Liquid Tank Patents (Class 261/119.1)
  • Patent number: 11906193
    Abstract: A portable enclosure is configured to mix room air with a controlled amount of exterior air via one or more flexible conduits disposed between the enclosure and an exterior window. At least one flexible conduit is connected to a barrier structure which is designed for sealable placement within the window. One or more mixing dampers are employed to control the amount of exterior air supplied to the enclosure. An air moving device delivers exterior air in controlled amounts to the enclosure which is designed to be moveable so that a more desirable (fresher, cooler, and more contaminant free) stream of air is deliverable to the personal space of an occupant to satisfy ventilation and temperature requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Inventor: Steven Michalski
  • Patent number: 11690331
    Abstract: A debris-collecting apparatus includes a draft inducer operable to draw air and debris, an input portion for receiving incoming air and debris caused by operation of the draft inducer, and a bagging portion. The bagging portion includes a hood having an arcuate portion, a bag removably positioned below the hood and having an inner face, and a bagging passage for directing the air and debris from the input portion to the hood. The arcuate portion extends from the bagging passage to the bag such that the air and debris from the bagging passage travels along the arcuate portion and thereafter apply a dislodging force to dislodge debris collected at the inner face of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton, LLC
    Inventors: G. Kent Lauer, William Jackson Morton, III
  • Patent number: 11524305
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrostatic precipitator apparatus that includes a housing having an inlet, into which gas is introduced, and an outlet from which the gas is discharged, and a collection module installed in the housing. The collection module includes a plurality of discharge electrodes, to which a voltage is applied, and a plurality of collection electrodes grounded and disposed between the discharge electrodes. The apparatus further comprises a washing water feeder to spray washing water to the collection module, and a washing water treatment device disposed beneath the collection module to accommodate the washing water dropped from the collection module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: DOOSAN ENERBILITY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jin Woon Lee, Sang Rin Lee, Jae Dong Hwang, Sang Chul Moon
  • Patent number: 11504496
    Abstract: An apparatus for humidifying a flow of pressurised, breathable air includes varying a first pressure of the flow of breathable gas to vary a level of thermal engagement between the conductive portion of the reservoir and the heater plate, varying a height of the variable portion varies a level of thermal engagement between the conductive portion of the reservoir and the heater plate, use of a humidifier reservoir base component with a maximum water capacity substantially equal to the predetermined maximum volume of water of the humidifier reservoir or the use of intersecting inlet and outlet axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: ResMed Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Andrew Roderick Bath, Justin John Formica, Matthew Rolf Harrington, Joseph Samuel Ormrod, Luke Andrew Stanislas, Hargopal Verma
  • Patent number: 11504670
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for wet cleaning a gas stream has a housing with a gas inlet and a gas outlet, wherein, in the housing, there is at least a first washing segment that serves to clean the gas stream with a washing liquid and that is arranged in the flow path of the gas stream. Inside the housing of the apparatus, there is at least one fan that regulates air pressure along the flow path of the gas stream. A bypass channel for bypassing the flow path through the at least one washing segment as well as a regulator that is arranged in the bypass and that serves to discharge the gas stream being conveyed via the bypass channel are arranged inside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: DAS Environmental Expert GmbH
    Inventors: Hermann Mauch, Tino Tanneberger
  • Patent number: 11359826
    Abstract: A humidifier includes a base, a water storage tank, an atomizer, and a flow control arrangement. The flow control arrangement includes a water buffering housing, a water control tank a water regulating assembly and a water control device. The water control device includes a floating member movably received in the water control tank, and a water control member extended from the floating member in such a manner that when a volume of water in the water control tank is below a predetermined threshold, the water control member is moved to allow water to flow from the water buffering tank to the water control tank. When a volume of water in the water control tank reaches a predetermined threshold, the floating member is driven by water buoyancy to drive the water control member to stop water from flowing to the water control tank from the water buffering housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Inventors: Lin Yang, Hai Yang
  • Patent number: 11045747
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a hollow fiber membrane module (5) for removing gas from an objective liquid or supplying gas to the objective liquid, comprising: a hollow fiber membrane bundle (20); and a collecting member (51) configured to collect first ends (20a) of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (20) while maintaining openings of opened end portions (22a) of hollow fiber membranes (22) of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (20), wherein the collecting member (51) has a coupling portion configured to couple the collecting member (51) to an installation object in a detachable and liquid-tight manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI CHEMICAL CLEANSUI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshie Tanizaki, Hiroyuki Okazaki, Yoshiichi Nakagawa, Masanori Itakura, Kaoru Terazawa, Nobuyuki Kikuya, Hiroyuki Tanaka, Hideo Kumamoto, Hiroyuki Fujiki, Kentarou Oda
  • Patent number: 10898637
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system to generate bubbles. The bubbles may be formed to include a substantially or medically pure gas. The bubbles may be formed on demand and in a selected small size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Oakwood Healthcare, Inc.
