Duct Humidifiers Patents (Class 261/DIG15)
  • Patent number: 6092794
    Abstract: An air humidification system for the humidification of a zone includes supply ducts and return ducts extending from a first air handler. A second air handler has an enclosure sized to form a fog absorption region with a cross-sectional area that is greater than the cross-sectional area of the air conditioning ducting coupled to the zone. The enclosure has an intake and a discharge through which air passes. A compressor associated with the second air handler provides pressurized air for the generation of the fog for humidification. A fogger has a water input coupled to the pressurized water supply, an air input coupled to the pressurized air supply from the compressor, and a discharge port from which fog is produced. A humidification control is interposed between the supplies of pressurized air from the compressor and water to the fogger in the enclosure to produce fog from the fogger inside the second air handier when the humidification in the zone is below a desired set point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Cool Fog Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel J. Reens
  • Patent number: 6065740
    Abstract: A steam distribution device for a steam humidification system is a source of steam, a horizontally mounted steam dispersion element for receiving steam from the source of steam and for dispersing a portion of the steam into an air stream, a horizontally mounted jacket partially surrounding the steam dispersion element and unconnected to the source of steam for maintaining the temperature of the steam dispersion element at about the temperature of the steam, the jacket being in flow communication with the dispersion element and receiving steam from the dispersion element, and a condensate collection element separate from the source of steam and connected to the jacket for collecting condensation from the jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Pure Humidifier Co.
    Inventor: Willard E. Morton
  • Patent number: 5965068
    Abstract: A reversible housing for a humidifier of the type for attachment to the ducts of a forced air heating system. The housing includes a sheet forming a back wall, a pair of side walls and a top wall integrally hinged to the back wall and pivotable through one-half turn with respect to the latter so as to take two operative positions both protruding forwardly of the back wall depending which one of the back wall faces is disposed flat against the duct. The back wall has a central air passage opening bordered with flanges protruding from each of the back wall faces to connect with a duct opening. One of the side walls has a second air passage with flanges protruding from each of its two faces to selectively connect with a by-pass duct to the left or to the right of the housing. An angular cover and a water tray completes the housing and fit the sheet in either one of its two operative positions. A screwdriver is only required to secure the sheet in either one of its operative positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventors: Brian Williamson, Alain Benoit, Cherif Menassa
  • Patent number: 5942163
    Abstract: A jacketed steam humidification apparatus includes an elongated steam dispersion tube having discharge orifices for the release of steam, and an elongated jacket defining a jacket passageway in contact with the dispersion tube so that steam can flow along the jacket passageway to maintain the dispersion tube in a heated condition, where the jacket has one or more escape passages to allow a portion of the steam and other gases in the jacket passageway to escape from the jacket passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Armstrong International, Inc.
    Inventors: William Charles Robinson, Jon Keith Bingaman, Michael Herman Gaines
  • Patent number: 5896751
    Abstract: An air conditioner having an improved humidifying portion to humidify air in a room is provided. The humidifying portion includes a humidifying member having hygroscopicity and gas permeability, a first air flow passage for taking in air from the outdoors, passing the air through the humidifying member, allowing the humidifying member to absorb moisture included in the air for drying, and letting out the air outdoors, and a second air flow passage for taking in air from the room, passing the air through the humidifying member while heating the air, allowing the moisture absorbed by the humidifying member to evaporate and humidify the air and letting out the air into the room. Thus, only a single air intake opening for humidifying indoor air is necessary on the indoor side, the structure of the air conditioner can be simplified and compact, which makes easier the attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Eiji Wakizaka, Yoshiharu Shinobu, Hiroyuki Iida, Miwa Kamii, Michiaki Oshikane, Akira Ohtsuki, Takashi Kishimoto
  • Patent number: 5855823
    Abstract: The present invention is a humidifier that provides uniformly controlled generation of water vapor into an air stream. Steel wool is placed into a heating section of a humidifier water reservoir, where vapor is produced, to create an even distribution of vapor exiting the humidifier. A perforated plate is horizontally inserted into the heating section above the steel wool, thereby holding it in place and aiding in the even distribution of vapor from the humidifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Huntair Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce S. MacGibbon, Christopher P. Sirovy, Mark C. Wolochuk, Travis J. Addington, Chuck K. McCabe, Greg A. Marvell
