Abstract: There is provided a humidifier control system including a water reservoir having a top opening. A pair of wicking pads extend into the reservoir and around a tube which extends over the top opening. An electrical heating element is received inside the tube. First and second spaced apart moisture sensor elements are attached to the tube and are in contact with the wicking pads. The sensor elements conduct electricity in the presence of moisture on the wicking pads and do not conduct electricity in the absence of moisture on the wicking pads. The sensor elements are attached to an electrical circuit which includes a switch and an alarm. When there is moisture on the wicking pads, the switch is on and normal current flows through the heating element and the switch. When there is not moisture on the wicking pads, the switch is turned off and the current through the heating element is reduced to a minimal level, and the alarm is turned on.

Abstract: A unique odor filtration device (10) which continuously removes odor causing gas phase contaminants from an air stream through the use of partially hollow wicking fibers (20) impregnated with a selected liquid (18) which can capture odor causing gas phase contaminants. The odor removing liquid (18) is a chemical composition including sodium permanganate in combination with either sodium carbonate or sodium phosphate. The odor absorbing liquid (18) can include specialized additives such as transition metal salts and other agents such as sodium iodide for additional and broader odor removal coverage. The wicking fibers (20) are formed into a filter element (12) which extends from a chamber (16) through which the air stream to be cleaned is directed into a stripping chamber (19). The odor causing contaminants are conveyed to from chamber (16) to chamber (19) by a concentration factor induced molecular migration.

Abstract: A device for humidifying the useful space of a climatic chamber, the humidifying device having a flexible bag which defines water-holding reservoir defined by watertight walls. The flexible bag can be refilled through a closure. The flexible bag is at least partly made of a water-vapor-permeable material, such as a copolymer of tetrafluorethylene and hexafluoropropylene, or polypropylene. The efficiency can be improved compared with conventional open humidifying systems by appropriately structuring the surface of at least the water-vapor-permeable part of the humidifying bag, for example, by providing tufts. To impart form stabilization to the bag, its opposite faces can be joined to each other through the inside of the bag by heat-sealing or stitching.

Abstract: A liquid delivery system for delivery of an initially liquid reagent in vaporized form to a chemical vapor deposition reactor arranged in vapor-receiving relationship to the liquid delivery system.

Abstract: A disposable active humidifier particularly for inspiratory lines of respiratory circuits for intensive care, comprising a body (2,2') provided with an inlet (3,3') and an outlet (4,4') for its connection along the inspiratory line and internally forming a chamber (10) for the flow of the gases of the inspiratory line, the humidifier further comprising a hydrophobic membrane (11) forming at least one portion of the surface of the chamber. The body (2,2') can be introduced by immersion in a water containment chamber (21) at least at the region affected by the membrane (11), the membrane being adapted to allow the passage of water in molecular form in the gas flow chamber (10).

Abstract: A button-actuated air freshener in which rotatable within a dome having a vented cylindrical shell is a turret having a central shaft aligned with the axis of the shell and an array of wings radiating from the shaft, each formed by a panel of porous material impregnated with a fragrance oil. Mounted on top of the dome is a spring-biased button operatively coupled to the shaft whereby when the button is depressed, this action causes the turret to spin to create within the shell an air vortex. This vortex acts to volatilize fragrance oil on the surface of the wings to produce an aromatic vapor that is discharged through vents in the shell into the atmosphere of the enclosure in which the air freshener is installed, the aromatic vapor serving to mask unpleasant odors permeating the atmosphere.

Abstract: Inside a first cylinder for structuring an evaporator, a second cylinder is provided. The second cylinder has an undulated surface and a plurality of fine holes are provided on this surface. A liquid TEOS is contained in a first space positioned between the first cylinder and the second cylinder, and a second space positioned inside the second cylinder is filled with a gas TEOS evaporated from the fine holes. The pressure of the gas TEOS is set to be almost equal to the pressure of the liquid TEOS.

