Removable Patents (Class 392/406)
  • Patent number: 11812783
    Abstract: An apparatus and method to automatically insert a liquid inside components of inhalers, such as cartomizers for electronic cigarettes, includes injection means having a plurality of injectors each having an injection head having a substantially symmetrical conformation with respect to its symmetrical axis. The injection means are configured to cooperate with an empty end part of a component and at least one injection needle is configured to penetrate into an internal cavity of the component and inject the liquid, while said injection head is stationary with respect to said component, arranging itself with the symmetrical axis substantially coincidental with the longitudinal axis of said internal cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: I.M.A. INDUSTRIA MACCHINE AUTOMATICHE S.P.A.
    Inventor: Carlo Zaniboni
  • Patent number: 11365895
    Abstract: A floating type humidifier with an increased humidification amount according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a floating body which floats on water accommodated in a water tub and has a hollow portion vertically and penetratively formed at a central portion of the floating body; an ultrasonic generator which is installed in the hollow portion and configured to atomize water, which is introduced at a lower portion, to create humidification particles by using ultrasonic vibration; a humidification particle guide unit which is installed on an upper portion of the floating body and guides the humidification particles so that the humidification particles move upward along a guide hole in the humidification particle guide unit; and an air pressurizing portion which is provided in the humidification particle guide unit and pressurizes air so that the humidification particles are moved upward by the pressurized air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: MIRO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dong Jin Seo, Yong Ju Oh, Min Seok Kim, Jeong Won Lee
  • Patent number: 11006670
    Abstract: An atomizer for an electronic cigarette is disclosed, including: a housing unit defining therein a tobacco liquid chamber configured for storing a tobacco liquid; a first casing body defining thereon a first liquid guide hole configured for allowing the tobacco liquid to pass through; an atomization device; a control valve configured for closing or opening the first liquid guide hole to control the tobacco liquid to enter the atomization device; and a base assembly detachably connected to the housing unit and supporting the atomization device and configured to be in linkage with the control valve. The base assembly can drive the control valve to close the first liquid guide hole while the base assembly is detached from the housing unit. The base assembly can drive the control valve to open the first liquid guide hole while the base assembly is assembled on the housing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Shenzhen First Union Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhiquan Chen, Yonghai Li, Zhongli Xu, Xiaoqiang Zhao
  • Patent number: 10792692
    Abstract: An ultrasonic humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a water bottle accommodating water capable of generating humidification; a water bottle lid covering an upper opening surface of the water bottle and including a humidification outlet for discharging the humidification; and an ultrasonic humidification generating module which floats submersibly in the water accommodated in the water bottle and generates humidifying particles by using ultrasonic waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: MIRO CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Dong Jin Seo
  • Patent number: 10143327
    Abstract: A domestic steaming appliance for steaming food items is provided. The domestic steamer appliance includes a base; a steamer insert mounted in the base; a steamer cup located below the steamer insert; a removable water tank configured to hold water for feeding to the steamer cup, the water tank having a top that forms an air tight seal with the water tank when the top is in place on the water tank; and a feeder tube fluidly connecting the water tank to the steamer cup, the feeder tube being connected to the steamer cup at a steamer cup inlet. The water in the water tank is fed to the steamer cup by way of the feeder tube under gravitational force only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignees: BSH Home Appliances Corporation, BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventors: John Freeman, Charlie Hanna, Jeremiah Nash, Dennis Staley
  • Patent number: 8881941
    Abstract: The present invention refers to an evaporator device for volatile substances provided with a closure system that facilitates the replacement of the refill or container of the volatile substance. The invention provides a safety closure system for the evaporator device, which makes difficult for children to get access to the tablet or container of the volatile substance. A closure member and a container are associated in such a manner that during the opening movement of the closure member, at least part of the container is extracted out of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Zobele Holding S.p.A.
