With Means For Liquid Contact Patents (Class 454/337)
  • Patent number: 11466874
    Abstract: An air freshener assembly includes a housing that is positionable on a distribution duct of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. A magnet is coupled to the housing and the magnet magnetically engages the distribution duct for retaining the housing on the distribution duct. A reservoir is positioned within the housing and the reservoir contains a chemical fragrance. A pump unit is coupled to the housing and the pump unit is in fluid communication with the reservoir to pump the chemical fragrance. The pump unit pumps a measured unit of the chemical fragrance each time the pump unit is turned on. The pump unit is in fluid communication with an interior of the distribution duct of the HVAC system to release the chemical fragrance into the distribution duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Inventors: Steven Andonovski, Calin Dron
  • Patent number: 11359359
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for maintaining integrity of a dry pipe sprinkler system. The apparatus includes an auxiliary drain, the auxiliary drain including an input pipe, a condensate collection area, and a drain pipe; an insulated housing with a door configured to provide a heat controlled environment for the auxiliary drain, and wherein the auxiliary drain is at least partially located within the housing, and the condensation collection area is located within the housing; a heater configured to heat the housing; and an auxiliary drain alarm configured to provide a warning when the auxiliary drain retains a predetermined amount of condensate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: AGF MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventor: George Joseph McHugh, IV
  • Patent number: 11202439
    Abstract: A structure for sheltering and cooling livestock may include a concrete floored barn having an improved evaporative cooling system. The cooling system may include a misting stack having air inlets, a mixing chamber, and three cooling zones wherein the cooling zones correspond to three different temperature ranges. Each of the cooling zones may include a plurality of nozzles which produce a mist. As air passes through the mixing chamber, the mist may evaporate and cool the air. The cooling system may further include a plurality of large exhaust fans located at an end of the barn distal from the misting stack. The fans may draw the cool air through the barn, over and around the livestock, and out of the barn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Five-G Consulting Inc.
    Inventors: Ted A. Gribble, Donald L. Gribble
  • Patent number: 10588992
    Abstract: An aerosol device having a bowl with a bottom defining a drain, and a side wall extending from the bottom to a rim. A nozzle is disposed within the bowl. The nozzle defines a chamber and an outlet orifice directed toward the side wall of the bowl. The aerosol device includes a liquid container fluidly coupled to the nozzle via a first conduit having an outlet tip disposed within the chamber of the nozzle and a second conduit connecting a source of pressurized gas to the chamber of the nozzle. The outlet tip is in the form of a tube defining elongated slots communicating from inside the tube to outside the tube, the slots each having a width defined between two parallel tube surfaces. The aerosol device generates submicron liquid droplets, and is suitable for disinfecting porous articles in an enclosed volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Watertech Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Eric August Frische, Christopher Benedict Spaulding, Thomas Kurt Klemann
  • Patent number: 9352065
    Abstract: Scent dispenser arrangement for dispersing fragrance into a HVAC system includes a flow sensor and a scent disperser assembly having a control module connected to the flow sensor and a canister for emitting a spray which is actuated by the control module. The flow sensor operates in response to air flow and creates an air flow dependent electrical signal transmitted to activate the control module of the spray disperser assembly. The scent disperser and flow sensor are arranged to allow the spray to be disbursed in selective locations in the HVAC system. An embodiment involves two scent disperser assemblies electrically connected in series which operate successively when the liquid in one disperser assembly is depleted or when one disperser assembly dispersers a predetermined number of sprays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Inventor: Sam Habbel
  • Patent number: 8905830
    Abstract: Plural vertically aligned curtain sections form a first wall of a structure and are each coupled to a respective manual or powered rotary drive by means of a respective elongated, roll-up rod disposed in a lower hem, and extending the length, of the curtain section. The rotary drives are attached to horizontally spaced, vertical tracks for limiting the vertical drives, the roll-up rods and each curtain's lower hem to vertical motion in rolling up and unrolling the curtain sections. A water curtain maintained in a moist condition is disposed adjacent the inner surfaces of the curtain sections, with fans disposed on a second opposed wall of the structure for drawing air through the space occupied by the curtain sections for providing moist airflow through the structure's interior. Moist airflow and cooling are precisely controlled by controlling the gap between a pair of adjacent vertically spaced curtain sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Development Resources of Iowa, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Schmelzer
  • Publication number: 20130273830
    Abstract: In the case of a method for molecular evaporation of fragrance substances and/or active substances (FA substances) and their dissemination by way of air streams in the surrounding air, in closed rooms, in ducts of ventilation and air conditioning systems, or the like, wherein FA substance, before its dissemination, is applied, in liquid form, in targeted manner, to a strip-shaped FA-substance carrier (6), it is provided that the strip-shaped FA-substance carrier (6) is moved to circulate at least partly within a dissemination zone for FA substance, and that the FA substance to be evaporated is heated, directly or indirectly, to a temperature that promotes molecular evaporation, during its circulation on the FA-substance carrier (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicants: Linde AG
    Inventor: Georg Ortner
  • Patent number: 8496514
    Abstract: An intelligent energy saving ventilation control system capable of drastically reducing power consumption of the system. The system includes suction and exhaust ducts having a predetermined shape, a pre-filter disposed at an entry region of the suction duct, and a composite filter disposed behind the pre-filter. The system includes a fan motor disposed between the suction and exhaust ducts to linearly control an internal suction pressure in the suction duct; a turning angle motor for controlling a turning angle of the composite filter; an outdoor air sensor for measuring freshness of outdoor air, converting the measured result into an electrical signal, and outputting the signal; and a control unit for controlling operations of the turning angle motor and the fan motor in order to control an aperture angle of the composite filter and an internal pressure in the suction duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Konkuk University Industrial Cooperation Corp.
    Inventors: Jo Chun Kim, Sang Gwi Chung, Youn Suk Son, Young Sunwoo
  • Publication number: 20120164935
    Abstract: Disclosed is an air conditioner. The air conditioner includes a main body having a blower fan to circulate air, a rotator rotatably provided in the main body, a tray provided in the main body to store humidifying water therein, and a humidifying gear module provided at a periphery thereof with a lifter connected to the rotator, the humidifying gear module being rotatably arranged in the tray so as to be rotated upon receiving rotational force of the rotator. The lifter of the humidifying gear module functions to scoop up the humidifying water during rotation of the rotator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hyunpil Ha, Jeongsang Seo, Jungmin Moon
  • Patent number: 8157508
    Abstract: Blower apparatus has: an air duct having suction and supply openings; a blower fan for creating a flow of air in the duct; and an electrostatic atomizer. The atomizer includes a hollow body exposed to the air in the duct. The body is provided therein with an electrostatic atomization chamber, and has a barrier, an inlet and an outlet. The barrier is put in the duct so that a part of the air flowing in the duct collides with the front of the barrier and thereby pressure-increased air is obtained. The inlet is located at the front side of the barrier so that the pressure-increased air can enter the chamber through the inlet. The outlet is located at the rear side of the barrier so that all the pressure-increased air higher than that of the air flowing in the duct, from the chamber can flow out into the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Yano, Akihide Sugawa, Atsushi Isaka, Fumio Mihara
  • Publication number: 20110277490
    Abstract: The amount of supply air used by an HVAC system, and hence the amount of energy used for heating and cooling, while maintaining desirable air quality and composition, is reduced by removing unwanted gases, such as carbon dioxide, using scrubbers or other devices that separate these gases from the circulating air. Optionally, the air can be further improved with injection of concentrated oxygen. While in a normal HVAC system frequent replacement of the building air is performed, scrubbing of CO2 and other unwanted gases, with or without additional oxygen, would achieve the same goal, but with less frequent air replacement and therefore lower thermal load on the HVAC system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventor: Udi Meirav
  • Publication number: 20110155330
    Abstract: Plural vertically aligned curtain sections form a first wall of a structure and are each coupled to a respective manual or powered rotary drive by means of a respective elongated, roll-up rod disposed in a lower hem, and extending the length, of the curtain section. The rotary drives are attached to horizontally spaced, vertical tracks for limiting the vertical drives, the roll-up rods and each curtain's lower hem to vertical motion in rolling up and unrolling the curtain sections. A water curtain maintained in a moist condition is disposed adjacent the inner surfaces of the curtain sections, with fans disposed on a second opposed wall of the structure for drawing air through the space occupied by the curtain sections for providing moist airflow through the structure's interior. Moist airflow and cooling are precisely controlled by controlling the gap between a pair of adjacent vertically spaced curtain sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES OF IOWA, INC.