Abstract: A gas/liquid interface structure for transport of a gas stream from an upstream source of same to a downstream processing unit, comprising first and second flow passage members defining an annular volume therebetween, with the second flow passage member extending downwardly to a lower elevation than the lower end of the first flow passage member, with an outer wall member enclosingly circumscribing the second flow passage member and defining therewith an enclosed interior annular volume, and with a liquid flow port in the outer wall member for introducing liquid into the enclosed interior annular volume. The second flow passage member includes an upper liquid-permeable portion in liquid flow communication with the enclosed interior annular volume, whereby liquid from such volume can "weep" through the permeable portion and form a falling liquid film on interior surface portions of the second flow passage member, as a protective liquid interface for the second flow passage member.

Abstract: To improve both heat transfer and evaporation in a heat exchanger (10, 25, 42) of an air cooler, there are provided a number of spaced narrow wet wicks (13) over which air flows transversely, and those wicks (13) are sandwiched between impervious spacer sheets (11, 12), the surface configuration of the spacer sheets (11, 12) being non-planar so as to increase the areas of the wicks (13) over which air flows, and also to increase air turbulence and thereby mixing, the increased mixing not only assisting in the evaporation of water from wicks (13) but also assisting in the heat transfer through the spacer sheets (11, 12) which define the air passages containing the wicks (13).

Abstract: A humidifier for an inhalant gas, which humidifies an inhalant gas having a controlled composition without invasion of bacteria by bringing a stream of the inhalant gas into contact with one side of a water vapor-permeable membrane which is in contact with liquid water on the other side.

Abstract: An evaporative air cooler evaporates water in multistages by passing air across a series of spaced parallel wetted wicks (11) which repeatedly interrupt air flow. This enhances both evaporation and heat transfer rates.

Abstract: A device for circulating moist air throughout the interior of a humidor. The device includes a housing which has a front surface and a rear surface. A humidity gauge is mounted within the housing. A moisture containing element is also mounted within the housing. Positioned between the rear surface of the housing and the moisture containing element is a fan. The fan is adapted to circulate a stream of air through the moisture containing element, through the front surface of said housing and throughout the interior of the humidor.

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 a plurality of wicking fibers each of which comprising a strand with a hollow region 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. Each strand has a slot which connects the interior hollow region with an external surface. Capillary forces act on the carrier liquid such that the external surface is substantially dry and no appreciable adsorption of contaminates occurs on the external surface which would restrict the flow of an air stream through the filter media even after an extended period of use. 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.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for delivering an involatile reagent in gaseous form, wherein an involatile reagent source liquid is flash vaporized on a vaporization matrix structure at elevated temperature. A carrier gas may be flowed past the flash vaporization matrix structure to yield a carrier gas mixture containing the flash vaporized source reagent. The matrix structure preferably has a high surface-to-volume ratio, and may suitably comprise a foraminous matrix element such as screen mesh onto which the reagent source liquid is distributed for flash vaporization. The invention is particularly useful for delivery of Group II reagents and compounds and complexes of early transition metals such as zirconium and hafnium, and may be usefully employed with Group II beta-diketonate source layers, e.g.

Abstract: A unique filtration method and device (10) which continuously removes several gas phase contaminants from an air stream through the use of partially hollow wicking fibers (20) impregnated with a selected liquid which can capture the gas phase contaminants. The wicking fibers (20) are generally disposed parallel and are formed into a filter element (12) which extends from the air stream to be cleaned into another air stream which can strip and carry away the unwanted gas phase contaminants. The gas phase contaminants are conveyed to the stripping air stream by a concentration factor induced molecular migration. The air stream to be cleaned is directed through a compartment (16) across which the filter element (12) extends so the complete air flow is through filter element (12). Filter element (12) also extends into another compartment (18) through which the stripping air stream flows.

Abstract: The humidification device includes a tube formed of gas permeable material connected to a water source by a tube formed of material that is substantially impermeable to water. The gas permeable tube permits water to evaporate through the tube wall and is thus an evaporation tube. The evaporation tube is disposed in a chamber that is to be humidified. As water evaporates from the evaporation tube, the humidity in the chamber builds up to a maximum level. At the maximum humidity level evaporation of water from the evaporation tube ceases. When the humidity level in the chamber drops below the maximum level, evaporation of water from the evaporation tube resumes to restore the humidity in the chamber to its maximum level. Water flow from the water source replaces evaporated water from the evaporation tube. The humidification device is thus self-regulating and does not require any water flow regulating devices. One or more water flow tubes can be connected to the evaporation tube from a water source.

Abstract: A humidifier includes water guide members (107) made of sheet-like porous material and the water guide member (107) is enclosed in an envelope-shaped film member formed of moisture permeable films (108) which allow no water but water vapor to permeate therethrough. The water guide member (107) and the film member are both combined to form a flat water guide component (104) of composite structure. Rows of ribs (105) for forming a plurality of parallel air channels (115) and water supply members (106) each having water supply holes (111) communicating with the water guide components (104) to supply water thereto are provided, and the ribs (105) and the water supply member (106) are joined to one side of the water guide component (104) to constitute a moistening function member (101) permeable to water.

Abstract: A method for improving water transport and reducing shrinkage stress in membrane humidifying devices, and membrane humidifying devices and systems employing such devices that achieve enhanced and stable humidification performance, are disclosed. The inventive membrane humidifying device is made up of at least one membrane cell and means for introducing water into the cell(s). The membrane cell(s) includes at least one sheet of a hydrophilic membrane and at least one rigid screen, positioned adjacent to at least one membrane sheet. The cell(s) is assembled when the membrane sheet(s) is in a dry, contracted state and the assembled cell(s) is then exposed to an elevated temperature/vacuum treatment. As a result, the surfaces of the membrane sheet(s) permanently conform to the contours of an adjacent rigid screen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas/liquid contactor module having hollow fiber membranes and a process for controlling dissolved gases in liquids such as water, beer and the like, by passing the liquid through the shell side of the contactor module to allow addition or removal of dissolved gases by the diffusion of the gases through the membranes into or from the hollow fiber bores. The process permits control of the quantity of such dissolved gases as carbon dioxide and nitrogen.

Abstract: A concentration of a detector gas in a measuring gas containing an interfering gas is measured. A zero gas that is free of the detector gas and/or a test gas having a known concentration of the detector gas are supplied to an analyzer such as a non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) gas analyzer. Interfering gas is added to the measuring gas, the zero gas, and in some instances, to the test gas to an extent which allows the interfering gas to have a same concentration in each case.

Abstract: A portable humidifier including a base defining a reservoir for retaining liquid, a humidification device for inducing dispersion of liquid withdrawn from the reservoir and a liquid storage tank having an outlet for feeding liquid into the reservoir. Also included is a container defining a chamber for a given volume of a treatment substance for liquid and a discharge opening providing communication between the chamber and the tank, and a dispenser for automatically and periodically dispensing through the discharge opening to the tank a dose portion of the treatment substance contained volume within the chamber.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for delivering an involatile reagent in gaseous form, wherein an involatile reagent source liquid is flash vaporized on a vaporization matrix structure at elevated temperature. A carrier gas may be flowed past the flash vaporzation matrix structure to yield a carrier gas mixture containing the flash vaporized source reagent. The matrix structure preferably has a high surface-to-volume ratio, and may sutiably comprise a foraminous matrix element such as screen mesh onto which the reagent source liquid is distributed for flash vaporization. The invention is particularly useful for delivery of Group II reagents and compounds and complexes of early transition metals such as zirconium and hafnium, and may be usefully employed with Group II beta-diketonate source layers, e.g.

