Vaporizer Patents (Class 392/386)
  • Patent number: 7587133
    Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous steam generator provided with an evaporator through flow heating surface which is disposed in a heating gas channel which can be cross flown in an approximately vertical manner in a heating gas device, said evaporator through flow heating surface comprising a plurality of parallel connected steam generating pipes enabling a flow medium to flow through, and an overheating heating surface which is arranged downstream from the evaporator through flow heating surface comprising a plurality of parallel connected overheating pipes enabling the evaporated flow medium to flow through, also enabling production and operational costs to be reduced and enabling the temperature of the steam on the outlet of the overheating heating surface to be controlled in a comparatively simple and flexible manner. The steam end-point of the flow medium is displaced to the overheating pipe, if required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joachim Franke, Rudolf Kral, Dieter Schiesser
  • Patent number: 7572412
    Abstract: The aroma lamp contains a base member having a circuit member and a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector. A fan module is positioned facing upward on a top surface of the base member. A hollow support member covers the top surface of the base member and the fan module. The support member has a vertical tube with surrounding openings which penetrates an aroma producing element and a light generating element is positioned at a top end of the vertical tube. A hollow lamp shade is detachably joined to the support member and houses the aroma producing element and the light generating element inside. When the USB connector is connected to a computer, the fan module is turned on and drives air to flow upward against the aroma producing element. The aroma producing element vaporizes and the aroma is spread outside the lamp shade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Inventor: Chin-Sheng Yang
  • Patent number: 7569191
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method and an apparatus for generating a gaseous chemical precursor for a processing system. In one embodiment, an apparatus for generating the gaseous chemical precursor used in a vapor deposition processing system is provided and includes a canister having a sidewall, a top, and a bottom encompassing an interior volume therein, an inlet port and an outlet port in fluid communication with the interior volume, and an inlet tube extending from the inlet port into the canister, wherein the inlet tube contains an outlet positioned to direct a gas flow away from the outlet port and towards the sidewall of the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Seshadri Ganguli, Ling Chen, Vincent W. Ku
  • Patent number: 7544331
    Abstract: An electric automobile air freshening device that has an oil chamber for receiving various scented oils that are vaporized when a heating element is thermally energized when the related 12 VAC plug is inserted in a cigarette lighter receptacle. The plug may be integral with the housing or detachable via a retractable cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Inventor: Romano Pettaway
  • Patent number: 7509034
    Abstract: A steam generating apparatus 20 including: a vaporizing container 1; a heater 2 for heating the vaporizing container 1; a feed pump 5 for feeding water from a reservoir tank 7 into the vaporizing container 1; a drain valve 6 for draining water out of the vaporizing container 1 through a drain pipe 8; a temperature detecting means 9 for detecting temperature of the vaporizing container 1; and a controller 10 for controlling the heater 2, the feed pump 5, the drain valve 6, and the like. After completion of steam generating operation, water remaining inside the vaporizing container 1 is drained after the temperature of the vaporizing container 1 has lowered to 60° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuya Kadoma, Keisuke Hara
  • Patent number: 7499632
    Abstract: A distribution device for distributing volatile fluids in air. In an exemplary embodiment, the distribution device includes a wick formed of a solid material which is impregnated with a volatile fluid, such as a scented liquid, a disinfectant, a fungicide, an anti-allergenic substance, an insect repellant, or an insecticide, for example. In another embodiment, the device includes a substantially hollow, tubular shaped wick which includes a portion that is exposed to the surrounding environment and a portion that is in liquid communication with a liquid reservoir containing a volatile fluid. The wick is positioned in the liquid reservoir and in a close fitting engagement with an open end of the liquid reservoir. The hollow configuration of the wick provides a greater exposed surface area to enhance the evaporation of the liquid into the surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Momentum Industries, LLC
    Inventors: David A. Granger, Andrew J. Felton
  • Patent number: 7491913
    Abstract: Bake apparatus for use in baking a substrate, such as a semiconductor wafer, includes a chamber, a hot plate installed within the chamber, and first and second buffer plates for uniformly dispersing hot gas. The hot plate is configured to support the semiconductor wafer. The gas is injected into the chamber through an air passageway and is exhausted through an air exhaust opening. The first buffer plate is disposed within an upper part of the chamber so as to uniformly disperse the gas within the chamber. The second buffer plate is disposed above the first buffer plate. The first and second buffer plates each have a number of discharge holes by which the gas is uniformly discharged from the chamber to the exhaust opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Myoung-Kuy Lee
  • Patent number: 7493028
    Abstract: A vaporization device including a housing, a plurality of wicks, a plurality of heating elements and a power control circuit. The plurality of wicks are at least partially contained within the housing and include a first wick and a second wick. The plurality of heating elements include a first heating element and a second heating element. The first heating element is proximate to the first wick and the second heating element is proximate to the second wick. The power control circuit powers the first heating element at a first level when the second heating element is not powered. The power control circuit powers the first heating element at a second level when the second heating element is powered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Group Dekko, Inc.
