Gas separation: processes – Liquid contacting – On surface extending mass
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-13
2001-06-19
Bushey, C. Scott (Department: 1724)
Gas separation: processes
Liquid contacting
On surface extending mass
C095S214000, C096S294000, C096S300000, C096S364000, C261S099000, C261S107000, C261SDIG004
Reexamination Certificate
active
06248155
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to humidifiers and air purifiers, and more particularly to combination units having an evaporative wick and an air filter.
A known evaporative humidifier includes a stationary wicking element in fluid communication with a tank or reservoir of water. The wicking element absorbs water, which is transferred to the atmosphere as a vapor.
It is known to provide a combination air purifier and evaporative humidifier.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention provides a combination humidifier and air purifier with superior humidification capabilities and an air filtering function in one compact unit. It achieves the increased efficiency of an angled wicking element design. A wicking element can be angled to reduce the effective height of the wicking element, thereby decreasing gravitational resistance to the wicking action and increasing the water evaporation rate by approximately twenty percent.
This invention provides a V-shaped wicking element that essentially doubles the evaporative surface area of the wicking element in nearly the same physical space. The wicking element has a honeycomb or other suitable form and sits with only its bottom edge immersed in a trough of water. Wicking action causes water to saturate the wicking element, and air is passed through the wicking element to transfer water vapor to the atmosphere. The V-shaped wicking element can be formed from the combination of two of standard wicking elements known in the art. Thus, this portion of the invention may be realized without extensive retooling costs due to the reuse of previously designed elements.
The humidifier/air purifier further comprises an air filter to remove particulate matter from the atmosphere. This filter is V-shaped in the preferred embodiment and is fitted within the V-shaped wicking element. This space-saving technique allows the enlarged wicking element and the air filter to operate in a space very similar to that needed by a simple evaporative humidifier.
The humidifier/air purifier further comprises a blower for causing air flow through an air inlet opening, through the wicking element, through the air filter, and through the air outlet opening. Whereas previous air treatment devices have placed an air filter upstream in the air flow from the wicking element, this invention positions the air filter downstream of the wicking element to capture any mineral deposits that may be released by the wicking element if the humidifier/air purifier is being used improperly.
Other features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following drawings, detailed description and claims.
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Bemis Manufacturing Company
Bushey C. Scott
Michael & Best & Friedrich LLP
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