    Inventors: Stefano Deflorian, Walter Sordo, Franco Zobele
  • Patent number: 8218954
    Abstract: A fragrant electronic device includes a main body, a fragrant member and a resilient member received in the main body. The resilient member resists the fragrant member and ensures that the resilient member will not become loose and rattle around in the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Zhou-Quan Zuo
  • Patent number: 8137630
    Abstract: A light-emitting smell-altering aroma dispenser includes a casing having a bottom opening blocked by a base member, heater members supported on trays above a control circuit board in the casing, tubular aroma containers inserted through the top wall of the casing into the heater members at the trays and holding a respective aromatic substance for heating by the heater members to release a pleasant smell subject to the control of the control circuit board, and light emitting devices controlled by the control circuit board to emit light toward the aroma containers when the aroma substance in the aroma containers is being heated to release a pleasant smell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Carsten Jörgensen
  • Patent number: 8090244
    Abstract: A volatile material dispenser includes an upper housing with an opening extending therethrough and a lower housing with an opening extending therethrough, wherein the upper housing is secured to the lower housing to define a cavity therebetween. Electrical circuitry is disposed within the cavity, wherein the electrical circuitry includes a heater and a USB interface that extends from the upper and lower housings. Further, a volatile material cartridge is disposed within the cavity. The dispenser is adapted to dispense volatile material from the volatile material cartridge through the openings in the upper and lower housings in a passive mode and an active mode, wherein the USB interface is coupled to a power source to energize the heater in the active mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Belongia, James R. Crapser, Thomas A. Helf, Scott D. Walter
  • Patent number: 7639929
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (2) comprising a boiler (1) for generating steam, used for example in the steam-treatment of hair. The boiler (1), which is located in a recess (15) comprises a refill cap (3) and a steam outlet (4) in its upper region. The steam outlet (4) is situated in the upper lateral region (5) of the boiler (1). The boiler (1) is provided with an outflow opening (6) below the steam outlet (4), the lower edge (7) of the steam outlet (4) and the lower edge (8) of the outflow opening (6) defining a height (H) of a boiling chamber (W). The steam outlet (4) communicates with a steam conduit coupling (9) of a steam conduit (10) and the outflow opening (6) communicates with a sealing part (11) of the recess (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Wella AG
    Inventors: Frank Baecker, Peter Anthes, Andreas Pabst
  • Patent number: 7378067
    Abstract: An article 100 and realted methods for reducing a microbial population on an article 168, wherein apparatus 100 includes a chamber in an article-holding basket 164 retains article 168 in an up-right position within the cahbmer an enclosing article 168. A heating system 172 introduces dry heat, moist heat, and, if desired, a combination of moist heat and dry heat into the chamber. A fluid supply system delivers a predetermine amount of fluid to a heating reservoir 174, which is disposed above heating system 172 to provide the moist heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Germ Terminator Corporation
    Inventors: James Song, H. Bart Berens
  • Patent number: 7362964
    Abstract: A humidifier that includes two water reservoir compartments connected via an opening large enough to allow exchange of water between the two compartments, and an ultraviolet lamp that irradiates on the water in the smaller of the two compartments downstream of the larger compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventor: Chi-Hsiang Wang
  • Patent number: 7171923
    Abstract: The present invention provides a water supply tank unit which can treat water that has leaked when a water supply tank is pulled out so that it does not remain. In the invention, a water supply tank unit which is attached to a high-frequency heating apparatus with a steam generating function and holds a water supply tank detachably, said tank unit comprises: a water supply tank 17 having a water supply port 55 on its side surface; a tank case door member 31 for supporting the water supply tank 17, which has a water inlet 59 connected to the water supply port 55 with an inserting operation of the water supply tank 17, and a scupper 60 formed around an elastic fitting piece by perforating a bottom part near the water inlet 59; and a sponge provided below the scupper 60.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Hayakawa, Kouji Kanzaki, Yasuhiko Inoue, Takashi Sugimoto, Kenichiro Fukumura
  • Patent number: 7100841
