US5273689A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Water-evaporation conduit for a humidifier
Assignee: Japan Gore Tex Inc
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Filing: 1992-06-24
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Granted: 1993-12-28
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Expires: 2012-06-24
Abstract
Abstract The present invention provides a water evaporation conduit for use in humidifying equipment that is not adversely affected by contact with oils, detergents, and other liquids used in the manufacture and maintenance of the equipment.
Inventors
- 👤 Sadakatu Hamasaki
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 16:09
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01D; B01D67/00; B01D67/0081; B01D67/0088; F; F24; F24F; F24F6/00; F24F6/02; F24F6/04; F24F6/043
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
51 words
In a humidifier, an improved water-evaporation conduit comprising (a) water-evaporation tubing of a porous hydrophobic polymeric material selected from the class consisting of polyolefin, polycarbonate, polyester, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, and fluoropolymer; said porous hydrophobic tubing having on its inner surface (b) a continuous coating of hydrophilic water-vapor-permeable polyurethane material.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
51 words
In a humidifier, an improved water-evaporation conduit comprising (a) water-evaporation tubing of a porous hydrophobic polymeric material selected from the class consisting of polyolefin, polycarbonate, polyester, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, and fluoropolymer; said porous hydrophobic tubing having on its inner surface (b) a continuous coating of hydrophilic water-vapor-permeable polyurethane material.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The improved water-evaporation conduit of claim 1, wherein the water-evaporation tubing is porous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene tubing.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
57 words
The improved water-evaporation conduit of claims 1 or 2, wherein the water-evaporation tubing has a second porous hydrophobic tube for air removal inserted axially along its length, said air removal tube having a water entry pressure in excess of 400 mm water-pressure and said air removal tube having its distal end closed and its proximal end open.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The improved water-evaporation conduit of claim 3, wherein the material of the porous hydrophobic tube for air removal is selected from the class consisting of polyolefin, polycarbonate, polyester, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, and fluoropolymer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The improved water-evaporation conduit of claim 4, wherein the material of the porous hydrophobic tube for air removal is porous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-12-27 | 1997-06-28 | 1997-12-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-12-27 | 2001-06-28 | 2001-12-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-12-27 | 2005-06-28 | 2005-12-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |