Abstract: The present invention relates to an instantaneous steam boiler generating steam in a steam cleaner, a steam-vacuum cleaner, a steam iron, etc. The instantaneous steam boiler includes a U-shaped heater and a separate flow tube arranged in parallel and contact with said heater. The flow tube may be arranged orthogonally or at a 180 degree opposite direction and may include a circular or square-shaped end with rounded edges, thereby increasing the heating/vaporization efficiency of the device.

Abstract: A handheld steam appliance emits steam under pressure from the nozzle of a handheld component to deliver steam under pressure from a nozzle in order to clean or to condition articles and surfaces. The steam is produced from water that is heated within a boiler chamber of the appliance. A liquid substance, such as a cleaning agent, is introduced from a separate chamber into a mixing chamber as the steam is also introduced, and mixed therewith so that the mixture can be emitted from the nozzle of the appliance.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for detecting latent fingerprints that discharges a vapor of a cyanoacrylate-containing solution. The apparatus comprises a reservoir for holding a liquid solution comprising cyanoacrylate, a valve for controlling the release of the solution through a capillary flow passage, and a power supply for heating the capillary flow passage and vaporizing the solution. When cyanoacrylate vapor contacts latent fingerprints, the fingerprints are rendered visible.

Abstract: A safety valve mounted in a steam cleaner is provided. The safety valve comprises a cap assembly, an actuation assembly, and a lock assembly. A rotation of the cap is adapted to detach the cap assembly when the steam cleaner is not operating or steam pressure inside the steam cleaner has not reach a safety value since the legs of the clutch are engaged with the notches of the driving disk. Responsive to generated steam reaching the safety value, the steam passes through the valve to lift the pushing member for compressing both the actuating member and the spring and disengaging the legs from the notches prior to exiting the steam cleaner such that rotating the cap will not rotate the lock assembly.

Abstract: A hand held appliance for use in applying steam to a garment or other item made of fabric includes a pump, a boiler and a switch. Power is applied through the switch to the pump. The pump pumps water from the water tank to the boiler. The water is converted to steam in the boiler and is expelled from the appliance through a set of nozzles. The appliance may include optional attachments for performing other operations on garments or fabric, for example, applying pressure, brushing, scrubbing or lint removal.

Abstract: Steam cleaning apparatus, comprising an upper handle, an intermediate pole and a bottom head for production and supplying of steam, provided with an instantaneous steam generator, a water reservoir housed on the top of said pole in the region of the handle, a duct for transferring the water from said reservoir to said head and a water loading device housed on an associated loading mouth formed above said reservoir, further comprising a steam regulating device provided with a fixed bushing having a hollow bottom end sealingly engaged on the top end of a sectional pole and a valve body fixed inside said bushing, the top part of said valve body being sealingly engaged on a discharge mouth of said reservoir and provided with a through-hole able to be opened and closed in an adjustable manner by a valve which can be actuated on the outside of the device by means of suitable means movable with respect to said bushing.

Abstract: A steam jet apparatus for a vacuum cleaner, which can be removably mounted to a handle of a vacuum cleaner body to supply a jet of steam to a cleaning surface, and which employs the power supply and switch for the vacuum's attachment accessories. The steam jet apparatus includes a housing comprising a reservoir with an open upper side for holding water, and a steam jetting nozzle formed to be interconnected with the reservoir. A steam generating device is disposed in the reservoir, and when in operation, generates steam from the water in the reservoir. The apparatus has a cover assembly comprising an inner cover connected to the housing to cover an upper side of the reservoir and the nozzle for supporting the steam generating device. The cover assembly includes a cover connected in electrical and fluid communication with the inner cover.

Abstract: A hand held vacuum using fluid, such as steam, to enhance cleaning is provided. The hand held vacuum includes a main body housing having a vacuum inlet and at least one fluid discharge aperture. The vacuum inlet cooperates with a vacuum fan and the fluid discharge aperture cooperates with a pump mechanism. A fluid supply tank is adapted to be removably connected to the main body housing and has a fill opening. A closure is removably attached to the fluid supply tank and is adapted to seal the fill opening and provide a discharge flow path. A flow path extension provides fluid communication between a low point in the fluid supply tank and the discharge flow path of the closure. The flow path extension may be rigid. The discharge flow path of the closure may extend between a radial inlet and an axial outlet of the closure.