    Inventors: T. Scott DeWitt, Robert G. Cox
  • Publication number: 20090041442
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a smokeless thermal vaporizer apparatus for extracting and vaporizing essential ingredients from natural herbal medicines for inhalation to prevent and alleviate pains and diseases. The thermal vaporizer apparatus includes a heating device and a handheld delivery device. The heating device has a heating element disposed within a thermally insulated housing with an access opening on front and a switch with a variable voltage controller on the front surface of the housing to regulating the amount heat generated by the heating element. The heating element is securely mounted to the housing with the rear end attached to the housing and the front end positioned in the center of the access opening. The handheld delivery device includes a vaporization chamber for holding herbal medicine and receiving smokeless hot air from the heating element of the heating device and a mouthpiece for inhalation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Martin D. Rouse, JR.
  • Patent number: 7454308
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for detecting the occurrence and extent of waterlogging in steam heating coils which consists of a series of two or more sensors disposed to measure temperature at strategic locations on the heating coils of a steam heat coil panel, a recording device which logs and stores the temperature measurement data at pre-defined incremental intervals over a significant length of the steam heating cycle, and a method for displaying and interpreting the data to accurately identify the existence and extent of waterlogging within the steam heating system. The temperature sensors preferably are attached to the outside wall of the steam heating coils and transmit data to an electronic recording device. In a preferred embodiment the data is displayed as a series of line graphs which can be analyzed by the use of described techniques to identify the occurrence and location of waterlogging within a steam heating coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Steven Wayne Carroll
  • Patent number: 7440683
    Abstract: Vapor-emitting devices according to various embodiments of the invention include active end of use indicators to warn users that it is nearing the time and/or time to replace the vapor-emitting device or a refill for the device. Some embodiments of the vapor-emitting devices include intrusive actuation of the end of use indicator, while other embodiments include non-intrusive actuation of the end of use indicator. The indicators may be visual and/or auditory cues for notifying users it is nearing the time and/or time to replace the vapor-emitting device or a refill for the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: The Dial Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Bankers, Perry Kaiser, Kevin Hafer, Carl Triplett
  • Publication number: 20080253755
    Abstract: The fragrance emanation system includes a container for holding preferably a fragranced liquid or gel, a housing for holding the container, and a wick. The housing contains a socket for attaching to the container, a cavity for receiving the container and a door for enclosing the container. One end of the wick protrudes from the container. An electrical circuit is included having a heater for heating the protruding end of the wick and electrical connectors coupled to the circuit to receive current from a power source to provide the current to the heater. The heater heats and evaporates the liquid within the wick, thereby accelerating the emission of vapors from the evaporated liquid. The door includes a window, a bottom and a mechanism for holding the door closed to assist in holding the container in engagement with the socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Stephen Smith, David Baraky, Robert Bussom, Harry Slatkin
  • Patent number: 7437060
    Abstract: A delivery system for vaporizing and delivering vaporized solid and liquid precursor materials at a controlled rate having particular utility for semiconductor manufacturing applications. The system includes a vaporization vessel, a processing tool and a connecting vapor line therebetween, where the system further includes an input flow controller and/or an output flow controller to provide a controlled delivery of a vaporizable source material to the vaporization vessel and a controlled flow rate of vaporized source material to the processing tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Luping Wang, Thomas H. Baum, Chongying Xu
  • Patent number: 7430364
    Abstract: A vaporizer for providing water vapor at a safer and reduced temperature comprises a water tank and steam generating unit. The steam generating unit is an assembly of a multi-walled chamber, top cover portion and safety grill. The safety grill establishes a distance between a water vapor outlet situated on the top cover portion and the point where an individual may contact the water vapor. This distance allows the temperature of the water vapor to be reduced to a safer temperature. Additionally, the vaporizer includes a condensation recycling port that receives water vapor droplets that form about the steam generating unit and returns those droplets to a boiling chamber where the water droplets are recycled into water vapor. Finally, the top cover portion includes a water barrier to protect electrical components near the water vapor outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Kaz Incorporated
    Inventors: Andrew Howansky, Zhijing Wang, Linda Hotz, Christopher S. Kanel
  • Patent number: 7429361
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus for generating a gaseous chemical precursor used in a vapor deposition processing system is provided which includes a canister comprising a sidewall, a top, and a bottom encompassing an interior volume therein, an inlet port and an outlet port in fluid communication with the interior volume, and an inlet tube extending from the inlet port into the canister. The apparatus further may contain a plurality of baffles within the interior volume extending between the top and the bottom of the canister, and a precursor slurry contained within the interior volume, wherein the precursor slurry contains a solid precursor material and a thermally conductive material that is unreactive towards the solid precursor material. In one example, the solid precursor material solid precursor material is pentakis(dimethylamino) tantalum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Seshadri Ganguli, Ling Chen, Vincent W. Ku
  • Patent number: 7428373
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering solid precursors. In certain embodiments of the present application, a flow monitor, pressure sensor, or temperature sensor is used to measure and regulate the flow of vaporized solid precursor material from a vaporization chamber to a deposition chamber. To avoid condensation of the solid precursor material in the delivery lines, a controller is placed in a feed back loop to make adjustments to the amount of vapor available. Additional embodiments are disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gurtej S. Sandhu
  • Publication number: 20080226269
    Abstract: The present invention provides a vapor generator for evaporating a volatile substance into the atmosphere. The vapor generator includes a heat source, a reservoir, and a wick. In one aspect of the invention, the vapor generator output is adjustable by rotating the reservoir. In another aspect of the invention, a visual indicator indicates the relative output setting of the vapor generator. In another aspect of the invention, the reservoir is mounted relative to the heat source by magnetic attraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Donald E. DeWitt, Joshua E. DeWitt, T. Scott DeWitt
  • Patent number: 7404862
    Abstract: A device and a method for facilitating the deposition and patterning of organic materials onto substrates utilizing the vapor transport mechanisms of organic vapor phase deposition is provided. The device includes one or more nozzles, and an apparatus integrally connected to the one or more nozzles, wherein the apparatus includes one or more source cells, a carrier gas inlet, a carrier gas outlet, and a first valve capable of controlling the flow of a carrier gas through the one or more source cells. The method includes moving a substrate relative to an apparatus, and controlling the composition of the organic material and/or the rate of the organic material ejected by the one or more nozzles while moving the substrate relative to the apparatus, such that a patterned organic layer is deposited over the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: The Trustees of Princeton University
    Inventors: Max Shtein, Stephen R. Forrest, Jay B. Benzinger
  • Patent number: 7386225
    Abstract: A humidification apparatus, comprising a container and a set of heating tube; wherein water (liquid) can be introduced from a container to one end of said heating tube, and an steam outlet is provided in another end so that the steams generated by heating liquid (water) flowed out or spurted; said heating tube is an electric film where the external surface of the quartz tube is electrified for heating. Steams will be generated when liquid (water) introduced and reserved in the tube is electrified and heated by the electric film and then boiled. Therefore, it is necessary to heat partial liquid depending on the amount of steamed needed, and thus power saving can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Inventor: Cheng Ping Lin
  • Publication number: 20080050102
    Abstract: An electrically actuated liquid dispenser, an electrically addressable liquid dispenser and an electronic device are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Kristina L. Lamers
  • Patent number: 7329595
    Abstract: An effusion source comprises a vitreous C filament and a heater to increase the temperature of the filament to produce a C vapor. Also described is a deposition method comprising (a) depositing a layer of material on a substrate, and (b) during step (a), heating a body of material that includes vitreous carbon so that carbon from the body is vaporized and incorporated into the deposited layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Loren Neil Pfeiffer, Kenneth William West
  • Patent number: 7329839
