Abstract: An apparatus is provided for carrying out a cavitation induced reaction comprising a reaction chamber for a liquid reaction medium, means for producing cavitation in the liquid reaction medium, at least one reactant inlet to the reaction chamber, an inert gas inlet conduit with a sparger for injecting a flowing stream of dry inert gas into the reaction chamber, a venting outlet for removal of a stream of the inert gas from the reaction chamber, and a recirculation conduit for re-circulating a stream of the inert gas from the venting outlet to the inert gas inlet conduit.

Abstract: A device for oxygenating blood in an extracorporeal circuit includes a first structure suitable to delimit a portion of space-containing capillaries made of microporous membrane. The capillaries convey oxygen and are wet externally by blood flowing through a portion of space between an intake connector, which is connected to a venous line of the extracorporeal circuit, and a delivery connector. The device includes a second structure monolithically connected and contiguous to the first structure. The second structure is suitable to contain blood filtration means that divide the portion of space delimited thereby into a blood distribution chamber, provided with an air vent and connected to the delivery connector of the first structure, and a blood collection chamber provided with a delivery connector connected to the arterial line of the extracorporeal circuit.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for pumping and oxygenating blood are provided that include a gas removal system. An integrated blood processing unit is provided in which a gas removal/blood filter, pump and blood oxygenation element are mounted within a common housing. The gas removal system includes a sensor mounted on the housing to sense the presence of gas, and a valve is operably coupled to the sensor to evacuate gas from the system when the sensor detects an accumulation of gas.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for pumping and oxygenating blood are provided that include a gas removal system. An integrated blood processing unit is provided in which a gas removal/blood filter, pump and blood oxygenation element are mounted within a common housing. The gas removal system includes a sensor mounted on the housing to sense the presence of gas, and a valve is operably coupled to the sensor to evacuate gas from the system when the sensor detects an accumulation of gas.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for pumping and oxygenating blood are provided that include a gas removal system and a pump impeller with a single piece metal insert. An integrated blood processing unit is provided in which a gas removal/blood filter, pump and blood oxygenation element are mounted within a common housing. The gas removal system includes a sensor mounted on the housing to sense the presence of gas, and a valve is operably coupled to the sensor to evacuate gas from the system when the sensor detects an accumulation of gas.

Abstract: A liquid storage container, in which an extermination liquid is stored, is at an upper portion of a case. A gauze or other permeable material is mounted on the outer surface of a support on a lower portion of the liquid storage container. An upper end of a portion of the gauze is transferably connected to the liquid storage container to transfer extermination liquid to the rest of the gauze by wicking action. Capillary action causes the extermination liquid to saturate the gauze. A sirocco fan and a motor, below the gauze, causes air from outside to be drawn into the case from an opening on the upper portion of case. The air passes through and around the gauze, causing vaporization of the extermination liquid in the gauze. The vaporized extermination liquid, cooled and densified by vaporization, is blown outside the case through a lower ventilation opening of the case.

Abstract: A portable fan device for use with a spray misting bottle which is capable of being mounted atop a spray applicating head portion of the misting bottle so that a fan blade unit of the fan device is positioned forwardly and in communication with an atomized spray nozzle of the spray head and cools and atomizes the mist spray issued by the nozzle. Releasable securing means such as an attachment bracket or contoured gripping tabs extending from the fan underside are employed for securing the fan body in a generally horizontal fashion atop the spray head. A stand member is held within a recessed cavity in the fan underside and can be rotated downwardly to support the fan device in an upright position for use as a portable fan once the fan body has been detached from atop the spray head. In a further embodiment, a gripping tab which forms part of the releasable securing means can provide the dual function of gripping part of the spray head and supporting the fan body in an upright position.

Abstract: A humidifier is disclosed having a fine control for the distribution of humidified air. The humidifier contains a multiplicity of air moving devices, e.g., fans, to enable large quantities of humidified air to be distributed in an area or conversely, only a small amount of humidified air to be distributed in the area to maintain the humidity level already achieved. The humidifier requires only the power necessary to achieve or maintain the level desired without excess use of power. Furthermore, the level of fan noise is substantially reduced.

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

Abstract: A dispenser having a housing and at least one inlet vent and at least one outlet vent about the housing is shown. A fan, preferably a centrifugal fan, is operated by a battery and directs air into and out of the vents. A cartridge containing a vaporizable substance, such as a fragrant oil or gel, is located adjacent the inlet vent. The centrifugal fan pulls air in the inlet vent, at least partially across the cartridge, upward through a portion of the housing, and radially outward through the outlet vent. Preferably, a rim of the cartridge and a shelf inside the housing and adjacent the rim are adapted to form substantially a boundary between a lower and a middle compartment in the housing. The shelf and the rim cooperate to prevent air from circulating below the shelf and entering the lower compartment. At least one upper rib and a housing of the fan are adapted to form a boundary between the middle compartment and an upper compartment.

Abstract: A method for recycling waste plastic material, from polymeric film or hydropulper waste, including plastic and cellulosic fiber or organic contaminants. The method includes the steps of introducing the waste plastic material into a size reduction unit, and reducing the size of the waste plastic material to particles having a maximum dimension ranging between about 1 inch and about 8 inches; mechanically hammering and rubbing the plastic material for separating a portion of the cellulosic fiber from the plastic; separating another portion of the cellulosic fiber from the plastic by flotation with agitation; further reducing the particle size of the plastic to a maximum dimension of about 1/2 inch; dewatering the plastic; drying the plastic to a moisture content of less than about 10 weight percent; and rolling the plastic into pellets.

Abstract: A portable humidifier adapted to rest on a supporting surface, the humidifier comprising a base defining a water reservoir and including a bottom wall having therein an air inlet opening spaced horizontally from the reservoir, legs supporting the bottom wall above the supporting surface, a wicking element having a lower portion in fluid communication with the water reservoir, extending transversely relative to vertical, and extending above the inlet opening, and a fan for forcing air flow through the inlet opening and through the wicking element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a structural assembly that includes at least four vertically extending columns which form corners of the structural assembly. Wall panels extend between adjacent columns, with at least two wall panels vertically stacked and connected to each other, to form a structural wall assembly between adjacent columns. The ends of each of the wall panels are attached to flanges that extend from each of the columns. A structural column is provided in the center of the structure and braces extend from each of the corner columns to the riser. Beams also extend from the central riser outwardly to certain of the wall panels, usually connecting to the wall panels at a location equidistant between the columns. A roof structure is provided, the edges of which are received in spaces in certain of the top wall panels. In a cooling tower application of the present invention, a fan assembly is supported on the top of the central column water inlet riser and includes a fan shroud supported by the roof.

Abstract: An evaporative air cooler with a rotary fan blowing and evaporating droplets generated by an impeller, which shares the same motor shaft with the rotary fan. The evaporative air cooler comprises a housing (1) having rear inlets (23), front outlets (3), and a motor-supporting plate (6). An electric motor (7) is vertically mounted to the plate with its rotating shaft being directed downward and connected to a rotary fan (9). The rotary fan sucks, blows and evaporate droplets produced by an impeller (14) with blades (11) and a fluid-sucking tube (13).

Abstract: A humidifier including a base defining a reservoir adapted to retain a liquid volume; the base having an open top and a horizontal cross section including a substantially rectangular portion, and a substantially circular portion intersecting and projecting into the rectangular portion; and the base including a substantially circular sidewall forming the circular portion, a substantially rectalinear endwall, a first substantially rectalinear sidewall extending between the circular sidewall and one end of the endwall, and a second substantially rectalinear sidewall extending between the circular sidewall and an opposite end of the endwall; the first sidewall, the second sidewall and the endwall forming the rectangular portion.