Abstract: An air-treating article for dispensing a volatilizable material, such as air freshener fragrance, into the atmosphere of an enclosed area, such as an automobile interior. The device includes a housing and a reservoir of the volatilizable material therein, and also includes a dual-configured, articulating attachment clip which enables attachment of the device at a high-air-flow station, such as the forced air vent grille of the automobile, or at a low-air-flow station, such as the sun visor of the vehicle. The device enables use of the consistent delivery rates of a low-density polyethylene membranes while at the same producing a higher delivery rate than normally achieved with such membranes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of introducing hydrogen into aqueous liquids without forming bubbles.In this case, the introduction of the gas takes place through a composite membrane with a non-porous coating on the liquid side. Preferred fields of use relate to the charging of hydrogen into biologically or catalytically operating processes for the removal of oxygen, nitrite and/or nitrate from water.

Abstract: A filling trough/dispensing cap for a filling/dispensing opening at a lower end of an elongated liquid container is disclosed. The filling trough/dispensing cap includes a retractable/extensible liquid filling trough that extends through the filling/dispensing opening of the container and is movable to a retracted position with the container or an extensible position outside the container. When moved to the extensible position, the retractable/extensible liquid filling trough facilitates filling of the container. The retractable/extensible filling trough can be rotated and/or angularly positioned relative to the container to facilitate filling. A dispensing cap is associated with the outer end of the retractable/extensible liquid filling trough for covering the filling/dispensing opening when the retractable/extensible trough is retracted. This dispensing cap includes a selective liquid dispenser for dispensing liquid from the container, as desired.

Abstract: A humidifier with exposed spaced water bottles is disclosed. The humidifier includes a water reservoir base having a central portion and spaced end portions. A humidification unit is mounted on the central portion of the base. Spaced water bottles are mounted on the spaced end portions of the base for dispensing water into the base. The bottles are positioned immediately adjacent to and on opposite sides of the humidification unit. The bottles are individually removable from the base for refilling; however, they also provide jointly operating lifting and carrying elements for lifting and carrying the humidifier. Each of the water bottles have a separate water dispensing opening and associated water dispensing cap that is separate from a water filling opening and associated water filling cap. The water dispensing opening is provided in the bottom wall of the container while the water filling opening is provided in the side wall of the water bottle to facilitate filling.

Abstract: The dynamic diffuser for a naturally diffusing liquid substance such as a perfume comprises a receptacle for said substance and having a vertical flank which is closed by a membrane that is impermeable to liquid but permeable to gas. All or part of the membrane is caused to come into contact with said substance, at least intermittently, by revolving the receptacle about a horizontal axis. Air-flow generating means, e.g. impeller blades, serve to cause air to flow over the outside of the membrane.

Abstract: An air-treating article for dispensing a volatilizable material, such as air freshener fragrance, into the atmosphere of an enclosed area, such as an automobile interior. The device includes a housing and a reservoir of the volatilizable material therein, and also includes a dual-configured, articulating attachment clip which enables attachment of the device at a high-air-flow station, such as the forced air vent grille of the automobile, or at a low-air-flow station, such as the sun visor of the vehicle. The device enables use of the consistent delivery rates of a low-density polyethylene membranes while at the same producing a higher delivery rate than normally achieved with such membranes.

Abstract: An improved floor mounted humidifier is disclosed. The humidifier draws dry air into and discharges humidified air from the humidifier. In order to facilitate the refilling of the humidifier with water, a wheel mounted water reservoir tank is provided. The water reservoir tank provides floor movement to a water source to enable the refilling of the water reservoir tank and for return to the floor mounted humidifier. The water reservoir tank also includes a handle for controlled movement of the water reservoir tank. The handle is capable of being extended during wheeled movement of the water reservoir tank and retracted when subsequently re-positioned relative to the humidifier. The water reservoir tank is incorporated into the floor mounted humidifier as an integrated component without detracting from the overall appearance of the humidifier.

