Abstract: An HVAC system includes a blower. The blower includes a driven pulley and a motor with a driver pulley. A motor drive supplies electrical power to the motor. A controller receives a benchmark rate of the flow of air provided by the blower and a corresponding benchmark output current of the motor drive associated with operation of the blower at a test condition. A benchmark input power corresponding to the benchmark output current is determined based on a predetermined relationship between input power and output current for the motor drive. A ratio of the benchmark rate of the flow of air provided by the blower to the benchmark input power is determined. The controller determines a pulley ratio for the blower based on this ratio. The pulley ratio corresponds to the ratio of a diameter of the driven pulley to a diameter of the driver pulley of the blower.

Abstract: A humidifier is provided that typically includes a water filtration unit and a pump that draws filtered water from the water filtration unit, typically a carbon nanotube filter. The humidifier further includes a nozzle having an outlet orifice, wherein the nozzle is connected to the pump, where the pump forces the filtered water through the nozzle, thereby expelling the filtered water into an atmosphere in the form of a purified vapor or mist.

Abstract: A fan coil includes a humidification unit having a water filter, a leak container, and a shut off valve. The water filter includes an inlet connectable to a source of water and a filtered water outlet in flow communication with a downstream portion of the humidification unit. The leak container includes a reservoir and a leak container water level detector. The leak container is positioned to receive water which leaks from the water filter or flow conduits leading to or from the water filter. The shut off valve is provided in the water supply conduit, and is operable between an open position and a closed position. The shut off valve is in the closed position when the leak container water level detector senses a high water level in the leak container.

Abstract: A sterilization and humidification apparatus includes a heating chamber, a filter and a humidification chamber. The heating chamber heats a gas so as to sterilize the gas. The humidification chamber is adapted so that a liquid, which has been filtered by the filter, evaporates into the sterilized gas, thereby causing the sterilized gas to cool, and outputting a humidified gas at a desired temperature. The apparatus may include a bypass chamber to provide a path for the gas to bypass the humidification chamber. The apparatus may be adapted particularly for use in an incubator.

Abstract: A wine aerator for pouring wine from a wine container such as a wine bottle into a receiver such as a wine glass. The wine aerator has a large mouthed vessel into which the wine is poured from any wine container and the wine passes through the vessel to an outlet having a plurality of radial holes to break up the flow of wine into small discrete flows to carry out the aeration process. The wine aerator has a base that is affixed to the vessel and has a plurality of outwardly extending projections that are dimensioned so as to contact the rim of a wine glass to position the wine aerator atop of the wine glass while the wine aerator is being used. The wine aerator is inexpensively constructed and has no moving parts where leakage could occur.

Abstract: A bubble generator includes a housing engaged in a receptacle, and a casing engaged into the housing and having an outer peripheral fence and a bottom plate, and having a bulge extended upwardly from the bottom plate for forming an inner peripheral channel between the bulge and the peripheral fence, and having a passage formed in the peripheral fence and communicating with the inner peripheral channel of the casing for allowing a fluid to flow into the inner peripheral channel of the casing and to flow out through the passage of the casing and to flow into the compartment of the housing, and the casing includes a number of projections extended from the bulge for agitating the fluid and for generating air bubbles in the fluid.

Abstract: An on-board fuel filter for a carburetor includes a filter element made from a non-metallic material. The material can be a polymeric material and may be a woven or a non-woven material. The fuel filter may be adapted to have an interference fit with a fuel passage of the carburetor and constructed so that the fuel filter is substantially not plastically deformed by the interference fit. Filter elements may be cut from a sheet of polymeric material and aligned with a fuel passage opening in a body of the carburetor while being cut.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for vectoring flow control and aeration of a liquid medium, includes a dome supported by a flotation device, a lower housing supported by said flotation device, said lower housing connected to said dome, wherein a space is defined under said dome and above the flotation liquid, an aeration apparatus positioned within said space and partially submerged in the flotation liquid, wherein said aeration apparatus comprises one or more parallel shafts, at least one first disc positioned axially on one of said shafts, at least one second disc positioned axially on another of said shafts, wherein said second disc is interleaved relative to said first disc, and wherein a surface of said first disc rotates in a direction opposite a surface of said second disc relative to each other resulting in a mixing area therebetween, and a discharge chute configured to discharge the liquid medium.

Abstract: A high pressure water injection humidifier includes a high pressure pump driven by a stepper motor, which provides pressurized water to a plurality of exit nozzles, each exit nozzle having a precision orifice that atomizes the pressurized water into a mist, where the volume rate of the mist is dependent only on the motor speed and the diameter of the precision orifice. Proper nozzle flow can be determined by monitoring the torque of the stepper motor.

Abstract: A pressure-reduction oxygen dissolving apparatus includes a container, at least one wave-shaped layer in the container for exchanging gases, at least one oxygen storage/exchange tank on each wave-shaped layer for exchanging gases, a water inlet at the top of the container for filling water into the container, a water outlet installed at the bottom of the container for discharging water out from the container, and a gas inlet for filling oxygen into the container. The oxygen enters into the container through the gas inlet to fill up each oxygen storage/exchange tank. After the oxygen has reached a specific pressure, water enters into the container from the water inlet and flows through chambers of the oxygen storage/exchange tank, and oxygen is dissolved in water naturally. Since the pressure increases the dissolved oxygen content significantly, the water outlet can be opened to obtain water with higher oxygen content.

Abstract: A wine aerator for pouring wine from a wine container such as a wine bottle into a receiver such as a wine glass. The wine aerator has a large mouthed vessel into which the wine is poured from any wine container and the wine passes through the vessel to an outlet having a plurality of radial holes to break up the flow of wine into small discrete flows to carry out the aeration process. The wine aerator has a base that is affixed to the vessel and has a plurality of outwardly extending projections that are dimensioned so as to contact the rim of a wine glass to position the wine aerator atop of the wine glass while the wine aerator is being used. The wine aerator is inexpensively constructed and has no moving parts where leakage could occur.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-concentration oxygen-dissolving apparatus using ultrasonic waves.

Abstract: A humidifier is provided and includes a membrane, which is permeable to water of a condensate supply but impermeable to acid of the condensate supply and a housing system to urge airflow across the membrane to humidify air with the water of the condensate supply.

Abstract: A respiratory humidification system having a capillary passage in communication with a ventilator, the ventilator adapted to deliver an air stream, a heater operable to at least partially vaporize water in the capillary passage, a pumping unit adapted to supply water to the capillary passage, wherein the water upon heating is at least partially vaporized to form an aerosol stream. The aerosol stream is combined with the air stream to form a humidified air stream.

Abstract: A respiratory humidification system having a capillary passage in communication with a ventilator, the ventilator adapted to deliver an air stream, a heater operable to at least partially vaporize water in the capillary passage, a pumping unit adapted to supply water to the capillary passage, wherein the water upon heating is at least partially vaporized to form an aerosol stream. The aerosol stream is combined with the air stream to form a humidified air stream.

Abstract: A high pressure water injection humidifier includes a filtration system to filter suspended particles from an incoming water supply and provide filtered water to a high pressure pump driven by a constant speed motor, which in turn provides pressurized water to a plurality of exit nozzles, each exit nozzle having a precision orifice that atomizes the pressurized water into a mist, where the volume rate of the mist is dependent only on the motor speed and the diameter of the precision orifice. Proper nozzle flow can be determined by monitoring the drive current to the constant speed motor.