Abstract: A humidifier comprising a cabinet including a top wall having therein an air outlet, a bottom wall having therein an air inlet, and a water reservoir having portions on opposite sides of the air inlet, a wicking element including generally horizontally spaced-apart peripheral portions each located above a respective one of the reservoir portions, and also including a central portion located between the peripheral portions and above the inlet, material for transferring water from one of the reservoir portions to the respective peripheral portion of the wicking element and for transferring water from the other of the reservoir portions to the respective peripheral portion of the wicking element, and a fan supported by the cabinet and located above the wicking element for forcing air flow in a substantially vertical direction through the inlet and the central portion of the wicking element and out the outlet.

Abstract: An evaporative air conditioner with rotary fan playing multiple roles of supplying fluid, atomizing fluid and blowing air. The air conditioner comprises a housing (1) having four side grilles and a top cover (5). An electric motor (6) is vertically mounted to the cover with its rotating shaft directed downward and connected to a rotary fan (8). The fan has a cavity formed by fan blades (9) and a cap (10). Fluid stored at the base portion of the conditioner is sucked into the cavity and supplied onto the blades that produce droplets by impacting the supplied fluid.

Abstract: A portable humidifier including a base defining a reservoir; a storage tank demountably supported by the base and adapted to retain a supply of liquid, the tank defining an orifice communicating with the reservoir; and a valve for controlling liquid flow from the tank into the reservoir through the orifice, the valve adapted to provide a liquid flow rate that maintains a given liquid level in the reservoir. Also included is a wick means comprising supply portions disposed in the reservoir below the given liquid level and evaporation portions disposed above that level, the wick means adapted to provide by capillary action a liquid flow from the supply portions to the evaporation portions; a housing defining an air flow path including the evaporation portions, the housing defining inlet openings and discharge openings; and a blower for producing air flow into the inlet openings, through the evaporation portions, and out of the discharge openings.

Abstract: To expel volatile contaminants from a liquid body, outer air is introduced into a perforated container arranged below the liquid surface and having an open bottom by the action of a suction blower creating an underpressure above the liquid surface. Air bubbles exiting through the perforated top wall of the container entrain the volatile contaminants and expel the same into the underpressure area. The air receiving perforated container is either suspended on a float or fixedly arranged relative to the bottom of the receptacle.

Abstract: A room humidifier is disclosed as having a reservoir tank containing a freely and independently floatable wick element providing a constant evaporative area as the water level in the tank rises and falls. A fan is mounted in fixed position relative to an upper end of the tank. An extensible and collapsible closed air path is provided between the wick element and the fan, and an outside air flow path extends between open upper areas of the tank and the wick element, while also being in air flow communication with the fan. When the fan is operated, air is drawn into the outside air flow path for contact with the constant evaporative area of the wick element, while also drawing air with increased humidity through the constant evaporative area of the wick element as well as upwardly through the closed air flow path for discharge from the humidifier into the surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: A crossflow cooling tower has a number of fill structure sections which are arranged at equally spaced intervals around the entire perimeter of a central plenum that receives generally horizontal currents of air simultaneously from all of the fill structure sections and causes the air to be discharged in an upwardly direction out of the tower. In one embodiment, the tower is provided with four upright fill structure sections disposed in a square arrangement in horizontal view, and a number of the towers may be located adjacent each other in a side-by-side diamond-like arrangement so that each air inlet face of each tower readily communicates with the atmosphere.

Abstract: An apparatus for aerating waste water comprising a surface aerator adapted to rotate about a vertical axis. A cap is disposed over the aerator, said cap being modified in several ways to improve the operation of the apparatus. In one embodiment a gas outlet opening with an exhauster is provided in a wall of the cap. Further circumferential spaced baffles may be disposed inside the cap. The cap may have a side wall with a lower edge extending vertically downwardly or inwardly. Other embodiments of the cap are specifically adapted for use in an installation for treating waste water, in which the apparatus serves also for bringing the liquid into circulation.

