Abstract: A gas mixture of dry steam and nitrogen gas serving as carrier gas is blown into a hot water mist injection port for rendering the nitrogen gas serve as a medium absorbing latent heat of condensation, thereby smoothly progressing condensation of water vapor and efficiently forming hot water mist. The water vapor is condensed in the hot water mist injection port formed by a cylindrical pipe for supplying latent heat of condensation to the nitrogen gas and dilating the same, thereby accelerating the flow of the hot water mist and spraying the hot water mist to a substrate from the hot water mist injection port at a high speed. Small droplets contained in the high-speed hot water mist have high kinetic energy and high thermal energy, for exhibiting a large colliding effect and a high activation effect with respect to small contaminants adhering to the substrate. A substrate cleaning apparatus capable of spraying hot water mist attaining a high cleaning effect to a substrate is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is two-stage mat for dispensing volatile materials. The mat is comprised of two materials varying either in thickness, thermal conductivity and/or porosity (and coated with like volatile material), or coated with volatile materials having different vaporization pressures. In either configuration, the mat provides for both an instant burst of volatile and then a sustained vaporization of volatile. Methods of using such mats are also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-contained thermo-mechanically self-opening steam head that is normally generally flush with a supporting steam room wall when not in use so as not to pose a safety hazard. The steam head has a mechanical thermostat that automatically responds to the presence of heat as from steam to move a deflector plate, which normally generally blocks a steam outlet from the head, to an open position. That open position is spaced from but closely in front of the steam outlet. This allows steam to flow out of the outlet, but the deflector plate diverts the outward steam flow to a direction generally along the supporting wall. When the steam is shut off, the thermostat cools and thereby causes the deflector plate to return to its closed, blocking position. There is no electrical wiring or connection which could pose a major safety hazard in the presence of water.

Abstract: A home fragrance dispenser has a reservoir for holding fragrance oil. The reservoir is capped with a silicone rubber cap with a vapor port therein for emitting vaporized fragrance oil. A capillary tube has its bottom end extending to the bottom of the reservoir where capillary action draws fragrance oil up into the capillary tube. A heating element inside the capillary tube vaporizes fluid drawn into the tube. Electrical leads for the heating element exit through the silicone rubber cap. The cap, capillary tube and heating element form a unit for insertion into the reservoir, and the combined unit is a capillary pump. A fan in the dispenser cabinet forces fragrant vapor out into the surrounding. A selector dial on the front of the cabinet permits selection of one of several fragrances.

Abstract: The present invention is a vaporizer apparatus (1) and method for uniformly extracting active ingredients of specimen of crude natural product, or inert particulate matrix impregnated with volatile substances without pyrolysis which uses hot air (2), or a heated inert gas stream to volatilize the specimen. The heated air or gas in introduced from below (from either a hot air gun or a high-pressure tank connected to a heat exchanger), and ascends through in most embodiments through a permeable support structure (4) (e.g., fritted glass disk, etc.) subsequently causing specimen particules disposed on the permeable support structure to be suspended within the confines of an isolation chamber (5).

Abstract: An apparatus for generating smoke includes a closed chamber having a top cover, and a metal air inlet tube, a metal air outlet tube and a metal suction tube extending through the cover. An electric coiled-wire heating element is positioned transversely in the chamber and connected electrically at each end to the metal air inlet tube and the metal suction tube. A spray dispenser is attached to the top cover and positioned over the heating element and is operably connected to a supply of smoke-producing fluid, the dispenser being configured to spread and drop controlled quantities of the smoke-producing fluid onto the heating element. Separate controls are provided for controlling flow of the fluid onto the heating element for controlling smoke production, and for controlling flow of air for carrying smoke through a delivery line for use.

Abstract: A fuel atomizing-injection apparatus for internal combustion engines is disclosed. This apparatus is installed between the injector of a fuel injection device and the suction manifold of an engine, and is used for promoting vaporization of fuel injected from the injector into the suction manifold, thus finally allowing the injected fuel to be more effectively and actively mixed with combustion air into mixed gas. The apparatus also improves the fuel combustion efficiency of the engine while achieving a conservation of fuel and increasing engine output power. The apparatus exhausts little harmful gases into the atmosphere, thus being unlikely to cause environmental pollution, such as air pollution. In the fuel atomizing-injection apparatus, a heater, having a heat dissipating spiral plate on its external surface, is installed between the injector and the suction manifold.

