Capillary Feed Patents (Class 261/99)
  • Patent number: 12121636
    Abstract: The present disclosure makes it possible to fill a fragrance-holding structure with a liquid fragrance more easily and more appropriately. Provided is a fragrance-filling structure (100) including: an accommodating portion (110) which accommodates a fragrance-holding structure; a fragrance-guiding portion (120) which includes an inclined surface that converges on a fragrance pool and guides a liquid fragrance poured from an outside onto the inclined surface to the fragrance pool; and a first impregnated body (130) which includes one end that enters the fragrance-holding structure and provides the liquid fragrance accumulated in the fragrance pool into the fragrance-holding structure using a capillary phenomenon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2024
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yukito Inoue, Shuji Fujita
  • Patent number: 12102954
    Abstract: A filter element may include a filter medium extending in an extension direction and including a filter material separating clean and raw sides of the filter element, and two seals arranged at two end faces of the filter medium located opposite one another in the extension direction, so that an inner side of each seal may be arranged lying against the associated end face in a fluid-tight manner. The two inner sides, jointly with an inner circumferential side of the filter medium, may partly limit a filter element interior space. The filter medium, in a section running perpendicularly to the extension direction, has an open U-geometry or V-geometry with two legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Herb, Ralf Disson
  • Patent number: 10881815
    Abstract: An herbal dabber vaporizer to heat materials therein to expel vapor therefrom, the herbal dabber vaporizer including a main body, including a main body base, a main body lid disposed above the main body based, at least one tube disposed between the main body base and the main body lid, at least one heating element connected to the at least one tube, and at least one stem to be inserted at least partially into a top aperture of the at least one tube to receive the materials therein, and a glass dome to cover the main body lid and the at least one stem, such that vapor generated from a heating of the materials causes the vapor to be generated within the glass dome, and then expelled out an aperture within the glass dome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Inventor: David Friedland
  • Patent number: 8973906
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for conditioning an air flow(2) comprising a humidifying apparatus (5) having humidifying elements(6), which are arranged in the air flow (2) to be humidified in the humidifying apparatus(5), can be loaded with pressurized water, and are made of a fluid-permeable, porous, preferably hydrophilic material. In order to increase the efficiency of the humidification of the air flow(2) in the humidifying apparatus (5), the humidifying elements(6) of the humidifying apparatus(5) loaded with pressurized water are designed with regard to the cross-section thereof in such a way that the peripheral surface or outer surface of the humidifying elements exposed to the air flow(2) to be humidified can be uniformly contacted by the air flow (2) to be humidified over the entire circumference of the humidifying elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Klingenburg GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Klingenburg, Peter Braeutigam, Hans Peters, Martin Moeritz
  • Patent number: 8905384
    Abstract: A room humidifying apparatus is provided which operates with minimum cost and without any electrical power. The humidifier is located so as to make use of a stream of air coming from a register. The humidifier has a casing carrying a main water tank, a water pan and an evaporative filter element which are located in the casing. The tank drips water onto the filter element, which has a lower portion located in the water pan to collect any excess water dripping down the filter element and also to moisten it with capillary effect. Heated air from the register becomes humidified on passing through the filter element. The water tank can be filled manually from the top or be detachable and filled through a bottom refill opening. Alternatively, the water tank can be connected to a water source with a valve to regulate the flow of water into the water tank. The water tank may be balanced so as to displace, for example tilt, from a first position when it contains water to a second position when it is empty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventors: Jeri Rodrigs, James Henderson, Kevin J. Bailey
  • Patent number: 8889082
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus for dispensing the fragrance of an odor control substance. The apparatus includes a housing defining a housing interior adapted to receive a refill component. The refill component includes a container with liquid odor control substance and a wick. The refill component is installed from the bottom into the housing for ease of servicing. A pump device in the housing dispenses a dose of the liquid odor control into a wicking area of the refill component. In another embodiment, the refill component includes the pump device. The pump device is installed into the housing when the refill component is replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: San Jamar, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd J. Muderlak, Kenneth J. Muderlak
  • Patent number: 8876086
