Abstract: A membrane humidifier for a fuel cell, of the present invention, comprises: a middle case in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes are accommodated; a cap case coupled to the middle case; potting parts formed at the ends of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes; an assembly member disposed between the cap case and the end of the middle case so as to provide air tight coupling therebetween; and a protrusion part extending toward the edges of the potting parts from the inside of the cap case so as to provide air tight coupling between the cap case and the potting parts.

Abstract: A membrane humidifier for a fuel cell is disclosed. The membrane includes a middle case in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes are accommodated; a cap case coupled to the middle case; a potting part formed at the end portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes; and an assembling member disposed between the end portions of the cap case and the middle case, and simultaneously coupling, so as to be airtight, a gap between the cap case and the middle case and a gap between the cap case and the potting part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a way of pressurizing a fluid to power a load, by initially pressurizing the fluid in a series of stages to yield a low-pressure fluid and further pressurizing the low-pressure fluid concurrently in parallel stages to yield a high-pressure fluid for supply to the load.

Abstract: A humidifier has a stack unit having a plurality of water-vapor-permeable membranes which are arranged parallel one above the other and spaced apart from one another. The membranes are enclosed at the edges at least in sections by an enclosing part, wherein the enclosing parts of membranes lying one above the other are directly connected to one another in a flow-tight manner.

Abstract: A humidification device for humidifying process gases, in particular for fuel cells, having a stack of repeating components, including a steam-permeable membrane, a first layer arrangement arranged on a first side of the membrane having a first flow layer for conducting a process gas to be humidified, a multiplicity of flow channels running parallel to the membrane, a second layer arrangement arranged on a second side of the membrane having a second flow layer for conducting a humidified gas including a multiplicity of flow channels running parallel to the membrane, and two protective films which adjoin the second flow layer on both sides and have a multiplicity of through-openings.

Abstract: A refrigerant air conditioner for boats in ports and marinas, comprising a compressor (1), an external heat exchanger, an internal heat exchanger (13) cooperating with a fan (12). The compressor (1) and the external heat exchanger are contained within an air conditioner container (16; 38) forming part of a multi-service pedestal (17; 36), equipped with a support structure (20; 37) situated on a pier (P) or quay, and the room heat exchanger (13) is placed in a boat (B) moored to pier (P) or quay.

Abstract: Wearable devices for dispensing insect repellents, fragrances, and/or other chemicals along the outside of the clothing of a human are disclosed. They are of the type that are clipped onto a belt or the like, and use a powered fan to dispense active. They are configured with outlet arrangements to minimize power use while still achieving acceptable air flow rates. These changes permit use of smaller power supplies and more compact arrangements for power supply (e.g., battery) positioning. This in turn permits a much more compact and lightweight construction to achieve the desired results.

Abstract: A water vapor transfer separator plate assembly and a method of making the same. In such an assembly made up of a stack of alternating wet side plates and dry side plates with a membrane disposed between them, a humid fluid such as that found in a fuel cell cathode exhaust flows against one side of each membrane such that at least some of its moisture content travels across the membrane to a lower humidity fluid on the opposite side of the membrane. The lower humidity fluid, such as that found in a fuel cell cathode entrance, experiences an increase in its humidity by the operation of the moisture flow across the membrane. At least a portion of the assembly may be made thinner by removing diffusion media and reinforcing structure of the dry side plates such that the overall assembly is simplified.