    Abstract: A capillary pump for a fragrance dispenser has a reservoir for holding fragrance oil. The reservoir is capped with a silicone rubber cap with a vapor port therein for emitting vaporized fragrance oil. A capillary tube has its bottom end extending to the bottom of the reservoir where capillary action draws fragrance oil up into the capillary tube. A heating element inside the capillary tube vaporizes fluid drawn into the tube. Electrical leads for the heating element exit through the silicone rubber cap. The cap, capillary tube and heating element form a unit for insertion of the capillary tube and heating element into the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Tri Senx Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Ellwood G. Ivey, Cedric Stratton
  • Patent number: 6938886
    Abstract: A humidifier including a steam generator with a container for water and an immersed heating module. The heating module has a spherical shape and is formed of a stainless steel outer surface and an aluminum inner body. Electrical heating coils are affixed to the aluminum body to heat the aluminum body and transfer heat through the stainless steel into water. The composite of the inner and outer bodies provides efficient heat transfer for boiling water. The stainless steel resists any permanent adherence of residue to the heating module during the boiling process. Steam from the boiling water transfers through a mixing stack to surrounding air in the humidifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Appliance Development Corporation
    Inventor: Dov Z. Glucksman
  • Patent number: 6856761
    Abstract: A wallpaper removing steamer is disclosed that comprises a steam applicator assembly mounted on a base for dispensing steam on receipt thereof. Four suction cups are provided at each corner of the base and are adapted to secure the base to a wall papered surface, each suction cup being connected to a vacuum supply. The use of a vacuum supply enables suction cups of a less rigid construction to be employed than those which are mechanically operated. The use of more compliant cups can facilitate self-adjustment of the cups to an uneven wall surface. The cups can be of concertina form and can be provided with an annular, flexible closed-cell foam pad around their mouths to assist in sealing against an irregular surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: Kevin Doran
  • Patent number: 6830661
    Abstract: A compact, energy efficient, continuous-flow point of use distillation system utilizes stacked, vertically-arranged components to provide a compact and energy efficient distillation process and a device which is quick and easy to service and maintain. A housing contains a double-walled boiler vessel to which water is supplied from an external source through suitable filters. A heating source is provided to boil water in the vessel, producing steam which is supplied through a condenser to a storage container located below the boiler. A noninvasive liquid level sensor maintains the water level in the boiler and the controller is provided to activate the boiler when water is required for the storage reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Environmental Technology Enterprises, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Glenn E. Land
  • Publication number: 20040247303
    Abstract: A wallpaper removing steamer is disclosed that comprises a steam applicator assembly mounted on a base for dispensing steam on receipt thereof. Four suction cups are provided at each corner of the base and are adapted to secure the base to a wall papered surface, each suction cup being connected to a vacuum supply. The use of a vacuum supply enables suction cups of a less rigid construction to be employed than those which are mechanically operated. The use of more compliant cups can facilitate self-adjustment of the cups to an uneven wall surface. The cups can be of concertina form and can be provided with an annular, flexible closed-cell foam pad around their mouths to assist in sealing against an irregular surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Kevin Doran
  • Publication number: 20030170014
    Abstract: The present invention achieves advancement in the art by providing a method and apparatus for selective positioning of a wick material in a vapor-dispensing device that facilitates effective fragrance vapor delivery while offering significant advantages in manufacture, assembly, product performance, and product safety. In one embodiment, the wick is suitably selected and positioned such that sufficient surface area of the wick material is suitably exposed to the heating unit to enable effective evaporation of a vaporizable liquid, but the wick height relative to the heating element minimizes the amount of surface area of the wick in proximity to the heating element. Additionally, the positioning can reduce the need for protective overcaps and other apparatus for protecting the wick.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Carl Triplett, Mengtao Pete He, Christopher J. Wolpert, Kristopher J. Stathakis, Debra Park
  • Patent number: 6592107
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Raymond Electric (China) Ltd.
