Humidifier system

Abstract

A humidifier system comprising a housing having a reservoir extending therethrough for passage of liquid through the humidifier system. Liquid from a liquid receptacle is transferred to the reservoir in the housing. The flow rate of the liquid can be controlled so as to adjust the water rate within the reservoir. The housing provides at least one opening defined therein separately positioned within the housing from the reservoir but accessible thereto, and an electric heating element is inserted therein, the heating element projecting into the reservoir whereby the heating element is in direct contact with the liquid to heat it. The heating element is supplied with electrical power from a power source for enabling the heating element to heat the liquid and create steam within the housing. A safety switch is also provided, in association with the interior of the housing, wherein the safety switch is adapted to turn the heating element off when a temperature of the element exceeds a pre-determined level. Means are also provided for controlling an exhaust flow rate and temperature of the steam exiting the housing.

Description

[0001]This invention relates generally to a humidifier system, and more particularly to an improved steam humidifier system and assembly.DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART[0002]The interior spaces of buildings are often at a lower than desired level of humidity. This situation occurs commonly in arid climates and during the heating season in cold climates. Therefore, humidifier systems are often installed in buildings to increase the humidity of an interior space. Humidification systems may take the form of free-standing units located within individual rooms of a building and can generally be inexpensive and easy to install. The most prevalent of these types of systems are evaporation systems and steam (or vaporizer) humidifiers.[0003]Evaporation type humidifier systems generally have lower energy costs than steam (or vaporizer) humidifiers but raise two concerns. First, if water in these systems gets stagnant, it can promote the growth of mold or organisms that can release harmful substa...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]The advantage of the present invention is that it provides an improved steam humidifier system and assembly which is environmentally friendly, which has a generally uncomplicated and simple design, and can operate at a low operating cost.

[0011]Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide an improved humidifier system which provides the benefit of steam humidifiers in eliminating bacterial or mineral concerns through the use thereof, but which also reduces the temperature of exhausted steam to a low temperature, so as to reduce the risk of burns.

Problems solved by technology

First, if water in these systems gets stagnant, it can promote the growth of mold or organisms that can release harmful substances into the air flow.

If water from a certain area contains a lot of minerals, and this water is used in an evaporation type humidifier system, such systems can noticeably output this as dust.

However, these usually also have the highest operating costs, and can, due to the heat they generate, be dangerous (especially around children) because they can cause burns.

Thus, there is a need for an improved humidifier system which has a generally uncomplicated and simple design, and which may operate at a reduced operating cost.

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