    Abstract: An apparatus for emitting a fragrance includes an enclosure that has at least one inlet and at least one outlet. The at least one outlet has a cross-sectional area smaller than a cross-sectional area of the at least one inlet. The enclosure further includes a Venturi-type nozzle that defines the at least one outlet. The apparatus also includes a fragrance source positioned within the enclosure and an air mover positioned within the enclosure. The air mover is operable to draw fresh air into the enclosure through the at least one inlet and drive the drawn fresh air across the fragrance source to transfer fragrance material from the fragrance source to the fresh air to form an air-fragrance mixture. The Venturi-type nozzle of the enclosure accelerates the air-fragrance mixture through the at least one outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Cierra Ashley, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Kent Burke, Deborah M. Merrill
  • Patent number: 8748723
    Abstract: A humidity control device for use in maintaining the desired humidity for wood musical instrument, art objects and museum artifacts, the device including a water vapor permeable pouch and a saturated aqueous solution having a suitable humidity control point for use with these objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Boveda, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Egberg, Robert L. Esse
  • Patent number: 8727322
    Abstract: An enclosure defines a confined space configured to store goods that can be advantageously maintained by controlling the water vapor levels to which the goods are exposed. A water vapor conversion element, at which liquid water is converted to water vapor, can be operably associated with the confined space to distribute that water vapor to the confined space. A water delivery unit is operatively associated with the water vapor conversion element and is configured to deliver water in liquid form to the water vapor conversion element. The water delivery unit can comprise a drip chamber configured to deliver the water essentially one drop at a time. The enclosure can comprise a drawer in a refrigeration appliance such as a household refrigerator. A sensor configured to determine the water vapor level present in the confined space can be operable to selectively control the distribution of water vapor to the confined space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Hall
  • Patent number: 8672299
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a humidifier. The humidifier includes a rear casing, a front casing placed in front of the rear casing and having an opening formed on its front side, a fan housing having an air intake unit formed on its front side, wherein an air blower unit is formed on one side of a circumference part of the fan housing, a humidification filter placed in front of the air intake unit, and a water tank placed on a side of the humidification filter. The fan housing has a partition wall projected therefrom between the humidification filter and the water tank, and the partition wall partitions a front side of the fan housing into a space through which air passes and a space where the water tank is placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Yong Hyuk Choi, Yo Sang Jung, Chin Hyuk Chang
  • Patent number: 8517351
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a compound includes a reservoir containing a compound to be delivered to the environment of use. The compound includes fragrances and insecticides. A compound permeable substrate includes a wick which extends from the substrate into the reservoir. A centrifugal fan is operatively associated with the compound permeable substrate to force air over the substrate when the fan is operational. A cover is disposed over the centrifugal fan in which the cover has at least one aperture on a top surface and provides for a side air passage from the centrifugal fan to the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventor: Nitin Sharma
  • Patent number: 8353334
    Abstract: A lattice wick system that has a plurality of nano tube wicking walls configured to transport liquid through capillary action in a first direction, each set of the plurality of granular wicking walls forming respective vapor vents between them to transport vapor. A plurality of nano tube interconnect wicks embedded between respective pairs of the plurality of nano tube wicking walls transport liquid through capillary action in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The nano tube interconnect wicks have substantially the same height as the nano tube wicking walls so that the plurality of nano tube wicking walls and the plurality of nano tube interconnect wicks enable transport of liquid through capillary action in two directions and the plurality of vapor vents transport vapor in a direction orthogonal to the first and second directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Teledyne Scientific & Imaging, LLC
    Inventors: Yuan Zhao, Chung-Lung Chen
  • Patent number: 8334034
    Abstract: A fluid reservoir for retaining a particular fluid against an environmental force is disclosed. The fluid reservoir includes a three dimensional porous body that has a plurality of reservoir capillaries formed therein and has a transport volume and effective capillarity in the force direction for the particular fluid when the porous body is oriented in a predetermined orientation. The fluid reservoir also includes at least one lateral indentation in a surface of the porous body. Each of the at least one lateral indentation defines opposing reservoir surfaces each having a lateral surface component orthogonal to the force direction. The at least one lateral indentation is configured so that at least a majority of the reservoir capillaries have a force-aligned length component that is less than the effective capillarity for the particular fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Filtrona Porous Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Geoffrey M. Stoltz, Bennett C. Ward, Ronald J. Binshtok, James R. Lisk