    Abstract: An apparatus for a candle warming device is disclosed for providing a decorative covering over the candle warming device and for supporting a wax-filled glass candle placed upon a candle warmer. The cover includes a perimeter wall having a base portion defining a first interior surface contour that is generally of the shape of an outer perimeter of a candle warming device. An upper portion is interconnected to the base portion and defines a second interior surface contour that is generally the shape of an outer perimeter of a candle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffery W. Palmer
  • Patent number: 7324744
    Abstract: The invention provides means within an improved vapor dispensing device to accommodate or compensate for multiple orientations of an outlet into which the device is to be inserted. Orientation compensation is accomplished by inverted and/or rotatable electrical adapters, universal contacts on a base member, enlarged passive dispersion channels, enlarged emanators, multiple emanators, baffles cooperating with an emanator, and/or sleeves encasing multiple wicks to allow for operation of the device in multiple orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: The Dial Corporation
    Inventors: Carl Triplett, Jeffrey Bankers, Kevin Hafer, Paul Pappalardo, Geoffrey Faires
  • Patent number: 7323207
    Abstract: A portable apparatus for detecting latent fingerprints that discharges a vapor of a cyanoacrylate-containing solution. The apparatus comprises a reservoir for holding a liquid solution comprising cyanoacrylate, a valve for controlling the release of the solution through a capillary flow passage, and a power supply for heating the capillary flow passage and vaporizing the solution. When cyanoacrylate vapor contacts latent fingerprints, the fingerprints are rendered visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Walter A. Nichols, Daniel Diefenbach
  • Publication number: 20070280652
    Abstract: An improved vaporizer unit and water pipe assembly for extracting ingestible vapors from tobacco and herbs. Preferable embodiments of said assembly may comprise blown glass, colored glass, and adaptations for the safety of the user and to protect against breakability of said assembly. Other preferred features and embodiments include but are not limited to a cage secured to protect a central vessel housing a heating means, a hanger for storing, enhanced airflow, enhanced draw, and portability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Clayton J. Williams
  • Patent number: 7297045
    Abstract: A smoke generating device for a model train that includes a smoke generating element supported by a support member. The smoke generating element can be wound around the support member is a generally helical pattern. The number of turns and the distance between turns can be varied to enhance the smoke generating properties of the device. The support member can be braided fiberglass. A length and cross-section of the support member can be varied to support smoke generating elements of different lengths. The length of the smoke generating element can be varied to produce smoke generating devices having different resistive values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Lionel L.L.C.
    Inventors: Martin D. Pierson, James M. Rohde
  • Publication number: 20070237498
    Abstract: A dispenser for use with an air-treating composition to be emitted includes a base having a container support and a mounting surface separate from the container support. A container is coupled to the base container support and adapted to receive the air-treating composition, and a diffuser element is coupled to the base and positioned to disperse the air-treating composition from the container into the surrounding environment. A cover is adapted for attachment to the base mounting surface. The container support remains intact when the cover is removed therefrom. The cover may include a frame for holding one of a plurality of substrates carrying different images. In addition, the base may be formed of a plastic material while the cover is formed of a ceramic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Applicant: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Helf, David C. Belongia
  • Patent number: 7263282
    Abstract: An electrically heated apparatus for dispensing fragrancing materials and other volatile substances to an enclosed volume comprising a container containing a quantity of a volatile substance, heating means, transfer means for transferring said volatile substance towards said heating means and a portable power supply for energizing said heating means, characterized in that said heating means comprises a flexible thin film heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser (UK) Limited
    Inventor: Brian Robert Meyer
  • Patent number: 7212734
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating carbon monoxide comprising an enclosure (6) having an inlet and an outlet at least one of which is provided with means (8) restricting air flow from the inlet to the outlet, a container (1) located within the enclosure (6) arranged to receive carbon material (2) in intimate contact with an electrical heating element (3), and means (5) for causing air to move from the inlet to the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: No Climb Products Limited
    Inventors: Stewart Pepper, David Sharp
  • Patent number: 7190888
