Abstract: A fragrance disperser in one form includes a single fan that passes air over a wicked single or double fragrance. A second form has the fan reversible to provide two different airstreams that evaporate respective different fragrances one after the other. Where two fragrances are provided, the evaporation may be by respective electrical heaters. A fragrance source may be formed by two sheets joined together to form two chambers each receiving a respective wick and having respective exposed wick portions. The source may incorporate a source of electrical power. An alternative source has a reservoir for fragrance and a wick located in an air passage forming part of the source so that an air flow is guided through the passage past the wick to evaporate fragrance. Where two fragrances are provided, the fragrance sources may be located side-by-side and matching fragrances may have, for example, matching indicia on the sources so that the match can be easily determined visually.

Abstract: A humidification apparatus comprising a reservoir having at least one side wall defining an opening, water within the reservoir bounded by the at least one side, and a membrane activation assembly installed over the opening. The membrane activation assembly comprises a microporous membrane layer covering the opening of the reservoir and a temporary peel-away activation layer covering the membrane layer. A method of using the humidification apparatus comprises the steps of grasping a pull-tab formed on the activation layer, peeling the activation layer away from the underlying membrane layer, and inserting within an enclosed space the reservoir containing water bounded at its opening by the activated membrane layer. A method of manufacturing the humidification apparatus comprises numerous laminating and die-cutting steps to form a completed membrane activation assembly that is then installed on the reservoir.

Abstract: A humidifier utilizes a plurality of disposable filters and air from a source of heated air flow emanating from a floor, wall, or ceiling. The humidifier provides an energy efficient device comprising a container having a water reservoir formed from an inner support portion, a plurality of tunnels for transporting heated air throughout the container, and a plurality of evaporation filters. The evaporation filters extend into the water reservoir so that water is absorbed onto the filters by way of capillary action. The humidifier is appointed to be placed proximate to a source of heated air so that water absorbed by the evaporation filters evaporates into the heated air and is diffused into a room.

Abstract: An active material and light emitting device comprises an ultrasonic atomizer assembly and a light emission device. The active material and light emitting device further includes a housing containing the atomizer assembly and the light emission device such that the atomizer assembly is disposed above the light emission device. The light emission device emits light that is transmitted through a medial portion of the housing.

Abstract: A membrane exchange humidifier employs a water permeable membrane comprising a microporous polymer and a hydrophilic additive. In operation, the membrane preferably has favorable water transmission properties and resists transmission of reactant gas or other components. The membrane is suitable for use even when permeable in its dry condition to the wet or dry gases in the humidifier, and/or when the wet and dry gases are of different composition. By wetting the membrane, the presence of an amount of liquid water in the wet gas can reduce gas transmission through the membrane to an acceptable level. The humidifier is useful in fuel cell systems in which a reactant gas supply stream, such as the oxidant supply stream, is humidified primarily using water vapor from a fuel cell reactant exhaust stream. The humidifier is particularly suitable for use in conjunction with solid polymer fuel cell systems. The improved mechanical and welding properties of the membrane allow for a simpler humidifier configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a humidifier capable of removing microorganisms without using electric power. The humidifier includes a reservoir; a humidification system including a humidification filter arranged such that at least part thereof is immersed in water and a blowing means for discharging air through the humidification filter; and a microorganism remover including a first electrode and a second electrode having different electric potentials and opposing to each other to have a space therebetween and a short circuit part for causing a short circuit between the first and second electrodes. The first electrode is higher than the second electrode in electric potential and at least the first and second electrodes are arranged in contact with water in the reservoir.

Abstract: A water transport assembly, is provided including a housing having a first chamber therein, which is accessible through an opening in the housing. The housing additionally includes a sample inlet port and a sample outlet port, both of which are in fluid communication with the first chamber. A flat ion exchange membrane is attached to the housing in a plane over the opening in the housing, to seal the opening in a vapor tight seal. Water will pass through the membrane based upon the vapor pressure on each side of the membrane, to either dry or humidify sample passing through the first chamber. When the flat ion exchange membrane is a flat, thin ion exchange membrane it is preferable that the thin ion exchange membrane have a thickness of between about 0.1 and about 3.0 mils.