  • Patent number: 8220782
    Abstract: This invention is a humidifier used to increase and maintain the humidity of a musical instrument, such as a guitar. The humidifier is a container made of a water vapor permeable material that contains a water absorbent material such as acrylate polymer. The container is held within the body of the instrument by being mounted onto the strings of the instrument. The container is filled with water by an opening that is sealed with a cap. The water absorbent material can hold water without dripping, but will allow the water to evaporate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: David Hepple
  • Patent number: 8171894
    Abstract: An engine system in which hydrogen is employed as a fuel, including a reactor configured to cause a reaction using a catalyst, in which the reactor is constituted by alternately disposing plural exhaust passages and plural fuel passageways of the engine system with a wall interposed therebetween; at least one carrier configured to carry the catalyst and to be formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape is fitted in at least one of fuel passageways; and the carrier is provided with a plate portion which has a surface disposed in a fuel flowing direction and is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape and at least one slit portion which divides the surface of the plate portion in the fuel flowing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Sano, Shigenori Togashi, Takao Ishikawa, Atsushi Shimada, Kenichi Souma
  • Publication number: 20120055337
    Abstract: The gas-liquid contact column comprises at least an upper tray 10 and a lower tray 10, as well as a downcomer 2 for sending the liquid from the upper tray to the lower tray. The trays comprise gas ports. A packing 11 is arranged between the upper tray and the lower tray. The upper tray comprises means 12 for withdrawing liquid from the upper tray, the liquid withdrawn being distributed over the packing. The gas-liquid contact column is particularly well suited for absorption of the CO2 and of the H2S contained in a natural gas or in a syngas, and for capture of the CO2 contained in combustion fumes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Bénédicte Chommeloux, Viep Hoang Dinh, Ludovic Raynal
  • Patent number: 8087645
    Abstract: This invention is a humidifier used to increase and maintain the humidity of a musical instrument, such as a guitar. The humidifier is a container made of a water vapor permeable material that contains a water absorbent material such as acrylate polymer. The container is held within the body of the instrument by being mounted onto the strings of the instrument. The container is filled with water by an opening that is sealed with a cap. The water absorbent material can hold water without dripping, but will allow the water to evaporate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Inventor: David Hepple
  • Patent number: 8047453
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention include an air freshener device that emits fragrance through the evaporation of a fragrance-containing fluid comprising: a container, comprising a particular volume of the fragrance-containing fluid; a wick disposed partially in, and partially out of the fragrance-containing fluid, the wick having an immersion section immersed in the fluid so as to displace a displacement volume of fluid and a non-immersion section extending outward from a surface of the fluid, the immersion and non-immersion section being disposed on opposite lateral ends of the wick; the wick further comprising a displacement portion and a wicking portion, the displacement portion being configured to displace a desired first volume of fluid, the wicking portion being configured to wick a second volume of fluid; the displacement portion and the wicking portion designed to achieve a desired ratio between the displaced first volume of fluid and the wicked second volume of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Filtrona Porous Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Bennett C. Ward, Wolfgang Broosch, Bernhard Kutscha
  • Patent number: 8038128
    Abstract: A humidifier pad made of a plurality of laminated sheets connected together in a stack. Each of the sheets is made of a two layer laminate material made of a first layer of a rigidifying material, such as aluminum, and a second layer made of an absorbent layer, such as paper. The layers of each of the sheets are first laminated together, and then each sheet is slit and expanded in a conventional manner. Subsequently, each sheet is bonded to a next adjacent sheet to form a pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Columbus Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Pontius
  • Patent number: 7997565
