Abstract: An apparatus and methods for making drinks such as cappuccino, latte, espresso, coffee or filtered water which comprise a cold water filter system for purifying water for either direct consumption or use in extracting flavor-containing materials like coffee, a hot water filter assembly located on the brew head for removing impurities originated from both water itself and the parts of the apparatus in contact with water, and/or an automatic milk frothier for frothing the milk. The cold water filter system comprises a removable water container having at its bottom a water flow passageway, a filter cartridge removably mounted in the water flow passageway, a containing chamber for receiving filtered water, and a valve in the water flow passageway for automatically closing the passageway when the container is removed from and opening the passageway when placed onto the chamber.

Abstract: A steam injection heater for liquids. The liquids are carried by a conduit characterized as having an upstream end, downstream, substantially circular cross-section and tapered section. A steam inlet pipe is caused to pass through a side wall of the conduit for injecting steam at its outlet proximate the longitudinal axis of the conduit upstream with the tapered section. The steam inlet pipe further includes a mixing element of a configuration to cause steam emanating from the steam inlet pipe to enter the conduit as a rotating cone of steam for efficiently transferring heat energy from the steam to the moving stream of liquids.

Abstract: A steam distribution device for a steam humidification system is a source of steam, a horizontally mounted steam dispersion element for receiving steam from the source of steam and for dispersing a portion of the steam into an air stream, a horizontally mounted jacket partially surrounding the steam dispersion element and unconnected to the source of steam for maintaining the temperature of the steam dispersion element at about the temperature of the steam, the jacket being in flow communication with the dispersion element and receiving steam from the dispersion element, and a condensate collection element separate from the source of steam and connected to the jacket for collecting condensation from the jacket.

Abstract: A fully automatic, milk inclusive espresso coffee machine which includes coffee bean grinding and brewing apparatus and a milk aeration system which pumps a selection of milk from an internal refrigerator through a choice of aeration processes to a steaming apparatus for heating and further conditioning the milk for joining the brewed coffee liquor. With each beverage production cycle all milk is hygienically either served or returned to its refrigerated reservoir. A process is disclosed which includes pumping milk, all in a refrigerated environment, selectively along a plurality of milk lines one of which may inject air for foaming the milk to a steam delivery line for heating and steaming it and delivering it to a beverage cup. After the desired amount of milk has been delivered, the steam flow continues momentarily to cleanse the line of residual milk.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a frothed mixture of milk, air and steam has a mild reservoir, and a steam boiler. A pump draws milk from the milk reservoir and delivers it to an inlet of a Y-connector forming a mixing chamber. A second inlet of the Y-connector is fed with steam. The pump and the steam pressure are controlled such that the milk and steam are substantially of an equal pressure. The milk-steam mix is fed to a jet and exits from its outlet nozzle. The milk-steam mix expands as it exits from the nozzle. Furthermore, the flow of the milk-steam mix draws air into the mix by way of an air inlet conduit whereby a frothed product of milk, air and steam is produced at the nozzle.

Abstract: In injection of steam, gas, liquid or a powdered or granulate product into a fluid in an injection apparatus having a substantially disc-shaped rotor (53), a product inlet (50) and a central product outlet (57), the injection is carried out in an annular injection zone above the disc-shaped rotor (53) at a distance from both the circumference and the center of the rotor (53). The fluid product which may be a liquid with considerable variation of dry solids content and viscosity is exposed to a radial displacement effect as well as a tangential dispersion effect.

Abstract: A jacketed steam humidification apparatus includes an elongated steam dispersion tube having discharge orifices for the release of steam, and an elongated jacket defining a jacket passageway in contact with the dispersion tube so that steam can flow along the jacket passageway to maintain the dispersion tube in a heated condition, where the jacket has one or more escape passages to allow a portion of the steam and other gases in the jacket passageway to escape from the jacket passageway.

Abstract: Espresso coffee machine provided with a device for whipping milk. It includes at least a coffee dispenser (5) and a whipping device (19) inserted in the stream supplying duct (9). The stream supplying is integral with a member rotatory about a vertical shaft surrounding an annular chamber of the steam distributing body (18) fixed on the housing (1) and connected to the steam supply (2a) from the drum (32) and to the stream (9), this latter being horizontally rotatable to locate itself close to the coffee pouring peak (4) on the tray (31) or outside the tray. In the drum (32) there are two hot water (3a) and stream (2a) intake ducts with electrically operated valves (2), (3) which converges at the distributor (8). The electrically operated valves are related with an electronic circuit, several timers and push buttons to select: coffee plus steam according to two different doses, steam in a timed way, steam in a continuous way and hot water in a continuous way for cleaning.

Abstract: A steam outlet assembly comprises a metal tubular portion within which steam passes when the assembly is in use. A plastics steam nozzle extends through apertures in the tubular portion which are spaced apart circumferentially therearound. The plastics nozzle is provided with a transverse through-bore in the tubular portion interior opening out at a head end and/or a screw-threaded end of the nozzle, outside the tubular portion. The nozzle is provided with seals means around apertures on the outside of the tubular portion.

Abstract: Device for frothing and heating liquids such as milk (3) and the like, comprising a substantially cylindrical intermediate body (10) which has sealingly engaged on it an upper body (20) connected to the steam supply pipe (22a) of a machine for preparing hot drinks and provided at the bottom with a nozzle (23), the nozzle (23) being arranged above an internal constriction (10b) which is followed by a coaxial cylindrical duct (12d) in which there emerge radial holes (12a) supplying air for frothing the milk (3), wherein the intermediate body (10) has fixed to it at the bottom a cylindrical body (30) onto which there is coaxially fitted a tubular element (40), wherein said cylindrical body (30) has projections (31) extending longitudinally from its external surface and designed to be engaged with corresponding seats (41) of the tubular element (40) in order to retain the latter, and wherein the tubular element (40) has recesses (51) extending longitudinally and forming longitudinal ducts supplying the frothing a

Abstract: A fluid mixing apparatus for mixing a first fluid with a second fluid is provided. The fluid mixing apparatus includes a first housing, a second housing, a first actuator corresponding with the first housing, and a second actuator corresponding with the second housing. The first housing is provided with an inlet for supplying a first fluid such as water in the form of steam, and a nozzle outlet attached to a nozzle end of the first housing. The second housing is coupled to the nozzle end of the first housing and includes a inlet for supplying a second fluid such a slurry. A mixing tube, which may be slidable, is contained within the second housing for mixing the first fluid and the second fluid therein before passing the mixture out of the second housing. Alternatively, collar member may be circumferentially mounted around a stationary mixing tube contained in the second housing, or alternatively, around the nozzle outlet of the first housing.

Abstract: A compact fuel fired steam generating type humidifier. The apparatus uses a gaseous fuel as the prime source of heat to generate steam used to humidify air in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning of buildings. The humidifier may be a stand alone unit that disperses the steam into the space or the steam generated by the apparatus may be dispersed in forced air flow of the building heating system. The steam generating unit includes a water tank in which there is located a combustion chamber and a heat exchanger chamber for transferring the heat from the products of combustion to the water.

Abstract: A fluid mixing apparatus for mixing a first fluid with a second fluid is provided. The fluid mixing apparatus includes a first housing, a second housing, a first actuator corresponding with the first housing, and a second actuator corresponding with the second housing. The first housing is provided with an inlet for supplying a first fluid such as water in the form of steam, and a nozzle outlet attached to a nozzle end of the first housing. The second housing is coupled to the nozzle end of the first housing and includes a inlet for supplying a second fluid such a slurry. A mixing tube, which may be slidable, is contained within the second housing for mixing the first fluid and the second fluid therein before passing the mixture out of the second housing. Alternatively, collar member may be circumferentially mounted around a stationary mixing tube contained in the second housing, or alternatively, around the nozzle outlet of the first housing.

Abstract: An attachment for combining steam, milk and air which comprises an upper frother body having an upper end defining an inlet and a lower frother body having a lower end defining a discharge outlet. The upper and lower frother bodies are attached to each other so as to establish a fluid passageway between the inlet and the outlet. A frother nozzle is interdisposed in fluid passageway between the inlet and discharge outlet. A manifold attaches to the upper frother body for introducing milk and air into the fluid passageway. A pressure cap, a rigid bushing and a resilient bushing allow releasably attaching of the inlet to a steam supply of an espresso machine. A flush cap releasably attaches to the lower end of the lower frother body to close the discharge outlet so that the steam supply from the espresso machine is directed through the manifold in a reverse flow-like flushing manner whereby the attachment is cleaned without requiring disassembly or disconnection from an espresso machine.

Abstract: The present invention's fog generating apparatus has a mixing chamber. A steam nozzle in the mixing chamber injects high pressure steam into the chamber. The injected steam entrains ambient air, pulling it through an air opening into the mixing chamber. The steam and air mix to form humid air. Cryogenic fluid, preferably liquid nitrogen, is injected through a nozzle, which is positioned in the path of the humid air. The cryogenic fluid rapidly cools the warm, humid air which generates large quantities of fog. Depending of the way the steam is injected and the design of the mixing chamber, the present invention can generate slow or fast moving fog.

Abstract: An improved espresso/cappuccino machine and methods which comprise a crema device downstream of the coffee filter for producing consistent and rich crema on top of the espresso and an automatic milk frothier for producing a predetermined amount of visually appealing foamy head for the milk, both in a manner that is independent of the operators' skill. The crema device comprises an expandable opening for forming a stream or jet of espresso, a crema chamber having keeping means for maintaining an amount of espresso in the chamber during the brewing process, and an arrangement that allows the jet of espresso to plunge directly into the espresso maintained in the chamber thereby producing the crema.

Abstract: A direct contact steam injection heater with a coaxial steam nozzle has a converging/diverging combining tube. The converging/diverging combining tube eliminates the need for an adjustable combining tube sleeve to accommodate various flow rates of a liquid or slurry entering into the heater. The heater is especially well suited for sanitary applications because, without the combining tube sleeve, the heater can be made so that surfaces in contact with the liquid or slurry do not have pockets or folds in which liquid or particulates can accumulate. Contact surfaces in the heater are substantially self-cleaning because of turbulent mixing action, and the heater can be quickly disassembled and reassembled for manual cleaning.

Abstract: An emulsifying unit, particularly for emulsifying steam, air, and milk to prepare cappuccino and the like, comprising an acceleration duct into which a steam injection nozzle leads, the acceleration duct ending with an emulsifying chamber. The acceleration duct is connected to a milk injection duct that draws from a milk container and is provided with an air injection port in a point that is spaced from the acceleration duct.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for a beverage brewing machine for the heating and emulsification of liquids, in particular for the preparation of the coffee with milk beverage "Cappuccino". The device comprises a pipe and a nozzle succeeding in the lower section to the bore, from the orifice of which nozzle hot steam exits during operation. The nozzle is encompassed by the pipe such that an annular chamber is formed around the nozzle, which chamber is open in the direction of flow. The open end of the annular chamber extends beyond the orifice of the nozzle. Apertures are formed at the pipe at the level of the orifice of the nozzle, through which the air, which is necessary for the emulsification, can enter the annular chamber. Further, rib structure is provided at the pipe which permits a user to keep a defined distance between the orifice of the nozzle and the liquid's surface by visual check.

Abstract: Plant for briefly heating a free-falling liquid in a pressure chamber (9) by stream which is also supplied to the pressure chamber. The liquid is supplied to the pressure chamber through a supply plate (42) provided with channels (44) and the resulting liquid jets are brought into contact with the steam. Over the thickness of the plate a temperature gradient is maintained at the level of the difference between the steam temperature and the supply temperature of the liquid. The flow direction of the steam in the pressure chamber is essentially equal to the flow direction of the liquid jets. The plate is of plastic so as to have a low coefficient of thermal conductivity. Alternatively, the plate can have cooling channels to keep its upper surface desirably cooler than its under surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing a first fluid into a second fluid that comprises a housing (1) having a flow chamber (39) for the second fluid, a flow restrictor member (6) in the flow chamber, and holes (18) for introducing the first fluid into at least one gap (15, 16) between the flow restrictor member and those walls (5, 10) of the flow chamber (39) facing towards the flow restrictor member. The flow restrictor member and flow chamber, in a plane transversely to the principal flow direction (31) of the second fluid, each has the shape of a wedge. Gaps (15, 16) are formed between each of those two sides of the flow restrictor member that converge in a wedge shape and those walls of the wedge-shaped chamber facing towards the flow restrictor member. The holes (18) for introducing the first fluid are disposed in the region of the gaps (15, 16).

