Vaporizers Patents (Class 261/DIG65)
  • Patent number: 5005630
    Abstract: In the process and apparatus for making molds and cores, a casing for producing molds or cores is filled with a mixture of foundry sand and a binder. The mixture is hardened by a reagent which is firstly evaporated and introduced into the casing from a cylindrical container with a carrier gas or air flow supplied from a pressure gas source. The reagent is fed into the container by a dosing pump. A vacuum, or pressure below atmospheric pressure is produced in the container by a vacuum pump. The vacuum leads to the reagent evaporating more quickly than at atmospheric pressure. It is consequently possible to use reagents with a high boiling point, so that the hardening of the molds and cores is obtained less expensively and with reduced odorous annoyance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Inventor: Franz Gahler
  • Patent number: 4993411
    Abstract: A closed vertical mixing chamber is defined above a predetermined plan area of a body of water and an upright tubular member including open upper and lower ends is supported over a central zone of the area spaced slightly above the water level. Structure is provided defining a closed inlet chamber above lower end of the tubular member and about the latter into which gas to be humidified is admitted. The gas is discharged downwardly from the inlet chamber about the lower end of the tubular member toward the water level and at locations spaced outwardly from and about the tubular and electro-acoustical transducer structure is operatively associated with the water in the zone for generating a column of water projecting upwardly above the level and having finely divided particles of water emanating therefrom. The gas moves inwardly over the surface of the water toward the water column and thereafter upwardly into the tubular member about the water column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Medway
    Inventor: James J. Callaway
  • Patent number: 4990290
    Abstract: A diffusion fogger is packed on a road case. Fans draw air through a baffle chamber and through fan openings into a fan chamber, an air compressor above the fan chamber provides compressed air to a fog head assembly. The fog head assembly releases an oil mist fog into a fog duct. Air from the fan chamber is blown through the duct and out through a front opening, entraining and delivering the fog. Air from the fan chamber is circulated over a path that serves to cool the compressor, compressed air, and exhausts from the outlet ducts. The fog head is a removable vertical assembly of an oil sump chamber and a nozzle array chamber. The nozzles, with inlets to an air manifold draw up filtered oil from an oil manifold and spray a fine mist of oil and decompressed air into the nozzle chamber. The mist continues through the next above baffle box filled with marbles, removing large oil droplets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Inventors: James G. Gill, Martin J. Becker
  • Patent number: 4979545
    Abstract: An automatic refill system for a liquid chemical temperature controller is provided wherein replenishing liquid chemical is automatically supplied from a chemical bulk supply to a bubbler ampule in the liquid chemical temperature controller based on sensed level depths in a manner that avoids contamination of the replenishing chemical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventor: David L. Fair
  • Patent number: 4968456
    Abstract: An electrical air freshener designed to be plugged into an automobile cigarette lighter receptacle is disclosed. The air freshener includes a housing or body; an electrical motor within the housing connectable to a source of electrical current; a switch on the exterior of the housing for switching on and off the electrical current to the motor; air flow inlets at the back of the housing; odor emitting means mounted at the front of the housing; a fan connected to the motor and mounted within the housing such that operation of the motor creates air flow into the housing through the inlets, past the fan and motor and out through the odor emitting means. A stem protrudes from the back of the housing and is attached for insertion into the cigarette lighter receptacle. In the preferred embodiment the stem extends non-perpendicularly from the rear of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Assignee: Turbo Blast Air Freshener Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Muderlak, Charles Toler, Ira Taylor
  • Patent number: 4944898
    Abstract: An air freshener dispensing device is mounted on the blade of a ceiling fan and includes channels that are shaped to increase the velocity of air relative to the air freshener product over the velocity of the air relative to the case in which the air freshener product is contained as the fan blade rotates. The case is releasably mounted on the fan blade so the product can be changed or replenished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Inventor: Stephen B. Glaser
  • Patent number: 4931224
    Abstract: A battery operated air freshener with a housing having means for mounting the air freshener to a surface such as a wall. A motor inside the housing is electrically connected to a fan and to a battery. A replaceable cartridge with vents defining an air flow path carries a deodorizing substance and a battery. The replaceable cartridge having a receptacle is positioned within the housing such that the battery carried by the cartridge fits between spaced electrical contacts connected to the motor and hence to the fan resulting in air flow through the deodorizing substance. An anti-bootleg device in the housing has at least one prong extending into the cartridge receptacle, whereby a cartridge having an appropriate receptacle to receive the anti-bootleg device fits within the housing such that the battery carried by the cartridge fits between the spaced electrical contacts thereby establishing an electrical circuit to operate the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Steiner Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles R. Holzner, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4926856
    Abstract: A feeding system for connecting a humidifier to a reservoir comprising, a first elongated conduit for feeding water from the reservoir to the humidifier, a second elongated conduit alongside the first conduit for passing air from the humidifier to the reservoir, with an upper end of the first and second conduits being connected in fluid communication to the reservoir. The conduits are connected to the humidifier with a lower end of the first and second conduits located inside the humidifier, and with the lower end of the first conduit being located adjacent the lower end of the second conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignee: Hudson Oxygen Therapy Sales Company
    Inventors: Orlando D. Cambio, Jr., Earl R. Refsland
  • Patent number: 4906417
    Abstract: A humidifier has a cap which may be lifted off to wash it. The lift off cap is sealed to the humidifier by a labyrinth seal. A vapor well is formed in the top surface of said cap with a steam discharge nozzle directed over the well. The cap, and therefore, the nozzle and vapor well may rotate over a 360.degree. traverse. The nozzle is formed by spaced inclined planes setting at angles in the range of 8.degree.-30.degree. and preferably 18.degree. and 20.degree., respectively, the angles being taken with respect to the horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: Associated Mills Inc.
    Inventor: Jeff Gentry
  • Patent number: 4905112
    Abstract: A preferred tape cassette has a generally rectangular relatively thin housing. Holes extend through the housing into an interior of the housing. A scent carrier is mounted inside of the housing. Scent flows from the carrier through the holes to an outside of the housing for providing scent from the inside of the housing to an atmosphere near the housing. Plural scent pads may be mounted within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Inventor: Steven W. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 4865816
    Abstract: Odor control product dispenser includes a cabinet having a removable front cover for directly accessing both an upper fan compartment and a lower product compartment from the front. A fan in the fan compartment draws air in through a fan shroud surrounding the fan and directs the air downwardly into the product compartment for flow across an exposed surface of the odor control product in the second compartment and subsequent discharge through air vents in the front and sides of the cabinet. The odor control product is contained in a well in one end of a disposable container. Within the well are a plurality of circumferentially spaced pinwheel type baffles that increase the turbulence of the air flowing across the product as the product evaporates to accelerate the rate of evaporation as the product loses its potency (effectiveness) with age.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: SECO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David K. Walz, Robert D. Howerton, Andrew W. Allen, Theron C. Moss, William H. Kenney
  • Patent number: 4857240
    Abstract: The fragrance dispenser of this invention incorporates a service life indicator for the battery along with a fragrance pack having a service life equal to the service life of the battery, such that both the battery and fragrance pack can be easily and simultaneously maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: The State Chemical Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Thom Kearnes, Joel Wennerstrom, William Glover
  • Patent number: 4840770
    Abstract: Odor control product dispenser includes a cabinet having a removable front cover for directly accessing both an upper fan compartment and a lower product compartment from the front. A fan in the fan compartment draws air in through a fan shroud surrounding the fan and directs the air downwardly into the product compartment for flow across an exposed surface of the odor control product in the second compartment and subsequent discharge through air vents in the front and sides of the cabinet. The odor control product is contained in a well in one end of a disposable container. Within the well are a plurality of circumferentially spaced pinwheel type baffles that increase the turbulence of the air flowing across the product as the product evaporates to accelerate the rate of evaporation as the product loses its potency (effectiveness) with age.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Assignee: SECO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David K. Walz, Robert D. Howerton, Andrew W. Allen, Thera C. Moss, William H. Kenney
  • Patent number: 4830791
    Abstract: An improved odor control device including a source of deodorizing olfactory stimuli, a squirrel cage fan for circulating air carrying the stimuli, an electronic circuit providing a visual indicia relating to the status of the power source. A secondary circuit controls indicia means for indicating the elapse of a predetermined span of time from initilization of control of one such span of time for the purpose of alerting the user to examine and/or replace the olfactory stimuli.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignee: Scentex, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Muderlak, Patrick D. Maloney
  • Patent number: 4819625
    Abstract: A nebulizer providing a moistened breathing mixture of aerosol for inhalation therapy is provided with an improved heater having a single heating element arranged in a heating housing, configured so as to support and heat the liquid in the nebulizer container and to also heat the aerosol discharged from the nebulizer so as to most efficiently utilize the heat energy and to most efficiently transfer heat energy from the heater to the aerosol. Passage of the aerosol through and accumulation in the relatively long annular accumulator that circumscribes the heater collects rain out from the aerosol and re-vaporizes the collected liquid to add further moisture to the aerosol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: Cimco, Inc.
    Inventor: Blair E. Howe
  • Patent number: 4808347
    Abstract: An apparatus for freshening air within confined spaces such as the driver or passenger compartment of vehicles, or rooms within buildings, includes a housing which has an elongated cylindrical rear section adapted to plug into a standard cigarette lighter socket of the type commonly found in vehicles. An electric motor within the front section of the housing contains a propeller fastened to its shaft, the motor being powered through electrical contacts protruding through the rear section of the housing and contacting complementary contacts within the socket. A perforated dome-shaped cover removably fastenable to the larger diameter front section of the housing containing the propeller has a concave interior space adapted to hold a disposable scent producing an odor absorbing perforated disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Inventor: Andrew R. Dawn
  • Patent number: 4798689
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an arrangement for generating a gas mixture. The arrangement includes a vaporizer which is switched into a vaporizer line which starts at a supply line and opens into a user line with the vaporizer line being bridged by a bypass line. The influence of material parameters associated with the metering of the vaporized gas quantity is reduced. For this purpose, the vaporizer line is alternately interrupted at the input and the output of the vaporizer and, when interrupted at the output side, the user line is interrupted by means of a switching element arranged therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1989
    Assignee: Dragerwerk Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ulrich Heim, Scato Albarda
  • Patent number: 4793556
    Abstract: A device for nebulization of fluid materials includes a nozzle(s) for an emergenece of gas from a high pressure supply (1). A conical guide wall (7) receives fluid materials from a tube (b 8). The angle of the guide wall is greater than the Prandtl-Mayer angle of the emergent gas stream (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Assignee: National Research Development Corporation
    Inventor: Barry L. Sharp
  • Patent number: 4783343
    Abstract: In a reduced pressure gaseous phase thin film growth device, in which the pressure within a bubbler is detected during bubbling of an organo-metallic compound and depending on the pressure thus detected, a pressure difference valve disposed between a pipe for introducing trimethylaluminium gas and a reduced pressure reactor is controlled so that the pressure within the bubbler is kept to be constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1988
    Assignee: Clarion Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuo Sato
  • Patent number: 4780253
    Abstract: A aromatizing device for an air compressor which is mounted either in the compressor inlet or the feed tube between the compressor tank and pneumatic machinery. The air flows through a solid or liquid aromatizing agent in a chamber so that the agent is entrained therein to mask odors. The flow passage may be in parallel to the main passage and controlled to pass air and entrain agent for a predetermined time only following operation of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Inventors: Hiroshi Fukuhara, Katsumi Sueyoshi
  • Patent number: 4774032
    Abstract: A wick assembly (1) for use in e.g. an anaesthetic vaporizer (not shown) comprises layer (2) of absorbent wick material, e.g. a metallic wire cloth, secured to an impermeable backing sheet (3) e.g. of stainless steel. The wick material (2) and backing sheet (3) are rolled into a spiral configuration and thus define a spiral flow passage for gas to be vaporized. Fastening means are provided to hold the wick material (2) and sheet (3) in the spiral configuration whereby the assembly forms a self-contained unit adapted to be detachably mounted in a vaporizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Assignee: Penlon Limted
    Inventors: John R. Coates, Ralph J. East, Basil R. Sugg
  • Patent number: 4767576
    Abstract: A nebulizer has a mixing chamber into which is projected a high velocity jet of oxygen that aspirates water from a container connected with the mixing chamber. A compressed air input port in the chamber projects a stream of compressed air adjacent to and alongside the oxygen jet to impinge upon the tapered entrance surface of a venturi tube that forms an exit from the mixing chamber. The percentage of oxygen in the output is effectively rendered independent of output back pressure, the lower limit of the amount of oxygen in the output is lowered, the amount of water entrained in the output is increased, and the amount of waste water is decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1988
    Assignee: CIMCO
    Inventor: James T. Bagwell
  • Patent number: 4764312
    Abstract: A hospital room humidification system operated from an outside source of pressurized oxygen and/or other gas for increasing the humidity of the ambient air in the room. The humidification system includes a collapsible bag for containing a quantity of water in a condition sealed from the environment of the room, an atomizing nozzle formed with separate liquid and gas passageways, a first adapter for coupling the atomizing nozzle to the water containing bag, and a second adapter for selectively coupling the atomizing nozzle to the outside pressurized gas source. The atomizing nozzle is operable for causing the pressurized gas flow discharging from the air passageway to break the flow of liquid discharging from the liquid passageway into fine liquid particles and to directly dispense such particles into the air of the room in the form of a mist and in a manner which significantly increases the humidity of the ambient air in the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1988
    Assignee: Louis A. Weiss Memorial Hospital
    Inventors: Harry J. Scharres, W. Samuel Grist, John A. Yarish
  • Patent number: 4753758
    Abstract: A humidifier assembly is disclosed. The humidifier assembly includes a housing, a heater in the housing, a hollow shell on the housing, a partition wall within the shell, and a liquid water inlet that is unitary with the hollow shell. The heater provides an exposed heated surface for contacting liquid water in a direct heat transfer relationship. The hollow shell and the partition wall together define a humidification chamber. The hollow shell also defines a breathable gas inlet and a humidified, breathable gas outlet, both of which communicate with the humidification chamber. The partition wall includes a hydrophobic filter that permits water vapor but not liquid water to pass therethrough. The hollow shell, the partition, wall and the housing together define a liquid water-tight but water vapor permeable water reservoir between the partition wall and the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1988
    Assignee: Intertech Resources Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth G. Miller
  • Patent number: 4752422
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1988
    Assignee: Uchida Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuei Uchida, Tsutomu Uchida, Akio Hirasawa, Susumu Kazama
  • Patent number: 4743407
    Abstract: A nebulizer for generating aerosol having small droplet sizes and high efficiency at low sample introduction rates. The nebulizer has a cylindrical gas permeable active surface. A sleeve is disposed around the cylinder and gas is provided from the sleeve to the interior of the cylinder formed by the active surface. In operation, a liquid is provided to the inside of the gas permeable surface. The gas contacts the wetted surface and forms small bubbles which burst to form an aerosol. Those bubbles which are large are carried by momentum to another part of the cylinder where they are renebulized. This process continues until the entire sample is nebulized into aerosol sized droplets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Charles T. Apel, Lawrence R. Layman, David L. Gallimore
  • Patent number: 4738398
    Abstract: Spray discharge from a liquid sprayer is enhanced through a turbulent effect created by a ported baffle defining an air plenum into which air is induced to flow into the spray plume as it emerges from the discharge orifice causing the particles to collide and mix with the emerging spray. The baffle port is sized to match the divergence angle of the spray plume which essentially fills the port upon entry such that the air in the gap between the orifice and the port is driven through the port by impingement of the spray particles and entrainment of the air into the plume from the gap, while preventing any backflow of air through the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Inventor: Douglas F. Corsette
  • Patent number: 4722515
    Abstract: A liquid vaporizing apparatus having a cylindrical heated vaporizing surface against which atomized droplets of liquid are thrown by a spinning disk; the disk receiving a continuous thin film of liquid from a capillary tube spaced from the disk so that a fluid drop fed from the tube end is contacted by the disk to roll the drop while pulling a liquid film from the drop, the liquid being continuously replenished from the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1988
    Assignee: Spectrum Control, Inc.
