape and alignment of the probe enables accurate readings by reducing the occurrence of condensation on the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Limited
    Inventors: Lewis George Gradon, Stephen William McPhee, Paul John Seakins, Peter John Leonard
  • Patent number: 6338474
    Abstract: In an air feeder for supplying air with a predetermined temperature and humidity into a cup in a resist coating unit provided in a coating and developing system, a cooling section, a by-pass, a heating section, a humidifying section, and a blower are provided. 55% of introduced air is cooled in the cooling section, 45% of the introduced air passes through the by-pass, and mixed air of the cooled air and the air from the by-pass is heated in the heating section and humidified in the humidifying section, thereby enabling energy-saving and space-saving temperature and humidity control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Norio Semba
  • Patent number: RE40806
    Abstract: A flow probe for use in a humidification system is disclosed. The flow probe is adapted to be positioned in a humidified gases flow (for example oxygen or anaesthetic gases) such as that which is provided to a patient in a hospital environment. The flow probe is designed to provide both temperature and flow rate sensing of the gases flow by incorporating two sensors (preferably thermistors) and the shape and alignment of the probe enables accurate readings by reducing the occurrence of condensation on the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Lewis George Gradon, Stephen William McPhee, Paul John Seakins, Peter John Leonard