US3659581A - Humidifier assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A humidifier assembly for use with a related hot air heating system has separate end support members individually mountable, in spaced relation, to a portion of the heating system; the end supports in turn support a separate lower water pan, a water carrying rotatable drum assembly which is also removable as a subassembly and a detachable cover assembly for enclosing the operating components of the humidifier including a water inlet assembly which, in one form of the invention is separately secured to the related heating system and in another form of the invention is detachably secured to the separate lower water pan.

Description

United States Patent Geisler et al.

[ 1 May 2, 1972 [54] HUMIDIFIER ASSEMBLY [72] Inventors: Russell W. Geisler, Bloomfield Hills; John W. Wheaton, Birmingham, both of Mich.

[73] Assignee: G 8: W Products Company, Madison Heights, Mich.

[221 Filed: June 18, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 47,344

[52] US. Cl ..126/l13, 261/92 [51] Int. Cl ..F24f 3/14 [58] Field otSearch ..l26/1l3; 261/92 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,274,993 9/1966 Martin ..126/1l3 2,831,497 4/1958 Skerritt.... ..l26/113 UX 2,560,006 7/1951 Snyder .126/113 X 8/1966 Wentling et al ..126/113 Primary Examiner-Charles J. Myhre AttomeyWinnie and Romanski ABSIRACT A humidifier assembly for use with a related hot air heating system has separate end support members individually mountable, in spaced relation, to a portion of the heating system; the end supports in turn support a separate lower water pan, a water carrying rotatable drum assembly which is also removable as a subassembly and a detachable cover assembly for enclosing the operating components of the humidifier including a water inlet assembly which, in one form of the invention is separately secured to the related heating system and in another form of the invention is detachably secured to the separate lower water pan.

1 1 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures Patented May 2, 1972 3 Sheets-Sheet l I N VEN TORS ease/Y IKGezls/ J/zz? W W/zea ATTORNEYS Patented May 2, 1972 7 3,659,581

3 Sheets-Sheet 2 BY 0 27 ea 0:2

I AT TOHNE (s HUMIDIFIER ASSEMBLY BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Various humidifier assemblies have been proposed by the prior art. However, such prior art devices have not been found to be entirely satisfactory. For example, many of such prior art humidifying devices are so constructed as to require the tedious complete disassembly of the entire humidifier from the related hot air heating system in order to either inspect, adjust, repair or replace the operating components. Further, many of the prior art structures are so constructed as to be of a generally unitized character which does not permit of separation into individual easily packaged components. That is, they are by nature comparatively very bulky requiring maximum space for shipping and storage as between, for example, the manufacturer and distributor or retailer. Such increased space requirements, of course, add substantially to the overall cost of the humidifier to the ultimate consumer.

Accordingly, the invention as herein disclosed and described is concerned with the solution of the above as well as other related problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the invention, a humidifier assembly comprises a housing assembly adapted to be secured to a portion of an associated hot air heating system, said housing assembly comprising spaced support means, water reservoir means, and water inlet valving means separate from said housing assembly said support means and said water reservoir means for at times supplying water to said water reservoir means in order to replenish water depleted therefrom.

A general object of this invention is to provide a humidifier assembly of novel construction permitting the compact packaging of the component elements as well as the ready access to the operating elements of the humidifier when such humidifier is assembled onto an associated hot air heating system.

Another object of the invention is to provide, in a humidifier assembly, a separate or easily separable water inlet valving assembly which can be easily removed therefrom without the necessity of having to disassemble any major components of the humidifier assembly.

Other more specific objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent when reference is made to the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS v In the drawings, wherein for purposes of clarity certain elements may be omitted from one or more views:

FIG. 1 is an elevational perspective view of a humidifier assembly, embodying the teachings of the invention, illustrated as mounted onto a portion of a related heating system;

FIG. 2 is a generally exploded perspective view of the elements comprising the humidifier assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken generally on the plane of line 3-3 of FIG. 1 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken generally on the plane of line 4-4 of FIG. 3 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 5, is a perspective view, with portions thereof in phantom line, illustrating one of the subassemblies shown, for example, in FIGS. 2 and 3;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken generally on the plane of line 6-6 of FIG. 3 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary portion of the structure shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary view, partly in cross section, of one of the elements shown, for example, in FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary portion of the structure shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary cross-sectional similar to FIG. 3 but illustrating a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken generally on the plane of line 1ll1 of FIG. 10 and looking in the direction of the arrows; and

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken generally on the plane of line 12-12 of FIG. 10 and looking in the direction of the arrows.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now in greater detail to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a humidifier assembly 10, constructed in accordance with the teachings of the invention, mounted onto, for example, a wall 12 of the heat plenum assembly 14 of a related heating system.

FIG. 2, a generally exploded perspective view, illustrates the humidifier assembly 10 as comprising end support members 16, 18, a lower disposed water tray or pan 20, a float regulated water inlet valve assembly 22, a rotatable drum or wheel assembly 24 and a cover 26.

As is shown by both FIGS. 2 and 3, end support 16 is formed of rear wall section 28, upper wall section 30, forward wall section 32 and lower wall section 34 generally peripherally situated as to form a continuous surface. Such peripheral wall sections are, in turn, joined as by a vertically extending integrally formed wall 36 which, among other things, serves to support an electric motor assembly 38 suitably secured thereto as by mounting screws, one of which is shown at 40.

Upper and forward wall sections 30 and 32 are respectively formed with stepped surfaces 42 and 44 which are preferably formed as to define a continuous mounting surface for the reception thereagainst of end 46 of the main housing cover 26. Rear wall section 28 has clearance apertures 48 and 50 formed therethrough adapted for the reception of suitable attaching means such as screws, one of which is shown at 52, in order to securely mount the end support 16 onto the wall 12 of plenum assembly 14. In addition to mounting apertures 48 and 50, end support 16 is provided with bosses 54, 56, 58 and 60, generally at the juncture of the respective peripheral wall sections, which are respectively provided with, preferably, apertures 62, 64, 66 and 68 as for the threadable engagement with suitable self-tapping screws 70 for holding the end cover plate 72 assembled against the end support 16 (as best seen in FIG. 3). Of course, apertures 74, formed through cover plate 72, accommodate the passage therethrough of screws 70.

As also shown in both FIGS. 2 and 3, it can be seen that end support 18 is somewhat similar to end support 16. That is, end support 18 includes a rear wall section 76, upper wall section 78, forward wall section and lower wall section 82 formed to be generally peripherally situated and continuous about an integrally formed vertically extending end wall 84. Upper and forward wall sections are respectively formed with stepped surfaces 86 and 88 which are preferably formed to define a continuous mounting surface for the reception thereagainst of end 90 of the main housing cover 26. Rear wall section 76 has clearance apertures 92 and 94 formed therethrough adapted for the reception of suitable attaching means, such as screws typically illustrated at 96 of FIG. 3, in order to securely mount the end support 18 onto the wall 12 of plenum assembly 14.

Vertical wall section 84 has an aperture formed therein which, actually, is one end of an integrally formed outlet conduit 98. A generally horizontally disposed supporting strut 100 is provided with an integrally formed trunnion portion 102 which is adapted to receive and support end 104 of the main drum or wheel shaft 106.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the water tray or pan 20 is comprised of a lower floor or bottom 108 with vertically upwardly extending side walls 110 and 112, a vertically upwardly extending rear wall 114 and a forward or front wall 116 upwardly directed but somewhat inclined from the vertical. As will be seen, the end wall 110 is preferably made shorter than opposite end wall 112 in order to provide an offset-like clearance to accommodate the support arrangement for the water inlet mechanism 22. Side walls 110 and 1 12 have, respectively, generallylaterally extending flanges 118 and 120 for use in slidably supporting the tray 20 in end supports 16 and 18 while the forward wall 116 has a laterally extending flange 122 employable for locking or latching the cover 26 thereto.

Internally of the pan 20, an integrally formed vertically extending wall portion 124 is provided defining, generally, a first major chamber 130 which contains the greatest portion of the, water and in which the drum assembly 24 rotates and a second chamber 132 defined generally by walls 124, 110 and a short rear wall 126 containing a float 134 therein. Wall 124 is preferably provided with a cut-out portion 138 in order to permit the ready flow of water from chamber 132 to main chamber 130.

The water inlet valve assembly 22 is illustrated as being comprised of a main mounting body 128, including flange portions I29 and 131, which has laterally spaced yoke-like arms 133 and 135 between which is received a float arm supporting member 137 pivotally connected to the arms 133 and 135 as by a transversely extending pivot pin 139. (Also see FIG. 9.) As can be seen in both FIGS. 4 and 9, the body 128, which may be formed by the joining of separate sections, is made generally hollow in order to thereby define an internal passageway or conduit means 141 which, at its lower end, communicates with water supply conduit means 143 connected as to a suitablesource of water l45.-The conduit means 143 may be secured to the body 128 as by a threaded connection 147. The other end of body 128 has an outlet fitting 149, threadably secured therewith which also includes a head portion 151 and a discharge passage 153 formed therethrough. A relatively flexible and resilient tube member 155, closed at its upper end, is secured to the body 128 by outlet fitting 149 so as to have the head or discharge end 151 thereof disposed within the passageway 157 formed internally of the tube 155.,The lower end of tube member 155 is open and disposed generally within chamber 132 as shown in FIG.

Y The member 137 is of a generally U-shaped configuration having legs 159 and 161 disposed on either side of and integrally formed with a bridging bight portion 163 which threadabIyJreceiVes a screw 165 therethrough. The bight portion 163 may also include a downwardlydepending tab-like portion 167 and the tube 155 is so situated as to be between the upper end of body 128 and tab 167. A float arm 169, pivoted at its upper end to legs 159 and 161 as by a pin 171, is pivotally connected at its lower end to float 134 as by a pivot pin 173. I

The operation of theinlet valve assembly 22, can be briefly described as follows. Water, supplied by source 145, flows upwardly through conduit means 141 of body 128 and through passage 153' intohconduit means 157, of tube 155, thereby flowing downwardly therethrough and into chamber 132 of pam 20. As the water level within the pan 20 rises, float 134 will be lifted upwardly and in so doing cause float arm 169 to generally pivot or tend to pivot about pin 171. This would continue until the float arm 169 abuts against the lower end of screw 165. When this happens, further lifting of the float 134 causes bracket-like member 137 to pivot counter-clockwise about pivot 139 thereby causing tab 167 to force the forwardly disposed wall portion 175 of the tube 155 against the end 151 of fitting 149 sealing the outlet or discharge passage 153. As the water level in chambers 130 and 132 drops, the

float .134 moves downwardly allowing tab 167 and wall portion 175 of tube 155 to move away from and again open discharge passage 153. The desired height of the normal water level can be selected by either threadably raising or lowering the screw 165 relative to bight portion 163. v

' Preferably, second conduit 164 is formed integrally with wall section 124 so as to be generally vertically disposed, As is best seen in FIG. 3, wall 124 has a notch 166 formed therethrough so as to provide a passageway communicating generally between the upper end of conduit 164 and the main chamber 130. The lower end of conduit 164 may extend beneath the bottom 108 of tray 20 and, in a manner known in bill The water drum or wheel assembly 24 is illustrated as beingcomprised of a main shaft 106 on which are mounted spaced end wheels 172 and 174 which cooperatively carry a drumlike cage assembly 176 which, in turn, supports a sleeve-like or tubular member 178 consisting of suitable material possibly exhibiting some qualities of capillary attraction for water.

As shown in both FIGS. 2 and 3, end wheel 172 is formed to have a circular sleeve-engaging surface 180 and a closed disclike wall 182 which is preferably extended beyond surface 180 in order to thereby define a radially extending continuous flange portion 184. The central portion of wall 182 may be reinforced as by a boss 186 through which a passageway 188 is formed for the reception therethrough of the main shaft 106. Additionally, wheel 172 is provided with a continuous annular groove 190, of some axial depth, which is adapted to'receive therein end 192 of cage assembly'176.