    Abstract: A vaporization device including a housing, a container, a wick, a heating element and an adjustment mechanism. The wick is fixed to the container and extends therefrom. The heating element is positioned in the housing proximate a portion of the wick. The adjustment mechanism interconnects the container with the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Dekko Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence R. Wolf, Robert G. Cox
  • Patent number: 7186385
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating gas for a processing system is provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for generating gas for a processing system includes a canister having at least one baffle disposed between two ports and containing a precursor material. The precursor material is adapted to produce a gas vapor when heated to a defined temperature at a defined pressure. The baffle forces a carrier gas to travel an extended mean path between the inlet and outlet ports. In another embodiment, an apparatus for generating gas includes a canister having a tube that directs a carrier gas flowing into the canister away from a precursor material disposed within the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Seshadri Ganguli, Ling Chen, Vincent W. Ku
  • Patent number: 7164849
    Abstract: Vapor-emitting devices according to various embodiments of the invention include active end of use indicators to warn users that it is nearing the time and/or time to replace the vapor-emitting device or a refill for the device. Some embodiments of the vapor-emitting devices include intrusive actuation of the end of use indicator, while other embodiments include non-intrusive actuation of the end of use indicator. The indicators may be visual and/or auditory cues for notifying users it is nearing the time and/or time to replace the vapor-emitting device or a refill for the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: The Dial Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Bankers, Perry Kaiser, Kevin Hafer
  • Patent number: 7162149
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaseous fluid generation system, a columnar heating device, and a method for generating a gaseous fluid. In one embodiment, the gaseous fluid generation system includes a reservoir-less columnar vessel having a liquid fluid inlet and a gaseous fluid outlet and at least one resistive heating element contained within the columnar vessel. The columnar vessel is oriented such that the gaseous fluid outlet is elevated with respect to the liquid fluid inlet. In one embodiment, the gaseous fluid generation system includes at least one resistive heating element having a power density selected to heat a fluid selected from the group consisting of a liquid fluid, a saturated gaseous fluid and a superheated gaseous fluid. In one particular embodiment, resistive heating elements of the columnar vessel have a power density selected to heat both a liquid fluid and a gaseous fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Evans
  • Patent number: 7151891
    Abstract: The invention provides means within an improved vapor dispensing device to accommodate or compensate for multiple orientations of an outlet into which the device is to be inserted. Orientation compensation is accomplished by inverted and/or rotatable electrical adapters, universal contacts on a base member, enlarged passive dispersion channels, enlarged emanators, multiple emanators, baffles cooperating with an emanator, and/or sleeves encasing multiple wicks to allow for operation of the device in multiple orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: The Dial Corporation
    Inventors: Carl Triplett, Jeffrey Bankers, Kevin Hafer, Paul Pappalardo, Geoffrey Faires
  • Patent number: 7123824
    Abstract: A steam generator for use with a steam bath has a storage tank for holding a quantity of water from which steam is to be made, means for permitting the ingress of water and the egress of steam from the tank, first heating means for controllably maintaining the water at a temperature that is elevated from the ambient temperature but below its boiling point, and second heating means for selectively heating the water from its elevated temperature to produce steam upon demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventors: Mitchell Altman, Scott Sharitz
  • Patent number: 7112770
    Abstract: A humidification system and method particularly well adapted for use in commercial aircraft to provide substantially micro-organism free humidified air within a passenger cabin of the aircraft. The system employs a vessel for holding a quantity of water therein. The vessel is disposed within a microwave oven which is used to heat the water within the vessel to the boiling point such that steam is generated therefrom. This steam is directed into an airflow duct and used to humidify an airflow being supplied into a cabin area of the aircraft. The steam is substantially micro-organism free. A controller is used to cycle the filling and draining of the vessel to achieve a desired humidity level for the airflow. Optimally, a vacuum accumulator is employed to assist in rapid draining of the water from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Justin H. Doh, George Bates, III
  • Patent number: 7103270