Abstract: An improved scent pad and mechanism for housing the same. The mechanism is preferably a part of a humidifier or similar device and positioned adjacent to a heated surface. The mechanism preferably includes a cover, a keyed portion and a rib portion which allows the scent pad to fit properly and prevents other shaped pads from being inserted into or otherwise used in the housing mechanism, insuring optimal performance. In one embodiment the scent pad includes an upper straight edge, side edges, two lower beveled edges and a lower straight edge situated between the beveled edges. The upper straight edge and lower straight edge are preferably substantially parallel to each other. The side edges are preferably substantially parallel to each other and the beveled edges are preferably arranged at an angle that intersects both the lower straight edge and a side edge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for conditioning an air flow(2) comprising a humidifying apparatus (5) having humidifying elements(6), which are arranged in the air flow (2) to be humidified in the humidifying apparatus(5), can be loaded with pressurized water, and are made of a fluid-permeable, porous, preferably hydrophilic material. In order to increase the efficiency of the humidification of the air flow(2) in the humidifying apparatus (5), the humidifying elements(6) of the humidifying apparatus(5) loaded with pressurized water are designed with regard to the cross-section thereof in such a way that the peripheral surface or outer surface of the humidifying elements exposed to the air flow(2) to be humidified can be uniformly contacted by the air flow (2) to be humidified over the entire circumference of the humidifying elements.

Abstract: A gas apparatus for use in a medical procedure may include a housing, a heater, a port, and a dispensing device. The housing defines a chamber having a gas inlet and a gas outlet. The heater warms a gas flowing through the chamber. The port is positioned in fluid communication with the chamber. The dispensing device is inserted within the port for delivering water in aerosol form to warmed gas as it exits the gas outlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for dispensing volatile substances, in particular fragrances and/or insecticides, comprising at least one storage medium (34, 35) that contains, in particular temporarily stores, the at least one substance to be dispensed, and at least one means (9) for producing at least one air flow, wherein the at least one air flow (47, 54) is directed toward the at least one storage medium (34, 35) in such a way that the air flow increases the rate of dispensation to the environment of the substance to be dispensed relative to the state in which a flow is not directed at the storage medium.

Abstract: A fuel cell humidifier with a pleated separation layer between a wet side and a dry side is provided. The fuel cell humidifier includes an enclosure having a first inlet, first outlet, and a first gas flow region that allow flow of a first gas through the humidifier. The fuel cell humidifier also includes a second inlet and second outlet, and a second gas flow region that allow flow of a second gas through the humidifier. Characteristically, the first gas has a higher relative humidity than the second gas. A pleated diffusion medium separates the first flow region and the second flow region such that water from the first gas flows to the second gas thereby increasing the relative humidity of the second gas.

Abstract: A scented air vent assembly is provided for attachment to an existing air moving device to scent the air passing through the air moving device. The assembly includes an upper panel having a plurality of upper holes and a lower panel having a plurality of lower holes. The lower panel is coupled to the upper panel and the upper holes are aligned with the lower holes. A medial panel is coupled to and positioned between the upper panel and the lower panel. The medial panel is constructed of a scented material. The medial panel has a plurality of apertures. The medial panel is positioned relative to the upper panel and the lower panel such that the medial panel partially obstructs the aligned upper and lower holes.

Abstract: A membrane humidifier is disclosed. The membrane humidifier may include: a housing in which a hollow fiber membrane bundle is mounted, the hollow fiber membrane bundle being formed by integrating a plurality of hollow fiber membranes; a potting portion fixing an end portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle to the housing and coupled to an end portion of the housing so as to hermetically seal the housing; and a sealing member disposed between the housing and the potting portion and hermetically sealing the housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a natural evaporation humidifier which is space and energy efficient and maximizes humidification efficiency by enhancing diffusion of the moistened air. It is much easy and convenient for users to use, operate and carry the natural evaporation humidifier. The natural evaporation humidifier comprises a container, a plurality of inner support portions, a plurality of tunnels, a plurality of auxiliary support portions, a plurality of evaporation filters, and a plurality of support legs. The container, having a front and back wall, bottom, and side walls, forms an interior compartment and a water reservoir with the inner support portions. The inner support portions are shaped in curve, vertically attached to the bottom of the container, arranged in parallel along the length direction of the container to form a plurality of tunnels and evaporation filter housing areas. The inner support portions have a plurality of spacers inside each tunnel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous ceramic structure, and a dehumidification/humidification apparatus comprising the same. More particularly, the present invention comprises: a porous ceramic humidifying medium having an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface; a dehumidifying medium which has an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface, and which is disposed in the porous ceramic humidifying medium; and a cutoff layer formed between the inner circumferential surface of the humidifying medium and the outer circumferential surface of the dehumidifying medium. The porous ceramic structure and the dehumidification/humidification apparatus comprising same according to the present invention can easily increase the humidifying and dehumidifying capacity, simplify a flow channel, and achieve a compact design.

