Abstract: A heat exchange humidifier for generation of steam-to-steam or fluid-to-steam humidity may include at least one steam tube in a heat exchanger array which may be coated with a non-stick surface such as tetrafluoroethylene (TEFLON.RTM.) coating or the like, to prevent the build-up of minerals. The steam tubes in the heat exchanger array are in a substantially layered configuration, each layer being offset and below the preceding upper layer, or in helical configuration. This organization of the tubes in the heat exchanger array maximizes convection currents in a fluid surrounding the steam tubes to minimize dead water films and maximize heat transfer from the steam or fluid inside of the tubes to the surrounding water, resulting in an overall increase in boil-off capacity for adding humidity to the air.

Abstract: A humidifier unit is used with a forced air heating system and includes a water reservoir, a water inlet connection to the reservoir, control means for maintaining the water level at a predetermined depth, and a heat exchanger for heating the water to produce steam. This reservoir has a removable top plate for closing the open top defined by the upper edges of side and end walls. Horizontal flanges extend inward from the upper edges of the reservoir side and end walls and act as a gasket base. Lips extend upward from the inner edges of those horizontal flanges and act as an internal horizontal gasket retainer. Finally, flanges depend from all sides of the top plate and are positioned to surround the upper edges of the side walls and to act as an external horizontal gasket retainer.

Abstract: An electronic level control structure for regulating a fluid level in a vessel, such as a humidifier tank. The electronic level control has at least two Teflon.RTM. coated probes for sensing fluid level in the tank and extending downwardly from a main body member. A downwardly extending sleeve positions about a portion of the upper regions of each of the probes. The Teflon.RTM. coating and the sleeve at the upper region of each probe inhibits the formation of scale between the probes at the upper end of each probe by preventing or minimizing the amount of contact by vaporous gases, mineral salts and other contaminants about the upper regions of each probe. This also prevents buildup of electrical conductive scale. In one embodiment, three probes of different lengths extend downwardly from a body member.

Abstract: In a furnace insulating module, a plurality of heating element supports are embedded in situ in a ceramic fiber insulating body. Each support includes a rod with one end embedded in the insulating body. The rod is anchored to the insulating body by means of a cross pin welded to its embedded end. An element supporting keeper at the exposed end of the support rod is pivotable about a transverse pivot axis. The keeper is formed of a pin passing through the rod and bent to form fingers at both ends extending in opposite directions from the pivot axis. When the keeper is in a first position the fingers extend vertically, generally parallel to the support rod, and permit a rod overbend heating element to be moved along the rod to a position above the keeper. With the keeper then moved to a second position with the fingers in a horizontal plane, the heating element may be rested on the keeper fingers and be supported thereby.

Abstract: In a furnace insulating module, a plurality of heating element supports are embedded in situ in a ceramic fiber insulating body. Each support includes a rod with one end embedded in the insulating body. The rod is anchored to the insulating body by means of a cross pin welded to its embedded end. An element supporting keeper at the exposed end of the support rod is pivotable about a transverse pivot axis. The keeper is formed of a pin passing through the rod and bent to form fingers at both ends extending in opposite directions from the pivot axis. When the keeper is in a first position the fingers extend vertically, generally parallel to the support rod, and permit a rod overbend heating element to be moved along the rod to a position above the keeper. With the keeper then moved to a second position with the fingers in a horizontal plane, the heating element may be rested on the keeper fingers and be supported thereby.

Abstract: A humidifier unit is used with a forced air heating system and includes a water reservoir, a water inlet connection to the reservoir, control means for maintaining the water level at a predetermined depth, and a heat exchanger for heating the water to produce steam. This reservoir has a removable top plate for closing the open top defined by the upper edges of side and end walls. Horizontal flanges extend inward from the upper edges of the reservoir side and end walls and act as a gasket base. Lips extend upward from the inner edges of those horizontal flanges and act as an internal horizontal gasket retainer. Finally, flanges depend from all sides of the top plate and are positioned to surround the upper edges of the side walls and to act as an external horizontal gasket retainer.