    Abstract: A steam cleaner with multiple protections includes a machine body, in which first and second protections are provided. The first protection includes a pressure controller and a relief valve, and the second protection includes a temperature controller and a fuse unit. When a boiler provided in the machine body has an internal pressure or an internal temperature exceeded a value preset for the pressure controller or the temperature controller, respectively, a power control unit automatically power off the steam cleaner. When the boiler has an internal pressure exceeded a value preset for the relief valve, steam is immediately discharged from the boiler, and when the boiler has an internal temperature exceeded a value preset for the fuse unit, heating of the boiler is immediately stopped to avoid any danger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Chung-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 7091454
    Abstract: A heating apparatus for cooking using steam and a method of controlling the same. The heating apparatus includes a main body having a cooking chamber; a steam-generating device for supplying steam to the cooking chamber; and a water supply device for supplying water to the steam-generating device, having a water bucket for containing water; a water bucket-supporting device installed on the main body for supporting the water bucket, and including a space for containing an inlet of the water bucket such that the inlet can be soaked in the water when the water bucket is inserted into the water bucket-supporting device such that the inlet of the water bucket faces a bottom of the bucket-supporting device; a water supply pump for supplying the water of the water bucket-supporting device to the steam-generating device; and water supply pipes for guiding the water from the water bucket-supporting device to the steam-generating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Pung Yeon Cho, Kobayashi Shozo, Seok Weon Hong, Yun Ic Hwang, Yu Jeub Ha, Cheol Jin Kim
  • Patent number: 7088914
    Abstract: A device for vaporizing a medicament (4). The device comprises a resistive element (9) on which the medicament is deposited. The device also comprises a source of electrical power which can be connected across the resistive element to vaporize the medicament. The element is configured to provide a central cool region (11) on which the medicament is deposited and a relatively hotter region (12) surrounding the cool region. Through holes (13) are also provided. The resistive element may be a mesh, foil or a tile on which a resistive pattern is deposited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignees: GW Pharma Limited, Tyco Electronics UK Limited
    Inventors: Brian Anthony Whittle, John Erwin Richard Bowyer, Anthony Hamish Harper, Anthony Vanhinsberg, Christopher Robert Melbourne, David Downs, Rajiv Bobby Dave
  • Patent number: 7085481
    Abstract: A vaporization device including a housing, a wick, at least one heating element and a rotational coupling. The wick is partially contained within the housing and extends from the housing. The at least one heating element being proximate the wick. The rotational coupling interconnects the heating element with the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Dekko Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron L. Hooks, Robert G. Cox
  • Patent number: 7067771
    Abstract: A steam generator with improved safety and ease of use is provided. In this steam generator, water provided from a water tank is heated by a heater to generate a steam in a chamber, and then the steam is sprayed out through a steam channel. An overflow port is formed in the water tank such that an adequate water level is safely maintained even when an excessive amount of water is supplied into the water tank from a water inlet. The steam generator has a shutter disposed in a drain channel for water drained from the water tank through the overflow port and an interlocking mechanism for opening and closing the shutter in response to an opening and closing motion of a cover for the water inlet. This achieves good usability of the steam generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shingo Omura
  • Patent number: 7068924
    Abstract: A steam generator for efficiently generating fine steam particles is provided. Water supplied from a water tank is heated by a heater to generate steam in a steam chamber. The steam generator has a discharge generating portion, which is composed of a pair of electrodes, an intermediate electrode disposed therebetween, and a voltage applying unit for applying a voltage between the electrodes to generate discharges between the electrodes and the intermediate electrode. The steam generated in the steam chamber is exposed to the discharges, so that fine steam particles are efficiently sprayed out from the steam generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunichi Watanabe, Yasuhiro Adachi, Shingo Omura, Shigenori Kugumiya, Kazumi Okawa
  • Patent number: 7050709
    Abstract: A smoke producing system for efficiently producing reduced toxin smoke includes a heating chamber heated by a heat source. A coil passes into and through the heating chamber to deliver a smoke producing substance, typically a liquid, to the hottest portion of the heating chamber. The substance is heated above a flash point of the substance before it is released from the coil into the hottest part of the heating chamber where it is immediately converted to smoke. The smoke then passes from the hottest portion of the chamber through a convoluted path to an outlet port. In a particular embodiment, the smoke producing system incorporates a fan assembly used as the heat source and for directing the smoke produced in a desired direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: Lyndon J. Hurley
