Electric Heater Patents (Class 261/142)
  • Publication number: 20140131904
    Abstract: A heating apparatus includes a heating element (48) which converts electrical power to heat energy, a heatable element (44) having a first surface and a second surface, and a dielectric laminate layer (46) between the heating element and the first surface of the heatable element, wherein the dielectric laminate layer (46) is thermally conductive to transfer heat energy from the heating element (48) to the heatable element (44), and wherein the second surface of the heatable element is configured heat a liquid in a container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: RESMED LIMITED
    Inventors: Zhuo Ran Tang, Ronald James Huby, Hargopal Verma, Andrew Roderick Bath, Roger Mervyn Lloyd Foote
  • Publication number: 20140069174
    Abstract: An oil transporting vaporizer for a smoke generating apparatus to generate smoke to be supplied to a closed system to be tested for leaks. In a preferred embodiment, the vaporizer includes a hollow tube that is manufactured from a high temperature, fire resistant, porous material (e.g., ceramic). The vaporizer stands in a reservoir of oil such that some of the porous tube is filled with oil from the reservoir. A heater wire surrounds the outside of the porous tube above the oil within the tube. A gas (e.g., air) is blown into the porous tube and towards the oil to cause a mixture of air and gas to move through the tube. Because of its porosity, the air/oil mixture permeates the tube in the vicinity of the heater wire so as to be vaporized into smoke when the heater wire is energized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventors: Richard L. Banyard, Edward A. Murashie, Gregory M. McCollom
  • Patent number: 8636002
    Abstract: A respiratory humidifier chamber for use with a breathing assistance apparatus is described. The chamber includes a water-tight vessel having an inlet for receiving gases from the breathing assistance apparatus, and an outlet through which heated humidified gases exit the vessel for delivery to a patient. The chamber has a partition which divides the chamber into upstream and downstream sub-chambers. The sub-chambers are separated by the partition except for an aperture which passes through the partition and allows gaseous communication between the sub-chambers. The downstream sub-chamber includes a heater base which heats a volume of water contained within it. The aperture is located above the volume of water. The upstream sub-chamber contains an internal heater which heats gases passing through it from the inlet to the aperture. At least part of the internal heater is located immediately adjacent the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Alastair Edwin McAuley, Raymond Ka Yau Lo, David Fraser Wixey, Ian Douglas Makinson
  • Patent number: 8632059
    Abstract: A fragrance disperser in one form includes a single fan that passes air over a wicked single or double fragrance. A second form has the fan reversible to provide two different airstreams that evaporate respective different fragrances one after the other. Where two fragrances are provided, the evaporation may be by respective electrical heaters. A fragrance source may be formed by two sheets joined together to form two chambers each receiving a respective wick and having respective exposed wick portions. The source may incorporate a source of electrical power. An alternative source has a reservoir for fragrance and a wick located in an air passage forming part of the source so that an air flow is guided through the passage past the wick to evaporate fragrance. Where two fragrances are provided, the fragrance sources may be located side-by-side and matching fragrances may have, for example, matching indicia on the sources so that the match can be easily determined visually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: CTR Consultoria Tecnica e Representacoes, Lda
    Inventors: Richard P. H. Pankhurst, Brian D. Smith, Michael J. Evans
  • Publication number: 20140001658
    Abstract: Humidifier apparatus for a respiratory apparatus includes a housing providing a gas flow path, a heater apparatus, and a water supply distribution member configured and arranged to deliver water vapour to the gas flow path. The water distribution member is provided to the housing and in thermal communication with the heater apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: ResMed Limited
    Inventor: Alexander Virr
  • Patent number: 8616532