In comparison, end wheel 174, formed to have a circular sleeve-engaging surface 194,- has an open passageway 196 formed therethrough in which are situated wheel supporting spoke members 198, 200, 202 and 204 which, generally at I their juncture, contain or form a bearing-like portion 206 provided with a passageway 208 for the reception therethrough of the main shaft 106. Preferably, bearing portion 206' is pro vided with an internally threaded aperture for threadably emgaging a set screw'210 which can be tightened againstthe shaft 106 in order to transmit rotary motion from shaft 106 to wheel 174 and, through cage 176, to wheel 172. Additionally, wheel 174 is provided with a continuous annular groove 212, of some axial depth, which is adapted to receive therein end 214 of cage assembly 176. As with wheel 172, end wheel 174 also. has a continuous radially extending flange 216 formed thereabout.

Preferably, the cage assembly 176, as illustrated in FIG/5, is comprised of a plurality of sections 218, 220 and 222 each of formed of any suitable material it is contemplated that they would be preferably formed of non-rusting material such as stainless steel or aluminum. Further, even thoughthe sections 218, 220 and 222 are illustrated as being formed to have their respective end members 226 and 228 formed to be of arcuate configuration it is contemplated that such cage sections could be initially formed to be flat, that is, have their end members 226 and 228 straight. This would greatly minimize the required space for packaging and shipmentof the apparatus during, for example, shipment from the manufacturerto the distributor and/or retailer. If this were done, then the end members 226 and 228 would be bent to conform to slots or recesses and 212 in wheels 172and 174 at time of installation of the humidifier assembly 10. Once the cage assembly 176 is assembled intowheels 172 and 174, the rods or bars 224, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, serve to support the medial portion of the water carrier sleeve 178.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and in enlarged scale in FIG. 6,

the end 230 of shaft 106 is provided with a cross pin 232 extending therethrough so as to have its projecting ends 234 and 236 respectively received within slots 238 and 240 form ed within a socket-like coupling member 242 drivingly connected The cover assembly 26, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 is formed in a generally L-shaped configuration having an upper portion 248 and a forward wall-like portion 250, preferably integrally formed with each other. As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 4 the free end of upper portion 248 may be provided with a laterally extending flange portion 252 which, preferably, is formed in a stepped relationship with respect to the upper cover portion 248. Similarly, the free end of forward wall portion 250 is illustrated as being provided with a laterally extending and generally horizontally projecting flange 254 which is also preferably integrally formed with cover wall portion 250. As shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the purpose of flange 252 is to lock under the upper edge 256 of the aperture 258, formed in wall 12 of heat plenum 14, whenever the cover 26 is assembled onto the end supports 16 and 18. The aperture 258, in addition to upper edge 256, may be formed with side edges 260, 262 and a lower edge 264. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the ends of flange 252 are cut back as at 266 and 268 so as to be accommodated within the width of aperture 258 as defined by side walls 260 and 262. As can best be seen in FIG. 3, the aperture 258 is formed in wall 12 so as to be preferably juxtaposed to the drum assembly 24 while providing a degree of shielding against the direct flow of hot air against the water inlet valve assembly 22 and related structure.

Flange 254, as shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 7, is illustrated as carrying a plurality of securing means such as screws 270 which are adapted to be detachably connected to respective U-shaped clips 272 carried by the flange 122 formed on the upper end of forward wall 1 16 of water pan 20. As typically illustrated in FIG. 7, the U-clips 272 may be formed with legs 274 and 276 frictionally engaging opposite sides of flange 122 with a concave depression in leg 276, containing a clearance aperture 278, being situated with the larger aperture 280 formed through flange 122. Leg 274 is provided with an aperture therethrough defined generally by opposed edges 282 and 284 disposed with respect to each other as to threadably engage the screw 270. The provision of such clips 272 enables the screws to be axially pushed through aperture 278 and upwardly between edges 282 and 284 thereby enabling a quick locking action of cover flange 254 to pan flange 254.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, wall 36 of end support 16 is formed to provide a generally horizontally disposed recess or slot 286 for the slidable reception therein of flange 118 of water tray 20 and, similarly, end support 18 is also formed to provide a horizontally disposed slot 288 for the slidable reception therein of the opposite flange 120 of pan 20.