Abstract: A steam cleaning system for ridding a workpiece of contaminants by directing a jet of steam onto the workpiece. The system includes a steam generator characterized by a central cavity having walls for containing water fed into it from a water inlet conduit. The steam generator includes a heating element for heating the cavity walls to vaporize water located in proximity to the walls. At least a portion of the cavity walls are provided with a thin porous layer of non-corrodible material to form a surface substantially free of major surface irregularities. The porous layer promotes water vaporization, flashing it into steam. Steam formed in the cavity may be superheated for discharge onto the workpiece through an external nozzle. The system components, including the water pump, are made of non-corrodible, preferably non-lubricated materials to prevent contamination of the workpiece and increase the service life of the pump.

Abstract: A vaporizer apparatus and method for uniformly extracting active ingredients of a specimen of crude natural product or inert particulate matrix impregnated with volatile substances, without pyrolysis, which uses hot air or a heated inert gas stream to volatilize the specimen. The heated air or gas is introduced from below (from either a hot air gun or a high pressure tank connected to a heat exchanger) and ascends through a permeable support structure (e.g., fritted glass disk, etc.), subsequently causing specimen particles disposed on the permeable support structure to be suspended within the confines of an isolation chamber. This allows a maximized gas extraction exposure for each suspended particle, and promotes a uniform extraction of the aggregate charge through its periodic mixing. A filter prevents the particles from being inhaled by the user. During device disuse, the heated airstream flows through an optional side-arm of the vaporizer apparatus, preventing wasteful loss of active ingredients.

Abstract: A track cleaning system mounted on a railcar and comprising track rail cleaning nozzles, leaf removal nozzles and third rail cleaning nozzles. Each of the nozzles may provide a fan-shaped spray pattern diverging to either side of a central axis and having a major axis. For each track rail nozzle, the central axis may be perpendicular to a horizontal top rail surface and the major axis may be perpendicular to the rail surface centerline. For each leaf nozzle, the central axis may be directly downwardly from the horizontal and the major axis may be parallel to an elongated spray bar on which one or more leaf nozzles are mounted. For each third rail nozzle, the central axis may be directed downwardly from the horizontal and the major axis may be positioned vertically. The third rail nozzles may be mounted to the rear of the leaf nozzles to aid in leaf removal. Main water valves are remotely actuated by air to release high pressure water to corresponding sets of nozzles.

Abstract: An electric insecticidal apparatus comprising a vessel for storing insecticidal solution, which is oriented in a direction in use; a heating chamber in which the vessel is mounted, said heating chamber containing a heating element; a wick for drawing up the insecticidal solution in the vessel, said wick being provided in the vessel such that the insecticidal solution drawn up by the wick is heated and vaporized by the heating element; an inlet provided at a side of the heating chamber for inserting the vessel into the heating chamber, said vessel being laterally inserted into the heating chamber through the inlet by orienting the vessel in the proper direction; and a guide and holding means for guiding the wick to and holding the wick at a predetermined position at the time of insertion of the vessel into the heating chamber such that the wick confronts the heating element of the heating chamber at a predetermined distance from the heating element, which is provided in the heating chamber.

Abstract: A smoke generating apparatus includes a housing having an interior cavity. A heated substrate is disposed within the interior cavity of the housing. A reservoir is provided to hold smoke generating liquid. An atomizing nozzle is disposed within the interior cavity of the housing. The nozzle has an inlet end and an outlet end. The outlet end points toward the heated substrate, such that fluid medium discharged through the outlet of the nozzle strikes the heated substrate. The inlet end of the nozzle is coupled to a source of gas under pressure. A liquid flow passage is provided which connects the nozzle with the reservoir. A flow of gaseous medium through the nozzle atomizes smoke generating liquid drawn from the reservoir.

Abstract: A heated tip fuel injector includes a housing having a bore formed therein for receiving fuel under pressure; a valve seat mounted at one end of the housing, the valve seat including an orifice; a needle valve having one end mounted to an armature and another end which contacts the valve seat to close off fuel outflow from the bore and which is lifted from the valve seat to inject fuel; a heater disposed in the housing upstream of the valve seat and extending around the needle valve; and at least one flow disturbing element disposed upstream of the heater. The flow-disturbing element enhances heat transfer from the heater to the fuel.

Abstract: Weeds grow on the ballast of railway tracks, on sports fields, such as plastic running tracks, in parking lots and on cemetery paths. A machine is disclosed for eliminating them more economically. The weeds are sprayed with boiling water and steam at temperatures from 90.degree. and 140.degree. . A travelling device is used for that purpose having a water container, a heater device and spraying nozzles. When heated, the plant protein coagulates, and chlorophyll is totally or partially destroyed, causing the weeds to wither. The boiling water and steam can also be used to eliminate graffiti, oil traces and chewing gum from surfaces of all types, and thus to clean said surfaces.

Abstract: A fog generating guide tube mounting arrangement includes a barrel having a longitudinal center through hole and two screw holes respectively provided at front and rear sides thereof in axial alignment with the longitudinal center through hole, a connector fastened to one screw hole at the rear side of the barrel to hold a pump tube, a fog generating guide tube detachably mounted in the longitudinal center through hole, the fog generating guide tube having a rear end fastened to the connector, and a front end terminating in an inner threaded portion threaded into the screw hole at the front side of the barrel, an outer threaded portion, a polygonal collar disposed between the inner threaded portion and the outer threaded portion and stopped outside the front side of the barrel, and a nozzle cap threaded onto the outer threaded portion of the fog generating guide tube outside the barrel.

Abstract: A portable, steam weed killing apparatus designed to be environmentally friendly, economical, fast acting and used by an individual standing in an upright position. The apparatus is intended for killing weeds and unwanted plants in gardens, flower beds and along sidewalks by application of concentrated heated water or steam thereto. The apparatus includes electrically powered, portable steam generating unit containing a water reservoir, an electric pump and an electric steam heater. The apparatus also includes an elongated, rigid guide bar with a weed cover attached to its distal end. A flexible hose delivers steam from the steam generating unit to the weed cover. During use, the weed cover is placed over the undesired plant and the steam generating unit is operated to deliver a concentrated amount of steam to the plant located inside the weed cover.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an article for releasing smoke in conjunction with preparation of smoked food, the article comprising an outer shell (1) having at least one hole (2) made thereto, and a material (3) with heat-reacting and smoke-generating properties (3) placed inside the outer shell. According to the invention the article incorporates a heat-generating material (4) placed in the immediate vicinity of the smoke-releasing material (3) for heating the smoke-releasing material.

Abstract: A chamber for producing smoke having particular application for detecting and locating leaks in a fluid system. Sealed within a smoke producing chamber is a supply of fluid that is adapted to be vaporized into smoke. An air inlet tube having an inlet orifice runs through the supply of fluid. When air is pumped through the air inlet tube, some of the fluid is drawn via the inlet orifice into the tube and blown against a heating element that extends laterally across the chamber above the supply of fluid, whereby the fluid is vaporized into smoke. The smoke exits the chamber through an air outlet tube so as to be introduced, by way of a flexible smoke supply conduit, to the system to be tested.

Abstract: The cleaning process according to the present invention includes three main steps including supercritical extraction of soluble contaminants with a solvent composition, subcritical removal of particulate material with agitation, and solvent recovery and recycle. The supercritical extraction of soluble contaminants is performed by pumping a solvent composition into a cleaning vessel containing articles to be cleaned and pressurizing and heating the fluid in the vessel to a supercritical state. Then the subcritical phase is begun to remove particulate material from the articles by reducing the pressure and temperature of the solvent composition in the cleaning vessel to a subcritical state and reforming the liquid/gas interface. Agitation of the articles in the cleaning vessel is provided by recirculation of the solvent composition or by motion of a mechanical device within the cleaning vessel.

Abstract: The present invention is a humidifier that provides uniformly controlled generation of water vapor into an air stream. Steel wool is placed into a heating section of a humidifier water reservoir, where vapor is produced, to create an even distribution of vapor exiting the humidifier. A perforated plate is horizontally inserted into the heating section above the steel wool, thereby holding it in place and aiding in the even distribution of vapor from the humidifier.

Abstract: A liquid spraying device including an elongate first vessel closed at one of its ends by a first free face of a piezoelectric transducer capable of emitting waves into a liquid filling the vessel, and open at its end remote from the piezoelectric transducer. The piezoelectric transducer includes a second free face opposite its first free face, and wherein an elongate second vessel is disposed symmetrically to the first vessel relative to the piezoelectric transducer, the second vessel being closed at one of its ends by said second free face of the piezoelectric transducer, which is thus also capable of emitting waves into a liquid filling the second vessel, said second vessel being open at its end remote from the piezoelectric transducer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for generating a fog, characterized in that it comprises: a) a first closed vessel (1) kept at temperature and filled with a mixture having such a vapor pressure curve that pressure can be generated by varying the temperature of the mixture; b) a second closed vessel (2, 2', 2") with a heat exchanger kept at a higher temperature; c) a pipe (7) with a valve (8) connecting the mixture from the first vessel to the second vessel (2, 2', 2"); d) an outlet (16, 16') in the wall of the second vessel (2, 2', 2") for distributing the fog generated under pressure in this latter vessel into the environment.

Abstract: A humidifier for use in a sauna stove includes a high vessel open at the top, forming storage for water to be vaporized. The humidifier is placed in the stone space, or similar heating space, of the sauna stove. When in use, the heat from the heat source vaporizes the water in the vessel, to spread steam to the sauna room. The humidifier includes at least one cup placed on top of the high vessel, in which there is a channel to lead the steam from the lower vessel through the cup to the sauna room.

Abstract: An internal heater for a fuel injector includes an array of plates of a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material arranged about the valve element in a square tube shape, and surrounded by a heat insulating polytetrafluorethylene sleeve. The plates are preferably coated with polyimide to be protected from the fuel which flows over both surfaces of the plates. Electrical connections are established by inner and outer bands attached to the plates, with a conductive disc having tabs extending to the bands. Spring-loaded contact pins located radially outward from a seal on the disc have wires extending to the connector body contacts of the injector.

Abstract: An improved heated scent dispenser is provided. The device has a reservoir which is heated by igniting paraffin or an equivalent fuel. A wick draws fuel from a fuel tank containing the paraffin, the wick being enclosed in a first chamber to avoid exposure to the elements. A second chamber disposed above the first chamber contains a fluid reservoir which can be filled with animal urine or other scent. A dome top is disposed above the housing to distribute the scent horizontally in all directions. The entire assembly is contained within a shroud to provide additional protection from exposure to wind, rain, snow, etc. so as to be operable in virtually any environment. The device may also be used to distribute insect repellent or other similar aromatic by removing the heating tank and filling the fuel tank with the aromatic. Once ignited, the fumes are distributed out of open scent reservoir.

Abstract: A water buffered essential oil non-open flame incensing system including a level fire plate with a metallic fire ring centrally bonded to the upper surface thereof. A stoneware urn is provided having a body portion with a pronounced belly, a bell lip, a throat defined between the body portion and the bell lip, a curved interior surface with a non-flat bottom portion, and an exterior surface. At least the curved interior surface has high fire glazed finish. Water and essential oils to be diffused are filled in the urn and the urn is placed on top of a burning charcoal briquette on the fire ring. Boiling of the water carries the oil in the form of droplets into the atmosphere. The urn is sized to have a small amount of water left at the time the charcoal burns out. A smokeless system may be beneficial for people with smoke allergies.

Abstract: A smoke generator apparatus (10) is disclosed which is suitable for use in conducting air flow studies in wind tunnels. The smoke generator apparatus (10) includes a tube assembly (12) which may either be wire-packed or crimped and has fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics which permit the substantially uninterrupted flow of smoke-appearing vapor (82) from the tube outlet (52).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a suitable apparatus for cleaning water closets bowls by concentrated water and steam jets and for in disinfecting the bowls. The apparatus includes a portable hand-held dispenser body provided with a water tank, heating element, pump and rechargeable battery supply means. The dispenser is received in a recharging socket having a timing mechanism for setting the period of time electricity is connected to the rechargeable battery in the dispenser body after use. A pawl on the socket that cooperates with the dispenser body prevents the timing mechanism from operating whenever the dispenser body is removed from the socket.

Abstract: A steam spray tube with an inlet line (16) for steam, a nozzle arrangement (33) and a valve (19) positioned between the inlet line and the nozzle arrangement is described. With such a steam spray tube, adequate moistening of a web to be moistened can be assured even at high web velocities. To do so, an essentially straight acceleration channel (35) is arranged downstream from valve (19) in the direction of flow of the steam and a nozzle channel (36) to the nozzle arrangement (33) branches off from the acceleration channel at a predetermined distance from the end (37) of the acceleration channel (35).

Abstract: A game scent dispenser that includes a scent warmer to keep the scent aromatic in cold temperature environs.

Abstract: Disclosed is an extended hand-held nozzle head (30) for attachment to a steam sprayer (1) having a steam generator (2). The hand-held nozzle head (30), which can be moved independently of the steam sprayer (1) and steam generator (2), includes a nozzle casing (32). One end of a steam supply pipe (40) is positioned in the interior of the nozzle casing (32) and the end is covered by a cap (48). The cap includes at least one opening (46) for the introduction of steam into the nozzle casing (32) from the steam supply pipe (40). The opposite end of the steam supply pipe (40) extends to the exterior of the nozzle casing (32) and attaches to one end of a flexible hose member (50). The opposite end of the flexible hose member (50) is connectable to the steam sprayer (1) for supplying steam to the nozzle head (30). A spray nozzle (36) is mounted in an exterior wall of the nozzle casing (32) for exhausting steam from the interior of the nozzle casing.

Abstract: Apparatus for vaporizing liquids to be burned in an internal combustion engine or furnace for the purpose of increasing fuel efficiency, improving cold weather starting and reducing pollution. The device may also be used in non combustion processes such as heating coating or disbursing. A three dimensionally porous electric heating element constructed of a PTC ceramic is utilized in combination with a liquid injection apparatus for the purpose of vaporizing liquid injected into it. The PTC ceramic is resistantly heated by electrical power leads a temperature at which the injected liquid vaporizes and diffuses through its pores. The porous PTC ceramic is designed to auto-stabilize its temperature at a point for the optimum vaporization of the desired liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus for destroying unwanted vegetation in the region of travel ways that includes a steam generating unit, which is mounted on a vehicle and to the steam output of which are connected steam nozzles which form at least one nozzle bar. The at least one nozzle bar extends transversely to the direction of travel essentially across the width of the travel way and is mounted beneath the bogie of the vehicle by a central support of adjustable height. The apparatus further includes lateral support portions with nozzle bar sections which are pivotable about a shaft extending in the direction of travel, as well as adjustable vertically and laterally. The central support and the lateral support portions are constructed as an open-bottomed hood with a top, side walls and end walls.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for releasing a heat-activated gas from a heat activated gas-emitting medium in response to application of heat. The invention relates specifically to an apparatus and a method for flavoring foods during a cooking process. The apparatus consists of a housing made of a thermally conductive material and a pyrolytic or combustible cartridge which is removably inserted into the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for releasing a heat-activated gas from a heat activated gas-emitting medium in response to application of heat. The invention relates specifically to an apparatus and a method for flavoring foods during a cooking process. The apparatus consists of a housing made of a thermally conductive material and a pyrolytic or combustible cartridge which is removably inserted into the housing.

Abstract: A dispenser for cryogenic liquid comprising a vacuum insulated vessel (2) which is provided with a dispenser tube (10). The dispenser tube (10) is heated in use by an electric heater (11). Sufficient heat is supplied to achieve film boiling on the inner surface of the dispenser tube (10). Flow of cryogenic liquid from the vacuum insulated vessel (2) into the dispenser tube (10) is controlled by a tapered valve member (14) which is biased downwardly by a spring (15) and which is connected to a permanent magnet (16) disposed in a coil (17). The tapered valve member (14) can be driven upwardly or downwardly according to the sense in which a direct current is applied to the coil (17). A gas relief tube (18) is provided to vent gas from the dispenser tube (10) intermediate the tapered valve member (14) and the outlet of the dispenser tube (10). The gas relief tube (18) conveys gas to the space above the cryogenic liquid, for example liquid nitrogen, in the vacuum insulated vessel (2).

