Environmental chamber and ultrasonic nebulizer assembly therefor

• US 7,686,285 B2
• Filed: 03/23/2005
• Issued: 03/30/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 03/23/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Barnstead Thermolyne Corporation (Perspecta, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Barnstead Thermolyne Corporation (Perspecta, Inc.)
• Inventors: Murray, Michael Louis, Stone, Bradley William
• Primary Examiner(s): BUSHEY, CHARLES S
• Application Number:
  US11/087,209
• Publication Number:
  US 20060213508A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,833 Days
• Field of Search: 261/81, 261/DIG.48
• US Class Current: 261/81
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 17/0615 spray being produced at the free surface of the liquid or other fluent material in a container and subjected to the vibrations
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 261/48 Sonic vibrators

Abstract

An environmental chamber includes an ultrasonic nebulizer assembly for controlling the relative humidity within the chamber. The ultrasonic nebulizer assembly is connected in closed-loop fluid communication with an enclosed chamber of the environmental chamber and includes an ultrasonic nebulizer module to generate water vapor that is introduced into the enclosed chamber. The ultrasonic nebulizer module is constructed to be immersed in water within the ultrasonic nebulizer assembly and is readily replaceable by the user. A nebulizer hour timer is provided to monitor the length of time of the ultrasonic nebulizer is operating to provide a precise indication to the user of how much life is left in the ultrasonic nebulizer before it needs to be replaced.

Claims

1. An environmental chamber, comprising:

an enclosed chamber configured to receive a product therein; and

an ultrasonic nebulizer assembly connected in closed-loop fluid communication with the enclosed chamber, the ultrasonic nebulizer assembly comprising;

an enclosed reservoir configured to contain water therein and having an inlet connected to the enclosed chamber through an air intake conduit extending between the inlet and the enclosed chamber and an outlet connected to the enclosed chamber through an air exhaust conduit extending between the outlet and the enclosed chamber, the enclosed reservoir being connected in fluid communication with the enclosed chamber so that a closed-bog air flow path is provided between the ultrasonic nebulizer assembly and the enclosed chamber;

an ultrasonic nebulizer module configured to be immersed in the water within the reservoir and operable to generate water vapor within the reservoir for introduction into the enclosed chamber through the outlet; and

a forced air device located within the closed-loop air flow path and being operable to move the water vapor into the enclosed chamber.

2. The environmental chamber of claim 1, wherein the forced air device is mounted within the ultrasonic nebulizer assembly.

3. The environmental chamber of claim 1, wherein the forced air device is operable to draw air into the reservoir from the enclosed chamber.

4. The environmental chamber of claim 1, wherein the forced air device comprises a fan.

5. The environmental chamber of claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic nebulizer module comprises:

a tray;

a ultrasonic nebulizer device supported by said tray;

electrical circuitry operable to drive the ultrasonic nebulizer device; and

an electrically insulative and water-proofing potting material encapsulating at least a portion of the ultrasonic nebulizer device and the electrical circuitry.

6. The environmental chamber of claim 1, further comprising:

a water inlet valve in fluid communication with the reservoir and configured to be connected in fluid communication with a source of water for selectively introducing water into the reservoir; and

a float electrically coupled to the water inlet valve and configured to float on a surface of the water within the reservoir;

the water inlet valve and float cooperating to maintain a predetermined water level within the reservoir.

7. The environmental chamber of claim 6, wherein the enclosed reservoir comprises:

a float section containing the float therein;

a nebulizing section containing the ultrasonic nebulizer assembly therein; and

a wall at least partially separating the float section and the nebulizing section.

8. The environmental chamber of claim 6, further comprising a water inlet port in fluid communication with the reservoir and configured to be connected in fluid communication with the water inlet valve.

9. The environmental chamber of claim 8, wherein the water inlet port includes a quick disconnect connector configured to be connected in fluid communication with the water inlet valve.

10. The environmental chamber of claim 6, further comprising a water outlet port in fluid communication with the reservoir and configured to be connected in fluid communication with a drain.

11. The environmental chamber of claim 10, wherein the water outlet port includes a quick disconnect connector configured to be connected in fluid communication with the drain.

12. The environmental chamber of claim 1, further comprising a baffle member supported within the reservoir and facing the ultrasonic nebulizer module in spaced relationship therefrom.

13. The environmental chamber of claim 12, wherein the baffle member comprises:

a central web;

a first flange extending downwardly and away from the central web at one end of the central web; and

a second flange extending downwardly and away from the central web at an opposite end of the central web.

14. The environmental chamber of claim 1, further comprising a timer operable to display time indicia corresponding to an operating time of the ultrasonic nebulizer module.

15. An environmental chamber, comprising:

an enclosed chamber configured to receive a product therein; and

an ultrasonic nebulizer assembly connected in closed-loop fluid communication with the enclosed chamber, the ultrasonic nebulizer assembly comprising;

an enclosed reservoir configured to contain water therein and having an inlet connected to the enclosed chamber through an air intake conduit extending between the inlet and the enclosed chamber and an outlet connected to the enclosed chamber through an air exhaust conduit extending between the outlet and the enclosed chamber, the enclosed reservoir being connected in fluid communication with the enclosed chamber so that a closed-loop air flow path is provided between the ultrasonic nebulizer assembly and the enclosed chamber;

an ultrasonic nebulizer module configured to be immersed in the water within the reservoir and operable to generate water vapor within the reservoir for introduction into the enclosed chamber through the outlet; and

a fan mounted within the enclosed reservoir, the fan being operable to draw air from the enclosed chamber into the reservoir through the inlet and move the water vapor into the enclosed chamber through the outlet.

16. The environmental chamber of claim 15, wherein the ultrasonic nebulizer module comprises:

a tray;

a ultrasonic nebulizer device supported by said tray;

electrical circuitry operable to drive the ultrasonic nebulizer device; and

an electrically insulative and water-proofing potting material encapsulating at least a portion of the ultrasonic nebulizer device and the electrical circuitry.

17. The environmental chamber of claim 15, further comprising:

a water inlet valve in fluid communication with the reservoir and configured to be connected in fluid communication with a source of water for selectively introducing water into the reservoir; and

a float electrically coupled to the water inlet valve and configured to float on a surface of the water within the reservoir;

the water inlet valve and float cooperating to maintain a predetermined water level within the reservoir.

18. The environmental chamber of claim 17, wherein the enclosed reservoir comprises:

a float section containing the float therein;

a nebulizing section containing the ultrasonic nebulizer assembly therein; and

a wall at least partially separating the float section and the nebulizing section.

19. The environmental chamber of claim 17, further comprising a water inlet port in fluid communication with the reservoir and configured to be connected in fluid communication with the water inlet valve.

20. The environmental chamber of claim 19, wherein the water inlet port includes a quick disconnect connector configured to be connected in fluid communication with the water inlet valve.

21. The environmental chamber of claim 17, further comprising a water outlet port in fluid communication with the reservoir and configured to be connected in fluid communication with a drain.

22. The environmental chamber of claim 21, wherein the water outlet port includes a quick disconnect connector configured to be connected in fluid communication with the drain.

23. The environmental chamber of claim 15, further comprising a baffle member supported within the reservoir and facing the ultrasonic nebulizer module in spaced relationship therefrom.

24. The environmental chamber of claim 23, wherein the baffle member comprises:

a central web;

a first flange extending downwardly and away from the central web at one end of the central web; and

a second flange extending downwardly and away from the central web at an opposite end of the central web.

25. The environmental chamber of claim 15, further comprising a timer operable to display time indicia corresponding to an operating time of the ultrasonic nebulizer module.

26. An environmental chamber, comprising:

an enclosed chamber configured to receive a product therein; and

an ultrasonic nebulizer assembly connected in closed-loop fluid communication with the enclosed chamber, the ultrasonic nebulizer assembly comprising;

an enclosed reservoir configured to contain water therein and having an inlet connected to the enclosed chamber through an air intake conduit extending between the inlet and the enclosed chamber and an outlet connected to the enclosed chamber through an air exhaust conduit extending between the outlet and the enclosed chamber, the enclosed reservoir being connected in fluid communication with the enclosed chamber so that a closed-bog air flow path is provided between the ultrasonic nebulizer assembly and the enclosed chamber;

an ultrasonic nebulizer module configured to be immersed in the water within the reservoir and operable to generate water vapor within the reservoir for introduction into the enclosed chamber; and

a forced air device located within the closed-loop air flow path and being operable to move the water vapor into the enclosed chamber;

a controller;

a sensor electrically coupled to the controller and operable to detect a relative humidity within the enclosed chamber; and

a power supply electrically coupled to the controller, the ultrasonic nebulizer module and the forced air device;

the controller being responsive to the sensor to selectively energize the ultrasonic nebulizer module and the forced air device with the power supply to generally maintain a predetermined relative humidity within the enclosed chamber.

27. The environmental chamber of claim 26, wherein the forced air device is mounted within the ultrasonic nebulizer assembly.

28. The environmental chamber of claim 26, wherein the forced air device is operable to draw air into the reservoir from the enclosed chamber.

29. The environmental chamber of claim 26, wherein the forced air device comprises a fan.

30. The environmental chamber of claim 26, wherein the power supply is electrically coupled to the ultrasonic nebulizer module through a releasably engageable electrical connector.

31. An ultrasonic nebulizer assembly, comprising:

an enclosed reservoir having an inlet and an outlet and configured to contain water therein;

an ultrasonic nebulizer module configured to be immersed in the water within the reservoir and operable to generate water vapor within the reservoir;

a forced air device mounted within the enclosed reservoir and operable to draw air into the reservoir through the inlet and move the water vapor through the outlet; and

a timer operable to display time indicia corresponding to an operating time of the ultrasonic nebulizer module.

32. The ultrasonic nebulizer assembly of claim 31, wherein the forced air device comprises a fan.

33. The ultrasonic nebulizer assembly of claim 31, wherein the ultrasonic nebulizer module comprises:

a tray;

a ultrasonic nebulizer device supported by said tray;

electrical circuitry operable to drive the ultrasonic nebulizer device; and

an electrically insulative and water-proofing potting material encapsulating at least a portion of the ultrasonic nebulizer device and the electrical circuitry.

34. The ultrasonic nebulizer assembly of claim 31, further comprising:

a water inlet valve in fluid communication with the reservoir and configured to be connected in fluid communication with a source of water for selectively introducing water into the reservoir; and

a float electrically coupled to the water inlet valve and configured to float on a surface of the water within the reservoir;

the water inlet valve and float cooperating to maintain a predetermined water level within the reservoir.

35. The ultrasonic nebulizer assembly of claim 34, wherein the enclosed reservoir comprises:

a float section containing the float therein;

a nebulizing section containing the ultrasonic nebulizer assembly therein; and

a wall at least partially separating the float section and the nebulizing section.

36. The ultrasonic nebulizer assembly of claim 34, further comprising a water inlet port in fluid communication with the reservoir and configured to be connected in fluid communication with the water inlet valve.

37. The ultrasonic nebulizer assembly of claim 36, wherein the water inlet port includes a quick disconnect connector configured to be connected in fluid communication with the water inlet valve.

38. The ultrasonic nebulizer assembly of claim 34, further comprising a water outlet port in fluid communication with the reservoir and configured to be connected in fluid communication with a drain.

39. The ultrasonic nebulizer assembly of claim 38, wherein the water outlet port includes a quick disconnect connector configured to be connected in fluid communication with the drain.

40. The ultrasonic nebulizer assembly of claim 31, further comprising a baffle member supported within the reservoir and facing the ultrasonic nebulizer module in spaced relationship therefrom.

41. The ultrasonic nebulizer assembly of claim 40, wherein the baffle member comprises:

a central web;

a first flange extending downwardly and away from the central web at one end of the central web; and

a second flange extending downwardly and away from the central web at an opposite end of the central web.

42. An ultrasonic nebulizer assembly, comprising:

an enclosed reservoir having an inlet and an outlet and configured to contain water therein;

an ultrasonic nebulizer module configured to be immersed in the water within the reservoir and operable to generate water vapor within the reservoir;

a forced air device mounted within the enclosed reservoir and operable to draw air into the reservoir through the inlet and move the water vapor through the outlet; and

a baffle member supported within the reservoir and facing the ultrasonic nebulizer module in spaced relationship therefrom, the baffle member comprising;

a central web;

a first flange extending downwardly and away from the central web at one end of the central web; and

a second flange extending downwardly and away from the central web at an opposite end of the central web.

43. The ultrasonic nebulizer assembly of claim 42, wherein the forced air device comprises a fan.

44. The ultrasonic nebulizer assembly of claim 42, wherein the ultrasonic nebulizer module comprises:

a tray;

a ultrasonic nebulizer device supported by said tray;

electrical circuitry operable to drive the ultrasonic nebulizer device; and

an electrically insulative and water-proofing potting material encapsulating at least a portion of the ultrasonic nebulizer device and the electrical circuitry.

45. The ultrasonic nebulizer assembly of claim 42, further comprising:

a water inlet valve in fluid communication with the reservoir and configured to be connected in fluid communication with a source of water for selectively introducing water into the reservoir; and

a float electrically coupled to the water inlet valve and configured to float on a surface of the water within the reservoir;

the water inlet valve and float cooperating to maintain a predetermined water level within the reservoir.

46. The ultrasonic nebulizer assembly of claim 45, wherein the enclosed reservoir comprises:

a float section containing the float therein;

a nebulizing section containing the ultrasonic nebulizer assembly therein; and

a wall at least partially separating the float section and the nebulizing section.

47. The ultrasonic nebulizer assembly of claim 45, further comprising a water inlet port in fluid communication with the reservoir and configured to be connected in fluid communication with the water inlet valve.

48. The ultrasonic nebulizer assembly of claim 47, wherein the water inlet port includes a quick disconnect connector configured to be connected in fluid communication with the water inlet valve.

49. The ultrasonic nebulizer assembly of claim 45, further comprising a water outlet port in fluid communication with the reservoir and configured to be connected in fluid communication with a drain.

50. The ultrasonic nebulizer assembly of claim 49, wherein the water outlet port includes a quick disconnect connector configured to be connected in fluid communication with the drain.