Abstract: A battery powered volatile dispenser for dispensing a volatile material, the volatile dispenser including a housing having an air inlet, an air outlet, an airflow path therebetween, and a holder for a volatile reservoir for supplying a volatile to be introduced into air flowing in the airflow path. The volatile dispenser has a fan adapted to be powered by a battery, the fan being so located that it propels air through the airflow path and also is unrestrictedly visible to a user of the volatile dispenser. The volatile dispenser also has an electrical power cut-off that activates to cut off power to the fan when the battery voltage drops beneath a selected level greater than zero to provide a prominent visual cue of battery depletion. A method of providing a prominent visual cue of battery or volatile depletion by use of the volatile dispenser is also disclosed.

Abstract: A scent diffusion apparatus and method contains individual original scents for a plurality of scents to be diffused, constructs information on position information of the contained original scents and information on various scents to be diffused in a database, and mixes the original scents of the desired scent properly at a desired point in time based on the scent information, to thereby spray the desired scent. The scent diffusion method includes providing a plurality of scent spraying units containing original scents, heating the original scents via a heater, evaporating the original scents, and diffusing the evaporated scent with the air via an air supply pump. Thus, a desired scent can be transferred to a selected subject under correct concentration. The scent diffusion apparatus uses scent cartridges containing the original scents, such as cartridges used in an existing ink-jet printer, and uses the same control commands as those of a general personal computer or ink-jet printer compatibly.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for delivering a controlled amount of scent to a target user. Such methods and systems will preferably provide carefully direct boluses or streams of scent(s) to a single or small group of individual(s) using a bolus generator so as to avoid cross-contamination of scents with other persons and other locations. The present invention preferably delivers the bolus of scent as an air ring. The scented air ring moves through the air between the scent generating device directly to the user as a cohesive unit of air. This phenomenon is similar to a “smoke ring” exhaled by a smoker. The scent ring can be directed with accuracy to a localized target as small as the nose of a single user, such that the entire dosage can be delivered to only the user's direct vicinity. Such targeted delivery minimizes the amount of scent that must be delivered to achieve a desired level of scenting at the target location.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for delivering a controlled amount of scent to a target user. Such methods and systems will preferably provide carefully direct boluses or streams of scent(s) to a single or small group of individual(s) using a bolus generator so as to avoid cross-contamination of scents with other persons and other locations. The present invention preferably delivers the bolus of scent as an air ring. The scented air ring moves through the air between the scent generating device directly to the user as a cohesive unit of air. This phenomenon is similar to a “smoke ring” exhaled by a smoker. The scent ring can be directed with accuracy to a localized target as small as the nose of a single user, such that the entire dosage can be delivered to only the user's direct vicinity. Such targeted delivery minimizes the amount of scent that must be delivered to achieve a desired level of scenting at the target location.

Abstract: An apparatus for the remote or local delivery of stored or real-time aroma sensory information to an end user of a multimedia device. The present invention includes an aroma converter for encoding aroma information into electrical signals, a delivery system for delivering the electrical signals, and a retrieval system for receiving and processing the electrical signals to control the aroma or combination of aromas emitted by one or more aroma release chambers.

Abstract: A housing for electrical equipment has first and second halves. An electrical connecting plug between the housing halves is arranged to require halves of the plug to be separated before the housing halves can be separated.

Abstract: An evaporation dispenser for freshening the air in closed spaces such as toilets, washrooms and waiting rooms, telephone booths and lifts. A mounting plate is arranged in a housing and is divided into two chambers by a horizontal separating surface. The lower chamber serves as an evaporation space and holds two bottles of active substance which form a saturated atmosphere in the chamber via evaporating elements. This atmosphere is diffused into the outside air by means of a fan which draws the saturated atmosphere from the evaporation space. Simultaneously, ambient air is drawn into the evaporation space to become saturated. Both the discharge of the saturated atmosphere and the drawing in of ambient air may be performed by a single rotor compressor, the rotor being divided into two sections by a radial divider. The discharge of the saturated atmosphere may be controlled by a microcontroller coupled to sensors which monitor activity in the closed space.

Abstract: Liquid in which oxygen-containing gas is to be dissolved is pumped through a main and distributed into faster-moving subsidiary streams. Each subsidiary stream passes through a turbulence-inducing means and air or oxygen is introduced into the turbulent region of alternate streams. The relative proportions of air to oxygen introduction are varied so as economically and efficiently to oxygenate the liquid. The gas-containing liquid passes through nozzles back into the volume of the liquid at sufficient velocity to cause further turbulence, making gas bubbles shear into smaller bubbles and also agitating the body of liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus for the remote or local delivery of stored or real-time aroma sensory information to an end user of a multimedia device. The present invention includes an aroma converter for encoding aroma information into electrical signals, a delivery system for delivering the electrical signals, and a retrieval system for receiving and processing the electrical signals to control the aroma or combination of aromas emitted by one or more aroma release chambers.

Abstract: A sensualizer or sense-simile machine reproduces smells and flavors using a cylinder housing smell and flavor cartridges. Selected cartridges deposit predetermined amounts of sense substances onto a carrier to reproduce the desired smell or flavor. The cylinder rotates to bring rows of cartridges to a position for depositing the substances onto the carrier. The carrier moves back and forth along a path under the row of cartridges and stops momentarily under the cartridges selected to reproduce the particular smell or flavor. An air blast disperses the substances into a tube for delivery to a location where the senses can be aroused. The machine can be activated from a remote location over a standard telephone line or accessed through a computer over a modem. With a computer or other input device, simulations and reproductions can be done locally.

Abstract: A dosing device for regulating the concentration of a liquid vapor, produced by vaporizing liquid from a liquid source, in a carrier gas has on-off valve which is automatically operable by a valve controller and which is connectable to one or both of the liquid and the carrier gas. A flow meter is provided in the flow path of the liquid and generates an output signal proportional to the flow of the liquid supplied for vaporization. This signal is supplied to the controller which cooperates with the valve to automatically regulate the supply of one or both of the liquid or carrier gas dependent on the output signal.

Abstract: A humidifier bottle assembly and a method of dispensing water from humidifier bottles are provided. The humidifier bottle assembly includes a first and a second humidifier bottle adapted to hold water and a humidifier bottle receptacle adapted to receive the first and second bottles. In one embodiment, the receptacle includes a device adapted to determine which of the first and second humidifier bottles contains more water. The device is operable to dispense water from the humidifier bottle containing more water. In an exemplary embodiment, the device comprises a pivot mechanism configured to raise one of the first and second bottles and lower the other of the first and second bottles within the receptacle, so as to activate a dispensing plunger and stopper, thus dispensing water from the bottle containing more water. In another embodiment, each bottle includes a dispensing mechanism adapted to dispense water from the bottle into a reservoir.

Abstract: An air flow activated humidifier for use in a ventilation system comprising a water evaporating means, displacing means engageable by the air flow of said ventilation system for displacing said water evaporating means, and activating means operably associated with said displacing means for activating said humidifier when said water evaporating means is displaced. A control system for a flow-through humidifier comprising a pivoting means, returning means, switching means and water valve. A method for humidifying circulated air using an air flow activated humidifier.

Abstract: A small flow of a water with a high carbon dioxide content (normally a carbon-dioxide-saturated water) is produced using hollow-fiber membranes, and is uniformly mixed with a large flow of untreated water with constant proportions. Since the hollow-fiber membrane module has a reserve capacity for adding carbon dioxide to the water, the resistivity of the mixed water is maintained at a constant level by maintaining constant proportions of the small and large flows, even if the total flow rate fluctuates due to fluctuations in the rate of water used in a subsequent process. Accordingly, no automated control device is particularly necessary in order to maintain the resistivity at a constant level. Therefore, a compact and simple apparatus can be produced which can operate at a low cost.