Abstract: A system and method of recovering heat and water from a slurry, such as tailings from oil sands extraction, is provided. The method includes providing the tailings to a humidification vessel, adding a sufficiently dry gas directly to the slurry in the vessel to form warm, water-saturated gas, such that heat and water are recovered from the slurry, removing the warm, water-saturated gas from the humidification vessel, providing the warm, water-saturated gas to a direct contact condensation vessel, cooling the gas in the condensation vessel to condense the water from the gas, thereby extracting water from the warm, water-saturated gas and recycling the dry gas, and recovering the water from the condensation vessel. Water which is of high quality, suitable for steam generation is obtained by a method in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: A humidification chamber (10) for use in a breathing circuit to humidify gases before inhalation is disclosed. The humidification chamber (10) is adapted to contain a volume of liquid (20), and comprises a gas inlet port (16), a gas outlet port (16) and a fluid inlet (30) for introducing liquid into the humidification chamber (10). The fluid inlet (30) is provided with a filter member (60) including a plurality of exit apertures for enabling flow of liquid through the filter member (60). The filter member (60) also defines a collection chamber (69) that is disposed below the exit apertures, in use, such that foreign objects in the liquid that are unable to pass through the exit apertures fall under the influence of gravity into the collection chamber (69).

Abstract: A kit for coupling a container holding a liquid to a fluid path of a humidifier is disclosed. The kit includes a spike configured to pierce the container and to pass the liquid from the container to a vent through a tube. The vent is configured to vent gas from the liquid while retaining the liquid. The vent has a vent body including an inlet configured for coupling to the tube to receive the liquid from the tube and an outlet configured to pass the liquid to the humidifier. A cap opening is positioned to vent the gas. A filter is positioned over the cap opening to prevent the escape of the liquid therethrough. A cap is coupled to the vent body over the cap opening and has at least one opening therein to allow passage of gas from the opening to atmosphere.

Abstract: A respiratory humidification system having a capillary passage in communication with a ventilator, the ventilator adapted to deliver an air stream, a heater operable to at least partially vaporize water in the capillary passage, a pumping unit adapted to supply water to the capillary passage, wherein the water upon heating is at least partially vaporized to form an aerosol stream. The aerosol stream is combined with the air stream to form a humidified air stream.

Abstract: A carburetor assembly includes a carburetor, a fuel supply valve, a valve member and a normally open switch. The fuel supply valve is coupled to the carburetor housing and is fluidly connected to the carburetor. The fuel supply valve includes a lever pivotable between first and second positions. The valve member is configured to move in response to the lever such that fuel is allowed to flow to the carburetor when the lever is in the first position and fuel is not allowed to flow to the carburetor when the lever is in the second position. The normally open switch is adjacent the fuel supply valve and includes a switch actuator. The lever is configured to engage and release the switch actuator to move the switch actuator between a non-actuated position and an actuated position respectively when the lever moves between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A plant for generating biogas from organic biodegradable material containing liquid and solid components, such as waste products, in particular liquid manure from agricultural enterprises, comprises a biogas generation container (9) having a feed for the degradable material and a biogas collection zone (6) having a biogas outlet, and a flotation separation unit having a microbubble generation unit (15) for separating off the solid components from the liquid components of the degradable material. The flotation separation unit comprises a chamber region (14) which is delimited in the interior of the biogas generation container and essentially active in the direction of gravity and having a closed bottom and an open upper end arranged below the liquid level of the biogas generation container. Clarified liquid form the chamber region and a gas, in particular the biogas from the biogas collection region, can be fed to the microbubble generation unit for charging the liquid with gas.

Abstract: A high pressure water injection humidifier includes a filtration system (11) to filter an incoming water supply and provide filtered water (6) to a low volume high pressure pump (12) driven by a constant speed motor (13), which in turn provides pressurized water (7) to a plurality of exit nozzles (17), each exit nozzle having a precision orifice that atomizes the pressurized water into a mist, where the volume rate of the mist is dependent only on the motor speed and the diameter of the precision orifice.

