Abstract: An aircraft air conditioning system circulates hot air to a humidifier having an atomized or vaporized water generator (2, 35). The exit of the water generator is located at the apex of a conical surface (20, 27, 42) which diverges in the direction of air circulation. The conical surface is pierced by holes (21) through which the hot air passes while encountering and mixing with the water particles or the water vapor mixes them there and carries them along. The conical surface is a surface of revolution (27) opening downstream. The apex of the conical surface is practically in the form of a spherical cap. The center of the apex is pierced by an outlet passage of the generator (2, 35).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fragrant air supplying method, supplying apparatus, and a building having a fragrant air supplying system for supplying fragrant air to the rooms. A fragrant-material supplying means supplies fragrant material to a mist-generating means to generate mist either by blowing air or by vibration produced by an ultrasonic-oscillating means. The mist is blown to a surface portion formed at the end of a fragrant-air separating means which separates evaporated fragrant air from mist. The fragrant air is then introduced into holes formed in a fragrant-air discharging means, in which the place of holes are offset from the surface portion toward the downstream of the fragrant air. The fragrant air is then blown into a distributing passage from the fragrant-air discharging means to mix the fragrant air with conditioned-air supplied by an air-supplying means.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an ultrasonic fragrance generation apparatus for buildings, vehicles, aircraft, and the like, as well as for open areas. In particular it pertains to an ultrasonic fragrance generation apparatus by which means a suitable fragrance may be dispersed into the ambient air at a suitable time in the optimum concentration. By employing a material having increased surface area on the ultrasonic vibrating surface, it is possible with the present invention to generate a fragrant mist at an increased rate.

Abstract: An ultrasonic humidifier system which is mounted to an air duct of a heating system. A vibrator excites water within a reservoir so as to create a fog within a fog chamber. A panel directs air flow from an upstream furnace into the fog chamber for interaction of the air flow with the fog. This interaction increases the moisture content of the air flow so as to increase the humidity level thereof. Reed switches are provided to preclude vibration if the level within the reservoir is low and/or if no air stream is delivered from the furnace.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating microbubbles in a flowing liquid stream for use in a froth flotation system. The system utilizes a microbubble generator having a tubular housing with an inlet end and an outlet end. Located coaxially within the housing is an inner member with an elongated, tapered, exterior surface. A porous tubular sleeve is mounted between the housing and the inner member coaxially therewith to define with the cylindrical interior surface of the housing an elongated air chamber of annular cross section. The porous sleeve has a cylindrical inner surface that defines with the exterior surface of the inner member an elongated liquid flow chamber of thin, annular cross section. An aqueous liquid is supplied to the liquid flow chamber at a relatively high flow rate and air under pressure is supplied to the air chamber so that air is forced radially inwardly through the porous sleeve to be diffused in the form of microbubbles in the flowing stream.

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

Abstract: Apparatus of the invention agitates the surface of a dielectric liquid including H.sub.2 O to produce a vapor of excess negative ions. The ion vapor can be utilized for the enhancement of combustion processes. By supplying this excess ion vapor to a combustion region of heating furnaces and internal combustion engines, a catalytic reaction is produced that can reduce fuel consumption and reduce undesired exhaust emissions. The negative ion vapor of the invention can also be supplied to a enclosed area occupied by humans to reduce many noxious odors and breathing irritants.

Abstract: An ultrasonic humidifier having a pair of water tanks which release their water into a reservoir in a staggered sequence. The staggered emptying of the water tanks enables the tanks to be refilled in a more efficient manner. Several different embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A fog producing apparatus for suspending fine particles of water in air in an economical and reliable manner. Ultrasonic transducers potted in an electrically insulative and liquidproof material are placed in a container in which a predetermined water level is maintained by a float and valve device. Alternatively, the potted transducers are suspended below floats floating on the surface of the water whereby the critical water depth over the transducers is automatically maintained. In addition compressed air is conducted through the emanating fog plumes to provide a more homogeneous and dispersed fog effect. A copious amount of fog can thereby be efficiently and reliably produced to create theatrical or visual effects.

Abstract: A motorless carbonator including a double acting diaphragm type pneumatic water pump is connected between a carbonator tank and a water supply. The pump is driven by the carbon dioxide fed to the carbonator tank. Control of the pump is by way of an electrically operated shut-off valve which is opened and closed in response to a water level sensor in the carbonator tank. Coupled between the carbonator tank and the pneumatic pump is a spring biased diaphragm valve assembly which is normally biased closed, but is opened when the pump is actuated to feed water into the carbonator tank.

Abstract: A compact hand-portable vapor dispenser device comprising a miniature support housing capable of being carried in a small article of luggage, such as an attache case, and having a reservoir attachment for securement to a water reservoir. A dispensing valve is provided in the reservoir to dispense water to a vaporizing chamber having a vapor release nozzle. An ultrasonic vibrating element is provided in the vaporizing chamber. A transducer circuit is provided for driving the vibrating element and a convection port is positioned in communication with the vaporizing chamber to release water vapor through a vapor orifice. A fan convects air for release through the port. A power supply is connected to an electronic drive circuit located in the housing.

Abstract: A liquid atomizer utilizes a plurality of laminated piezoelectric elements for converting electrical oscillation into mechanical vibration, a circuit for generating resonance frequency of a low DC voltage, the circuit being electrically connected to the piezoelectric elements and including a charging circuit for forcibly causing electric charge based on said DC resonance frequency voltage to flow from a DC power source into the laminated piezoelectric elements and a discharge circuit for forcibly causing electric charge stored in the laminated piezoelectric elements to be discharged.

Abstract: An auto turning-off humidifier having a water sensor with a sensing needle that can automatically function to cut off electricity if the water in the hollowed space of the base becomes less and cannot be touched by the sensing needle.

Abstract: An out-of-step blocking unit of a protective relay for detecting faults in a three phase alternating current electrical power distribution system utilizes restraint signals in conjunction with an operating signal to generate a net operate signal as a restraint to the relay in order to prevent operation of circuit breakers associated with the relay as a result of load swings in the power distribution system. The restraint signals include a signal related to a negative sequence component of current flowing in the distribution system; a signal related to a zero sequence component of current flowing in the power distribution system; and a signal related to a .DELTA. (IZ-V) quantity which is the difference between fault and prefault values of the quantity (IZ-V).

Abstract: Apparatus for mixing two fluids, which could be a gas and a liquid or two liquids, comprises a planar distribution outlet for the gas or one of the two liquids closing an otherwise airtight chamber and a vibrating membrane as a wall of the chamber. Tbe distribution outlet may itself be a vibrating perforated membrane.

Abstract: This oscillating construction for an ultrasonic atomizing inhaler includes an oscillation element which is excited to vibrate ultrasonically, and this oscillation element has two adjoining regions which have substantially different vibrational characteristics. Liquid supply is made to one of the regions, and the oscillation for atomization takes place in the other region, according to the particular frequency of ultrasonic excitation of the oscillation element which is appropriately chosen. The region to which liquid is supplied has a resonance frequency which is different from that of the region for atomization, and substantially no atomization takes place in the liquid supply region. Therefore, even when the load imposed on the oscillation element by liquid thereon changes, as for example if the amount of the liquid thereon has changed, oscillation of a constant frequency continues in the atomization region, and thereby proper atomization is maintained.

Abstract: A mist supplying device for supplying a film-forming solution to form a thin film on a substrate includes a nozzle having an elongate outlet port, an atomizer coupled to the nozzle for atomizing the film-forming solution, and a disperser movably disposed in the nozzle between the outlet port and the atomizer and having a plurality of substantially uniformly distributed mist passages for passing the atomized film-forming solution in a first flow passage direction therethrough. An air blower is coupled to the atomizer for delivering the atomized film-forming solution into the nozzle. A driver unit is coupled to the disperser for reciprocally moving the mist passages in a second flow passage direction transverse to the first flow passage direction.

Abstract: The humidity within a controlled chamber is detected with a humidity detector and the proportional value, integrated value and differentiated value of the difference between the detected signal and a preset objective value are added to form an operation amount signal. A predetermined period is divided into a spray time during which an oscillator of an ultrasonic humidifier is operated at an amplitude obtaining a predetermined sprayed amount per unit time and a stopping time during which the oscillator cooperated with such small amplitude as to generate no spray. The predetermined period is repeated and the spraying time in each fixed period is adjusted in response to the above mentioned operation amount signal to keep the humidity within the controlled chamber constant.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery device comprises a pressure vessel filled with packings, such as Berl saddles, that provide a large surface area for mass transfer. The vessel is partly filled with a refrigeration-quality oil. The pressure vessel is mounted on a stand and pivoted so that it can easily be inverted periodically for coating the packing material with the oil. A flexible hose connects the vessel with a refrigeration or air conditioning unit, and a shut off valve is provided as is a check valve which prevents out flow of oil from the vessel. The oil in the vessel absorbs the refrigerant, and causes its partial pressure in the vessel to be reduced, so that refrigerant vapor flows from the refrigeration or air conditioning unit into the vessel. After the refrigerant has been absorbed, the valve can be closed, and the vessel returned to a central site for reclamation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for nebulizing a liquid by operating an ultrasonic generator while submerged in a pool of the liquid to be nebulized to produce a spout of intensely-agitated liquid spouting upwardly out of the surface of the liquid pool. A jet of heated gas is directed to impinge the spout at an angle to the spout axis and with sufficiently high velocity to deflect the upper portion of the spout laterally of its base at the liquid level and thereby to impart an arcuate trajectory to the spout. The rate of nebulization from the spout is thus increased by: (a) the increased area of contact of the spout, because of its arcuate trajectory, with the gas in the jet; (b) the increased rate of contact of the spout with the gas in the jet because of its high velocity; and (c) the reduced disturbance to the formation of the spout at the spout base because of the shifting laterally with respect to the spout base of the fall-back into the pool of larger liquid droplets from the spout.

Abstract: A combined humidifier and fan heater unit includes a humidifier part (1) electrically operable to dispense water vapour into the surrounding air space for humidifying purposes, and a fan heater part (2) electrically operable either together with or instead of the humidifier part (1) to draw air from the surrounding air space, through heating means (34), by which it is raised in temperature or not as desired, and pass it back into the surrounding air space.

Abstract: An ultrasonic humidifier includes a spraying chamber for receiving water received therein, a vibrator adapted to make ultrasonic vibrations, a blower, and a perfume case. Ultrasonic waves are applied to the water by the vibrator to produce a water spray in the form of a mist. The water spray is emitted, by driving the blower, into a room by way of a jet of air scented by the perfume to thereby not only moisten the air in the room but also to give forth a pleasing fragrance. The humidifier further comprises an air-feeding suction port hole formed in one side wall of a body of the humidifier. The perfume case is installed at the air suction port hole so as to be demountable from outside the body of the humidifier.

Abstract: The present invention is an ultrasonic atomizing apparatus which atomizes water supplied into an atomizing chamber from a water tank disposed on top of a case, by means of ultrasonic waves. The apparatus blows out the mist produced by atomizing the water in the atomizing chamber. The interior of the case is partitioned into two sections by a vertical partition wall. The atomizing chamber is formed in one of the sections. An atomizing unit is attached to the bottom wall of the atomizing chamber. An electric fan and a power transformer are disposed vertically in the other section of the case.

Abstract: An apparatus for establishing contact between a gas and a liquid comprises a contact body (3), means for wetting the body (3) with a liquid (1) and means for exposal of the wetted body (3) to a gas (2), said body (3) being mounted in an airtight chamber (4) being provided with openings (5,6) for passage of liquid (1) and conduits (8) for inlet and outlet of gas (2) to the chamber (4), a driving device (7) being arranged for forced inlet and outlet of gas (2).

Abstract: The present invention provides a humidifier for a refrigeration showcase comprising a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators for atomizing water, ultrasonic oscillation circuits provided for the vibrators respectively in corresponding relation thereto,and control means for varying the oscillation output of the oscillation circuit corresponding to at least one of the vibrators to control the amount of atomized water to be produced.

Abstract: An effluent treatment apparatus adapted for conditioning an effluent stream within a treatment zone is comprised of an injection system which includes at least one injection nozzle having a flexible discharge tube with an effective length at least equal to the characteristic wavelength for flexural resonant vibration thereof when pressurized fluid issues therefrom. The injection nozzle(s) preferably include(s) a length of elastomeric tubing as the discharge conduit, capable of providing a high flow rate of a conditioning agent to the treatment apparatus while delivering same in a relatively finely divided state. The conditioning agents may be delivered to a treatment zone within the apparatus in a generally concurrent, generally countercurrent, or generally transverse direction with respect to the flow of effluent to be conditioned. A recirculating system for the conditioning agent may be employed.

Abstract: A humidifier unit for use with a refrigerated display cabinet having a cooled air passage includes a body adapted to be mounted on an upper surface of the refrigerated display cabinet, a horizontally elongate atomizing water tank disposed in one side of the body and having a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators mounted on a bottom thereof and arrayed in a longitudinal direction, an air blower disposed in an opposite side of the body for supplying air drawn from a suction port into the atomizing water tank, and pipes angularly movably mounted on the atomizing water tank in coaction with the ultrasonic vibrators, respectively, for transferring a mist generated by the ultrasonic vibrators in the atomizing water tank and air from the air blower into the cooled air passage of the refrigerated display cabinet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a humidifier in which feed water is effectively fed into a purifier. The humidifier according to the invention comprises a ventilation tube through which the air between a valve body and the level of purified water in a humidifying cistern is outwardly ventilated, when the level of the purified water in the humidifying cistern is lowered below the valve body.

Abstract: A carbonation method and apparatus is described in which carbonation is achieved by forcing carbon dioxide in gaseous form from an atmosphere thereof downwardly into a body of water to be carbonated. This may be achieved by a vaned rotor rotatable about a horizontal axis or other means. The carbon dioxide atmosphere is preferably maintained at a pressure of about 100 psig (6.8 bars). The degree of carbonation may be varied by varying the time for which the carbonation operation is carried on. A flavor concentrate supply means, containing various flavors, is pressurized for the supply of the concentrate utilizing what would otherwise be waste carbon dioxide gas from the carbonation chamber after completion of the carbonation operation.

Abstract: A humidifier for humidifying air comprises a storing member for storing water, an atomizing device for atomizing the water supplied from the water storing member, a blower for blowing air into the atomizing device, a blowoff member for dispersing atomized water particles into air, a connecting member for connecting the blowoff member with the atomizing device, and an inhibiting member for inhibiting capillary action of the water in the connection member.

Abstract: A supersonic humidifier with a reduced number of components has a centrifugal ventilator fan contained in a casing which is not separately constructed but unistructurally formed on the lower surface of the housing. The fan is connected to a motor through a board having an air intake opening and the bottom surface of the casing is open. The bottom cover of the housing is designed to sealingly close the bottom surface of the casing.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the exchange of substances and/or heat between and/or mixing of gaseous and/or fluid substances wherein the flowing substances are guided repeatedly through permeable walls (1, 2, 3 and 4) running essentially parallel to the direction of the main flow (14 and 17). According to the apparatus, this will be achieved by the spacing means (5) of lesser permeability which are disposed alternately in the flow channel (13) between the permeable walls (1, 2, 3 and 4). The permeable walls preferably consist of fabrics which are placed in movement or into oscillation by the flowing media. For a more effective exchange, the walls are provided with areas (1, 2, 3 and 4) of variable density of fabric, whereby the denser areas are preferably located near the spacing means (5).

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for improving the sample aerosol yield in plasma-emission, sequential spectroscopic analysis. A reservoir is employed and an aerosol is produced therein from a limited amount of sample liquid with the assistance of an electro-mechanical oscillator system. Only that amount of aerosol which is supplied to an interconnected plasma by a carrier gas stream is used for a single analysis. Unused aerosol in the reservoir recondenses and mixed with residual sample liquid. Nearly 100% of a sample liquid may be used in this way.