    Inventor: James Richard Spears
  • Patent number: 10876750
    Abstract: The invention relates to a humidifier (10) for a test chamber, in particular a climate chamber or the like, as well as to a method for conditioning air of a test space of a test chamber, said humidifier comprising a container (11) having a container interior (12) for receiving a water bath (13), a heating device (15) of a temperature-control system (14) for controlling the temperature of the water bath, and a ventilation system (17) for generating air bubbles (18) in the water bath, a container opening (28) being formed in the container above the water bath in order to connect the container interior to a test space of a test chamber, said humidifier comprising a cooling device (16) of the temperature-control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: WEISS UMWELTTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Christian Haack, Volker Schlosser
  • Patent number: 10493460
    Abstract: The invention relates to a roller crusher having two generally parallel rollers arranged to rotate in opposite directions, towards each other, and separated by a gap, each roller having a first end and a second end. The roller crusher comprises a flange attached to at least one of said ends of one of said rollers. The flange extending in a radial direction of said roller, and has a height above an outer surface of said roller which is sufficient to extend across said gap substantially along a nip angle of said roller crusher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Metso Minerals (Sweden) AB
    Inventor: Lars Gronvall
  • Patent number: 10406473
    Abstract: An exhaust unit includes a dirty air intake opening, a clean air output opening and an airflow path defined between the dirty air intake opening and the clean air output opening. The exhaust unit further includes an upstream quenching section and a downstream filtering section along the airflow path. The quenching section has a wetting chamber that includes a reservoir having a fill level for a quenching liquid, and a downtube connected over the dirty air intake opening and opening at its end above, and in opposition to, the plane of the fill level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Air Separation Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley Hatfield, Christopher S. Tiede, Donald V. Fagin
  • Patent number: 10384030
    Abstract: New medical circuit components and methods for forming such components are disclosed. These components include microstructures for humidification and/or condensate management. The disclosed microstructures can be incorporated into a variety of components, including tubes (e.g., inspiratory breathing tubes and expiratory breathing tubes and other tubing between various elements of a breathing circuit, such as ventilators, humidifiers, filters, water traps, sample lines, connectors, gas analyzers, and the like), Y-connectors, catheter mounts, humidifiers, and patient interfaces (e.g., masks for covering the nose and face, nasal masks, cannulas, nasal pillows, etc.), floats, probes, and sensors in a variety of medical circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: FISHER & PAYKEL HEALTHCARE LIMITED
    Inventors: Laith Adeeb Hermez, David John Sims
  • Patent number: 9829292
    Abstract: An arrow with a non-circular central bore may allow for differential flexural rigidity in the shaft. A non-circular central bore, such as in the form of a bore with a rounded polygon, or more specifically a reuleaux triangle, may also provide self-alighting features when paired with a nock or arrowhead with similar shaped elements. This may allow a user to properly nock an arrow without resorting to manual alignment of the nock and fletchings. The central bore may extend along an entirety of the shaft, or only along a portion of the shaft. The non-circular central bore may be incorporated in an arrow shaft with a round exterior cross section, or with an arrow with a non-circular exterior cross section, such as in the form of a rounded polygon, or more specifically a reuleaux triangle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: BROWN INNOVATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Kevin E. Brown
  • Patent number: 9702616
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing carbonated water includes a gas cylinder configured to store carbon dioxide gas, a cold water storage unit configured to store cold water, a producing tank defining a closed space where the carbonated water is produced, a water supply passage configured to connect the cold water storage unit to the producing tank, the water supply passage including a water supply valve that controls supply of the cold water, a gas supply passage connecting the gas cylinder to the producing tank, the gas supply passage including a gas valve that controls supply of the carbon dioxide, a first relief valve provided along the gas supply passage, the first relief valve configured to control the discharge of the carbon dioxide gas, a dispensing passage connecting the producing tank to a dispensing member, and the dispensing member configured to dispense the carbonated water from a front surface of a refrigerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Yonghyun Kim, Jimin You, Siyeon An, Sungkyoung Kim
  • Patent number: 9700853