Abstract: A toy gun produces a series of traveling smoke rings. It has a smoke chamber fed with smoke from a battery-powered electrical resistance generator. An elastic, edge-mounted diaphragm extends across at least a portion of the rear of the smoke chamber. A reciprocating actuator movable in response to a trigger strikes the diaphragm to eject a smoke ring through an orifice in the opposite wall of the smoke chamber. The smoke generator includes a supply tank of a suitable liquid and a source of variable pressure to drive the liquid through a narrow annular clearance to the heater where it is rapidly vaporized. The generator includes a pair of concentric tubes that define the annular clearance and an electrical resistance heating element mounted on one of them at a point spaced from the supply tank. The generator also includes a spacer and a member that increases the length of the flow path of the fluid driven through the narrow annular gap.

Abstract: A floating portable humidifier is configured to float partially submerged in an open tray of water. An internal cavity includes water entry apertures below the water line and air entry apertures above the water line. Water enters the cavity through the water entry apertures to establish a constant water level within the cavity. Humidifying apparatus installed within the cavity combines water and air to form humidified air that leaves the humidifier through air exit apertures. A motor-driven fan may assist circulation of humidified air. Sealed chambers or a porous closed cell body construction may provide the necessary buoyancy. Any humidifying apparatus may be used. The floating design eliminates the need for a water tank.

Abstract: A toy gun (10) produces a series of traveling smoke rings (12). It has a smoke chamber (14) fed with smoke from a battery (24)-powered electrical resistance generator (30). An elastic, edge-mounted diaphragm (74) extends across at least a portion of the rear of the smoke chamber (14). A reciprocating actuator (68) movable in response to a trigger (22) strikes the diaphragm (74) to eject a smoke ring (12) through an orifice (14d) in the opposite wall (14a) of the smoke chamber (14). The smoke generator (30) includes a supply tank (32) of a suitable liquid (34) and a source (36) of variable pressure to drive the liquid (34) through a narrow annular clearance (43) to the heater (38) where it is rapidly vaporized. The generator (30) includes a pair of concentric tubes (40,42) that define the annular clearance (43) and an electrical resistance heating element (38) mounted on one of them at a point spaced from the supply tank.

Abstract: A toy gun (10) produces a series of traveling smoke rings (12). It has a smoke chamber (14) fed with smoke from a battery (24)-powered electrical resistance generator (30). An elastic, edge-mounted diaphragm (74) extends across at least a portion of the rear of the smoke chamber (14). A reciprocating actuator (68) movable in response to a trigger (22) strikes the diaphragm (74) to eject a smoke ring (12) through an orifice (14d) in the opposite wall (14a) of the smoke chamber (14). The smoke generator (30) includes a supply tank (32) of a suitable liquid (34) and a source (36) of variable pressure to drive the liquid (34) through a narrow annular clearance (43) to the heater (38) where it is rapidly vaporized. The generator (30) includes a pair of concentric tubes (40,42) that define the annular clearance (43) and an electrical resistance heating element (38) mounted on one of them at a point spaced from the supply tank.

Abstract: A steam iron station has a removable tank mounted in a case. Also included is a conduit adapted to be coupled to a steam iron. Also included is a removable filter having an intake. The filter is mounted in the case to communicate with the tank. Also included is a pump mounted in the case and coupled to the filter and the conduit for discharging to the conduit, liquid drawn through the filter from the tank. The steam iron includes an electrical heater mounted in a soleplate. The soleplate has an upper channel and a lower channel. The iron has a duct for delivering liquid to the upper channel. The upper and the lower channels each have a forward flowing and a backward flowing branch. The upper channel serially communicates with the lower channel.

Abstract: A multi-functional electric heating vapor cleaning device comprises an upper case, a lower case, a vapor generating structure, and a power supplying structure. The water box is located within the space formed by the upper case and the lower case. The power lines is connected with and extended from the box cover and pulled out from an outlet to be connected with a plug, next, the upper case and the lower case are screwed together. Therefore, the multi-functional electric heating vapor cleaning device is constructed. The cleaning device can be combined with a flat brush, or a scraping device, or a tapered brush so as to clean various objects and meanwhile inject vapor to the object. Thereby, by the multi-functional electric heating vapor cleaning device of the present invention, the heat is generated by evaporating, thus heat loss is low and the strength of vapor is very steady. Further, it is easily controlled.

Abstract: A cigarette lighter aromatic dispenser 10 including a cylindrical heater body member 20 provided with an interior stepped shoulder 21 dimensioned to receive a portion of a receptacle member 30 containing a heat activated aromatic material 35. The exterior of the heater body member 20 is threadedly engaged with a portion of an enlarged actuator knob member 40 provided with a plurality of vertically aligned spaced rods 42.

Abstract: A wallpaper remover system is provided including a base and a steam applicator assembly mounted on the base for dispensing steam upon the receipt thereof. Also included is a plurality of suction cups coupled to the base for releasably securing the same to a recipient surface.

Abstract: A thin film thermocouple having junctions (2, 7) of metal and semiconducting metal oxides such as tin oxide/silver, and used as surface temperature sensors in conjunction with thin film heating elements (1) to control temperature.

Abstract: A portable humidifier including a base defining a reservoir for liquid; a humidification mechanism for drawing moisture from the reservoir and discharging the moisture into the environment; and a tank removably supported by the base and having an outlet communicating with the reservoir; the tank having a bottom wall, a top wall, a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall joining one edge of the front wall and one edge of the back wall, and a second side wall joining another edge of the front wall and another edge of the back wall; and wherein the front wall defines a substantially vertical first groove extending substantially parallel to and adjacent to the one edge of the front wall and a substantially vertical second groove extending substantially parallel to and adjacent to the another edge of the front wall; and the back wall defines a substantially parallel third groove extending substantially parallel to and adjacent to the one edge of the back wall, and a substantially vertical fourth groove extendin

Abstract: The omnidirectional portable appliance for steam cleaning surfaces both hard and flexible, comprises a case provided with a handle, a water feed orifice, an electricity power cord, a cleaning head, a steam generator included in the case and a venturi device [means for selectively] delivering steam to the cleaning head.

Abstract: An apparatus for the loosening of wallpaper or the like from a substrate by steam. The apparatus includes a steam generator and a working plate, the steam generator being connected to the working plate by a flexible steam hose. The working plate is formed as a steam bar, which includes a U-shaped housing to which a handle is attached. A cover plate or a side piece can be detachably joined to the housing at one or both ends of the housing. The cover plate or side piece is closed at the end opposite the housing, and by choosing to attach either a cover plate or a side piece to the housing, the working area provided by the working plate can be adjusted. The apparatus thus provides a tool which can be easily and quickly adapted to loosen wallpaper in a variety of situations, including making it possible to steam both entire sheets of wallpaper and small portions of wallpaper in small areas where access to the wallpaper is poor.

Abstract: The invention relates to multifunctional apparatus for spraying and fumigating a vaporizable fluid, the apparatus comprising an actuator head (1), a tank (100) containing said fluid, and a pump mounted on the tank, wherein the actuator head (1) includes electromechanical means for actuating the pump and an electronic control and power supply circuit (101) having a microprocessor.

Abstract: A humidifier with a removable water tank having a carrying handle projecting downwardly from the tank's bottom surface to a plane parallel therewith and below a downwardly projecting outlet valve. The handle facilitates transport of the tank with the bottom surface facing upwardly and support of the tank on a horizontal support surface.

Abstract: An assembly for nebulizing, distributing and mixing liquid or powdered substances via a flow of compressed air, produces aerosols for inhalation purposes, with a nebulizing nozzle in a nebulizing chamber into which a supply chimney (21) extends so that air can enter. There is a heating assembly (30) in the supply chimney which warms the incoming air. Thus, the cooling effect which occurs during nebulization can be eliminated and an aerosol at a suitable temperature is delivered.

Abstract: An apparatus for loosening wallpaper by means of steam, consisting of a steam generator and a steam plate connected to the steam generator by a steam hose, in which the steam generator incorporates a boiler which is closeable by means of a cover provided with a carrying handle and containing an electrical heating element, the carrying handle provided on the cover being thermally separated from the cover. This embodiment ensures that if the apparatus is used correctly, an operator will not come into immediate contact with heated components or hot steam and burns and scalds will be avoided.

Abstract: A steaming device includes a reservoir for containing a predetermined quantity of water, a heater for heating the water and producing the steam, a nozzle for exhausting out the steam, a conduit for connecting the nozzle with the reservoir, and an external support structure for supporting components of steaming device. The nozzle make up part of a programmable automatic flow adjusting system for selectively varying the direction and speed of the steam flowing out therefrom.

Abstract: A plurality of resistive heating elements and conductive elements are screenprinted onto a ceramic substrate to form a heater having multiple resistive heating elements. Slots formed between adjacent resistive heating elements members provide air gaps to thermally insulate each heating element from neighboring elements. Gold-plated leads provide low contact resistance for receiving power from a battery for energizing each of the resistive heating elements.

Abstract: A hand-held heated scraper with steaming capabilities for use in removing paint, wallpaper, and adhesively glued down materials (such as linoleum or tile). The apparatus includes a housing accommodating a heating unit and steam generator, an electric water pump, and two alternative base units for attaching a scraper blade, communicating steam to a work surface, or both.

Abstract: A portable hand-held electric powered medicine/water vaporizer consisting of a durable plastic shell (43), lid (27) and legs (69) with sufficient operating volume to vaporize medicine/water for a short time. Inside the shell is a vessel (35) for holding medicine/water. Under the vessel is a heater (39) for heating medicine/water to generate steam. The lid (27) consists of a fixed stem (23) with an adjustable cooling extension (21) to allow the user to adjust for desired temperature and steam flow. The lower shell consists of a box for cord (59) and plug (61) storage and a stainless steel base plate (67) for stability when free standing. The base stands on four legs (69) which allows air to flow through the ventilated stainless steel base plate, to the inside of the upper shell to allow the exterior of the upper shell to remain air cooled during use.

Abstract: A steamer for use in ironing clothes, in which when the pressure in the vaporizing chamber exceeds a predetermined value, the water supply is stopped for the vaporizing chamber even if the user operates the pump excessively, thereby preventing unvaporized hot water from escaping and either scalding the user and wetting the material being ironed.

Abstract: A heating element for use within a smoking device which is intended to be held in the lips of a consumer, and which without burning, heats a flavor-generating medium within the device to produce an aerosol, vapor, or flavor, which the consumer may inhale. More particularly, an electrically-powered heating element having a plurality of discrete resistive heating segments, only one of which is active at any given time. In a preferred embodiment, the heating element is contained within the device so that the individual heating segments of the element are adjacent to a flavor-generating medium. As each segment of the heating element is provided with power, the flavor-generating medium adjacent to that segment is heated, but is not burned. This heating causes the flavor-generating medium to produce a flavor, aerosol, or vapor, which the consumer of the device may inhale.

Abstract: Electro-portable apparatus for producing steam applied to a surface, usable more particularly but not exclusively for ungluing wall coatings, having a housing containing a porous body impregnated with a liquid to be vaporized, the liquid being heated up to its temperature of vaporization, the housing 2 being subdivided by a partition wall 8, 27, into two compartments, namely a rear closed compartment 9, 28 containing a steam generator 12, 13, which is formed of the porous body 12 impregnated with liquid and a heater 13 for heating this liquid, and a front compartment 11, 29 forming a vapor cavity or "steam plate", open to the outside, defined by a peripheral edge able to be applied on the surface 1 adapted to receive the vapor, and openings 31 being provided through the partition wall 27 to allow the passage of the steam, produced in the rear compartment 9, 28, towards and into the front compartment 11, 29 constituting the vapor cavity or "steam plate".