  • Patent number: 5853625
    Abstract: An in-duct humidifier has an evaporative pad onto the top of which water is dripped. Air passing through the pad evaporates the water to thereby increase the air's humidity. An improved tray for dripping the water onto the top of the pad has a sloped floor in which are a number of holes. A nozzle assembly which is mounted directly on the top of the tray and an improved arrangement of walls on the tray floor assists in delivering equal amounts of water to all of the holes, resulting in even distribution of water throughout the pad and more efficient operation of the humidifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Kensok, Timothy J. Smith
  • Patent number: 5806323
    Abstract: An adsorbent-based air conditioning system for conditioning an air supply to an enclosed space, such as a building, room, or the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, aircraft, or the like, utilizes interchangeable adsorbent-containing vessels. Two of the vessels are employed to condition the air supply with respect to temperature and humidity while, at the same time a third and, optionally, a fourth vessel are regenerated by drying and cooling to provide replacements vessels as needed. In operation, ambient air is dehumidified by passing through vessel 1 and the moisture collected in the vessel by adsorption. The exiting air may be cooled by means of a heat exchanger, then directed through vessel 2, containing moist adsorbent, for further cooling and humidification. The air is then supplied to the room, or other space to be conditioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventor: William E. Bevier
  • Patent number: 5765544
    Abstract: A humidifier for use with counter- or down-flow furnaces such as those traditionally found in mobile homes. The humidifier includes a louvered tip-out access door, behind which is housed a drawer containing a water panel. The drawer is detachably snap-fitted to the inside of the access door. Water is directed onto the water panel by a water dispersion bar, which is snap-fitted into the top of the drawer above the water panel. As air is drawn through the humidifier which is installed over the return air louvers of a counter-flow furnace, tiny water droplets in the water panel are picked up by the moving air stream and carried into the home. The tip-out feature of the access door and the snap-fit connections allow for simple, easy repair and cleaning, even by an untrained person, thus avoiding the need for a skilled technician when only routine maintenance is necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Charles E. Vigansky, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5702648
    Abstract: A mist generating, self-contained room air humidifier ensures substantially complete evaporation of the mist introduced to an air flow drawn from a room environment prior to discharge back into the room by preferably providing a vertical column extending upwardly from the mist generator to the humidifier outlet and having sufficient height to allow complete evaporation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Morgan & White Ltd., PA Corp.
    Inventors: Kenneth P. White, David B. White
  • Patent number: 5653919
    Abstract: A humidifier for adding liquid from a mist source to a gas flow improves the evaporation of the liquid by reducing the quantity of larger water droplets from the mist introduced to the gas flow by slowing a diverted portion of the gas flow, routing the gas flow through a partitioned chamber and deflecting the gas flow from direct impact on the mist while catching splattered liquid droplets within the humidifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Morgan & White, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenneth P. White, David B. White
  • Patent number: 5407604
    Abstract: A humidifier that can be used on a forced air circulation system for injecting atomized liquid into the cold air portion of that forced air circulation system includes a neubilizer for atomizing water fed thereto. The humidifier can be used in conjunction with an air cooling system and includes a demineralizing filter for removing white dust before the water reaches the humidifier. The filter can take various forms and can include several elements. One form of the humidifier can be connected between a hot air plenum and a cold air plenum of the forced air circulation system whereby the pressure drop between these two plenums is used to move moisture entrained air into the cold air plenum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Inventor: Douglas Luffman
  • Patent number: 5368784
    Abstract: A furnace mounted humidifier for increasing the moisture content of the air flowing through the humidifier and subsequently the air flowing from the furnace. The simple construction of the scoop humidifier ensures convenient installation and operation while adding moisture to the air flow. The humidifier includes a housing adapted to be mounted to the furnace wall and inlet and outlet passageways positioned within the duct for directing air flow into and out of the housing. A moisture media within the housing retains water sprayed across it through which the air flow is directed. The configuration of the air passageways and the housing facilitate the continuous flow of air across the moisture media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: American Metal Products Co.
    Inventor: James W. Annestedt, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5289696
    Abstract: An evaporative humidification unit of modular construction readily adapted for assembly in selected configurations is provided. The configuration or array required for a particular installation is determined, and a supporting framework for the configuration is assembled from a selection of standardized structural components. The framework defines an array of compartments for basket or container units containing discrete, randomly-oriented flow-diffusing packing elements. The front and rear faces and floor of the basket units are mesh covered whereby air may be drawn transversely through the mass of diffusing elements while water is flowing downwardly therethrough. Spray units are positioned above the baskets for spraying water onto the mass of diffusing elements, and a collection pan is located beneath each basket for collecting and carrying away water which flows downwardly through the mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Professional Supply, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Kiser, Norman R. Mowery, II, Thomas J. Yallstrom
  • Patent number: 5277849
    Abstract: An improved apparatus for introducing steam into an airstream in heating, ventilating and air conditioning system includes a supply header, steam dispersing structure and structure for collecting condensation from the steam dispersing structure. The supply header is adapted for connection to a source of steam and is preferably elevated with respect to the return header, so that condensation in the supply header and steam dispersing structure is forced into the return header under the influence of steam pressure and gravity. One embodiment of the invention presents a unique modular design whereby the steam dispersing structure can be quickly connected and disconnected from the headers. This allows the apparatus to be broken down and assembled on site, which simplifies and reduces the expense of installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Dri-Steam Humidifier
    Inventors: Bernard W. Morton, Kirk A. Nelson, Ricky D. Balmer
  • Patent number: 5199486
    Abstract: A heat exchange humidifier for generation of steam-to-steam or fluid-to-steam humidity may include at least one steam tube in a heat exchanger array which may be coated with a non-stick surface such as tetrafluoroethylene (TEFLON.RTM.) coating or the like, to prevent the build-up of minerals. The steam tubes in the heat exchanger array are in a substantially layered configuration, each layer being offset and below the preceding upper layer, or in helical configuration. This organization of the tubes in the heat exchanger array maximizes convection currents in a fluid surrounding the steam tubes to minimize dead water films and maximize heat transfer from the steam or fluid inside of the tubes to the surrounding water, resulting in an overall increase in boil-off capacity for adding humidity to the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Dri-Steem Humidifier Company
    Inventors: Rick D. Balmer, Peter J. Loniello, Kirk A. Nelson
  • Patent number: 5171486
    Abstract: A humidifier includes a rotating circular base plate driven by a motor through a gear reduction mechanism. A plurality of elongated troughs are mounted in a spaced circular array adjacent a periphery of the base plate, such that outer edges of the troughs are disposed on the surface of a cylinder. The troughs may have a variety of different transverse cross-sectional shapes, such as semi-circular, U-shaped, or V-shaped. A centrally disposed drive shaft extends axially from the base plate and includes a plurality of radially extending circumferentially spaced fins. The rotating base plate and attached troughs are mounted in a housing having an inlet duct and an outlet duct connected in a cold air return duct of a conventional forced air type furnace. A water tank disposed in the bottom of the housing is connected by a float valve to a water supply source such that a constant water level is maintained in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Inventor: Harry Penno
  • Patent number: 5140667
    Abstract: An electric steam humidifier having a water reservoir configured substantially as a right triangle, wherein the hypotenuse side of the reservoir can be selectively mounted on the exterior surface of the bottom wall and exterior surface of the vertical wall of an air duct of a forced air furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Herrmidifier Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Judy L. Youngeberg
  • Patent number: 5075047
