Abstract: The invention relates to a packing for heat- and material-exchange columns, with a number of approximately perpendicularly arranged corrugated plates (or strips), with the side surfaces thereof lying adjacent to each other. The ribs of the above lie very close to each other and run from top to bottom, in the approximate form of an arc, whereby the ribs of two adjacent plates cross each other and the ribs in the upper region of a plate are straight and inclined to the upper, in particular, horizontal plate edge and, in the lower region of the plate, run bent in the form of an arc.

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 of facilitating replacement of a supply of air freshener every time a supply of soap is replaced, including the steps of providing a supply of air freshener, providing a supply of soap and joining the supply of soap and the supply of air freshener. Another aspect of the invention is a method of packaging a supply unit including providing a supply of soap and a supply of air freshener and connecting the supply of soap and the supply of air freshener in a manner such that when the supply of soap is removed from a dispenser, the supply of air freshener is removed from the dispenser as well. Another aspect is a supply unit for the dual dispenser including a receptacle, a supply of soap within the receptacle, and a supply of air freshener connected to or secured within the receptacle.

Abstract: A fibrous element is described. The fibrous element includes a container member and an anti-microbial agent, wherein the anti-microbial agent is disposed within the container member. The container member can include structures such as an elongated fiber having multiple lobes with a longitudinally extending internal cavity including an opening from the internal cavity to the outer fiber formed between adjacent lobes, an elongated fiber having an internal longitudinally extending cavity having a longitudinally extending opening, and a particulate. The anti-microbial agent is capable of diffusing out of the container member and throughout the fibrous element in response to elevated relative humidity levels in order to contact and kill a microbial population.

Abstract: A portable, convenient scent dispenser and method of operation allows the user to quickly change scents used therein as desired while hunting. A scent receptacle mounted in the lower end of a cylindrical housing is removable for replacing or exchanging scented materials. The scent dispenser provides a cylindrically-shaped housing having a removable cap containing microcontrolled electrical circuitry which includes mode indicators and a select switch. The lower body of the housing contains a battery assembly and an electric fan. The scent dispenser can be manually, selectively operated in a variety of modes to allow the fan to run continuously, cyclically, or cyclically only during daylight hours for economical power consumption.

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 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 floor vent register and room humidifier comprising a main body with a liquid trough located proximate an air passageway; a wick disposed at least partly in the trough and extending at least partly into the passageway and operable to draw water from the trough towards the passageway; a removable grill protecting the wick and providing access to the wick and trough; and a deflector coupled to the grill for altering the direction of flow of the air exiting the grill.

Abstract: A dry out mechanism for controlling a humidifier is disclosed. The mechanism includes a float and a switch. The float contacts the switch when the float is within an operating range. The movement of the float can be manually changed between settings to achieve normal operation or dry out operation of the humidifier. In the normal operation, the float activates the switch based on the fluid level within the humidifer's reservoir. In the dry out setting, the float activates the switch independent from the level of fluid within the reservoir so that the humidifier depletes the reservoir and components of fluid.

Abstract: An evaporative humidifier including a base removably supporting a water tray for holding a quantity of water. A blower assembly and a water tank are removably supported by the base above the water tray. The blower assembly includes a housing and a fan disposed intermediate a pair of air inlets and an air exhaust outlet. A cylindrically shaped wick filter is supported by the water tray and extends upwardly into the housing. The wick filter includes a cylindrical side wall and opposing open upper and lower ends. The fan is driven by a motor mounted inside the housing for drawing air into the housing through the air inlets, through the cylindrical side walls of the wick filter, and then through the open upper end of the wick filter and out of the housing through the air exhaust outlet.

Abstract: A scent-emitting system includes a plurality of cartridges containing scented fluids and seated within pockets formed in a system tray. Heating members are provided for heating the cartridges to encourage the formation of scented vapors and an actuation subassembly is provided for selectively actuating the scent cartridges to release the scented vapors. An internal fan generates an air flow for communicating the scented vapors through housing vent openings to an external environment.

Abstract: A humidifier 21 for use with a fuel cell 1, including a plurality of combined water permeable membranes or water permeable devices 21, each of the water permeable membranes or water permeable devices generating humidified gas by flowing therein different gases with different moisture contents and by moisture exchanging between the different gases so that one dry gas with smaller moisture content is humidified with the other moist gas with larger moisture content; and flowing passage switching devices Va for optionally switching flowing passages Ca of the dry gas. The flowing passage switching devices Va switches the flowing passage Ca in accordance with a required amount of the humidified gas so as to selectively use particular water permeable membranes or a particular water permeable device 21 from among the plurality of water permeable membranes or water permeable devices 21.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for diffusing aromas that includes a bottle containing the aromatic product to be diffused in a liquid state, the bottle being removably-mounted beneath a device body. The body has an inner chamber which communicates with the bottle in the operating position and horizontal entrance/exit channels which are connected to a pressurized air circuit which opens into the chamber. A diffusion screen is arranged inside the inner chamber, perpendicularly to the axis of the horizontal passages, and a capillary element connects the liquid contained in the bottle to the diffusion screen.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for a non-invasive bubble measuring instrument operable for detecting, distinguishing, and counting gaseous embolisms such as bubbles over a selectable range of bubble sizes of interest. A selected measurement volume in which bubbles may be detected is insonified by two distinct frequencies from a pump transducer and an image transducer, respectively. The image transducer frequency is much higher than the pump transducer frequency. The relatively low-frequency pump signal is used to excite bubbles to resonate at a frequency related to their diameter. The image transducer is operated in a pulse-echo mode at a controllable repetition rate that transmits bursts of high-frequency ultrasonic signal to the measurement volume in which bubbles may be detected and then receives the echo. From the echo or received signal, a beat signal related to the repetition rate may be extracted and used to indicate the presence or absence of a resonant bubble.

Abstract: An adaptable evaporative element for a humidifier or the like is described. It includes an evaporative element having a fold, such that the size of said evaporative element is adaptable by varying said evaporative element between a folded and an unfolded configuration. Alternate embodiments use a hinge over a portion of the thickness of the evaporative element, separable layers or an attached cutting guide as additional means of adapting the evaporative element.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for releasing a volatile substance. The device includes a housing having an interior region, a volatile substance contained within the interior region, and the ability to controllably release the volatile substance from the housing. Such controllable release can be accomplished by the housing being substantially permeable to ambient air, yet substantially impermeable to the volatile substance contained within the interior region of the housing. Additionally, the invention contemplates the use of one or more porous plugs for diffusing the volatile substance therethrough and eventually into atmosphere in a vapor form. To assist such diffusion, the invention likewise contemplates the use of an electrochemical gas generating cell, a heating element and/or other features which allow air to controllably enter into the interior region of the housing.

Abstract: An air freshener includes a frame having a clip, the clip for attachment to a vehicle air duct louver and a deflector extending external to the louver into the passenger compartment. The deflector fluttering under operation of a vehicle climate control system to further promote aroma dispersion. The deflector being swivel mounted to the clip.

Abstract: The method for imparting a certain odor impression to a person (2) by means of a perfume preparation includes passing an air stream (5) over and/or through a perfume preparation (3) to form a perfumed air stream (6) and directing the perfumed air stream (6) at least approximately to a region (7) from which air is drawn in through the nose (8) of the person (2). The apparatus for providing a certain odor impression to a person (2) includes a device (4) for producing at least one air stream (5), a device for holding a perfume preparation (3) in the at least one air stream (5) so that the at least one air stream passes over and/or through the perfume preparation, whereby at least one perfumed air stream (6) is formed, and a device for directing the at least one perfumed air stream (6) at least approximately toward a region (7) from which air is drawn in through the nose (8) of the person (2).

Abstract: An unique filtration device (10) which removes acidic contaminants such as H2S and SO2 from a fluid stream through the use of partially hollow wicking fibers (20) impregnated with an effective amount of alkaline-generating chemical compounds, preferably also containing an effective amount of a compound with elements from Group II and Group 6-12 in +2 oxidation state, and most preferably also containing an effective amount of solid fine particles (18). A nonwoven filter mat (12) is formed from a plurality of the elongated fibers (20) each having at least one internal channel (22) connected to the fiber outer surface via an elongated opening (24). The fluid stream containing the acidic gas phase contaminants is directed over the nonwoven filter mat (12) whereby said plurality of small solid particles (18) and reservoir of active chemical reagents disposed in the open channels (22) communicate through the elongated opening (24) with the fluid flow path and absorbs the acidic gas phase contaminants.