    Abstract: A flow conditioner for generating and diluting an aerosol with a first inlet adapted to receive a first volume flow of pressurized gas. A second inlet is adapted to receive a second dilution gas volume flow and a third inlet adapted to receive a fluid to be converted into an aerosol. A nozzle is connected to the first and third inlet and has a nozzle orifice for outputting a first aerosol. A first dilution gas flow partitioner has a first set of openings penetrating the first dilution gas flow partitioner and a second dilution gas flow partitioner that is spaced apart from the first dilution gas partitioner and has a second set of openings penetrating the second dilution gas flow partitioner. The nozzle orifice is positioned in the proximity of the second dilution gas flow partitioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Donovan B. Yeates
  • Publication number: 20130334716
    Abstract: A fan heater with a humidifier includes a housing in which both a warm air generation mechanism for generating warm air and a humidification mechanism for generating a mist are provided. The fan heater with the humidifier is characterized by its integrated structure for effectively providing warm air and appropriate moisture at the same time, so as to prevent the air around the fan heater from being too dry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Chan Ching
  • Patent number: 8602398
    Abstract: A bathroom sauna device having a heating device for heating air in a bathroom, a humidifying device for humidifying the air in the bathroom, and an airflow path for sending the air, which is adjusted in temperature and humidity by the heating device and humidifying device, to the bathroom. The temperature and humidity of the air in the bathroom are controlled by the heating device and humidifying device to a temperature and humidity immediately before which a human body starts sweating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Kyou Hayasi, Yoshihiro Nishizuru
  • Publication number: 20130298834
    Abstract: A liquid vaporizer is configured to vaporize a liquid reagent and mix the vaporized liquid reagent with a gaseous medium. The liquid vaporizer is equipped with a main vaporizer body having a mixed gas generating space, and a vaporizing unit disposed inside the mixed gas generating space. The vaporizing unit has a vaporizing unit main body having a vaporization surface and a net-shaped body formed in a planar shape by knitting wires regularly in a net-like shape. The net-shaped body forms a plurality of mesh spaces surrounded by the wires and arranged regularly in the in-plane direction. The vaporizing unit forms a plurality of liquid reagent supply spaces surrounded by the wires and the vaporization surface as a result of the net-shaped body and the vaporization surface being abutted against each other. The liquid reagent supply spaces are arranged regularly in the in-plane direction of the net-shaped body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Masayuki KOUKETSU, Hiroshi ITAFUJI
  • Patent number: 8556237
    Abstract: A reduced water mist generating device (1) is provided with a water acquiring section (3) that acquires water for generating reduced water, a reduced water generating unit (U) that generates the reduced water from the acquired water, a reduced water atomizing section (6) that atomizes the generated reduced water, and a spraying section (7) that sprays the atomized water. With such a configuration, the reduced water can be generated from water, drifted in the form of a mist in a space, and caused to arrive at an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Tomohiro Yamaguchi, Junpei Ohe, Yukiko Mishima, Hiroshi Suda, Yukiyasu Asano, Yasuhiro Komura, Yoshinori Sainomoto
  • Patent number: 8523986
    Abstract: In a gas scrubber, a gas stream containing at least one sublimed substance is brought in contact with a liquid or melt stream containing at least one thermally convertible substance, which has a lower temperature than the gas stream. For the intensive and intimate mixing of the gas stream with the liquid or melt stream, an orifice plate with a plurality of holes each surrounded by a retaining edge is provided in the upper part of the gas scrubber, and above the orifice plate inlets for the gas stream and the liquid or melt stream are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Lurgi GmbH
    Inventors: Arne Schadt, Juergen Eberhardt, Martin Mueller-Hasky
  • Patent number: 8511651
    Abstract: A heater unit is adapted to determine if a humidification chamber thermally coupled to a hot plate of the heater unit is effectively dry based on determining a thermal response of a hot plate of the heater unit. Also, the activation period during which the hot plate is being heated is adjusted toward an optimum period by adjusting the energization or power level to the heater element thereof in relation to the duration of a prior activation period. Further, the air flow rate of gas through the humidification chamber may be estimated based on a temperature of the hot plate determined in predetermined relationship to the beginning of an activation period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Smiths Medical ASD, Inc.
    Inventors: Mikhail Fridberg, Boris Dubinsky
  • Patent number: 8444120
    Abstract: Vaporizable material is supported within a vessel to promote contact of an introduced gas with the vaporizable material, and produce a product gas including vaporized material. A heating element supplies heat to a wall of the vessel to heat vaporizable material disposed therein. The vessel may comprise an ampoule having a removable top. Multiple containers defining multiple material support surfaces may be stacked disposed within a vessel in thermal communication with the vessel. A tube may be disposed within the vessel and coupled to a gas inlet. Filters, flow meters, and level sensors may be further provided. Product gas resulting from contact of introduced gas with vaporized material may be delivered to atomic layer deposition (ALD) or similar process equipment. At least a portion of source material including a solid may be dissolved in a solvent, followed by removal of solvent to yield source material (e.g., a metal complex) disposed within the vaporizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: John N. Gregg, Scott L. Battle, Jeffrey I. Banton, Donn K. Naito, Ravi K. Laxman
  • Patent number: 8376322
    Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to steam humidifiers with an auto-cleaning feature, and more particularly, to steam humidifiers that include an auto-cleaning feature for automatically cleaning impurities and/or other byproducts from the steam humidifier while still operating the humidifier in a relatively efficient manner. In some illustrative embodiment, this may be accomplished by providing some level of flexibility of when an auto-cleaning routine is initiated and performed. For example, tank flushing may be initiated and performed preferentially during non-heating states of the steam humidifier, which may potentially decrease down time and increase attainable output capacity and efficiency of the steam humidifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Hoglund
  • Patent number: 8322693
    Abstract: A milk froth machine includes a base and a top cover. A heating element is electrically connected to a controller mounted in the base. First and second electric connectors are respectively mounted to the base and top cover and electrically connected to the controller. The first and second electric connectors are coupled together when an agitator on the top cover is aligned with a supporting top face of the base. A motor is mounted in the top cover and electrically connected to the second electric connector. A container can be placed on the supporting top face with the agitator extending into the container and with the first and second electric connectors electrically coupled together. The controller controls the motor to drive the agitator to agitate milk in the container to form milk froth or controls the heating element to heat the milk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Uni-Splendor Corp.
    Inventor: Yu-Yuan Lin
  • Patent number: 8235041
    Abstract: A humidifier and humidity sensor is disclosed for use with a breathing assistance apparatus. The humidity sensor preferably includes means to sense absolute humidity, relative humidity and/or temperature at both the patient end and humidifier end. The humidifier may also include provision to both control independently the humidity and temperature of the gases. Further, a chamber manifold is disclosed to facilitate easy connection of the humidifier to various outlets, inlets and sensors. A heated conduit is described which provides a more effective temperature profile along its length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Paul John Seakins, Malcolm David Smith, Mohammad Thudor
  • Patent number: 8186656
    Abstract: To provide a sauna device having a small number of components without any special heat source, operable at a low running cost, and capable of turning a sauna room into a high humidity space with low noise. The sauna device has a heating/humidifying unit for heating/humidifying air, a ventilating unit for exhausting the air in the sauna room, and a control unit for controlling the heating/humidifying unit and the ventilating unit. The heating/humidifying unit has a heating section for heating the air through a circulation blowing section for circulating the air in the sauna room and a humidifying section for humidifying the heated air having passed through the heating section. The humidified air is blown out into the sauna room through the humidifying section. A bent portion where the air-blowing duct through which the humidified air having passed through the humidifying section passes is bent is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Fujii, Masayosi Toujyou, Shigeru Morikawa, Naoya Araki, Yasuaki Shima, Daisuke Ogawa, Masahiro Fujita, Seiji Mizuno, Daisuke Tsubosa, Yasuhiro Suzuki, Yoshio Ikari, Hideyuki Fujisawa
  • Patent number: 8181943