Abstract: An aerosol generating device includes a housing, a heater and an optional mouthpiece. The heater volatilizes liquid within a flow passage and forms an aerosol in the mouthpiece. An aerosol confinement sleeve is disposed to control the size distribution of the aerosol.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shell side contactor which can be used to form ozonated water. The contactor includes a shell and a plurality of porous perfluoroalkoxy resin thermoplastic hollow fibers that are potted at each end of the shell. The perfluoroalkoxy resin hollow fibers can be unskinned, skinned on their inner surface, or skinned on their outer surfaces. The contactor is provided with a spacer that spreads the hollow fibers adjacent an inlet to the shell, thereby permitting liquid flow at desirably high flow rates with acceptable pressure drop through the shell. The mass transfer efficiency of the contactor can be enhanced by jetting water into the fiber bundle and introducing gaps into the bundle.

Abstract: A humidifying apparatus comprising: a pleated functional element comprising a pleated structure and, secured to the pleated structure around a periphery thereof, a reinforcing frame, wherein the pleated structure is comprised of a humidifying membrane and, superimposed on at least one surface thereof, a gas-permeable reinforcing material layer, and a dry-side channel and a wet-side channel which are, respectively, provided on opposite sides of the pleated functional element, wherein each of the dry-side channel and the wet-side channel has at least one pair of a gas-intake and a gas-outlet, the humidifying apparatus having a first pressure-buffering means between the gas-intake and an outside conduit connected thereto and a second pressure-buffering means between the gas-outlet and an outside conduit connected thereto, wherein the humidifying membrane divides the internal space of the pleated functional element into spaces which form a part or whole of the dry-side channel and a part or whole of the wet-side

Abstract: A fragrance disperser in one form includes a single fan that passes air over a wicked single or double fragrance. A second form has the fan reversible to provide two different airstreams that evaporate respective different fragrances one after the other. Where two fragrances are provided, the evaporation may be by respective electrical heaters. A fragrance source may be formed by two sheets joined together to form two chambers each receiving a respective wick and having respective exposed wick portions. The source may incorporate a source of electrical power. An alternative source has a reservoir for fragrance and a wick located in an air passage forming part of the source so that an air flow is guided through the passage past the wick to evaporate fragrance. Where two fragrances are provided, the fragrance sources may be located side-by-side and matching fragrances may have, for example, matching indicia on the sources so that the match can be easily determined visually.

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 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: An evaporator assembly unit, especially for a vehicle heater or a reformer arrangement of a fuel cell system, includes a wall arrangement (12) enclosing an evaporation chamber (20) with a circumferential wall (14) and with a bottom wall (16). An air introduction shoulder (18) extending in the direction of a wall longitudinal axis (L) is provided with a plurality of first air introduction openings (22). Evaporator medium (26), that is porous at least in some areas, is provided on the side of the wall arrangement (12) facing the evaporation chamber (20). An auxiliary air opening arrangement (34) with at least one second air introduction opening (36) is provided in the wall arrangement (12).

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: A canister assembly includes a canister body, an inner wick positioned within the canister body and configured to define an air passage, and an outer wick. At least a portion of the outer wick is positioned between the inner wick and the canister body. The inner wick and the outer wick are oriented to enable a transfer of fragrance material to the inner wick from the outer wick. The fragrance material includes fragrance molecules, and the inner wick is configured to enable a transfer of some of the fragrance molecules into air within the air passage.

Abstract: This invention concerns an apparatus and a method for producing carbonated water capable of obtaining high concentration carbonated water effectively. Carbon dioxide gas is passed through a first carbon dioxide gas dissolver composed of a membrane module to be dissolved in water and the carbonated water passing through the first carbon dioxide gas dissolver is passed through a static mixer, which is a second carbon dioxide gas dissolver. Consequently, a high concentration carbonated water can be obtained remarkably, effectively and easily with a simpler structure than conventionally.

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: A method for controlling an amount of evaporated scented material emitted from an air freshener device include generating a first control signal to induce the motor to rotate fan blades at a first rotational speed during a first time interval which urges air flow toward the aperture of the container to induce evaporation of the scented material in the container. The method further includes generating additional control signals to induce the motor to increase a rotational speed of the fan blades during a second time interval to increase air flow toward the aperture of the container, the second time interval being after the first time interval, such that first and second mass rates of evaporated scented material from the container during the first and second time intervals, respectively, are maintained within a predetermined mass rate range.