Abstract: A battery powered volatile dispenser for dispensing a volatile material, the volatile dispenser including a housing having an air inlet, an air outlet, an airflow path therebetween, and a holder for a volatile reservoir for supplying a volatile to be introduced into air flowing in the airflow path. The volatile dispenser has a fan adapted to be powered by a battery, the fan being so located that it propels air through the airflow path and also is unrestrictedly visible to a user of the volatile dispenser. The volatile dispenser also has an electrical power cut-off that activates to cut off power to the fan when the battery voltage drops beneath a selected level greater than zero to provide a prominent visual cue of battery depletion. A method of providing a prominent visual cue of battery or volatile depletion by use of the volatile dispenser is also disclosed.

Abstract: A small and simple humidifier comprised of at least one hollow fiber membrane module formed by inserting into a cylindrical housing, both ends of which are opened, a bunch of water-permeable hollow fiber membrane along the axis of said housing, fixing both ends of said bunch at the outer circumference sides onto both ends of said housing at the inner circumference sides by means of a resin to thereby block the ends of said housing so as to form a plurality of peripheral apertures which are communicated within said housing at several intervals in the circumferential direction, a first passage which allows gas for flowing from one ends of said peripheral apertures to the other ends thereof serving as an inlet and an outlet, and a second passage which allows gas for flowing from one end to the other end of the bunch of said hollow fiber membrane, and what is more, in aforementioned, said first passage and said second passage being sectioned by a plurality of overlapped plates in a dent state.

Abstract: A humidifier is disclosed. The humidifier includes a housing, in which a moisture source resides, and a fan assembly connected to the housing for moving dry air into the housing, through the water source, wherefrom the dry air picks up moisture, and finally out of the humidifier. The fan assembly is detachably connected to the housing and has a stand so that the fan assembly can be in an upright position when detached from the humidifier housing and function as a stand-alone fan. The humidifier housing has multiple openings for accommodating the power cord of the fan assembly. In operation, the fan assembly is attached to the humidifier housing to move air into the humidifier housing to pick up moisture from the source of water, and subsequently out of the humidifier housing to circulate humidified air; the fan assembly is then detached from the humidifier housing and operated to circulate unhumidified air.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for supplying substances to be dispensed into air or air mixtures, especially scents, with a flat disk-shaped or plate-shaped base body with multiple separate channels running through it essentially parallel to its top and/or bottom sides, with the channels accommodating the substances to be dispensed and containing an inlet port and an outlet port, respectively, so that a stream of gas supplied to the inlet port can flow through it, with the inlet and outlet ports of at least one channel being sealed in a gastight manner until the substance is released and/or the substance is placed with an airtight seal in at least one channel in a reservoir which does not release this substance until the time of dispensation thereof.

Abstract: A humidifier having a plurality of water-permeable hollow fiber membranes placed along the lengthwise direction of a housing accommodated within the housing in which gases each having a different moisture content flow inside and outside the hollow fiber membranes to carry out moisture exchange whereby the dry air having a low moisture content is humidified is disclosed. The humidifier comprises a bypass channel having a larger diameter than that of the hollow fiber membrane, in which the gas flowing outside the hollow fiber membrane, formed on an approximately central portion of the cross-lengthwise direction of the housing along the lengthwise direction of the housing, and an inlet which introduces the gas flowing outside the hollow fiber membrane into the housing and an outlet which discharges the gas flowing outside the hollow fiber membrane formed on the bypass channel.

Abstract: The invention offers a humidifier consisting of a housing accommodating a large number of water permeable hollow fiber membranes arranged along the longitudinal direction of the housing and two different gasses having different moisture contents pass through outside and inside of the bundle of the hollow fiber membranes separately to exchange their moistures through the hollow fiber membranes and the dry gas of lesser moisture content is humidified. By applying such a heating means the humidifier can be used even in colder territory.

Abstract: A humidifier 21 for use with a fuel cell 1, comprising: a plurality of combined water permeable membranes or water permeable devices 21, each of the water permeable membrane or water permeable device generating humidified gas by flowing therein different gases with different moisture contents and by moisture exchanging between the different gases so that one dry gas with smaller moisture content is humidified with the other moist gas with larger moisture content; and flowing passage switching means Va for optionally switching flowing passages Ca of said dry gas. The flowing passage switching means Va switches the flowing passage Ca in accordance with a required amount of said humidified gas so as to selectively use particular water permeable membranes or a particular water permeable device 21 from among the plurality of water permeable membranes or water permeable devices 21.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and process for the vaporization of liquid precursors and deposition of a film on a suitable substrate. Particularly contemplated is an apparatus and process for the deposition of a metal-oxide film, such as a barium, strontium, titanium oxide (BST) film, on a silicon wafer to make integrated circuit capacitors useful in high capacity dynamic memory modules.

Abstract: An evaporation dispenser for freshening the air in closed spaces such as toilets, washrooms and waiting rooms, telephone booths and lifts. A mounting plate is arranged in a housing and is divided into two chambers by a horizontal separating surface. The lower chamber serves as an evaporation space and holds two bottles of active substance which form a saturated atmosphere in the chamber via evaporating elements. This atmosphere is diffused into the outside air by means of a fan which draws the saturated atmosphere from the evaporation space. Simultaneously, ambient air is drawn into the evaporation space to become saturated. Both the discharge of the saturated atmosphere and the drawing in of ambient air may be performed by a single rotor compressor, the rotor being divided into two sections by a radial divider. The discharge of the saturated atmosphere may be controlled by a microcontroller coupled to sensors which monitor activity in the closed space.

Abstract: An apparatus for the remote or local delivery of stored or real-time aroma sensory information to an end user of a multimedia device. The present invention includes an aroma converter for encoding aroma information into electrical signals, a delivery system for delivering the electrical signals, and a retrieval system for receiving and processing the electrical signals to control the aroma or combination of aromas emitted by one or more aroma release chambers.

Abstract: An air-circulator room deodorizer has a permeable container (1) that is positioned with an air-circulator attachment (8, 10, 12, 14) in airflow from a room air circulator such as a room fan (3, 5) or vent (4, 6) and has a deodorant pack (18) that releases fragrance selectively into the airflow.

Abstract: A permeable saturation body absorbs a liquid chemical for evaporative dispersion. External air is forced through the saturation body to vaporize and carrying the liquid chemical into a prescribed area. The liquid container and permeable body are mounted on a permeable support structure. Excess liquid dripping from the permeable saturation body is recaptured and redistributed by another permeable saturation body located below the first permeable saturation body. The device can be used in greenhouses to disperse insecticide into the air or along the ground. The device is also adapted to disperse deodorant or a bactericide for use in hospitals or restaurants, for example. One embodiment of the invention provides for reversible air flow so that a user can choose between dispensing the liquid chemical in a low position, or in a high position.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for measuring the concentration of dissolved gases in a liquid [(39)], especially of CO2 in beverages, in which the liquid [(39)] is passed across the retentate side [(140)] of a membrane [(14)] that is at least partially permeable to the dissolved gas, and [in which] the volumetric flow of the permeated gas on permeate side [(16)] of the membrane [(14)] is determined, the temperature of the liquid [(39)] is measured, and the concentration of the dissolved gas in the liquid [(39)] is calculated from these values. In this, the thickness of the membrane [(14)] can be pre-selected as a function of the flow rate of the liquid [(39)] flowing along the retentate side [(140)].

Abstract: The diffuser (1) includes a receptacle which contains the odorous substance to be diffused in liquid form or the like, and which is closed by a diffusion membrane (3c), and means for rotating the receptacle about itself. The receptacle includes a plurality of compartments which enable the weight of the odorous substance to be distributed over the periphery of the axis of rotation (DD) of the receptacle. In a preferred embodiment, the receptacle includes at least one annular-type housing (3) which is centered on the axis of rotation of the receptacle, and which is partitioned into a plurality of identical compartments (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f).

Abstract: A container includes a housing attached to a block for receiving the aromatic material and having a number of orifices for allowing the perfume of the aromatic material to be blown out of the housing. A frame includes a track for slidably supporting the block. One or more wheels are rotatably secured to the frame and coupled to the block by cranks and links and legs. A light bulb is attached to the block, and a switch may be used to control the operation of the light bulb. The block may be attached to a support device by a clipper or the other fasteners.

