Humidifier
First Claim
1. A humidifier which includesa housing having an air passage defined therein, said air passage includinga venturi section comprising a convergent segment, a narrow throat, and a divergent segment, anda scrubber area for receiving air and water vapor from the divergent segment,a water reservoir defined in the housing at a location below the scrubber area to receive water droplets therefrom, and such that the venturi section is below the water level in the reservoir,a narrow channel connecting the reservoir with the throat of the venturi section to carry water to the venturi section to thereby vaporize at least a portion of the water,means for heating water in the water reservoir, andwherein the housing includes two plates of transparent plastic positioned in a side-by-side relationship, with the air passage and reservoir being defined in facing surfaces of the plates.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A humidifier for pulmonary assistance systems which includes a transparent housing with an air passage extending therethrough and water reservoir. The passage includes a convergent-divergent section separated by a narrow throat. A narrow channel connecting the reservoir to the throat so that with the divergent section being open to the reservoir, the differential pressure between the reservoir and the throat causes water to flow into the air passage. A collection surface is provided in the divergent section for extracting water droplets from the air flowing through the passage, and a heating panel is provided for heating the water in the reservoir.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A humidifier which includes
a housing having an air passage defined therein, said air passage including a venturi section comprising a convergent segment, a narrow throat, and a divergent segment, and a scrubber area for receiving air and water vapor from the divergent segment, a water reservoir defined in the housing at a location below the scrubber area to receive water droplets therefrom, and such that the venturi section is below the water level in the reservoir, a narrow channel connecting the reservoir with the throat of the venturi section to carry water to the venturi section to thereby vaporize at least a portion of the water, means for heating water in the water reservoir, and wherein the housing includes two plates of transparent plastic positioned in a side-by-side relationship, with the air passage and reservoir being defined in facing surfaces of the plates.
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10. A humidifier which includes
a housing having an air passage defined therein, said air passage including an enlarged scrubber area into which air is directed, venturi air inlet means for conveying air into the air passage, a water reservoir defined in the housing below the scrubber area and in communication with the venturi air inlet means, a series of vanes extending downwardly into the scrubber area at an acute angle from the vertical in the direction of air flow, means for heating water in the reservoir, means for drawing water from the reservoir and discharging the water into the air passage after the water has passes through the venturi air inlet means to thereby vaporize at least a portion of the water, and outlet means for conveying air and water vapor from the scrubber area.
Specification