Abstract: A compact, small size humidifier which may be used as a portable humidifier. The humidifier may include the appropriate electrical plugs and internal electrical transformer to allow use in different countries with different voltages and electrical power systems, e.g., 110V use in the United States, 220V use in Europe, etc. The humidifier also includes an opening for receiving a number of different sockets allowing use of different sized water bottles as the water tank. The different sockets may be detachably affixed to the humidifier body in appropriate recesses or holding arrangements so that the different sockets are easily made available to the user. The humidifier may also include a low water detection assembly which utilizes, e.g., two projecting probes positioned in the water retaining chamber, to indicate the presence of a sufficient amount of water.

Abstract: An improved process for humidifying a gas stream with a precise amount of moisture used in a variety of heat treating processes including annealing, brazing, and sintering of ferrous and non-ferrous metals and alloys, reflow soldering of electronic components, glass-to-metal sealing, chemical processes, chemical vapor deposition of metal oxides, laser processing, fuel cells, etc. The gaseous stream is humidified by introducing a controlled amount of water through a precision metering device and a known and precise flow rate of a gas stream into a gas-liquid contactor, and shearing and vaporizing the water stream in the gas-liquid contactor with the gas stream.

Abstract: A method of facilitating replacement of a supply of air freshener every time a supply of soap is replaced, including the steps of providing a supply of air freshener, providing a supply of soap and joining the supply of soap and the supply of air freshener. Another aspect of the invention is a method of packaging a supply unit including providing a supply of soap and a supply of air freshener and connecting the supply of soap and the supply of air freshener in a manner such that when the supply of soap is removed from a dispenser, the supply of air freshener is removed from the dispenser as well. Another aspect is a supply unit for the dual dispenser including a receptacle, a supply of soap within the receptacle, and a supply of air freshener connected to or secured within the receptacle.

Abstract: An automatic air scenting system that introduces a variety of pre-selectable scents into the heating/air-conditioning duct of a motor vehicle or habitable structure comprising a perforated housing, an electric fan for drawing air through the perforated housing, a container of compressed fiber blocks soaked in a scented oil based liquid positioned within the perforated housing, and a hose connecting the housing to the duct of the heating/air conditioning system whereby the fan forces the accumulated scent through the hose into the duct. Automatic functioning is obtained by connecting the fan power lines to the on/off switch and thermostat wiring of the heating/air-conditioning system.

Abstract: An apparatus for the remote or local delivery of stored or real-time aroma sensory information to an end user of a multimedia device. The present invention includes an aroma converter for encoding aroma information into electrical signals, a delivery system for delivering the electrical signals, and a retrieval system for receiving and processing the electrical signals to control the aroma or combination of aromas emitted by one or more aroma release chambers.

Abstract: A wick assembly for use in a humidifier including a housing defining an air inlet, an air outlet, and a reservoir adapted to contain water, a fan for creating an air flow path between the inlet and the outlet, and a float assembly for stopping the operation of the fan when an insufficient amount of water is present within the reservoir, the float assembly including a float rod, the wick assembly having a lower portion locatable within the reservoir and an upper portion locatable within the air flow path so that the wick assembly conducts water from the reservoir to the air flow path, the wick assembly including a frame, an absorbent wick supported by the frame, and a retainer mounted on the frame for movement between an extended position wherein the retainer can support the float rod, and a retracted position facilitating packaging of the wick assembly.

Abstract: Supply water temperature in a cooling tower is detected by a temperature detector, and based on the temperature detected by the temperature detector, a flow control valve in a hydraulic pressure supply line is controlled. As a result, operation of a hydraulic motor connected to a cooling fan can be controlled to efficiently cool down the water temperature to reach a preset temperature. Further, by a pressure-compensated variable displacement regulator of a variable displacement pump, the flow control valve is controlled to have irreducibly minimum pressure difference such that pressure on upstream side is slightly higher than the pressure on downstream side. Therefore, discharge pressure of the variable displacement pump can be suppressed to the irreducibly minimum value, and capacity of the variable displacement pump can be controlled to match the opening degree of the flow control valve.

Abstract: A method of facilitating replacement of a supply of air freshener every time a supply of soap is replaced, including the steps of providing a supply of air freshener, providing a supply of soap and joining the supply of soap and the supply of air freshener. Another aspect of the invention is a method of packaging a supply unit including providing a supply of soap and a supply of air freshener and connecting the supply of soap and the supply of air freshener in a manner such that when the supply of soap is removed from a dispenser, the supply of air freshener is removed from the dispenser as well. Another aspect is a supply unit for the dual dispenser including a receptacle, a supply of soap within the receptacle, and a supply of air freshener connected to or secured within the receptacle.

Abstract: A humidifier is disclosed having operation, speed, and humidity 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 in order 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. At least one operating control is used to selectively operate one or all of the air moving devices, and at least one speed control is also preferably used with the operating control for selectively increasing or decreasing the speed of one or all of the air moving devices. Along with the operating control and speed control, a humidity control may pre-select humidity between a predetermined minimum and maximum.

Abstract: A novel delivery system for delivering a fine fog of water through a plurality of nozzles to absorb heat through evaporation. The delivery system comprises the combination of a water supply tank, an air compressor, solenoid valve and an electronic control module for controlling the operation of valve and compressor to allow an operator to adjust the displacement rate of fog as well as providing the operator a choice between continuous, intermittent and pulsing operation.

Abstract: An HMDS tank for use in an integrated circuit fabrication process includes a tank configured to hold HMDS having an first inlet port configured to receive a carrier gas below an HMDS surface level, an outlet port configured to release said carrier gas saturated with HMDS above the HMDS surface level, and a second inlet port configured to receive HMDS. A sensor is positioned in the tank at a predetermined HMDS level and configured to generate a sensor signal when the HMDS surface level falls below the predetermined HMDS level. A processor is coupled to the sensor and configured to generate a fill signal in response to the sensor signal to initiate introduction of HMDS into the tank through the second inlet port. In another embodiment, the HMDS tank further includes a second sensor positioned in the tank at a low HMDS level. The processor is also coupled to the second sensor and configured to generate an alarm signal in response to the second sensor signal to warn an operator of a low HMDS level in the tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for emitting a chemical agent includes a supply of the chemical agent, an emanator from which the chemical agent can diffuse, means for transporting the chemical agent from the supply to the emanator, means for interrupting the transportation of the chemical agent from the supply to the emanator and means for providing a flow of air over the emanator to promote diffusion of the chemical agent from the emanator. The supply of the chemical agent, the emanator, the means for transporting the chemical agent and the means for interrupting the transportation of the chemical agent may be provided in the form of an integral replaceable cartridge.

Abstract: A method of facilitating replacement of a supply of air freshener every time a supply of soap is replaced, including the steps of providing a supply of air freshener, providing a supply of soap and joining the supply of soap and the supply of air freshener. Another aspect of the invention is a method of packaging a supply unit including providing a supply of soap and a supply of air freshener and connecting the supply of soap and the supply of air freshener in a manner such that when the supply of soap is removed from a dispenser, the supply of air freshener is removed from the dispenser as well. Another aspect is a supply unit for the dual dispenser including a receptacle, a supply of soap within the receptacle, and a supply of air freshener connected to or secured within the receptacle.

Abstract: Devices for making reaction products by atomizing into droplets a first liquid containing a first reactant into a gas containing a second reactant in a manner to form a reaction product within the droplets. The reaction is controlled by monitoring the transient conversion (conversion taking place in the time interval between the formation of the droplets and their coalescence into a mass of liquid) of first reactant to reaction product just before the droplets coalesce into a mass of a second liquid.

Abstract: A fragrance enhancer apparatus including a hollow container with a plurality of vent holes formed thereon and with the container having a size for holding a replaceable wick fragrance material therein; an electrically energizable fan disposed within the container for forcing air therefrom through the vent holes; an electrically energizable and user adjustable timer mechanism coupled to the container for allowing the fan to be electrically energized for a period of time; a power supply mechanism for supplying electrical energy for use; and a power switch mechanism coupled between the timer mechanism and power supply mechanism for selectively energizing and de-energizing the timer mechanism.

Abstract: Devices for making reaction products by atomizing a first liquid (in the form of droplets) containing a reactant into a gas containing a second reactant. The reaction is controlled by monitoring the pre-coalescing temperature (temperature of the droplets just before they coalesce into a mass of liquid), or transient temperature difference (difference between the pre-coalescing temperature and the temperature of the droplets just before being atomized), or transient conversion (conversion taking place in the time interval between the formation of the droplets and their coalescence into a mass of liquid) or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing a volatile active ingredient from an air-transmitting substrate that forms a part of a refill assembly. The dispensing device includes a housing with an intake vent and an exit vent and an air flow path extending between them. Refill assembly support means are provided for removably supporting the refill assembly with its substrate located in the air flow path. Battery-powered fan means are provided for propelling air from the intake vent through the substrate and out the exit vent. A battery holder holds a fan battery in such a manner that a refill assembly not fully inserted within the refill assembly support means blocks the placement of a battery in the battery holder, while a battery correctly held in the battery holder blocks the removal from the air flow path of a refill assembly supported by the refill assembly support means.

Abstract: Evaporative cooler apparatus includes two pumps, a primary pump which pumps water to an evaporative medium and a secondary pump for pumping water from the bottom of the cooler to drain the cooler. The secondary, or drain pump includes a timer so that it is only on to drain water from the bottom of the cooler for a predetermined time, and after a predetermined number of hours of operation of the primary pump. That is, there is a direct relationship between the operation of the cooler apparatus as evidenced by the primary pump, and the draining of the water at the bottom of the cooler by the secondary, or drain pump. The efficiency of the pumps is increased to allow them to pump with a very low water level without cavitation problems by virtue of an impeller design which includes vanes on the bottom of the impeller disk and vanes on top of an impeller disk.

Abstract: Apparatus including a circulating pump inside a carbonator tank which blends CO.sub.2 with still water and which is started and stopped for predetermined time periods in repetitive cycles having an on/off ratio ranging between 1:10 and 1:20. A timing circuit controls the operating and non operating times of the circulating pump so that sufficient carbonation of the water with CO.sub.2 gas is achieved along with the formation of an ice bank on the cooled wall of the storage tank. During intervening periods when the circulating pump is not operating, the carbonated water arranges itself in layers according to its density so that the relatively warmer water sinks while the colder water together with any ice particles or small pieces of ice floating therein join together, becoming fixed to the ice bank in the upper portion of the carbonator.

Abstract: A water quality control method for recycling cooling water in a cooling tower equipped with a blow system and water treatment agent introduction means. Water is made up in response to the blow-down amount encountered by a blowing operation, and water treatment introduction means is actuated to introduce the water treatment agent into the recycle cooling water in the cooling tower, whereby the concentration of said agent in the recycle cooling water is retained at a desired level. The water treatment agent is made up by a predetermined amount, according to the amount of scattered water, at predetermined intervals of time during the operation of the arrangement. The water treatment introduction means is actuated after lapse of a fixed period of time, based on a predetermined level of the conductivity of the cooling water at the operational starting or cleaning of the cooling tower.

Abstract: A control system for a humidifier having operative components housed within a casing. The casing includes an upper portion which is removable to provide access to the interior such that a refillable water supply bottle may be removed from, and placed into, the casing. A first control system senses depletion of the water within the water bottle and activates an indicator or disables operation of the humidifier. This first control system includes a spring biased switch which presses laterally against a side of the water bottle. When the weight of the water bottle has sufficiently decreased, due to dispensing of the water therefrom, the spring bias may overcome the weight of the bottle to tip it slightly laterally, enabling the switch. A second control system is an interlock which disables operation of the humidifier upon the casing being open. A finger element extends downward from the lid of the casing and engages against a switch mounted within the casing.

Abstract: A dual dispenser dispenses both soap and fragrance for washrooms. The dispenser has a mounting plate for mounting on a surface in the washroom and has a lower support for a box containing a flexible bag of soap with the bag having a flexible tube extending out of the box. A container with a fragrance source is mounted in the top of the box and a fan is located thereabove which is driven by a small motor mounted on an upper support of the mounting plate. A battery is also located on the box adjacent the fragrance container. Switch contacts are in circuit with the motor and the battery for operating the motor and fan when the switch contacts are closed. A cover for the mounting plate has a hand-operated actuating plate which squeezes the tube to dispense soap and closes the contacts to operate the fan when the actuating plate is pushed, thus dispensing both soap and fragrance in a single motion.

Abstract: Salinity control of sump water in an evaporative cooler (10) wherein a pump (19) continuously impels a water flow from a sump (11) to an evaporative surface where some of the water is evaporated by air flow from a fan (15, 16). Control is affected by sensing electrical resistance of the sump water with monel probes (36) energised with low voltage alternating current, and initiating an "ON" period of a timer (quad NOR gate) when resistance drops below a preset level. During the "ON" period a solenoid valve (25) is opened in a bleed line and some only of the pumped sump water is passed to drain, without interruption of cooler operation.

Abstract: An air handler for conditioning recirculated or make-up space air and including a conditioning chamber and air flow means for moving air therethrough. An evaporative air cooler of the air handler has an air permeable pad extending across the chamber and a fluid spray system for maintaining a moist condition of the pad. The spray system is constructed and arranged to discharge cooling fluid spray patterns covering the upstream side of the pad in a plurality of predefined zones, and further includes a plurality of moisture sensors positioned at predetermined locations adjacent to the downstream side of the pad. A controller is responsive to sensed moisture conditions for controlling the activation and deactivation of the spraying mechanism to maintain at least a preselected moisture content in the pad.

Abstract: A system for removing volatile constituents (e.g., hydrocarbons) from a liquid (e.g., water) containing the same by which there is a continuous countercurrent contact between the liquid and a forced air flow. Water collected in a reservoir is continuously pumped to the top of a stripping tower where it is dispersed downwardly over packing material. A blower forces air upwardly in the tower so as to remove the volatile constituents that exit the tower with the exit air. Since the water flow is continuous, multiple passes occur through the tower to enhance separation efficiency. Water from the base of the tower returns to the reservoir via overflow from a standpipe. A lower liquid level sensor in the reservoir initiates operation of the water pump to the tower, and an upper liquid level sensor initiates operations of another pump for pressure discharge from the base of the tower to an exterior site.

Abstract: An electrical control assembly for a humidistat controlled humidifier of the type having a base connected to the furnace ductwork and a cover removably connected to the base includes a control circuit board having a primary circuit for operation of the fan and a secondary circuit for operation of the humidistat and solenoid valve. A separable electrical connector disposed within the humidifier has a connected state in which power is supplied to the humidistat and a solenoid valve and a disconnected state in which power for the humidistat and solenoid valve is cut off. The electrical connector is fixedly mounted in the base and cover of the humidifier and is positioned so that the electrical connection is automatically made when the cover is connected to the base.

Abstract: An air freshener dispenser includes a two-part housing including a base and a separable cover. The base carries a control circuit and the cover carries a dispensing blower and a replaceable cartridge including the freshening agent to be dispensed and a battery for powering the blower. When the cover is removed from the base the blower is connected directly across the battery for test purposes, but when it is mounted on the base, contact structure on the cover and the base cooperate so that the blower is connected to the battery through the control circuit and is controlled thereby. The control circuit turns off the blower and triggers visible and audible alarm signals after a predetermined time period and/or when the battery voltage gets too low. A photocell turns off the blower and disables the audible alarm in the dark. The time-out period of the timer is selectively changeable.

Abstract: A fuel management system for reducing pollution when an internal combustion engine is at idle includes a flow control valve located between the fuel tank and the float bowl of the carburetor to reduce the amount of fuel entering the carburetor. A pump is also provided between the fuel tank and the float bowl for removing the existing fuel from the float bowl and conveying it back to the fuel tank when the engine is at idle. The flow control valve in its reduced flow state and the pump are inactivated until the engine reaches a predetermined pressure at which time the existing fuel would be removed by the pump from the float bowl and the flow control valve would permit only a reduced flow of fuel to be conveyed to the float bowl sufficient to keep the engine running.