Abstract: A device includes a housing having a hollow center and a case having a hollow fiber membrane. The case is at least partially located inside the hollow center of the housing. A first gas flow flows to the hollow center through an introducing pipe and exits the housing via a discharging pipe. A second gas flow flows through the hollow fiber membrane in the case. The first gas flow enters the case through an inflow opening in the case from a gap between a wall of the housing and the case and exits the case through a discharging opening in the case to the gap between the wall of the housing and the case. The introducing pipe is located adjacent to a dividing wall. The device provides a humidifying property by transferring moisture from the first gas flow to the second gas flow or vice versa.

Abstract: A vaporizing device is provided for control, delivery, and purification of low vapor pressure gases in conjunction with carrier gas in micro-electronics and other critical applications.

Abstract: A volatile material dispensing device is provided, including a reservoir containing a supply of any one of numerous volatile materials having an outlet port with attached tube through which the volatile material flows, a valve and valve adjustment mechanism to control the flow rate through the tube, a lower housing incorporating a pad to receive the volatile material, and a tear-off tab that initially seals the tube and prevents flow until removed by the consumer. Optionally, the device may include an active mechanism, such as a fan, to aid dispersal of the volatile material. The device gives the user control of the intensity of the vapor by providing the ability to adjust the flow through the valve with the valve adjustment mechanism. The device also provides constant vapor intensity over time with a time-release dispersing mechanism delivering a controlled, consistent flow, with an appropriate drip rate.

Abstract: A temperature-humidity exchanger comprising: a moisture permeable membrane which transmits moisture therethrough; a dry gas separator in which low-temperature dry gas is caused to flow; and a wet gas separator in which high-temperature wet gas is caused to flow, in which the moisture permeable membrane, the dry gas separator, the moisture permeable membrane, and the wet gas separator are repeatedly stacked in the stated order, wherein in the dry gas separator and the wet gas separator: a plurality of channel grooves which are divided by half in the stacking direction, are open to a direction in which the channel grooves come into contact with the moisture permeable membrane, and are arrayed parallel to one another are provided; an aggregate communication groove which is made to communicate with both end portions of the plurality of channel grooves, for aggregating gas caused to flow through the channel grooves to at least one is provided; and a supply manifold and an exhaust manifold which are made to communi

Abstract: Microbicidal air filter for use with an air passageway, which includes an immobilization network including fibers having substantially embodied therein an amount of at least one antimicrobial agent sufficient to substantially immobilize, retain and kill microbes suspended in a volume of air moving through the air passageway. The immobilization network is substantially permeable to air. A microbicidal facemask and a microbicidal air filter used in an air circulation system using the immobilization network are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention is a humidifier used to increase and maintain the humidity of a musical instrument, such as a guitar. The humidifier is a container made of a water vapor permeable material that contains a water absorbent material such as acrylate polymer. The container is held within the body of the instrument by being mounted onto the strings of the instrument. The container is filled with water by an opening that is sealed with a cap. The water absorbent material can hold water without dripping, but will allow the water to evaporate.

Abstract: A portable humidifier includes: a bottle for storing water therein, a capillary device immersed in the bottle for capillarily absorbing water as stored in the bottle, an ultrasonic vibrator mounted on a upper portion of the bottle for normally contacting a top wick portion of the capillary device and operatively vibrating for compressing the top wick portion for ejecting water mists upwardly outwardly through a plurality of perforations formed through the vibrator, a control device formed on a top cover of the bottle for controlling the on-off operation of the vibrator, a sensor formed on the top cover for sensing the surrounding humidity for reminding the user whether to actuate the control device for humidifying the surrounding, and a light indicator for illuminating and checking water level in the bottle to remind whether to refill water into the bottle.

