Abstract: A room humidifier is disclosed having a floating wick assembly having wick elements, the wick assembly floating on a water supply thereby to maintain a constant water depth and evaporative area on the wick element as the water level within the humidifier rises and falls. The wick element is formed of a web of non-woven, fibrous material (e.g., a paper-like material) which draws water by capillary action from the reservoir onto the evaporative area of the wicking element from when water is evaporated into the air drawn through the wicking element by a fan for discharge into the room. The wick element may readily be removed from the wick assembly for cleaning or replacement.

Abstract: A wick assembly (1) for use in e.g. an anaesthetic vaporizer (not shown) comprises layer (2) of absorbent wick material, e.g. a metallic wire cloth, secured to an impermeable backing sheet (3) e.g. of stainless steel. The wick material (2) and backing sheet (3) are rolled into a spiral configuration and thus define a spiral flow passage for gas to be vaporized. Fastening means are provided to hold the wick material (2) and sheet (3) in the spiral configuration whereby the assembly forms a self-contained unit adapted to be detachably mounted in a vaporizer.

Abstract: A plate for an evaporative heat exchanger is stamped from a laminate material comprising a thin sheet of light-weight, heat conductive, formable metal such as aluminum superimposed on and attached to a thin sheet of wicking material. Stamping the laminate material simultaneously cuts the plate into a substantially square, pre-determined size, forms a series of ribs and corresponding recesses into the plate and blanks square notches into each corner of the plate to define four edges. The ribs are spaced apart in a substantially parallel manner, appear substantially semicircular in configuration and extend longitudinally and substantially across the plate. A method to fabricate said plate is also described.

Abstract: A humidifying module 4 is releasably attachable to a heater unit 2 to form an apparatus for delivering humidified gas to a patient and includes a substantially flat wick 6 which absorbs water without any substantial change in its surface area. The wick is contained within a chamber defined by a substantially flat back plate 10 and a front plate 12 including an inlet 20 for gas to be humidified and an outlet 22 for humidified gas.

Abstract: A humidifier has a supply of water suspended on a pole above a patient which supplies water through a removable drop counter of magnetically actuated ball valve to a microporous tube mounted in but mechanically separated from a ventilating line between a ventilator and the patient. The water is heated in the microporous tube to create a vapor pressure sufficient to cause water vapor but substantially no liquid water to pass through the tube into the ventilating line. Electrically energized controls are provided to obviate maloperation and to maintain safe operating conditions including maintaining safe temperature conditions, and prevention of excess water entering the ventilation line by counting the drops of water passing through the bold valve, and closing the ball valve if the count rate is outside desired count rates and power or the monitoring equipment fails.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for obtaining a gaseous stream containing a compound in the vapor state, more particularly usable for introducing said compound into a vapor phase epitaxy reactor.The process consists of introducing the compound into the first compartment of an enclosure subdivided into first and second compartments by a porous partition, raising to a given temperature the first compound of the enclosure so as to evaporate the compound, circulating within the second compartment a carrier gas able to entrain the evaporated compound and extracting from the second compartment the carrier gas containing the evaporated compound which has diffused into the second compartment by passing through the porous partition.

Abstract: A humidifying device comprising, an annular cylinder, and a heating device for heating an outer surface of the cylinder. The humidifying device has an annular absorptive column disposed against an inner surface of the cylinder, with the column having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough. The humidifying device has a reservoir containing a sterile liquid, and a conduit connecting the reservoir with the cylinder.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the amount of butane that can be safely added into a fuel gas before condensation occurs includes a dry-bulb thermocouple for measuring the temperature of the gas and a wet-bulb thermocouple for measuring the temperature of a wick soaked in the butane in the gaseous environment of the fuel gas. For a continuous flowing process the difference in the two measured temperatures indicates the proportion of butane that can be added before saturation, and is used to regulate the flow rate of the butane. The wick is periodically flushed with butane, in order to prevent heavy hydrocarbon components in the butane from accumulating.

Abstract: A device is described which provides a totally enclosed and secure environment for the culture of cells and for the production of biologicals, pharmaceuticals, and other cell-derived products of commercial value. The device comprises several modules of differing functions: regulating the cellular growth environment, providing a suitable cell growth substrate or environment, or separating of desired product form interfering substances. Each module comprises a series of membranes separated by a solid support material which is channeled to provide a series of parallel capillaries for the flow of nutrients, environmental regulating fluids, or gas exchange. The structure and composition of the separating membranes limits the nature, rate, and size of the particular material exchanged across an individual membrane into or from an adjacent compartment. The capillaries are so dimensioned that the nutrients and gases are diffused over distances typical of human tissue.

Abstract: A humidifier assembly is disclosed. Parts of the humidifier assembly may be disposable. The assembly comprises a housing, heater means on the housing, a liquid water supply means that communicates with the heater means, a hollow shell on the housing that defines a humidification chamber, and a filter means in the humidification chamber and positioned in juxtaposition with the surface of the heater means for passing water vapor into breathable gas. Preferably the filter means is hydrophobic.

Abstract: A humidifier includes a chamber 14 having an inlet 30 and an outlet 6. The chamber 14 is releasably attached to a heater unit including a heater 22 and a heat sensor 24. When the chamber 14 and the heater unit are assembled together the heater 22 is in thermal contact with a heat transfer surface of the chamber 14 at or adjacent the inlet port 30 while the temperature sensor 24 is in thermal contact with the heat transfer surface at or adjacent the outlet port 6.

Abstract: The present invention relates to humidifiers as used in research and in the calibration of humidity measuring instruments for producing a saturated gas stream. Specifically the invention relates to humidifiers comprising a bubble type and an extended surface type humidifier in gas flow communication one to the other and including temperature control means.

Abstract: A system for emitting, in sequence, a plurality of different scents includes a plurality of holders for scent-bearing chips; a mechanism for propelling these scents from a system; a mechanism for conveying, selectively, any desired scent holder into operative relation with the propelling mechanism; and a mechanism for actuating the propelling mechanism to propel scent from any desired scent holder in response to a programmed, predetermined sequence of scents of predetermined duration.

Abstract: The device comprises an elongated container (2) which can be attached to the roof (1) or a wall of a vehicle in close engagement therewith and transversely of a direction of travel. The container carries a supply of evaporation liquid (9), and contains an absorbent mat (7a) which emerges from the container at the rear lower edge thereof. The container (2) and mat (7a) can be mounted detachably on the roof (1) or the wall. The container (2) may have a cover (3) and be profiled in the manner of a spoiler. The mat (7a) is adapted to be withdrawn from the container (2) and fixed in its withdrawn state. To produce an excess pressure in the interior of the container the container (2) may have one or more ventilation openings (3c).

Abstract: A humidifier assembly is disclosed. Parts of the humidifier assembly may be disposable. The assembly comprises a housing, heater means on the housing, a liquid water supply means that communicates with the heater means, a hollow shell on the housing that defines a humidification chamber, and a filter means in the humidification chamber and positioned in juxtaposition with the surface of the heater means for passing water vapor into breathable gas. Preferably the filter means is hydrophobic.

Abstract: An arrangement for measuring the carbonation level of a liquid, useful for controlling the extent of carbonation of a beverage, particularly in a continuous process stream. A portion of the process stream is diverted to flow adjacent to a gas permeable membrane having a diluent gas such as helium or nitrogen flowing on the opposite side thereof. The diluent gas stream absorbs carbon dioxide in proportion to the extent of carbonation of the beverage, and a suitable characteristic, such as thermal conductivity or infrared absorption, of the diluent gas and carbon dioxide mixture is then measured as an indication of the carbonation level of the beverage.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for dispensing volatile substances which includes a housing, and at least one piezoelectric blower. Each blower includes a piezoelectric element having a first end mounted to the housing and a second end free, and a generally planar impeller blade connected to the free end of the piezoelectric element and having its distal end unconstrained by the housing. A frame is attached to, or provided as an integral part of, the housing and is located in proximity to the distal end of the blade. The frame is adapted to detachably mount a replaceable substrate cartridge containing a volatile substance. In use, a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element for oscillating its free end perpendicular to its plane at or close to resonance and propagating a traveling wave along each blade to generate and shed vortices at the distal end of the blade which contact the substrate cartridge, thereby dispensing the volatile substance to the surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: A previously disclosed cartridge type humidifier apparatus including a separate heater module with a cylindrical opening for replaceably receiving therein disposable cylindrical humidifier cartridge modules, having a housing containing a replenishable water supply is employed as a water supply source for reproducing an aerosol with an oxygen supply for pediatric inhalation therapy. The cartridge modules each have a tubular metal main body adapted for a sliding fit within a complimentary tubular wall heater. The metal tubular body has a rigid plastic top and bottom end portions. The top end portions is a cap with a center axial gas inlet tube and a separate transverse gas delivery tube, the cap forming a closed air space over a pool of humidified liquid each cartridge includes an absorption column preferably of this cylindrical tube form which is adapted to lie closely adjacent and draw water up along the cartridge cylindrical metal body which insures as a evaporating surface when heated by the heater modules.

Abstract: An evaporative humidifier having a float operated relief mechanism that is normally air tight, and will release excess water from the humidifier, should the water inlet valve malfunction, to preclude liquid water from getting into the stream of air being humidified.

Abstract: A humidifier device to prevent warping, cracking and shrinking of elements in stringed or other musical instruments subject to modification by reason of a lack of moisture in the instrument carrying case. The device comprises a small, sealed housing detachably securable to the interior of the instrument case and provides a refillable and leak-proof reservoir which feeds water or other evaporatable fluid to the top, bottom and inner peripheral side walls of an absorbent ring when the reservoir is filled to capacity; and when partially full and in any position of the carrying case water feed to the absorbent ring is maintained along at least one of the absorbent ring walls. A control ring is further provided which is rotatable about the housing to increase or decrease the evaporation rate of water from the housing ports communicating with the absorbent ring.

Abstract: This invention relates to a steam generator for evaporating from a vaporizing portion (17) thereof a liquid (12) sucked up by means of a liquid sucking-up member (10) to provide a steam generator which is capable of vaporizing a liquid efficiently in a short time by application of heat from a heating unit (13) and air fed from a fan (15).

Abstract: The invention relates to a storage system comprising: an enclosure containing a liquid and a pressurant gas and a liquid-expelling device comprising a structure made up of rigid elements which define a grid-like interior surface forming a gas barrier and which delimit a central outlet passage and gaps whose width increases as a function of the distance to the central passage from a minimum value selected for the said gas barrier, to a maximum value selected so as to prevent the liquid contained inside the structure from being expelled into the enclosure as long as the acceleration does not exceed a given threshold, said structure constituting a buffer-tank from where the liquid can be expelled through the central passage under the effect of the gas at every phase of utilization and which is re-filled with liquid contained inside the enclosure by means of a feeding device which converges to a liquid input provided in the structure.