In order to enhance the rigidity and dimensional stability of the humidifier assembly, especially of the end support members 16 and 18, when assembled onto the related heating system ductwork, a spacer type tie bar or rod 290 is preferably provided so as to extend between and engage respective wall sections 36 and 84 of end supports 16 and 18. FIG. 8, in enlarged scale, fragmentarily illustrates the manner in which the rod 290 is secured to walls 36 and 84 of end supports 16 and 18. Apertures 292 and 294 formed through walls 36 and 84, respectively, receive screws 296 and 298 therethrough for threadable engagement with internally threaded portions formed in the ends 300 and 302 of the tie rod 290. The overall length of rod 290, that is, the distance from end 200 to end 302 is such as to maintain the desired spacing between end supports 16 and 18 when assembled in the manner shown.

OPERATION OF INVENTION The operation of the invention is briefly as follows. Once the humidifier assembly as shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 is assembled onto the heat plenum wall 12 (or such other suitable portion of the heating system as is available) the electrical terminals 304 and 306 of the electric motor 38 are connected to suitable switching mechanism such as that often associated with the heating system blower assembly.

The inlet to the humidifier 10 is, of course, provided by the aperture 258 in wall 12; however, the outlet from humidifier 10 is formed by conduit 98, formed in end support 18, which is connected by suitable ductwork or conduitry (not shown) to, for example, the plenum chamber 14 at a point downstream of the inlet aperture 258.

Accordingly, in an arrangement as above, whenever the heating system blower assembly is energized causing a flow of heated air, a portion of such air is admitted into the humidifier assembly 10 through the inlet aperture 258. The electric motor 38, being simultaneously energized with the blower assembly, causes shaft 106 to rotate and in so doing rotate with it the end wheels 172, 174 and water carrier 178. The carrier 178, which may be made of fibrous or other suitable material (many of which are well known in the art), is generally in the path of flow of the incoming heated air; therefore, as the carrier 178 rotates through the water supply within the tray or pan 20 some of the water is picked-up by the carrier 178 and then evaporated into the heated incoming air. The outlet conduit 98, being connected to an area of lower pressure within the heating system, enables such moistened heated air within the humidifier 10 to flow through the outlet conduit 98 back to the heated air supply portion of the heating system. Even though not shown, it should be apparent that a second electrical switching means, responsive to sensed relative humidity, may be situated serially with the terminal 304 or 306 of motor 38. In such an arrangement, motor 38 would become de-energized whenever such humidity sensitive switch sensed the attainment of a preselected value of relative humidity, within a particular heated zone, even though the blower assembly may continue to be energized.

Of course, depending upon the material comprising the sleeve-like carrier 178, some flow of incoming heated air might pass through the carrier 178 and enter the interior thereof. Accordingly, the aperture or passageway 196 formed through the end wheel 174 is provided for enabling such moistened air within the interior of the drum assembly 24 to flow axially through aperture 196 and ultimately back to the associated heating system via conduit 98.

In view'of the preceding disclosure it should be apparent that the invention provides a humidifier assembly of novel and unique characteristics and features. For example, one of the outstanding features is the employment of separate components such as the end supports 16, 18, the pan 20, the end wheels 172, 174 and the cage sections 218, 220 and 222 as well as the cover or hood 26. The major benefit derived from the above is the great reduction in costs of shipping and storage of such humidifiers as might occur between the manufacturer and distributor or retailer.

That is, since the drum assembly 24 is comprised of separable components each of them can be laid flat or stacked (as in the case of the cage sections 218, 220 and 222) thereby requiring a minimal packaging space. The remaining components, such as the end supports 16 and 18 as well as the cover 26 can also, because of their separability, be packaged in a manner minimizing space requirements. It is conceivable that where high volume production and shipping were required, the various elements such as the pan 20 and cover 26 would be produced so as to have appropriate tapered surfaces or configurations to permit the meeting of a quantity of the same component within one shipping container.