    Abstract: A spray pad humidifier including a housing having two side wall portions extending perpendicular to each other along one edge, and being interconnected along the opposite edge by an arcuate wall. One of the side wall portions is provided with an opening communicating with the return cool air plenum of a furnace, and the other side wall portion is provided with an opening communicating with the hot air supply plenum of the furnace. A one-piece evaporator pad is configured to extend over both openings, and a water spray nozzle is mounted on the housing for spraying water into the housing and onto the portion of the pad extending over one of the openings. Reinforcing ribs are formed on the housing to not only provide channels within the housing for holding the evaporator pad in the operative position, but also to provide troughs for collecting drain water within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Assignee: Herrmidifier Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Judy L. Youngeberg
  • Patent number: 5037586
    Abstract: A universally mountable humidifier which can be mounted such that the outlet extends upwardly, downwardly or from a selected sidewall. The humidifier can be mounted in many different orientations and locations. The versatility of the manner of installing it allows it to be adaptable to nearly all environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Inventors: John E. Mehrholz, Thomas L. Rowe
  • Patent number: 4986937
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Inventor: George Sorio
  • Patent number: 4913856
    Abstract: A humidifier system where atomized water is caused to be rapidly evaporated as a result of being strategically located in the path of high velocity turbulent air created by converging deflector vane sets, and delivered to an outlet duct end for further distribution. An alternative embodiment illustrates a humidifier system where a central steam tube is substituted for the atomizing nozzles and steam fog is discharged into the high velocity turbulent air plane. Angled orifices in the central steam tube disperse steam against the air flow to further disperse steam within the humidifier assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: Dri-Steem Humidifier Company
    Inventor: Bernard W. Morton
  • Patent number: 4741871
    Abstract: A humidifier is described for use in combination with a hot air forced heating system. The humidifier consists of a main housing (water box) which maintains a constant water level from a existing water source sand controlled by a float control valve. The water is heated by a hot water heating coil. Hot air is directed into, through, and back into the main hot air stream. During this process, the hot dry air picks up moisture, becoming saturated, which is returned and mixed in the hot air supply duct, providing humidity throughout the entire system. The amount of air and humidity can be controlled by the inlet dampers, which regulates the amount of air flowing through the humidifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1988
    Inventor: Richard E. Payha
  • Patent number: 4738805
    Abstract: Apparatus for humidifying air in a hot-air furnace system or for use as an independent portable unit that also functions as an air filter, includes a closed cabinet through which air flows in a path between an air inlet opening and an air outlet opening. A water tray is positioned in the air path and a novel evaporator is suspended over the tray. The evaporator includes an upper end panel and a weighted corresponding lower end panel, both of which are perforated in a predetermined array. A continuous wick is interwoven through corresponding ones of the apertures in both panels to form a labyrinth of vertically disposed wicks that suspend the lower panel within the tray. Water is absorbed by the immersed portions of the wicks and is conducted upwardly along the wicks where it is evaporated by the flowing air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Inventor: Ronald L. Lawson
  • Patent number: 4564375
    Abstract: A typical embodiment of the invention reduces the load on an air conditioner and provides more efficient evaporative cooling, humidification and filtering. Improved cooling and humidification is the result of an ultrasonic fog generator which reduces liquid droplet size to about ten microns for flash evaporation. A silica-containing filter, moreover, has an affinity for mechanically unfilterable residual calcium-containing particulate matter that is entrained in the humidified air, in order to extract this matter from the treated air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1986
    Inventors: Evelyn Munk, Michael Munk
  • Patent number: 4540530
    Abstract: A humidifier pad for use in humidifiers suitable for adding moisture to the air circulated by a forced air furnace is described together with its method of manufacture. A slab of open-cell foam is stamped using a reciprocating cutter to form humidifier pads which are seamless. These seamless pads are adapted to be fitted onto the cylindrical support frame of the humidifier and the pad is especially useful in a combination with a type of frame which is collapsible cylindrical and which facilitates removal and replacement of the pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1985