Abstract: A humidifier comprises a container having an air inlet and an air outlet; a water reservoir in the container; an absorbent mass having extensive upper surface and lower surfaces, the absorbent mass being floatable on the surface of water in the reservoir; a plate disposed on the lower surface of the absorbent mass to limit the degree of immersion of the absorbent mass while it floats in the reservoir; and a blower for drawing air through the air inlet and directing it onto the upper surface of the absorbent mass so that the air can deposit particles thereon, and absorb moisture therefrom, prior to flowing out of the container through the air outlet. The humidifier is highly efficient, quiet in operation and not affected by varying water levels.

Abstract: A compressor unit that has a compressor component and a condensate filter that is used to precipitate water and oil condensed from a compressed gas stream. For the environmentally friendly disposal of the condensate, a filter device containing a filter material is arranged so that a warm air stream entering the filter device after passing through the condensate filter condenses the water in the filtrate stream. The condensate is soaked up in the filter device by the filter material and, with the help of the air stream, which can be the warmed outgoing air of a cooling device of the compressor component, the water contained in the condensate is evaporated, while the oil-containing components of the condensate are adsorbed in the filter material for subsequent disposal. The filter material is preferably placed in the filter device in the form of filter elements arranged preferably in several rows behind one another at predetermined distances in the direction in which air flows through.

Abstract: A covering for an atmometer includes an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene barrier layer that allows the passage of water vapor but not of liquid water. The barrier layer my be covered with a fabric layer, and may be coated on either side with a hydrophilic layer. The covering fits over an evaporating plate that may have either a flat or a convex evaporating surface.

Abstract: A membrane humidifying device is disclosed that can operate with normal potable quality water without a demineralizer and which prevents the transport of microbes, particulates, dissolved salts and liquid water to the airstream. It is positioned in the flow path of air to be humidified and comprises at least one membrane cell and a means for introducing water into each cell. The membrane cell is comprised of at least one sheet of a hydrophilic membrane and at least one screen. Ambient or low pressure water is introduced into the membrane cell(s); at least a portion of which contacts or passes through the screen(s); contacts the hydrophilic membrane(s); and is osmotically transported across the membrane(s) where it evaporates into the airstream.

Abstract: A system for detecting trace concentrations of an analyte in air includes a preconcentrator for the analyte and an analyte detector. The preconcentrator includes an elongated tubular container comprising a wettable material. The wettable material is continuously wetted with an analyte-sorbing liquid which flows from one part of the container to a lower end. Sampled air flows through the container in contact with the wetted material with a swirling motion which results in efficient transfer of analyte vapors or aerosol particles to the sorbing liquid and preconcentration of traces of analyte in the liquid. The preconcentrated traces of analyte may be either detected within the container or removed therefrom for injection into a separate detection means or for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: In a humidifier, its humidifier body is formed as follows: A plurality of ribs 3 made of a flexible material are fixedly adhered to the inner surface 1a of a tubular film structure 1 made of a moisture permeable film 2 in such a manner that the ribs are extended in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the tubular film structure, and the tubular film structures 1 and spacer boards 4 adapted to form spaces outside the tubular film structures into which air is supplied, are alternately laid one on another. Whereby, it is provided a humidifier which is excellent in water supply characteristic, high in humidification, and low in air resistance.

Abstract: A calibrating apparatus for isothermally introducing, into a stream of dry gas, amounts of moisture lower than 1000 ppb, said apparatus comprising:A. a moist gas generating unit, comprising in its turn:i) a cylindrical shell;ii) a permeation module, inside said cylindrical shell, containing water and comprising a peripheral membrane;iii) a thermal conditioner, arranged too inside said cylindrical shell, upstream of said permeation module;B. an isothermal heat sink, thermally connected to the outside surface of said cylindrical shell, wherein said moist gas generating unit, under item A), is lodged in a recess of said heat sink;C) a heat radiator;D) a Peltier heater-cooler, thermally arranged between said isothermal heat sink (under item B) and said heat radiator (under item C).

