Abstract: An evaporative cooler comprises a housing having an upper surface and at least one vertical wall defining a chamber. The upper surface can include at least one opening in communication with the chamber. The evaporative cooler can also comprise at least one drain slit assembly for distributing a fluid and further comprise at least one screen. The screen can define a portion of the vertical wall. The screen can have an interior surface and an exterior surface relative to the chamber. In addition, the screen can be disposed relative to the drain slit assembly such that the drain slit assembly distributes the fluid over the screen. The screen can be configured such that the fluid forms a surface fluid layer over the surfaces of the screen. The evaporative cooler can further comprise an air conveyor disposed within the housing for drawing air through the opening and into the chamber such that the air is conveyed through the screen and the fluid layer.

Abstract: An evaporative cooler apparatus is disclosed. The evaporative cooler apparatus comprises a bottom and a top, where the bottom and the top are identically dimensioned, and where the top and the bottom are interchangeable. The evaporative cooler apparatus further comprises a U-shaped vertical element disposed between the bottom and the top, where that vertical element comprises a porous material. The evaporative cooler apparatus does not comprise one or more metal or plastic sides formed to include a plurality of apertures.

Abstract: A device for stirring and aerating a liquid in a treatment vessel may include a funnel disposed in the upper portion of the vessel to form a passage with the vessel. A duct is connected to the funnel and extends toward the bottom of the vessel and includes an opening in each of its upper and lower portions. A main screw is situated in the duct and has a driving device for driving its rotation. Also, the stirring device may include an aerating device that incorporates air into the liquid by imparting movement to the liquid inside the stirring device so that the liquid cascades over an upper edge and a peripheral structure disposed in the vicinity of the upper edge of the funnel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooling apparatus and method wherein a supply sump and turbine are below grade. Water cooled from an above grade cooling tower fan and fill flows into the supply sump and is pumped through below grade pipes into a facility. Heat rejected water from the facility then flows through below grade pipes into a below grade collector sump. A collector sump pump pumps the heat rejected water above grade into a nozzle and back into the fill to be cooled. The present invention is constructed such that water is not idle in any above grade component. Accordingly, the risk of water freezing within the above grade components is drastically reduced. Moreover, the heat rejection water can by-pass all above grade components and travel directly into the supply sump in the event of reduced load from the facility.

Abstract: A cooling tower and/or a fan drive system are provided which enhance cooling performance, are able to reduce lateral temperature gradients at least to some degree, provide for easy removable of debris and/or provide for easy fan adjustment.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved natural draft cooling tower (10) having improved cooling capability and reduced liquid losses of evaporation and blow-out. To this end, the distribution of hot liquid to the packing assembly within the tower is increased around the perimeter zone of the packing assembly and reduced within the remaining packing assembly of the tower (24). A plurality of air injector fans (30) spaced circumferentially in the air inlet (20) between the shell (12) support columns (14), together with reduced air resistance through reduced hot liquid distribution to tower interior, produce increased air rates (32) and (34) resulting in improved cooling capability and reduced evaporation loss. With improved cooling, further reduction in evaporation, if required, can be achieved with a hot liquid by-pass (52).

Abstract: A method of treatment of water in an aquatic environment. Water is first pumped from a reservoir to a first mixing station. An inert gas is introduced into the pumped water at the first mixing station to provide inert gas saturated water, which inert gas saturated water will displace undesired gasses in the water in the reservoir. The inert gas saturated water is then pumped to a sparging column such that the inert gas and undesired gasses will be released from the inert gas saturated water to provide depleted water. The depleted water is then pumped to a second mixing station, wherein oxygen is introduced into the depleted water to provide oxygen enriched water. The oxygen enriched water is then returned to reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention includes an improved apparatus (10) for treating a liquid with a gas having a generally cylindrical outer housing (24) and a coaxial inner housing (40) defining both an outer and an inner chamber (26, 46) and a plurality of inlets (70, 80) for introducing a fluid and a gas therein to generate a helical current throughout both chambers (26, 46). The present invention further includes a re-circulated fluid outlet (100) and a primary fluid outlet (104) for removing mixed fluid and gas that is disposed radially outwardly in a bottom portion of the inner chamber (46).