Abstract: An improved apparatus for introducing steam into an airstream in an HVAC system includes a supply header, steam dispersing structure and structure for collecting condensation from the steam dispersing structure. The supply header is adapted for connection to a source of steam and is preferably elevated with respect to the return header, so that condensation in the supply header and steam dispersing structure is forced into the return header under the influence of steam pressure and gravity. One embodiment of the invention presents a pair of streamlined jackets on one or more of the dispersion tubes that reduce heat loss to the air stream, thereby reducing the amount of condensate that is formed. The jackets are streamlined to minimize turbulence and static pressure loss.

Abstract: A steam humidifier system comprises a manifold for receiving steam and at least one steam dispersion tube extending from the manifold for receiving steam. Steam emitting nozzles on the dispersion tube are aimed into an air flow to be humidified. Preferably at least two baffle tubes are spaced upstream in an air flow from said dispersion tube and are offset laterally in opposite sides thereof transversely of the air flow. Air flow between said baffle tubes is directed thereby against an opposing flow of high velocity steam exiting the nozzles of the dispersion tube for rapid and even disbursement of steam into the air flow. An inner steam feed tube may extend from the manifold into and along the dispersion tube to feed steam to the remote end of the dispersion tube.

Abstract: A fully automated cappuccino, latte, and espresso brewing machine which includes a refrigerated milk supply from which milk is drawn by a steam driven venturi apparatus. The venturi subcombination includes independently electrically operated valving for the driving steam, for drawing milk from its supply, and for drawing air, as desired, for foaming the milk in a vortex mixer coupled to the output of the venturi. The valving may be sequential so that with each cycle of use of the apparatus, it is hygienically steam cleaned of all milk residue.

Abstract: An apparatus for vaporizing volatile liquids comprises a packed column, a gas inlet port (for introducing a hot entrainer gas), a feed tube (for introducing a volatile liquid), a feed distributor comprising a base plate equipped with orifices (through which the liquid flows downward into the packed column) and risers (through which the formed gaseous mixture of entrainer gas and vaporized liquid flows upward), and a gas outlet port. This apparatus can be used to vaporize volatile liquids, preferably volatile tin compounds, optionally in admixture with volatile silicon compounds, wherein steam is used as the entrainer gas.

Abstract: A device for the preparation of frothed milk includes an a steam pipe arrangement including an inner pipe having one end adapted for connecting to a superheated steam generator of a coffee or espresso maker with superheated steam flowing through the inner pipe during operation, and an outer pipe arranged coaxially with the inner pipe and defining at least one air flow channel between the inner and outer pipes. The pipe arrangement includes an outlet configuration for outputting a mixture of steam and air. The outlet configuration includes at least two outlets arranged for opening directly into a container of milk, with at least one of the outlets being substantially radially-oriented with respect to a longitudinal direction of the steam pipe arrangement and being formed by approximately radial openings in the inner and outer pipes that are aligned with one another.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating fluid products has a T-shaped tubular body which provides a longitudinal passage and an intersecting passage which intersects the longitudinal passage at a tubular body junction thereby defining and separating the longitudinal passage into first and second passage portions. The first passage portion, at a position adjacent the junction, is beveled to provide a valve seat, and a first nozzle member is mounted for reciprocative longitudinal displacement in the first passage portion and has a beveled end valve member portion for, upon displacement towards the junction, fluid-tight contact against the valve seat. A bore through the first nozzle member provides for fluid communication in the first passage portion from the bore to between the valve member portion and the valve seat when the valve member portion is displaced away from the seat.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for introducing steam into an airstream in an HVAC system includes a supply header, steam dispersing structure and structure for collecting condensation from the steam dispersing structure. The supply header is adapted for connection to a source of steam and is preferably elevated with respect to the return header, so that condensation in the supply header and steam dispersing structure is forced into the return header under the influence of steam pressure and gravity. One embodiment of the invention presents a pair of streamlined jackets on one or more of the dispersion tubes that reduce heat loss to the air stream, thereby reducing the amount of condensate that is formed. The jackets are streamlined to minimize turbulence and static pressure loss.

Abstract: An apparatus for introducing steam into an airstream in an HVAC humidification system includes a steam supply header, a steam dispersion tube mounted above the supply header, a drain connected to a bottom end of the steam dispersion tube and a steam supply tube positioned within the steam dispersion tube. The steam supply tube has a lower end communicated with the supply header and an upper end that is communicated with the top end of the steam dispersion tube. Since steam is introduced into the top end of the steam dispersion tube, rather than the bottom end, moisture droplets that are entrained in the steam will be urged downwardly by the steam flow toward the drain rather than held up within the steam dispersion tube, significantly increasing the rate at which steam may be introduced into the airstream without spitting.

Abstract: The device for emulsifying steam and milk particularly for cappuccinos and the like includes a first duct and a second duct for conveying milk and steam respectively and a device for mixing and emulsifying the milk with the steam; the mixing and emulsifying device is formed by a single chamber which is connected to the atmosphere and is provided with an element for conveying the first duct into the second duct for the simultaneous delivery, from a single outlet of the conveyance element, of milk and steam at a preset distance from the bottom of the chamber.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for the preparation of milk froth for cappuccino (milk-coffee beverage) to be employed as an accessory to coffee or espresso makers or steam preparation machines equipped with a superheated steam generator and a steam pipe. A venturi is disposed at the outlet end of the steam pipe and has an associated air intake conduit and a milk intake conduit that are arranged in such a way that the outlet opening of the air intake conduit and the outlet opening of the milk intake conduit open in the venturi in the zone of greatest subatmospheric pressure. Due to the subatmospheric pressure created in the venturi by the flowing steam, air and milk are sucked in and mixed with the superheated steam in the diffusion path of the venturi. Thus the three-component mixture of steam, air and milk required for the generation of milk froth is created already in the venturi and the desired milk froth is available at the outlet of the venturi.

Abstract: A cappuccino attachment for an espresso machine, the attachment comprising an upper frother body having a threaded upper opening, a threaded lower opening, and an aperture formed adjacent the upper opening; an extension having a first end coupled with the upper frother body, and a second end opposite the first end, a first aperture formed within the second end, a second aperture formed through the extension; an internal passage providing a fluid interconnection between the upper opening, the lower opening, the first aperture, and the second aperture, the passage being threaded adjacent the lower opening; an air intake adjustment mechanism having a cylindrical member with a hollow interior, the cylindrical member having a first end connected with the second end of the extension, the air intake adjustment mechanism operatively engaged with the hollow interior of the cylindrical member and functioning to control the amount of air passing into the internal passage; a hollow frothing tunnel having a threaded upper

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing pollutants from a gas stream wherein a spray of steam is directed against a primary deflector plate to disperse a portion of the spray and repel the spray off of the primary deflector plate against a secondary deflector plate to disperse at least a portion of the spray rebounded against the secondary deflector plate, the placement of the primary deflector plate and secondary deflector plate adapted such that the dispersed spray from the primary and secondary deflector plates forms an aerosol in the path of the gas stream, allowing the aerosol to condense into water, and recovering the condensed water.

Abstract: An accessory for the preparation of a creamy air-milk-steam emulsion to produce Italian cappuccino, is mounted at the end of a steam outlet pipe (2) of an espresso coffee machine. The accessory comprises an aspiration chamber (3) communicating with the steam outlet pipe, a first lateral opening (4) which communicates with a receptacle containing milk, a second lateral opening (5) in communication with the atmosphere, and a third opening (6) through which leaves a first mixture which flows into an emulsion chamber (7) having a first outlet (8). The accessory comprises a first rigid tubular member (9) having the first opening (4) and the first outlet (8) and receiving partially a second flexible tubular member (10) connected at its upper end to the steam outlet pipe (2) and comprising the aspiration chamber (3). The invention is applicable to all coffee machines with a steam outlet pipe.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for introducing steam into an airstream in heating, ventilating and air conditioning system includes a supply header, steam dispersing structure and structure for collecting condensation from the steam dispersing structure. The supply header is adapted for connection to a source of steam and is preferably elevated with respect to the return header, so that condensation in the supply header and steam dispersing structure is forced into the return header under the influence of steam pressure and gravity. One embodiment of the invention presents a unique modular design whereby the steam dispersing structure can be quickly connected and disconnected from the headers. This allows the apparatus to be broken down and assembled on site, which simplifies and reduces the expense of installation.

