Abstract: A humidifier that includes two water reservoir compartments connected via an opening large enough to allow exchange of water between the two compartments, and an ultraviolet lamp that irradiates on the water in the smaller of the two compartments downstream of the larger compartment.

Abstract: A device and method for generating micro bubbles in a liquid. The method includes the steps of: providing a flow-through channel containing at least two local constrictions of flow therein; passing the liquid at a velocity of at least at least 12 m/sec through a first local constriction of flow to create a first hydrodynamic cavitation field downstream from the first local constriction of flow; introducing a gas into the liquid in the first local constriction of flow, thereby creating gas-filled cavitation bubbles; collapsing the gas-filled cavitation bubbles formed in the first hydrodynamic cavitation field to dissolve the gas into the liquid, thereby forming a gas-saturated liquid; passing the gas-saturated liquid through a second local constriction of flow to create a second hydrodynamic cavitation field downstream from the second local constriction of flow; and extracting the dissolved gas from the gas-saturated liquid, thereby generating micro bubbles in the liquid.

Abstract: A tower/frame structure of interconnected columns and beams (which may be used in a cooling tower) and novel columns, beams, connection mechanisms and other components are provided. In one embodiment, a column and a beam are constructed of pultruded composite fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) materials. The beam includes two sidewall extensions or flanges (each having one or more attachment apertures) at one end and which are integral with the beam for connection to the column (having one or more corresponding attachment apertures). The dimension/spacing between the inner walls of the two flanges substantially equals or is slightly larger than the outer dimension of the column. The attachment holes are aligned and a fastener is inserted through the extensions and column for attaching the column and beam. The C-shaped end of the beam substantially conforms to the cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the column.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for dissolving a gas into a liquid comprises a saturation tank, a high pressure liquid pump in fluid communication with the tank, and a pressurized gas source in communication with a regulated gas head space of the saturation tank. The saturation tank comprises a pressure vessel for containing the liquid and has a regulated gas head space above the liquid, contains at least one liquid spray nozzle that permits passage of liquid into the pressure vessel, and an outlet for the liquid containing dissolved gas. Upon passing the gas-containing liquid into a second fluid, the gas is released in the form of microbubbles. The microbubbles aid in flocculation of suspended particles and promote dissolution of the gas in the second fluid. Preferred gases for use with the apparatus are oxygen, air, and ozone. Anticipated uses include treatment of rivers, streams, and ponds in natural or industrial settings, as well as smaller scale applications.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in fluid agitation which may include a hollow drive shaft having a first end and a second end wherein the first end is coupled to a selectively rotatable power source, a first propeller, a second propeller and an atomizer coupled to the drive shaft, and a submergible vortex control plate disposed above the first propeller, and may also include a forced air source in fluid connection with the drive shaft, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating microbubbles of gas in a liquid, and for using such created microbubbles to purify said liquid of undesirable materials therein. A vertical pipe member is adapted to receive a liquid-gas mixture having gas bubbles of relatively large diameter therein. A series of horizontally-extending apertures are provided to permit the pipe member to expel such liquid-gas mixture radially outwardly from such pipe member. A plug means is provided in a lowermost distal end of the pipe member, so that such liquid-gas mixture is only expelled horizontally outwardly. The expelled liquid-gas mixture may contact the sides of a containment vessel. A baffle may further be provided in such containment vessel.

Abstract: A heating tower apparatus for heating a liquid having more than one inlet and more than one outlet. Each of the more than one inlet and more than one outlet is selectively openable and closable. The heating tower apparatus also includes a liquid distribution assembly and a fill medium. The liquid distribution assembly distributes the liquid onto the fill medium.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating microbubbles of gas in a liquid. A vertical pipe member is adapted to receive a liquid-gas mixture having gas bubbles of larger diameter therein. A series of horizontally-extending apertures are provided to permit the pipe member to expel such liquid-gas mixture radially outwardly from such pipe member. The expelled liquid-gas mixture may contact the sides of a containment vessel. In a refinement of the invention, a specific relationship is further specified between the exit area of the apertures and the interior cross-sectional area of the pipe member, in order to most suitably convert the gas bubbles in such liquid-gas mixture to microbubbles of a desired small size when expelled under pressure from such pipe member via such apertures. A method of converting gas bubbles in such liquid-gas mixture to gas microbubbles is further disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is an aerator for inducing air flow below the surface of a liquid. The aerator includes a motor having a drive shaft. A propeller is operably connected to the drive shaft of the motor and a blower is operably connected to the motor. The aerator further includes an air flow path that has an inlet and an outlet, with the inlet connected to the blower and the outlet located near the propeller. The blower and the propeller rotate at different speeds.

Abstract: An aerator for mixing an ambient gas with a liquid and agitating the liquid incorporates at least three bearings that are rigidly connected to an aerator housing. A propeller is driven by a central shaft that is rotatably mounted in the aerator housing using the bearings. Two bearings are located near the ends of the central shaft. At least one additional bearing is located between the ends, for example, in a intermediate position. This additional bearing may absorb some of the force that would otherwise be transferred to the bearing near the propeller end of the central shaft. The bearings are thus subjected to lower stress and may exhibit a prolonged useful lifespan.

Abstract: A humidifier meters water into a chamber in which it is subjected to ultraviolet light for a predetermined period of time sufficient to destroy microorganisms whereupon the static quantity of water is transferred to a water dispersing unit which discharges the decontaminated water in a finely divided form into the environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for generating a foam from a liquid phase and a gas phase, a method for placing a foam in circulation in an installation, and a method for cleaning an installation by placing a foam in circulation. Generation of the foam is made by aspiration of an appropriate liquid phase and an appropriate gas phase to generate a foam through a porous lining. The invention also relates to a system for generating a foam and to a system for generating and placing a foam in circulation in an installation.

Abstract: A humidifier includes a humidifier housing, a fan, and a water wheel device. The humidifier housing includes a lower base member that defines a liquid-containing compartment, and an upper cover member mounted on the lower base member and formed with a vapor outlet. The fan is mounted in the upper cover member, and is operable so as to generate air currents that flow through the vapor outlet. The water wheel device includes a horizontal wheel axle mounted rotatably in the humidifier housing, a drive motor for driving axial rotation of the wheel axle, and a plurality of disc members mounted spacedly and co-rotatably on the wheel axle. Each of the disc members has a lower disc portion extending into the liquid-containing compartment, and an upper disc portion disposed under and adjacent to the fan.

Abstract: A method for forming a top for a cooling tower having a bottom wall at least one opening therein for accommodating an air current generator. The cooling tower top additionally includes a plurality of hot liquid distributors for distributing hot liquid. The cooling tower top also includes a top wall having an opening for accommodating an air cooling generator and a liquid inlet.

Abstract: An aerator/mixer which includes a rotatable hollow drive shaft one or more air intake ports adjacent one end, and a propeller and an air permeable diffuser mounted adjacent to the other end; the diffuser is mounted below the propeller; and is in communication with the interior of the hollow drive shaft such that air supplied to the air intake port can exit only through the diffuser, the aerator/mixer further includes a device for rotating the drive shaft and the propeller and a device for supplying air at above atmospheric pressure to the or each air intake port.

Abstract: A portable cooling unit (i.e. a mister) having a portable frame on which a fan and a water tank is mounted. A pump is mounted on the frame for pumping water from the tank to nozzles in a mister head which, in turn, is mounted on the front of the fan. Both the direction and the flow through the nozzles are adjustable.

Abstract: A cross-flow cooling tower having a frame assembly that is unitarily molded from a plastic material. The frame assembly has opposing top and bottom walls along with opposing side walls and opposing ends. The side walls extend parallel to one another between the top and bottom walls. In addition, the opposing ends extend parallel to one another between the top and bottom walls. The frame assembly additionally has a vertical stack extending vertically from the top wall. The top covers of the tower extend outwardly and downwardly from the vertical stack.

Abstract: A top for a cooling tower having a bottom wall at least one opening therein for accommodating an air current generator. The cooling tower top additionally includes a plurality of hot liquid distributors for distributing hot liquid. The cooling tower top also includes a top wall having an opening for accommodating an air cooling generator and a liquid inlet.

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: Evaporative cooling apparatus monitors light and heavy temperature averages to minimize cycling of the apparatus on-and-off when the apparatus is being turned on in the morning when the ambient temperature is rising and is being turned off in the afternoon when the ambient temperature is falling. The apparatus is suspended above the ground and includes a hollow housing with a top portion and a bottom portion, a fan mounted in the top portion of the housing to direct air flow through the housing downwardly toward the ground, and nozzles mounted inside the housing to direct water droplets into air flowing from the fan through the housing. The apparatus also includes a hollow, tapered member which captures a portion of the air flow from the fan and directs the airflow into a central area of the housing to insure that air flowing through the central area moves downwardly toward the ground.

Abstract: A gear drive fan for ventilating and cooling structures used for containing livestock. The gear drive fan comprises a livestock structure having a roof and supporting members, where the roof is connected to the supporting members, a fan assembly, and means for attaching the fan assembly to the structure. The fan assembly comprises a blade assembly having a plurality of blades and a drive hub, a housing, a first electrical motor having a drive shaft, and a gearbox having a drive end and a hub end. The drive end of the gearbox is adapted to be closely coupled to the drive shaft of the motor, while the hub end is adapted to be closely coupled to the drive hub of the blade assembly, so that the motor and gearbox may be conveniently mounted to the blade housing or contained within the blade housing.

Abstract: A precursor delivery system emulsifier is provided for delivery a mixture of liquid and gas precursors. Since the liquid precursor is mixed with a gas, the flow pattern of the emulsified precursor can be controlled and modified and the relatively large flow rate of the emulsified precursor prevents the line from being clogged. Further, the mixing of the liquid precursor and gas at a site outside the vaporization chamber permits the liquid precursor line to remain cool, so that even the small diameter line remains unclogged.

Abstract: A gas-enriched fluid is provided by the combination of a first fluid, such as a patient's blood, with a second gas-supersaturated fluid, such as an oxygen supersaturated fluid. In this example, a catheter assembly includes a portion that receives the patient's blood from a pump and that receives the oxygen supersaturated fluid from an appropriate fluid source. The oxygen supersaturated fluid is advantageously combined with the blood in an area of laminar flow, and then this gas-enriched fluid is delivered to the patient through an appropriate lumen coupled to the portion of the catheter assembly.

Abstract: A cooling tower has cooling tubes fitted to a water tank with upper portions sticking out from a top side of the tank. The upper portions of the cooling tubes have radiating fins. A frame is disposed on the top of the tank with aerosols being fitted to an inner upper side, and with two opposing fans fitted to two lateral sides. Hot water is sent through the tank to contact the lower portions of the cooling tubes such that same is cooled down by cooling spray distributed onto the radiating fins, and cooling air sent into, and out of the frame by the fans.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods for the hydration of environments such as display cases, walk-in storage rooms, greenhouses and large-scale storage facilities are provided. Consistent humidification is provided while effectively eliminating the problem of water streaming from atomization nozzles at the end of a pressurization and atomization cycle. The present invention eliminates the traditional regulators, pressure tanks and solenoid valve assemblies required to control water pressure, as well as bladder tanks and regulator valves for regulating air pressure, while more effectively controlling the problem of streaming by incorporating a drawback valve and, optionally, a miniature water regulator. Kits for retrofitting existing humidification systems to incorporate the improvements described herein are also provided.

Abstract: A portable combination fan and humidifier includes a non-rigid water reservoir, a fan, a fastener for securing the reservoir and fan together, and a holder for facilitating carrying. In use, one hand of a user can hold the reservoir and the housing of the fan to squeeze the reservoir for shooting out a spray. At the same time, the fan is turned on to spray the spray into air. This can enhance environmental conditions.

Abstract: The fan propelled misting apparatus for cooling an extended area by evaporative cooling includes a blower with a hollow, cylindrical mist discharge tube, and a fan for propelling air flow through the mist discharge tube; and a misting device connected to the blower for delivering a fine spray of water to the cylindrical mist discharge tube. The misting device includes a pressurizable fluid tank, such as a piston type pump, with a water supply tube connected between the pressurizable fluid tank and the mist discharge tube for delivering the fine spray of water to the cylindrical mist discharge tube. The water supply tube has a nozzle at a distal end of the water supply tube disposed in the mist discharge tube so as to deliver the fine spray of water in the air flow provided by the blower. A valve is provided for controlling flow of water through the water supply tube.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for aerating liquids including pumping liquids to be aerated into a hollow manifold, providing nozzles on the manifold and openings in the top of the manifold for spraying the liquids to be aerated therefrom, swirling the liquids in a spiral direction prior to the liquids reaching the nozzles, injecting air under pressure into the nozzles prior to discharge of the liquids to be aerated from the nozzles, and discharging the liquids through the nozzles and the openings from the interior of the manifold to the exterior of the manifold.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling occupants of an open-air vehicle with a mist of water provided by a spray nozzle and blown by a fan onto the occupants. An apparatus having a water reservoir, pump, heat exchanger, nozzle for atomizing water and fan provides a mist of water through directional vents resulting in enhanced evaporative cooling of the vehicle occupants.

Abstract: The fan propelled misting apparatus for cooling an extended area by evaporative cooling includes a blower with a hollow, cylindrical mist discharge tube, and a fan for propelling air flow through the mist discharge tube; and a misting device connected to the blower for delivering a fine spray of water to the cylindrical mist discharge tube. The misting device includes a pressurizable fluid tank, such as a piston type pump, with a water supply tube connected between the pressurizable fluid tank and the mist discharge tube for delivering the fine spray of water to the cylindrical mist discharge tube. The water supply tube has a nozzle at a distal end of the water supply tube disposed in the mist discharge tube so as to deliver the fine spray of water in the air flow provided by the blower. A valve is provided for controlling flow of water through the water supply tube.

Abstract: A mist humidifier has a lower space receiving a main water tank for storing water and an upper space divided into an evaporative cavity and a blower cavity. The evaporative cavity is divided into a first water chamber for storing water fed from main water tank having a float ball safety valve, a second water chamber for receiving a nebulizer for vaporizing water for creating cool mist, a third water chamber for receiving a heater for heating water for creating a hot mist, and a water supply tube provided on the bottom of the first water chamber in fluid communication with the second and third water chambers so as to keep all water chambers at a constant equal level, whereby a mist having a temperature at a constant level is discharged into the environment when the humidifier is activated.

Abstract: A portable fan with misting nozzles for providing a cooling mist to the air flow of a fan. The portable fan with misting nozzles includes a fan assembly adapted for creating an air flow. A water supply assembly for storing water. A plurality of nozzles adapted for spraying a mist of water into the air flow of the fan assembly. The nozzles are in fluid communication with the water supply assembly. The nozzles are coupled to the fan assembly.

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: The fan propelled misting apparatus for cooling an extended area by evaporative cooling includes a blower with a hollow, cylindrical mist discharge tube, and a fan for propelling air flow through the mist discharge tube; and a misting device connected to the blower for delivering a fine spray of water to the cylindrical mist discharge tube. The misting device includes a pressurizable fluid tank, such as a piston type pump, with a water supply tube connected between the pressurizable fluid tank and the mist discharge tube for delivering the fine spray of water to the cylindrical mist discharge tube. The water supply tube has a nozzle at a distal end of the water supply tube disposed in the mist discharge tube so as to deliver the fine spray of water in the air flow provided by the blower. A valve is provided for controlling flow of water through the water supply tube.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for mixing discrete, microscopic portions of a gas (oxygen) in a liquid (water), wherein the liquid is brought into contact with a liquid repellent side of a microporous membrane, and the gas is contacted with the other side. The membrane, which may be a bundle of hollow fibers, has effective pore pathway diameters generally in the range 0.01 to 5 &mgr;m, and the liquid pressure is regulated not to exceed that of the gas or to cause liquid to pass through the membrane. Gas/liquid mixed in this manner is conveyed and delivered in a low-liquid-turbulence incurring manner to avoid the discrete, microscopic gas portions from combining and provide them with a long retention time in the liquid.

Abstract: A mixing device in the form of a centrifugal pump is used to mix gas (typically air) with liquid (typically effluent water, dispersion water, or waste paper pulp suspension, etc.). The pump is provided with a common inlet conduit for both the liquid and the gas so that liquid and gas flow freely and in an arbitrary ratio into the pump, that is there is no controlling or adjusting of the flows. The gas is allowed to either dissolve in the liquid or be mixed as small bubbles with the liquid, and any surplus gas is separated from the mixing device (e.g. by holes in the pump impeller leading to a rear portion of the pump which is attached to a vacuum source, such as a liquid ring pump). The liquid and gas dissolved therein, and small bubbles mixed therein, are discharged from the mixing device at a pressure that is raised from the inlet pressure, due to the action of the impeller, which pressure development enhances the dissolution of gas in the liquid.

Abstract: A system for dissolved air floatation treatment of a liquid stream where the system includes a pump having an impeller cavity with input and output ports, and an impeller with an eye disposed adjacent the input port. The impeller draws liquid through the input port and drives the liquid toward the output port and creates a subatmospheric pressure zone in the cavity away from the eye. The pump includes an air introduction port opening into the subatmospheric zone to introduce significant quantities of air into the cavity for mixing with the liquid stream. The system also includes a tank adapted to receive the liquid stream from the pump with dissolved air introduced therein.

Abstract: Low-pressure gas is mixed in a viscous material. The flow of the gas can be easily controlled so that the dispersion of the mixing ratio of the viscous material to the gas may be confined within a small tolerance and fine bubbles may be uniformly distributed in the interior of the viscous material. The gas is mixed in the viscous material by a first pump, from which a mixture of the gas and the viscous material is delivered. Pressure is applied to the mixture by a second pump. The gas is distributed in the interior of the viscous material by allowing the mixture under pressure to pass through a conduit assembly. The viscous material is foamed when the mixture is discharged from a nozzle through a discharge pipe.

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 combination portable fan and spray misting device for creating a cooling atomized mist spray. The fan includes an elongated body portion and a fan blade head portion which is attached in an upwardly and angled fashion relative to the body portion and which further includes a rotatable fan blade unit. The spray misting device furter includes a body containing a volume of a liquid and a spray applicator secured atop said body and capable of issuing an atomized fluid mist spray of the liquid in a direction from the rear of and both above and through the rotating fan blade unit to further cool, atomize and distribute the spray in a desired application.

Abstract: A compact portable misting fan includes a novel and attractive housing which makes extremely efficient use of space, encased fan blades which are mounted between front and rear baffles, a liquid reservoir with an atomizer, conveniently located mist and fan controls, and an easily accessible battery compartment. The housing has a substantially flat profile with a substantially cylindrical upper section in which the fan is mounted and a substantially rectilinear lower section in which the reservoir and batteries are contained. The fan on/off switch is located on a lower portion of the cylindrical upper section and the misting button is located on an upper portion of the rectilinear lower section and on a side opposite to the fan switch. It is easily held in the user's hand so that the fan and the mister can be operated separately by thumb or index finger. A small hole is provided in the housing for the outlet of the atomizer.

Abstract: In order to reduce the noise made by a foam flotation separator working on the dispersion apparatus principle and maximise the air supply, the foam flotation separator is designed so as to comprise a dispersion pump (2) which draws in water and a gas such as air and/or ozone, a reaction chamber connected on the delivery side, a collector (5) on the upper end of the reaction chamber (4) and an expanded section (15) at the lower, outlet end of the reaction chamber (4).

Abstract: An air bubble generating apparatus has an air supplying device integrated with a pump. The air bubble generating apparatus comprises a pump for pumping water and for receiving a vacuum at a center portion thereof during pumping the water, a driving source for driving the pump, and an air supplying device for supplying air for the water by using an air pressure difference between the center portion in the vacuum state and an atmosphere. The air supplying device includes a hollow shaft through which the air flows, a first valve assembly adjacent to a first end of the hollow shaft and screwed in a bearing holder of the driving source, and a second valve assembly arranged at a second end of the hollow shaft. When the pump is operated so that a vacuum pressure is generated in the pump, the solenoid valve opens, so that there is a difference in pressure between the pump and the air supplying device.

Abstract: The mixed gas of a liquid raw material is stably supplied to not only one reactor but also a plurality of reactors as maintained with high purity at a fixed concentration.

Abstract: A compact portable misting fan includes a novel and attractive housing which makes extremely efficient use of space, encased fan blades which are mounted between front and rear baffles, a liquid reservoir with an atomizer, conveniently located mist and fan controls, and an easily accessible battery compartment. The housing has a substantially flat profile with a substantially cylindrical upper section in which the fan is mounted and a substantially rectilinear lower section in which the reservoir and batteries are contained. The fan on/off switch is located on a lower portion of the cylindrical upper section and the misting button is located on an upper portion of the rectilinear lower section and on a side opposite to the fan switch. It is easily held in the user's hand so that the fan and the mister can be operated separately by thumb or index finger. A small hole is provided in the housing for the outlet of the atomizer.

Abstract: A portable misting device and fan for use by sunbathers and those engaged in athletic pursuits. The fan encloses a fan blade unit and the misting device includes a body which contains a volume of a liquid and which is mounted to a rear of the fan by a mounting bracket. A spray applicator extends from the body and is in a direction above and toward a front of said fan blade unit. The spray applicator is actuable to withdraw fluid from within the misting device body and to supply it as an atomized spray in front of the fan blade unit. The fan blade unit cools and distributes the spray in a direction chosen by the user.

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: 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 milk frothing system is provided whereby milk is first frothed by controlled introduction of air, and then heated by circulation in a conduit which passes through a hot water tank. Milk initially is drawn into a milk frother from a cold milk supply, such milk supply preferably being replaceably housed in an onboard refrigerator. Once frothed, milk is directed through a frothed milk conduit, passing through an ambient pressure hot water tank so as to heat the frothed milk. An espresso water conduit similarly may be connected to a water supply, such espresso water conduit passing water through the hot water tank so as to heat the water. The heated water is passed through espresso grounds to produce espresso which is discharged through an espresso discharge nozzle. The hot frothed milk is passed directly through a milk discharge nozzle for use in making a beverage such as cappuccino or the like.