    Abstract: A personal air cooling apparatus includes a main housing having a hollow interior that houses a water-retaining sponge in a first chamber and a motor-driven fan in a second chamber. A partition wall separates the chambers and is apertured so that air pulled into the first chamber flows through the sponge and through the aperture into an air passageway that leads to an air outlet vent that directs a strong flow of cooled air onto the user. The first chamber has a depth less than a depth of the sponge so that an empty space is provided between the partition wall and the sponge. The empty space facilitates flow of ambient air through the sponge and reduces the load on the motor. The personal air cooling apparatus is compact and light-in-weight so that it can be carried by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Kelvin Chan
  • Patent number: 7971862
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vaporizer including a first liquid suction section to suck a first liquid; a second liquid suction section to suck a second liquid; and a heating element to heat the first liquid suction section and the second liquid suction section to vaporize the first liquid and the second liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihito Kanda, Yasunari Kabasawa, Naotomo Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 7959132
    Abstract: Apparatus for emitting a chemical agent as a vapour which apparatus includes operative parts and a decorative cover. The decorative cover has curved air inlet channels. The operative parts include a reservoir containing the chemical agent in liquid form; a wick in communication with the chemical agent; an emanator carried by the wick and located outside the reservoir and a fan, preferably battery-powered, to impel air over the emanator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser (UK) Limited
    Inventors: Martin Butler, Richard Read, Christopher Smith
  • Patent number: 7888275
    Abstract: An integrally formed multi-component structure is disclosed, the multi-component structure comprising a plurality of components, at least one of which is a three-dimensional bonded fiber fluid transmissive component comprised of a plurality of polymeric fibers bonded to each other at spaced apart contact points, the fibers collectively defining tortuous fluid flow paths, and wherein each component has an interface with at least one other component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Filtrona Porous Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Bennett C. Ward, Wolfgang Broosch, Bernhard E. Kutscha, Dirk H. Kemper
  • Patent number: 7845213
    Abstract: Dispensers and refills for volatile liquids, such as fragrances, are disclosed. Dispensers and refills in combination with dispensers according to the present invention may comprise a volatile liquid and a housing. In certain embodiments, the volatile liquid of the present invention has a predetermined evaporation rate, measured and calculated by the method described herein. In other embodiments, the volatile liquid exhibits a predefined relative evaporation rate. In addition to the housing, the present invention includes optional components, such as a motorized fan and/or a wick, to facilitate release of the volatile liquid into the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Padma Prabodh Varanasi, Joel E. Adair, Michael C. Liptrot, Qing Song
  • Patent number: 7824627
    Abstract: An active material and light emitting device comprises an ultrasonic atomizer assembly and a light emission device. The active material and light emitting device further includes a housing containing the atomizer assembly and the light emission device such that the atomizer assembly is disposed above the light emission device. The light emission device emits light that is transmitted through a medial portion of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Michaels, Thomas A. Helf, Matthew B. Dubin, Jeffrey L. Crull, Gregory Falendysz, Nathan R. Westphal
  • Patent number: 7744833
    Abstract: Dispensers and refills for volatile liquids, such as fragrances, are disclosed. Dispensers and refills in combination with dispensers according to the present invention may comprise a volatile liquid and a housing. In certain embodiments, the volatile liquid of the present invention has a predetermined evaporation rate, measured and calculated by the method described herein. In other embodiments, the volatile liquid exhibits a predefined relative evaporation rate. In addition to the housing, the present invention includes optional components, such as a motorized fan and/or a wick, to facilitate release of the volatile liquid into the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Padma Prabodh Varanasi, Joel E. Adair, Michael C. Liptrot, Qing Song
  • Patent number: 7731102
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention include an air freshener device that emits fragrance through the evaporation of a fragrance-containing fluid comprising: a container, comprising a particular volume of the fragrance-containing fluid; a wick disposed partially in, and partially out of the fragrance-containing fluid, the wick having an immersion section immersed in the fluid so as to displace a displacement volume of fluid and a non-immersion section extending outward from a surface of the fluid, the immersion and non-immersion section being disposed on opposite lateral ends of the wick; the wick further comprising a displacement portion and a wicking portion, the displacement portion being configured to displace a desired first volume of fluid, the wicking portion being configured to wick a second volume of fluid; the displacement portion and the wicking portion designed to achieve a desired ratio between the displaced first volume of fluid and the wicked second volume of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Filtrona Richmond, Inc.
    Inventors: Bennett C. Ward, Wolfgang Broosch, Bernhard Kutscha
  • Patent number: 7712729
    Abstract: A vaporizing device which can vaporize fuel stably includes: a liquid absorbing member to allow liquid to move from one end portion to the other end portion of the liquid absorbing member under influence of a capillary action; and a heater to heat a side of the other end portion of the liquid absorbing member to vaporize the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasunari Kabasawa, Daisuke Imanaka, Kaoru Saito
  • Patent number: 7712728
    Abstract: The fine distributor for a liquid includes a primary distribution stage that has a plurality of outlet openings and a secondary distribution stage that has distribution gutters below the primary distribution stage. A mesh structure leads from the primary to the secondary distribution stage to further distribute the descending liquid laterally. One outlet opening or a group of outlet openings in the primary stage are associated with each guide mens and also a distribution gutter is associated with each guide means. Each guide means, by means of which liquid (23) can be directed from the at least one associated outlet opening to the secondary distribution stage, extends from the primary distribution stage to the associated distribution gutter and also through it and forms a drip edge (45) for the liquid supplied below the distribution gutter. Each guide means has at least partially a three-dimensional structuring and also a regular perforation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Sulzer Chemtech AG
    Inventor: Florian Kehrer
  • Patent number: 7674429
    Abstract: Glycolic disinfectant compositions and related methods and apparatus for electrostatic dispensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: JohnsonDiversey, Inc.
    Inventor: Claudio L. K. Lins
  • Patent number: 7540475
    Abstract: Advanced wicking structures and methods utilizing these structures are described. The use of advanced wicking structures can promote rapid mass transfer while maintaining high capillary pressure through the use of small pores. Particularly improved results in fluid contacting processes can be achieved by enhanced mixing within a wicking layer within a microchannel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Victoria S. Stenkamp, Ward E. TeGrotenhuis, Robert S. Wegeng
  • Publication number: 20080191370
    Abstract: A fragrance disperser in one form includes a single fan that passes air over a wicked single or double fragrance. A second form has the fan reversible to provide two different airstreams that evaporate respective different fragrances one after the other. Where two fragrances are provided, the evaporation may be by respective electrical heaters. A fragrance source may be formed by two sheets joined together to form two chambers each receiving a respective wick and having respective exposed wick portions. The source may incorporate a source of electrical power. An alternative source has a reservoir for fragrance and a wick located in an air passage forming part of the source so that an air flow is guided through the passage past the wick to evaporate fragrance. Where two fragrances are provided, the fragrance sources may be located side-by-side and matching fragrances may have, for example, matching indicia on the sources so that the match can be easily determined visually.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Richard P.H. PANKHURST, Brian D. Smith, Michael J. Evans
  • Patent number: 7131639
    Abstract: An evaporative cooler, including one or more media modules, distributes water from a source of water to each module through a constant flow valve. A distribution unit at each media module includes a spray bar for spraying water through a plurality of uniformly spaced holes having an aggregate area equivalent to or less than twenty five percent (25%) of the internal cross sectional area of the spray bar. A distribution cap distributes the streams of water to the underlying media module(s) and the water dripping from the media module(s) is drained. A fan or other air moving device draws air through the media module(s) to obtain cooled air resulting from evaporation of water flowing downwardly along the media module(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventors: Donald L. Kammerzell, Charles Russo, Larry Lee Kammerzell
  • Patent number: 6945519
    Abstract: A humidifier has a first sealable reservoir feeding water to a second reservoir communicating with ambient atmosphere. A blower is adapted to blow a stream of air through the humidifier to ambient atmosphere, such that the stream of air picks up water vapor from any water that may be in the second reservoir. A feeder valve feeds a quickly-evaporable quantity of water from the first reservoir into the second reservoir. The quickly-evaporable quantity of water in the second reservoir is substantially smaller than the water capacity of the first reservoir. A dry-out mechanism shuts off the feeder valve upon a user command and continues to run the blower at least until the quickly-evaporable quantity of water has evaporated to an extent effective in inhibiting the growth of microorganisms in the microorganism-vulnerable reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Parker, Michael E. Docherty, Gabriel S. Kohn
  • Patent number: 6871844
    Abstract: A humidifier for fuel cells includes a housing with a heat-exchange plate formed therein, the plate defining first and second gas passages having gas inlets and outlets, respectively; a plurality of apertures formed on the plate; and a plurality of reservoirs fixed under the apertures and filled with a water absorbable and permeable stuffing material for trapping and storing water. The water permeable stuffing material may be disposed in the first gas passage. Cool, dry oxygen/air is channeled to the first gas passage and conveyed to an oxygen/air inlet of the fuel cell, and high-temperature, high-moisture exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell is introduced to the second gas passage, such that water and heat of the exhaust gas in the second gas passage are recycled by the heat-exchange plate and conveyed to the first gas passage, thereby achieving the humidification effect and improving electricity-generating efficiency of the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Yi-Yie Yan, Jar-Lu Huang, Keh-Chyun Tsay, Falin Chen, Hsin-Sen Chu
  • Publication number: 20040265189
    Abstract: A dispensing system for a volatile liquid, comprises a motorized fan adapted to generate an air stream and a capillary member having a body, in which a portion of the body is positioned within the air stream when the fan is activated. The portion of the body of the capillary member is impervious to passage of the air stream through the body in a direction of the air stream. The portion of the body is positioned in the air stream such that the air stream passes unobstructed over opposing surfaces of the capillary member aligned generally transverse to the direction of the air stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Ralph Schwarz
  • Patent number: 6805988
    Abstract: A more compact humidifying apparatus for a fuel cell can be implemented. In the present invention, hydrogen humidifying modules 30A and 30B are disposed so as to be separated vertically on the front surface side of the humidifying unit 20, the air humidifying modules 30C and 30D are disposed separated vertically on the back side surface thereof, and the air humidifying modules 30E is disposed at the center, surrounded by the humidifying modules 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D. The axis direction of all of the humidifying modules 30A to 30E are disposed so as to be parallel to each other, only the hydrogen humidifying module 30A is disposed so that its position is shifted to the left (the longitudinal direction) of the axial direction of the other humidifying modules 30A to 30E, and the air off gas discharge pipes 43 of the air humidifying modules 30C to 30E are disposed in the space formed by this shift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Shimanuki, Kouji Katano, Yoshio Kusano, Toshikatsu Katagiri
  • Patent number: 6755396
    Abstract: A portable vehicle humidifier includes an enclosed container with a removable cover, the cover having a plurality of apertures formed therein to permit humid air to be released from the container. A fan is mounted over a large opening in the cover to blow air into the container. A liquid-absorptive pad is positioned within the container to prevent excess movement of water in the container, and to slowly release water vapor into air blowing across the pad. A slide plate positioned over the large opening permits adjustment of the air through the container, and the volume and velocity of humid air exhausted from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Weinrich
  • Publication number: 20040075181
    Abstract: The present invention provides a thermal transport apparatus capable of easily forming a wick, stably circulating a working fluid in the thermal transport apparatus and achieving a high efficiency of thermal transport, and a method for manufacturing the thermal transport apparatus. The liquid working fluid flowing through a liquid-phase path toward an evaporator wick communicating hole permeates into micro holes formed between grains which fill in the evaporator wick communicating hole, and flows into a wick of an evaporator. A vapor of the working fluid evaporating in the evaporator passes through a vapor-phase path and flows into a condenser through a condenser wick communicating hole. In the condenser, the working fluid is again liquefied. The liquefied working fluid flows through the liquid-phase path from the condenser to the evaporator wick communicating hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Masaki Hara
  • Patent number: 6715739
    Abstract: An evaporative humidifier including a base removably supporting a water tray for holding a quantity of water. A blower assembly and a water tank are removably supported by the base above the water tray. The blower assembly includes a housing and a fan disposed intermediate a pair of air inlets and an air exhaust outlet. A cylindrically shaped wick filter is supported by the water tray and extends upwardly into the housing. The wick filter includes a cylindrical side wall and opposing open upper and lower ends. The fan is driven by a motor mounted inside the housing for drawing air into the housing through the air inlets, through the cylindrical side walls of the wick filter, and then through the open upper end of the wick filter and out of the housing through the air exhaust outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick T. Mulvaney, Michael E. Smith, Anthony V. Cruz
  • Publication number: 20040041285
    Abstract: A wicking device includes a core material and a polymeric shell material wherein the core material includes bonded fibrous materials providing a tortuous path for a gas and/or liquid, the core material being permeable to the gas and/or liquid and the shell material being impermeable to the gas and/or liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Jian Xiang, Bennett Ward, Curtis Fallecker, Ulises Sanroma, Raymond Nelson, Thomas Harris, Jeffrey Green
  • Publication number: 20040012103
    Abstract: An evaporative humidifier including a base removably supporting a water tray for holding a quantity of water. A blower assembly and a water tank are removably supported by the base above the water tray. The blower assembly includes a housing and a fan disposed intermediate a pair of air inlets and an air exhaust outlet. A cylindrically shaped wick filter is supported by the water tray and extends upwardly into the housing. The wick filter includes a cylindrical side wall and opposing open upper and lower ends. The fan is driven by a motor mounted inside the housing for drawing air into the housing through the air inlets, through the cylindrical side walls of the wick filter, and then through the open upper end of the wick filter and out of the housing through the air exhaust outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Applicant: Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick T. Mulvaney, Michael E. Smith, Anthony V. Cruz
  • Patent number: 6613127
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing and cooling a hot gaseous stream exiting a gasification reactor vessel at temperatures in excess of 1300° C. where the gas will come into contact with a corrosive aqueous liquid, including methods and apparatus for cooling the gaseous stream prior to quenching the gaseous stream as well as methods and apparatus for providing vessel construction able to provide for the contact of a hot gaseous stream at temperatures in excess of 1100° C. with a corrosive aqueous liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Connie M. Galloway, Kenneth W. Mall, Dennis W. Jewell, William M. Eckert, Leopoldo L. Salinas, III, Ed E. Timm
  • Patent number: 6604733
    Abstract: An evaporative humidifier including a base removably supporting a water tray for holding a quantity of water. A blower assembly and a water tank are removably supported by the base above the water tray. The blower assembly includes a housing and a fan disposed intermediate a pair of air inlets and an air exhaust outlet. A cylindrically shaped wick filter is supported by the water tray and extends upwardly into the housing. The wick filter includes a cylindrical side wall and opposing open upper and lower ends. The fan is driven by a motor mounted inside the housing for drawing air into the housing through the air inlets, through the cylindrical side walls of the wick filter, and then through the open upper end of the wick filter and out of the housing through the air exhaust outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick T Mulvaney, Michael E. Smith, Anthony V. Cruz
  • Patent number: 6575436
    Abstract: An evaporative cooler (10) includes a housing having aligned upper and base panels (40, 50), and one or more air pervious side panels (70) peripherally disposed therebetween. An air inlet (52) is formed in the upper panel and the base panel collects excess water. An air pervious evaporative pad (80) formed of a fibrous material is enclosed within the housing and has a recess (82) formed therein which opens toward the air inlet. A fan (30) secured to the top panel delivers air ambient the fan into the housing and through the evaporative pad where it is cooled by an evaporative process, and the cooled air is discharged through the air outlets. A conduit and flow control system (21, 26, 27, 28, 29) is provided to supply evaporation water (25) to the evaporative pad at a rate substantially equal to the rate at which the water evaporates from the pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Koolrayz Ind., LLC
    Inventor: Raymond A. Litz
  • Patent number: 6474628
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an air humidifier and to a method for humidifying air, the use of special devices enabling air to be humidified with sterile water. A large contact area between water and air is combined with low losses of flow pressure. A membrane contactor having at least one tube membrane embedded in a hydrophilic, porous body comprises the air humidifier. The present invention enables use of coarse filters to ensure that the water is dispersed over a large surface area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Norbert Stroh, Eckehard Walitza
  • Patent number: 6394427
    Abstract: A housing is permanently connected to a water supply of a building and includes an evaporative water panel allowing water to flow downwardly and wick upwardly. A circulating device is provided for directing air from the building through the water panel. A reservoir is positioned in the housing for supporting the water panel and holding excess water deposited from the water panel. A water distributor is supplied for moving water from the water supply to a top of the water panel. A water control arrangement is responsive to the water level therein for automatically controlling the flow of water to the water panel to provide a desired humidity level in the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Research Products Corp.
    Inventors: Timothy L. Guetersloh, Robert C. LaMuro, Eric L. Brodsky, Roger M. Pasch
  • Patent number: 6248155
    Abstract: A humidifier/air purifier including a housing defining a water reservoir, an air inlet opening and an air outlet opening; a generally V-shaped wicking element in fluid communication with the reservoir; an air filter with a generally V-shaped air filter medium and a frame supporting the air filter medium mounted above the wicking element; and a blower for causing air flow through the air inlet opening, through the wicking element, through the air filter, and through the air outlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Bemis Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: John W. Seaman
  • Patent number: 6189869
    Abstract: A humidifier with a plurality of wettable wicks is disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, the humidifier includes a first wettable wick adapted to humidify an air stream and a first tray for holding water. The first tray is located in a position adapted to wet the first wick by capillary action. The humidifier includes a second wettable wick adapted to humidify the air stream and a second tray for holding water. The second tray is located in a position adapted to wet the second wick by capillary action and adapted to receive water from the first tray. A channel connects the two trays and transfers water from the first tray to the second tray when the water level in the first tray reaches a predetermined level. The use of the channel instead of a tube reduces water noise and the chances for vapor lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Terrence L. Stanek, Mark J. Tomasiak, Charles F. Wiegand
  • Patent number: 6149138
    Abstract: A portable humidifier including a housing defining an air inlet, an air outlet, and an air flow path therebetween; a retainer disposed in the housing and defining key structure; and an air permeable, liquid absorbent cartridge element replaceably retained by the retainer and defining keyhole structure shaped and arranged to receive the key structure and at least one portion of the cartridge element being disposed in the air flow path. Also included is a blower disposed in the housing and activatable to produce air flow through the air flow path and cartridge element and a liquid supply for supplying liquid to the portion of the cartridge element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Honeywell, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter Birdsell