Abstract: A dispensing system for a volatile liquid, comprises a motorized fan adapted to generate an air stream and a capillary member having a body, in which a portion of the body is positioned within the air stream when the fan is activated. The portion of the body of the capillary member is impervious to passage of the air stream through the body in a direction of the air stream. The portion of the body is positioned in the air stream such that the air stream passes unobstructed over opposing surfaces of the capillary member aligned generally transverse to the direction of the air stream.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to a method and apparatus for controlling the dissolved gas content of aqueous liquid containing a dissolved gas by providing a microporous hydrophobic hollow fibre membrane, to provide at equilibrium a stable interface between an aqueous liquid phase containing dissolved gas on one side of the membrane and a gaseous phase on the other side of the membrane, and controlling the aqueous phase and gaseous phase pressures, such that in operation the gaseous phase pressure is up to but not exceeding the aqueous phase pressure, and flowing the gaseous and liquid phases across the membrane, to provide simultaneous mass transfer through the membrane of a first gas in the gaseous phase into the liquid phase and of a second gas dissolved in the aqueous liquid into the gaseous phase, whereby the gas content of the first gas in the aqueous phase is increased, the gas content of the second gas in the gaseous phase is decreased and the total dissolved gas pressure (TG) of the aqueous phase i

Abstract: A device includes a housing having a hollow center and a case having a hollow fiber membrane. The case is at least partially located inside the hollow center of the housing. A first gas flow flows to the hollow center through an introducing pipe and exits the housing via a discharging pipe. A second gas flow flows through the hollow fiber membrane in the case. The first gas flow enters the case through an inflow opening in the case from a gap between a wall of the housing and the case and exits the case through a discharging opening in the case to the gap between the wall of the housing and the case. The introducing pipe is located adjacent to a dividing wall. The device provides a humidifying property by transferring moisture from the first gas flow to the second gas flow or vice versa.

Abstract: A carbonic water production apparatus equipped with a carbonic acid gas dissolving apparatus and a circulation pump, wherein water in a bath is circulated by the circulation pump, and carbonic acid gas is fed into the carbonic acid gas dissolving apparatus to dissolve the carbonic acid gas in the water, and wherein the circulation pump is a positive-displacement metering pump having a self-priming ability; a carbonic water production method using this apparatus; a carbonic water production method including an early step for producing a carbonic water and a concentration maintaining step for the carbonic water; a carbonic water production apparatus equipped with a device for controlling the feeding pressure of carbonic water gas so as to give an intended concentration of carbonic acid gas; a carbonic water production apparatus which automatically discharges out a drain; and a carbonic water production apparatus combined with a portable foot bath.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hollow fiber system for a humidifier, including hollow fibers that are permeable to steam. A first air flow can be conducted within the hollow fibers while a second air flow can be conducted outside the hollow fibers. The hollow fibers are located at least in part at a distance from each other via a device (6) that is disposed between the hollow fibers, respectively.

Abstract: Containers for providing vapor phase reactant from liquid sources include bubbler designs and designs in which carrier gas flows over the liquid surface. Among the bubbler arrangements, a bypass conductance is provided to release excess pressure from the gas volume inside the container, or an enlarged bubbler tube is provided with a volume sufficient to accommodate all possible liquid backflow without having the liquid exit the container. Among the overflow designs, flow dividers provide a tortuous path for the gas to increase the time exposure of carrier gas packets to the evaporating liquid surface. The flow dividers can be microporous to encourage capillary action, thereby increasing the evaporating surface. The tortuous gas flow path can be separated from the liquid phase by a breathable semi-porous membrane that permits vapor phase reactant to pass through but prohibits liquid from passing in the other direction.

Abstract: An integrated nano-bubble generating apparatus comprising a pressure tank integrated with components constituted as a system and a power portion to be selectively adapted to a system so as to enlarge the use scope of the system, which comprises an integrated bubble generating portion including a three-directional electronic valve supplying water flowing in an inflowing pipe to any one of a bubble generating portion and the power portion, a pressure sensing portion sensing a pressure in the inflowing pipe, a first vacuum chamber providing outer air to the pressure tank, the power control portion controlling the three-directional electronic valve, the pressure sensing portion and the first vacuum chamber and the pressure tank mixing water and air under an inner predetermined pressure and shattering water, physically, to generate nano-bubble water; and the power portion including a pump operated by a motor to supply water flowing in the inflowing pipe to the bubble generating portion and a second vacuum chamber

Abstract: This invention concerns an apparatus and a method for producing carbonated water capable of obtaining high concentration carbonated water effectively. Carbon dioxide gas is passed through a first carbon dioxide gas dissolver composed of a membrane module to be dissolved in water and the carbonated water passing through the first carbon dioxide gas dissolver is passed through a static mixer, which is a second carbon dioxide gas dissolver. Consequently, a high concentration carbonated water can be obtained remarkably, effectively and easily with a simpler structure than conventionally.