    Inventor: Mooyoung Ham
  • Patent number: 4715370
    Abstract: An overflow trap on a reservoir for liquid anesthetics with at least one inlet conduit for filling and an overflow conduit for overflow which both open at its side wall. The entering of anesthetic liquid from a feed tank through the inlet and the overflow of anesthetic due to shifts or rocking of the liquid level is prevented. For this purpose, the inlet conduit and the overflow conduit are slanted toward the bottom of the reservoir and they have openings close to a wall of the reservoir which is opposite to the inlet and the overflow openings of the conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1987
    Assignee: Dragerwerk Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ulrich Altner, Wolfgang Falb, Martin Ryschka, Carl-Friedrich Wallroth
  • Patent number: 4708831
    Abstract: A humidifier has a supply of water suspended on a pole above a patient which supplies water through a removable drop counter of magnetically actuated ball valve to a microporous tube mounted in but mechanically separated from a ventilating line between a ventilator and the patient. The water is heated in the microporous tube to create a vapor pressure sufficient to cause water vapor but substantially no liquid water to pass through the tube into the ventilating line. Electrically energized controls are provided to obviate maloperation and to maintain safe operating conditions including maintaining safe temperature conditions, and prevention of excess water entering the ventilation line by counting the drops of water passing through the bold valve, and closing the ball valve if the count rate is outside desired count rates and power or the monitoring equipment fails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Limited
    Inventors: Adrian J. Elsworth, Michael G. Daniell, Paul Zwaan, David P. M. Stewart
  • Patent number: 4704988
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for obtaining a gaseous stream containing a compound in the vapor state, more particularly usable for introducing said compound into a vapor phase epitaxy reactor.The process consists of introducing the compound into the first compartment of an enclosure subdivided into first and second compartments by a porous partition, raising to a given temperature the first compound of the enclosure so as to evaporate the compound, circulating within the second compartment a carrier gas able to entrain the evaporated compound and extracting from the second compartment the carrier gas containing the evaporated compound which has diffused into the second compartment by passing through the porous partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1987
    Inventor: Robert Mellet
  • Patent number: 4702415
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for applying an active ingredient as an aerosol. A transducer (22) for creating an aerosol includes a propellant inlet (96) and a chamber defined by at least one chamber wall (128) confluent with the propellant inlet. A bluff body (112) is provided for creating at least one vortex (152) in the chamber when the propellant enters the propellant inlet in a supersonic flow condition. An orifice (118, 146) spaced apart from the bluff body and separated therefrom by the chamber wall is provided for creating an exiting vortex (154).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1987
    Assignee: Vortran Corporation
    Inventor: Nathaniel Hughes
  • Patent number: 4693853
    Abstract: An anesthetic vaporizer with a vaporizer chamber into which leads a gas inlet channel for fresh gas and which is connected via an outlet channel with a proportioning unit containing setting means for the anesthetic concentration to be released to the fresh gas is to be improved in such a way that exchanging the various anesthetics is made possible to only a single proportioning unit. The vaporizer chamber is a self-enclosed housing part to be coupled to the proportioning unit via connectors and the setting means are adjustable to the release of the respective anesthetic used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1987
    Assignee: Dragerwerk Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Falb, Martin Ryschka, Carl-Friedrich Wallroth
  • Patent number: 4690332
    Abstract: An apparatus (22) for applying medication as an aerosol includes a fluid supply channel (96) for supplying fluid from a container (24) of a mixture of propellant and medication wherein the fluid supply channel is adapted to accept a nozzle (26) coupled to the container for receiving the mixture and wherein the fluid supply channel has a first cross-sectional area. A first chamber (30) at a first downstream portion from the fluid supply channel has a second cross-sectional area (34) for expanding the fluid and for forming a first flow condition. A chamber (36) is supplied downstream from the fluid supply channel for changing the first flow condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1987
    Inventor: Nathaniel Hughes
  • Patent number: 4674494
    Abstract: A humidifying device comprising, an annular cylinder, and a heating device for heating an outer surface of the cylinder. The humidifying device has an annular absorptive column disposed against an inner surface of the cylinder, with the column having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough. The humidifying device has a reservoir containing a sterile liquid, and a conduit connecting the reservoir with the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1987
    Assignee: The Kendall Company
    Inventor: Virginia Wiencek
  • Patent number: 4666638