    Abstract: A humidifier (1), including at least one housing (2), in which multiple fibers (3) constructed as water-permeable hollow fiber membranes are arranged, wherein a first air stream (4) is passed inside the fibers (3) and a second air stream (5) is passed outside the fibers (3), and wherein the housing (2) is of flattened design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventors: Klaus Leister, Harald Ehrentraut
  • Patent number: 8177199
    Abstract: An aerosol generator includes a saturator having an enclosure for passing a gas therethrough, and a porous substrate being adapted for retaining a non-vaporized form of an aerosol material, wherein the porous substrate is further adapted to release a vaporized form of the aerosol material for introduction into the gas within the enclosure, and a condenser adapted for receiving the gas containing the vapor from the saturator to produce an aerosol containing the aerosol material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: John C. Carpin
  • Patent number: 8178048
    Abstract: A dispenser fixture for dispersing aromatic vapors into a facility includes an elongated dispenser chamber bounded by end walls, one containing a motor driven fan and the other wall containing fixtures for supplying and controlling electrical current for powering the fan motor. The chamber, containing trays supporting a replaceable supply of aromatic material, presents the aromatic material to an air flow passing into apertures positioned near or in the other wall such that a carrier arm supporting the fixture orientates the fan motor to discharge air enriched with aromatic vapors in a horizontal direction into the facility. The fixture includes upstanding side walls joining the end walls, a floor wall joining the side walls and the end walls, and a top wall overlying the side and end walls for enclosing the aromatic materials in the chamber. The dispenser fixture may be made of a hard plastic or metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Pestco, Inc.
    Inventors: Arnold H. Zlotnik, Raymond Czapko
  • Patent number: 8128073
    Abstract: Vaporizable material is supported within a vessel to promote contact of an introduced gas with the vaporizable material, and produce a product gas including vaporized material. A heating element supplies heat to a wall of the vessel to heat vaporizable material disposed therein. The vessel may comprise an amoule may having a removable top. Multiple containers defining multiple material support surfaces be stacked disposed within a vessel in thermal communication with the vessel. A tube may be disposed within the vessel and coupled to a gas inlet. Filters, flow meters, and level sensors may be further provided. Product gas resulting from contact of introduced gas with vaporized material may be delivered to atomic layer deposition (ALD) or similar process equipment. At least a portion of source material including a solid may be dissolved in a solvent, followed by removal of solvent to yield source material (e.g., a metal complex) disposed within the vaporizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: John N. Gregg, Scott L. Battle, Jeffrey I. Banton, Donn K. Naito, Ravi K. Laxman
  • Patent number: 8121465
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to improve a mobile flue gas generator and to simplify a method for testing a flue gas indicator. The invention is characterised in that a mobile flue gas generator for simulating a real flue gas is proposed, whereby the mobile flue gas generator comprises an electric heating device for generating the flue gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: No Climb Products Limited
    Inventor: Hubert Koch
  • Publication number: 20120025408
    Abstract: A mist humidifier includes a water supply, at least one nebulization device and at least one heater mechanism. The nebulization device nebulizes at least a portion of a flow of water from the water supply and discharges a flow of mist particles. The heater mechanism selectively heats at least a portion of the flow of mist particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Ying Man John Wong, Kwok Yung Anthony Law
  • Publication number: 20120007260
    Abstract: A milk froth machine includes a base and a top cover. A heating element is electrically connected to a controller mounted in the base. First and second electric connectors are respectively mounted to the base and top cover and electrically connected to the controller. The first and second electric connectors are coupled together when an agitator on the top cover is aligned with a supporting top face of the base. A motor is mounted in the top cover and electrically connected to the second electric connector. A container can be placed on the supporting top face with the agitator extending into the container and with the first and second electric connectors electrically coupled together. The controller controls the motor to drive the agitator to agitate milk in the container to form milk froth or controls the heating element to heat the milk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: Yu-Yuan Lin
  • Patent number: 8048379