Abstract: An evaporative cooling system is disclosed. The system includes a housing including a metal base sheet and a metal side wall and having at least one opening fitted with an evaporative medium pad and an exhaust vent. A pump is configured to disperse water over the evaporative medium pad. A pan is configured to receive the water. The pump is configured to cooperate with the pan to recirculate the water. An exhaust fan is configured to draw air into the housing through the evaporative medium pad and out the exhaust vent. The metal side wall of the housing is at least partially pressed into the metal base sheet of the housing to form a joint having a corrosion resistant coating.

Abstract: A sound attenuating apparatus for mounting on a heat exchanging apparatus such as a cooling tower, this apparatus having an attenuator housing with vertically extending sides, a top cover and a bottom adapted for mounting on the tower. There is an annular air inlet in the bottom and an air outlet is formed in at least one of the sidewalls. Perforated interior walls are mounted in the housing and define an /airflow passageway that extends from the air inlet to the air outlet. These walls include a first annular wall section extending about and defining an outer circumferential portion of the airflow passageway and a second wall section with that is annular and extends about a substantially vertical central axis. The latter wall section defines an inner circumferential portion of the passageway. The second wall section extends generally upwardly and outwardly from the air inlet. Sound absorbing material is arranged behind the perforated walls.

Abstract: A method for gas-supersaturating fluids, e.g., physiologic saline, includes providing a chamber having a first inlet to receive the fluid; a second inlet to receive a gas, e.g., oxygen, from a gas supply that maintains pressure within the chamber at a predetermined level, advantageously about 600 psi; and an outlet advantageously coupled to a capillary assembly. An atomizer nozzle coupled to the first inlet advantageously creates within the chamber fine droplets of fluid into which gas diffuses to create the gas-supersaturated fluid, which collects within the chamber below the atomizer nozzle for removal via the outlet.

Abstract: The invention is generally directed to an evaporative humidifier having a water distribution system capable of quietly maintaining a continuously saturated wicking element through the use of a pump and water distribution troughs that allow water to be continuously flushed onto the tops of the wicking elements such that greater humidification of the air is achieved and the life of the wicking elements are extended.

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: A high efficiency impeller-type aerator designed for aeration of the water supply of aquatic organisms has a first impeller, a second impeller, and a pump casing having at least one water inlet, one air inlet, and one water outlet. The first and second impellers are disposed between the pump water inlet and outlet, and the pump casing includes constricted portions in association with the first and second impeller to define axial flow direction boundaries. The air inlet is located at the constricted portion, and the axial flow direction boundaries define a channel through which the second impeller urge water to facilitate low pressure that creates a venturi which causes air suction at the pump air inlet.

Abstract: An enclosed tank with a water inlet, a water outlet, an air inlet, and an air outlet. A flavor additive cartridge is attached in-line with the air inlet. It evaporates flavoring or other additives into the air inlet. Water is forced to flow turbulently through the tank. Simultaneously air is pumped through the tank via the additive cartridge. Turbulence induced in the water encourages pollutant gases dissolved in the water to transfer to the pumped air and then to exit the air outlet. It also encourages flavoring and/or homeopathic medicine in the additive cartridge to dissolve from the pumped air into the water. Water pressure is provided externally to the invention, such as by a water utility or house water pump. The water level in the tank is stabilized by controlling the air pressure in the tank, via various alternative means.

Abstract: A method for a bubble-free oxygenated blood delivery is provided. The method includes a step of selecting a delivery system having a tubular elongated member with a lumen. The selecting step comprises determining an effective diameter of the lumen needed to achieve a bubble-free delivery of the oxygenated blood based on a specified oxygenated blood flow rate and a desired target oxygen partial pressure in the oxygenated blood. The delivery system includes a generally tubular elongated member having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and a transition portion located between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion. The transitional portion is relatively flexible compared to the proximal end portion and is relatively stiff compared to the distal end portion. In another embodiment, the delivery system includes a generally tubular elongated member having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion with a plurality of holes.