Abstract: A machine for dispensing black coffee and white coffee of the cappuccino type, comprises a single housing containing both a coffee dispenser and a steam generator. A milk dispensing device having an emulsifier is connected in cantilever fashion to the housing. The milk dispensing device is connected to the steam generator, to a supply of milk and to an air inlet for producing either emulsified or simply pre-heated milk. A spout for the coffee dispenser is positioned immediately adjacent a spout for the milk dispenser and both are above a deck or platform for supporting a cup which can receive coffee with emulsified milk, coffee with pre-heated milk and coffee alone.

Abstract: A steam injector system comprises a plurality of steam injectors each being provided with with a check valve adapted for water supply, a check valve adapted for steam supply, a check valve adapted for overflow and a check valve adapted for discharge and the respective water check valves, steam check valves, overflow check valves and discharge check valves are connected. In another aspect, a steam injector system comprises a plurality of first to last stage steam injectors arranged in series with each other, the last stage steam injector being provided with a relief valve disposed at a last stage overflow drain port, and a pressure pulsation absorbing device is disposed at least between the last stage overflow drain valve and the relief valve.

Abstract: A device for collecting used steam from a steam-power operated apparatus includes a low pressure tank connected to the steam-power operated apparatus and a collecting tank provided downstream of the low pressure tank. The collecting tank has a top and a bottom. A condensate recycling pipe has a first end connected to the bottom and a second end directed toward the top. A suction chamber is provided in the collecting tank adjacent to the top and has a top inlet and a bottom outlet. A nozzle is provided at the top inlet and connected to the second end of the condensate recycling pipe. A pump is connected to the condensate recycling pipe for pumping condensate from the collecting tank into the condensate recycling pipe. A suction pipe has a first end connected to the low pressure tank and a second end connected to the suction chamber adjacent to the nozzle.

Abstract: The steam ejection nozzle comprises an elongated body which internally defines a chamber. One end of the body is open for coupling to a steam delivery duct and the other end has a plurality of steam discharge outlets. The steam ejection nozzle furthermore comprises a lamination cone which can be partially immersed within a fluid to be emulsified. The lamination cone is skimmed by the flow of steam discharged from the outlets in order to facilitate penetration of the steam into the liquid and create a vortex which increases the inclusion of air.

Abstract: A refrigerator counter includes a goods receiving chamber and a counter bed. Following cooling by a cooling source and following moistening by hot steam of an air moistening system, a circulating air current is conveyed through the goods receiving chamber and from it at least in part back to the cooling source and to a steam feed point. Following cooling, at least one portion of the resultant cold air is branched off from the circulating air current and is swirled in a mixed air chamber with hot steam guided into the mixed air chamber. Resulting moistened mixed air is conveyed by at least one steam outlet nozzle into the goods receiving chamber.

Abstract: The invention concerns a steam/water mixer with steam and water inlets, a vessel for mixing the steam and water, an outlet for passing heated water from the mixing vessel, sintered material located inside the mixing vessel between the steam inlet(s) so that the steam entering the mixing vessel can only pass through the sintered material to the water inlet or the mixing-vessel outlet, wherein packing material is disposed in the space between the sintered material and the interior wall of the mixing vessel.

Abstract: A device for introducing a hydrocarbon into a riser reactor containing a tubular diluent gas conduit having an interior surface and exterior wall surface where the interior wall surface is for passing a diluent gas into the reactor and two or more tubular hydrocarbon supply conduits, longitudinally perforated, arranged within the tubular diluent gas conduit where the longitudinal perforations are adapted to pass the diluent gas from the tubular diluent gas conduit into the tubular hydrocarbon supply conduit.

Abstract: A device for obtaining hot drinks in solution, especially hot drinks made from a freeze-dried product. The freeze-dried product is dispensed in a predetermined dose into a treatment chamber. The treatment chamber is closed and air, liquid, and steam are injected into the treatment chamber in order to dissolve the predetermined dose and to create the hot drink. The predetermined dose is substantially mixed and dissolved in the liquid, steam and air and removed from the treatment chamber through an outlet in a cover of the treatment chamber and through a valve in the bottom of the treatment chamber. The supply of air to the treatment chamber can be interrupted if the hot drink is desired without froth.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for introduicng steam into an airstream in a heating, ventilating and air conditioning system includes a supply header, steam dispersing structure and structure for collecting condensation from the steam dispersing structure. The supply header is adapted for connection to a source of steam and is preferably elevated with respect to the return header, so that condensation in the supply header is forced into the return header under the influence of steam pressure and gravity. Both headers may further be inclined to improve drainage of condensation. The invention optionally may utilize fenders in conjunction with the steam dispersing structure to minimize heat transfer to the airstream.

