Patent US3660635A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3660635A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Humidification system
Assignee: Vertiv Corp
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Filing: 1970-11-12
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Granted: 1972-05-02
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Expires: 1990-11-12
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for humidification characterized by a battery of low density stainless steel heaters which provide a band of radiant energy that evaporates water in an absolutely pure state without solids. An electronic control system provides automatic flushing, cleaning and fill cycles. The cleaning cycle includes the introduction of a spray of relatively cold water directed onto the heaters and the side walls of the reservoir to prevent the accumulation of deposits on the heaters and to clean precipitated solids from the walls of the reservoir.
Inventors
- 👤 Ralph C Liebert
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 10:01
CPC Classifications
F; F24; F24H; F24H1/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
106 words
In a humidifier responsive to a humidity control means the combination of a housing means including a vessel for containing a predetermined level of water, a submerged heating element; said housing including a drain outlet, first and second water inlets, and a water vapor outlet; valve means operatively connected to said drain outlet and said water inlets; control means associated with said valve means to actuate the opening and closing of said valve means responsive to predetermined signals; and means for forming a spray of water communicating with one of said water inlets and disposed in said housing to direct said spray on said heating element
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
106 words
In a humidifier responsive to a humidity control means the combination of a housing means including a vessel for containing a predetermined level of water, a submerged heating element; said housing including a drain outlet, first and second water inlets, and a water vapor outlet; valve means operatively connected to said drain outlet and said water inlets; control means associated with said valve means to actuate the opening and closing of said valve means responsive to predetermined signals; and means for forming a spray of water communicating with one of said water inlets and disposed in said housing to direct said spray on said heating element
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
64 words
The humidifier defined in claim 1 wherein said vessel includes side walls and a bottom wall sloping downwardly and wherein said drain outlet is disposed near the lower end of said bottom wall; and wherein said means for forming a spray of water is disposed to direct said spray on said heating element and on to said side and bottom walls of said vessel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
75 words
In a humidifier as set forth in claim 1 wherein said last-named means further includes means disposed in said housing and communicating with one of said water inlets for directing a stream of water onto said heating element; and wherein said valve means operatively connected to said water inlet and said drain outlet further includes actuating means operatively connected to said valve means to open and close the respective valve means in a predetermined relationship.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
98 words
In a humidifier as set forth in claim 1 wherein said valve means includes a first valve means communicating with said first water inlet and a source of water to automatically introduce water to said vessel responsive to a predetermined level of water in said vessel; second valve means communicating with said drain outlet; third valve means communicating said second water inlet to a source of water; and actuating means operatively connected to said first, second and third valve means and responsive to predetermined signals to actuate said valve means between open and closed positions at predetermined intervals.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
80 words
A method for humidifying a controlled atmosphere comprising the steps of supplying water to a reservoir; evaporating water from said reservoir at a predetermined rate with a heating element submerged below the surface of the water in said reservoir; draining the water from said reservoir at predetermined intervals to expose said normally submerged heating element; and introducing a spray of water onto said exposed heating element for a given time interval coordinated with the step of draining of said reservoir.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
80 words
A method for humidifying a controlled atmosphere comprising the steps of supplying water to a reservoir; evaporating water from said reservoir at a predetermined rate with a heating element submerged below the surface of the water in said reservoir; draining the water from said reservoir at predetermined intervals to expose said normally submerged heating element; and introducing a spray of water onto said exposed heating element for a given time interval coordinated with the step of draining of said reservoir.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method defined in claim 5 wherein the temperature of the water comprising said spray is less than approximately 100* F.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method defined in claim 5 wherein said water spray is concurrently directed onto said heating element and the side walls and bottom walls of the reservoir being drAined.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
69 words
A method for humidifying a closed atmosphere as set forth in claim 5 further comprising initiating a flush cycle at predetermined intervals including draining the water from said reservoir and exposing the normally submerged heating elements; and directing a spray of water onto the exposed heating elements for a given time interval coordinated with the flush cycle to remove substantially all deposits formed thereon during the preceding humidifying cycle.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method for humidifying a closed atmosphere as set forth in claim 5 wherein said step of supplying water to said reservoir further comprises the step of controlling the water supply to a reservoir responsive to a predetermined water level in said reservoir during a humidifying cycle.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method for humidifying a closed atmosphere as set forth in claim 5 wherein said evaporating at a controlled rate further comprises responding to a predetermined humidity value in said closed atmosphere and communicating the water vapor created to said atmosphere.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-05-02 | 1975-11-01 | 1976-05-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-05-02 | 1979-11-01 | 1980-05-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-05-02 | 1983-11-01 | 1984-05-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |