Abstract: A collapsible filter having a collapsed position and an expanded position includes a filter media layer having generally parallel pleat edges and a side edge perpendicular to the pleat edge. The filter also has a pair of end caps that are disposed at opposite ends of the filter media layer and are generally parallel to the pleat edges. A flexible side seal is attached to both the end caps but is not attached to the filter media layer. In an expanded position, the flexible side seal extends between the end caps and abuts against the side edge of the filter media layer.

Abstract: An evaporative element for use in a humidifier. In order to reduce the amount of chloride species evaporated into the air with the water, the evaporate element includes a dechlorination agent, such as sulfur compounds, ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate, or combinations thereof. The dechlorination agent can be applied to the water retaining elements of the evaporate element or to the rigid members used to support the water retaining elements.

Abstract: A collapsible filter having a collapsed position and an expanded position includes a filter media, a pair of end caps that are disposed at opposite ends of the filter media, and a support structure. The support structure extends generally the height of the filter between the end caps, where the support structure includes at least one leg that has a deployed position extending generally the height of the filter between the end caps when the collapsible filter is in the expanded position. The support structure further includes an engagement structure that is located at a first end and a second end of the leg, and is configured to engage the leg with the end caps along their longitudinal length.

Abstract: A filter insertable into an air filter enclosure includes a flexible support member, a filter media layer, and a pair of end caps. The filter media layer is attached to the support member. Side edges of the filter media layer are folded over edges of the support member to form filter cushions, such that the filter media layer covers the edges of the support member. The filter cushions are designed to conform to the air filter enclosure to ensure an effective seal between the enclosure and the filter.

Abstract: A filter for insertion into an air filter enclosure includes a pleated, collapsible filter having a flexible support member and a filter media layer, a top end cap and a bottom end cap. Side edges of the filter media layer cover the edges of the support member. The top end cap is configured for slidably mechanical attachment to a top portion of the enclosure. Weights and/or magnets are provided on the bottom end cap. The top end cap is guided into the top portion of the enclosure, after which the pleated media is released causing the bottom end cap to drop within the enclosure and magnetically attach itself to the bottom of the enclosure.

Abstract: A filter insertable into an air filter enclosure includes a flexible support member, a filter media layer, and a pair of end caps. The filter media layer is attached the support member. Side edges of the filter media layer are folded over edges of the support member to form filter cushions, such that the filter media layer covers the edges of the support member. The filter cushions are designed to conform to the air filter enclosure to ensure an effective seal between the enclosure and the filter.

Abstract: The present scent distributor is a cartridge for attaching to a permeable substrate such as an air filter or humidifier pad. The cartridge housing is configured to hold the scenting media, said housing including a body and a cover; a plurality of openings in said housing to allow air to flow through at least a portion of said housing for interaction with the scenting media; a restrictor that slidingly engages with said housing to selectively restrict the flow of air through said housing; and an attachment device on said housing to attach said housing to a porous substrate.

Abstract: A humidification system includes a housing mountable into an air duct, that includes a base frame, a cover and at least one open end panel. The base frame is mountable to an opening in the air duct that is shaped and configured to align with the base frame. The cover attaches to the base frame with the open end panel between the base frame and cover. The air outlet is through the open end panel. An evaporative element is positioned between the air inlet and air outlet. Controlling humidity output provides moisture to the evaporative element when needed. The bypass frame includes louvers that are positioned within the air inlet, where the louvers are sized to extend into the air duct. The louvers are graduated in size. After passing through the housing, an air return directs humidified air from the open end panel to a low pressure air duct.

Abstract: A folding filter frame includes two end assemblies, each having a stationary panel having two ends, two folding panels, each having a folding end and a free end, and at least one track. The folding end of each folding panels is foldably secured to one of the ends of the stationary panel and the track runs perpendicular to a length of the end assembly. There is a stationary support extending from one end assembly to the other end assembly. Two side assemblies are present, each including a side panel with two ends and a engagement device secured to each end. The engagement device follows one the tracks of the end panels. The filter frame converts from a folded configuration to a deployed configuration by unfolding the folding panels and sliding the engagement devices in the tracks. A filter is made by positioning a filter media inside the folding frame.

Abstract: An evaporative element and clip system for supporting the evaporative element in a humidifier includes a humidifier housing having an evaporative element support and an evaporative element having a water retaining media layer and at least one support layer, where the evaporative element is attached to the support layer. This system also has a clip having at least a first and a second wall, a hook and a connecting bridge. The walls removably grip the evaporative element support by friction and are connected to each other by the connecting bridge. The hook is attached to the first wall, wherein the support layer supports the evaporative element when it is removably attached to the hook.

Abstract: An adaptable evaporative element for a humidifier or the like is described. It includes an evaporative element having at least one fold, such that the size of the evaporative element is adaptable by varying said evaporative element between a folded and an unfolded configuration.

Abstract: A decorative humidifier and fountain apparatus containing water for simultaneously humidifying and purifying air is disclosed that produces soothing sights and sounds as well as efficiently cleaned and humidified air. It includes a housing and a water distributor for forming a water curtain from the water. The water curtain has a first portion and a second portion. An evaporative filter element is sized and proportioned to humidify and filter the air as it passes through the fountain. A pool is positioned so as to receive the water from the water curtain. Water is circulated from the pool to the water distributor with a water circulating means. An air circulator draws air through the first portion of the water curtain, forcing air through the evaporative element, then forcing air through the second portion of the water curtain.

Abstract: An adaptable evaporative element for a humidifier or the like is described. It includes an evaporative element having a fold, such that the size of said evaporative element is adaptable by varying said evaporative element between a folded and an unfolded configuration. Alternate embodiments use a hinge over a portion of the thickness of the evaporative element, separable layers or an attached cutting guide as additional means of adapting the evaporative element.

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