Abstract: A humidifier for a fuel cell has a stacked unit of several water-permeable membranes which are parallel to each other and are arranged spaced apart form each other. On the edges of the membranes, a sealant is applied which closes a flow space between neighboring membranes fluid-tightly and serves as a spacer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for conditioning an air flow (2) comprising a humidifying apparatus (5) having humidifying elements (6), which are arranged in the air flow (2) to be humidified in the humidifying apparatus (5), can be loaded with pressurized water, and are made of a fluid-permeable, porous, preferably hydrophilic material. In order to increase the efficiency of the humidification of the air flow (2) in the humidifying apparatus (5), the humidifying elements (6) of the humidifying apparatus (5) loaded with pressurized water are designed with regard to the cross-section thereof in such a way that the peripheral surface or outer surface of the humidifying elements exposed to the air flow (2) to be humidified can be uniformly contacted by the air flow (2) to be humidified over the entire circumference of the humidifying elements.

Abstract: A structured packing for a reactor is formed from a metal sheet to promote heat and mass transfer near the wall of the reactor. The structured packing causes lateral flow of fluids flowing through the packing such that jet impingement of at least one reactor wall is promoted. The packing may be used in a cylindrical, annular or plate-type reactor, e.g., a catalytic reactor, or a heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the storage and/or maturation of an oxygen sensitive liquid beverage including: a vessel or tank adapted to hold a quantity of the liquid therein, said vessel having a low oxygen transfer rate from the atmosphere facilitating the reductive storage of said liquid; and a means of accommodating a gas permeable membrane, said gas permeable membrane having a high oxygen transfer rate relative to the vessel; wherein said membrane is in contact with said liquid thereby increasing the exposure of said liquid to oxygen in result.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a humidifier for humidifying medical gases, comprising a humidification module including a control unit, wherein the humidification module is adapted for receiving a humidification chamber. Furthermore, the humidification module is further adapted to sense and/or receive information upon connection of the humidification chamber and/or additional equipment such as hoses, power supply pack.

Abstract: Provided are a method for reducing a nitrogen oxide in an exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine, a membrane module, an apparatus for reducing a nitrogen oxide from an internal combustion engine using the membrane module, and an internal combustion engine apparatus. A method for reducing a nitrogen oxide in an exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine, the method comprising: a step of bringing pressurized air into contact with one surface of a steam permeable membrane (11), and allowing water to flow along the other surface of the steam permeable membrane (11) to moisturize the pressurized air; and a step of introducing the moisturized air into the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: This invention relates to an aeration system comprising an aeration section, a degassing section and optionally an additional section. This invention also relates to a horizontal photobioreactor comprising the aeration system. This invention further relates to methods of using the photobioreactors.

Abstract: An apparatus for the transfer of mass and heat including a membrane having a hydrophilic surface and an opposing hydrophobic surface. The construction prevents transmission or leakage of fluids from one side of the membrane to the other regardless of pressure gradients within the membrane bubble point or water intrusion pressure range, but allows the transfer of vaporized fluid from one side of the membrane to the other.

Abstract: A method of humidifying a gas that includes supplying a gas to a surface of a humidification material that readily absorbs moisture and readily releases moisture when exposed to a dry environment and generating turbulence in the gas as it passes over the surface of the humidification material.