Abstract: A device for vaporizing a fluid desired to be introduced into the air by forcibly moving air over the surfaces of an absorptive material which has been impregnated with the fluid desired to be distributed. The device comprises a housing adapted to be attached to a wall or other surface and utilizes a liquid material contained within a hollow container which is so positioned within the housing that the liquid flows into a cup-like member within which a layer of the absorptive material is disposed. The cup-like member includes at least one opening over which air is caused to pass and thereby evaporate the liquid from the absorptive material. A battery powered fan is so positioned as to cause the air to flow past the opening in the cup member and thereby evaporate some of the vaporizable fluid. The entire assembly is contained within a housing which has an air inlet and an air plus vapor outlet, and includes means for properly positioning the several elements in the proper relationship.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an airway humidifier for directly humidifying the air flow requirement of a respiratory tract during the inspiration phase of a breathing cycle is provided, which comprises a nest of relatively large bore, thin wall air transmitting elongated hollow fibers terminating at an output end that is adapted to communicate the merged flow through a tube to the respiratory tract, a water chamber surrounding said fibers and having sufficient rigidity to resist collapse when subjected to negative operational water pressure, a water source for water heated to about 105.degree. F. (40.degree. C.) and a water pump connected to said chamber and said source and adapted to maintain said chamber filled with water under negative pressure, said fibers having an internal diameter of the order of 0.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an air freshening device comprising an upright housing including, adjacent the bottom thereof, an air inlet and, adjacent the top thereof, an air discharge, a fan in said housing intermediate the air inlet and the air discharge means for causing air flow through the housing, a filter, structure for removably supporting the filter in the housing intermediate the air inlet and the fan in the path of the totality of the air flow through the housing, a sleeve assembly within the housing for introducing into the air flow downstream of the filter a substance to be dispensed, which sleeve assembly is operable to releasably support the filter and includes relatively rotatable inner and outer sleeves, one of the sleeves defining an interior chamber, openings in the sleeves for affording valved access to the interior chamber in response to relative rotation between the sleeves, a coupling for releasably connecting the sleeve assembly and the housing, and a package of the substance to be dispensed lo

Abstract: A fuel system and electronic control therefor which is especially designed for use with an internal combustion engine or the like in which said fuel system is operable to provide fuel fumes or vapor to the engine from a source of liquid ignitable vaporizable fuel, such as gasoline, of sufficient quantity whereby to significantly increase the efficiency of the engine and thus substantially increase the per gallon mileage rate for the engine when used in an automotive vehicle or the like, and one using liquid fuel as the original fuel source. The system incorporates an electronic control operable to monitor the combustion of the vaporizable fuel and which control is responsive to a change in engine demand for said fuel to maintain the optimum ratio of vaporized fuel and air in the mixture delivered to the engine for combustion.

Abstract: An improved Y-fitting for the patient system of a respirator includes a membrane humidifier received therein and accommodating an exchangeable element including hollow filaments to which breathing air is directed and which are externally charged with water circulating therearound.

Abstract: A cylindrical cartridge having a housing containing a replinishable water supply is employed as a water supply source for producing an aerosol with an oxygen stream for inhalation therapy to the agency of a nebulizer adapter which couples pressurized oxygen to the cartridge module. The cartridge module is separated in two compartments by means of a metallic disc positioned horizontally in the approximate center thereof and having a tube extending above and below the disc. Water is drawn from the water supply through the tube and into the mixing chamber located above the disc in the cartridge module. The cartridge has a vertical tubular portion with connections to a source of oxygen or air which terminates above the top of the tubing extending through the disc. The aerosol flows out of the cartridge through an outlet nozzle. The cartridge is an elongated housing having a temporary active cylindrical absorption surface means internally above the disc which serves as an evaporating surface.

Abstract: A humidifier and heater for air to be inhaled for connection to an inhalation conduit of a respirator comprises a housing having a bundle of vapor permeable fiber tubes which have evaporation fiber wall surfaces extending therethrough. A packing is arranged adjacent each end of the housing in said tubes and seals the space in the housing around the tubes between the packing. The tubes in the interior of the housing in the space have a coating on their exteriors of at least either copper or silver. Warm water is circulated into the housing in the space around the tubes and the inhalation air is directed through the tubes or vice versa.

Abstract: A humidifier for gases, for example for medical administration, may be adapted for insertion into a well of a heater for warming liquid in the humidifier. A seamless metal can defines a cylindrical wall and a closed bottom end, containing wick means for absorbing water and presenting it in dispersed form to gases flowing through the can. Transparent probe means extend into the can and serve as a liquid level control for preferably automatically controlling the liquid level in the can to be maintained in the lower one third of the can.