Abstract: A decorative humidifier and fountain apparatus containing water for simultaneously humidifying and purifying air is disclosed that produces soothing sights and sounds as well as efficiently cleaned and humidified air. It includes a housing and a water distributor for forming a water curtain from the water. The water curtain has a first portion and a second portion. An evaporative filter element is sized and proportioned to humidify and filter the air as it passes through the fountain. A pool is positioned so as to receive the water from the water curtain. Water is circulated from the pool to the water distributor with a water circulating means. An air circulator draws air through the first portion of the water curtain, forcing air through the evaporative element, then forcing air through the second portion of the water curtain.

Abstract: A scrubber for removing soluble materials from harmful gaseous effluents with high efficiency and safety is disclosed. By using twice mixes of the scrubbing liquid and the harmful gaseous effluent, the scrubber meets the standards of environment protection. The scrubber of this invention also prevents the problems of factory safety presenting in the conventional fume scrubber. Owing to the high efficiency of the mixing of the harmful gaseous effluent and the scrubbing liquid, the production facilities or processing units need not stop operating once the supply of the scrubbing liquid terminates.

Abstract: A scrubber for removing soluble materials from harmful gaseous effluents with high efficiency and safety is disclosed. By using twice mixes of the scrubbing liquid and the harmful gaseous effluent, the scrubber meets the standards of environmental protection. The scrubber of this invention also prevents the problems of factory safety presented in the conventional fume scrubber. Owing to the high efficiency of the mixing of the harmful gaseous effluent and the scrubbing liquid, the production facilities or processing units need not stop operating once the supply of the scrubbing liquid terminates.

Abstract: A water entry system for entry of water to a water distribution system for an evaporative cooler includes a conduit for delivering water to at least one of the uppermost corners of the lid of the evaporative cooler. The corner having the conduit includes a capped water entry point that causes the water to form a substantially uniform curtain of water which is in turn feeds the water into a plurality of channels and thus to evaporative pads of the evaporative cooler.

Abstract: A high efficiency impeller-type aerator designed for aeration of the water supply of aquatic organisms has a first impeller, a second impeller, and a pump casing having at least one water inlet, one air inlet, and one water outlet. The first and second impellers are disposed between the pump water inlet and outlet, and the pump casing includes constricted portions in association with the first and second impeller to define axial flow direction boundaries. The air inlet is located at the constricted portion, and the axial flow direction boundaries define a channel through which the second impeller urge water to facilitate low pressure that creates a venturi which causes air suction at the pump air inlet.

Abstract: A high efficiency impeller-type aerator designed for aeration of the water supply of aquatic organisms has a booster impeller, a main mincing impeller, and a pump casing having at least one water inlet, one air inlet, and one water outlet, with the pumping and mincing impellers disposed between the pump casing water inlet and outlet, and wherein the air inlet is positioned advantageously between the booster pump and the main mincing impeller and is in communication with air, and wherein the water-inlet and outlet are in communication with water. The efficiency of the pump is retained while the bubbles produced in accordance with the present invention are advantageously small.

Abstract: A jet reactor pump as used to circulate heated water into a swimming pool at near sonic velocity to heat the swimming pool water.

Abstract: Mists atomized from siphon type two-fluid nozzles 14a and 14b are made to collide with each other within a secondary gas intake conduit 16 and secondary gas is supplied toward a collision point of the mists. A flow control plate 22 is provided within the secondary gas intake conduit 16 at a point upstream from the collision point to ensure that the secondary gas does not interfere with the collision of the mists and also to promote fine mists generated by the collision of the mists to mix with the secondary gas. Further, a secondary nozzle 24 is provided at the tip of the secondary gas intake conduit 16 to jet the secondary gas including the fine mists from the secondary nozzle 24. In the case of applying this mist atomizer 10 to the fuel cell 30, droplets and liquid water in the process gas is separated and removed at the mounting portion of the mist atomizer 10 in order to selectively supply mist of equal-sized particles only into the fuel cell.

Abstract: A gas and liquid contacting apparatus, illuminated, with circulation, and a method, are disclosed. To remove a trace component from a mixture of gases, for example to remove carbon dioxide from air, the inefficiency of attempting to dissolve all of the gas mixture followed by desorption of the non target components is overcome by injecting small bubbles (5) into a liquid filled chamber (1) which is inclined at an angle and has an abrupt change in cross section (2) & (3). The target component diffuses out of the small bubbles. The small bubbles, substantially relieved of the target component, are collected in a gas trap (4) created by the inclination and dimension change of the chamber. Large bubbles (8) escaping from the gas trap via an upper riser (9) to a reservoir (10) assist with the circulation of the contents of the system. A return tube (11) connecting the reservoir to the bottom end of the chamber completes the circuit.

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: A liquid enriched with a high concentration of gas, in particular, water enriched with oxygen, is produced by mixing the gas and liquid in an overpressurized system using a series of pressure reduction containers which sequentially reduce the pressure on the gas-enriched liquid in a slow incremental fashion, thereby allowing a high concentration of the gas to be maintained within the liquid phase.

Abstract: A high pressure tank installed in an emulsifier and connected between a bubble generator and a water pipe to receive a liquid from a water pump for enabling the liquid to be delivered to the bubble generator for making bubbles, the high pressure tank having a venturi tube extended from one side thereof to the water pipe for enabling a part of the liquid to be guided out of the high pressure tank to the water pipe for circulation, and an air valve installed in the venturi tube for enabling outside air to be drawn into the venturi tube to mix with the liquid passing through.

Abstract: An evaporative humidifier including a portable housing defining an air inlet, an air outlet, an air flow path between the inlet and the outlet, and a liquid reservoir; a blower system including a fan blade for producing air flow through the path between the inlet and the outlet; and a liquid absorbent evaporator pad disposed above the reservoir and in the path between the inlet and the outlet; the pad being a hollow cylinder and having a top surface, a bottom surface, and radially spaced apart cylindrical and coaxial inner and outer surfaces; and wherein the air flow path includes an axial section at least partially defined by the inner surface, and a transverse section communicating with the outer surface.

Abstract: An improved method and device for decontamination of a contaminated process area is provided whereby a fine aerosol of an encapsulant for use in encapsulating the contaminants within the contaminated environment is generated. The aerosol is generated by a plurality of ultrasonic transducers located below the surface of a reservoir containing a capture liquid. The output of the transducers is focused to a point near the surface of the liquid to cause a surface disturbance which results in the formation of an aerosol of encapsulant from the capture liquid. A pressurization fan is used to force ambient air through the pressurization chamber to transport the aerosol to the process area to be treated. The aerosol forms a thin coating of encapsulant over the hazardous material thereby allowing the hazardous material to be safely removed from the process area or permanently adhered to the walls of the process area.

Abstract: A liquid enriched with a free gas, in particular, water enriched with free oxygen, is produced by mixing the gas and liquid in an overpressurized system to form a mixture and then abruptly reducing the pressure of the mixture.

Abstract: The invention generally provides an apparatus that aerates the aquatic environment and agitates the bottom of the aquatic environment. One aspect of the invention provides a variable buoyancy aerator which cycles between an agitation mode and an aeration mode. Another aspect of the invention provides a system for maintaining an aqua-culture environment including one or more variable buoyancy aerators, a power source connected to supply power to activate the aerators and a controller connected to the power source to regulate activation of each aerator. The invention also provides a method for maintaining an aqua-culture environment including positioning one or more variable buoyancy aerators within the aqua-culture environment and regulating activation of each aerator to provide aeration, bottom agitation and controlled circulation to the aquatic environment.

Abstract: A polyphasic pressurized homogenizer for removing substances, particularly contaminants from a gas environment, the homogenizer having a pressurized gas stream drawing gas from the gas environment and a pressurized liquid stream from a liquid source with the homogenizer having a mixing chamber for mixing the gas stream and liquid stream and a contact conduit with a venturi passage connected to the mixing chamber for homogenizing the gas and liquid mixture with the contact conduit discharging the homogenized mixture into a receiver where the substance originally in the gas is entrained in the liquid and separated from the gas.

Abstract: A high efficiency impeller-type aerator designed for aeration of the water supply of aquatic organisms. The aerator design includes a first impeller (booster), a second impeller (main impeller), and a pump casing having at least one water inlet, one air inlet, and one water outlet. The first and second impellers are disposed between the pump casing water inlet and outlet. The air inlet is positioned advantageously between the first impeller and the second impeller and is in communication with air, and wherein the water inlet and outlet are in communication with water. The efficiency of the pump is retained while the bubbles produced in accordance with the present invention are advantageously small.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for the water distribution tray of a humidifier has at least one arm which cooperates with a feature such as a slot on a tray wall, to hold the nozzle assembly in a desired position above a water distribution area of the tray. In a preferred embodiment, the nozzle assembly has two pairs of arms for mounting the nozzle assembly to the tray. Each pair of arms together form a wishbone shape. The arm ends of each pair can be deflected toward each other to permit the ends to enter a slot on the tray wall. When the arm ends are released within the slot, they latch with the slot to hold the nozzle assembly in the desired position.

Abstract: A disposable, performed reservior which will fit within the existing resevoir of an evaporative cooler. It has molded in air access channels in its sides, edges and bottom. These air access channels permit the differential in air pressure between the inside and out side of the cooler cabinet, when the cooler is in operation, draw a flow of air in, under and between the dispoable reservoir and the cooler's integral resevoir thereby retarding all forms of corrosion. The disposable reservoir is formed of a thin semi-flexible, impermeable material which forms a tray-like article that provides for a convenient means of containing distilled salts and minerals typically realized inside of an evaporative cooler during operation. The disposable reservoir facilities the cleaning and repair of the cooler's permanent reservoir and greatly reduces the opportunity for corrosion to the cooler.

Abstract: An evaporative humidifier includes a top cover and a water reservoir tank removably mounted on top of a base platform. Several of the components of the humidifier contain a biocide for resisting the growth of bacteria and fungi on all surfaces of the components. The humidifier includes, in one embodiment, a pump assembly for moving water from the base platform to the top of an evaporator panel disposed in an air stream drawn through the humidifier. Alternatively, a paper wick is partially submerged in the pool of water in the base platform for drawing water up into the air stream by capillary action.

Abstract: A drain assembly hose collection adapted to receive bleeder lines and/or overflow lines from a roof-supported evaporative cooler or the like in a manner which will help divert water flow away from the roof, thereby reducing serious staining and/or roof damage and at the same time providing a flexibility accommodating various plumbing and environmental ordinances.

Abstract: A device for prevention or clearing of air lock in a thru-hull aerator comprising an air relief outlet in communication with the impeller housing. More specifically, an air relief outlet is provided in the pump impeller upstream of the impeller. Attached to the air relief fluid outlet is a flexible air relief hose and check valve which is in communication with the atmosphere. When the pressure in the air relief hose drops below a predetermined level due to vapor lock, a valve in the air relief hose opens and air is permitted to vent, thereby clearing the vapor lock.

Abstract: A portable humidifier that provides a visual indication of the internal water flow, with a motor for pumping water so that it provides a visible show, flows over at least one vertical filter, which provides uniform increased humidity for the filter area, which motor is also attached to a fan blade to disperse moisture into the environment.

Abstract: A horizontal pass, multiple packed-bed gas scrubber features relatively low pressure drop flow paths for both the gas flow and the scrubbing liquid flow, allowing large scale mass transfer of solute from the gas to the liquid. The scrubber is volumetrically compact, yet possesses extremely high scrubbing efficiency of large gas flow rates. Each packed bed comprises packing that is wetted by liquid emitted from low pressure drop orifices in piping near the top of the packing. The piping is supported by baffles that extend into the packing so as to force back into the packing any gas that seeks to avoid the packing by flowing through any void, or inadequately wetted, zone at the top of a bed.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and the method to treat process water of heat exchange systems with fluid flow through the system at an idling or inoperative system mode, which system may have a biocidal treatment arrangement coupled thereto.

Abstract: An ion generator capable of producing a quantity of negative electrically charged ions comprises a container for a liquid including H.sub.2 O. A stirrer or pump imparts controlled rotation to the liquid, while maintaining continuous surface tension on the liquid surface.

Abstract: Improvements to an evaporative cooler having a direct drive fan include mutual adjustment of motor speed and fan blade pitch, a simplified, clog resistant water distribution system, a fan shroud creating minimal air flow noise, and a fouling sensor in the water supply. An adjustable variable frequency controller determines motor speed, which complements selected fan blade pitch to operate the fan at a desired speed consistent with avoiding resonance and vibration. The fan shroud has a canted top surface and rounded corners to minimize air flow disturbance. A sensor monitors the water supply for excessive mineral fouling, and activates a drain valve if a present threshold is encountered. A refill valve enables resupply with fresh, unfouled water.

Abstract: An evaporator including a housing defining an air inlet, an air outlet, and a reservoir for a liquid supply; a blower for producing air flow in a path between the inlet and the outlet; a vessel retained by the housing above the reservoir and adapted to retain a liquid volume; a wick means retained by the vessel and comprising a source portion submerged in the liquid volume and an evaporative portion disposed in the air flow path, the wick means adapted to provide by capillary action liquid flow from the source portion to the evaporative portion; and a pump means for pumping liquid from the reservoir to the vessel so as to maintain the liquid volume therein. The output capacity of the evaporator is increased by pumping liquid from a reservoir upwardly to a supply vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing heat from warm or hot air and then blowing cooled air into a compartment, such as an occupant compartment, of a vehicle, such as a golf cart, is disclosed. Such an apparatus includes a water recirculating system including a filter means, a pumping means for pumping water through the filter means, drawing means for passing warm or hot air through the filter means and blower means for blowing cooled air into the compartment. Also included is a means for interrupting power to the pumping means when the vehicle is at an incline so as to avoid spillage of the water from the water recirculating system. An interruption means in the form of a mercury tilt switch is further disclosed.

Abstract: A device for dispersing a gaseous phase in a liquid phase comprises at least one Venturi ejector with a vertical or inclined axis, composed of a mixer head (1) for admitting the liquid, a neck (2) for admitting the gas, and an injector tube (3). The injector tube is prolonged by a chamber (5) whose diameter is equal to or greater than that of the injector tube with which it possibly merges. Also described is the application of this device to treatments such as chemical, biochemical or metabolic reactions involving the transfer of a gas to a liquid phase.

Abstract: A foam generating apparatus is disclosed which generates foam from a foamable liquid by pumping the liquid by means of a high pressure pump from a storage tank to a combining device in which the liquid is combined with compressed air. The apparatus is capable of both operation and storage under extremely cold ambient conditions without the components of the apparatus becoming frozen. When the apparatus is not generating the product foam, a foamable liquid is recirculated throughout the apparatus to prevent the components of the apparatus from becoming frozen. The recirculation system is especially useful in preventing the high pressure pump from becoming frozen during storage in cold environments, while also reducing the amount of wear on the pump.

Abstract: An evaporative cooler is disclosed wherein at the four corners of the usual cube shaped cooler structure is added four outwardly protruding projections, each of the projections having louver openings on both its sides, as well as on the four sides of the cooler, with watered pads immediately behind in order to substantially increase the wetted pad area through which air flows into the evaporative cooler. In addition to the usual interiorly contained blower and water pump mechanisms in the cooler, a pad holding structure is disclosed to accommodate a single pad for each of the angled side members of the evaporative cooler, the structure including in addition to the side member a plurality of connected wire screens which attach to the side member at its edges, the wire screens and the side member compressibly encompassing a single pad over the whole side.

Abstract: An apparatus including an elongate container including a sealed lower chamber containing a pump, wherein the pump directs fluid upwardly through a "T" shaped conduit to an opposed pair of radiator pads, wherein the pads are adjacent a matrix of apertures in the side wall of the container, and wherein a lid mounted blower directs air through the water laden pads exteriorly thereof to effect a cooling of a surrounding environment.