Abstract: This invention concerns an apparatus and a method for producing carbonated water capable of obtaining high concentration carbonated water effectively. Carbon dioxide gas is passed through a first carbon dioxide gas dissolver (7) composed of a membrane module to be dissolved in water and the carbonated water passing through the first carbon dioxide gas dissolver (7) is passed through a static mixer (13), which is a second carbon dioxide gas dissolver. Consequently, a high concentration carbonated water can be obtained remarkably, effectively and easily with a simpler structure than conventionally.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of perfumery and more precisely it concerns a device, and the consumer articles associated therewith, for dispensing an active composition in the surrounding space. The device includes an active liquid having a specific volatility, a reservoir holding a part of the active liquid, a lid and a wick-emanator superstructure having a wicking part and an emitting part, the latter having an evaporative surface directly exposed to the surrounding space, and a specific absorbency and weight per unit of the evaporative surface.

Abstract: A carbonic water production apparatus equipped with a carbonic acid gas dissolving apparatus 3 and a circulation pump 1 wherein water in a bath 11 is circulated by the circulation pump 1, and a carbonic acid gas is fed into the carbonic acid gas dissolving apparatus 3 to dissolve the carbonic acid gas in the water, and wherein the circulation pump 1 is a positive-displacement metering pump having a self-priming ability; a carbonic water production method using this apparatus; a carbonic water production method comprising an early step for producing a carbonic water and a concentration maintaining step for the carbonic water; a carbonic water production apparatus equipped with a control for controlling the feeding pressure of carbonic water gas so that give an intended concentration of carbonic acid gas; a carbonic water production apparatus which automatically discharges out a drain; and a carbonic water production apparatus combined with a portable foot bath.

Abstract: A carbonic water production apparatus equipped with a carbonic acid gas dissolving apparatus 3 and a circulation pump 1, wherein water in a bath 11 is circulated by the circulation pump 1, and a carbonic acid gas is fed into the carbonic acid gas dissolving apparatus 3 to dissolve the carbonic acid gas in the water. The circulation pump 1 is a positive-displacement metering pump having a self-priming ability. A carbonic water production method using this apparatus is also provided, including an early step for producing carbonic water and a concentration maintaining step for the carbonic water. The carbonic water production apparatus includes a control for controlling the feeding pressure of carbonic water gas to give an intended concentration of carbonic acid gas. The carbonic water production apparatus automatically discharges out a drain. The carbonic water production apparatus is combined with a portable foot bath.

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 device of the present invention transfers the moisture and heat from an exhaust delivered from a fuel cell cathode to the air introduced to a fuel cell as a cathode reactant. The device includes at least one moisture exchange unit having reactant compartment, an exhaust compartment, and a polymer member permeable for water vapor separating these compartments. A reactant inlet manifold and a reactant outlet manifold of the device are in fluid communication through the reactant compartment of the moisture exchange unit. An exhaust inlet manifold and an exhaust outlet manifold of the device are also in fluid communication with the exhaust compartment the moisture exchange unit.

Abstract: A fragrance disperser in one form includes a single fan that passes air over a wicked single or double fragrance. A second form has the fan reversible to provide two different airstreams that evaporate respective different fragrances one after the other. Where two fragrances are provided, the evaporation may be by respective electrical heaters. A fragrance source may be formed by two sheets joined together to form two chambers each receiving a respective wick and having respective exposed wick portions. The source may incorporate a source of electrical power. An alternative source has a reservoir for fragrance and a wick located in an air passage forming part of the source so that an air flow is guided through the passage past the wick to evaporate fragrance. Where two fragrances are provided, the fragrance sources may be located side-by-side and matching fragrances may have, for example, matching indicia on the sources so that the match can be easily determined visually.

