Patent US3854468A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3854468A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vortex humidifier for forced flow hot air furnace
Assignee: Rheem Manufacturing Co
•
Filing: 1973-09-04
•
Granted: 1974-12-17
•
Expires: 1993-09-04
Abstract
Abstract A humidifier for a forced hot air furnace includes a vaporizer which vaporizes water into a hot air flow. The hot air and vapor mixture flows into a conical vortex chamber. There the condensed vapor is drained from the bottom of the chamber and the humidified air is discharged through a duct extending along the spin axis of the vortex chamber.
Inventors
- 👤 M Nozaki
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 09:09
CPC Classifications
F; F24; F24F; F24F6/00; F24F6/12; F24F6/14; Y; Y02; Y02B; Y02B30/00; Y02B30/54; Y10; Y10S; Y10S261/00; Y10S261/15
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
173 words
Humidifier apparatus for evaporating water in a heated air flow comprising, in combination: a water supply conduit; a flow passage for heated air; fan means in said passage for moving hot air therethrough; water vaporization means in said passage connected with said conduit for vaporizing water in the flow of hot air; a vortex chamber connected with said passage down stream from the water vaporization means, said chamber including a frusto conical portion with a wide upper end, a narrow lower end and an axis of revolution, said passage being tangentially connected with said chamber adjacent the upper end to induce a circular flow of hot air and water vapor in said chamber, said chamber also including an outlet tube extending axially from the interior of said chamber to provide a humidified hot air outlet; a drain at the lower end for collecting unevaporated water; and means on the interior surface in said frusto conical portion for effectively increasing the surface area of said interior surface to move effectively promote evaporation of water.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
173 words
Humidifier apparatus for evaporating water in a heated air flow comprising, in combination: a water supply conduit; a flow passage for heated air; fan means in said passage for moving hot air therethrough; water vaporization means in said passage connected with said conduit for vaporizing water in the flow of hot air; a vortex chamber connected with said passage down stream from the water vaporization means, said chamber including a frusto conical portion with a wide upper end, a narrow lower end and an axis of revolution, said passage being tangentially connected with said chamber adjacent the upper end to induce a circular flow of hot air and water vapor in said chamber, said chamber also including an outlet tube extending axially from the interior of said chamber to provide a humidified hot air outlet; a drain at the lower end for collecting unevaporated water; and means on the interior surface in said frusto conical portion for effectively increasing the surface area of said interior surface to move effectively promote evaporation of water.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said inlet passage includes means for increasing vaporization of fluid into said gas flow.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means on the interior surface comprise a wiper means for spreading water over said surface.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means on the interior surfacE comprise integral surface irregularities to effectively increase the total interior surface of said chamber.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
178 words
Humidifier apparatus for evaporating water in a heated air flow comprising, in combination: a water supply conduit; a flow passage for heated air; fan means in said passage for moving hot air therethrough; water vaporization means in said passage connected with said conduit for vaporizing water in the flow of hot air; a vortex chamber connected with said passage downstream from the water vaporization means, said chamber including a frustoconical portion with a wide upper end, a narrow lower end and an axis of revolution, said passage being tangentially connected with said chamber adjacent the upper end to induce a circular flow of hot air and water vapor in said chamber, said chamber also including an outlet tube extending axially from the interior of said chamber to provide a humidified hot air outlet; a drain at the lower end for collecting unevaporated water; and wiper means on the interior surface in said frusto conical portion for effectively increasing the surface area of said interior surface by spreading water over said surface to more effectively promote evaporation of water.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
178 words
Humidifier apparatus for evaporating water in a heated air flow comprising, in combination: a water supply conduit; a flow passage for heated air; fan means in said passage for moving hot air therethrough; water vaporization means in said passage connected with said conduit for vaporizing water in the flow of hot air; a vortex chamber connected with said passage downstream from the water vaporization means, said chamber including a frustoconical portion with a wide upper end, a narrow lower end and an axis of revolution, said passage being tangentially connected with said chamber adjacent the upper end to induce a circular flow of hot air and water vapor in said chamber, said chamber also including an outlet tube extending axially from the interior of said chamber to provide a humidified hot air outlet; a drain at the lower end for collecting unevaporated water; and wiper means on the interior surface in said frusto conical portion for effectively increasing the surface area of said interior surface by spreading water over said surface to more effectively promote evaporation of water.
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) | 1977-12-16 | 1978-06-17 | 1978-12-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-12-16 | 1982-06-17 | 1982-12-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-12-16 | 1986-06-17 | 1986-12-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |