Abstract: A housing is permanently connected to a water supply of a building and includes an evaporative water panel allowing water to flow downwardly and wick upwardly. A circulating device is provided for directing air from the building through the water panel. A reservoir is positioned in the housing for supporting the water panel and holding excess water deposited from the water panel. A water distributor is supplied for moving water from the water supply to a top of the water panel. A water control arrangement is responsive to the water level therein for automatically controlling the flow of water to the water panel to provide a desired humidity level in the building.

Abstract: A device for controlling the movement of a damper mounted in a housing between an open position and a closed position comprises a shaft rotatably secured to the damper for pivoting the damper between an open position and a closed position. A lever arm is mounted on the shaft for rotation therewith, and a spring is connected between the housing and the lever arm for normally urging the damper towards the open position. A motor is mounted on the housing and is actuable to overcome the force of the spring to move the damper to the closed position. A control arrangement associated with the housing is provided for regulating the speed of the damper as the damper moves from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: A gas-pervious, liquid-gas contact pad comprises a reticulate body of water-permeable or wettable material having a large area of surfaces exposed for humidification purposes or the like. A plurality of slit and expanded sheets of wicking paper are connected in superposed and alternating relationship with a plurality of slit and expanded sheets of water-absorbent or wettable kraft paper to form a self-supporting, laminated evaporative element.

Abstract: A paint arrestor for absorbing paint overspray comprises a series of layers of sheet material, each of the layers being slit and expanded to define an array of air spaces distributed in columns. The air spaces alternate in size from column to column and repeat in size in every other column. Means are provided for securing the layers in contiguous, overlying relationship with one another.

Abstract: A filter media retaining assembly for use in an air filter includes a filter media engaging flange disposed on the side wall of the filter framework which holds a pleat of the filter media adjacent the side wall and a hinged keeper disposed along the edge of the side wall and movable between a closed position in which a portion of the keeper engages the filter media and the flange so as to retain the filter media in position along the flange and an open position in which the filter media may be lifted and removed from the flange.