Abstract: The present invention provides a water evaporation conduit for use in humidifying equipment that is not adversely affected by contact with oils, detergents, and other liquids used in the manufacture and maintenance of the equipment.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for maintaining the temperature and humidity of a closed chamber within preferred ranges when contributions in water vapor and energy additions to the chamber from plants and humans vary over time. Enough water is evaporated into the air of the chamber such that when added to the water vapor added by transpiration a constant maximum rate of water vapor addition is maintained, thereby increasing air humidity and decreasing air temperature. A portion of warm moist air from the chamber is circulated to a water recovery heat exchanger module to remove additional sensible heat and to recover the amount of water evaporated in the chamber; cool dry air is returned to the chamber.

Abstract: A device for quenching hot gases and to a method for quenching hot gases in which this device is employed. This quenching device includes a porous ceramic water distributor composed of a porous ceramic material, a water distributor plate and a means for feeding water to the water distributor plate. In operation, water is fed to the water distributor plate which then distributes water to the porous ceramic material through which the water flows. The water exiting the porous ceramic material flows down the inner wall of the quenching device.

Abstract: A humidifier comprising a trough adapted to contain water, a wicking assembly having a lower end located in the trough and including a plurality of wick portions each including a generally planar strip of wicking material having an end, and a pleated strip of wicking material secured to the planar strip, and a frame for supporting the wick portions in generally parallel, side-by-side relation, the frame including a first frame member extending generally perpendicular to the planar strips and adjacent the ends of the planar strips and having therethrough a slot elongated in a direction generally perpendicular to the planar strips, and an adhesive extending into the slot and adhering to the ends of the planar strips for securing the ends of the planar strips to the frame member, and a fan for causing air flow through the wicking assembly.

Abstract: A constant humidity evaporative wicking filter humidifier is disclosed as having a water reservoir tank for holding a supply of water. The water reservoir tank is mounted on a supporting base and is constructed to dispense water as needed into a catch basin formed in the supporting base. A wick element of predetermined height has its lower end positioned within the catch basin for absorbing water up into the wick element by capillary action. A motor driven fan is also mounted on the supporting base relative to the wick element for drawing air with increased humidity through the wick element for discharge from the humidifier into the surrounding atmosphere. The water reservoir tank includes a valve which is selectively responsive to the level of water in the catch basin for dispensing water from the water reservoir tank into the catch basin when the water in the catch basin is below a predetermined level.

Abstract: An apparatus for indirect-evaporative gas cooling comprises a shell (1) with an inlet fitting (2) and outlet fittings (3,4). The inlet fitting (2) is for letting in a total gas stream. The outlet fitting (3) is for letting out the main gas stream and is located on the side of supplying the main gas stream to the consumer. The outlet fitting (4) is for letting the auxiliary gas stream to the atmosphere and is located on the side of the inlet fitting (2). The shell (1) accommodates a wettable capillary-porous solid (6), wherein there are provided moist ducts (7) and dry ducts (8) which intercommunicate on the side of the outlet fitting (3). This makes it possible to adjust the ratio between the surface areas of the dry and moist ducts, whereby the cooling efficiency is considerably increased.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a solid aerosol, such as a carbon aerosol, in which aerosol particles are produced by spark discharge via particle-supplying electrodes and the particles are entrained by a gas flow. Electrodes having parallel, adjacent end faces and are prvided with a feed drive moving them synchronously in a direction toward one another.

Abstract: A humidifier apparatus for admixture of heated water vapor into a gaseous stream include heating means for generating heated vapor from the water and a housing with a transfer chamber formed therein secured to the heating means which is exposed within the chamber. The housing includes intake and effluent conduit for flow passage of the gaseous stream through the chamber and a water intake conduit extending through the housing and chambers so that the conduit directs discharge of the intake water against the heating means to generate the heated vapor.

