Electric resistance heating devices – Heating devices – Vaporizer
Reexamination Certificate
1995-06-07
2001-01-30
Paik, Sang (Department: 3742)
Electric resistance heating devices
Heating devices
Vaporizer
C392S394000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06181873
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention pertains to an improved generator for rapid generation of superheated vapor such as superheated steam and further relates to a method for fabricating means for generating superheated vapor.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Prior patents include U.S. Pat. No. 4,414,037, owned by the inventor and applicant herein, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/093,071 owned by the inventor and applicant herein for Superheated Vapor Generator and Control System and Method (incorporated by reference herein), references cited in connection with aforesaid U.S. Pat. No. 4,414,037 including U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,505,656; 2,753,212; 2,861,838; 2,983,450; 3,039,454; 3,218,741; 3,718,805; and 3,721,802, and patents cited in connection with said co-pending U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,721,802, 2,652,645, 3,436,852, 377,228, 3,119,004, 3,869,815, 4,255,646. 3,508,354, 3,823,497, 2,576,976.
The aforesaid patents in the main refer to apparatus for generating steam from liquid drawn from a reservoir.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,414,037 (the '037 Patent) to the inventor herein discloses apparatus for generating superheated steam or other vapor from water drawn from a self-contained reservoir and includes means in the form of a nozzle for directing superheated steam to desired objects. The apparatus disclosed and claimed in the aforesaid patent is directed to a system for accomplishing, among other things, cleaning and sterilization, the mixture drawn from the reservoir in particular applications being a cleaning solution or a disinfectant. The device of the '037 patent employs a nozzle positioned adjacent the cover of the device for directing the spray of superheated vapor, under the control of a foot switch whereby the intake and output of steam is regulated. The steam chamber comprises walls having point-like irregularities etched into the surface thereof by etching solution, as a result of which the production of vapor from input fluid is expedited as opposed to steam generation from a smooth-walled chamber. The chamber could be fabricated only of aluminum, due to the chemical process employed in etching the irregularities into the chamber walls. In addition, the device of the '037 patent delivers a uniformly relatively dry mixture of superheated vapor, which was advantageous in a number of applications.
The device of the '037 patent has been highly successful in numerous applications, including cleaning and sterilization of numerous objects such as large and small machinery and medical equipment. However, it was found that improved results and more general applicability could be achieved through a superheated vapor generator and control system which would produce superheated vapor such as steam even more rapidly than the existing device and would in addition afford the capability of greater convenience and mobility, and more precise control in terms of regulating and directing the flow of superheated fluid. In addition, it has been found in particular applications that regulation of moisture (i.e. liquid) content of the superheated vapor is of moment. The invention in the co-pending application includes an improved structure and method regarding the vapor generator chamber and configuration of the walls thereof as well as a method for fabricating such improved structure, and further refers to an improved control system for controlling and directing the stream of superheated vapor.
It has been found that further improved results can be obtained by means of a superheated vapor generator capable of generating superheated vapor such as steam more efficiently and rapidly and efficiently than the generator in the '437 patent and in the co-pending application, and that in particular applications such increased rapidity and efficiency of vaporization is preferable. Thus, there has been a felt but unfulfilled need for a high-efficiency superheated vapor generator and method of fabrication thereof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A superheated vapor generator for generating superheated vapor comprising a vapor generating volume for entry thereinto of liquid for vaporization, the vapor generating volume including at least one vaporization member including a portion defining a plurality of holes for vaporizing contact with the liquid. The widths and/or depths of the holes may vary substantially randomly.
The vaporization member may comprise a wall of such vaporization chamber or a thermally conductive member within the vaporization chamber, among other configurations in accordance with the invention.
The vaporization member may define a plurality of ridges and grooves of substantially randomly varying depths and heights. Transverse ridges and grooves intersecting the first-mentioned ridges and grooves may be employed, with the transverse ridges and grooves varying substantially randomly in height and depth.
Two or more superheated vapor generators in accordance with the invention may be connected such that the vapor and vapor pressure generated thereby are substantially additive.
A method for fabricating a superheated vapor generator comprises the steps of providing two thermally conductive parts with hollow interiors including at least one vaporization member defining a plurality of holes, and welding the two parts together.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3721802 (1973-03-01), Chrisman
patent: 4414037 (1983-11-01), Friedheim
patent: 5471556 (1995-11-01), Friedheim
Evanns Joseph R.
Evanns & Walsh
Paik Sang
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