Abstract: An ultrasonic humidifier is comprised of an oscillating transducer which can emit ultrasonic waves to the water above it, an open water container which maintain the water level above the transducer, a central atomizing tube, which separates the central vibrating water column from the water around it, on the water surface to certain distance below, and a guide mechanism for maintaining a corresponding position between the center atomizing tube and the transducer. The central atomizing tube needs to keep its centerline coincide with the centerline of the oscillating water column generated by the transducer. The upper end of the central atomizing tube is flush with the water surface, so that the mist generating performance is kept basically stable regardless changing height of the water level. The central atomizing tube may be fitted with an end face or side structure to cooperate with the guide mechanism or other mechanism to achieve the above functional and performance requirements.

Abstract: A UV sterilization chamber is provided to a humidifier having a water reservoir, a humidifying element and a pathway for directing water provided by the water reservoir to the humidifying element of the humidifier. The pathway is provided in a humidifier base, over which a humidifier enclosure is removably placed. The UV sterilization chamber includes a serpentine portion of the pathway and a UV radiation source positioned for illuminating the portion of the pathway with UV light. Upwardly-directed projections in the base border a perimeter of the pathway; and a downwardly-directed projection of the UV radiation source extends between the upwardly-directed projections when the enclosure is mated with the base, thereby locating the UV radiation source over the portion of the pathway. A switch disables the UV radiation source when the enclosure is removed from the base.

Abstract: A controllable heating pad, having a heating conductor embedded in the heating pad, a sensing conductor embedded in the heating pad, a resistive material providing a distributed electrical path between the heating conductor and the sensing conductor, a first current sensor to sense a current in the heating conductor and a second current sensor to sense a current in the sensing conductor. A method of controlling a temperature of a heating pad, including the steps of: warming the heating pad to at least a first predetermined temperature by use of an adjustable on/off signal to the controllable switch, measuring currents through an NTC material or a combination of a PTC material and an NTC material; and maintaining a temperature of the heating pad to within a predetermined temperature range by use of the adjustable on/off signal to the controllable switch.

Abstract: A UV sterilization chamber is provided to a humidifier having a water reservoir, a humidifying element and a pathway for directing water provided by the water reservoir to the humidifying element of the humidifier. The pathway is provided in a humidifier base, over which a humidifier enclosure is removably placed. The UV sterilization chamber includes a serpentine portion of the pathway and a UV radiation source positioned for illuminating the portion of the pathway with UV light. Upwardly-directed projections in the base border a perimeter of the pathway; and a downwardly-directed projection of the UV radiation source extends between the upwardly-directed projections when the enclosure is mated with the base, thereby locating the UV radiation source over the portion of the pathway. A switch disables the UV radiation source when the enclosure is removed from the base.

Abstract: A controllable heating pad, having a heating conductor embedded in the heating pad, a sensing conductor embedded in the heating pad, a resistive material providing a distributed electrical path between the heating conductor and the sensing conductor, a first current sensor to sense a current in the heating conductor and a second current sensor to sense a current in the sensing conductor. A method of controlling a temperature of a heating pad, including the steps of: warming the heating pad to at least a first predetermined temperature by use of an adjustable on/off signal to the controllable switch, measuring currents through an NTC material or a combination of a PTC material and an NTC material; and maintaining a temperature of the heating pad to within a predetermined temperature range by use of the adjustable on/off signal to the controllable switch.

Abstract: A portable appliance including a humidifier and an electrically heated scent mechanism. The heated scent mechanism includes a scent generator and an electrical heating element. The heating element and humidifier may be independently controllable such that the appliance can serve as either a humidifier or air-freshener, individually or simultaneously.

Abstract: A vaporizer for providing water vapor at a safer and reduced temperature comprises a water tank and steam generating unit. The steam generating unit is an assembly of a multi-walled chamber, top cover portion and safety grill. The safety grill establishes a distance between a water vapor outlet situated on the top cover portion and the point where an individual may contact the water vapor. This distance allows the temperature of the water vapor to be reduced to a safer temperature. Additionally, the vaporizer includes a condensation recycling port that receives water vapor droplets that form about the steam generating unit and returns those droplets to a boiling chamber where the water droplets are recycled into water vapor. Finally, the top cover portion includes a water barrier to protect electrical components near the water vapor outlet.

Abstract: A water tank for a humidifier having a water passage in each of its top end and bottom end. The tank includes an actuator which is operable to open and close both of the passages. Operating the actuator opens the top passage while closing the bottom passage and opens the bottom passage while closing the top passage. Accordingly, the water tank may be filled through the top passage while placed in a humidifier tray.

Abstract: A portable appliance including a humidifier and an electrically heated scent mechanism. The heated scent mechanism includes a scent generator and an electrical heating element. The heating element and humidifier may be independently controllable such that the appliance can serve as either a humidifier or air-freshener, individually or simultaneously.

Abstract: A vaporizer for providing water vapor at a safer and reduced temperature comprises a water tank and steam generating unit. The steam generating unit is an assembly of a multi-walled chamber, top cover portion and safety grill. The safety grill establishes a distance between a water vapor outlet situated on the top cover portion and the point where an individual may contact the water vapor. This distance allows the temperature of the water vapor to be reduced to a safer temperature. Additionally, the vaporizer includes a condensation recycling port that receives water vapor droplets that form about the steam generating unit and returns those droplets to a boiling chamber where the water droplets are recycled into water vapor. Finally, the top cover portion includes a water barrier to protect electrical components near the water vapor outlet.

Abstract: A condenser and fan assembly for a refrigerator is described. In an example embodiment, the assembly comprises a baseplate, a condenser, and a baseplate mounting bracket secured to the condenser for mounting the condenser to the baseplate. The assembly further comprises a fan subassembly comprising a fan motor, a fan blade hub, a plurality of fan blades extending from the fan blade hub. The hub is coupled to the fan motor, and a shroud positioned over the fan blades. A bracket is secured to the shroud. A fan mounting bracket is secured to the condenser for mounting the fan subassembly to the condenser. Specifically, the fan mounting bracket mates with the fan subassembly bracket.

Abstract: A condenser and fan assembly for a refrigerator is described. In an example embodiment, the assembly comprises a baseplate, a condenser, and a baseplate mounting bracket secured to the condenser for mounting the condenser to the baseplate. The assembly further comprises a fan subassembly comprising a fan motor, a fan blade hub, a plurality of fan blades extending from the fan blade hub. The hub is coupled to the fan motor, and a shroud positioned over the fan blades. A bracket is secured to the shroud. A fan mounting bracket is secured to the condenser for mounting the fan subassembly to the condenser. Specifically, the fan mounting bracket mates with the fan subassembly bracket.