    Abstract: This invention provides a microscopic bubble generator that can stably/efficiently generate a large amount of microscopic bubbles in liquid in a short time and can be easily cleaned in an assembled state and in a disassembled state, and a gas-liquid dissolving tank that can be suitably used for the apparatus. In the gas-liquid dissolving tank that promotes dissolution of gas mixed with liquid in the liquid, openings that pass the flowing gas-liquid are formed at an upper portion and a lower portion of a container of the tank, a plurality of separation walls that vertically divide a plurality of chambers are disposed in the container, openings that connect upper and lower chambers are formed through the separation walls, the upper ends of the openings of the separation walls extend predetermined distances upward from the separation walls, and the lower ends of the openings of the separation walls extend predetermined distances downward from the separation walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YOKOTA SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yokota, Fumio Nishi, Isao Kawamoto
  • Patent number: 9671202
    Abstract: An arrow with self-aligning features allows a user to properly nock the arrow without resorting to manual alignment of the nock and fletchings. Engagement of a removable nock and shaft, each with a rounded polygonal cross-section, such as a reuleaux triangle, allow for a fixed relative angular position between the nock and the shaft without the use of an adhesive. This allows for proper position between the nock and index vane to ensure a more accurate path of the arrow during flight. Similarly, the reuleaux triangle cross-section of the shaft may engage an arrow head with a similar reuleaux triangle for accurate alignment between the shaft and the arrow head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Brown Innovations LLC
    Inventor: Kevin E. Brown
  • Patent number: 9504951
    Abstract: Separation of dust in a quenching device arranged downstream of an entrained-flow gasification system is increased by a baffle with a double deflection system for deflecting the crude gas at approximately 180° angle. An additional spraying element is provided. The arrangement can be single-sided or double-sided, or can include an additional weir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Norbert Fischer, Tino Just, Manfred Jänig, Manfred Schingnitz, Heidrun Toth
  • Patent number: 9091497
    Abstract: A water boiling chamber for a steam humidifier may include an enclosure having a water volume and scale collection surfaces that are exposed to water in the enclosure. The scale collection surfaces may have a scale collection surface area that is at least two times greater than a reference surface area, where the reference surface area is defined as the surface area of a sphere having a volume equal to the water volume of the enclosure. Scale collection surfaces may be part of the enclosure and project into an interior of the enclosure. Alternatively, or in addition, one or more scale collectors may be disposed within the enclosure. Methods for capturing scale in a steam humidifier are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Schwendinger, David Emmons, Steven Wolff
  • Patent number: 9004461
    Abstract: A humidifier having a field-replaceable water heating enclosure and a humidifier main unit configured to receive the field-replaceable water heating enclosure is provided. The field-replaceable water heating enclosure may include a water inlet, a water outlet, a water vapor outlet, and a resistive heating element. The humidifier main unit may be configured to provide water to the field-replaceable water heating enclosure via the water inlet when the field-replaceable water heating enclosure is received by the humidifier main unit. To facilitate this, the humidifier main unit may include a manifold structured to interface with the water inlet, the water outlet, and the water vapor outlet. The humidifier main unit also may be configured to provide electrical power to the resistive heating element of the field-replaceable water heating enclosure when the field-replaceable water heating enclosure is received by the humidifier main unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Schwendinger, David J. Emmons, Andrew Morris, XinHua Cao, Eric Barton, Steven Wolff
  • Patent number: 8985558
    Abstract: The subject of the invention is a diffuser for saturation of water with gas, comprising a diffusion element (1) for diffusing the gas run through the diffuser, wherein the diffusion element (1) is made of charcoal. The invention also refers to a set for saturating water with gas, as well as a method for saturation of water with gas, and the use of charcoal as a diffusion element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Marek Kaczor
  • Patent number: 8985557
    Abstract: Provided herein are various mobile cooling devices. In some embodiments, a mobile cooling device provided herein includes a base comprising a reservoir and a lid; and a fan assembly dimensioned to fit within the base. In some embodiments, the fan assembly of a mobile cooling device can include a vent configured to divert a portion of airflow toward an electronic component attached to the base. In some embodiments, the electronic component is attached to the bottom of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Breezer Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Canipe, Dale Raymond
  • Patent number: 8985561
    Abstract: A beverage carbonation system, container, carbonator and method for carbonating a beverage are provided. The beverage carbonation system has a container that is removably engageable with a carbonator. The container has a container outlet valve and a container inlet valve that are fluidly engageable with a carbonator outlet port and carbonator inlet port, respectively. At least one pump transfers liquid and carbon dioxide gas between a container chamber and a carbonation chamber when the container is engaged with the carbonator, thereby carbonating the liquid. When the container is disengaged from the carbonator, the container outlet valve and the container inlet valve are closed to fluidly seal the container containing the carbonated liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Bonne O Inc.
    Inventor: Darren Hatherell
  • Patent number: 8960650
    Abstract: A multifunctional Schumann wave machine of the present invention includes a shell, a luminous device, a rotary device, a rotary blade, a droplets straining device and an air blower. The present invention provides color therapy as its luminous bodies emit lights to outside of the shell and release Schumann waves. The rotary blade and droplets straining device can produce and spray fine droplets with anions. Additionally, the water contained in the present invention is added some aromatic essential oil. Bodies and minds of users are relaxed and happy in the fresh and clean environment which is full of sunlight, air and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Chung-Ming Lee
  • Patent number: 8940085
    Abstract: A humidifier for treating humidified air with germicidal light is provided. The humidifier includes a water reservoir, an atomizer to atomize a supply of water, and an ultraviolet light source to expose the atomized water to germicidal light. The ultraviolet light source extends vertically within a cylindrical channel to irradiate the atomized water dissipating upwardly from the atomizer. The water reservoir can include a carbon filter and a hardness-removing module for removing containments and metal oxides from the water supply. A control panel indicates the remaining useful life of the ultraviolet light source, the carbon filter and the hardness-removing module based on historical humidifier usage and water quality levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Ronald C. Markham, Matthew J. Barton
  • Publication number: 20150021795
    Abstract: There is provided a water leakage preventing humidification apparatus including: a housing; a water tank installed in the housing and storing water for humidification; a water bottle having a water guide unit having an outlet formed therein to allow water to flow out therefrom, and installed in the water tank to provide water for humidification to the water tank; an installation part disposed in the water tank and having a confinement water formed to surround at least a portion of the circumference of the water guide unit of the water bottle and a water tank input hole formed on one end of the bottom surface along which water flowing out through the outlet flows and communicating with the water tank; and a humidification unit provided to perform humidification with water stored in the water tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Jun-Hyoung Bae, Kyung-Mi Lee, Chan-Yong Lee
  • Patent number: 8925907
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a ventilating apparatus and to a method for controlling the ventilating apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to a ventilating apparatus comprising a humidifying unit having an antibiotic function, as well as to a method for controlling the ventilating apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hyung Ho Park, Tae Man Yang, Jeong Hun Kim
  • Patent number: 8925906
    Abstract: Provided is a device for diluting a viscous substance which is advantageous in spreading a viscous substance to increase its area and allow efficient dilution of the viscous substance with a diluent. The device comprises a base body having a treatment chamber to be supplied with a viscous substance and a diluent for diluting the viscous substance; a surface element having a coating surface to be attached by the viscous substance supplied to the treatment chamber of the base body; and a movable member movable along the coating surface of the surface element and a coating element. The coating element is provided on the movable member and mechanically spreads the viscous substance attached to the coating surface of the surface element on the coating surface of the surface element in association with movement of the movable member to increase area of the viscous substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Osamu Tsubouchi
  • Patent number: 8905384
    Abstract: A room humidifying apparatus is provided which operates with minimum cost and without any electrical power. The humidifier is located so as to make use of a stream of air coming from a register. The humidifier has a casing carrying a main water tank, a water pan and an evaporative filter element which are located in the casing. The tank drips water onto the filter element, which has a lower portion located in the water pan to collect any excess water dripping down the filter element and also to moisten it with capillary effect. Heated air from the register becomes humidified on passing through the filter element. The water tank can be filled manually from the top or be detachable and filled through a bottom refill opening. Alternatively, the water tank can be connected to a water source with a valve to regulate the flow of water into the water tank. The water tank may be balanced so as to displace, for example tilt, from a first position when it contains water to a second position when it is empty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventors: Jeri Rodrigs, James Henderson, Kevin J. Bailey
  • Patent number: 8905383
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a carbonated water tank in which carbonated water is stored; a water level sensor sensing a water level of carbonated water stored in the carbonated water tank; a water tank supplying filtered water to the carbonated water tank; a carbon dioxide cylinder supplying carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank; and a controller, if the water level of carbonated water sensed by the water level sensor is less than or equal to a predetermined minimum water level, supplying the filtered water to the carbonated water tank, and if supply of the filtered water is completed, supplying the carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank so as to produce the carbonated water. If the carbonated water is discharged, the controller controls the water level sensor to sense the water lever of the carbonated water stored in the carbonated water tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyung Tae Ko, Seung Wan Kang, Jung Yeob Kim, Ji Hoon Kim, Byung Mo Yu, Sung Ho Cho, Yong Soo Kyong
  • Publication number: 20140353855
    Abstract: A system for removing gray water from a lavatory or galley area has a container positioned in a floor of the lavatory or the galley. A conduit is provided in flow communication with the container. The conduit is coupled to a ventilation device configured to generate an air flow in the conduit to evaporate the gray water collected in the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Craig P. Sundine
  • Patent number: 8899558
    Abstract: A water level sensor is closely adhered to a storage tank, and a heat exchanger sterilizing and humidifying apparatus allows the water level sensor to be mounted at the outside of the storage tank, thus having a simple configuration. The water level sensor may include a holder, a cap connected to the holder so as to reciprocate within the holder, a case connected to the cap so as to reciprocate within the holder, a sensor part attached to the case to sense the water level in the storage tank, and a spring located between the holder and the cap, wherein the sensor part mounted at the outside of the storage tank and attached to the case by restoring force of the spring when the storage tank contacts the case may be closely adhered to the storage tank and thus may sense a level of water stored in the storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young Kwang Choi
  • Patent number: 8894046
    Abstract: A humidifier is provided having a base including a chamber for receiving water, at least one reservoir removably mounted on the base for providing water to the base chamber, and an atomizer provided in the base for aerosolizing water from the base chamber. A duct is removably mounted on the base, the duct enclosing the atomizer and venting humidified air from the humidifier. An anti-contamination system is in communication with the duct and includes a housing, an ultraviolet (UV) light source mounted within the housing for emitting UV light to interact with at least one of the aerosolized water and humidified air, and a window at least partially transparent to UV light provided between the anti-contamination system and the duct. Embodiments may include a reflective member provided within the housing for reflecting UV light through the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: FKA Distributing Co., LLC
    Inventor: Mordechai Lev
  • Patent number: 8889082
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus for dispensing the fragrance of an odor control substance. The apparatus includes a housing defining a housing interior adapted to receive a refill component. The refill component includes a container with liquid odor control substance and a wick. The refill component is installed from the bottom into the housing for ease of servicing. A pump device in the housing dispenses a dose of the liquid odor control into a wicking area of the refill component. In another embodiment, the refill component includes the pump device. The pump device is installed into the housing when the refill component is replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: San Jamar, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd J. Muderlak, Kenneth J. Muderlak
  • Patent number: 8844908
    Abstract: A humidifier includes a base having a sound machine module and a humidifier module, a water reservoir in fluid communication with the humidifier module, a user interface supported by the base, and a controller in communication with the user interface, the humidifier module, and the sound machine module. The controller is configured to operate the humidifier module to provide humidified air using water contained in the water reservoir in response to a humidifier input to the user interface. The controller is also configured to operate the sound machine module to provide sound in response to a sound input to the user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: FKA Distributing Co.
