Abstract: A flow probe for use in a humidification system is disclosed. The flow probe is adapted to be positioned in a humidified gases flow (for example oxygen or anaesthetic gases) such as that which is provided to a patient in a hospital environment. The flow probe is designed to provide both temperature and flow rate sensing of the gases flow by incorporating two sensors (preferably thermistors) and the shape and alignment of the probe enables accurate readings by reducing the occurrence of condensation on the sensors.

Abstract: A humidifier includes a base defining a reservoir for retaining liquid, a humidification device for inducing dispersion of liquid withdrawn from the reservoir into the environment and a liquid storage tank having an outlet for feeding liquid into the reservoir. The humidification device includes a heated disc for evaporating a stream of liquid delivered from the reservoir to the heated disc by a delivery mechanism. The delivery mechanism may deliver the stream of liquid as a mist, a thin film or a controlled stream of liquid onto the disc.

Abstract: A power distribution system for an air handler is reconfigureable by way of selectively connectable plug-in connectors. The air handler includes a blower associated with a first plug-in connector that is selectively connectable to a second plug-in connector of a heater and a third plug-in connector of an electric air cleaner. If the air handler includes a heater but not the electric air cleaner, then the blower connector plugs into the heater connector. If the air handler includes an electric air cleaner but not a heater, then the blower plugs into the connector of the air cleaner. And if the air handler includes both a heater and an electric air cleaner, then a three-way electrical connector couples the blower to both the heater and the air cleaner.

Abstract: A humidifier (24) for use with a breathable gas supply apparatus (20). The humidifier (24) comprises a hollow body (42, 44) adapted for partial filling with water to a predetermined maximum water level, a gas inlet (48) to the body (42, 44) above the maximum water level and a gas outlet (50) from the body (42, 44) above the maximum water level. The humidifier (24) further comprises a constant temperature heating element (30) for heating the water and/or an adjustable flow divider (62) adapted to divide the interior of the body (42, 44) above the maximum water level into a relatively dry gas region (68) and a relatively wet gas region (70). The position of the divider (62) is variable so as to vary the relative proportion of the gas flowing from the inlet (48) to the outlet (50) that passes through the relatively dry (68) and relatively wet (70) gas regions to thereby vary the amount of humidification thereof.

Abstract: A floating portable humidifier is configured to float partially submerged in an open tray of water. An internal cavity includes water entry apertures below the water line and air entry apertures above the water line. Water enters the cavity through the water entry apertures to establish a constant water level within the cavity. Humidifying apparatus installed within the cavity combines water and air to form humidified air that leaves the humidifier through air exit apertures. A motor-driven fan may assist circulation of humidified air. Sealed chambers or a porous closed cell body construction may provide the necessary buoyancy. Any humidifying apparatus may be used. The floating design eliminates the need for a water tank.

Abstract: A flow probe for use in a humidification system is disclosed. The flow probe is adapted to be positioned in a humidified gases flow (for example oxygen or anaesthetic gases) such as that which is provided to a patient in a hospital environment. The flow probe is designed to provide both temperature and flow rate sensing of the gases flow by incorporating two sensors (preferably thermistors) and the shape and alignment of the probe enables accurate readings by reducing the occurrence of condensation on the sensors.

Abstract: A high flow rate bubbler system and method are provided for producing a stable, easily controllable source of chemical vapors to a downstream process. The bubbler system is equipped with a vaporizer unit connected to its gas outlet tube. This vaporizer unit slows the gas velocity to enhance settling of entrained droplets and contacts the exiting gas with a high thermal mass, heated surfaces to promote heat transfer and evaporation of the entrained droplets.

Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing scents into the environment is disclosed. In one embodiment, the dispensing device is used in conjunction with an article of manufacture which contains one or more scents or aromatic materials. In such an embodiment, the dispensing device can include a housing and a removable, reusable/replayable, closed, multiple scent-containing article of manufacture which is removably inserted into or onto said housing.

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

Abstract: A humidifier for use with a breathable gas supply apparatus includes a hollow body adapted for partial filling with water to a predetermined maximum water level, a gas inlet to the body above the maximum water level and a gas outlet from the body above the maximum water level. The humidifier further includes a constant temperature heating element for heating the water and/or an adjustable flow divider adapted to divide the interior of the body above the maximum water level into a relatively dry gas region and a relatively wet gas region. The position of the divider is variable so as to vary the relative proportion of the gas flowing from the inlet to the outlet that passes through the relatively dry and relatively wet gas regions to thereby vary the amount of humidification thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a combined humidifier for improving sanitary conditions, which is capable of completely sterilizing bacteria contained in moisture provided to the atmosphere in the form of a cool mist, which is capable of widely spreading the moisture in the air so as to smoothly control the humidity of the atmosphere, by instantaneously evaporating sprayed water during compulsory exhaust of the water with the aid of a blower after spraying water as a mist due to operation of an ultrasonic oscillator, wherein an evaporator having pluralities of radiating plates is installed in a passage for guiding water within the humidifier.

Abstract: An air filtering and freshening device comprising a filter element within the intake of the device housing, a motorized fan mounted within the device housing which draws contaminated air into the device, and forces air out of the device through an outlet having separate exhaust and scent discharge passages. The exhaust passage including a plurality of arcuate vanes radiating outwardly from the interior of the device, and being disposed across the exhaust passage to promote efficient operation by reducing the pressure drop through the passage and minimizing operational noise. The scent discharge passage includes a scent element producing a freshening scent. The scent element is removably positioned adjacent the scent discharge passage, which carries high velocity, high pressure filtered air from the motorized fan, picks up the concentrated freshening scent, and discharges in an effective and efficient manner, a continuous stream of freshening scent.

Abstract: A vapor cleaner comprises a main body, a water tank, an electric heater and a pressure valve. The pressure valve is composed of a baffle plate, a nozzle, a piston and a spring. The provision of the pressure valve can retard the instant ejection of vapor until the vapor pressure reaches a predetermined value. Therefore, the vapor can be smoothly sprayed with larger pressure and temperature. The droplet is smaller and the vaporization is uniformly generated.

Abstract: The vaporizing apparatus comprises a disk portion in which a plurality of sheet disks are provided in a stacked configuration, with a top disk being provided on a top of the sheet disks. Each of the sheet disks has a thin sheetlike form and includes a through-hole at a central portion thereof. A shaft extends through these openings and supports the sheet disks and the top disk. The disk portion is accommodated in a chamber formed on a base. A liquid is introduced through a flow passage into the openings of the sheet disks of the disk portion in the chamber. Heaters are provided within the base. A piezoactuator is provided so as to bias the disk portion in the chamber from a side of the top disk. The piezoactuator adjusts the gaps between the disks and opening/closing of the flow passage.

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

Abstract: A CVD apparatus for fabricating a titanium nitride thin film is provided. The apparatus comprises an evacuatable reaction vessel having an interior, a pumping apparatus capable of exhausting the reaction vessel and maintaining the interior of the reaction vessel at a prescribed pressure, a gas feeder for introducing a mixed gas into the reaction vessel, a substrate holder in the reaction vessel for holding a substrate to be coated with a titanium nitride thin film, and a heater for heating the substrate. The gas feeder is equipped with the following components: (a) a vaporizer for vaporizing tetrakis(dialkylamino)titanium (TDAAT) from a liquid source material, (b) a first flow controller capable of setting a flow rate of the vaporized TDAAT to any level within a range of 0.

Abstract: A control system for a humidifier includes a variable resistor with an on/off switch function and a DC fan for dispersing heat in order to lower the cost of a humidifier. The control system includes an AC input terminal, a transformer to lower AC, a bridge rectifier to rectifying AC into DC supplied to the control system circuit. Further, an adjusting terminal of the variable resistor is connected between two resistors, and another terminal thereof is connected respectively to a power lamp and a heat dispersing fan and an ultrasonic oscillator. Thus, provision of the variable resistor with an on/off switch function for turning on and off the ultrasonic oscillator can lower the cost of a humidifier.

Abstract: A dispenser for scents used to attract deer and other animals includes a housing with an intake on one end and an exhaust on the other. Inside the housing is a timing circuit which controls a cyclic heater element. The heater element is positioned to transfer heat to a bottle of liquid scent. As the scent is warmed, its evaporation increases so that the vaporized scent escapes from the bottle. A low-voltage fan pulls air into the container through the inlet and blows it out the exhaust vent, carrying with it the scent vapor. A timing circuit causes the heater and fan to cycle on and off at predetermined intervals, and the timing circuit may be controlled by a wireless remote control unit. Power to the heater and fan is supplied by a rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A steamed humidifier for use with a forced air heating system includes a steam nozzle mounted in the plenum of the heating system and connected to a water feed line connected to a continuous pressurized water source. The water feed line is made of a thermal conducting material and is coiled about a heating element wherein the heating element and conductive coil are substantially surrounded by an insulation barrier. The water feed line is controlled by a solenoid operated valve that will be activated only when the heater is on and a humidistat detects that humidity is required by the area being serviced by the forced hot air system.

Abstract: A vapor generator (19, 62) and connected chemical vapor deposition chamber (28) for providing a vapor for operations such as chemical vapor deposition has an atomizer (16, 16A, 38, 50) for forming an aerosol or droplet spray (36, 58, 74, 80) separate from a vaporization chamber (19, 62). The aerosol is passed into a heated vaporization chamber (19, 62) wherein the particles or droplets are flash vaporized and larger droplets are vaporized by direct contact with heated surfaces. The resulting gas/vapor stream is then used for chemical vapor deposition, in a separate chemical vapor deposition chamber (26). The vapor and gas stream is preferably passed through a restricted passageway (22, 44, 68) for mixing before being introduced into the chemical vapor deposition chamber (26).

Abstract: A vaporizing apparatus and method for providing a vaporized liquid precursor to a process chamber in a vapor deposition process includes a microdroplet forming device for generating microdroplets from a liquid precursor and a heated housing defining a vaporization zone having a vapor flow path from the microdroplet forming device to the process chamber. The vaporization zone receives the microdroplets and a heated carrier gas. The heated carrier gas has a temperature so as to provide the primary source of heat for vaporizing the microdroplets. The vaporized liquid precursor is then directed to the process chamber from the heated vaporization zone.

Abstract: A steam humidifier for use with a forced air heating system includes a steam nozzle mounted in the plenum of the heating system and connected to a water feed line connected to a continuous pressurized water source. The water feed line is made of a thermal conducting material and is coiled about a heating element wherein the heating element and conductive coil are substantially surrounded by an insulation barrier. The water feed line is controlled by a solenoid operated valve that will be activated only when the heater is on and a humidistat detects that humidity is required by the area being serviced by the forced hot air system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed which employs a pulse-controlled microdroplet fluid delivery system for precisely dispensing fragrances and other odor producing vapors. The pulse-controlled fluid delivery device is capable of ejecting microdroplets of fluid with a diameter less than 350 micrometers at a controlled ejection rate based upon ink-jet printing technology. The pulse-controlled fluid delivery system includes mechanisms for vaporizing the fluids and delivery of the vapors to the nose, which is controlled by a programmable system controller capable of real time data-driven dispensing with a multi-fluid capability. Synthesis of custom fragrances is made possible by a multijet programmed control system which adjusts dispensing rates of components. Calibration of a prior art “electronic nose” is disclosed. A precise calibration gas is produced in real-time to counteract the effect of drifting.

Abstract: A diffuser 1 for diffusing essential oil into a room using steam comprising a housing 2, a liquid container 6 in the housing, a heater 11 for heating the liquids in the container 6 to vaporize it, and a support 5 for holding volatilizable-substance matter 20 above the liquid container. For convenience, the volatilizable-substance matter 20 is in the form of an aroma packet, having upper 22 and lower 23 cellulose tissue webs, holding between them some dried plant material, for example lavender blooms. The webs are sealed together at their edges by a rim, which is sized to fit the support of the diffuser.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device comprising a container for holding a predetermined quantity of fluid, means for generating gas within the container and means for cyclically dispensing fluid at predetermined intervals out of the container. One means for generating gas within the container comprises a gas generating cell. One means for cyclically dispensing fluid at predetermined intervals comprises a one-way pressure relief valve.

Abstract: An auxiliary gasline-heating unit is used in a chemical vapor deposition apparatus. The auxiliary gasline-heating unit serves to increase the exit temperature of the mixture of N2 gas and He-dilute gas in order to prevent TDMAT, Ti[N(CH3)2]4, from being condensed and becoming a gasline contaminant when the mixture mixes with the TDMAT and a carrier gas.

Abstract: A flow probe for use in a humidification system is disclosed. The flow probe is adapted to be positioned in a humidified gases flow (for example oxygen or anaesthetic gases) such as that which is provided to a patient in a hospital environment. The flow probe is designed to provide both temperature and flow rate sensing of the gases flow by incorporating two sensors (preferably thermistors) and the shape and alignment of the probe enables accurate readings by reducing the occurrence of condensation on the sensors.

Abstract: The present invention provides for improved liquid vaporizer systems and methods for their use. Vaporizer systems of the present invention are likely to be particularly useful for the vaporization of liquids having a relatively low vapor pressure, such as TDMAT. In one preferred embodiment, a liquid vaporizer system (10) includes a vaporizer unit (16) having first and second inlets (50 and 60) and an outlet (62). The vaporizer system further includes a vessel (22) having an inlet (70) and an outlet (72), whereby the vessel inlet is operably connected to the vaporizer outlet. The vessel contains a plurality of passages (78) which operably connect the vessel inlet and the vessel outlet. In this manner, liquids and/or gases flowing into the vaporizer unit through either or both of its two inlets, exit the vaporizer unit outlet and enter the vessel inlet. Liquids and/or gases pass through the plurality of passages and exit the vessel outlet.

Abstract: An auxiliary gasline-heating unit is used in a chemical vapor deposition apparatus. The auxiliary gasline-heating unit serves to increase the exit temperature of the mixture of N2 gas and He-dilute gas in order to prevent TDMAT, Ti[N(CH3)2]4, from being condensed and becoming a gasline contaminant when the mixture mixes with the TDMAT and a carrier gas.

Abstract: A device is provided for generating a defined relative humidity in a gas. This device includes a saturator chamber connected by at least one connecting line to a measuring chamber. The relative humidity in the measuring chamber can be adjusted by varying the pressures in the saturator chamber and in the measuring chamber. A valve unit is arranged in the connecting line. The valve unit and the portion of the connecting line located between the valve unit and the saturator chamber are in thermal contact with a heating device.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device including a container for holding a predetermined quantity of fluid, a gas generator for generating gas within the container, and a dispenser for cyclically dispensing fluid at predetermined intervals out of the container without cyclical actuation by a user.

Abstract: A CVD apparatus includes: (a) a reaction chamber; (b) a vacuum device connected to the reaction chamber for vacuuming and exhausting the reaction chamber; (c) a susceptor that maintains the semiconductor substrate inside the reaction chamber; (d) a reaction gas supplier that supplies a reaction gas to the surface of the semiconductor substrate set on the susceptor; and (e) a liquid-source vaporization system connected to the reaction gas supplier, which is disposed upstream of the showerhead and is used for atomizing and vaporizing the liquid reaction material at a given flow rate prior to its entry into the reaction chamber. The liquid-source vaporization system includes: (i) an atomizer connected to a liquid reaction material supply source; and (ii) a vaporizer connected to the atomizer downstream thereof.

Abstract: A heating element for use in a portable humidifier is provided, which is at least partially disposed within a tray of water within the humidifier. The heating element includes a mounting portion, a leg portion and a foot portion. The mounting portion is coupled to the housing and an tipper end of the leg portion, which extends vertically downward from the mounting portion. The foot portion is coupled to a lower end of the leg portion, and extends horizontally therefrom. The leg portion is elongated and separates the mounting portion and the foot portion. The foot portion is shaped such that a line from the upper surface to the lower surface must pass through a perimeter of the heating element when viewed from above. A bottom surface of the foot portion is curved or slanted upward from a nadir to the perimeter of the heating element.