Abstract: Hot water (12) in a bath (11) is pumped up by a suction pump (9) and introduced into a carbon dioxide gas dissolver (7) through solution flow rate adjusting means (14) and then, poured into the bath (11). Carbon dioxide gas supplied from a carbon dioxide gas cylinder (1) is introduced into the carbon dioxide gas dissolver (7) through gas flow rate adjusting means (5). At this time, the quantity of bubbles existing in artificial carbonated spring in a take-out pipe (15) is measured with a measuring device (13), and the solution flow rate adjusting means (14), gas flow rate adjusting means (5) and the like are controlled by means of a control device (16) using a relational expression between a preliminarily set quantity of bubbles and carbon dioxide concentration to obtain a desired concentration of carbon dioxide gas in carbonated spring.

Abstract: A humidifying apparatus is disclosed in which gas is provided to a first side of a membrane and liquid to a second side of the same membrane. The membrane is non-porous to the liquid but porous to vapour of the liquid and is liquidphilic to said liquid.

Abstract: A humidifier and a method for producing it can reduce gas leakage through inside the surfaces of humidifying membranes or through interfaces between the humidifying membranes and separators. The humidifier includes water permeable humidifying membranes and gas separators each having one or two channels opened at least one side in a direction of lamination, through which at least one of a dry gas and a wet gas is caused to flow. A humidifying membrane, a gas separator, a humidifying membrane and a gas separator are repeatedly laminated one over another in this order, or a gas separator, a humidifying membrane and a gas separator are repeatedly laminated one over another in this order. Each gas separator has a frame-shaped portion surrounding the one or two channels, and that portion of each humidifying membrane which, when laminated, faces the frame-shaped portion of a corresponding gas separator is filled with a resin.

Abstract: A humidification device for a fuel battery system, which rapidly exchanges dry air with humid air over a wide area, thus increasing humidification efficiency, and which appropriately heats dry air and humid air during cold weather, thus preventing the moisture of humid air from freezing, therefore being effectively used in cold regions. The humidification device includes a hollow fiber membrane to pass dry air and humid air so that moisture exchange is conducted between the dry air and the humid air, and a dry air guide pipe to supply new dry air into the hollow fiber membrane.

Abstract: A fragrance disperser in one form includes a single fan that passes air over a wicked single or double fragrance. A second form has the fan reversible to provide two different airstreams that evaporate respective different fragrances one after the other. Where two fragrances are provided, the evaporation may be by respective electrical heaters. A fragrance source may be formed by two sheets joined together to form two chambers each receiving a respective wick and having respective exposed wick portions. The source may incorporate a source of electrical power. An alternative source has a reservoir for fragrance and a wick located in an air passage forming part of the source so that an air flow is guided through the passage past the wick to evaporate fragrance. Where two fragrances are provided, the fragrance sources may be located side-by-side and matching fragrances may have, for example, matching indicia on the sources so that the match can be easily determined visually.

Abstract: A humidifier is superior in terms of hygiene, simple in terms of maintenance, humidity is easily adjusted, and energy consumption is low. The humidifier uses, as a moisture permeable membrane, a moisture-permeable polyurethane obtained by using, as raw materials, at least an isocyanate component, a diol as a chain extender, and polyethylene glycol as a polyol component, and reacting these raw materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for achieving mixing and gas exchange in chambers having a small volume. According to the invention a chamber includes one or more walls that are made of a gas-permeable material and that include multiple portions that are selectively deflectable into the interior of the chamber. The deflectable portions are in communication with a hollow cavity or space that can be pressurized. Pressurization results in deflection of the deflectable portion into the chamber. Pressurization is achieved using a gas or fluid that contains a gas of interest such as oxygen. The portions are deflected in a sequence that results in peristaltic action that mixes and oxygenates the contents of the chamber. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the hollow cavities are an assembly of tubes that deflect into a plurality of chambers. A particular use for the invention is as a culture vessel for cells such as bacteria.

Abstract: A humidifier that includes two water reservoir compartments connected via an opening large enough to allow exchange of water between the two compartments, and an ultraviolet lamp that irradiates on the water in the smaller of the two compartments downstream of the larger compartment.

Abstract: Disclosed in a hybrid humidifier for a fuel cell that comprises a plurality of humidifying tubes, each of the tubes defining thereon a plurality of through holes. Also disclosed is a method for humidifying dry air in a hybrid humidifier.