Abstract: Device for frothing and heating milk for beverages, consisting of a substantially tubular cylindrical body (1) connected to the steam outlet tube (3) of a machine for preparing hot beverages, the cylindrical body having within it a first nozzle (8), outside which nozzle there is, within the cylindrical body, a chamber (12) into which opens a milk intake tube (12a) from a vessel (4), the nozzle (8) being located above a constriction (10) followed by a second nozzle (11, 111) outside which, within the cylindrical body, is formed a chamber (16, 116) having one or more apertures (17) communicating with the outside and at least one aperture (18, 118) communicating with the inside of the nozzle (11, 111), beneath which there is an outlet duct (23, 22) leading to the outside, where a vessel may be placed to receive the frothed milk.

Abstract: An adapter having an elastic body with a first inlet for the discharge end of a steam-supplying conduit, a second inlet for the discharge end of an air-supplying pipe, a mixing chamber into which air drawn by pressurized steam which is supplied by the conduit, and an outlet which discharges the mixture of air and steam into a supply of milk to thereby foam the milk so that foamed milk can be used as a topping for regular coffee or espresso coffee. The discharge end of the pipe and/or the discharge end of the conduit is held in the respective inlet exclusively by friction to facilitate ready separation of the body of the adapter. The intake end of the air-supplying pipe carries an elastic cap with one or more channels which supply atmospheric air into the pipe when the conduit supplies pressurized steam. The cap is removed prior to cleaning of the pipe and of the body of the adapter if the body is cleaned jointly with the pipe.

Abstract: The deodorizing apparatus is used to treat organic liquids, such as edible oils or edible fats, in that they are stripped with water vapor under subatmospheric pressure and at temperatures from about 130.degree. to 260.degree. C. Free fatty acids and disturbing taste- and odor-imparting substances are thus removed. The liquid to be treated is passed through one or more treating stories and is agitated therein by rising water vapor. At least one of the treating stories comprises at least two concentric, open-topped annular passages having a common cylindrical wall, a vertical partition extending across the wall and an aperature in the wall adjacent the partition for allowing liquid flow between the passages. A plurality of circulating cylinders, which are adapted to be flown through in an upward direction, are arranged in each annular passage. Water vapor in the form of fine bubbles is passed through the circulating cylinders.

Abstract: The deodorizing apparatus is used to treat organic liquids, such as edible oils or edible fats, in that they are stripped with water vapor under subatmospheric pressure and at temperature from about 130.degree. to 260.degree. C. The liquid to be treated is passed through one or more treating levels and is agitated therein by rising water vapor. At least one of the treating levels contains numerous conical circulating ducts, which can be flown through in an upward direction and are provided with a water vapor inlet in their lower portion, which is narrower in cross-section. The cone angle of the circulating duct measured against the vertical may vary from 5.degree. to 20.degree. C.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for reducing the concentration of pollutants in an effluent from the combustion of a fuel or waste material is presented. The process and apparatus enables injection of an effluent treatment fluid at low treatment fluid flow rates yet provides an even dispersion of treatment fluid within an effluent passage with little or no clogging. An atomization conduit, positioned coaxially within a treatment fluid supply conduit, extends into the effluent and supplies an atomization fluid, such as steam or air. A treatment fluid is supplied through a supply conduit and through at least one jet in the atomization conduit wall at a velocity of between 2-60 feet per second, causing atomization of the treatment fluid within the nozzle.

Abstract: A humidifier system where atomized water is caused to be rapidly evaporated as a result of being strategically located in the path of high velocity turbulent air created by converging deflector vane sets, and delivered to an outlet duct end for further distribution. An alternative embodiment illustrates a humidifier system where a central steam tube is substituted for the atomizing nozzles and steam fog is discharged into the high velocity turbulent air plane. Angled orifices in the central steam tube disperse steam against the air flow to further disperse steam within the humidifier assembly.