Abstract: An improved breathing gas humidifier including an evaporation module which has a contact chamber and a flash-resistant heat exchanger, a wicking layer on the heat exchanger, a liquid water flow controller, an electric resistance heater, and a breathing gas temperature controller. The contact chamber is defined by a rigid housing and in part by a flash-resistant heat exchanger. The rigid housing has a gas inlet for connection to a breathing gas source such as a ventilator, a water inlet for connection to a liquid water source by a liquid water flow passageway, and a breathing gas outlet connected to an inhalation passageway. The wicking layer is positioned in the contact chamber to receive and distribute liquid water. The breathing gas temperature controller is operably connected to the flow controller, the heater, and a temperature sensor in the breathing gas outlet.

Abstract: An aroma diffuser includes a housing with front and rear housing parts, a circuit-mounting frame and a fan unit. The front housing part has an upper portion formed with an air outlet. The lower portion of a rear wall of the rear housing part has a carrier that extends transversely into the housing and that supports an aromatic preparation thereon. The circuit-mounting frame is disposed inside the housing and is mounted on the upper portion of the rear wall. The fan unit includes a tubular collecting wall mounted on the circuit-mounting frame and disposed above the carrier. The tubular collecting wall has upper and lower wall portions. The upper wall portion has a front side formed with a radial air flow outlet that is registered with the air outlet of the front housing part.

Abstract: A humidifier for vaporizing water including a base and a wick formed of a water absorbing material positionable on the base. The wick is in fluid communication with a water supply. A device is provided for moving air over the wick disposed adjacent thereto to vaporize the water absorbed by the wick thereby humidifying the air about the humidifier. A filtration device disposed in the flow of the water to the wick is provided and the filtration device is capable of removing impurities from the water supplied to the wick such that the wick is not contaminated by the impurities.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for dispensing of vapor from a volatile insect repelling or animal attracting/repelling substance into the surrounding environment, which includes a body having an inlet and outlet means, a sealing means for selectively closing and opening the vent means, a substance containing means for containing the volatile, a motorized fan, and an electrical power source. The apparatus includes a sealing means to seal the volatile substance within the body of the apparatus when the device is not in use. An important feature is also the ability to transmit volatile insect repelling or animal attracting/repelling substance over a great area.

Abstract: An atmometer includes a chamber having arranged in an interior region thereof a medium in fluid communication with a liquid source and adapted for releasably retaining liquid. The chamber also has at another region an opening to the surrounds over which a gas permeable medium is arranged. In one mode of use, the atmometer is positionable such that ambient air moving over the gas permeable medium causes at least a portion of any evaporated liquid in the chamber to diffuse through the gas permeable medium.

Abstract: An automatic air scenting system that introduces a variety of pre-selectable scents into the heating/air-conditioning duct of a motor vehicle or habitable structure comprising a perforated housing, an electric fan for drawing air through the perforated housing, a container of compressed fiber blocks soaked in a scented oil based liquid positioned within the perforated housing, and a hose connecting the housing to the duct of the heating/air conditioning system whereby the fan forces the accumulated scent through the hose into the duct. Automatic functioning is obtained by connecting the fan power lines to the on/off switch and thermostat wiring of the heating/air-conditioning system.

Abstract: The omnidirectional portable appliance for steam cleaning surfaces both hard and flexible, comprises a case provided with a handle, a water feed orifice, an electricity power cord, a cleaning head, a steam generator included in the case and a venturi device [means for selectively] delivering steam to the cleaning head.

Abstract: An apparatus for the remote or local delivery of stored or real-time aroma sensory information to an end user of a multimedia device. The present invention includes an aroma converter for encoding aroma information into electrical signals, a delivery system for delivering the electrical signals, and a retrieval system for receiving and processing the electrical signals to control the aroma or combination of aromas emitted by one or more aroma release chambers.

Abstract: A filter device and technique are described which rely on absorption rather than adsorption for the removal of gas phase contaminants. A filter media is composed of wicking fibers which are impregnated with any of a variety of liquid phase absorbing systems made from the combination of a carrier liquid and soluble complexing/degrading agent or agents. The wicking fibers may be connected to an external reservoir which can be used to supply fresh absorbing fluid to the filter media giving them a potentially inexhaustible capacity. The filter media may be made from any of a variety of fibers which can rapidly transport a liquid phase by the nature of either their geometry or their chemical composition. Geometries may include multilobal cross-sectional configurations, porous hollow fibers, porous or striated fibers or tightly bundled microfibers, all of which exhibit the property of wicking fluid from an external source.