Abstract: A membrane humidifier for a fuel cell system is disclosed wherein the membrane humidifier includes a plurality of membrane layers, a first pair of spaced apart sealing bars disposed between a first membrane layer and a second membrane layer adjacent to perimeter edges thereof to form a first flow channel, a second pair of spaced apart sealing bars disposed between the second membrane layer and a third membrane layer adjacent to perimeter edges thereof to form a second flow channel, and a plurality of supports, wherein a first support is disposed adjacent the second planar layer and extending between the second pair of spaced apart sealing bars, and a second support is disposed adjacent the third planar layer and extending between the second pair of spaced apart sealing bars.

Abstract: An apparatus for the transfer of mass and heat including a membrane having a hydrophilic surface and an opposing hydrophobic surface. The construction prevents transmission or leakage of fluids from one side of the membrane to the other regardless of pressure gradients within the membrane bubble point or water intrusion pressure range, but allows the transfer of vaporized fluid from one side of the membrane to the other.

Abstract: A patient delivery tube for the delivery of a heated, humidified gas. The patient delivery tube includes an elongated tubing member molded from a flexible polymer, said elongated tubing member comprising a first end, a second end and an axially aligned passageway extending therethrough and an electric heater comprising a conductive material, said electric heater arranged along said axially aligned passageway for perimetrically heating said axially aligned passageway. A method of delivering a heated, humidified gas to a patient is also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a membrane between a first stream of fluid that is partially or wholly in a gas phase and a second stream of fluid. The membrane includes a porous support and pores filled with a gel. The gel can selectively facilitate a transfer of compounds from the first stream to the second stream. The gel can be partially composed of the transferred compounds or materials with similar properties to the transferred compounds.

Abstract: Advanced wicking structures and methods utilizing these structures are described. The use of advanced wicking structures can promote rapid mass transfer while maintaining high capillary pressure through the use of small pores. Particularly improved results in fluid contacting processes can be achieved by enhanced mixing within a wicking layer within a microchannel.

Abstract: A humidifier pad assembly for a humidifier that is configured for adding humidity to an air stream of an HVAC system of a building or other structure. The humidifier pad assembly may include a frame for holding a replaceable humidifier pad within the housing of the humidifier. The frame may be structured to hold the replaceable humidifier pad within the housing such that a back major surface of the replaceable humidifier pad generally faces the back side of the housing, and a front opposing major surface of the humidifier pad generally faces the front side of the housing. The frame may further be structured to permit removal and replacement of the replaceable humidifier pad through the front side of the frame. In some cases, the housing may be configured such that the frame (and the replaceable humidifier pad) may be slid out of apertures in the right side and/or left side of the housing.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides an air conditioning system (ACS) for conditioning the airstream entering an air-consuming machine, such as, but not limiting of, a gas turbine. Conditioning may be considered a process that adjusts at least one physical property of the airstream. The physical property may comprise: a wet-bulb temperature, a dry-bulb temperature, relative humidity, density, or the like. In an embodiment of the present invention, the major components of the ACS may be located in a single structure, which may be considered a module. Depending on the application of the ACS, multiple modules may be physically and/or operationally integrated on the air-consuming machine. An alternate embodiment of the ACS may comprise a module having multiples stages. Here, each stage may operate independently other stages. Furthermore, each stage may use a separate fluid from other stages.

Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus (1) includes a support configured to support a patterning device (MA), the patterning device configured to pattern the projection beam according to a desired pattern. The apparatus has a substrate (W) table configure to hold a substrate, a projection system configured to project the patterned beam onto a target portion of the substrate. The apparatus also has a purge gas supply system (100) configured to provide a purge gas near a surface of a component of the lithographic projection apparatus. The purge gas supply system (100) includes a purge gas mixture generator (120) configured to generate a purge gas mixture which includes at least one purging gas and moisture. The purge gas mixture generator has a moisturizer (150) configured to add the moisture to the purge gas and a purge gas mixture outlet (130) connected to the purge gas mixture generator (120) configured to supply the purge gas mixture near the surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vaporization filter for humidification which comprises a filter substrate, and an anchor layer containing a film-forming polymer and a hydrophilic layer being provided on the substrate in this order, a vaporization filter laminate for humidification which comprises the vaporization filters for humidification being laminated each with a distance and a humidification method using these.