    Abstract: An air freshener includes a housing having at least a first compartment and a second compartment, each of the first and second compartments having vents. The air freshener includes a first fan unit disposed within the first compartment and a second fan unit disposed within the second compartment. The air freshener also includes a first fragrance emitting substance disposed within the first compartment proximate the first fan unit and a second fragrance emitting substance disposed within the second compartment proximate the second fan unit. A programmable processor is operatively connected to a power source and the first and second fan units and configured to drive at least one of the first and second fan units so as to promote discharge of one of the first and second fragrance emitting substances from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Hyso Technology LLC
    Inventor: Simon Sassoon
  • Patent number: 8038130
    Abstract: A two-stroke engine with external fuel mixture generation in a carburetor. The engine including a suction funnel having an interior disposed upstream of the carburetor. The engine further includes a tapered insert having a narrow end and a wide end disposed in an area of an inlet port of the suction funnel. The insert at least partially defines the interior of the suction funnel, and the insert tapers in a flow direction of air flow from the wide end to the narrow end. Accordingly, a diameter of the interior of the suction funnel adjacent to the narrow end of the insert is substantially larger when compared to the narrow end of the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: 3W-Modellmotoren GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Weinhold, Peter Wintrich
  • Patent number: 8025270
    Abstract: A decorative humidifier which has mainly a base seat, a water receptacle device for transforming water into vapor, a fan installed under the base seat, a water opening on the bottom of the water receptacle, a power source, a shaft connected with the power source for connecting to a decoration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Jack Hou
  • Publication number: 20110162534
    Abstract: An appliance for heating and frothing a milk-containing liquid. The appliance includes a steam supply arrangement having an outlet with an opening for delivering into the milk-containing liquid bubbles of steam. The outlet is associated with a valve for adjusting the bubble size of the steam bubbles delivered into the liquid from the steam outlet opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventors: Christophe S. Boussemart, Alexa Perrin
  • Patent number: 7971862
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vaporizer including a first liquid suction section to suck a first liquid; a second liquid suction section to suck a second liquid; and a heating element to heat the first liquid suction section and the second liquid suction section to vaporize the first liquid and the second liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihito Kanda, Yasunari Kabasawa, Naotomo Miyamoto
  • Publication number: 20110115107
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivering humidified air to a surrounding space and having a housing defining a space within which incoming air is treated, a receptacle for a supply of fluid, and an outlet. A plurality of operating components are supported by the housing, including a nebulizer that causes fluid in the receptacle to become entrained in incoming air. The treated air flows through the housing outlet to the surrounding space. The nebulizer operable by at least one electronic component that generates heat as the nebulizer is operated. The apparatus further has a heat sink assembly on the housing in heat exchange relationship with the at least one electronic heat generating component. The heat sink assembly is: a) cooled by air moving through the housing space; and b) not directly exposed to fluid in the receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Dirk Niedermann, Kelvin Li
  • Patent number: 7942389
    Abstract: An evaporator defines an evaporator volume, and boils the liquid inside evaporator volume. A mixing chamber is in communication with the evaporator volume and mixes the vapor or moisture from the liquid in the evaporator with the breathing gas of the patient. The mixing chamber is a separate structure than the evaporator. The mixing chamber and the evaporator are connected by a first connection that is repetitively connectable and disconnectable without significant destruction of a respective connection. A heater is arranged outside of the evaporator and in a heat conducting connection with the evaporator. The heater is a separate structure than the evaporator. The evaporator and the heater are connected by a second connection that is repetitively connectable and disconnectable. A liquid storage tank is in communication with the evaporator and supplies a liquid to the evaporator through a flow channel. The liquid storage tank is larger than the evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Dräger Medical GmbH
