Abstract: An evaporative cooler is disclosed which incorporates a media having a plurality of generally plate-like structures. The plates include a plurality of fins having slot-like depressions dimensioned thin enough to exhibit capillarity, yet thick enough to exhibit good heat transfer characteristics when filled with chilled water. The capillary slots are arranged to effect distribution of the water over substantially the entire surface of the plates forming the media.

Abstract: A combined direct and indirect media is disclosed which is formed from a plurality of plate-like structures. The plates are generally sheet-like elements having an indirect portion and a direct portion. The indirect portion includes a first indirect section, a second indirect section, and a hinge disposed between the first and second indirect sections. The first indirect section can be folded about the hinge to place the first and second sections in an opposed relation. The direct and indirect portions are configured to form the direct and indirect evaporative cooling media when a plurality of plates are arranged in an ordered array.

Abstract: An evaporative cooler is disclosed which incorporates a media having a plurality of generally plate-like structures. The plates include a plurality of fins having slot-like depressions dimensioned thin enough to exhibit capillarity, yet thick enough to exhibit good heat transfer characteristics when filled with chilled water. The capillary slots are arranged to effect distribution of the water over substantially the entire surface of the plates forming the media. In one embodiment, the slot-like depressions of adjoining plates are alternately spaced, and aligning projections are provided to align adjoining plates with respect to each other.