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

Abstract: A fountain humidifier and air cleanser for providing moisture to surrounding air. The fountain humidifier and air cleanser includes a base including a skirt extending therefrom forming a reservoir for retaining a fluid therein and a hollow structure including a recess in a top side thereof and an open base side having an irregularly shaped edge. The hollow structure is removably positioned within the reservoir whereby fluid within the reservoir is able to flow into the structure through spaces present between the base side and reservoir due to the irregularly shaped edge. A pump is positioned within the hollow structure and a diverter is connected to the pump. The diverter extends through the recess in the top side of the hollow structure, wherein the pump pumps fluid within the reservoir against the diverter causing the fluid to form a dome shaped flow through the recess and back into the reservoir.

Abstract: An emulsifying assembly comprising a milk supply duct and a mixing device for mixing at least steam and milk for preparing hot milk for cappuccino and similar beverages. The mixing device comprises at least one steam inlet, at least one milk inlet and an outlet while a first end of the milk supply duct is connected to the at least one milk inlet, a second open end of the at least one milk supply duct is situated at a height lower than the highest point of the at least one milk supply duct, while further, in use, the second open end of the milk supply duct is in fluid communication with a milk-filled milk container. The emulsifying assembly further comprises an aeration valve which is connected to the at least one milk supply duct, and with which the at least one milk supply duct can be aerated when the aeration valve is in its opened position. The milk container is placed in a cooling unit. The milk supply duct extends substantially inside the cooling unit.

Abstract: A vaporizing apparatus for providing a vaporized liquid precursor to a process chamber in a vapor deposition process includes a microdroplet forming device for generating microdroplets from a liquid precursor and a heated housing defining a vaporization zone having a vapor flow path from the microdroplet forming device to the process chamber. The vaporization zone receives the microdroplets and a heated carrier gas. The heated carrier gas has a temperature so as to provide the primary source of heat for vaporizing the microdroplets. A method of vaporizing liquids for vapor deposition processes includes generating microdroplets and utilizing a heated carrier gas as the primary source of heat for vaporizing the microdroplets. A vapor deposition system carrying out the method includes a heated carrier gas and a heated housing defining a heated vaporization zone. The heated housing receives the heated carrier gas.

Abstract: In a facial sauna, a reservoir configuration is provided in a housing, comprising a water heating reservoir and a foam retrieval reservoir. A heating device for heating water is provided adjacent an outer region of a reservoir wall of the water heating reservoir. The reservoir configuration consists of at least two reservoir parts which are detachably connected to one another and which are separable from one another. The heating device is being provided at only one reservoir part adjacent the outer region of a reservoir wall. An inner region of the one reservoir wall of the reservoir part whose outer region lies adjacent the heating device is freely accessible when the reservoir parts are separated from one another.

Abstract: A humidifier includes a reservoir for containing water and a steam generator incorporating an electrical heater for turning the water into steam. The generator includes an upwardly extending passage having a lower end for the entrance of steam produced by the heater into the passage and an upper end for exit of the steam. A freely rotatable fan is located in the passage for turning by the steam rising through the passage. An opening is located at the passage lower end, below the fan, for intake of relatively drier air from outside for mixing with rising steam to produce moderately moisturised air.

Abstract: A warm mist humidifier with a fan and a germicidal bulb to facilitate the dispersion of water vapor and the elimination of potentially harmful microorganisms in water. The humidifier includes a base unit having an energizing circuit, a water tank having a weight sensor and disposed on the base unit for supplying water to the base unit, a reservoir in the base unit for receiving water from the water tank, a heating assembly disposed in the base unit for vaporizing water received from the reservoir when the heating assembly is activated by the energizing circuit, and a tank switch for activating or deactivating the energizing circuit. The tank switch is responsive to a change of position of the water tank relative to the base unit in response to the water in the water tank. The heating assembly is consisted of a boiler cavity, a heating coil fixedly mounted underneath the boiler cavity, an insulative outer housing mounted on the boiler cavity, and a removable cover covering the insulative outer housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and process for the vaporization of liquid precursors and deposition of a film on a suitable substrate. Particularly contemplated is an apparatus and process for the vaporization of a metal-oxide film, such as a barium, strontium, titanium oxide (BST) film, for deposition on a silicon wafer to make integrated circuit capacitors useful in high capacity dynamic memory modules. The vaporizer comprises thermally controlled components which are adapted for easy assembly and disassembly. A main vaporizing section provides a large heated surface for flash vaporization. A high conductance blocker is disposed at a lower end of the vaporizer to provide an extended vaporization surface. Optionally, a filter may be employed to capture unvaporized precursor droplets.

Abstract: A humidifier capable of sending forth fragrance includes a housing, a water-detecting device, an electric heating member, a top covering and a perfume holding member. A water-containing hollow is provided within the housing. The detecting device and the heating member are arranged such that water held in the hollow can flow to both. The top covering is coupled to the housing, and has a steam-ejecting hole. The perfume holding member is coupled to, and covers a part of the ejecting hole. When the detecting device detects presence of water, the heating member will heat the water into steam, which is then ejected from the ejecting hole, and heats the perfume for it to be sent forth to the air.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrically-energized device for the rapid generation of steam or other vapors. The high-speed steam generator includes a wicked evaporator, a liquid reservoir, a liquid supply pipe, and a vapor transport tube. The evaporator consists of a low-thermal-conductivity porous wick, heated from a downward-facing grooved heating block that is in intimate contact with the upper surface of the wick structure. The grooved heating block is made of a copper block in which electric cartridge heaters are installed. As a heat load is applied on the heating block, an extremely steep temperature gradient is established immediately at the upper surface of the wick so that water from the saturated wick evaporates rapidly adjacent to the heated surface. Subsequently, menisci are formed at the vapor/liquid interface to develop a capillary force to pump subcooled liquid into the wick from the liquid reservoir.

Abstract: A liquid reagent delivery and vaporization system, including a housing defining a flow passage for flow of a process fluid therethrough. A vaporizer element is positioned within the housing and includes a heated vaporization surface. Liquid reagent is selectively delivered to the heated vaporization surface, to vaporize the liquid reagent and form reagent vapor for flow through the flow passage of the housing, e.g., to a chemical vapor deposition reactor for deposition of a film on a substrate. A thermal damping fluid source is arranged to selectively deliver a thermal damping fluid into the flow passage to maintain a predetermined thermal condition therein. For example, the system may be arranged to selectively terminate delivery of liquid reagent to the vaporization surface and to contemporaneously selectively initiate delivery of the thermal damping fluid into the flow passage to maintain a thermal condition thermally matches the vaporization conditions when the liquid reagent is vaporized.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for converting a liquid flow into a gas flow, a liquid flow is introduced into an evaporation volume, the liquid flow is dispersed so as to enlarge the surface of the liquid, the dispersion being not caused by a change of pressure and taking place without admixture of a medium, and the evaporated liquid flow is conducted out of the evaporation volume.

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

Abstract: A point-of-use vaporization system for use in Chemical Vapor Deposition having a first delivery member for delivering a liquid precursor to a vaporization point, a second delivery member for separately delivering a solvent to the vaporization point, and a frit for vaporizing the precursor and solvent at the vaporization point.

Abstract: A portable humidifier having a base defining a boiler cavity; an evaporation mechanism for inducing evaporation of liquid within the boiler cavity; and a liquid supply including a contractible and expandible vessel having an outlet communicating with the boiler cavity and providing restricted liquid flow between the vessel and the cavity.

Abstract: A smoke generating apparatus includes a combustion chamber having an air flow inlet and an air flow outlet. A helical heating element is disposed in the combustion chamber. The helical heating element has a central flow axis. A smoke generating fluid injection tube is positioned along the central flow axis of the helical heating element.

Abstract: A humidified medical gas supply apparatus to supply gas such as carbon dioxide for laparoscopic surgery includes a gas supply, a supply controller, and a gas supply tube which has a humidification chamber mounted into it. The chamber has a dampened gas-pervious medium and an electrical heating element. The electrical element may extend along the gas supply tube and be wound around the medium within the chamber. A control controls an electrical supply to the electrical heating element to vary the electrical supply dependent upon a gas flow rate in the supply tube.