Abstract: A device and methods related to the same are provided for the treatment of exhaust gases. An exhaust gas treatment device is provided comprising a tank, a liquid bath, and a scrubber unit, the exhaust gas being passed through the liquid bath to treat the gas of exhaust products and through a scrubber unit to scrub the treated gas and remove any entrained bath therefrom on a plurality of condensing surfaces. The condensate of entrained gas may be collected and recirculated to the liquid bath in the tank. The exhaust gas may be delivered to the tank for passing it through the liquid bath and through a filter for the removal of exhaust products prior to being expelled through an exhaust port into the atmosphere. The liquid bath may comprise a solution of one or more organic solvents selected to configure the bath to remove exhaust products as desired.

Abstract: A carburetor having a plurality of restricted fluid flow paths upstream of a fuel and air mixing passage to inhibit the passage of large fuel vapor bubbles through the fuel paths and to the fuel and air mixing passage. Desirably, the restricted flow paths constrain large volume vapor bubbles and clusters of bubbles from passing therethrough undistributed in the fuel to prevent an inconsistent or overly lean fuel and air mixture from being delivered to the engine. At least two restrictive flow paths diffuse, separate, and/or break up the large vapor bubbles and clusters into a plurality of smaller vapor bubbles which are more uniformly distributed within the liquid fuel flowing through the carburetor to provide a more consistent flow of fuel to the engine.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and method for dissolving a gas into a liquid, and particularly relates to apparatus and method for increasing the oxygen content of water by introducing oxygen bubbles into water flowing through a venturi under laminar flow. This invention also relates to maximizing and controlling the laminar flow of water through said venturi so as to maximize mass transfer of oxygen into said water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wafer rinsing system for rinsing chemicals and particles off of wafers without introducing contaminants. The system reduces the particle count on wafers by filtering the water and the gas used during rinsing at the wet bench. The system includes a rinsing unit, a local water filter bank, a local gas filtering system, an H2O2 injection unit, an auxiliary chemical injection unit, and a controller for operating the other components. The water filter bank provides a multiple stage filtering system to eliminate particles without a substantial drop in water pressure. The H2O2 injection unit provides a local source of H2O2 to clean the filter and rinser and to provide a mechanism for controlling the formation of native oxide on the wafer during rinsing. The auxiliary chemical injection unit provides a chemical additive to the rinsing unit to enhance the wafer cleaning process. The gas filtering system provides clean gas to the rinsing unit and to the injection units.

Abstract: In a device for introducing gases into liquids, in particular water, at least one prefilter being incorporated into the liquid feed, followed by an atomization device with a connection to a gas supply, and at least one further postfilter being incorporated between the atomization device and a storage container, the filters, the atomization device and the storage container are combined in a modular design to form a compact installation.

Abstract: A humidifier for vaporizing water including a base and a wick formed of a water absorbing material positionable on the base. The wick is in fluid communication with a water supply. A device is provided for moving air over the wick disposed adjacent thereto to vaporize the water absorbed by the wick thereby humidifying the air about the humidifier. A filtration device disposed in the flow of the water to the wick is provided and the filtration device is capable of removing impurities from the water supplied to the wick such that the wick is not contaminated by the impurities.

Abstract: This invention provides an easy to carry unit that contains a water filtration and a water carbonation chamber. The water after filtration more easily absorbs CO.sub.2 and allows for a more readily provided source of filtered carbonated water. The unit utilizes off-the-shelf carbonation cartridges and has a simple hose attachment to a conventional home faucet.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of liquid waste such as sewage. The invention provides a method of screening of liquid waste to remove solid material therefrom, comprising passing the liquid waste in a downward stream through a suspended sack filter, and agitating the sack filter and the liquid stream by discharging a stream of bubbles upwardly through the liquid from below the sack filter. The invention also provides an inlet screen, comprising an upright hollow column (1), having an opening at the top across which a sack filter (6) is positioned, the sack filter extending downwardly into the column, and an air diffuser (8) at the lower end of the column, and an outlet (5, 23, 34) from the column, whereby in use liquid waste flows into the top of the column, through the sack filter to the outlet, the sack filter and liquid waste being agitated by discharge of air from the air diffuser.

Abstract: A humidifier that can be used on a forced air circulation system for injecting atomized liquid into the cold air portion of that forced air circulation system includes a neubilizer for atomizing water fed thereto. The humidifier can be used in conjunction with an air cooling system and includes a demineralizing filter for removing white dust before the water reaches the humidifier. The filter can take various forms and can include several elements. One form of the humidifier can be connected between a hot air plenum and a cold air plenum of the forced air circulation system whereby the pressure drop between these two plenums is used to move moisture entrained air into the cold air plenum.

Abstract: An aerator comprises a centrifugal pump including a rotary impeller with a plurality of blades defining an upwardly opening, axially oriented eye, inwardly of the inner ends of the blades, the blades also defining a plurality of flow passages therebetween extending generally radially outwardly from the eye. The pump further comprises an impeller housing generally surrounding the impeller and including an upper wall closely overlying a major portion of the blades, radially outermost, and defining an axially upwardly opening inlet over the impeller eye, the housing further defining at least one laterally opening outlet communicating with the radially outer extremities of the flow passages. The housing is adapted to resist rotation with respect to a container of liquid in which a pump may be disposed. The pump is also adapted to stay in a given depth range in such container. A housing extension conduit, fixed with respect to the impeller housing, extends upwardly with respect to the impeller housing.

Abstract: A cooling system with at least one cooling tower and multiple upper pans or distribution manifold pipes is provided with a strainer tank assembly at the tower lower end in proximity to the sump to receive incoming fluid for cooling, which strainer tank includes a screen to strain particulate material from the inlet fluid communicated to the tower upper end and to equally distribute this fluid at the lowest elevation at a pressure with a higher static pressure component than its dynamic pressure component to avoid a requirement for a flow control valve to provide relatively quiescent fluid for fluid distribution to the tower and fluid transfer media therein. A pressure relief baffle in the strainer tank is operable in response to a fluid overpressure condition to bypass the screen and open fluid communication to avert catastrophic failures within the fluid circuit.

Abstract: A carburetors drain apparatus, particularly suited for two stroke internal combustion engine applications. The drain apparatus diverts fuel contaminants away from the fuel jets to a remotely located sediment collector. The collector retains the accumulated contaminants until drained.

Abstract: A water, ice and sediment trap attached to the lower portion of the fuel chamber of a carburetor for an internal combustion engine. The sediment trap receives and retain particles and fluids heavier than gasoline and stores them away from the fuel flow path. The sediment is retained in a transparent sediment tube which enables theuser to visibly inspect the trap for sediment accumulation. Sediment accumulation can be drained by removing a plug firmly received in the bottom end of the sediment tube.

Abstract: A method of treating the water supplied for humidification of the textile processing room environment (e.g. weaving room) results in reduced apparent cotton dust concentrations, while maintaining or increasing processing efficiency. The water supplied to the humidification system for the processing environment is pure water, such as reverse osmosis water, distilled water, deionized water, demineralized water, etc. Humidification is primarily achieved utilizing atomizers, and a pure water supply can be generated on-site by treating tap water with conventional deionizers or demineralizers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a humidifier in which feed water is effectively fed into a purifier. The humidifier according to the invention comprises a ventilation tube through which the air between a valve body and the level of purified water in a humidifying cistern is outwardly ventilated, when the level of the purified water in the humidifying cistern is lowered below the valve body.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing and removing dissolved and particulate matter from natural bodies of water and wastewater in situ for the production of organic biomass such as feedstocks, for the removal of pollutants, nutrients, toxins and other substances, and for other purposes. A gas is introduced through a diffuser into a body of water to form bubbles. The bubbles rise within a lifting tube, gathering dissolved and particulate matter on their surfaces. The bubbles produce a foam at the surface of the body of water, the foam being collected in a reservoir, concentrated and drawn off.

