US4006674A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Humidifiers for forced air systems
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1975-04-14
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Granted: 1977-02-08
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Expires: 1995-04-14
Abstract
Abstract A humidifier for use in forced air heating systems is provided wherein a housing having a water reservoir therein is adapted to be positioned adjacent an air register, outlet or diffuser. A duct in communication with said air register is provided within the housing for delivery of air to the water reservoir, and a flexible curtain or baffle is positioned within the housing across said duct and extending into the water of said reservoir. This arrangement requires the forced air entering said duct to flex, balloon or bow out the curtain to raise it above the water surface in order to escape to the outside. The device is adaptable to forced air floor, wall or overhead registers, outlets or diffusers.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles V. Culver
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 06:39
CPC Classifications
F; F24; F24F; F24F6/00; F24F6/02; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S261/00; Y10S261/15
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
165 words
A humidifier comprising (A) a housing having an air inlet opening for communication with a source of forced air, an air outlet opening, and a water reservoir positioned therebetween with the water level thereof defining with the interior of said housing a rectilinear and main passageway for air between said air inlet and said air outlet, and (B) a thin, flexible and substantially air-impervious curtain mounted on a rectilinear support and (a) suspended from said support within and across said passageway upstream from said air outlet to constitute a freely-moving barrier substantially blocking air flow between said air inlet and said air outlet, and (b) having at least symmetrical portions of its lower edge weighted rectilinearly and adapted to extend into said reservoir beneath the water level thereof, whereby forced air entering said air inlet balloons and flexes said curtain to gently and pulsatingly elevate at least a part of its lower edge above the water surface in order to escape to said air outlet.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
165 words
A humidifier comprising (A) a housing having an air inlet opening for communication with a source of forced air, an air outlet opening, and a water reservoir positioned therebetween with the water level thereof defining with the interior of said housing a rectilinear and main passageway for air between said air inlet and said air outlet, and (B) a thin, flexible and substantially air-impervious curtain mounted on a rectilinear support and (a) suspended from said support within and across said passageway upstream from said air outlet to constitute a freely-moving barrier substantially blocking air flow between said air inlet and said air outlet, and (b) having at least symmetrical portions of its lower edge weighted rectilinearly and adapted to extend into said reservoir beneath the water level thereof, whereby forced air entering said air inlet balloons and flexes said curtain to gently and pulsatingly elevate at least a part of its lower edge above the water surface in order to escape to said air outlet.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
A humidifier as claimed in claim 1 wherein the air outlet side of said reservoir has a lip which extends inwardly over said water.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
A humidifier as claimed in claim 2 wherein the entire lower edge of said curtain is weighted.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
A humidifier as claimed in claim 3 wherein said lower edge of said curtain hangs close to the bottom of said reservoir.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
A humidifier as claimed in claim 3 wherein said lower edge of said curtain rests on the floor of said reservoir.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
68 words
A humidifier as claimed in claim 2 wherein said curtain is severed centrally thereof by a cut extending upwardly from said lower edge a distance between about 1/3 and 1/2 of the total depth of said curtain, wherein the lower edge of said curtain has a shallow opening therein symmetrically positioned around said cut, and wherein the remainder of each side of said lower edge is weighted uniformly.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
A humidifier as claimed in claim 6 wherein the lower edge of said curtain hangs close to the bottom of said reservoir.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
A humidifier as claimed in claim 6 wherein the lower edge of said curtain rests on the floor of said reservoir.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
66 words
A humidifier as claimed in claim 1 wherein said curtain is severed centrally thereof by a cut extending upwardly from said lower edge a distance between about 1/3 and 1/2 of the total depth of said curtain, wherein the lower edge of said curtain has a shallow opening therein symmetrically positioned around said cut, and wherein the remainder of each side of said curtain is weighted.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
A humidifier as claimed in claim 9 wherein said shallow opening in the lower edge of said curtain has a width between about 1-2 inches.
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) | 1980-02-08 | 1980-08-09 | 1981-02-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-02-08 | 1984-08-09 | 1985-02-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-02-08 | 1988-08-09 | 1989-02-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |