Abstract: A portable humidifier including a housing defining an air inlet, an air outlet, and an air flow path therebetween; a retainer disposed in the housing and defining key structure; and an air permeable, liquid absorbent cartridge element replaceably retained by the retainer and defining keyhole structure shaped and arranged to receive the key structure and at least one portion of the cartridge element being disposed in the air flow path. Also included is a blower disposed in the housing and activatable to produce air flow through the air flow path and cartridge element and a liquid supply for supplying liquid to the portion of the cartridge element.

Abstract: A humidifier including a housing defining an air inlet, an air outlet, an air flow path between the inlet and outlet and a liquid reservoir; a blower system for producing air flow between the inlet and the outlet; and a retainer removably mounted in the housing and shaped and arranged to support a liquid absorbent evaporator pad in the air flow path. Also included is an ejector mechanism movable relative to the retainer and operable to eject the evaporator pad from the retainer means. The ejector mechanism simplifies replacement of a dirt clogged evaporator pad.

Abstract: In a first aspect of the present invention, a humidifier is provided. The humidifier includes a first wettable wick adapted to humidify an air stream and a first tray for holding water. The first tray is located in a position adapted to wet the first wick by capillary action. The humidifier includes a second wettable wick adapted to humidify the air stream and a second tray for holding water. The second tray is located in a position adapted to wet the second wick by capillary action and adapted to receive water from the first tray. In a second aspect of the present invention, a method for humidifying air is provided. The steps of the method include pumping water from a reservoir to a highest water tray, sending water from the highest water tray to a lower water tray, and wetting a first wick through capillary action. The first wick has a portion in contact with water in the highest water tray. The steps of the method include wetting a second wick through capillary action.

Abstract: A water distribution system for use with an evaporative cooling pad having a top and first and second sides includes a water distribution pipe which has at least one water discharge outlet in its periphery. The pipe is mounted above the top of the pad and a water distribution unit extends along the top of the pad intermediate its first and second sides. The water discharge opening in the pipe is located to direct water against a deflector plate integrally formed in the deflector unit and having a predetermined configuration to direct water from the pipe onto the top of the pad. In addition, the pipe is mounted to rotate relative to the deflector plate in order to selectively expose the openings in a position facing away from the plate for cleaning.

Abstract: A cigar humidification apparatus comprises a sealed hollow cylindrical container having at least one, and preferably two removable end caps; a porous material contained in the sealed container; and a humidification solution provided in the porous material. The porous material is preferably florists foam. The humidification solution consists of 1-10% propylene glycol; 10-24% water; and 70-80% saturated salt solution. The salt solution is preferably a saturated solution of sodium chloride in water.

Abstract: A preformed non-ferrous shield which will fit against but stand off of the interior side walls of the wet section of a single inlet evaporative cooler. It has molded in air access channels in one side. These air access channels permit the differential in air pressure between the inside and outside of the cooler cabinet, when the cooler is in operation, to actively draw a flow of dry air into and between the shield and the cooler's wet section interior side walls thereby retarding all forms of corrosion but specifically retarding anaerobic corrosion, oxidation of a ferrous material caused by the absence of free oxygen molecules. The shield is formed of a thin, flexible, impermeable material which forms a barrier that provides for a convenient structure for blocking water from flowing onto the interior side walls of the cooler's wet section during operation and provides for the immediate evaporation of remaining moisture caused by sweating after the cooler is turned off.

Abstract: An evaporative humidifier includes a base having a portion defining a reservoir for holding a quantity of water. A housing is mounted on the base over the reservoir, the housing having an air inlet and an air outlet. A cylindrically shaped wick filter with a permeable support is seated in the reservoir and extends up into the housing. The cylindrically shaped wick with permeable support filter has an open top end and a sidewall. A color change indicator strip is provided on the inner portion of the sidewall. The color change indicator strip provides a signal when the filter requires changing due to the extent of use and immersion of the filter in water. A fan is mounted inside the housing for drawing air into the housing through the air inlet, then into the center of the cylindrically shaped wick filter through the open top end, then out through the sidewall of the cylindrically shaped wick filter with a permeable support and then out of the housing through the air outlet.

Abstract: A humidifier for use with counter- or down-flow furnaces such as those traditionally found in mobile homes. The humidifier includes a louvered tip-out access door, behind which is housed a drawer containing a water panel. The drawer is detachably snap-fitted to the inside of the access door. Water is directed onto the water panel by a water dispersion bar, which is snap-fitted into the top of the drawer above the water panel. As air is drawn through the humidifier which is installed over the return air louvers of a counter-flow furnace, tiny water droplets in the water panel are picked up by the moving air stream and carried into the home. The tip-out feature of the access door and the snap-fit connections allow for simple, easy repair and cleaning, even by an untrained person, thus avoiding the need for a skilled technician when only routine maintenance is necessary.

Abstract: An automotive, evaporative air conditioner having a unitary body, and a fixed, self-wetting water wicking assembly of a foraminous material which is self-wetting. The air conditioner is assembled by inserting wicking and filtering elements into the housing through the air inlet, allowing for use of a unitary housing.

Abstract: A hanger-supported liquid-gas contact body includes a pad of cross corrugated fill having a width, top, front and back, and the pad has a transverse slot running across at least a portion of the pad's width. The slot starts at and forms an angle .alpha. with the back, so that the slot runs toward the pad front. A bent hanger having first and second legs is bent at an angle .theta. which is approximately equal to angle .alpha., and the first leg is disposed in the slot and the second leg abuts a portion of the pad back. In addition, a method for supporting cross-corrugated fill includes providing a pad of cross-corrugated fill having a width, top, front and back, the pad having a transverse slot running across at least a portion of pad width, this slot starting at and forming an angle .alpha. with the back. The slot runs toward the front of the pad. The method also involves providing a bent hanger having first and second legs, the hanger being bent at an angle .theta. which is approximately equal to .alpha.

Abstract: An evaporative element or cartridge especially useful in humidifiers comprises a plurality of stacked slit and expanded wicking paper layers, and means for supporting the wicking paper. The supporting means may comprise a layer of slit and expanded metal sandwiched in between the stacked wicking paper layers. The stacked wicking paper and metal layers are held together with an adhesive. Alternatively, the supporting means may comprise a rigid frame on the side edges of the stacked wicking paper layers, the frame having prongs engaging the wicking paper layers. Each layer of stacked wicking paper is staggered with respect to adjoining layers. The wicking paper has superior capillary rise of 79 to 112 mm/min.

Abstract: A humidifier comprising a trough adapted to contain water, a wicking assembly having a lower end located in the trough and including a plurality of wick portions each including a generally planar strip of wicking material having an end, and a pleated strip of wicking material secured to the planar strip, and a frame for supporting the wick portions in generally parallel, side-by-side relation, the frame including a first frame member extending generally perpendicular to the planar strips and adjacent the ends of the planar strips and having therethrough a slot elongated in a direction generally perpendicular to the planar strips, and an adhesive extending into the slot and adhering to the ends of the planar strips for securing the ends of the planar strips to the frame member, and a fan for causing air flow through the wicking assembly.

Abstract: A spray pad humidifier including a housing having two side wall portions extending perpendicular to each other along one edge, and being interconnected along the opposite edge by an arcuate wall. One of the side wall portions is provided with an opening communicating with the return cool air plenum of a furnace, and the other side wall portion is provided with an opening communicating with the hot air supply plenum of the furnace. A one-piece evaporator pad is configured to extend over both openings, and a water spray nozzle is mounted on the housing for spraying water into the housing and onto the portion of the pad extending over one of the openings. Reinforcing ribs are formed on the housing to not only provide channels within the housing for holding the evaporator pad in the operative position, but also to provide troughs for collecting drain water within the housing.

Abstract: An improved evaporative cooler containing a new and unique designed funnel induction system, which creates a greater vacuum of air drawn directly through each pad frame equally, and into the split squirrel cage, thereby increasing the vacuum and cooling efficiency by completely bypassing any heat generated or trapped inside the evaporative coolers dead space. The wettable air permeable pads have been redesigned and incorporated in a sandwich-type installation, being constructed of an absorbent spong-like plastic fiber, backed by a layer of coarse mesh-like type plastic fiber filter, thus providing a cleaner hygienic air supply,--at the same time reducing the amount of water needed in prior art evaporative coolers.

Abstract: A shroud, including a shield placed on either side of an evaporation pad, increases the length of travel air transit time within the pad. Pressurized water, emitted in jets from a plurality of orifices spaced along a manifold, is directed against a diffuser for dissipation and dissemination to the upper edge of the pad. The pad is wetted intermittently as the result of a timer controlling distribution of the water. An auxiliary reservoir, in combination with relocatable pump, inlet valve and pad frames, provide for alternate downdraft as side draft operation.

Abstract: A disposable cooler pad apparatus and method for use in evaporative cooler units requiring yearly maintenance to maintain maximum cooling performance. The apparatus consists of an integrally molded frame assembly having a least one STYROFOAM panel having a plurality of angled louvers and a wood fiber, or the like, evaporative cooler pad lining positioned adjacent each other and between outer and inner frame members. The molded evaporative cooler pad apparatus is designed to be a replacement assembly for the cooler pad assemblies factory provided on evaporative cooler units. The low cost nature of the design and manufacture of the integrally molded cooler pad apparatus renders the entire apparatus disposable at time of maintenance.

Abstract: A cooler pad assembly for use in evaporative coolers is provided with an improved wire rod grill structure for demountably holding a wettable pad medium in the air passage defined by the frame of the cooler pad assembly. The grill structure is demountably connected to the water distribution trough at the top end of the frame and depends therefrom in engagement with the pad medium to hold it in place. The grill structure, which may be formed of one or more independent grill segments, is mounted and configured so as to be in spaced non-engaging relationship with the frame other than its demountable attachment to the water distribution trough, and the grill is demountably held in place by an elongated bar which extends transversely of the frame structure and is in demountable engagement therewith.

Abstract: An evaporative cooler is disclosed incorporating a horizontally disposed hollow cylindrical pad mounted for rotation above a water tray. The cylindrical pad extends into water placed in the tray and is rotated to continuously immerse a portion of the pad. The pad is supported through a plurality of rollers contacting circumferential bands positioned thereon; the rollers providing all of the support and all of the rotational force to the cylindrical pad.

Abstract: A plate-like water distributor having a plurality of upstanding ribs which deflect a flow of water into a plurality of streams which discharge over a downturned peripheral edge, the underside of the distributor near that edge having a plurality of retaining means thereon which engage and retain the upper end of an absorptive pad.

Abstract: A humidifier pad for use in humidifiers suitable for adding moisture to the air circulated by a forced air furnace is described together with its method of manufacture. A slab of open-cell foam is stamped using a reciprocating cutter to form humidifier pads which are seamless. These seamless pads are adapted to be fitted onto the cylindrical support frame of the humidifier and the pad is especially useful in a combination with a type of frame which is collapsible cylindrical and which facilitates removal and replacement of the pad.

Abstract: A gas treating system including a housing forming a duct for a gas stream having a vertical panel of flow-through evaporative media secured across the duct, a blower mounted within the duct downstream from the panel adapted to draw the gas stream through the duct, a liquid dispersal assembly connected to a liquid supply adapted to conduct an evaporative treating fluid into the panel where it evaporates into the gas stream as it flows through the panel, and humidity or temperature sensors positioned within the duct downstream from the blower operatively connected with the liquid supply to increase and decrease the flow of liquid into the panel to maintain a preselected humidity or temperature in the gas stream as it flows out of the housing.

Abstract: This invention provides a support for a tubular humidifier pad such that the pad can be replaced easily and efficiently. This is achieved by providing a support having a movable end which can be collapsed to release the pad which is carried on axial stringers attached to this end. The stingers deflect radially inwards so that the old pad can be removed over the collapsed end and a new one put in place. The procedure is then reversed to hold the pad on the support.

Abstract: A joint assembly for a casing cell or the like, which may form the housing of an air-conditioning appliance serves to attach a plurality of wall members to respective adjacent wall members by means of joining elements of the tongue and groove type for enabling a detachable fitting, the adjacent wall members abutting with abutting faces inclined to the main surface of each wall member, wherein the tongue type elements positively engage the groove type elements provided in at least one of the abutting faces and defining an undercut edge for the tongue elements, and two of the wall members of the casing cell which are arranged opposite and rigidly connected to each other and receive the other moveable wall members by insertion in a rectilinear direction essentially perpendicular to an opening face defined between the rigidly connected wall members, at least one of the joining elements being resiliently deformable.

Abstract: An evaporative cooler pad assembly comprising a pad of absorbent material, e.g. woodwool is retained between a pair of side grids each of which has projections which interengage the other, and at least some of the projections extend through the pad and support it.

Abstract: A baffle is upstanding from the base of an evaporative cooler tank, and a spreader has a depending flange, the pad frames having their lower ends located and supported by the upper edge of the baffle and their upper ends engaged and located by the depending spreader flange.

Abstract: Cylindrical evaporator cooler apparatus includes a lower portion having a water sump, a water pump, and a support for a blower system, a vertically extending and cylindrical pad frame, and a top lid covering the pad frame which includes an integral trough through which water is fed to saturate the pads disclosed in the pad frame.

Abstract: An evaporative cooler body comprises a non-corrosive, insulative assembly of self-locating, self-jigging parts. Stand-off means are provided for increasing the effective area of the evaporative cooling pads and for improving air flow across the surface of and through said pads. An improved water distribution means permits sheeting of the water across the top surfaces of the evaporative cooling pads to obtain a more uniform distribution of water within said pads. Means are provided for interrupting water flow on the surface of the evaporative cooling pads and returning such water to the interior of said pad so as to increases the overall efficiency of the evaporative cooler. The evaporative cooler cabinet is comprised of a minimal number of reaction injection molded elements of high modulus urethane elastomer. The material insulates both sound and heat providing a quieter running and more cooling-efficient device. Color may be permanently molded into the cabinet.

Abstract: A support assembly for a cooling pad evaporation system to be used in an opening within the wall of a building and having a water conductor provided with spaced openings in the top thereof, a cover for the water conductor which dissipates water completely over the top surface of the pad, a plurality of individually distinct cooling cells, and a gutter positioned below the pads. The cover is made up of two major structural pieces; one being the rear piece which is attached to the wall, and the other being a front piece with one end extending over and interlocking with a flange located on the top of the rear piece. Inside the cover is a top cover connector, which is an inverted "L"-shaped member providing a uniform surface for deflecting the upwardly directed water down onto the pads, water conductor support brackets and a water conductor.

Abstract: A humidifier assembly comprises a humidifier housing having an open bottom, a rear wall opening adapted to be aligned with an opening in ducting containing air to be humidified and a front wall opening over which is removably mounted a door. A removable water collection pan closes the open bottom of the housing. The pan removably mounts a wire frame carrying an evaporator pad that extends from the pan upwardly into the housing in the path of water discharged from a spray nozzle having a solenoid controlled valve mounted on the door. Air under pressure from the warm air plenum is introduced into the housing space between the nozzle and pad to pass through the wetted pad and discharge through the rear wall opening of the housing.

Abstract: An evaporative cooler body comprises a non-corrosive, insulative assembly of self-locating, self-jigging parts. Stand-off means are provided for increasing the effective area of the evaporative cooling pads and for improving air flow across the surface of and through said pads. An improved water distribution means permits sheeting of the water across the top surfaces of the evaporative cooling pads to obtain a more uniform distribution of water within said pads. Means are provided for interrupting water flow on the surface of the evaporative cooling pads and returning such water to the interior of said pad so as to increase the overall efficiency of the evaporative cooler. The evaporative cooler cabinet is comprised of a minimal number of reaction injection molded elements of high modulus urethane elastomer. The material insulates both sound and heat providing a quieter running and more cooling-efficient device. Color may be permanently molded into the cabinet.

Abstract: An evaporative cooler having a one-piece, frameless shell secured to a bottom pan and having a top cover hinged along one edge to the side wall of the housing shell. A quick-release latching mechanism secures the top cover to the opposite side wall to hold the top cover closed while permitting the top cover to be easily opened for access to components of the evaporative cooler housed therein. Evaporative media pad assemblies have side frame members having V-shaped outer surfaces which slide in correspondingly shaped tracks in the corners of the shell to space the pad assemblies from the louvered side walls of the shell and permit the pad assemblies to be installed and removed from above with a vertical sliding movement.