Abstract: An open cellular pump filter element which is utilized in an oil filter interposed between a sump and an oil pump for an automatic transmission wherein the cellular element breaks up large congregated air bubbles that normally form on a filter screen type mesh and are subsequently released into the suction fluid passage of the pump. An open cellular block of a foam-like material is placed in the filter body after the filter screen.

Abstract: A household humidifier comprising a closed water tank, a demineralizer, an air exchange pipe for introducing the outside air, a housing defining a chamber, and a coiled spring. The demineralizer has a container containing ion-exchange resin. The water tank has a water supply port through which the demineralizer and the air exchange pipe can be inserted into the tank. One hollow end of the container is rotatably connected to the chamber such that the container is in communication with the chamber. The container is biased downward by the spring so that the container always lies on its side.

Abstract: A combination humidifier/water distiller apparatus comprises a container for holding tap water. A heater is provided for heating tap water in the container to a vaporized state. A condenser, positioned over the container, condenses the vaporized tap water into distilled water. A receptacle is positioned under the condenser for the collection of the distilled water. The receptacle includes a water track and valve for removing distilled water from the apparatus for other purposes. A nebulizer is included which converts the distilled water into a fine spray. A passage, associated with the nebulizer and the receptacle, supplies distilled water from the receptacle to the nebulizer so that distilled water is nebulized to a fine spray. The nebulizer includes a nozzle or the like for delivering the fine spray to the atmosphere to thereby humidify the surrounding air.

Abstract: Liquid distributor in packed column wherein close, long-term uniform liquid distribution pattern is desired, particularly at ultra-slow distributing flow-rates. Distributor comprised of: (1) array of spaced, enclosed, horizontal distributor tubes capable of maintaining liquid to be distributed under pressure; (2) horizontal tube lines connecting these tubes; (3) vertical pipelets of predetermined inside diameter and length inserted into bottoms of distributor tubes and extending above bottom of tubes but not to top of tubes to avoid being stopped-up by debris in the liquid; and (4) a pressurized feed means. For feeds containing both liquid and vapor phase, a parting reservoir is provided above the distributor so that the vapor phase of the feed entering the reservoir can escape the liquid phase leaving the liquid phase to flow down a conduit into the distributor tubes, said conduit being of predetermined height above the tubes so as to provide liquid under constant pressure to the distributor tubes.

Abstract: A device for removing solid impurities from air comprising a housing defining an interior mixing chamber. The solid impurity laden air is conducted to the mixing chamber so that the air enters the chamber in a first direction. Simultaneously, water is pumped into the mixing chamber in a direction substantially perpendicular to the air flow whereupon the air and water become intermixed. A second pump then pumps this mixture into a settling tank so that the solid impurities collect in the bottom of the tank for subsequent removal.

Abstract: An improved water filter assembly for use with an evaporative cooler pump, the filter comprising a cylindrical filter wall, a closed base and a neoprene curtain that covers the top but opens to receive the pump impeller.

Abstract: Apparatus for supplying air into a liquid can be used as an aeration apparatus for a biochemical waste water treatment system operating according to an activated sludge process, for example, or as an air bubble generator to be used in a solid particle flotation system. A liquid in a tank is circulated by a pump. An air intake device is disposed in a suction pipe connected to the pump. The air withdrawn by the air intake device is mixed and agitated with the liquid in the pump, whereby minute air bubbles are distributed throughout the liquid. The liquid containing air bubbles is fed from the pump to an injector disposed within the tank, and ejected thereby into the tank in the form of jet water streams.

Abstract: A humidifier including a misting mechanism for misting water by a ultrasonic vibrator etc. and a water feeder formed by a water storage tank and a water passage and an ion exchange resin layer disposed in the water passage to the misting mechanism.