    Abstract: A light responsive, battery operated fragrance device is described. The device establishes an air stream over a fragrant material when an artificial light source such as a room lamp is energized. It includes a swivel light gathering body and a photo transistor mounted thereto which can be aimed at the artificial light source and provides directional discrimination and screening of other light sources. The unactuated device provides a limited flow of convection air current which maintains a relatively low level of fragrance dispersion in a room therefor. Upon actuation forced air flowing through the device causes a rapid increase in the level of fragrance dispersion in the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Assignee: Remington Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard I. Baker, Richard J. Wegrzyn, Edward Szymansky
  • Patent number: 4657710
    Abstract: A vaporizer includes means 11 which may be an electronically controlled solenoid valve to divert repeatedly a carrier gas into either a first path which goes directly from the inlet 3 to the outlet 5 of the vaporizer or a second path which enters a vaporizing chamber 13 to entrain volatile liquid vapor before re-joining the first path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1987
    Assignee: The BOC Group plc
    Inventors: John M. Smith, James J. Miles
  • Patent number: 4657713
    Abstract: A humidifier assembly is disclosed. Parts of the humidifier assembly may be disposable. The assembly comprises a housing, heater means on the housing, a liquid water supply means that communicates with the heater means, a hollow shell on the housing that defines a humidification chamber, and a filter means in the humidification chamber and positioned in juxtaposition with the surface of the heater means for passing water vapor into breathable gas. Preferably the filter means is hydrophobic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1987
    Assignee: Intertech Resources Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth G. Miller
  • Patent number: 4635857
    Abstract: A perforated planar member is spaced from the outlet of a vortex generating transducer and a tube is coupled between the outlet of the transducer and the perforated member to completely close the space therebetween. Preferably, the perforated member is a screen composed of non-conductive criss-crossing wires having resonant dimensions as to a component frequency of the sonic waves generated by the transducer. In addition, the screen is also preferably spaced from the outlet of the transducer a resonant distance as to the component frequency. A drag member is spaced from the perforated member. Preferably, the drag member is cylindrical and its axis lies transverse to the plane of the perforated member; the drag member is spaced from the perforated member a resonant distance as to a component frequency of the sonic waves generated by the transducer. Atomization in the described apparatus is enhanced by means of thermal and/or electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Assignee: Vortran Corporation
    Inventor: Nathaniel Hughes
  • Patent number: 4634559
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling flow rates of a primary fluid including aspirating, mixing, and metering the primary fluid with a secondary fluid. The secondary fluid has a high relative vapor pressure to form a gaseous mixture consisting essentially of vapor at constant volume fraction of primary fluid independent of flow rates. In one aspect, the invention includes passing a secondary fluid of diluent gas through a venturi having specified proportions including discharge coefficient; and pumping primary fluid through venturi suction to pass through a primary fluid orifice of specified discharge coefficient wherein the venturi discharge coefficients of the venturi and the liquid orifice form a substantially linear proportionality over a wide range of flow rates through the venturi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1987
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventor: Charles E. Eckert
  • Patent number: 4634560
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for controlling flow rates of a primary fluid including aspirating, mixing, and metering the primary fluid with a secondary fluid. In one aspect, the invention includes means for passing a secondary fluid of diluent gas through a venturi having specified proportions including discharge coefficient; and means for pumping primary fluid through venturi suction to pass through a primary fluid orifice of specified discharge coefficient wherein the venturi discharge coefficients of the venturi and the liquid orifice form a substantially linear proportionality over a wide range of flow rates through the venturi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1987
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventor: Charles E. Eckert
  • Patent number: 4632789
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to the art of gas humidification and more particularly to an improved apparatus for humidifying a gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Inventor: Philip L. Reid
  • Patent number: 4629590
    Abstract: A nebulizer providing a moistened breathing mixture for inhalation therapy is arranged to flow a gas-liquid mixture in a circular path around the inner surface of a container that is provided with shallow baffle forming ribs extending vertically across the circular flow path to trap relatively large water particles. A heater is detachably connected to the nebulizer discharge fitting and provides additional structure for trapping and removing larger water particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1986
    Assignee: CIMCO
    Inventor: James T. Bagwell
  • Patent number: 4618462