Abstract: Liquid atomizer having a vibration generator for generating vibrations, an atomizer element receiving the vibrations, and a container with liquid to be atomized. Liquid is transported solely and directly from the container to the atomizer element by a wick of elastically resilient material in contact with liquid in the container and at a point remote from the liquid in the container, mechanically coupled to the atomizer element by disposing the wick against the atomizer element. A tube may surround the wick until almost to the coupling point.

Abstract: A portable gas cleaning unit having a box-shaped housing supporting filters operable to remove particulates, pollens, odors, and smoke from a gas, as air. A motor driven fan located within the housing moves gas through the filters and discharges cleaned gas to the environment outside of the housing. In one form of the invention, the motor is a D. C. motor powered by a 12-volt battery. The filters are mounted in a recess in the top wall of the housing and include a coarse fiber filter and a particulate charcoal filter. A protective open rectangular grid is located over the fiber filter and is mounted with a tight fit on the top wall to hold the filters in the recess. An open top tank is located within the housing for carrying a liquid, as water. Vapor plates mounted on the tank are used to facilitate the evaporation of liquid into the gas flowing through the housing.

Abstract: The specification describes an improved humidifier pad and a method of making the pad. The pad comprises a fibrous layer provided with means which substantially eliminate the flow of water picked up by the fibrous layer along the length of the pad so that when the pad is in use on a rotating drum, the water that is picked up is held in the pad for vaporization rather than flowing back downwardly to the pickup point.

Abstract: A carburetor for internal combustion engines has a toroidal fuel evaporation chamber which is defined by an outer cylindrical housing and an inner intake tube shorter than the housing. The carburetor further comprises a bottom wall or floor and an upper wall or roof, which together with other elements define the evaporation or wick compartment and a mixing chamber, as well as a plurality of intake orifices with adjacent inwardly opening valves in the upper wall or roof and about the periphery of the cylindrical housing in the region of the mixing chamber. Throttle plug means are reciprocal in guide means and cooperate with the upper wall member or roof to define a selectively variable throttle opening. A level control device maintains a pre-determined fuel level in the evaporative chamber wherein appropriate wick means are provided for the release of fuel vapor into the air drawn into the mixing chamber of the carburetor, and thence into the engine intake manifold.

Abstract: A sterilizable evaporative humidifier for respiratory usage having a disposable absorbent evaporative element is disclosed. The humidifier provides humidification, low pressure drop and a very short warm-up period. Electronic controls are provided to ensure safe automatic operation.

Abstract: A humidifier comprising an electric lamp, a protector in the form of a dome-shaped member surrounding the glass bulb of the electric lamp, an evaporation layer made of capillary substance closely contacted with the outer surface of the protector to cover the same, and a water-holding saucer for immersing a portion of the evaporation layer in water or a tightly closed tank having a water supply port at the lower end thereof which communicates with the outer surface of the evaporation layer in sealed relation to the outside. By making the protector of light transmitting material, the humidifier can be used also as an all-night light. The evaporation layer is surrounded with an ornamental cover having water vapor outlets.

Abstract: A cylindrical cartridge having a housing containing a replenishable water supply is employed as a water supply source for producing an aerosol with an oxygen stream for inhalation therapy through the agency of a nebulizer adapter which couples pressurized oxygen to the water cartridge. A primary venturi-type insert member is disposed uprightly within a vertical tubular portion of the cartridge. The venturi draws water from the water supply and directs atomized droplets of water and oxygen into a mixing chamber. The aerosol flows out of the cartridge through an outlet nozzle. The cartridge is an elongated housing having a capillary active cylindrical absorption surface means internally whereby water is drawn up along the cartridge's cylindrical body wall which serves as an evaporating surface. The aerosol containing oxygen is humidified by being further charged with evaporated water from the capillary absorption means. Suitable egress port means is provided to which a flexible tube is connected.