Abstract: An insect-repellent device comprising a housing to hold a charger and a circuit board, two insect-repellent units movably received in two recessed surface portions on the outside of the housing and electrically connected to the circuit board by two separate electric wires, two reel assemblies fastened on housing at two opposite sides and controlled to let off or take up the insect-repellent units, a power switch for power control, a sterilization control switch for sterilization control, and indicator lamps for power and sterilization indications respectively.

Abstract: A replaceable cartridge for a diffusion device for a volatilizable substance includes a primary control of diffusion rate of the substance into the surrounding atmosphere. The cartridge includes a base and a cover, and a membrane separating the cartridge into two chambers. The membrane has characteristics for controlling the rate of passage of a vaporized form of the substance from a first chamber, wherein the substance is stored, to a second chamber. A vent structure in the cover provides control over diffusion of the vaporized substance to the atmosphere. The diffusion device may include a heater or other catalyst device for imparting energy to the cartridge, thereby to volatilize the substance, and a timing circuit for control of heater operation. Additionally, the device may include a structure to assist proper placement of the cartridge adjacent the catalyst device by sensing at least a partial insertion of the cartridge and by automatically completing the insertion and positioning process thereof.

Abstract: Electric iron having a cast sole (1A) closed by a cover (2) and in which are provided two chambers (6, 7) separated from each other by a partition (8), namely, a principal vaporization chamber (6) fed with water by an injection device through an opening (9) provided in the cover (2), the water being vaporized by a sheathed resistance (10) embedded in the sole (1A), and a steam distribution chamber (7) communicating on the one hand with the principal vaporization chamber (6) by a passage (11) provided in the partition (8), and on the other hand with the exterior through outlet orifices (12) provided in the sole (1A). The sole (1A) also comprises an intermediate vaporization chamber (15) disposed between the principal vaporization chamber (6) and the distribution chamber (7) and extending adjacent the injection opening (9) of the water.

Abstract: In order to keep flying insects, especially mosquitoes, away from people, an apparatus has been developed. The apparatus includes a box (A, A") enclosing a heat source (10, 50), provided with at least one vertically oriented flat wall (13', 53'), and a container (C, C') holding an evaporable liquid chemical product. A wick (14, 54), wrapped in an impermeable coating or sheath (19, 59), has a rectangular cross-section and penetrates inside the container (C, C'). A free portion (14", 54") of the wick (14, 54) is devoid of the coating or sheath (19, 59) and extends upwards from the container (C, C') with its largest side (14"', 54"') being disposed parallel to but spaced from the heat source (10, 50).

Abstract: The invention relates to the electric heating of animal scent using a wick to draw scent from a container and a resistive heating element.

Abstract: A disinfectant vaporizing apparatus for dropwise flowing a disinfectant liquid on a heating unit so as to provide a uniform disinfection gas on a surface of a material to be sterilized, characterized in that at least one supply port for supplying heated carrier gas at a high temperature is provided in a vaporization chamber for the disinfectant liquid. A vaporization part is provided with a plurality of cavities on an upper surface thereof and at least one dropping nozzle is provided above each cavity, wherein the disinfection gas carried by the heated carrier gas is applied on a surface of a material to be sterilized through a droplet splash removing apparatus. The droplet splash removing apparatus has a series of vertically, spaced-apart shield plates with staggered holes therein through which the vaporized disinfectant and carrier gas pass and entrained droplets of disinfectant liquid are removed.