Abstract: A liquid cartridge comprises a vessel body for containing liquid, the vessel body comprising a plurality of surfaces, an oxygen outlet provided on one surface among the plurality of surfaces of the vessel body, and an oxygen input provided on a surface other than a furthest surface from the surface on which the oxygen outlet is formed among the plurality of surfaces of the vessel body.

Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus (1) includes a support configured to support a patterning device (MA), the patterning device configured to pattern the projection beam according to a desired pattern. The apparatus has a substrate (W) table configure to hold a substrate, a projection system configured to project the patterned beam onto a target portion of the substrate. The apparatus also has a purge gas supply system (100) configured to provide a purge gas near a surface of a component of the lithographic projection apparatus. The purge gas supply system (100) includes a purge gas mixture generator (120) configured to generate a purge gas mixture which includes at least one purging gas and moisture. The purge gas mixture generator has a moisturizer (150) configured to add the moisture to the purge gas and a purge gas mixture outlet (130) connected to the purge gas mixture generator (120) configured to supply the purge gas mixture near the surface.

Abstract: A WVT unit for a fuel cell system that employs a spiral-wound design to reduce its size and increase its performance. The WVT unit includes a center tube having a plurality of openings through which the cathode exhaust gas flows. The WVT unit also includes a cylindrical portion wound around the center tube that includes a plurality of enclosures and a plurality of dry spacer layers separating the enclosures. Each enclosure includes a pair of membranes separated by a wet spacer layer. The dry cathode inlet air flows down the dry spacer layers between the enclosures and the cathode exhaust gas flows into the plurality of enclosures through the openings in the center tube along the wet spacer layers to allow the membranes to absorb humidification that is transferred to the cathode inlet air.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte fuel cell comprises a fuel cell stack and a humidifier. The fuel cell stack includes plural cells in which each cell has a pair of electrodes and a proton-conductive electrolyte membrane arranged between the pair of electrodes, wherein an oxidant gas or a fuel gas passes through the humidifier before being fed to the fuel cell stack, and wherein a wet gas containing water or water vapor also passes through the humidifier. In the fuel cell, the humidifier includes a porous separating layer and a hydrophilic water-releasing layer, wherein the separating layer is configured to separate the wet gas from the oxidant gas or the fuel gas in the humidifier, and wherein the hydrophilic water-releasing layer is disposed in a side of the oxidant gas or the fuel gas to the separating layer in the humidifier.

Abstract: A disposable active humidifier for the mechanical ventilation of a patient, which has the particularity that it comprises a cartridge which forms a humidification chamber which is delimited by an inlet and by an outlet and can be interposed in the ventilation circuit. The cartridge has an interspace which is externally delimited by a heat exchange surface and is internally delimited by a hydrophobic membrane which surrounds the humidification chamber. A humidification fluid, originating from a bottle or bag, can be introduced in the interspace.

Abstract: A membrane humidifier for a fuel cell system is disclosed wherein the membrane humidifier includes a plurality of membrane layers, a first pair of spaced apart sealing bars disposed between a first membrane layer and a second membrane layer adjacent to perimeter edges thereof to form a first flow channel, a second pair of spaced apart sealing bars disposed between the second membrane layer and a third membrane layer adjacent to perimeter edges thereof to form a second flow channel, and a plurality of supports, wherein a first support is disposed adjacent the second planar layer and extending between the second pair of spaced apart sealing bars, and a second support is disposed adjacent the third planar layer and extending between the second pair of spaced apart sealing bars.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for dispensing air treatment chemicals, and refill units for use therewith. Some of these devices have a well facing the heater and a transparent wall to view the use up of the air treatment chemical. Other of these devices have a refill with wells positioned in opposing directions.