  • Patent number: 7050708
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering solid precursors. In certain embodiments of the present application, a flow monitor is used to measure and regulate the flow of vaporized solid precursor material from a vaporization chamber to a deposition chamber. The flow monitor chokes the supply of vapor into the deposition chamber to regulate vapor flow. To avoid condensation of the solid precursor material in the delivery lines or flow monitor, a controller is placed in a feed back loop to monitor the flow rate and make adjustments to the amount of vapor available at the inlet of the flow monitor. Additional embodiments are disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gurtej S. Sandhu
  • Patent number: 7031600
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing a dielectric material at a rate of at least 3000 Angstroms per minute on a large area substrate that has a surface area of at least about 0.35 square meters is provided. In one embodiment, the dielectric material is silicon oxide. Also provided is a large area substrate having a layer of dielectric material deposited by a process yielding a deposition rate in excess of about 3000 Angstroms per minute and a processing chamber for fabricating the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Sanjay D. Yadav, Quanyuan Shang, Wendell T. Blonigan
  • Patent number: 7024104
    Abstract: A boilerless steamer apparatus is provided having a steamer cavity formed of a steam generating space and a cooking space, wherein the steam generating space is separated from the cooking space by a removable steam lid. The present boilerless steamer apparatus can provide between 7 to 10 lbs./hour (per pan) of steam. Various methods to easily clean the boilerless steamer apparatus are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger R. Moore, Jr., Michael Gibson Parsons
  • Patent number: 6996334
    Abstract: A boilerless steamer apparatus is provided having a steamer cavity formed of a steam generating space and a cooking space, wherein the steam generating space is separated from the cooking space by a removable steam lid. The present boilerless steamer apparatus can provide between 7 to 10 lbs./hour (per pan) of steam. Additionally, various means are disclosed to reduce the amount of condensate reaching the drainage system. Various methods to easily clean the boilerless steamer apparatus are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Gibson Parsons, Roger R. Moore, Jr., Pedro Hilarion Lopez
  • Patent number: 6996335
    Abstract: An evaporator (10) includes a housing (100, 200), a bottle (400) containing a substance to be evaporated, a wick (500) protruding from the bottle (400), a rotatable plug deck (300) for providing electricity to the evaporator (10), a heating device (250) disposed within the housing (100,200), and an adjuster (600) within the housing (100, 200) for displacing the wick (500) toward or away from the heating device (250). The adjuster (600) includes a retaining mechanism (650) that retains the adjuster (600) in a selected one of a plurality of discreet adjustment settings. The plug deck 300 includes a locking mechanism (340, 342) that retains the plug deck (300) in a selected one of a plurality of discrete positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventor: Franco Zobele
  • Patent number: 6988497
    Abstract: A humidifier apparatus for operating at an air pressure is disclosed for use with a respiratory therapy breathing apparatus that provides a breathable gas supply to patients requiring higher concentrations of liquid vapor and gas pressure. The humidifier apparatus includes a feed liquid supply bag in fluid communication with a humidifier cartridge via a conduit. The conduit enables air to flow therethrough to equalize air pressure between the humidifier cartridge and the feed liquid supply bag in response to liquid being supplied to the humidifier cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Medex Cardio-Pulmonary, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter Levine
  • Patent number: 6912355
    Abstract: The invention relates to an evaporation device (4) for the evaporation of volatile active substances, in particular aromatic substances and/or insecticides, including a housing (3) and a heating device (2) within the housing having a heating body (1), capable of being heated to an evaporation temperature for the evaporation of the active substance. According to the invention, the heating body (1) is in formed from a heat-conducting synthetic material encapsulating a heating element (5). Heat from the heating element is transferred through the heat conducting heating body to evaporate the active substance. A heating device (2) of this type can be produced easily and economically with little manufacturing expenditure. The invention furthermore relates to a heating device to be used in a device for the evaporation of volatile active substances as well as to a method for the production of the heating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: C.T.R., Consultoria Tecnica e Representacoes Lda.
    Inventor: Pedro Queiroz Vieira