    Assignee: B. D. Wait Co. Limited
    Inventors: Robert A. Wignall, Samuel Travale
  • Patent number: 4490311
    Abstract: Improvements to humidifiers are provided. A housing has sides permitting a motor and air duct to be fitted with the motor on one of the sides and the duct on the other to facilitate assembly. The housing is also formed to facilitate removal of a tray containing water. Further features of the invention are a water valve which permits simple adjustment to control various water heights in the tray, and a novel float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1984
    Assignee: B. D. Wait Co. Limited
    Inventor: Charles G. Shepherd
  • Patent number: 4489015
    Abstract: This invention provides a support for a tubular humidifier pad such that the pad can be replaced easily and efficiently. This is achieved by providing a support having a movable end which can be collapsed to release the pad which is carried on axial stringers attached to this end. The stingers deflect radially inwards so that the old pad can be removed over the collapsed end and a new one put in place. The procedure is then reversed to hold the pad on the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1984
    Assignee: B. D. Wait Co. Limited
    Inventors: Kurt E. Petersen, Thomas E. Squires, Charles G. Shepherd
  • Patent number: 4389353
    Abstract: A container of water is mounted on a motor vehicle and a means for dispensing that water into a passenger compartment of said vehicle is provided. The water will be delivered in the form of vapor. An electrical circuit is formed with a humidity sensing device within the passenger compartment for purposes of actuating the vapor forming and dispensing apparatus. When actuated, water is permitted to flow by gravity from the water container to a heating vessel, where the vapor is formed, from which the vapor may flow through a valved outlet tube to a vehicle heating duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1983
    Inventor: James T. Gates
  • Patent number: 4384873
    Abstract: To reduce substantially the amount of tubing for condensate being returned from the steam distribution manifold and to enable such condensate to revaporize as steam, thereby increasing the thermal efficiency of the humidifier, a condensate baffle in the bottom of the steam distribution manifold projects with the manifold into the steam separator through a common coupling between the separator and manifold and downstream from the steam admission needle valve of the separator. Structural compactness with economy is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1983
    Assignee: Herrmidifier Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Dean S. Herr
  • Patent number: 4361523
    Abstract: A housing for a humidifer is provided which facilitates assembly of the humidifier with the inlet duct positioned either to the left or to the right of the humidifier housing. This assembly is made possible by providing the housing with similar first and second walls and a pair of end walls which extend between the first and second walls. A back defines a first opening and one of the ends defines a second opening midway between the first and second walls so that air can be humidified by passing the air through the housing between the first and second openings. The other of the ends is adapted to receive drive means for driving a humidifier from inside the chamber and one of the ends provides means adapted to receive a water inlet assembly so that the housing can be assembled with one or the other of the first and second walls uppermost depending upon the desired location of the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1982
    Assignee: B. D. Wait Co. Limited
    Inventor: Shepherd, Charles G.
  • Patent number: 4354985
    Abstract: A humidifier assembly comprises a humidifier housing having an open bottom, a rear wall opening adapted to be aligned with an opening in ducting containing air to be humidified and a front wall opening over which is removably mounted a door. A removable water collection pan closes the open bottom of the housing. The pan removably mounts a wire frame carrying an evaporator pad that extends from the pan upwardly into the housing in the path of water discharged from a spray nozzle having a solenoid controlled valve mounted on the door. Air under pressure from the warm air plenum is introduced into the housing space between the nozzle and pad to pass through the wetted pad and discharge through the rear wall opening of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1982
    Assignee: Skuttle Mfg. Co.
