Smoke generating apparatus

Abstract

A smoke generating apparatus includes a combustion chamber having an air flow inlet and an air flow outlet. A helical heating element is disposed in the combustion chamber. The helical heating element has a central flow axis. A smoke generating fluid injection tube is positioned along the central flow axis of the helical heating element.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to a smoke generating apparatus.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONU.S. Pat. No. 5,107,698 which issued to Gilliam in 1992 discloses a smoke generating apparatus. Smoke generating apparatus, such as those disclosed by Gilliam, are used to test for hairline cracks and similar leaks that are not detectable by visual inspection. The location of the leak is detected by observing smoke exiting from the leak. The Gilliam apparatus has a container in which is disposed a heating element. The container is filled with a smoke producing liquid until the liquid level reaches, without submerging, the heating element. An air pump forces a flow of air to bubble up through the smoke producing liquid, propelling the smoke producing liquid into contact with the heating element. Any of the smoke producing liquid coming in contact with the heating element is vaporized. When the smoke producing liquid is vaporized, it becomes smoke. As the flow of air exits th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a smoke generating apparatus with improved combustion. The apparatus includes a combustion chamber with an air flow inlet and an air flow outlet. A helical heating element is positioned in the combustion chamber with a central flow axis. A smoke generating fluid injection tube is positioned along the central flow axis. The apparatus also includes means for conveying the smoke generating fluid to the injection tube. The apparatus has improved combustion by co-axially injecting the smoke generating fluid onto the helical heating element. The apparatus can also have three operating modes to test for leaks and to preheat the helical heating element. The helical heating element is insulated to prevent short circuits and safety hazards. The technical effects of the invention include improved combustion, reduced heat build-up, improved control over when the means for generating an air flow is initiated, and increased efficiency of the smoke generating apparatus."

Problems solved by technology

Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the smoke generating apparatus, as described above, having the smoke generating fluid in the same chamber as the helical heating element unavoidably results in a heat build up which raises the temperature of the smoke generating fluid over time.

This can cause operation problems by altering the viscosity of the smoke generating fluid.

This can also cause safety concerns as heat builds in the chamber.

The heating element will not work as intended if it is submerged.

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