Abstract: A gas-pervious, liquid-gas contact pad comprises a reticulate body of water-permeable or wettable material having a large area of surfaces exposed for humidification purposes or the like. A plurality of slit and expanded sheets of wicking paper are connected in superposed and alternating relationship with a plurality of slit and expanded sheets of water-absorbent or wettable kraft paper to form a self-supporting, laminated evaporative element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas humidifier for the humidification of reactant gases supplied to electrochemical devices such as electrolyzers and fuel cells. The humidifier provides a water permeable member, such as a polymer membrane in the form of a tube, sheet, tubulated sheet and the like, that can be saturated with water to allow evaporation of water into a gas stream passing over a water permeable member. The humidifier is compact and lightweight, yet provides efficient humidification of gases at flow rates as low as about 0.1 grams per minute of water.

Abstract: An apparatus for compensating heat and humidity loss in a device that administers or restitutes air to a patient, amongst others in a device that comprises an air supply duct which extends between a respirator or an anaesthesia apparatus and the patient. The apparatus includes a housing with a coupling to be connected on this air supply duct, in which coupling a heating resistance is mounted, in which housing water is admitted. Further included in the housing is a membrane with water impermeable but water vapor permeable characteristics and an element that assures the desired heat level, in the coupling and air supply duct.

Abstract: The present invention provides humidifiers for use in maintaining tobacco at desired levels of humidity. The humidifier includes a humidifier tank having a reservoir chamber fluidly connected to a pair of evaporation chambers by a pair of capillary tubes having a fluid passageway. Evaporation media is contained within the evaporation chambers. A pair of shutters having shutter openings are adjustably mounted on the evaporation chambers to open and close front evaporation openings in the evaporation chambers. Rear evaporation openings are also provided on the evaporation chambers which are continuously open. The humidifying fluid evaporates from the evaporation media in the evaporation chambers through the front and rear evaporation openings to humidify the tobacco environment. A fluid level indicator on the humidifier permits the fluid level in the humidifier to be monitored and the humidifier to be refilled as needed.

Abstract: A unique filtration device (10) which continuously removes gas phase contaminants from an air stream through the use of partially hollow wicking fibers (20) impregnated with a fine solid carbon powder (18) or zeolites and formed into a fiber filter (12) with a selected chemisorptive liquid applied to one side of the fiber filter (12) and large carbon particles (19) applied to the other side of the fiber filter (12). The air stream to be cleaned is directed through filter element (12) which can capture the gas phase contaminants. The wicking fibers (20) include internal longitudinal cavities (22) filled with the fine carbon powder (18) and each having a relatively small longitudinal extending opening (24).

Abstract: A humidifier system for producing a humidified and heated breathing gas including a humidifier module having a humidifying chamber with a supply gas inlet, a breathing gas outlet and a heat transfer element. A tube extending between a liquid reservoir and the humidifier module includes therein an elongate liquid absorbing wick whose upper end has a plurality of leaves extending planarly and radially outwardly therefrom into the humidifying chamber into contact with said heat transfer element. Liquid is transported by the wick upwardly into the leaves thereof where it is evaporated and mixed with the supply gas in the humidifying chamber to generate a heated and humidified breathing gas.

Abstract: A unique filtration device (10) which continuously removes gas phase contaminants from an air stream through the use of partially hollow wicking fibers (20) impregnated with a fine solid powder and a selected chemisorptive liquid (18) which can capture the gas phase contaminants. The wicking fibers (20) are generally disposed to extend in the same direction and are formed into a filter element (12). The air stream to be cleaned is directed through filter element (12). The wicking fibers (20) include internal longitudinal cavities (22) filled with a fine powder and each having a relatively small longitudinal extending opening (24). The wicking fibers (20) are filled with the selected contaminant removing chemisorptive liquid through capillary action by which the individual wicking fibers (20) rapidly draw the selected chemisorptive liquid, with which they come into contact, through the internal cavities (22).