    Inventor: Thomas Johnson
  • Patent number: 4278617
    Abstract: A humidifier comprises a conduit (20), a rotatable fan assembly (30) mounted in the conduit (20) for causing an air stream to flow through the conduit (20), and a counter-rotatable water slinger assembly (40) mounted coaxially with and downstream of the fan assembly (30) for centrifugally ejecting water into the conduit (20). A cylindrical mist-forming member (60) affixed to the fan assembly (30) for rotation therewith extends downstream therefrom so as to surround the water slinger assembly (40). Water ejected centrifugally from the water slinger assembly (40) is sheared by the mist-forming member (60) into a mist of fine water droplets, which become entrained in the air stream passing through the conduit (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1981
    Assignee: Envirotech Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Rahman
  • Patent number: 4257389
    Abstract: A humidifier is disclosed for use with a forced air furnace in which water flowing in a coiled tube disposed in the exhaust path for waste gas from the combustion chamber is vaporized by heat transfer from the waste gas and transferred in admixture with unvaporized water into a container in the warm air duct of the furnace. The steam humidifies the air while the unvaporized water is separated and returned to the exhaust path of the combustion chamber where it in turn is vaporized and vented to the atmosphere. The heat transfer to the water in the coiled tube is enhanced by a convoluted configuration of the tubing which induces turbulence in the waste gas and/or water. The humidifier is regulated by controls which are response to the flow of air through the furnace as well as to the humidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1981
    Inventors: Julio Texidor, Arthur M. Krause, Patricio Texidor
  • Patent number: 4240991
    Abstract: Disclosed is a self-contained evaporator type humidifier adapted to be positioned at an outlet opening of a warm air heating system and operated solely by an air stream issuing therefrom. The humidifier includes a housing provided with an air inlet opening and an exhaust air grill. A water receptacle, an adjustable water supply means, and an adjustable air-water contacting member are provided within the housing. The air-water contact member comprises a frame having a water-absorbent covering thereon and has an overall shape which is approximately that of a propeller which has been twisted at the midpoint of its longitudinal axis so that the end portions which are substantially in the shape of an elongated S, lie in planes which are generally perpendicular to each other. The air-water contact member is mounted for free rotation in journals at each end of the interior of the housing and is rotated around its longitudinal axis by the direct impingment thereon of the air stream from the heating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1980
    Assignee: Armstrong Cork Company
    Inventor: Melvin H. Shaub
  • Patent number: 4237080
    Abstract: A humidifier assembly comprising a housing that is open at the rear for slidable insertion of a frame carrying a motor driven endless porous water pickup pad and a bottom mounted water reservoir pan. When the housing is mounted on a plenum or the like these and other components within the housing are not accessible for removal from the housing. A special sheet metal subassembly mounts the pad and its supporting rollers and a motor for driving one of the rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1980
    Assignee: Skuttle Mfg. Co.
    Inventor: Richard D. Elliott
  • Patent number: 4222971
    Abstract: A water-impervious liner for use in a humidifier having a rotatable drum provided with an evaporator medium and a liquid-holding chamber through which the drum is rotated, said liner being conformed to the shape of the chamber. In one of the embodiments having a single liner, the liner is divided into two chambers by means of a dividing wall having an aperture for the flow of liquid between the chambers. According to an embodiment having a plurality of liners, there is provided a water-impervious liner assembly for use in a humidifier having at least two chambers for holding liquid, wherein the humidifier liner assembly includes a first and a second water-impervious liner and a conduit means interconnecting the two chambers, and the conduit means is attached to the first liner and to the second liner in a watertight manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1980
    Inventor: Richard L. Eilert
  • Patent number: 4211735
    Abstract: An atomizing humidifier nozzle and connected solenoid operated valve are secured as a unit to a box through an adjustable connection which allows the nozzle to assume various angular positions in one plane forwardly of the box as where the nozzle is projecting into a warm air furnace plenum. A thermostat on the forward face of the box is exposed directly to the heat of the plenum. A stepped flange on the forward face of the box along one edge thereof cooperates with a mounting strip bridging an opening in a wall of the furnace plenum to form a convenient hinged connection between such wall and the box, allowing the box to be swung to an inspection and maintenance position. The box can be indexed in ninety degree increments on the plenum wall by relocation of the mounting strip to provide universality in the positioning of the humidifier nozzle on various furance and plenum configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1980
    Assignee: Herrmidifier Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary L. Berlin
  • Patent number: 4200598