Abstract: A smoke generating device is disclosed which utilizes a rechargable cartridge containing a vaporizable, smoke producing solution. The cartridge includes an aperture which is filled by a one-way, flap-type seal. When mounting the cartridge to the smoke generating device, a feed tube is inserted through the flap-type seal into the cartridge. In this manner, the contents of the cartridge are supplied to a valve means within the smoke generating device. When the valve means is actuated, the smoke producing fluid flows through a vaporizer coil. Heat supplied by a gas burner or other heating device vaporizes the smoke producing solution which issues as a dense simulated smoke from a smoke discharge nozzle. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a flow restricting means is provided in the vaporizer coil to maintain the rate of flow of smoke producing liquid within a predetermined range.

Abstract: In electrostatic atomization of liquids wherein a stream of electrically charged liquid is atomized under the influence of the electrical charge, the stream is surrounded by a mist to increase the dielectric breakdown strength of the surrounding atmosphere. This permits use of higher charge levels and hence more efficient atomization. The mist may incorporate minute droplets of the liquid to be atomized. An insulating vapor may be formed from the liquid by heating a portion of the liquid and employed in place of or in addition to the mist.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for protecting plants against the effects of a drop in ambient temperature by causing the formation and preservation of dew or rime, according to the circumstances. The apparatus comprises a "dew box" which measures the ambient temperature and the dew point temperature, a set of comparators for triggering the start of spraying and the start of water heating as a function of ambient temperature, and a control system, including a calculating device, for regulating the temperature of the spraying water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a material with gas or vapour, especially a fumigant, comprises a sealable enclosure device, a pump which may have an inlet for the agent and a heat reservoir, and a long flexible hose to allow the enclosure to be evacuated after treatment and the effluent discharged outside the premises where the material is treated.

Abstract: An improved steam inhaler for producing steam from water and aspirating inhalation liquid having a certain medical efficacy with the steam, comprising: a water supply tank, a first conduit, a first heating chamber, a second conduit, a second heating chamber, and a steam nozzle, along the path the water conveyed. The first and second heating chambers are provided with heating elements, and a one-way valve is provided in the first conduit. Therefore, the water boiled in the first chamber is conducted into the second heating chamber and prevented from returning to the water tank by the one-way valve. The water is completely vaporized in the second heating chamber. Since the water is thus metered from the water tank into the first heating chamber substantially upon demand, the steam inhaler can be activated immediately after the power is turned on, and can be deactivated immediately after the power is turned off.

Abstract: A portable smoke-generating apparatus particularly useful for creating special effects in the film-making and entertainment industry has a vaporizing unit consisting of a solid metallic block having an elongate interior vaporizing chamber. A solid metallic vaporizing member having a cross-sectional configuration corresponding to the cross-sectional configuration of the vaporizing chamber is loosely mounted in the chamber. The passageway between the interior walls of the vaporizing chamber and the exterior walls of the vaporizing element provides a very narrow conduit having a very very high surface area/volume ratio of at least 500, and preferably at least 1,000, to ensure rapid complete vaporization of the liquid and production of a white, dry smoke having a very small particle size. Heat is supplied to the vaporizing chamber by either electrical resistance heaters or a combustions torch mounted in one or more designated chambers in the block. Use of a nozzle having an orifice with a diameter of 0.35-0.

Abstract: An insecticide dispenser capable of setting off a charge of insecticide to fumigate a room and then automatically shutting itself off before the completion of the dispensing of the charge of the insecticide, whereby the dispenser can be safely left unattended during the fumigation of a room. The dispenser includes a container for the insecticide and a fusible member that will break during the volatilization of the insecticide thereby to break the electrical circuit and turn off the power supply.

Abstract: A lightweight, portable device maintains at a warm temperature a quantity of animal scent, particularly animal urine, which is used by hunters to attract animals. A battery operated heating element surrounding a chamber which removably receives a vial of the liquid scent maintains the temperature of the liquid above freezing when the device is used outdoors in cold weather, and preferably heats the scent to a temperature which closely imitates the fresh presence of live deer. The device includes a cap having two oppositely oriented threaded sections, one of the which when received on a housing of the device closes the chamber containing the liquid while the other when received on the housing enables vent openings formed in the cap to dissipate odors which emanate from the vial. Batteries of the device are located within an enlarged base and thus provide a low center of gravity, which allows the device to remain in a stable, upright orientation on the ground when desired.