Humidifier with reverse osmosis filter
AssigneeHoneywell International Inc.
InventorsLeisha J. Rotering, Timothy J. Kensok
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A filtering system for use with a reservoir. The filter system includes a filter assembly capable of filtering particles sized 1.0 micrometers and larger and may, include a flow control device positioned to selectively provide fluid flow to the filter assembly. The flow control device may include an electrically actuated valve, such as a solenoid valve. The filter system may also include a fluid level detection mechanism operatively connected to the flow control valve. The filtering system is especially applicable to humidifier systems having a heat source
Claims47
A humidifier system, comprising:
- a) a reservoir for containing filtered fluid;
- b) a heating element positioned adjacent to the reservoir for heating the filtered fluid within the reservoir;
- c) a filter assembly in fluid communication with the reservoir, the filter assembly being capable of eliminating particles sized 1.0 micrometers and larger;
- and
- d) an electrically activated valve positioned to selectively permit fluid flow from the supply source to the filter assembly.
A filtering and flow control system, comprising:
- a) a reservoir configured to hold the fluid;
- b) a filter assembly in fluid communication with the reservoir, the filter assembly being capable of eliminating particles sized 1.0 micrometers and larger;
- c) a fluid level detection mechanism to detect the fluid level in the reservoir;
- the fluid level detection mechanism including:
- i) a first float device that senses the level of the fluid in the reservoir to control the fluid flow from the supply source to the filter assembly;
- ii) a second float device that operates in cooperation with the first float device to control the fluid flow from the supply source to the filter assembly;
- and
- d) a flow control valve positioned to selectively provide fluid flow from a supply source to the filter assembly, wherein the fluid level detection mechanism is operatively connected to the flow control valve.
A filtering and flow control system, comprising:
- a) a reservoir configured to hold a fluid;
- b) a filter assembly in fluid communication with the reservoir, the filter assembly being capable of eliminating particles sized 1.0 micrometers and larger;
- c) a fluid level detection mechanism to detect the fluid level in the reservoir, the fluid level detection mechanism including:
- i) a first float device that senses the level of the fluid in the reservoir to control the fluid flow from the supply source to the filter assembly, the first float device having a magnet and a reed switch;
- and
- d) a flow control valve positioned to selectively provide fluid flow from a supply source to the filter assembly, wherein the fluid level detection mechanism is operatively connected to the flow control valve.
A humidifier system, comprising:
- a) a reservoir configured to contain a fluid;
- b) a heat source configured to heat fluid within the reservoir;
- and
- c) a filter assembly for filtering the fluid prior to its flowing into the reservoir, the filter assembly capable of eliminating particles sized 1.0 micrometers and greater;
- d) an electrically-activated valve positioned to selectively permit fluid flow from the supply source to the filter assembly;
- and
- e) a fluid level detection mechanism to detect the fluid level in the reservoir wherein the fluid level detection mechanism is operatively connected to the electrically activated valve.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.