Abstract: The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and devices for providing a portable fan misting system that may spray a fine fluid mist. The system comprises a fan, a receptacle for holding a liquid, and an attachment component attached to the fan. The attachment component includes a wall comprising an interior surface and an exterior surface, and an interior space defined by the wall. The attachment component includes a first connection component formed as part of the wall for supporting the fan in an upright, active configuration and connection the fan to a receptacle in the upright, active configuration. The attachment component includes a second connection component formed as part of the wall for supporting the fan in a storage, non-active configuration and connecting the fan to the receptacle, such that the fan is stored within the receptacle in the storage, non-active configuration.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method of processing oil, comprising providing a high shear device comprising at least one rotor and at least one complementarily-shaped stator configured to mix a gas with a liquid; contacting a gas with an oil in the high shear device, wherein the gas is an inert gas or a reactive gas; and forming a product, wherein the product is a solution, a dispersion, or combination thereof. Herein also disclosed is a high shear system for processing oil, comprising; at least one high shear device, having an inlet and at least one rotor and at least one complementarily-shaped stator configured to mix a gas with a liquid; a gas source fluidly connected to the inlet; an oil source fluidly connected to the inlet; and a pump positioned upstream of a high shear device, the pump in fluid connection with the inlet and the oil source.

Abstract: A method of entraining gas in a flowable food product comprising the steps of accelerating the flowable food product in a flow direction through a flow channel that includes a ramp. Gas is injected into the flowable food product transverse to the flow direction through a porous surface or plate while the food product traverses the ramp to generate a froth. An apparatus for entraining gas in a food product, comprises a source of flowable food product and a food product pump to accelerate the food product through a flow channel. A ramp is disposed in the flow channel as well as a porous surface forming a wall of the flow channel opposite the ramp. A source of gas is in communication with the porous surface, wherein gas is entrained in the food product as it passes by the ramp and the porous surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for facilitating dissolution of one or more gases into a liquid. Preferred gases for use with the apparatus are oxygen, air, and ozone. An apparatus of the present invention includes a dissolution tank that includes a pressure vessel, at least one liquid spray nozzle, and a fluid outlet. The apparatus also includes a gas source, an element for passing fluid into the pressure vessel, and a discharge device connected to the fluid outlet, which discharge device is provided with at least one orifice. Preferred applications include wastewater treatment, treatment of drinking water, fermentation, and bioremediation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and a device for recovering ethylene during the process for producing vinyl acetate, wherein a double solvent absorption method composed of an absorbent solution and deionized water is adopted.

Abstract: A reservoir system for an operating unit, such as a humidifier, includes a removable water tank configured to provide the operating unit with water. The removable water tank includes a primary reservoir for holding water, with an opening in the removable water tank fluidically connecting the primary reservoir with a secondary reservoir in the operating unit. A plunger is slidably disposed in the opening and movable between an open position in which the opening fluidically connects the primary reservoir to the secondary reservoir, and a closed position that seals the opening to fluidically disconnect the primary reservoir from the secondary reservoir. A float member in the secondary reservoir includes a buoyant main body and is configured to generate a force upon the plunger to urge the plunger into the open position according to the height of water in the secondary reservoir.

Abstract: A liquid product is dispensed via a membrane contactor. The contactor employs a plurality of gas-permeable hollow fibres. The contactor has a gas port communicating with the interior of the fibres and input and output ports for liquid communicating with space within the contactor surrounding the fibres. A gas comprising carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide is dissolved in the liquid in the contactor. The gas at a controlled pressure is supplied to the gas port. The liquid is supplied at a higher pressure than the gas to the input port for liquid from a supply of such liquid via a first valve having a first valve inlet port communicating with the supply of liquid and a first valve outlet port communicating with the inlet port for liquid. Liquid with the gas dissolved therein is dispensed from the outlet port for liquid via a dispense tap to ambient. The dispensing liquid step includes a start dispense step in which dispensing commences and a stop dispense step in which dispensing is stopped.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for frothing up a liquid, in particular cold and/or unheated milk, having a liquid supply line for supplying the liquid, an air supply line which opens into the liquid supply line for supplying air into the liquid, a discharge line which is configured downstream of the opening of the air supply line into the liquid supply line for discharging the mixture of liquid and air, a first conveying unit, in particular a pump, which is provided for conveying the liquid through the liquid supply line and/or the mixture through the discharge line and a mixing unit which is provided downstream of the opening in the discharge line, the mixing unit including at least one narrow place or being configured as narrow place of the discharge line.

Abstract: A milk emulsifying method and unit, whereby a first flow of milk, fed along a first feed line (7) to an emulsifying chamber (5), draws a second flow of air from the outside along a second feed line (8) converging with the first feed line (7) upstream from the emulsifying chamber (5); the second flow being subjected to a repeat chopping operation, in which chopping is regulated in both frequency and duty cycle.

Abstract: Bubble generator devices to produce a fluid stream of bubbles are described. Apparatuses that include any of the described bubble generator devices to treat waste and/or frac-water are also described.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide source tablet is disclosed including a body comprising carbon dioxide source reactable with liquid to produce carbon dioxide gas. The body includes a top side opposite a bottom side, and one or more peripheral sides extending between the top side and the bottom side. The body also includes at least one channel. Each channel extends along one of the top side and the bottom side. Each channel extends in length from a first channel end to a second channel end. Each first and second channel end is located at one of the peripheral sides. Each channel, between its first and second channel ends, is spaced from the peripheral sides. Each channel provides a frangible line of weakness. At least a portion of each channel extends linearly from the channel's first channel end to the channel's second channel end. A beverage carbonating system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gas compressor comprises a source of high pressure fluid and a pressure vessel having a gas inlet for the gas to be compressed, a gas outlet for the compressed gas and a fluid inlet for the high pressure fluid. The compressor is arranged to introduce the high pressure fluid into the pressure vessel via the fluid inlet whereby to compress a volume of gas in the pressure vessel.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a gas feed injector apparatus includes a mounting flange having an internal surface, a first internal gas inlet pipe coupled to the mounting flange, a second internal gas inlet pipe coupled to the mounting flange and an internal gas injection header coupled to the first and second internal gas inlet pipes.

Abstract: A portable personal cooling device comprises a fan housing, a fan motor within the fan housing, and a fan driven by said fan motor to direct a flow of air in a downstream direction. A nozzle is attached to the cooling device and positioned to direct a liquid emerging therefrom into the flow of air. An electrically driven pump and pump motor is coupled to the fan housing for drawing water from a body of water and conducting the water to the nozzle for dispersment into the air flow. The cooling device further includes a clamp for removably attaching the fan housing to a supporting structure without the need for tools. The pump assembly includes a water inlet line for conducting the water from the body of water to the pump. The water inlet line has an inlet end weighted sufficiently to maintain the inlet end below the surface of the water in the water source, and a quantity of buoyant material spaced from the inlet end to maintain the inlet end a predetermined distance below the surface of the water.

Abstract: A system to purge dissolved gases selectively from liquids can include a first contactor having two first contactor inlets and two first contactor outlets. The first contactor can receive liquid from a liquid source at a first inlet of the first contactor and an inert gas source at a second inlet of the first contactor, the inert gas can purge a first portion of gas from the liquid source. The first portion of purged gas exits the first contactor at a first outlet of the first contactor. The second contactor can receive input from the second outlet of the first contactor and the inert gas, the inert gas purges a second portion of the gas from the liquid source. The second portion of purged gas can exit the second contactor at a first outlet of the second contactor.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method of processing oil, comprising providing a high shear device comprising at least one rotor and at least one complementarily-shaped stator configured to mix a gas with a liquid; contacting a gas with an oil in the high shear device, wherein the gas is an inert gas or a reactive gas; and forming a product, wherein the product is a solution, a dispersion, or combination thereof. Herein also disclosed is a high shear system for processing oil, comprising; at least one high shear device, having an inlet and at least one rotor and at least one complementarily-shaped stator configured to mix a gas with a liquid; a gas source fluidly connected to the inlet; an oil source fluidly connected to the inlet; and a pump positioned upstream of a high shear device, the pump in fluid connection with the inlet and the oil source.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for facilitating dissolution of one or more gases into a liquid. Preferred gases for use with the apparatus are oxygen, air, and ozone. An apparatus of the present invention comprises a dissolution tank that includes a pressure vessel, at least one liquid spray nozzle, and a fluid outlet. The apparatus also comprises a gas source, means for passing fluid into the pressure vessel, and a discharge device connected to the fluid outlet, which discharge device is provided with at least one orifice. Preferred applications include wastewater treatment, treatment of drinking water, fermentation, and bioremediation.

Abstract: A waterfall decorative humidifier, including mainly a housing, a water exit on top of the housing, a water sub-receptacle in the lower portion of the housing, a water pump in the water sub-receptacle, and a fan in the housing; in which the water pump is connected with the water exit through a water pipe, and in which the housing is generally of the shape of a waterfall; wherein at least one shaft is provided on the housing, and a decoration is connected to the shaft directly or through a mechanism.

Abstract: An aquarium which includes a tank having a pump and an under gravel filter disposed in the tank below the pump and a sediment removal system for collecting and removing sediment which passes through the under gravel filter. The under gravel filter includes a hollow bubble dispersing base plate having a perforated top surface and an overlying substrate. An air conduit is provided for introducing air into the pump. The pump is connected to the plate such as to pump water and air into the interior of the plate to thereby cause oxygenated water and bubbles to exit upwardly through the perforated top surface of the plate and into and through the substrate. The pump includes a free floating magnetic impeller. A rotational torque generating unit is provided to rotate the impeller. The rotational torque generating unit includes a magnetic drive disk and a motor for rotating the magnetic drive disk.

Abstract: Bubble generator devices to produce a fluid stream comprising bubbles are described. Apparatuses that include any of the described bubble generator devices to treat waste and/or frac-water are also described.

Abstract: A water treatment unit includes a mixing chamber surrounding the upper end of a riser containing an impeller. Water can be moved from a body of water up through the riser, and out through laterally directed openings into the chamber adjacent to an air inlet. The water moving out the laterally directed openings of the stand pipe, mixes with air drawn in through the air inlet to oxygenate the water, and the oxygenated water exits the chamber into the body of water through one or more water outlets in the lower portion of the chamber due to the head developed by the inflow of water into the chamber. The outward flow of water from the chamber can cause a toroidal or other desired flow of water within the body of water surrounding the water treatment apparatus.

Abstract: An integrated nano-bubble generating apparatus including a pressure tank integrated with components constituted as a system and a power portion to be selectively adapted to a system so as to enlarge the use scope of the system, which includes an integrated bubble generating portion including a three-directional electronic valve supplying water flowing in an inflowing pipe to any one of a bubble generating portion and the power portion, a pressure sensing portion sensing a pressure in the inflowing pipe, a first vacuum chamber providing outer air to a pressure tank, a power control portion controlling the three-directional electronic valve, the pressure sensing portion and the first vacuum chamber and the pressure tank mixing water and air under an inner predetermined pressure and shattering water, physically, to generate nano-bubble water; and the power portion including a pump operated by a motor to supply water flowing in the inflowing pipe to the bubble generating portion and a second vacuum chamber supply

Abstract: Systems and methods for lowering levels of carbon dioxide and other atmospheric pollutants are provided. Economically viable systems and processes capable of removing vast quantities of carbon dioxide and other atmospheric pollutants from gaseous waste streams and sequestering them in storage-stable forms are also discussed.

Abstract: Pressurized water evaporation systems and methods are used to evaporate large quantities of water from water impoundment ponds or other waste water sources. Water evaporation systems include one or more water evaporation barrels having an air acceleration chamber, water atomization chamber, and pressurizable air and water lines in fluid communication with the barrel. Fast moving air and water create fine water droplets within the water atomization chamber of each barrel. A fine spray or mist of tiny water droplets is emitted from a discharge nozzle of each barrel. Water evaporation systems and methods can be used to efficiently evaporate waster water produced by a wide variety of industrial processes, including waste water produced at oil or gas wells.

Abstract: A system for forming mini microbubbles has a motor, a shaft attached to the motor, a displacer attached to the shaft for mixing a media with a liquid, a discharge plate positioned adjacent the displacer, a housing adjustably attached to the discharge plate, and a media chamber fluidly connected with the discharge plate. The motor rotates the shaft. The discharge plate has a discharge hole formed therein. The media chamber is fluidly connected to the discharge hole of the discharge plate. The discharge plate is positioned between the motor and the displacer. The displacer is positioned within the housing. The media chamber can be positioned between the motor and the discharge plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for supplying gas into water in sea cages, tanks or ponds with a pump and a dissolver for contacting the gas with the water. For higher efficiency and better handling the pump is a submerged pump.

Abstract: This invention concerns an apparatus and a method for producing carbonated water capable of obtaining high concentration carbonated water effectively. Carbon dioxide gas is passed through a first carbon dioxide gas dissolver composed of a membrane module to be dissolved in water and the carbonated water passing through the first carbon dioxide gas dissolver is passed through a static mixer, which is a second carbon dioxide gas dissolver. Consequently, a high concentration carbonated water can be obtained remarkably, effectively and easily with a simpler structure than conventionally.

Abstract: An integrated nano-bubble generating apparatus comprising a pressure tank integrated with components constituted as a system and a power portion to be selectively adapted to a system so as to enlarge the use scope of the system, which comprises an integrated bubble generating portion including a three-directional electronic valve supplying water flowing in an inflowing pipe to any one of a bubble generating portion and the power portion, a pressure sensing portion sensing a pressure in the inflowing pipe, a first vacuum chamber providing outer air to the pressure tank, the power control portion controlling the three-directional electronic valve, the pressure sensing portion and the first vacuum chamber and the pressure tank mixing water and air under an inner predetermined pressure and shattering water, physically, to generate nano-bubble water; and the power portion including a pump operated by a motor to supply water flowing in the inflowing pipe to the bubble generating portion and a second vacuum chamber

Abstract: A fuel delivery system includes a fuel tank having at least a main chamber. A reservoir is disposed in the main chamber. A fuel pump and venturi jet structure are provided in the reservoir. The venturi jet structure includes a jet inlet having a nozzle for receiving fuel from the fuel pump. A fuel inlet tube structure has a first end associated with the nozzle and a second end extending into a portion of the fuel tank. A mixing tube is in communication with, and downstream of, the jet inlet and the fuel inlet tube structure. An outlet is in communication with, and downstream of, the mixing tube. A length of the fuel inlet tube structure is greater than a length of the outlet, and the mixing tube is mounted so that an axis thereof is generally horizontal ±39.90 degrees with respect to the bottom surface of the reservoir.

Abstract: Humidifier apparatus for a respiratory apparatus includes a housing providing a gas flow path, a heater apparatus, and a water supply distribution member configured and arranged to deliver water vapour to the gas flow path. The water distribution member is provided to the housing and in thermal communication with the heater apparatus.

Abstract: A carbonic water production apparatus equipped with a carbonic acid gas dissolving apparatus 3 and a circulation pump 1 wherein water in a bath 11 is circulated by the circulation pump 1, and a carbonic acid gas is fed into the carbonic acid gas dissolving apparatus 3 to dissolve the carbonic acid gas in the water, and wherein the circulation pump 1 is a positive-displacement metering pump having a self-priming ability; a carbonic water production method using this apparatus; a carbonic water production method comprising an early step for producing a carbonic water and a concentration maintaining step for the carbonic water; a carbonic water production apparatus equipped with a control for controlling the feeding pressure of carbonic water gas so that give an intended concentration of carbonic acid gas; a carbonic water production apparatus which automatically discharges out a drain; and a carbonic water production apparatus combined with a portable foot bath.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aerating a liquid, particularly for aerating water in a wastewater treatment process, by: introducing the liquid into a primary pressurizable aeration tank; pumping liquid from the primary pressurizable aeration tank into a secondary pressurizable aeration chamber via a feed path; aerating the liquid in the secondary pressurizable aeration chamber; and recirculating aerated liquid from the secondary pressurizable aeration chamber back to the primary pressurizable aeration tank via a return path.

Abstract: An aquarium which includes a tank having a pump and an under gravel filter disposed in the tank below the pump and a sediment removal system for collecting and removing sediment which passes through the under gravel filter. The under gravel filter includes a hollow bubble dispersing base plate having a perforated top surface and an overlying substrate. An air conduit is provided for introducing air into the pump. The pump is connected to the plate such as to pump water and air into the interior of the plate to thereby cause oxygenated water and bubbles to exit upwardly through the perforated top surface of the plate and into and through the substrate. The pump includes a free floating magnetic impeller. A rotational torque generating unit is provided to rotate the impeller. The rotational torque generating unit includes a magnetic drive disk and a motor for rotating the magnetic drive disk.

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: A humidifier which includes a reservoir of water in fluid communication with an evaporation chamber. Some of the water that enters the evaporation chamber vaporizes and enters the ambient environment. A remainder of the water does not evaporate and flows into a collection container in fluid communication with the reservoir. The unevaporated water is then exposed to a source of ultraviolet radiation which helps to inhibit the ability of various organisms contained therein to reproduce in the future. After irradiation, the unevaporated water travels from the collection container to the reservoir.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for periodically dumping liquids in an installation, in which liquids are recycled or otherwise accumulate dissolved and/or suspended contaminants, which process and apparatus makes use of a container for a liquid which is alternately filled and drained during operation of the installation, resulting in changing weight or buoyancy of the container or level of a float in the container, which actuates a dumping valve when a given critical weight, buoyancy or float level is exceeded or reduced.

Abstract: A deflector for use in a hydraulic turbine is adapted to be mounted relative to a vertically extending wall of the draft tube. The deflector has an upstream plate and a downstream plate. The upstream plate is positioned to extend downwardly and outwardly from the wall of the draft tube and the downstream plate is positioned to extend downwardly and inwardly from the upstream plate. The downstream plate has at least one elongated air communication port extending therethrough and adjacent the upstream plate. An air supply inlet portion extends from the wall of the draft tube into the deflector above the elongated air communication port permitting an oxygen containing gas to flow from the air supply inlet portion downwardly through the deflector, out the elongated air communication port and into the water flowing past the downstream plate so as to enhance the dissolved oxygen content of the water.

Abstract: A hydraulic turbine has a gas distribution manifold mounted to an inside wall of a draft tube downstream from a turbine runner. The gas distribution manifold extends at least substantially around the first inside wall of the draft tube. The gas distribution manifold has a plurality of gas outlet ports for discharging oxygen into the water as the oxygen containing gas passes there around. An oxygen containing gas supply extends along a person access passageway and through the wall of the draft tube into the gas distribution manifold adjacent a man hole door.

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: Apparatus for producing an aerosol including a gaseous component, especially air, such as sterile air, and a liquid component, especially a sterilizing agent such as peroxide. The apparatus includes an atomizing container in which the liquid component is atomized continuously and mixed with the current of gas which passes through the atomizing container. For this purpose, an atomizing nozzle for the liquid component of the aerosol is centrally arranged in the lower region of the atomizing container and a mechanism for forming an upwardly directed, bundled current of gas, which flows coaxially over the atomizing nozzle is arranged in front of the atomizing nozzle.

Abstract: A carburetor with a manual priming pump having an integrated fuel drain which provides both the engine manufacturer and end user with an easy way to drain fuel from a fuel chamber of the carburetor. The priming pump has a pump chamber defined by a resilient priming bulb. The pump chamber generally communicates between the fuel chamber and a fuel-and-air mixing passage of the carburetor body and is preferably positioned above the fuel chamber. The dual function of the manual priming pump, prime or drain, is switched by a valve with a rotatable selector member received between a seat and the resilient priming bulb of the pump. The selector member moves between a drain position and a priming position thus enabling draining of the fuel chamber or priming of the carburetor via successive manual depressions of the priming bulb.

Abstract: A carburetor with a manual priming pump having an integrated fuel drain which provides both the engine manufacturer and end user with an easy way to drain fuel from a fuel chamber of the carburetor. The priming pump has a pump chamber defined by a resilient priming bulb. The pump chamber generally communicates between the fuel chamber and a fuel-and-air mixing passage of the carburetor body and is preferably positioned above the fuel chamber. The dual function of the manual priming pump, prime or drain, is switched by a valve with a rotatable selector member received between a seat and the resilient priming bulb of the pump. The selector member moves between a drain position and a priming position thus enabling draining of the fuel chamber or priming of the carburetor via successive manual depressions of the priming bulb.

Abstract: A water droplet mist is sprayed into the air upstream of the gas-turbine compressor inlet to increase power output from the gas turbine. The water has the effect of lowering dry-bulb temperature of the air entering the compressor inlet. To supply an amount of water appropriate for anticipated ambient conditions, a plurality of different capacity pumps are provided to supply water over a wide range of water flow rates. The control system for the pumps avoids the use of a set-point temperature for the inlet air obtained from measurements taken downstream of water injection. The operator inputs a desired relative humidity of air entering the compressor, and the control system determines the appropriate flow rate of water using the following measurements: flow rate of dry air to the compressor; flow rate of inlet water; dew point temperature of the inlet air; dry-bulb temperature of the inlet air; and temperature of the inlet water.

Abstract: A decorative and educational waterfall device has a substantially continuous film of a liquid, such as water, low viscosity oil or an aqueous solution, extending between spaced guide surfaces. The waterfall comprises a base reservoir in which is mounted an electrical pump. A liquid flow passage is mounted to the base and extends to a trough with a lip portion or a tank with a flow orifice from which water flows to form the waterfall between the spaced guide surfaces. The trough or flow orifice is configured to cause the flow of water to be directed outwardly toward the guide surfaces to improve the capability of the liquid to form a continuous film and the adherence of the liquid film to the guide surfaces.

Abstract: A circuit for delivering fuel into a valve chamber of a rotary throttle valve type carburetor. The fuel delivery circuit includes a fuel supply nozzle, protruding into the valve chamber and fixed at the bottom of the valve chamber to the carburetor body, and an intermediate wall. The intermediate wall is connected to the bottom of the carburetor body. The intermediate wall has a first chamber defined therein, a second chamber defined therein, and structure which cooperatively defines a first passage and a second passage therein. The first passage communicates the first chamber to the fixed end of the fuel supply nozzle, and the second passage communicates the second chamber to the first chamber. In addition, the fuel delivery circuit also includes an enclosure having a pressurized fuel chamber disposed under the intermediate wall, wherein the intermediate wall cooperatively defines a third passage that communicates the pressurized fuel chamber to the second chamber.

Abstract: A membrane carburetor (1) for an internal combustion engine includes a control chamber (2) delimited by a membrane. The control chamber (2) is connected via a feed line (8) to a fuel tank (9). The feed line (8) is cleared with the deflection of the membrane (3) because of underpressure in the control chamber (2). The control chamber (2) is connected via at least one intake opening (16, 17) with an air-intake channel (14) to the engine. As start-assist devices for the engine, a scavenging pump (10) and an injection pump (20) are provided. The scavenging pump (10) is provided in a return line (13) between the control chamber (2) and the fuel tank (9). The fuel can be pumped into the air-intake channel (14) with a displacement piston (21) of the injection pump (20). The displacement piston (21) is longitudinally guided in a cylinder (22) and delimits a pump chamber (24). The pump chamber (24) is connected via an injection line (30) to a feed (18) of the intake openings (16, 17).

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: Described is an aerator (10) that includes a venturi chamber (18), a pump for drawing liquid into the venturi chamber from a liquid inlet, an air inlet connected to the venturi chamber for aerating the liquid drawn through the venturi chamber, and an outlet for discharging the aerated liquid. A float chamber (26) is provided for supporting the aerator in a liquid medium, e.g. a fishing lake. Preferably, the liquid inlet and the outlet are on substantially parallel axes, wherein the liquid inlet is turnable between two positions: one position where the liquid inlet takes in liquid in an opposite direction to the outlet flow and the other position where the liquid is drawn in and discharged in the same direction. A control means responsive to sensors for determining biological oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand is also provided for controlling the speed of the pump.

Abstract: A water purification apparatus for increasing oxygen concentration in water. The water purification apparatus includes a water pump provided in a water tank for pumping water to produce a water flow, an ejector connected to the water pump for mixing the water from the water pump with air and ejecting the water mixed with the air therethrough, an air intake pipe connected to the ejector for supplying air thereto, and a jetting outlet connected to the ejector and formed with a porous jetting nozzle having small punched openings on an end portion and outer circumference thereof and a bugle-shaped tube accommodating the porous jetting nozzle therein.

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.