Water air filter

• US 4,448,593 A
• Filed: 06/14/1982
• Issued: 05/15/1984
• Est. Priority Date: 06/14/1982
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Walter A. Spiers
• Original Assignee: Walter A. Spiers
• Inventors: Spiers, Walter A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lacey, David L.
• Application Number:
  US06/387,789
• Time in Patent Office: 701 Days
• Field of Search: 261/18 A, 261/70, 261/99, 261/104, 261/107, 261/129, 261/DIG. 65, 261/27, 261/120, 55/217, 55/225, 55/227, 55/229, 55/234, 55/251, 55/252, 55/267, 55/342, 55/419, 55/DIG. 28, 123/25 A, 123/25 B
• US Class Current: 96/245
• CPC Class Codes: F02M 25/0225 Water atomisers or mixers, e.g. using ultrasonic waves
• CPC Class Codes: F02M 25/028 into the charge intakes
• CPC Class Codes: F02M 35/042 combined with other devices, e.g. heaters F02M35/021, F02M35/06, F02M35/14 take precedence; for use other than engine air intake cleaning, e.g. air intake filters arranged in the fuel vapour recovery system
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/12 Improving ICE efficiencies
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 55/28 Carburetor attached

Abstract

A device is disclosed which humidifies the incoming air to an internal combustion engine or an air compressor. The device employs a moistened wick which transfers water from a water reservoir to the incoming air. The humidified air reduces the carbon build-up in an engine and increases the efficiency thereof. A humidistat is provided for automatic adjustment of humidity and the heating of incoming air prior to humidification.

Claims

1. A humidifying filter, comprising:

a container having a water reservoir therein;

a wick disposed in said container and having at least the lower portion thereof submerged in said reservoir;

an air impermeable surround connecting in air tight fashion the upper perimeter of said wick with the perimeter of said container at a location above the water level of said reservoir;

a wick support stretching said wick over an area;

a rod rotatably secured to said wick support;

a float threadably engaged on the lower portion of said rod;

an air inlet in the wall of said container positioned between the water level of said reservoir and the perimeter of attachment of said surround; and

an outlet conduit positioned on the upper portion of said container above the perimeter of attachment of said surround.

2. A humidifying filter according to claim 1, wherein said float is hollow and is constructed of metal.

3. A humidifying filter according to claim 1, wherein said filter has an automatic reservoir refill, comprising:

said rod having a threaded upper section;

a refill nut matingly disposed on said threaded upper section;

an arm secured at one end to said refill nut and slidably secured at the other end to a bracket extending into said container parallel to said rod;

high and low level switches secured to said bracket and separated by a distance equal to or slightly less than the depth of said reservoir when full;

a toggle switch activated by said high and lower level switches and in electrical communication with a pump; and

a remote water storage tank connected to said pump;

wherein said arm is slidably secured to said bracket between said high and low level switches.

4. A humidifying filter according to claim 3, wherein said refill nut is positioned on said rod such that said arm trips said low level switch when said reservoir is low and trips said high level switch when said reservoir is full.