Abstract: A humidifier including a base defining a reservoir for retaining a liquid volume; an electrically energized humidification mechanism for inducing dispersion of liquid contained by said reservoir; an electrical supply for supplying electrical energy to the humidification mechanism; an electrical switch coupled between the supply and the humidification mechanism and having active and inactive states, the switch adapted in its active state to allow the supply of electrical energy to the humidification mechanism and adapted in its inactive state to prevent the supply of electrical energy thereto; and an operator coupled to the electrical switch and adapted for movement between active and inactive positions, the operator adapted in its active position to induce the active state of the electrical switch and in its inactive position to induce the inactive state thereof.

Abstract: An air freshener dispenser includes a two-part housing including a base and a separable cover. The base carries a control circuit and the cover carries a dispensing blower and a replaceable cartridge including the freshening agent to be dispensed and a battery for powering the blower. When the cover is removed from the base the blower is connected directly across the battery for test purposes, but when it is mounted on the base, contact structure on the cover and the base cooperate so that the blower is connected to the battery through the control circuit and is controlled thereby. The control circuit turns off the blower and triggers visible and audible alarm signals after a predetermined time period and/or when the battery voltage gets too low. A photocell turns off the blower and disables the audible alarm in the dark. The time-out period of the timer is selectively changeable.

Abstract: A humidifier including a base defining a reservoir for retaining a liquid volume having an upper surface; a humidification unit removably mounted on the base and having an electrically energized humidifier adapted to induce dispersion of liquid retained by the reservoir, and a switch adapted in an active condition to energize the humidifier and in an inactive condition to cause deenergization thereof; and an actuator retained by the base and adapted for movement between activating and inactivating positions with respect to the switch, the actuator adapted in its activating positions to actuate the switch into its active condition and in its inactivating positions to actuate the switch into its inactive condition and wherein both given changes in the level of the upper surface and movement of the humidification unit relative to the base produce the controlling movement of the actuator.

Abstract: A constant humidity evaporative wicking filter humidifier is disclosed as having a water reservoir tank for holding a supply of water. The water reservoir tank is mounted on a supporting base and is constructed to dispense water as needed into a catch basin formed in the supporting base. A wick element of predetermined height has its lower end positioned within the catch basin for absorbing water up into the wick element by capillary action. A motor driven fan is also mounted on the supporting base relative to the wick element for drawing air with increased humidity through the wick element for discharge from the humidifier into the surrounding atmosphere. The water reservoir tank includes a valve which is selectively responsive to the level of water in the catch basin for dispensing water from the water reservoir tank into the catch basin when the water in the catch basin is below a predetermined level.

Abstract: A humidifier comprising a trough adapted to contain water, a mechanism for transferring water from the trough to the atmosphere, first and second containers adapted to contain water, and an arrangement for substantially emptying the first container into the trough before permitting water flow from the second container into the trough.

Abstract: A universally mountable humidifier which can be mounted such that the outlet extends upwardly, downwardly or from a selected sidewall. The humidifier can be mounted in many different orientations and locations. The versatility of the manner of installing it allows it to be adaptable to nearly all environments.

Abstract: An ultrasonic nebulizer includes a supply container for the liquid to be nebulized, and an electrolytic cell having electrodes for generating a gas according to the amount of electricity conducted through the electrodes. The generated gas is effective to control the pressure in, or volume of, the supply container, and thereby the feed of the liquid therefrom to the ultrasonic nebulizer nozzle.

Abstract: A humidifier including a base defining a reservoir for retaining a liquid volume having an upper surface; a humidification unit removably mounted on the base and having an electrically energized humidifier adapted to induce dispersion of liquid retained by the reservoir, and a switch adapted in an active condition to energize the humidifier and in an inactive condition to cause deenergization thereof; and an actuator retained by the base and adapted for movement between activating and inactivating positions with respect to the switch, the actuator adapted in its activating positions to actuate the switch into its active condition and in its inactivating positions to actuate the switch into its inactive condition and wherein both given changes in the level of the upper surface and movement of the humidification unit relative to the base produce the controlling movement of the .[.actuator.]. .Iadd.switch.Iaddend..