    Inventors: Mordechai Lev, Sharon DuPuy
  • Publication number: 20140251326
    Abstract: A personal vapor inhaling unit is disclosed. An electronic flameless vapor inhaler unit that may simulate a cigarette has a cavity that receives a cartridge in the distal end of the inhaler unit. The cartridge brings a substance to be vaporized in contact with a wick. When the unit is activated, and the user provides suction, the substance to be vaporized is drawn out of the cartridge, through the wick, and is atomized by the wick into a cavity containing a heating element. The heating element vaporizes the atomized substance. The vapors then continue to be pulled by the user through a mouthpiece and mouthpiece cover where they may be inhaled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Nathan Andrew Terry, Noah Mark Minskoff
  • Patent number: 8807539
    Abstract: A waterfall decorative humidifier, including mainly a housing, a water exit on top of the housing, a water sub-receptacle in the lower portion of the housing, a water pump in the water sub-receptacle, and a fan in the housing; in which the water pump is connected with the water exit through a water pipe, and in which the housing is generally of the shape of a waterfall; wherein at least one shaft is provided on the housing, and a decoration is connected to the shaft directly or through a mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Jack Hou
  • Patent number: 8800105
    Abstract: The electrical household appliance of the invention comprises a water filter suitable for use in a vacuum cleaner, said water filter comprises an inlet shaft perpendicular to the bottom surface of a water receptacle and in communication with a suction hose slot located at an emptied front part of said receptacle, said inlet shaft communicating with a top portion in the uppermost region of said water receptacle, said top portion extending parallel to the receptacle's bottom surface, said top portion further dividing into two separate tubes in the form of air exit posts at both sides of said inlet shaft, said air exit posts extending perpendicular to the receptacle's bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Senur Elektrik Motorlari San. Ve Tic. A.S.
    Inventors: Senur Akin Biçer, Mehmet Serhan Akin
  • Patent number: 8800970
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a humidifier for humidifying medical gases, comprising a humidification module including a control unit, wherein the humidification module is adapted for receiving a humidification chamber. Furthermore, the humidification module is further adapted to sense and/or receive information upon connection of the humidification chamber and/or additional equipment such as hoses, power supply pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Gründler GmbH
    Inventors: Daniel Heine, Markus Gruendler, Christoph Gruendler, Philipp Hiereth, Martin Busch
  • Patent number: 8770557
    Abstract: A portable appliance includes a humidifier and a heated scent mechanism. The heated scent mechanism includes a scent generator that harvests excess heat produced by a liquid heating chamber, or heat produced as a byproduct of motor operation. The humidifier may be controllable such that the appliance can serve as either a humidifier or air-freshener, individually or simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventor: Christopher S. Kanel
  • Patent number: 8763994
    Abstract: A humidifier has a continuous water flow system with total water recovery and no loss, for maximum efficiency. The unit has a fan with a motor, a transformer, and a circuit hoard, a water tank, and a hood that directs the water vapor into a duct system of a residence. The unit uses multiple ultrasonic transducers positioned at the bottom of a water chamber that transform electrical energy into mechanical energy through vibration. The vibration excites the water molecules separating them into particles having a diameter of about 10 microns for circulation through a home.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventors: Peter Seremetis, Rosario Milana, Clifford Hedquist
  • Patent number: 8740195
    Abstract: Systems and methods for diffusing gas into a liquid are disclosed. In some cases, the methods include tangentially introducing a liquid into a cylindrical chamber having a cylindrical inner wall such that the liquid develops a spiral flow. In some cases, gas bubbles are orthogonally introduced into the liquid as the liquid flows through the chamber. In some cases, a flow of the liquid and the gas bubbles is controlled such that a ratio of a liquid flow rate to a gas bubble flow rate does not exceed values which convert non-bacteria enriched, clear water into froth. In such cases, a mixture of the liquid and the gas bubbles to exit the chamber near an output end. While the liquid can include clear water, in some instances, the liquid also includes bacteria (e.g., surfactant-producing or non-surfactant-producing bacteria) and/or bacterial nutrients that allow for improved bioremediation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventors: Jakob H. Schneider, Joseph Mark Schneider
  • Patent number: 8726918
    Abstract: The present invention provides: a nanofluid generating apparatus that has relatively simple construction, is capable of stably generating nanobubbles, is easy to handle and makes it possible to reduce manufacturing cost; and a cleaning apparatus that uses nanofluid. An apparatus for generating nanofluid containing nanobubbles, wherein the nanobubbles are gas bubbles with diameter less than 1 ?m, comprising: a gas-liquid mixing chamber 7 for mixing gas and liquid; and a pressurization pump 4 and an air intake valve 21 for supplying the pressurized gas and liquid to the gas-liquid mixing chamber, wherein the gas-liquid mixing chamber comprises therein: a turbulence generating means Z having projecting lines 9 and grooves 10, 12, and a conical section 11, for forcibly mixing the supplied gas and liquid by generating turbulence therein; and a nano-outlet 20 for turning the forcibly mixed gas and liquid mixture into nanofluid having nano bubbles and discharging the nanofluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Sadatoshi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8726790