Abstract: Water vapor is introduced into an inlet air stream (16) of an engine (12), for example, by a pervaporation process through a non-porous hydrophilic membrane (18). A water reservoir (20), which can contain contaminated water, provides a vapor pressure gradient across the hydrophilic membrane (18) into the inlet air stream (16), while the rate of delivery of the water vapor to a cylinder (38-40) is self-regulated by the rate of flow of air across the membrane. The hydrophilic membrane (18) therefore also filters the water from the water reservoir (20) to an extent that pure water vapor is provided to the air inlet stream (16). Delivery of water vapor can nevertheless be controlled using a hood (26) that slides over the hydrophilic membrane to limit its exposed surface area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for humidifying air in which the first side of a permselective water transport membrane is contacted with water vapor laden flue gas from a combustion process having a first water vapor partial pressure and a first temperature and at least a portion of the water vapor is condensed, producing condensed water. The condensed water is transported through the membrane to the opposite side of the membrane, which is contacted with an air stream having a second water vapor partial pressure, which second water vapor partial pressure is less than the first water vapor partial pressure, and having a second temperature, which second temperature is less than the first temperature. Upon contact with the air stream, the condensed water evaporates into the air stream, resulting in a humidified air stream.

Abstract: A water transfer device can include first and second flow paths separated by a water transfer membrane and a hydrophilic diffusion medium. The hydrophilic diffusion medium is disposed between the water transfer membrane and the first flow path. Water content of a first fluid stream flowing through the first flow path is transferred through the diffusion medium and water transfer membrane and into a second fluid stream flowing through the second flow path. The hydrophilic diffusion medium is operable to absorb liquid water in the first fluid stream and hold the absorbed liquid water in contact with the water transfer membrane. The hydrophilic diffusion medium is also operable to diffuse water vapor in the first fluid stream and transport the water vapor to the water transfer membrane. The water transfer membrane transfers the water in contact therewith to the second fluid stream flowing through second flow path.

Abstract: A humidifier (1), including at least one housing (2), in which multiple fibres (3) constructed as water-permeable hollow fibre membranes are arranged, wherein a first air stream (4) is passed inside the fibres (3) and a second air stream (5) is passed outside the fibres (3), and wherein the housing (2) is of flattened design.

Abstract: The invention relates to a distribution device (1) for distributing liquid over an underlying catalyst bed comprising a horizontal collection tray (2) provided with at least one gas chimney (3) for upward or downward passage of gas and with liquid dosing nozzles (4) for downward passage of liquid, wherein the gas chimney(s) (3) and liquid doing nozzles (4) are separate from each other and do not have the same longitudinal axis, and wherein each liquid dosing nozzle (4) comprises a concentrically arranged liquid passing hole (5) and splash plate (6), wherein the splash plate (6) is located below the liquid passing hole (5) and below the collection tray (2) such that there is a free fall distance for liquid of at least 100 mm between the hole (5) and the splash plate (6). The invention further relates to a reactor for hydroprocessing comprising such distribution device (1), the use of such reactor for hydroprocessing and a process for hydrocracking or hydrotreating in such reactor.

Abstract: In a humidifier including a hollow fiber membrane bundle housed in a case, the hollow fiber membranes exchange water therethrough between the first and second gases flowing inside and outside the hollow fiber membrane to humidify one of the first and second gases having the water content lower than the other, and an annular mesh member throttles a part near the gas outlet of the second gas to provide a space between the part and the gas outlet of the second gas to easily discharge the second gas.

Abstract: A suction device capable of spraying a liquid medicine or the like so that the particles have a set uniform diameter.

Abstract: A WVT unit for a fuel cell system that employs a spiral-wound design to reduce its size and increase its performance. The WVT unit includes a center tube having a plurality of openings through which the cathode exhaust gas flows. The WVT unit also includes a cylindrical portion wound around the center tube that includes a plurality of enclosures and a plurality of dry spacer layers separating the enclosures. Each enclosure includes a pair of membranes separated by a wet spacer layer. The dry cathode inlet air flows down the dry spacer layers between the enclosures and the cathode exhaust gas flows into the plurality of enclosures through the openings in the center tube along the wet spacer layers to allow the membranes to absorb humidification that is transferred to the cathode inlet air.