    Inventor: Ying Man John Wong
  • Patent number: 6145241
    Abstract: An electric insecticidal apparatus comprising a vessel for storing insecticidal solution, which is oriented in a direction in use; a heating chamber in which the vessel is mounted, said heating chamber containing a heating element; a wick for drawing up the insecticidal solution in the vessel, said wick being provided in the vessel such that the insecticidal solution drawn up by the wick is heated and vaporized by the heating element; an inlet provided at a side of the heating chamber for inserting the vessel into the heating chamber, said vessel being laterally inserted into the heating chamber through the inlet by orienting the vessel in the proper direction; and a guide and holding means for guiding the wick to and holding the wick at a predetermined position at the time of insertion of the vessel into the heating chamber such that the wick confronts the heating element of the heating chamber at a predetermined distance from the heating element, which is provided in the heating chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Yoshitoshi Okuno
  • Patent number: 6052511
    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
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventor: Walter Birdsell
  • Patent number: 6030504
    Abstract: A distiller control circuit includes a power bus with first and second lines and a fan circuit connected across the lines and having a fan motor and a fan thermostat in series. There is also a heater circuit connected across the lines and having a heater and a heater thermostat in series. The fan thermostat is normally open, closes at an elevated temperature and automatically re-opens when the temperature subsides. The heater thermostat is normally closed, opens at an elevated temperature and must be manually reset to the closed position.The raw water vessel has a reset mechanism with a pivot-mounted bar and a contact surface on the bar. When the contact surface is depressed, the bar is urged to the second position for resetting the heater thermostat. The heater circuit terminates in a two-stud male connector and the platform has a two-slot female connector. The studs slide into electrically-conductive engagement with the slots when the raw water vessel is inserted into the condensing platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: The West Bend Company
    Inventors: David C. Belongia, Robert V. Myszka
  • Patent number: 5940578
    Abstract: A water evaporation apparatus 10 for evaporating water 12 contained in a drum 14 includes a thermally insulated float assembly 16 for floating in the water 12. The float assembly defines a space 18 which is in fluid communication with the water 12 via a hole 22 formed though a bottom wall 24 of the float assembly 16. The float assembly 16 also includes an exhaust stack 26 which extends from the space 18 and has a discharge end 28 located outside the drum 14. A volume of water 20 flows into space 18 through the hole 22. A heater 30 is located within the space 18 and below the level of the water 20 for causing evaporation thereof. This generates steam and other vapours which rise through the stack 26 and are vented through discharge end 28. As the water 20 is evaporated it is replenished by water 12 from the drum 14 flowing through the hole 22 into the space 18. In this way, the water 12 within the drum 14 is progressively evaporated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Yen Enterprises Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Earl Fenton Goddard
  • Patent number: 5917992
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: J. Wagner GmbH
    Inventors: Guido Zimmermann, Jorn Lutzeler
  • Patent number: 5687278
    Abstract: A steamer (10) is provided having a tubular upper portion (11), a base (12) and a stanchion (13) extending between the upper portion and the base. The upper portion has a tubular upper bar (18), a tubular middle bar (17) and a lower bar (16), each having a series of steam ports (24) therein. The base has a heating element (28) which heats water within the base to produce steam which is conveyed through the stanchion to the upper portion where it is then expelled through the steam ports. The steamer is configurable between a working configuration and a compact, stowed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Frederick C. Turner
    Inventor: Fredrick C. Turner
  • Patent number: 5636319
    Abstract: Portable and personal-sized warm air humidifiers for delivering a steam air mixture having a uniform moisture at a temperature that does not cause a sensation of pain. A steam ejector is used to mix the steam from an evaporation chamber with the air entering the humidifier. A difference in the water level between a water supply compartment and the evaporation chamber provides a constant pressure in the evaporation chamber which drives generated steam through a steam nozzle communicating with the steam ejector. The dimensions of the steam nozzle are determined in relation with the rate of steam generation in accordance with steam velocity to effectively eliminate or minimize the noise normally associated with the passage of steam through a nozzle. The invention is also well utilizable in a humidifier having a filter medium to filter particulates from the air notwithstanding the drop in pressure of the air across the filter medium from the outside to the interior of the humidifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Inventors: Dov Z. Glucksman, Paul Crowhurst, David Lekhtman, Gabriel Chauviaux
  • Patent number: 5484086
    Abstract: A perfume gas generating device including a container for containing the perfume, a cap member associated with a neck portion of the container and formed with at least one opening, a fiber-made wick member disposed in the container and serving as an upward moving path of the perfume in the container, and a heating system including a heating mechanism disposed above the wick member and contacting a top surface thereof, whereby the heating mechanism forms a high temperature area above the top surface of the wick member and the perfume is able to move upward along the wick member into the high temperature area to be vaporized into gas which dissipates to ambient environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Inventor: Kuan H. Pu