    Abstract: The present invention relates to humidifiers as used in research and in the calibration of humidity measuring instruments for producing a saturated gas stream. Specifically the invention relates to humidifiers comprising a bubble type and an extended surface type humidifier in gas flow communication one to the other and including temperature control means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1986
    Inventor: Robert S. Fisher
  • Patent number: 4617157
    Abstract: An adjustable fragrance dispenser for an appliance has a mounting base, a fragrance cartridge selectively attachable to the base and a reciprocal slide having a pair of spaced shutters for selectively closing dispensing openings on corresponding walls of the cartridge. One of the shutters is spaced further from the base than the other to provide for removal and replacement of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1986
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Ray J. Stein, Raymond G. Simons
  • Patent number: 4607634
    Abstract: An anaesthetic vaporizer of the by-pass type in which the concentration of anaesthetic vapor in the gas leaving the vaporizer is controlled by a valve arrangement which is capable of varying the resistance to gas flow of a second or by-pass stream which effectively alters the proportion in which the carrier gas is divided between said second by-pass stream and a first stream which passes through a vaporizing chamber. The valve arrangement includes a valve body 32 rotatable within a valve housing 30 having three spaced inlet holes 33, 35, 37 and an outlet hole 40 for the second gas stream. Rotary movement of the valve body 32 variously covers or uncovers the inlet holes 33, 35 and 37 to vary the resistance to the flow of the second stream from the inlet holes to the outlet hole 40 of the housing 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Assignee: The BOC Group plc
    Inventor: Thomas R. Clapham
  • Patent number: 4606866
    Abstract: A humidifier (10) used in respiratory therapy is disclosed where the surface tension of a light probe (32) used therewith is maintained greater than the surface tension of the aqueous liquid used in the humidifier (10). Maintaining the surface tension of the light probe (32) greater than the surface tension of the aqueous liquid generally avoids erroneous indication of aqueous liquid level in the humidifier (10). Erroneous indications of liquid level can be caused by gas bubbles adhering to submerged portions of the light probe (32) or liquid droplets adhering to unsubmerged portions of the light probe (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1986
    Assignee: Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark McGlothlin, Dennis Reisdorf, Robert Virag
  • Patent number: 4604245
    Abstract: A perfume dispenser particularly suitable for cars, is insertable in a housing provided in the front panel or dashboard of a car. It comprises a structure formed by a plate or front panel, with its perimetric border rounded. On the surface of the plate have been cut on one side orifices in which are housed respectively a switch and a pulsator, and on the opposite side, an orifice of greater diameter. From the edge of the orifice an extension forms a cylindrical housing provided with an internal wall; divided into two zones by an intermediate transversal wall provided with a broad central orifice. In the zone of the internal wall in the rear of the transversal wall have been cut two broad rectangular notches in diametrically opposite positions, so that the zone of the internal wall in front of the transversal wall has two broad rectangular notches in diametrically opposite positions. The cylindrical space defined by the transversal wall and the zone in front of the internal wall contains the perfuming product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1986
    Inventor: D. Arturo M. Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 4597917
    Abstract: A highly portable means for warming therapeutic gas to be administered to a patient which may also humidify the therapeutic gas. The apparatus includes means for passing the therapeutic gas through an area heated by a chemical reaction which requires no outside energy source. The heated area may comprise a liquid such as water which may optionally contain other therapeutic substances, resulting in both heating and humidifying of the therapeutic gas. The chemical heating means involves mixing two or more chemicals such as a liquid chemical and a dry chemical or atmospheric air and a dry chemical to produce an exothermic reaction. The apparatus is highly portable and may be carried, for instance, in ambulances, boats, aircraft, etc., as well as at medical facilities such as hospitals. The apparatus is lightweight, cheap to construct and economically disposable after use, thus avoiding the possibility of cross-contamination and avoiding any need for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1986
    Inventor: Kevin S. Lunsford
  • Patent number: 4595002
    Abstract: A nebulizer is provided which includes a liquid container and a cap attachable thereto. The cap includes a outlet port for delivery of a nebulized liquid/gas mixture to a patient, a gas inlet, a venturi in communication with the gas inlet, a conduit through which liquid may be circulated in the cap and heated by an external heater, a liquid outlet adjacent the end of the venturi, so that the gas flowing through the venturi draws out the liquid, and a dial rotatable on the cap. The dial has windows which may be positioned over openings in the cap to allow air from the environment to enter the cap and dilute the gas to a desired concentration. The dial engages the cap securely once its position is set on the cap, so the gas concentration is not inadvertently changed during use of the nebulizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1986
    Assignee: Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Michaels, Michael J. Finley, Robert A. Virag