Abstract: An evaporative cooler which for the purpose of cooling a fluid flowing within at least one duct (1) evaporates a substance on the outside of said duct, said substance being supplied in liquid form through at least one conduit, is characterized by at least one liquid connector (7) for controlled passage of the liquid from the conduit (6) onto the outside of said duct (1), wherein the outside of the duct (1) is covered by a porous capillary layer (2) into which the liquid connector(s) (7) open(s). The capillary layer (2) may be surrounded by a liquid barrier (3).

Abstract: A motorless continuous carbonator including a double acting piston type water pump driven by a double acting piston type gas pump actuator assembly powered by the carbonating gas. A connecting rod couples the pump piston with the actuator piston and includes means for operating a toggle switch mechanism for controlling a pair of solenoid valves respectively connected to the pump and actuator assembly for controlling the flow of water and carbonating gas, typically CO.sup.2, therefrom and thus deliver still water and CO.sup.2 to a semi-permeable membrane carbonator. The CO.sup.2 gas which initially provides the pumping force is subsequently fed to the carbonator where it is absorbed by the still water to form carbonated water which is then fed to a dispensing unit which may be either a post-mix dispenser utilized either on earth or in a microgravity environment.

Abstract: The humidifier module for use in a gas humidification unit has a humidification chamber and a water heating chamber separated by a water vapor permeable, liquid water impermeable membrane. Gas inlet and outlet ports are provided in the humidification chamber, a water inlet port is provided for the water heating chamber, a water inlet port is provided for the water heating chamber, and a heat exchange wall is provided on one side of the water heating chamber to receive heat from a heat source in the humidification assembly. The gas humidification assembly has an enclosure adjacent the heat source, for receiving the humidifier module, a water supply source, and a controller of the heater and water supply to the humidifier module. A sensor is provided for monitoring the level of fluid within the humidification chamber, and another sensor is provided for monitoring the level of water within the water heating chamber.

Abstract: A process for condensing vapor or mist material onto a thin first liquid film surface, which liquid film is generated and supported on the outer surface of a porous structure. A moving condensable vapor contacts the thin liquid film and is condensed onto the liquid surface. The condensed vapor drains by gravity action into a collection zone, together with a portion of the liquid film material being entrained therein. The vapor or mist material can be either substantially immiscible or miscible in the liquid film. The first liquid is preferably provided in a closed system and is recycled at near ambient temperature and at pressure conditions sufficient to produce the thin liquid film external to the porous structure, which has a porosity of 20-80%. An apparatus including the porous structure and liquid handling system for condensing an upflowing condensable vapor is disclosed.

Abstract: According to the present invention, in an apparatus for mass transferring between phases different from each other, tube plates are fixed to opposite opening ends of an outer tubular column having a fluid feeding nozzle and a fluid discharge nozzle, the tube plates are each formed therethrough with a through-hole for fixing a porous tube, the hole is formed over the entire peripheral wall thereof with a stepped portion such that an elastic member such as an O-ring can be easily provided. A tubular press-in member including an annular elastic member, a collar and the like are provided in the hole, into which the end portion of the porous tube is coupled, whereby the press-in member is pressed into a space formed between the hole wall and the porous tube wall so as to achieve sealing between the porous tube wall and the tube plate wall, so that the inner porous tube can be replaced by a new one simply, easily and quickly.

Abstract: Respiratory gas is humidified by flowing it along a flowpath at least a portion of whose wall is formed of a barrier material which is pervious to water vapor and impervious to water while the side of said wall opposite the flowpath is subjected to one or both of water and water vapor. Production of such a flowpath can be accomplished by compressing and bonding together selected portions of a resilient, open-celled material which is disposed as a layer between layers of water impermeable material at least one of which layers is permeable by water vapor.