    Abstract: A milk frothing device comprises a housing (2) including a container (10) for receiving the milk to be frothed, and a frothing means (20), wherein the container comprises a side wall (11), a bottom portion (13) and an inclined wall portion (12), wherein the inclined wall portion is inclined with respect to the side wall and is confined by the side wall and the bottom portion, wherein the container and the frothing means together form an asymmetrical arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Green Lane Designs Limited
    Inventors: Gary Lane, Alan Green
  • Publication number: 20140097550
    Abstract: A 3D blaze humidifier includes a box body. The box body is divided into an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper and lower portions are one-piece. The lower portion includes a fog generator, a closed chamber to collect fog and a separate water bottle. The upper portion includes an imitational charcoal bed, an elongated fog outlet, and an illumination unit under the elongated fog outlet. The separate water bottle can be taken out for replacement and cleaning and is a normal water bottle. The illumination unit generates fluttering blaze so that the blaze effect is almost real. The humidifier combines with the imitational blaze. The humidifier improves the function and single structure of the normal humidifier, and is novel, convenient for use and environment-friendly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventor: Zhijian JIANG
  • Patent number: 8677993
    Abstract: A humidification canister for humidifying a breathing gas, the humidification canister includes a fluid supply configured to supply a fluid and a first gas flow path in fluid communication with the fluid supply. A first gas flow path is configured to humidify the breathing gas with the fluid. A second gas flow path at least partially surrounds the first gas flow path. A method of insulating a breathing gas in a humidification canister using a gas is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Vapotherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Felino V. Cortez, Jr., William F. Niland, George McGarrity, Carl Buyer, Kenneth Miller, Peter Boyd
  • Publication number: 20140077399
    Abstract: A system for carbonating a personalized beverage may comprise a base container including at least one sidewall defining a liquid storage area, and a carbon dioxide storage member configured to be sealingly coupled to said base container. The system may further comprise a carbon dioxide cartridge configured to selectively release carbon dioxide when engaged with said carbon dioxide storage member, and wherein said carbon dioxide storage member further comprises a pressure regulator configured to, when actuated, release the said carbon dioxide from said carbon dioxide cartridge at a rate configured to carbonate a beverage within said liquid storage over a period of time greater than 6 hours and less than 36 hours.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: ANHEUSER-BUSCH, LLC
    Inventor: ANHEUSER-BUSCH, LLC
  • Patent number: 8672299
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a humidifier. The humidifier includes a rear casing, a front casing placed in front of the rear casing and having an opening formed on its front side, a fan housing having an air intake unit formed on its front side, wherein an air blower unit is formed on one side of a circumference part of the fan housing, a humidification filter placed in front of the air intake unit, and a water tank placed on a side of the humidification filter. The fan housing has a partition wall projected therefrom between the humidification filter and the water tank, and the partition wall partitions a front side of the fan housing into a space through which air passes and a space where the water tank is placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Yong Hyuk Choi, Yo Sang Jung, Chin Hyuk Chang
  • Patent number: 8668187
    Abstract: The integrated aeration system utilizes a water pump for aeration. Ambient air/gas is entrained by a circulating water jet induced by the pump. The circulating water jet enters a sealed tank. The entrained gas is broken into bubbles after the impingement between the jet and a receiving pool occurs, aerating the receiving pool by water jet spray. The entrained gas/air builds up headspace pressure above the water pool, the headspace pressure being measured by a pressure gauge. The trapped air above the water pool is released when the headspace pressure increases to reach a desired value to aerate a separate tank/container as a diffused aeration or any other aeration process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Kuwait University
    Inventor: Bader Shafaqa Al-Anzi
  • Publication number: 20140057034
    Abstract: Apparatus for making a beverage is described. The apparatus comprises a carbonator and an inhibitor. The carbonator is for carbonating a liquid. The liquid is foamed to have bubbles. The inhibitor may be penetrated with the carbonator. The inhibitor is for inhibiting the foaming of the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventor: YUNG HUA WANG
  • Patent number: 8596620
    Abstract: An aeration cartridge (10) within an outer vessel, the aeration cartridge (10) comprising a tube (18) constructed from two or more longitudinally joined cylindrical sections (20), wherein respective ends of the cylindrical sections (20) are shaped so that when they are joined together, at least one slot (24) passing from an inner surface of the tube (18) to an outer surface of the tube (18) is created at the join, and wherein the outer vessel is capable of being connected to a high pressure gas supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Maelgwyn Mineral Services Limited
    Inventor: Rainer Imhof