Abstract: A contra flow air to air heat exchanger, and an evaporative air conditioner employing such a heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger (10) utilises a series of stacked plates (24), each having curved deep groove corrugations which form channels (27) with an adjacent plate which are inclined at a small angle with the channels (28) of the first plate (24), each stack of plates (24) having two inlet ducts (14, 16) and two outlet ducts (18, 20) and (19, 21).

Abstract: A humidifier system for producing a humidified and heated breathing gas including a humidifier module having a humidifying chamber with a supply gas inlet, a breathing gas outlet and a heat transfer element. A tube extending between a liquid reservoir and the humidifier module includes therein an elongate liquid absorbing wick whose upper end has a plurality of leaves extending planarly and radially outwardly therefrom into the humidifying chamber into contact with said heat transfer element. Liquid is transported by the wick upwardly into the leaves thereof where it is evaporated and mixed with the supply gas in the humidifying chamber to generate a heated and humidified breathing gas.

Abstract: A liquid delivery system for delivery of an initially liquid reagent in vaporized form to a chemical vapor deposition reactor arranged in vapor-receiving relationship to the liquid delivery system.

Abstract: To improve both heat transfer and evaporation in a heat exchanger (10, 25, 42) of an air cooler, there are provided a number of spaced narrow wet wicks (13) over which air flows transversely, and those wicks (13) are sandwiched between impervious spacer sheets (11, 12), the surface configuration of the spacer sheets (11, 12) being non-planar so as to increase the areas of the wicks (13) over which air flows, and also to increase air turbulence and thereby mixing, the increased mixing not only assisting in the evaporation of water from wicks (13) but also assisting in the heat transfer through the spacer sheets (11, 12) which define the air passages containing the wicks (13).

Abstract: A process and apparatus for delivering an involatile reagent in gaseous form, wherein an involatile reagent source liquid is flash vaporized on a vaporization matrix structure at elevated temperature. A carrier gas may be flowed past the flash vaporization matrix structure to yield a carrier gas mixture containing the flash vaporized source reagent. The matrix structure preferably has a high surface-to-volume ratio, and may suitably comprise a foraminous matrix element such as screen mesh onto which the reagent source liquid is distributed for flash vaporization. The invention is particularly useful for delivery of Group II reagents and compounds and complexes of early transition metals such as zirconium and hafnium, and may be usefully employed with Group II beta-diketonate source layers, e.g.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for delivering an involatile reagent in gaseous form, wherein an involatile reagent source liquid is flash vaporized on a vaporization matrix structure at elevated temperature. A carrier gas may be flowed past the flash vaporzation matrix structure to yield a carrier gas mixture containing the flash vaporized source reagent. The matrix structure preferably has a high surface-to-volume ratio, and may sutiably comprise a foraminous matrix element such as screen mesh onto which the reagent source liquid is distributed for flash vaporization. The invention is particularly useful for delivery of Group II reagents and compounds and complexes of early transition metals such as zirconium and hafnium, and may be usefully employed with Group II beta-diketonate source layers, e.g.

Abstract: According to the invention, a first air stream is directed over a first surface of a heat exchange member. The first surface includes a dry area and a moist area. The first stream is directed primarily over the dry area followed by the moist area. A second air stream is directed over a second surface of the heat exchange member perpendicular to the first stream. The second surface is opposite the first surface and has a dry region that is opposite the moist area of the first surface and a moist region that is opposite the dry area of the first surface. The second stream is directed over the dry region followed by the moist region. When the first stream is directed over the first surface, it will be cooled without changing its moisture content due to the cooling of the heat exchange member caused by the second stream passing simultaneously along the moist region on the opposite side.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided which controls humidity in a gas. The apparatus employs a porous interface that is preferably a manifolded array of stainless steel tubes through whose porous surface water vapor can pass. One side of the porous interface is in contact with water and the opposing side is in contact with gas whose humidity is being controlled. Water vapor is emitted from the porous surface of the tubing into the gas when the gas is being humidified, and water vapor is removed from the gas through the porous surfaces when the gas is being dehumidified. The temperature of the porous interface relative to the gas temperature determines whether humidification or dehumidification is being carried out. The humidity in the gas is sensed and compared to the set point humidity. The water temperature, and consequently the porous interface temperature, are automatically controlled in response to changes in the gas humidity level above or below the set point.

Abstract: An apparatus for indirect-evaporative gas cooling comprises a shell (1) with an inlet fitting (2) and outlet fittings (3,4). The inlet fitting (2) is for letting in a total gas stream. The outlet fitting (3) is for letting out the main gas stream and is located on the side of supplying the main gas stream to the consumer. The outlet fitting (4) is for letting the auxiliary gas stream to the atmosphere and is located on the side of the inlet fitting (2). The shell (1) accommodates a wettable capillary-porous solid (6), wherein there are provided moist ducts (7) and dry ducts (8) which intercommunicate on the side of the outlet fitting (3). This makes it possible to adjust the ratio between the surface areas of the dry and moist ducts, whereby the cooling efficiency is considerably increased.

Abstract: An evaporative cooler which for the purpose of cooling a fluid flowing within at least one duct (1) evaporates a substance on the outside of said duct, said substance being supplied in liquid form through at least one conduit, is characterized by at least one liquid connector (7) for controlled passage of the liquid from the conduit (6) onto the outside of said duct (1), wherein the outside of the duct (1) is covered by a porous capillary layer (2) into which the liquid connector(s) (7) open(s). The capillary layer (2) may be surrounded by a liquid barrier (3).

Abstract: A process for condensing vapor or mist material onto a thin first liquid film surface, which liquid film is generated and supported on the outer surface of a porous structure. A moving condensable vapor contacts the thin liquid film and is condensed onto the liquid surface. The condensed vapor drains by gravity action into a collection zone, together with a portion of the liquid film material being entrained therein. The vapor or mist material can be either substantially immiscible or miscible in the liquid film. The first liquid is preferably provided in a closed system and is recycled at near ambient temperature and at pressure conditions sufficient to produce the thin liquid film external to the porous structure, which has a porosity of 20-80%. An apparatus including the porous structure and liquid handling system for condensing an upflowing condensable vapor is disclosed.

Abstract: A plate for an evaporative heat exchanger is stamped from a laminate material comprising a thin sheet of light-weight, heat conductive, formable metal such as aluminum superimposed on and attached to a thin sheet of wicking material. Stamping the laminate material simultaneously cuts the plate into a substantially square, pre-determined size, forms a series of ribs and corresponding recesses into the plate and blanks square notches into each corner of the plate to define four edges. The ribs are spaced apart in a substantially parallel manner, appear substantially semicircular in configuration and extend longitudinally and substantially across the plate. A method to fabricate said plate is also described.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating fluids flowing at high velocity, for mass and heat transfer, for gas-liquid contacting and for contaminant particulate, mist or fume separation, including a plurality of perforated or unperforated cylinders arrayed staggered in rows perpendicular to the direction of flow of the fluid. The elements are spatially separated from each other. Diagonal by-pass flow through the array is blocked by a partition extending from each element generally parallel to the direction of flow of fluid bisecting the space between a pair of elements of an adjacent row with the elements of the pair symmetrically spaced with respect to the partition.Also, a method of removing contaminants from gas by passing the gas through this array between and injecting a liquid into the array. Capture of the contaminants by the drops is effected because of the difference in acceleration of each as the contaminated gas passes in and out of the gap between each cylinder and its adjacent partitions.

Abstract: A humidifier assembly is disclosed. Parts of the humidifier assembly may be disposable. The assembly comprises a housing, heater means on the housing, a liquid water supply means that communicates with the heater means, a hollow shell on the housing that defines a humidification chamber, and a filter means in the humidification chamber and positioned in juxtaposition with the surface of the heater means for passing water vapor into breathable gas. Preferably the filter means is hydrophobic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to humidifiers as used in research and in the calibration of humidity measuring instruments for producing a saturated gas stream. Specifically the invention relates to humidifiers comprising a bubble type and an extended surface type humidifier in gas flow communication one to the other and including temperature control means.

Abstract: An evaporative cooler is disclosed which incorporates a media having a plurality of generally plate-like structures. The plates include a plurality of fins having slot-like depressions dimensioned thin enough to exhibit capillarity, yet thick enough to exhibit good heat transfer characteristics when filled with chilled water. The capillary slots are arranged to effect distribution of the water over substantially the entire surface of the plates forming the media.

Abstract: A humidifier assembly is disclosed. Parts of the humidifier assembly may be disposable. The assembly comprises a housing, heater means on the housing, a liquid water supply means that communicates with the heater means, a hollow shell on the housing that defines a humidification chamber, and a filter means in the humidification chamber and positioned in juxtaposition with the surface of the heater means for passing water vapor into breathable gas. Preferably the filter means is hydrophobic.

Abstract: A previously disclosed cartridge type humidifier apparatus including a separate heater module with a cylindrical opening for replaceably receiving therein disposable cylindrical humidifier cartridge modules, having a housing containing a replenishable water supply is employed as a water supply source for reproducing an aerosol with an oxygen supply for pediatric inhalation therapy. The cartridge modules each have a tubular metal main body adapted for a sliding fit within a complimentary tubular wall heater. The metal tubular body has a rigid plastic top and bottom end portions. The top end portions is a cap with a center axial gas inlet tube and a separate transverse gas delivery tube, the cap forming a closed air space over a pool of humidified liquid each cartridge includes an absorption column preferably of this cylindrical tube form which is adapted to lie closely adjacent and draw water up along the cartridge cylindrical metal body which insures as a evaporating surface when heated by the heater modules.

Abstract: An evaporative cooler is disclosed which incorporates a media having a plurality of generally plate-like structures. The plates include a plurality of fins having slot-like depressions dimensioned thin enough to exhibit capillarity, yet thick enough to exhibit good heat transfer characteristics when filled with chilled water. The capillary slots are arranged to effect distribution of the water over substantially the entire surface of the plates forming the media. In one embodiment, the slot-like depressions of adjoining plates are alternately spaced, and aligning projections are provided to align adjoining plates with respect to each other.

Abstract: An evaporative humidifier having a float operated relief mechanism that is normally air tight, and will release excess water from the humidifier, should the water inlet valve malfunction, to preclude liquid water from getting into the stream of air being humidified.

Abstract: This invention relates to a steam generator for evaporating from a vaporizing portion (17) thereof a liquid (12) sucked up by means of a liquid sucking-up member (10) to provide a steam generator which is capable of vaporizing a liquid efficiently in a short time by application of heat from a heating unit (13) and air fed from a fan (15).

Abstract: Improvements are disclosed in liquid level sensing apparatus having a liquid replenishment line so that as liquid is expended more may be added to keep the liquid at a desired predetermined level. The apparatus is contemplated for use in the humidification of gases, particularly for the administration of oxygen and the like to a patient.

Abstract: A device making use of the gravity generated imbalance within a portion of the system confined upward and downward flowing liquid. A condensed gas of lower boiling point is induced to the portion of the upward flowing heated liquid of higher boiling point. The formation of gas bubbles upon evaporation of the condensed gas within the upward flowing heated liquid, causing fluid displacement thereof, thereby causing a imbalance between the upward flowing liquid and gas mixture, and the downward flowing solid liquid after being separated from the gas. Thus, gravity causing the continuous pumping action of the liquid throughout the system.

Abstract: A sterilizable evaporative humidifier for respiratory usage having a disposable absorbent evaporative element is disclosed. The humidifier provides humidification, low pressure drop and a very short warm-up period. Electronic controls are provided to ensure safe automatic operation.

Abstract: A humidifier comprising an electric lamp, a protector in the form of a dome-shaped member surrounding the glass bulb of the electric lamp, an evaporation layer made of capillary substance closely contacted with the outer surface of the protector to cover the same, and a water-holding saucer for immersing a portion of the evaporation layer in water or a tightly closed tank having a water supply port at the lower end thereof which communicates with the outer surface of the evaporation layer in sealed relation to the outside. By making the protector of light transmitting material, the humidifier can be used also as an all-night light. The evaporation layer is surrounded with an ornamental cover having water vapor outlets.

Abstract: A solar still apparatus having a condensation chamber is disclosed. A plurality of hollow columns are connected to the chamber at the open upper ends of the hollow columns and the lower ends of the hollow columns are adapted to engage a support surface for the still apparatus. The hollow columns also function to contain distilland liquid and to support parabolic solar collectors for heating the liquid to form vapor at the upper end of the hollow columns. The vapor is introduced into the condensation chamber for condensing to form a distillate liquid. Means including a shield and an evaporative surface layer are disclosed to aid the cooling of the condensation chamber relative to the vapor to facilitate the condensation of the vapor in the chamber.

Abstract: A previously disclosed cartridge type humidifier apparatus including a separate heater module with a cylindrical opening for replaceably receiving therein disposable cylindrical humidifier cartridge modules, having a housing containing a replenishable water supply, is employed as a water supply source for producing an aerosol with an oxygen supply for pediatric inhalation therapy. The cartridge modules each have a tubular metal main body adapted for a sliding fit within a complimentary tubular walled heater. The metal tubular body has rigid plastic top and bottom end portions. The plastic top end portion is a cap with a center axial gas inlet tube, and a separate transverse gas delivery pipe, the cap forming a closed air space over a pool of humidifying liquid.

Abstract: A gas/liquid heat exchanger is provided which comprises means for circulating gas and/or liquid and a plurality of hollow fibres, adapted to receive said gas or said liquid, said fibres being of polymeric material which is inert with respect to said liquid and are permeable to said liquid. Such a heat exchanger considerably improves the efficiency/volume ratio of the appratus, largely as a result of the liquid which permeates through the fibres vaporizing.

Abstract: A mobile air filtering apparatus for hospital rooms, comprises a housing having an inlet and an outlet. A pre-filter is located at the inlet and a fan for directing air in succession through a heater, a diffusion foil moistener and a mechanical filter. The diffusion foil moistener is located between the heater and the mechanical filter and it includes a heat exchange conduit for conducting the water to the moistener which is coiled around the filter. The filter housing is mounted on a fork-shaped arm which is carried on a stand in an adjustable position and the stand is moved around with its associated carriage filter.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for purifying gases, especially industrial waste ases, according to which a solid surface layer adapted to adsorb impurifications is formed on rotatable discs of which successive portions during the rotation of the discs temporarily protrude from a liquid containing container. This layer, when being contacted by the gas to be purified, adsorbs the impurifications and harmful substances of the gas. The exhausted portion of the surface layer is replaced successively by a new surface layer portion formed by wetting the disc portions when the latter pass through the liquid in the container.

Abstract: Precisely controlled permeation of a fluid into a carrier gas is provided in a temperature-controlled enclosure. A cylindrical housing has its side wall spaced from the side wall of a hollow cylindrical core contained therein to provide a thin flow passage therebetween for the carrier fluid. An electric heater coil is wound about the exterior of the housing to supply heat to the carrier fluid in the passage, and the core has a port at one end thereof for providing communication between the passage and the hollow interior of the core, in which a permeation tube is supported. The heater power output is controlled in response to a temperature sensor within the core so that the carrier fluid is heated and its temperature is precisely controlled. The exterior of the housing is insulated from ambient to maintain stable temperature conditions.

Abstract: An improved gas humidification system including a substantially closed chamber formed by a plurality of side walls, a bottom wall and a top wall having a gas inlet and outlet ports associated therewith, heat means associated with the bottom wall, and a humidification element removably positionable within the chamber comprising a heat conductive metallic member having an end for contact with the heat means and extending upwardly therefrom, and a layer of water absorbent material fixedly secured to at least one of the surfaces of the metallic member, the metallic member presenting a multi-faceted surface and the absorbent material paralleling the multi-faceted surface of the body portion of the metallic member thereby presenting an increase surface area for gas to pass over and around the humidification element at elevated temperatures thereby to increase the relative humidity of the gas prior to inhalation by a patient.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating fluids flowing at high velocity, for mass and heat transfer, for gas-liquid contacting and for contaminant particulate, mist or fume separation, including a plurality of perforated or unperforated cylinders arrayed staggered in rows perpendicular to the direction of flow of the fluid. The elements are spatially separated from each other. Diagonal by-pass flow through the array is blocked by a partition extending from each element generally parallel to the direction of flow of fluid bisecting the space between a pair of elements of an adjacent row with the elements of the pair symmetrically spaced with respect to the partition.Also, a method of removing contaminants from gas by passing the gas through this array between and injecting a liquid into the array. Capture of the contaminants by the drops is effected because of the difference in acceleration of each as the contaminated gas passes in and out of the gap between each cylinder and its adjacent partitions.