  • Patent number: 5483616
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Duracraft Corporation
    Inventors: Bernard Chiu, Jui-Shang Wang, Stanley Gresens
  • Patent number: 5361322
    Abstract: A portable warm air humidifier for delivery to a room a steam air mixture of uniform moisture and at a temperature that does not cause sensation of pain. A steam ejector is used to mix the steam from an evaporation chamber with the air entering the humidifier with the advantage, among others, of eliminating the need for motors and blowers. A difference in the water level between a water supply compartment and the evaporation chamber provides a constant pressure in the evaporation chamber which is necessary to drive generated steam through a steam nozzle communicating with the steam ejector. The dimensions of the steam nozzle are determined in relation with the rate of steam generation in accordance with steam velocity to effectively eliminate or minimize the noise normally associated with the passage of steam through a nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Inventor: Dov Z Glucksman
  • Patent number: 5343551
    Abstract: The components of an electric warm-air humidifier are enclosed in a housing resting on a base having a water supply compartment. The housing includes an evaporation chamber in the shape of an inverted cup which has a steam outlet in its top and contains an electric heating element positioned a short distance above its open end. The evaporation chamber and the heating element are immersed in water contained in the water supply compartment. The neck of an inverted, removable, water container filled with water is placed into the water supply compartment and water fills the water supply compartment until its level reaches the lower rim of the water container's neck. The housing and the water container are displaceable from the base so as to provide access to the water supply compartment and the heating element to facilitate cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Inventor: Dov Z. Glucksman
  • Patent number: 5339383
    Abstract: An electric humidifier includes a base defining a liquid reservoir and a latch aperture. A humidifier unit is hingedly mounted on the base over the reservoir and movable to provide access thereto. The humidifier unit includes an electrically energized humidification means for inducing dispersion of liquid through a discharge opening into a space to be humidified. Power is supplied to the humidification unit and aligned with the latch aperture on the base when the humidifier unit is operatively mounted on the base. A power supply cord has a plug detachably connected to the connector through the latch aperture. The engagement of the connected plug with the latch aperture prevents movement of the humidifier with respect to the base to prevent access to the reservoir and interior of the humidifier unit so long as the plug and connector are in operative engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Duracraft Corporation
    Inventor: Frank Marino
  • Patent number: 5290546
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cordless thermal vaporizer of the liquid type wherein the body of the vaporizer has a heater for heating a wick for drawing up a chemical solution from a bottle, and a socket disposed under the heater and removably fittable in the form of a cap to the bottle for attachment thereto. The body is reduced in weight and thereby made attachable to an electric outlet with stability. The solution bottle can be attached directly to the socket of the body and is therefore easy to replace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Earth Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Hasegawa, Takanobu Kashihara, Junichiro Mesaki, Akira Nishimura
  • Patent number: 5291579
    Abstract: A portable humidifier unit includes a base defining a water reservoir and a humidifier unit mounted over the base and movable relative to the base to provide access thereto. The humidifier unit contains an electrically energized humidification mechanism for inducing dispersion of the water from the reservoir into the space to be humidified. The humidifier unit is provided with a manually actuated On/Off switch for inducing energization of the humidification unit in the switch on position and deenergization thereof in the switch off position. In order to prevent unsafe operation, the switch and base are provided respectively with a latch arm and cooperating latch receptacle. The latch arm and latch receptacle are so arranged that in the switch on position the latch arm engages the latch receptacle to prevent movement of the humidifier unit relative to the base thus preventing access to the interior of the humidifier while the humidification unit is energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Duracraft Corporation
    Inventor: Frank Marino
  • Patent number: 5247604
    Abstract: A humidifier including a base defining a liquid reservoir; a humidification mechanism for dispensing liquid contained in the reservoir; and a tank removably mounted on the base and having a bottom wall including a tube projecting into the reservoir and with a lower lip defining a fill opening, and a liquid discharge opening for providing a controlled discharge of liquid so as to maintain a given level of liquid in the reservoir. Also included is a cap engaged with the tube and having a cover portion closing the fill opening, and an annular gripping portion extending outwardly from the cover portion by the lip and upwardly adjacent to an outer wall of the tube so as to define therewith an annular cavity, and wherein the gripping portion defines control means providing liquid communication between a lower portion of the annular cavity and the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Duracraft Corporation