Abstract: An evaporative cooler pad consisting of loosely packed, randomly oriented fibers of balsam poplar (Populus tacamahaca) also known as balm of Gilead, which are generally ribbon-shaped and which are coated with a thin layer of Portland cement that is water-absorbent and has a granular surface. Balsam poplar has the unique property of forming a firm, adherent bond to the Portland cement, and the cement-coated ribbons of wood absorb and diffuse moisture over their entire surface in the manner of a blotter, so that they become uniformly damp without being excessively wet. The damp, Portland-cement coated fibers present a large surface area of moisture to the air, thereby facilitating rapid evaporation for good cooling effect, without allowing the air to pick up and carry along any fine droplets of water, which would make it wet. The damp, cement-coated fibers also cool without adding appreciably to the humidity in the air.

Abstract: A room humidifier unit operable in conjunction with the natural circulation of the room's air, comprising a portable, self-contained and angularly adjustable evaporator for positioning in the flow path of the room's natural air circulating flow to obtain maximum evaporation, and a system wherein two or more of the units are used and positioned in spaced flow path portions of the circulating room air.

Abstract: A cover for an evaporative cooler has a substantially planar cover member selectively arrangeable for blocking access to the pad of the cooler and protecting the pad from the elements when the pad is not in use. A suitable holder retains the cover member on the cooler so as to cover an associated opening provided in the main frame of the cooler for receiving the cooler pad.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an evaporative cooler construction having a frame comprising corner posts, a sump pan and a cover pan, together with pivotal access doors above and between the corner posts adapted to overlie and expose upper portions of evaporative cooler pad assemblies between the corner posts; said access doors also adapted to lock into place louver grills disposed between the corner posts and substantially flush with the outer extremeties thereof; the disclosure also relating to novel structural interconnection of the corner posts, the sump pan and the cover pan, as well as novel bayonet hinge structure connecting the access doors with the cover pan of the evaporative cooler construction.

Abstract: An evaporative cooler with superimposed pad assemblies adapted to provide for efficient operation of an evaporative cooler having substantially greater elevation and corresponding area, than conventional evaporative coolers of a comparable horizontal cross section, wherein progressive redistribution of water from rearward lower portions of superimposed pad assemblies toward upper inlet sides of the respective pad assemblies provides for great cooling capacity in proportion to the horizontal cross section of a cooler. The disclosure also including details of disposable pad assemblies for superimposed disposition relative to each other in an evaporative cooler in spaced relation to an inlet louver grill thereof. The disclosure being additionally related to the normal operation of superimposed evaporative cooler pad assemblies to prevent thinning of the saturated pad area of evaporative cooler pads near their lower portions in response to air flow from the inlet to the outlet sides of such pad assemblies.

Abstract: An evaporation cooling system for installation within an opening within the wall of a building and having a water conductor provided with spaced openings in the top thereof, retainers spaced apart from each other and extending along the top of the opening, a plurality of brackets spaced apart from each other, retaining clips secured to the brackets so as to extend across the opening below the retainers, a gutter positioned below the retainers, a plurality of support brackets secured to the gutter, a pan provided with openings therein resting on the support brackets, a plurality of individually distinct cooling cells each having front, rear and side faces, the cells consisting of a first group of cells having their bottom portions resting in abutting relationship against the pan and extending along the pan to form a wall, and the front and rear faces of their top portions confined between the retaining clips and the side faces of their top portions confined between the brackets, and a second group of cells hav

Abstract: The invention provides an evaporative airconditioner comprising a base, side panels and a top and wherein the side panels are supported on the base and have stiles having mitred side edges and wherein adjacent side panels abut and close sides of the airconditioner.A water trough for delivering to the side panels is also used and is an annulus of U-shaped section and is received in complementary formations in the upper ends of the side panels to stabilize those panels and be itself supported by the side panels.Clips may additionally secure the side panels together.The base may include a first platform for air blower means, a second perimetric, platform for the lower ends of the side panels, a perimetric flange to restrict outward movement of the side panels and a water sump.The top may include a perimetric flange to restrict outward movement of the tops of the panels.The airconditioner can have certain standard parts modified so as to be side, top or bottom delivery.