Abstract: Apparatus for humidifying air in a hot-air furnace system or for use as an independent portable unit that also functions as an air filter, includes a closed cabinet through which air flows in a path between an air inlet opening and an air outlet opening. A water tray is positioned in the air path and a novel evaporator is suspended over the tray. The evaporator includes an upper end panel and a weighted corresponding lower end panel, both of which are perforated in a predetermined array. A continuous wick is interwoven through corresponding ones of the apertures in both panels to form a labyrinth of vertically disposed wicks that suspend the lower panel within the tray. Water is absorbed by the immersed portions of the wicks and is conducted upwardly along the wicks where it is evaporated by the flowing air.

Abstract: An initially flat sheet of a fan cylinder assembly is formed to an exact cylindrical configuration in such a manner that less than 20% of the material comprising the sheet in a direction along the thickness of the same is exposed to stress above the yield strength of the material. The sheet is provided with tabs bent to a perpendicular orientation relative to remaining regions of the sheet, and holes are punched in certain of the tabs at precise, predefined locations and which are related to precise, predefined locations of apertures spaced around the periphery of an exact circular opening in an upright support panel of the tower housing. The sheet is formed to a true cylinder by causing the major region of the sheet to bear against the periphery of the circular opening of the support panel so that the flat panel functions as a guide both during forming of the cylinder and also thereafter to retain the sheet in its proper cylindrical configuration.

Abstract: An aspirating aeration and liquid mixing apparatus is positioned in a body of water and includes a motor driven propeller positioned within an intake duct and driving water through a nozzle. A plenum with an air intake pipe extends about the nozzle. The nozzle has ports with ramps thereover to provide a constriction for aspiration. The ramps are spaced annually about the interior of the nozzle with channels between the ramps. As water passes through the nozzle, a low pressure zone is created immediately downstream of the constriction to draw air through the ports, the plenum and the air intake pipe for aeration of the water. Large size materials which could otherwise clog at the constriction pass through the channels substantially unimpeded.

Abstract: A portable humidifier for insertion into a receptacle for water, including an outer housing which has outlet openings formed therein, a support structure for holding the housing in depending relation within the liquid receptacle, and a driven fan positioned in the housing and arranged to draw moisture-laden air up through the housing and out the outlet passages. An inner housing is slidably received within the outer housing in telescoping relation. A secondary, non-driven fan is positioned within the inner housing for rotation therein and is arranged to disperse water droplets into the airflow created by operation of the driven fan. An air inlet means is arranged to direct air through the inner housing to be propelled with the water droplets upwardly into the outer housing for discharge through the outlet openings. The device is foldable to a compact structure making it convenient to be carried in a suitcase or the like.

Abstract: A counter-flow forced-draft type cooling tower comprising an outer structure, the top of which has an opening, a centrifugal fan which is an integral part of a rotatable cylinder. The rotatable cylinder has numerous small apertures. A screen which is coaxial with the cylinder. A motor mounted underneath the cylinder which rotates the cylinder. An annular corrugated water guiding plate on the side wall of the outer structure, an inclined water collecting plate under the water guiding plate. Ventilation louvers which are disposed underneath the outer structure. A water tank which is disposed under the louver to collect the cooled water and which has a floating valve to control the amount of water contained therein. The lower provides an inlet for outside air. The air then flows upwards, and is sucked into the rotating cylinder by the centrifugal fan, which also slings hot water radially out of the cylinder. Next the air goes out through the opening of the top cover.

Abstract: Impact-resistant microcapsules for the sustained and controlled release of biologically active ingredients through a surrounding permeable polymeric wall are disclosed wherein the ratio by weight of active ingredient to polymer is from about 4:1 to about 1:4, the polymeric walls having high tensile yield and tensile impact strengths and low nitrogen permeabilities.

Abstract: A cooling tower is formed from fiberglass reinforced polyester resin structural components including a basin, vertically extending columns, vertical side panels, and a cover. The fill material for heat/mass exchange is supported directly by the basin to eliminate the weight of a separate support system and to reduce the load on the columns and panels. A fan is mounted on the cover, and the weight of the fan is supported by the cover and the columns. The panels do not have to support the weight of the cover and the fan, and the panels can be formed of relatively thin, lightweight material. The columns do not have to support the weight of the fill material and can also be relatively lightweight.

Abstract: A portable electric humidifier uses a flexible, disposable bag as a container for water, to provide a compact, collapsible, and easily portable system. A humidifier head contains a motor and an air humidifying apparatus such as a spinning disk and conical shaft. The head is supported on folding legs. The flexible bag is supported by and hangs beneath the humidifier head. The conical shaft extends downwardly from the spinning disk and draws water from the bag and conveys it to the disk, from which it is dispersed in an air stream into a room. The shaft in one embodiment telescopes, to occupy a minimum vertical distance for storage within the height of the folded legs, and in another embodiment is removable for storage. The flexible bag container is inexpensive and may be discarded after use at one location, prior to packing for further travel. Thus, the humidifier provides overnight humidification for a hotel room or the like, while being conveniently packable for transportation in any small suitcase.

Abstract: A liquid cooling tower includes precast concrete support legs and cross beams and fiberglass reinforced polyester resin side and top panels. A liquid distribution system is supplied with liquid by a vertically extending main pipe, and a fan and fan motor are supported by the main pipe.

Abstract: A portable electric humidifier uses a flexible, disposable bag as a container for water, to provide a compact, collapsible, and easily portable system. A humidifier head contains a motor and an air humidifying apparatus such as a spinning disk and conical shaft. The head is supported on folding legs. The flexible bag is attached to and hangs beneath the humidifier head. The conical shaft extends downwardly from the spinning disk and draws water from the bag and conveys it to the disk, from which it is dispersed in an air stream into a room. The shaft telescopes, to occupy a minimum vertical distance for storage within the height of the collapsed legs. The flexible bag container is inexpensive and may be discarded after use at one location, prior to packing for further travel. Thus, the humidifier provides overnight humidification for a hotel room or the like, while being conveniently packable for transportation in any small suitcase.

Abstract: An evaporative cooler is efficiently constructed of molded plastic materials, with a minimum of parts and simplicity in assembly. A blower shroud of a squirrel cage type blower extends the height of the cooler unit interiorly, and is secured by fasteners to a top panel and a base panel. Four side panels with air inlet openings are secured at their edges to the top and bottom panels. Water-retaining material is secured to the inside of each side panel, and the top edge of each side panel forms a water trough for dripping water down into the water-retaining material to be evaporated as air enters the unit. The water is circulated by a pump which draws collected water from a basin in the base panel and delivers it to the troughs.

Abstract: A dual purpose dust-collecting device consisting of an upright cylinder tapered at the lower end to form a settling chamber containing water. An inner cylinder formed with a plurality of circumferentially spaced tangential inlets is secured to the inside of the cylinder to define therewith an annular gas stream passage. A swinging inlet damper mounted in a manifold having an upper tangential gas outlet and a lower tangential gas outlet leading to the upper and lower ends of the cylinder respectively is employed for selectively admitting gas from the manifold inlet to the upper end of the cylinder or to the annular gas passage. When dirty gas enters the annular passage under the action of an exhaust fan mounted atop the cylinder, a whirling gas stream will be created therein and forced through the tangential inlets into the inner cylinder wherein a rapidly rotating whirlpool will be created which causes separation of particles from the dirty gas stream.

Abstract: A liquid cooling tower is formed from fiberglass reinforced polyester resin panels, a fiberglass reinforced polyester resin liquid basin, and a fiberglass reinforced polyester resin top assembly which includes a fan and a water distribution pipe. One or more cross beams extend between two opposed side panels for supporting a porous heat and mass transfer section. The panels are formed so that the weight of the tower and the fill material is distributed to, and supported by, the corners and inlet columns of the tower.

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

Abstract: Evaporation air humidifier having a pump, a motor for driving the pump having a shaft extending through a support plate into a water supply container, the shaft carrying a pump wheel or vanes disposed in a lower pot-shaped pump housing formed with a suction opening and a connecting piece for connecting a pressure line thereto, including a longitudinally divided support pipe surrounding the motor shaft and connecting the pump housing to the support plate, the support pipe being formed of two longitudinal shells having jointing surfaces formed with a wedge-shaped bevel at respective ends thereof extending into an opening formed in the support plate, at least one of the shells being suspended under clamping action from the support plate in vicinity of the opening formed therein, and connecting means for mechanically holding the shells and the pot-shaped pump housing together.

Abstract: A container of water is subject to reduced air pressure to induce an inflow of air through conduits extending from the exterior of the container to a point below the level of the water in the container. Air entering through these conduits bubbles up through the water. The size of the bubbles is controlled by the ports at which the air moving in the conduits enters the water. The blower providing the reduced pressure delivers the moisture-ladened air from the bubbles to the intake of another blower providing combustion air for a burner installation. The minute quantities of vapor-ladened air are mixed in that blower, or in the blower intake chamber, with the remainder of the incoming combustion air. The supply of vapor is related to the firing rate in the burner by associating the burner control with the off-on condition of a valve in at least one of a plurality of air conduits of the container.

Abstract: A tornado protected cooling tower. The tower includes a plurality of enclosed cooling cells arranged about the periphery of an open cooling basin. Each of the cells includes a cool air inlet along the side thereof opposite the open cooling basin and a warm air outlet along the side thereof adjacent the open cooling basin. A plurality of fans are mounted within each of the cells along the side thereof adjacent the open cooling basin in direct communication with the warm air outlet. Each of the cells further includes an inner wall having an apron portion extending downwardly below the lowest component of the fans. Water distribution means is provided for carrying water upwardly from the open cooling basin into each of the cells for discharge in uniformly dispersed fashion within the cell. Each of the cells includes a perforate fill material supported by fill support means below the water distribution means and above the cool air inlet.

Abstract: A drive system in a humidifier of the portable console type having a large drum or media wheel rotatable on a horizontal axis through a water reservoir and a fan providing air flow through the media wheel, the drive system including a high speed reduction belt and pulley system interconnecting the fan motor and the media wheel.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus for atomizing and mixing substances with a carrier gas. The invention is particularly characterized by increasing the speed and decreasing the static pressure of the gas by drawing it through a suitable throat arrangement in combination with a metering device for the substance to be atomized, wherein such substance to be atomized is taken into the said gas in such manner that the substance disperses within said gas along an expanding surface thus creating maximum atomization, impregnation, and dispersion of the gas and substance.

Abstract: The invention relates to cooling towers of the type currently in use for cooling water and/or condensing exhaust steam as for example in association with nuclear or fossil fuel type power plants. Typically towers are very large and very high. The invention embodies an original concept for utilization of such towers, for example hyperbolic towers, for the generation of energy from wind and also for improving the efficiency of the cooling tower. In the exemplary form of the invention a large wind driven rotor is provided to be carried by the tower and to rotate around its axis at the position of the narrowed throat of the tower. Pressure is generated by the rotor and discharged through nozzles arrayed on the inside of the walls of the tower to augment and enhance the draft within the tower.

Abstract: A drive system in a humidifier of the portable console type having a large drum or media wheel rotatable on a horizontal axis through a water reservoir and a fan providing air flow through the media wheel, the drive system including a high speed reduction belt and pulley system interconnecting the fan motor and the media wheel.