    Inventor: Bernard Chiu
  • Patent number: 5208895
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Inventors: Joseph R. Hoover, Jr., Chellie S. Hoover
  • Patent number: 5143460
    Abstract: A humidifier including a base defining a boiler cavity; a liquid supply supported on the base and having a discharge opening communicating with the boiler cavity and adapted to maintain a given level of liquid therein; an evaporation unit removably mounted on the base and including an electrically energized heater element projecting into the cavity and adapted to induce evaporation of liquid contained thereby, and a vapor passage defining having a receiving end communicating with the cavity so as to receive vapor therefrom and a discharge end for discharging the vapor received from the cavity; and an electrical supply for supplying electrical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Assignee: Duracraft Corporation
    Inventor: Jui-Shang Wang
  • Patent number: 5133044
    Abstract: A humidifier including a base defining a boiler cavity; a liquid supply supported on the base and having a discharge opening communicating with the boiler cavity and adapted to maintain a given level of liquid therein; and an evaporation unit removably mounted on the base and adapted to induce evaporation of liquid contained thereby, and a vapor passage having a receiving end communicating with said cavity so as to receive vapor therefrom and a discharge end for discharging the vapor received from cavity. Also icluded is an electrical supply for supplying electrical energy to the heater; a switch mounted on the evaporation unit and adapted in one condition for deactivating the electrical supply and in another condition for activating the electrical supply and an actuator for producing the one condition in response to separating movement between the base and evaporation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Assignee: Duracraft Corporation
    Inventor: Bernard Chiu
  • Patent number: 5131070
    Abstract: A humidifier including a base defining a cavity; a liquid supply tank removably mounted on the base and adapted to maintain a given level of liquid in the cavity; an electrically energized humidification unit for inducing dispersal of the liquid contained in the cavity; an electrical supply for supplying electrical energy to the humidification unit; and a sensing circuit for preventing electrical energization of the humidification unit with the tank removed from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: Duracraft Corporation
    Inventors: Bernard Chiu, Timothy Chen
  • Patent number: 5073967
    Abstract: A humidifier including a base defining a liquid reservoir; an electrically energized humidification device adapted to induce dispersion of liquid retained by the reservoir; a power supply for supplying electrical current to the humidification device; a control circuit connecting the power supply to the humidification device and including a switch operable in an active state to produce energizing current flow between the power supply and the humidification device and operable in an inactive state to prevent energizing current flow therebetween; and a sensing mechanism operatively coupled to the switch and adapted to sense the liquid level in the reservoir, the sensing mechanism adapted to provide the active state for the switch in response to a minimum liquid level in the reservoir and to provide the inactive state for the switch in response to a liquid level in the less than the minimum liquid level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Assignee: Duracraft Corporation
    Inventor: Frank Marino
  • Patent number: 5067169
    Abstract: A humidifier includes a base defining a boiler cavity, a liquid supply being supported on the base and having a discharge opening communicating with the boiler cavity and adapted to maintain a given level of liquid therein. An evaporation unit is removably mounted on the base and includes an electrically energized heater projecting into the cavity and a magnetically operated switch. A float includes a magnet which activates or deactivates a switch. A vapor passage discharges the vapor from the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Assignee: Duracraft Corporation
    Inventor: Bernard Chiu
  • Patent number: 5038394
    Abstract: A cordless thermal vaporizer of the liquid type wherein the body of the vaporizer has a heater for heating a wick for drawing up a chemical solution from a bottle, and a socket disposed under the heater and removably fittable in the form of a cap to the bottle for attachment thereto. The body is reduced in weight and thereby made attachable to an electric outlet with stability. The solution bottle can be attached directly to the socket of the body and is therefor easy to replace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: Earth Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Hasegawa, Takanobu Kashihara, Junichiro Mesaki, Akira Nishimura
  • Patent number: 5014338
    Abstract: The components of an electric warm-air humidifier are enclosed in a housing. The components include an evaporation chamber in the shape of an inverted cup which has a steam outlet in its top and contains an electric heating element positioned at a short distance above its open bottom. The chamber bottom and the heating elements are immersed in water contained in the main compartment of an open, removable tray, having a smaller filling compartment communicating with the main compartment. The tray may be removed from the housing for cleaning. The neck of an inverted, removable jug filled with water is placed into the filling compartment, and water fills the tray until its level reaches the lower rim of the jug's neck. A blower is mounted above the evaporation chamber and delivers cool air through a duct which communicates with the evaporation chamber via its steam outlet, and humidified air is blown back into the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Inventor: Dov Z. Glucksman