Abstract: A cylindrical cartridge having a housing containing a replenishable water supply is employed as a water supply source for producing an aerosol with an oxygen stream for inhalation therapy through the agency of a nebulizer adapter which couples pressurized oxygen to the water cartridge. A venturi-type insert member is disposed vertically with the cartridge. The venturi draws water from the water supply and directs atomized droplets of water and oxygen into a mixing chamber located above the water level in the cartridge. The cartridge has a vertical tubular portion with a connection to a source of oxygen or air and terminates above the level of the water in the cartridge. The aerosol flows out of the cartridge through an outlet nozzle. The cartridge is an elongated housing having a capillary active cylindrical absorption surface means internally whereby water is drawn up along the cartridge's cylindrical body wall which serves as an evaporating surface.

Abstract: A vapor generator for generating vapors from a vaporizable liquid concentrate such as a deodorant-fragrance concentrate and employable either with or without a fan dispenser. The vaporizable liquid is sealed within a receptacle having an openable top portion, such as a pull-top can, and a capillary action diaphragm is located under the top so as to be exposed when the top is opened. The vaporizable liquid is transported upwardly from the body of liquid to the diaphragm by capillary action membrane means extending from the top to the bottom of the receptacle, and then distributed by capillary action through the diaphragm and vaporized from the exposed surface thereof. A small pressure equalization port through the diaphragm equalizes the vapor pressure under the diaphragm to substantially atmospheric pressure so that such vapor pressure will not interfere with the capillary actions.

Abstract: A previously disclosed cartridge type humidifier apparatus including a separate heater module with a cylindrical opening for replaceably receiving therein disposable cylindrical humidifier cartridge modules, having a housing containing a replenishable water supply, is employed as a water supply source for producing an aerosol with an oxygen supply for pediatric inhalation therapy. The cartridge modules each have a tubular metal main body adapted for a sliding fit within a complimentary tubular walled heater. The metal tubular body has rigid plastic top and bottom end portions. The plastic top end portion is a cap with a center axial gas inlet tube, and a separate transverse gas delivery pipe, the cap forming a closed air space over a pool of humidifying liquid.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for introducing a scent into a forced air temperature changing system of the type having a blower and an air filter positioned upstream of the blower. The apparatus comprises a container for retaining a fluid having the desired scent. A spray device is positioned adjacent the filter and is connected to the system so that the scent containing fluid exiting through the spray device is sprayed onto the filter. A conduit connects the container with the spray device to provide a passage for the flow of the fluid from the container to the spray device. Control means serially connected in the conduit between the container and the spray device controls the flow of the fluid to the spray device. Hence, by operating the control means, the fluid is selectively sprayed on to the filter. The air flowing through the filter picks up the scent and brings the scent to the desired area.

Abstract: A respiratory air humidifier comprises a housing having a flow passage therethrough for the flow of respirator air with a respirator air inlet at one end of the flow passage and a respirator air outlet at the other end of the passage. A plurality of U-shape tubules are disposed in the flow passage and they have walls made of a material permeable to water vapor but impermeable to water. A tubule holder plate closes the flow passage and it is provided with a plurality of bores therethrough of a number corresponding to the tubules located at two spaced locations and into which extend the respective ends of the tubules which are sealed at these ends to the tubular holder plate. A water inlet conduit extends into the inlet of the flow passage and connects the respective inlet end of the tubules, and a water discharge conduit extends out of the flow passage inlet for the discharge of the water from the outlet end of the tubules.

Abstract: A humidity control system, such as can be used with a piano to control the level of humidity within the interior of the piano, is comprised of a low water measuring/warning sub-system and a "blind" refill sub-system. The low water measuring/warning sub-system comprises stainless steel probes extending below the water level in a humidifying unit when the unit is filled with water. When the water in the humidifying unit is sufficiently high to cover the ends of the probes, a neon light is shorted, the absence of light emission from said neon light thereby indicating a sufficient water supply to be present in the humidifying unit. Evaporation of the water to a level below the ends of the probes causes a circuit including the neon light to be completed, thereby causing the light to be lit and indicating that the water supply in the humidifying unit has been diminished by a predetermined amount and can be replenished by said predetermined amount without the need for visual observation of the humidifying unit.

Abstract: An air purifying and moistening apparatus having a frame or housing, one or more lamps and at least one absorbent lamp shade. The shade is in communication with a water supply vessel and draws up water by capillary action, which is evaporated from the surface of said lamp shade. The water vessel is detachable and includes a water container or dish with an opening in said water vessel for dripping water into said dish and wetting the lower end of the lamp shade.

Abstract: A respiratory air humidifier comprises a plurality of hollow tubules having walls of a foil material which is impermeable to water but is permeable to steam vapor. The tubules have inside diameters of less than 300 microns and are about 15 microns thick. Breathing gas to be humidified is directed over one side of the foil for example through the tubules and the water is directed over the opposite side for example the exterior of the tubules.

Abstract: A volatile anesthetic vaporizing apparatus including a concentration control flow valve means actuated by a substantially linear rotary dial for dividing an inflowing gas stream into two separate streams, one stream being passed over liquid anesthetic to pick up a vapor and the other stream flowing through a bypass duct. The gas stream flowing over liquid anesthetic flows through a temperature responsive valve means, the latter being actuated by a temperature sensitive bimetallic strip which is in direct contact with the vapor saturated air stream which is relatively cool due to the vaporization of the liquid anesthetic. The valve means so situated in the vapor stream essentially does not include any moving parts. Such valve means is formed by the spaced mounting of a planar valve element on a planar surface having a vapor opening therein or an inlet passage.

Abstract: A cartridge-type humidifier apparatus embodying a separate heater module with a cylindrical opening for replaceably receiving therein disposable cylindrical humidifier cartridge modules. Certain upgraded embodiments of the cartridge modules are sterilizable and reusable several times before being disposed of, or portions thereof recycled. The cartridge modules each have a tubular metal main body adapted for a sliding fit within a complementary tubular walled heater. The metal tubular body has rigid plastic top and bottom end portions. The plastic top end portion is a cap with a center axial gas inlet tube, and a separate transverse gas delivery pipe, the cap forming a closed air space over a pool of humidifying liquid. Each cartridge includes an absorption column preferably of the cylindrical tube form which is adapted to lay closely adjacent and draw water up along the cartridge's cylindrical metal body wall which serves the evaporating surface when heated by the heater modules.

Abstract: A clean, cool stream of low BTU gas is heated and saturated with water vapor by means of a hot liquid stream containing water. Contamination of the gas stream by droplets, particulate matter and salt content of the liquid stream is obviated by maintaining separation between the gas and liquid phases by means of a microporous barrier. The barrier is made of a material selected from the group consisting of hydrophobic polymer material and hydrophilic polymer material having a gel structure.

Abstract: A gas/liquid heat exchanger is provided which comprises means for circulating gas and/or liquid and a plurality of hollow fibres, adapted to receive said gas or said liquid, said fibres being of polymeric material which is inert with respect to said liquid and are permeable to said liquid. Such a heat exchanger considerably improves the efficiency/volume ratio of the appratus, largely as a result of the liquid which permeates through the fibres vaporizing.

Abstract: A humidifier for respirators includes a vessel having a tubular passage therethrough which is connected at one end to the inhalation line and the opposite end to the line leading to the patient. Water is circulated from a storage tank to a water chamber defined around the tubular member and the tubular member is made of a material which defines an evaporation surface which is impervious to water but pervious to water vapor so that the inhalation air becomes moistened when it is passed through the tubular member. The water which is circulated is circulated from a storage tank which is maintained at a predetermined level by the gravity of feed of water from a closed container which is mounted above the storage tank. The water in the storage tank is advantageously heated before it is circulated.