    Inventor: Richard Schmelzer
  • Publication number: 20110034120
    Abstract: An autonomous device for providing a comfortable climate and appealing environment, for occupants of a particular space, by regulating air flowing into the space is described. It can function independently or as part of a climate control system to: achieve great energy efficiency, reduce time for a room to reach desired temperature, and maintain comfort climate for occupants in various areas. It possesses a means to create an aromatic environment in a particular area. Also described is a system of creating appealing environment and comfortable climate, which includes utilizing the autonomous devices and some other devices. It involves acquiring information from sensors, analyzing the acquired information, and then making intelligent decisions based on results. One embodiment comprises a chassis, intelligent control unit, a petal valve, motors, register grill, atomizers, tubes, power source, wireless module, sensor and energy harvesting module. Reference Cited (U.S. Pat. No. 7,156,316) (U.S. Pat. No.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Olawale Solomon Jaiyeola
  • Patent number: 7854394
    Abstract: A timed aerosol fragrance dispenser includes a housing containing a programmable microprocessor, a low-voltage DC power source, a piezoelectric assembly for spraying timed bursts of fragrance, and circuitry for activating the piezoelectric assembly, and a magnetic reed switch air flow detector. A fragrance-containing reservoir attaches to the housing, which incorporates a clip which allows the dispenser to be secured to a heating and air conditioning vent register. When the air flow detector senses air flow from the vent register, the microcontroller in combination with other circuitry generates current pulses having a voltage sufficiently high to activate the piezoelectric assembly. Intervals between pulses are switch selectable. In addition, the normal programming can be overridden to spray fragrance for a set period even in the absence of air flow from the vent register.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Inventors: Michael Mac Powell, Aaron M. Best, David J. Havell
  • Patent number: 7780094
    Abstract: A diffuser for an air freshener product includes a casing having front and rear casing portions fastened together. A neck opening is formed inside said casing into which a neck of an air freshener reservoir is secured. A wick extends from the neck of the air freshener reservoir into the interior of the casing. The casing has openings in the front and back through which air flows. An air flow control element is provided in the casing to permit a user to change the air flow to the wick and thereby vary the air freshener product dispersed into the air. The air flow control element has a knob extending from the casing that is operable by the user. The rear portion of the casing has a fastener to which is attached a clip having two extended flexible arms that engage into a vent grill of an air conditioner system of a vehicle. The clip is securable in the fastener at positions oriented 90 degrees from one another to enable the clip to be fastened to vertically or horizontally oriented air conditioner grill slats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Zobele Espana, S.A.
    Inventors: Andrea Caserta, Ruben Garcia Fabrega, Xavier Alvarez Leal
  • Patent number: 7547364
    Abstract: A sprayer device including a generator for generating an air stream having a predetermined velocity and a nozzle unit for the discharge of liquid therefrom, whereby to produce a mist stream capable of being propelled to a predetermined location. The mist stream has a measurable and controllable lateral dimension at the predetermined location. The sprayer device is used particularly for moistening cattle, especially cows, in sheds, and taking into account the effect of the wind. Rows of sprayers project water sprays directed toward the cattle. The sprayers may be angularly shifted to take into account the deviating effect of the wind. A processor calculates the angular shift that is needed for the existing wind direction and intensity. All the sprayers concurrently receive the angular shift, which is transmitted to the first sprayer from a control station and successively from each sprayer to the next.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Inventor: Arieh Jehuda Polak
  • Publication number: 20080292450
    Abstract: Blower apparatus has: an air duct having suction and supply openings; a blower fan for creating a flow of air in the duct; and an electrostatic atomizer. The atomizer includes a hollow body exposed to the air in the duct. The body is provided therein with an electrostatic atomization chamber, and has a barrier, an inlet and an outlet. The barrier is put in the duct so that a part of the air flowing in the duct collides with the front of the barrier and thereby pressure-increased air is obtained. The inlet is located at the front side of the barrier so that the pressure-increased air can enter the chamber through the inlet. The outlet is located at the rear side of the barrier so that all the pressure-increased air higher than that of the air flowing in the duct, from the chamber can flow out into the duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Takeshi Yano, Akihide Sugawa, Atsushi Isaka, Fumio Mihara
  • Publication number: 20080156901
    Abstract: The invention concerns a humidifier comprising a fogging ramp (14), a water source (10) for feeding the humidifying manifold, a pump (12) adapted to supply water under high pressure to the humidifying manifold, at least one particulate filter (50, 52) retaining the particles having a size greater than about 1? and receiving water from the source, an ultrafiltration filter (18) receiving water from the particulate filter to retain microorganisms having a size greater than 0.2 ?m, and a UV-C manifold chamber (20) including one or more UV-C lamps arranged in quartz sheaths for receiving water from the ultrafiltration filter and adapted to destroy micro-organisms whereof the size is greater than 0.2 ?m. The device further comprises a metering pump (53) arranged next to the UV-C manifold chamber and regularly supplying biocidal or virucidal products to prevent a biofilm from being formed in the pipes between the pump and the humidifying manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Lionel Nicolai, Alain Nicolai, Robert Castro, Marc Lassus
  • Patent number: 7223166
    Abstract: An automatic scent dispensing system for distributing scents on a user-adjustable schedule without requiring user attention. The system includes a tank system for holding a scent substance that includes a reservoir, and a pump. A dispensing nozzle is mountable on an air duct. A duration timer controls a duration of dispensing of the scent substance, and is adjustable to set the duration of operation of the pump for dispensing the scent substance. An occurrence timer controls a time period between dispensing of scent, and triggers the duration timer after passage of a selected time period. A regular/irregular selector switch controls the actuation of the duration timer, and has an irregular setting for triggering the duration timer at selected events (such as circulating fan operation or an increase in duct air pressure) and a regular setting for triggering the duration timer by the occurrence timer after a selectable time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventors: Larry E. Wiseman, Sr., Rodney D. Goheen
  • Patent number: 6945868
    Abstract: A camouflaged outdoor fan system includes a housing, a fan inserted into the housing, and a camouflaged lid removably connected to the housing. The housing is buried in the ground, or in alternative embodiment, mounted to the underside of a deck, the fan is inserted into the housing, and the camouflaged lid is placed over the fan to hide the fan and housing from view. The fan is operable to generate and propel an air stream out of the housing that can be used for cooling purposes. The system also may include optional features, such as a water-misting device, a heater, motion detectors, an evaporative cooling assembly, a temperature switch, a humidity switch, a rain gauge switch, a wind sensor switch, a dc power source, solar cells, or a remote control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: James Cameron Gautney
  • Patent number: 6769979
    Abstract: An air cleaning system comprising an air cleaner provided on a vehicle and a device which can keep the air cleaner in operation while a vehicle is parked, whereby the quality of air inside a passenger compartment of the vehicle can be improved while the vehicle is parked. Consequently, the quality of the air can be improved in advance before an occupant enters the vehicle, and the quality of the air can further be improved without fully depending upon the function of a catalytic filter of the air cleaning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yukitaka Abe, Hitoshi Ninomiya, Motomi Mizuno, Hiroshi Kataoka, Shinji Iwama
  • Patent number: 6675739
    Abstract: A livestock cooling system creates an environment for protecting the health and productivity of animals, particularly dairy cows. One or more cooling fans are connected to programmable oscillation means, enabling the herds man to program fan oscillation according to the location of the livestock. Water is injected under high pressure into the air stream of the fans to create a fog. The system is also programmable according to various environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, and wind velocity. The pressure and volume of the injected water are programmable and may be adjusted by the controller according to the observed environmental conditions. The system provides a cool and healthy environment for livestock, where the environment is programmed to track the animals according to the time of day and the location of shade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventors: Michael E. Terrell, Frank Gilbert Marks
  • Patent number: 6669556
    Abstract: A camouflaged outdoor fan system includes a housing, a fan inserted into the housing, and a camouflaged lid removably connected to the housing. The housing is buried in the ground, or in alternative embodiment, mounted to the underside of a deck, the fan is inserted into the enclosure, and the camouflaged lid is placed over the fan to hide the fan and enclosure from view. The fan is operable to generate and propel an air stream out of the housing that can be used for cooling purposes. The system also may include optional features, such as a water-misting device, a heater, motion detectors, an evaporative cooling assembly, a temperature switch, a humidity switch, a rain gauge switch, a wind sensor switch, a dc power source, solar cells, or a remote control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventor: James Cameron Gautney
  • Publication number: 20030230091
    Abstract: A user-programmable monitoring and dispensing system for controlling the dispensing of water vapor and various other media into an HVAC air stream in residential or commercial structures. The various media to be dispensed are preferably water-soluble, and mixed with the system water supply to be dispensed with the water vapor added to the HVAC air stream. These materials may be fragrances or aromas, intended to produce an aesthetic effect, or they can be agents capable of pesticidal, bacteriacidal, fungicidal or sporacidal effect for use as acute or prophylactic treatment for infestation. The dispensing system central processor is pre-programmed with a default concentration algorithm for each media to be dispensed. The concentration of media in aqueous solution is initially controlled by this default algorithm at each of several concentration levels, from lowest to highest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventor: Scott Dillenback
  • Patent number: 6588372
    Abstract: A gear drive fan for ventilating and cooling structures used for containing livestock. The gear drive fan comprises a livestock structure having a roof and supporting members, where the roof is connected to the supporting members, a fan assembly, and means for attaching the fan assembly to the structure. The fan assembly comprises a blade assembly having a plurality of blades and a drive hub, a housing, a first electrical motor having a drive shaft, and a gearbox having a drive end and a hub end. The drive end of the gearbox is adapted to be closely coupled to the drive shaft of the motor, while the hub end is adapted to be closely coupled to the drive hub of the blade assembly, so that the motor and gearbox may be conveniently mounted to the blade housing or contained within the blade housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventors: Michael E. Terrell, Frank Gilbert Marks, Dwight Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20030073401
    Abstract: A camouflaged outdoor fan system includes a housing, a fan inserted into the housing, and a camouflaged lid removably connected to the housing. The housing is buried in the ground, or in alternative embodiment, mounted to the underside of a deck, the fan is inserted into the enclosure, and the camouflaged lid is placed over the fan to hide the fan and enclosure from view. The fan is operable to generate and propel an air stream out of the housing that can be used for cooling purposes. The system also may include optional features, such as a water-misting device, a heater, motion detectors, an evaporative cooling assembly, a temperature switch, a humidity switch, a rain gauge switch, a wind sensor switch, a dc power source, solar cells, or a remote control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventor: James Cameron Gautney`
  • Publication number: 20030064677
    Abstract: A livestock cooling system creates an environment for protecting the health and productivity of animals, particularly dairy cows. One or more cooling fans are connected to programmable oscillation means, enabling the herds man to program fan oscillation according to the location of the livestock. Water is injected under high pressure into the air stream of the fans to create a fog. The system is also programmable according to various environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, and wind velocity. The pressure and volume of the injected water are programmable and may be adjusted by the controller according to the observed environmental conditions. The disclosed system provides a cool and healthy environment for livestock, where the environment is programmed to track the animals according to the time of day and the location of shade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Michael E. Terrell, Frank Gilbert Marks
  • Publication number: 20030064678
    Abstract: A livestock cooling apparatus is disclosed, the apparatus comprising an electrically-powered fan, which is capable of oscillating 360 degrees. The apparatus may be used in conjunction with a programmable cooling system for livestock which allows each fan in the system to be programmed to sweep a designated area according to observed environmental conditions or according to the time of day. The disclosed cooling apparatus may further comprise means for injecting water into the airstream created by the fan to provide for evaporative cooling of the livestock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Michael E. Terrell, Frank Gilbert Marks
  • Patent number: 6435419
    Abstract: A liquid air freshener dispensing device for a duct for dispensing liquid freshener into air being heated and moved by a furnace. The liquid air freshener dispensing device for a duct includes a container having a top wall, a bottom wall and a peripheral wall extending between the top and bottom walls. A fragrant liquid is located in an interior of the container. An intake conduit extends through the top wall and into the interior of the housing such that a first end of the intake conduit is positioned in the housing and a second end of the intake conduit is located outside of the housing. A pump is in fluid communication with the second end of the intake conduit. The pump is operationally coupled to a power supply of a blower member. An exit conduit has a first end in fluid communication with the pump. The exit conduit extends into a duct such that a second end of the exit conduit is located in an interior space of the duct. The blower member blows air over a heating member and into the heating duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Gordon D. Davis
  • Patent number: 6379242
    Abstract: A automatic scent dispensing system for distributing scents throughout a building on a user-adjustable schedule without requiring user attention. The automatic scent dispensing system includes a tank system for holding a scent substance, with the tank system including a tank housing having a plurality of reservoirs for holding a scent substance therein. A selector valve selects flow from one of the reservoirs. A pump pumps the scent substance out of the reservoirs. A dispensing nozzle mounts on the duct of the air circulating system such that an orifice of the nozzle is in communication with the air passage of the duct. The dispensing nozzle is connected to and in fluid communication with the outlet of the pump. A duration timer selectively controls a duration of dispensing of the scent substance. The duration timer controls supply of electrical power to the pump, and is adjustable to set the duration of the supply of electrical power to the pump for dispensing the scent substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventors: Larry E. Wiseman, Sr., Rodney D. Goheen
  • Patent number: 6350196
    Abstract: A disinfectant distribution system for heating and cooling ducts for purifying the air handled by a central forced-air heating or cooling system. The disinfectant distribution system for heating and cooling ducts includes a housing structure assembly including a housing having a front wall, a back wall, side walls, and a top wall, and being adapted to be securely attached to a heating and cooling duct; and also includes a conduit assembly being attached to and extended in the housing for transporting disinfectant spray from an aerosol can to the heating and cooling duct; and further includes a spray dispensing assembly being disposed in the housing and being adapted to dispense disinfectant spray from the aerosol can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: Bruce A. Mott
  • Patent number: 6347992
    Abstract: A ductwork air freshener apparatus for distributing fresh air evenly throughout the building using the existing air ducts of the environmental control system. The ductwork air freshener apparatus includes a housing assembly designed for mounting to the ductwork of the house. A pressurized air freshener container is removably inserted into the housing assembly. The pressurized air freshener container has a fragrance under pressure within the pressurized air freshener container. An actuation assembly is for actuating the pressurized air freshener container whereby the deodorizing fragrance is designed for introduction into the ductwork of the house. The actuation assembly is coupled to the housing assembly. A control assembly is coupled to the housing. The control assembly is operationally coupled to the actuation assembly whereby the control assembly actuates the actuation assembly upon the control assembly satisfying a predetermined condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Inventors: Michael J. Durbin, Jeffrey S. Durbin
  • Patent number: 6220955
    Abstract: Electrical power is delivered to a remote unit, the invention adds a second, hollow conduit to carry a cooling fluid. The conduit is preferably a tube used to used to carry air, and may either surround the power or signal cables, or may be supported parallel to the cabling in co-extensive fashion. The base unit to which the remote unit is attached may take any form, including a computer or other type of more sophisticated electronic apparatus. Alternatively, the remote unit may connect to a power box including batteries or an AC adapter in the event that only electrical power and not electrical signaling is involved. The device used to move the fluid is preferably in the form of a quiet, inexpensive air compressor or fan, perhaps including provisions to make it smaller, quieter or more efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: John G. Posa
  • Patent number: 5788569
    Abstract: An indoor air conditioner includes a body having an air inlet, an air outlet, a heat exchanger disposed in an air flow path between the air inlet and outlet, and a blower for drawing room air into the body through the air inlet, and discharging the air back into the room after the air has exchanged heat with the heat exchanger. A controller provides signals for starting up and shutting down the air conditioner. A deodorizer, such as an ozonizer or negative ion generator, is disposed in the body and is connected to the controller so as to be energized for a predetermined period during start-up, and to be energized for a predetermined period after shutdown. During start-up, the energizing of the deodorizer begins before the blower is actuated. After shutdown, the deodorizer continues to be energized after the blower is deactivated. The deodorizer is thus able to deodorize the inside of the body while the blower is inactive, to prevent unpleasant air from being emitted when the blower is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Gab-Youl Lee
  • Patent number: 5643082
    Abstract: A water delivering tube having a spray nozzle secured to the front side thereof is detachably disposed in front of a blower so as to eject water therefrom in the form of mist particles. To feed pressurized water to the water delivering tube, a water feeding tube is connected to the water delivering tube. As the blower is rotated, an environmental air is introduced into the interior of a building to be cooled, and subsequently, it is mixed with the mist particles which in turn are vaporized by the latent heat of the mist particles appearing as the foregoing vaporization proceeds. Thus, a large quantity of warm air in the environmental air in the interior of the building can quickly be cooled without any necessity for carrying out heat exchanging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tsunetome-Dengyo
    Inventor: Seizo Furukawa
  • Patent number: 5599485
    Abstract: A portable humidifier assembly adapted for use in association with a forced air heat vent, the apparatus comprising: an inner frame comprising a rear crossbar, a front crossbar and a plurality of semicircular ribs affixed therebetween, the front crossbar of the inner frame including a coupling device, an outer frame including a rear crossbar, a front crossbar and a plurality of semicircular ribs affixed therebetween, the rear crossbar of the outer frame being hingedly coupled to the rear crossbar of the inner frame, the front crossbar of the outer frame including a coupling device; and a sponge adapted to retain water, in an operative orientation the sponge being soaked with water and placed between the ribs of the inner and outer frames, the sponge being locked in placed by hingedly closing the outer frame upon the inner frame and coupling the front cross bars of the respective frames together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Inventor: Lothar C. Obermayer
  • Patent number: 5417929
    Abstract: A device (20) mounted on the exterior of, and communicating with the interior of, plenum (19) or output ducts (18), of an existing air conditioning and heating system of an enclosed structure, to combine the elements of air, and the elements of a scent producing, disinfecting, or germacidal chemical, utilizing, and upstream of, the air currents produced by the fan in the system to distribute the elements mixture at the outlets of output ducts (18) into the areas they serve. The amount of mixture flow, determined by the user, is controlled by manual manipulation of ball valve (23). The frequency of the mixture flow, determined by the user, is controlled either by the automatic cycling of the system fan, or, by manual manipulation of the fan switch on the system control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Inventor: Stanley F. Kita
  • Patent number: 5301873
    Abstract: A low fluid indicator for a fluid injection system of the type having a sealed pressurized canister, and a valve responsive to a control signal to release fluid from the canister includes a counter that maintains a count. A pulse generating circuit increments the count by a first increment and a second increment in response to the control signal. The first increment is insensitive to the duration of the control signal above a threshold duration and is selected in accordance with a fill volume of the injection system. The second increment varies with duration of the control signal above the threshold duration and has a count rate selected in accordance with an injection flow rate of the injection system. A low fluid indicator lamp is responsive to the counter to indicator a low fluid condition when in the canister when the count exceeds a selected value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Kold Ban International
    Inventors: James O. Burke, Dean R. Solberg
  • Patent number: 5146762
    Abstract: An evaporative cooling system for buildings comprising means to draw air from the building, air ingress means having air permeable pads in an opening in the building, and water supply means to supply water to fogger nozzles which direct a water vapor fog toward the external surface of the pads, thus cooling the air drawn through the pads. The fogger nozzles are connected to interconnected water conduits, one of which is independently operated from the others such that it will only operate in cases of extreme temperature, to insure that the pads will not be oversaturated. Preferably, the water conduits are controlled by a thermostat responsive to the internal building temperature, while the independent conduit is controlled by a second thermostat responsive to the external ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Inventor: Robert C. Atkins
  • Patent number: 5079934
    Abstract: The cooler apparatus includes evaporative elements which are liquid absorbent plates formed of compressed fibers defining capillary channels and pores, for drawing up water within the plates and evaporating the liquid from the surface of the plates, with a plurality of absorbent plates and contacting adjacent plates, the spacing between adjacent plates being thereby determined by the thickness of the spacer members. Another currently preferred aspect of the invention a mechanism for providing the evaporative liquid to at least an upper portion of the plurality of plates, so that this portion which typically dries out can remain uniformly wetted, to thereby prolong the life and efficiency of the absorbent plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Inventor: Lev Vinokurov