Abstract: A process for mixing a liquid sample to be analyzed with periodic air movements includes the steps of placing the sample in a sample container and alternately directing air jets onto different regions of the surface of the sample, wherein the air jets displace the surface regions and produce turbulence in the sample. An apparatus is provided for practicing the process.

Abstract: A humidifier for sterilizing bacilli by alteration of the alkalinity of water in a water tank to sterilize it and automatically remove scale on the internal walls of the water tank. The humidifier includes a base housing with spaced first and second electrical terminals, first and second recesses with a pin projecting therefrom and an aperture. A vibrator spray section emits moisture and is connected to the first recess through the aperture. The water tank is removably mounted onto the base housing and includes a porous divider for dividing the tank into substantially equal sections each including first and second valve members respectively engageable with the first and second recesses. Cavities in the bottom of the tank have electrodes mounted thereon for accommodating the first and second electrical terminals.

Abstract: A humidifier for humidifying air comprises a storing member for storing water, an atomizing device for atomizing the water supplied from the water storing member, a blower for blowing air into the atomizing device, a blowoff member for dispersing atomized water particles into air, a connecting member for connecting the blowoff member with the atomizing device, and an inhibiting member for inhibiting a capillary action of the water in the connection member.

Abstract: A household humidifier comprising a closed water tank, a demineralizer, an air exchange pipe for introducing the outside air, a housing defining a chamber, and a coiled spring. The demineralizer has a container containing ion-exchange resin. The water tank has a water supply port through which the demineralizer and the air exchange pipe can be inserted into the tank. One hollow end of the container is rotatably connected to the chamber such that the container is in communication with the chamber. The container is biased downward by the spring so that the container always lies on its side.

Abstract: A post-mix beverage dispenser comprising: a sub-system for making and dispensing a chilled, carbonated beverage from syrup concentrate; a sub-system for making and dispensing a chilled, still beverage from flavor concentrate; and a sub-system for making and dispensing a hot beverage from either concentrate or powder. Each of the concentrates for the respective sub-systems are provided in bag-in-box supply packages of a conventional type. Also included are two carbonator designs for operating under zero gravity conditions without forming a gaseous phase within the carbonator tanks thereof. The first of these unique carbonators is a batch carbonator and the second is a continuous carbonator.The batch carbonator includes an outer rigid shell and an accordian-type inner container which contracts or expands when fluids are dispensed or introduced.

Abstract: A combination humidifier/water distiller apparatus comprises a container for holding tap water. A heater is provided for heating tap water in the container to a vaporized state. A condenser, positioned over the container, condenses the vaporized tap water into distilled water. A receptacle is positioned under the condenser for the collection of the distilled water. The receptacle includes a water track and valve for removing distilled water from the apparatus for other purposes. A nebulizer is included which converts the distilled water into a fine spray. A passage, associated with the nebulizer and the receptacle, supplies distilled water from the receptacle to the nebulizer so that distilled water is nebulized to a fine spray. The nebulizer includes a nozzle or the like for delivering the fine spray to the atmosphere to thereby humidify the surrounding air.

Abstract: A nebulizer for analytical purposes includes a needle through which flows a liquid to be nebulized. The liquid flows from the needle onto a diaphragm planar surface that is vibrated in successive pulses. A continuous bridge of the liquid subsists between the liquid and the planar surface when the diaphragm is in the non-vibrating state. The liquid is nebulized to an aerosol when the diaphragm is pulsed. The needle and diaphragm are always spaced from each other. A wick on the planar surface in contact with the film removes excess amounts of the liquid not involved in forming the aerosol. The diaphragm vibration is pulsed by a piezoelectric crystal that responds to an FM wave whose frequency is swept over a band spanning the resonant frequency of the crystal. The crystal is configured as a spherical segment to direct a focused pressure wave on the diaphragm via a liquid medium.

Abstract: In a fuel feeding apparatus of the type in which a vibrating element is vibrated by an electro-mechanical transducer converting electrical oscillation into mechanical vibration, and fuel injected from a fuel feeding part is directed to impinge against and atomized by the vibrating element, the frequency of the electrical oscillation applied to the transducer is changed at a predetermined period to promote atomization of fuel.

Abstract: An air humidifier includes a water level detector that detects the water level in the water reservoir, and first and second light-emitting elements. The first and second light-emitting elements are selectively energized to emit light in response to whether the water level detected by the water level detector is at or above or below a predetermined level so as to permit quick visual inspection of the relative water level in the reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for dispensing volatile substances which includes a housing, and at least one piezoelectric blower. Each blower includes a piezoelectric element having a first end mounted to the housing and a second end free, and a generally planar impeller blade connected to the free end of the piezoelectric element and having its distal end unconstrained by the housing. A frame is attached to, or provided as an integral part of, the housing and is located in proximity to the distal end of the blade. The frame is adapted to detachably mount a replaceable substrate cartridge containing a volatile substance. In use, a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element for oscillating its free end perpendicular to its plane at or close to resonance and propagating a traveling wave along each blade to generate and shed vortices at the distal end of the blade which contact the substrate cartridge, thereby dispensing the volatile substance to the surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: A combination gas vaporizer-air filter comprising a housing fuel supply means for fluid to be vaporized and an ultrasonic transducer in the housing for vaporizing fluid from said fuel supply means, air inlet means in the housing, outlet means in the housing and air filter in the housing adjacent the air inlet means. The vaporized fluid and air in the housing being intimately mixed prior to discharge from the outlet means, duct means connecting said housing to the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine. The outlet means communicate with the duct means, whereby the mixture or vaporized fluid and air may pass from the outlet means to said duct and then to said intake manifold.

Abstract: A leaf spring diffuser for use in an aeration tank of a water treatment system. An amplitude-limiting stop is mounted on each vibrating extremity of the diffuser leaf spring to project into the diffuser air chamber. Each stop engages the diffuser body to prevent the leaf spring from being subjected to an excess bending moment which would otherwise deform the leaf spring and promote clogging of the diffuser parts.

Abstract: A liquid sprayer comprises an ultrasonic vibrator, a liquid supply chamber, and a liquid absorber for absorbing liquid from the liquid supply chamber and feeding it to the ultrasonic vibrator. The liquid absorber abuts against the lateral side of the utmost end of the ultrasonic vibrator in the vibration direction thereof and projects at the front surface thereof ahead of the utmost end of the ultrasonic vibrator.

Abstract: The disclosure is of gas-cleaning apparatus comprising a chamber having a downwardly vertical gas and fluid flow path, with the gas and fluid moving at high velocity. One or more layers of solids is disposed across the path of gas and fluid flow, and these solids and the spaces between them act as multiple venturi scrubbers and impingement surfaces so that the gas is cleaned by agglomeration and absorption. A vibrator is coupled to the layers of solids for vibrating them to prevent matter removed from the gas from adhering thereto and blocking the passages therebetween.Also disclosed is a centrifugal cyclone separator, adapted to be coupled to the output of the above-described gas scrubber, comprising an upright chamber containing a rotatable cylinder carrying blades on its outer surface, the free edges of the blades being positioned close to the inner wall of the chamber. The blade configuration and high rotational velocity and long distance travel of the gases provide improved separating action.

Abstract: The packing of a tower or column for heat exchange, material exchange, contacting of two fluids with one another and chemical reaction consisting of a stack of elongated members having two walls inclined to one another and joined at a third wall, the first two walls being each formed with elongated vibratile elements interdigitated with vibratile elements of another packing member so that when the body of packing is traversed by one or more fluids, the vibratile elements are set into vibration.

Abstract: A substantially cylindrical container for use in carbonating small quantities of water for household or individual use as a soft drink dispenser contains a spherical, porous stone through which carbon dioxide gas is expressed under pressure for diffuse dissemination into the contained water for carbonation, and a rounded container bottom providing for manual rocking and rotative movement of the container for agitation of the water to facilitate and enhance the carbonating process.

Abstract: A humidifier including a misting mechanism for misting water by a ultrasonic vibrator etc. and a water feeder formed by a water storage tank and a water passage and an ion exchange resin layer disposed in the water passage to the misting mechanism.