    Abstract: The rotary drum humidifier is mounted in an opening in the horizontal supply duct of a forced warm air furnace. The humidifier has a built-in manual humidity control wherein an adjustable thermostat is connected in series in the electrical humidifier motor circuit. The thermostat completes the electrical circuit on rising temperature in the duct and senses the peaks and valleys of the modulating duct temperature caused by the furnace heating cycle. When the control knob of the thermostat is set on "high", the humidifier will operate at a greater percentage of the furnace heating cycle and when set on "low" the humidifier will operate at a lesser percentage of the furnace heating cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1980
    Assignee: General Filters, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Yeagle
  • Patent number: 4199536
    Abstract: The rotary drum humidifier is mounted in an opening in the horizontal supply duct of a forced warm air furnace. An annular mounting bracket surrounds the opening on the inside of the duct and has a plurality of spaced apart mounting studs extending through holes provided in the wall and surrounding the opening. The humidifier includes a housing having a bottom wall and upstanding side walls forming a water reservoir, with the side walls being provided with horizontally extending mounting flanges having apertures for receiving the studs which are then provided with nuts. A cylindrical porous drum, motor driven, is rotatably mounted in the housing and is adapted to be wetted by the water in the reservoir. Hinge means are provided along one flange of the housing through which a pair of adjacent mounting studs extend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1980
    Assignee: General Filters, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Yeagle
  • Patent number: 4174362
    Abstract: A humidification apparatus including a housing, a fan assembly mounted in the housing and having conduits extending therein, a slinger assembly rotatably mounted in the housing adjacent to and coaxial with the fan assembly and having vanes on a surface thereof, and water feed means for delivering water through the conduits in the fan assembly to the surface of the slinger assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1979
    Assignee: Envirotech Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Rahman
  • Patent number: 4158679
    Abstract: An air treating apparatus such as a warm air furnace mounted humidifier is provided with an air seal or air lock which seals against air movement out of the apparatus and which prevents the water in the reservoir of the apparatus from being blown out of the apparatus to the atmosphere or ejected from the apparatus by the positive air pressure within the apparatus or furnace, thus eliminating turbulence or splashing of the water outside of the apparatus. This insures that the water in the apparatus is distributed uniformly to the evaporator pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1979
    Assignee: General Filters, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Yeagle
  • Patent number: 4145384
    Abstract: An evaporator type humidifier in which a fan wheel is rotated by an air stream and drives a water wheel. The water wheel lifts water from a water receptacle to a water distribution system. The water distribution system can collect water and then distribute a substantially equal amount of water to each air-water contact member in the humidifier. The amount of water distributed to each contact member is sufficient to wet the contact member and inhibit the formation of deposits on the contact member by flushing away minerals and other solid particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1979
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Neil D. Wagaman, Hatcher R. Meeks, Donald E. Alexander
  • Patent number: 4125576
    Abstract: An air treating apparatus such as a humidifier, evaporator cooler, cooling tower or other such equipment comprising a housing provided with evaporator means and water distribution means mounted in the housing above the evaporator means to provide a substantially uniformly distributed flow of water thereto. The water distribution means includes a tray provided with an upstanding or elevated target element located between a plurality of upstanding vertical wall elements forming channels leading to apertures positioned to distribute water uniformly to the evaporator means. Water directed to the apparatus impinges with a certain velocity head on the elevated top surface of the target element from where the water while still in motion impinges upon the top edges of the internal wall elements which divide and direct the water into the channels and from where the water is distributed to the evaporator means through the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1978
    Assignee: General Filters, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard C. Kozinski
  • Patent number: 4056582
    Abstract: A versatile by-pass humidifier assembly utilizes the flow of air therethrough as the driving force to rotate a fluid carrier subassembly, but may also be adapted for use with an electric motor as the driving force. The water carrier subassembly has a unique "drop-in" design which permits easy removal and replacement, all without the use of tools or fasteners. Similarly, the fluid reservoir is removable for maintenance and cleaning and the cover is removable for access to the humidifier assembly interior, both being removable and replaceable without the use of tools or fasteners of any sort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1976
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1977
    Assignee: Beatrice Foods Co.