    Inventors: Jochim Koch, Klaus Radomski, Andreas Krause
  • Patent number: 7883076
    Abstract: A semiconductor processing system includes a gas supply system configured to supply water vapor into a process chamber that accommodates a target substrate. The gas supply system is provided with a gas generating apparatus for generating water vapor from purified water. The gas generating apparatus includes a first vaporizing section configured to spray the purified water along with a carrier gas and heat the purified water, so as to generate preparatory water vapor containing mist, and a second vaporizing section configured to vaporize mist contained in the preparatory water vapor, so as to generate process water vapor from the preparatory water vapor. In the second vaporizing section, a thin film having a mesh structure is disposed across a passage for the preparatory water vapor and configured to trap mist between the first vaporizing section and the process chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Tsuneyuki Okabe, Shigeyuki Okura
  • Patent number: 7878488
    Abstract: Volatization of oil to impart a scent into air in an environment includes sensing a wireless transmitted signal in the environment and selectively outputting a control signal in response to the sensed wireless signal. The control signal activates a heater. Oil is transferred to a target region proximate the heater. The oil is actively volatized by the heater. Optionally, further wireless signals can be ignored until a cycle is complete, such that volatization occurs in response to only a portion of wireless signals in the environment. An apparatus can be so constructed to volatize oil in response to wireless signal events in the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: David Leason
  • Publication number: 20110011268
    Abstract: A humidifier with an in-water discharging apparatus is provided. The humidifier is hygienically safe because it discharges sterilized, clean water into an indoor environment. Also, because a floor around where the humidifier is installed is not dampened, the formation of mold and the risk of a user suffering an accident can be prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventors: Sunghwa Lee, Younghoon Kim, Bongjo Sung, Jongho Park
  • Patent number: 7850152
    Abstract: Methods and devices for moisturizing hyperpolarized noble gas and associated hyperpolarized noble gas products which are formulated for inhalation or ventilation delivery include adding moisture content to (dry) hyperpolarized gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Medi Physics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ken Bolam, Patrick Cella, John Nouls, Brian Teixeira
  • Patent number: 7841587
    Abstract: A fragrance disperser in one form includes a single fan that passes air over a wicked single or double fragrance. A second form has the fan reversible to provide two different airstreams that evaporate respective different fragrances one after the other. Where two fragrances are provided, the evaporation may be by respective electrical heaters. A fragrance source may be formed by two sheets joined together to form two chambers each receiving a respective wick and having respective exposed wick portions. The source may incorporate a source of electrical power. An alternative source has a reservoir for fragrance and a wick located in an air passage forming part of the source so that an air flow is guided through the passage past the wick to evaporate fragrance. Where two fragrances are provided, the fragrance sources may be located side-by-side and matching fragrances may have, for example, matching indicia on the sources so that the match can be easily determined visually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: CTR Consultoria Tecnica e Representacoes, Lda.
    Inventors: Richard P. H. Pankhurst, Brian D. Smith, Michael J. Evans
  • Patent number: 7828274
    Abstract: Vaporizable material is supported within a vessel to promote contact of an introduced gas with the vaporizable material, and produce a product gas including vaporized material. A heating element supplies heat to a wall of the vessel to heat vaporizable material disposed therein. The vessel may comprise an amoule having a removable top. Multiple containers defining multiple material support surfaces may be stacked disposed within a vessel in thermal communication with the vessel. A tube may be disposed within the vessel and coupled to a gas inlet. Filters, flow meters, and level sensors may be further provided. Product gas resulting from contact of introduced gas with vaporized material may be delivered to atomic layer deposition (ALD) or similar process equipment. At least a portion of source material including a solid may be dissolved in a solvent, followed by removal of solvent to yield source material (e.g., a metal complex) disposed within the vaporizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: John N. Gregg, Scott L. Battle, Jeffrey I. Banton, Donn K. Naito, Ravi Laxman
  • Patent number: 7775508
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a precursor to a process chamber is described. The apparatus comprises an ampoule capable of receiving either a liquid precursor source material or a solid precursor source material. The ampoule is capable of delivering either a liquid precursor material to a vaporizer coupled to the process chamber, or a vaporized or gaseous precursor material to the process chamber. The ampoule also includes a continuous level sensor to accurately monitor the level of precursor source material within the ampoule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenric T. Choi, Pravin K. Narwankar, Shreyas S. Kher, Son T. Nguyen, Paul Deaton, Khai Ngo, Paul Chhabra, Alan H. Ouye, Dien-Yeh (Daniel) Wu
  • Publication number: 20100170481
    Abstract: A conversion system for a gasoline engine based generator enables the use of heavier fuels. A vertically disposed vortex separation chamber includes an inlet proximate the bottom of the chamber and tangential to the longitudinal axis of the chamber for delivering to the chamber partially vaporized fuel in an air-fuel mixture from a carburetor associated with the engine. An outlet proximate the top of the chamber also tangential to the longitudinal axis of the chamber for delivering vaporized fuel from the chamber to the engine. An electric heater is in communication with the bottom of the chamber for heating the chamber wall to vaporize any fuel thereon so vaporized fuel is reintroduced in swirling air-fuel mixture in the chamber. A battery source charged by the generator provides power to the electric heater. A jacket is disposed about and spaced from the chamber wall creating an annulus between the jacket and the chamber wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: David H. Walker, Andrew C. Harvey, Nathan B. Longo
  • Publication number: 20100154796
    Abstract: A humidifier includes a humidifier tub including an air inlet and an air outlet. The air outlet may have an exit port positioned in a plane disposed below the air inlet. A base plate is provided to the bottom of the humidifier tub. The base plate and humidifier tub define a water chamber adapted to receive a volume of water. The humidifier tub may include a guidance structure adapted to direct air entering the humidifier tub via the air inlet to swirl downwardly and around within the humidifier tub reaching the water surface before exiting the exit port. The tub may include a structure to prevent the inadvertent entry of water from the tub to the flow generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: RESMED LTD
    Inventors: Ian Malcolm Smith, William Bonilla, Richard Llewelyn Jones
  • Patent number: 7712729
    Abstract: A vaporizing device which can vaporize fuel stably includes: a liquid absorbing member to allow liquid to move from one end portion to the other end portion of the liquid absorbing member under influence of a capillary action; and a heater to heat a side of the other end portion of the liquid absorbing member to vaporize the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasunari Kabasawa, Daisuke Imanaka, Kaoru Saito
  • Patent number: 7677536
    Abstract: A portable appliance including a humidifier and an electrically heated scent mechanism. The heated scent mechanism includes a scent generator and an electrical heating element. The heating element and humidifier may be independently controllable such that the appliance can serve as either a humidifier or air-freshener, individually or simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Kaz, Incorporated
    Inventors: Zhijing Wang, Linda Hotz
  • Patent number: 7673858
    Abstract: A humidifier for direct low pressure injection of steam into a duct. A source of steam is provided, and a steam tube is in fluid communication with the source of steam. A distal end segment of the steam tube is inclined with respect to the horizontal when the system is mounted to a duct to cause condensation within the steam tube to drain back to the source of steam under the force of gravity. The distal end of the steam tube includes an opening having a lip on an inside surface of the opening, where the lip directs condensation formed at the opening to flow back into the steam tube and back to the source of steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne R. Anderson, Brad A. Terlson, Charles E. Bartlett, Brian J. Ignaut
  • Patent number: 7673859
    Abstract: A twist locking connector for a steam humidifier. The steam humidifier includes a tank for heating water to generate steam and a steam tube receiver structure in fluid communication with the tank. The steam tube receiver structure has an opening configured to receive a steam tube, where the opening has a plurality of ramp structures about the opening on a side facing the tank. The steam humidifier also includes a steam tube for transmitting steam from the tank to a duct, the steam tube having a plurality of locking tabs adjacent to an end and a flange adjacent to, but separated by a distance from, the locking tabs. The steam tube is assembled to the steam tube receiver by inserting the steam tube through the opening in the steam tube receiver structure and rotating the steam tube to cause the locking tabs to engage with the ramp structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Josef Novotny, Wayne R. Anderson, Brad Alan Terlson, Steve L. Wolff
  • Publication number: 20100038805
    Abstract: A two-stroke engine with external fuel mixture generation in a carburettor. The engine including a suction funnel having an interior disposed upstream of the carburettor. The engine further includes a tapered insert having a narrow end and a wide end disposed in an area of an inlet port of the suction funnel. The insert at least partially defines the interior of the suction funnel, and the insert tapers in a flow direction of air flow from the wide end to the narrow end. Accordingly, a diameter of the interior of the suction funnel adjacent to the narrow end of the insert is substantially larger when compared to the narrow end of the insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: 3W-MODELLMOTOREN GMBH
    Inventors: Peter Weinhold, Peter Wintrich
  • Publication number: 20100001417
    Abstract: Methods and compositions of providing a signal when a fragrance dispenser has reached a predetermined amount of fragrance. In one embodiment of the invention, a dispenser is provided that includes a fragranced polymer pad. The pad shrinks as the fragrance is exhausted. After the pad has shrunk to a predetermined level, an actuator causes a signal to be emitted, indicating that the fragrance should be supplemented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Daniel D'Amico
  • Publication number: 20090283923
    Abstract: A humidifier system comprising a housing having a reservoir extending therethrough for passage of liquid through the humidifier system. Liquid from a liquid receptacle is transferred to the reservoir in the housing. The flow rate of the liquid can be controlled so as to adjust the water rate within the reservoir. The housing provides at least one opening defined therein separately positioned within the housing from the reservoir but accessible thereto, and an electric heating element is inserted therein, the heating element projecting into the reservoir whereby the heating element is in direct contact with the liquid to heat it. The heating element is supplied with electrical power from a power source for enabling the heating element to heat the liquid and create steam within the housing. A safety switch is also provided, in association with the interior of the housing, wherein the safety switch is adapted to turn the heating element off when a temperature of the element exceeds a pre-determined level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: Ray King
  • Patent number: 7611072
    Abstract: A method and a device for the atomization of a liquid by directing a jet of liquid onto a hot contact surface, in particular a deflecting surface, so that a part of the liquid is vaporized. The non-vaporized liquid is atomized into small droplets that form an aerosol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf-Peter Peters, Holger Holakovsky
  • Patent number: 7575226
    Abstract: A system for aerating liquid within a liquid retention structure including a liquid delivery tube in fluid communication with a gas exchange chamber and a pump. The gas exchange chamber includes an air inlet and a gas outlet. The pump is configured to pump liquid within the liquid retention structure through the liquid delivery tube and into the gas exchange chamber so that harmful gases contained within the liquid escape from the liquid and exit through the gas outlet. Fresh air enters into the gas exchange chamber through the air inlet and is absorbed into the liquid within the gas exchange chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Allied Precision Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. Reusche, Philip E. Chumbley, Mike Ressl, James McHugh
  • Patent number: 7556244
    Abstract: Vaporizable material is supported within a vessel to promote contact of an introduced gas with the vaporizable material, and produce a product gas including vaporized material. A heating element supplies heat to a wall of the vessel to heat vaporizable material disposed therein. The vessel may comprise an ampoule having a removable top. Multiple containers defining multiple material support surfaces may be stacked disposed within a vessel in thermal communication with the vessel. A tube may be disposed within the vessel and coupled to a gas inlet. Filters, flow meters, and level sensors may be further provided. Product gas resuting from contact of introduced gas with vaporized material may be delivered to atomic layer deposition (ALD) or similar process equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: John N. Gregg, Scott L. Battle, Jeffrey I. Banton, Donn K. Naito, Ravi K. Laxman