    Inventor: Ho Chow
  • Patent number: 4038347
    Abstract: A humidifying apparatus has an evaporating chamber having an air inlet and an air outlet. The chamber has a bottom wall for supporting a film of water to be evaporated. A drain is associated with the bottom wall for continuously draining water from the evaporating chamber during an operational cycle. A fan is connected to the air inlet of the evaporating chamber to discharge a stream of air into the chamber and across the bottom wall. A water holding tank, having a top wall containing at least one water outlet aperture, is so located in the evaporating chamber to position the aperture adjacent the air inlet and in the flow path of the stream of air. Water supply means selectively supplies water to the holding tank when the fan is operative. The supply means provides a pressure signal, but only when supplying water to the holding tank. A valve means, associated with a water outlet from the holding tank, is in a closed position responsive to the pressure signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1975
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1977
    Inventor: Thomas B. Mickley
  • Patent number: 4031180
    Abstract: An evaporation cooling system for installation within an opening within the wall of a building and having a water conductor provided with spaced openings in the top thereof, retainers spaced apart from each other and extending along the top of the opening, a plurality of brackets spaced apart from each other, retaining clips secured to the brackets so as to extend across the opening below the retainers, a gutter positioned below the retainers, a plurality of support brackets secured to the gutter, a pan provided with openings therein resting on the support brackets, a plurality of individually distinct cooling cells each having front, rear and side faces, the cells consisting of a first group of cells having their bottom portions resting in abutting relationship against the pan and extending along the pan to form a wall, and the front and rear faces of their top portions confined between the retaining clips and the side faces of their top portions confined between the brackets, and a second group of cells hav
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1977
    Assignee: Acme Eng. & Mfg. Corporation
    Inventor: Hoy R. Bohanon
  • Patent number: 4029723
    Abstract: The invention provides an evaporative airconditioner comprising a base, side panels and a top and wherein the side panels are supported on the base and have stiles having mitred side edges and wherein adjacent side panels abut and close sides of the airconditioner.A water trough for delivering to the side panels is also used and is an annulus of U-shaped section and is received in complementary formations in the upper ends of the side panels to stabilize those panels and be itself supported by the side panels.Clips may additionally secure the side panels together.The base may include a first platform for air blower means, a second perimetric, platform for the lower ends of the side panels, a perimetric flange to restrict outward movement of the side panels and a water sump.The top may include a perimetric flange to restrict outward movement of the tops of the panels.The airconditioner can have certain standard parts modified so as to be side, top or bottom delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1977
    Inventors: Terrence Keith Morrison, Brian Eric McLaren
  • Patent number: 4026971
    Abstract: An evaporative cooler having an evaporation pad shaped to extend essentially circularly about a blower to define an essentially circular chamber into which the blower draws air through the pad to evaporate moisture therefrom. The chamber may have oppositely convex top and bottom walls, with the blower preferably discharging downwardly through the bottom wall. Water is fed to the top of the pad through a tube extending circularly along the upper edge of the pad and containing water under pressure and having spaced openings through which the water discharges onto the pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1975
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1977
    Inventor: Ronald M. Glasoe
  • Patent number: 4006674
    Abstract: A humidifier for use in forced air heating systems is provided wherein a housing having a water reservoir therein is adapted to be positioned adjacent an air register, outlet or diffuser. A duct in communication with said air register is provided within the housing for delivery of air to the water reservoir, and a flexible curtain or baffle is positioned within the housing across said duct and extending into the water of said reservoir. This arrangement requires the forced air entering said duct to flex, balloon or bow out the curtain to raise it above the water surface in order to escape to the outside. The device is adaptable to forced air floor, wall or overhead registers, outlets or diffusers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1975
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1977
    Inventor: Charles V. Culver