Further, the invention has the advantage of being able to accommodate the construction of humidifiers of increased or decreased capacity at minimal costs. For example, it would be possible to, in practicing the invention, construct two sizes (in terms of water evaporating capacity) of humidifiers by merely having two sizes of water pans, two sizes (in terms of increased length) of water carrier 178 and cage sections 218, 220 and 222 two sizes of shafts 106 and two sizes of hoods or covers 26. All of the other elements would be interchangeable.

Humidifiers constructed in accordance with the teachings of the invention also provide additional operational benefits. For example, whenever the need should arise to clean or replace the water carrier 178 it can be quickly and easily accomplished by unlocking and removing the cover 26 thereby V totally exposing the drum assembly 24 which may then be totally lifted out of the assembly without the need of any major disassembly as often required by the prior art.

The same holds true for such instances as when inspection or adjustment of the-water inlet mechanism is required. That is, such mechanism is fully exposed merely by the quick and easy removal of the cover 26.

Further, in order to accommodate the space required by body 128, wall 110 of the water tray 20 is made shorter than opposite wall 112 and is joined to a relatively? short wall segment 126, generally parallel to forward wall 116, which, in turn, is joined to a second relatively short wall segment 306, generally parallel to end walls 110 and 112 and which may be in line with the internally .disposed wall 124. As is evident, walls 126 and 306 combine to define a notch-like clearance. accommodating the body 128. The benefit of this arrangement is'that the pan 20 can be removed without the necessity of having to in any way disassemble the water supply from the body 128 or thevalving mechanism 2 2. That is,all that is necessary is to lift the float 134 and arm 169 upwardly (soas to clear theheight of wall 126') and then merely pull the water tray 20 out of the grooves or slots 286 and 288. As the tray is thusly withdrawn,

) the tube 155, being flexible, will deflect so as to permit the passage thereunder of the rearwardly disposed wall portion 126. As is conventional practice, suitable manually operable j'valve means in the conduit means 143 can be shut-off so as to permit the float 134 to hang freely, once the tray is completely removed and toprevent the flow of water through the fitting 149 during such time.

FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 illustrate a second embodiment of the .invention. All elements, shown therein, which are like or similar to those of the preceding Figures are identified with like reference numbers. 7

Referring in greater detail to FIGS. 10, 11 and 12, it can be seen that the water inlet valving assembly 22 is cam'ed by a support 128d somewhat similar to support or body 128 of the preceeding Figures. The support 128a may be comprised of body sections 310 and 312 suitably held or joined together thereby defining an internal conduit or.passageway 141a like that at 141 of, for example, FIG. 4.

As best seen in FIGS.10 and 12, the .body or support 128a has a pair of oppositely disposed wing-like key members 314 and 316 which are respectively received within slots or key passages 318 and 320. The slots 318 and 320 are, formed within protruding wall portions 322 and 324 formed integrally with walls 1 l0 and 124 of tray 20, terminate in abutment-like surfaces 326 and 328.

Accordingly, it can be seen thatshould the water inlet assembly 22 need servicing or replacement, the entire assembly, including body or support 128a, can 'be quickly removed merely by disengaging the connection 147 and lifting the body 128a causing the keepers 314 and 316 to be withdrawn from the slots 318 and 320.

Further, the various structural elements or components comprising the humidifier may be formed of any suitable,

vention have been disclosed and described, it should be apparent that other embodiments and modifications of the invention are possible within the scope of the appended claims,

We claim:

1. A humidifier assembly, comprising a housing assembly adapted to be secured to a portion of an associated hotair heating system, said housing assembly comprising spaced suparr port'means, water reservoir means,comprising a separate pan-,

like structure detachably carried by said spaced support housing assembly including said spaced support means and ex-' ternally of said pan-like structure, said body portion carrying a water flow controlling valve assembly having a discharge end, and a resiliently deflectable conduit operatively secured to said valve assembly, said resiliently deflectable conduit having an inlet portion and a discharge portionwith said inlet portion being incommunication with said discharge end of said valve assembly, and a float mechanism operatively connected to said body portion and having a float member situated within the confines of said pan-like structure as generally defined by upstanding wall portions thereof, said float member being effective to terminate water flow through said valve assembly discharge end whenever the water level within said pan-like structure has attained a predetermined level, said discharge portion of said resiliently deflectable conduit being normally received within the confines of said upstanding wall portions of said pan-like structure and being further effective to resiliently deflect over the effective height ofsaid upstanding wall portions whenever said pan-like structure is withdrawn from said spaced support means in a direction generally transverse to. said resiliently deflectable conduit.

2. A humidifier assembly, comprising a housing assembly adapted to be secured to a portion of an associated hot air heating system, said housing assembly comprising spaced support means, water reservoir means, waterv inlet valvingfmeans separate from said housing assembly said support means and said water reservoir means for at times supplying water to said water reservoir means in order to replenish water depleted therefrom, said water reservoir means comprising a separate pan-like structure detachably carried by said spaced support means, said water inlet valving means comprising a body por tion adapted for detachable mounting to said pan-like structure,.said pan-like structure comprising slot-like retainer portions formed therein, and said body portioncomprising oppositely disposed guide-like members slidably received within said slotlike retainer portions. i

3. A humidifier assembly according to claim 2, wherein said body portion comprises an upper end and a lower end with an internally formed conduit communicating between said ends, wherein said lower end is adapted to be juxtaposed to a floor portion of said pan-like structure upon said guide-like members being received within said slot-like retainer portions, and wherein said upper end is provided with a water discharge passage controllable by an associated variably positionable valve member. 1

4. A humidifier assembly according to claim 3, wherein said variably positionable valve member is operatively connected to a float member disposed within said pan-like structure so as to be responsive to the existing level of the water within said pan-like structure.

5. A humidifier assembly according to claim 3, wherein said a body portion is formed of at least first and second body sections joined to each other along directions generally longitudinally of said body portion, and wherein .said internally formed conduit is partly formed in each of said first and secondbody sections. A

6. A humidifier assembly, comprising a housing assembly adapted to be secured to a portion of an' associated hot air heating system, said housing assembly comprising spaced support means, water reservoir means, and water inlet valving means separate from said housing assembly said support means and said water reservoir means for at'times supplying water to said water reservoir means in order toreplenish water depleted therefrom said water reservoir means comprising a separate pan-like structure detachably carried by said spaced support means, said water inlet valving means comprising a body portion adapted for mounting to said associated hot air heating system separate from said spaced support means and externally of said pan-like structure, said body portion comprising a lower water inlet end adapted for connection to a suitable source of water and an upper end adapted for at times discharging water into said pan-like structure, conduit means formed internally of said body portion communicating between said upper and lower ends, and a float member situated within said pan-like structure and adapted for controlling the flow of water from said upper end into said pan-like structure,

7. A humidifier assembly according to claim 6, wherein said spaced support means comprises first and second separate end wall-like members each adapted for separate attachment to said portion of said associated hot air heating system, wherein said pan-like structure is slidably supported at its opposite ends by said first and second wall-like members, including cover means adapted to operatively engage said end wall-like members so as to define an interior chamber which at least partially includes therein said upper end of said body portion of said water inlet valving means.

8. A humidifier assembly, comprising a housing assembly adapted to be secured to a portion of an associated hot air heating system, said housing assembly comprising oppositely disposed and spaced end support means, water reservoir means situated intermediate said spaced end support means, water inlet means for directing water from an associated water supply means to said water reservoir means, cover means adapted to operatively engage said end support means so as to define an interior chamber including therein said water inlet means, and a rotatable water carrier assembly situated within said chamber, said water carrier assembly being so positioned as to have a portion thereof contacting the water within said reservoir means, said water carrier assembly comprising a rotatable shaft carrying a plurality of axially spaced disc-like members for rotation therewith, said rotatable shaft having one end adapted for driving connection to associated motor means, said axially spaced disc-like members comprising a first wheel member carried by said shaft for rotation therewith, a second wheel member carried by said. shaft for rotation therewith and in spaced relationship to said first wheel member said water carried by said shaft for rotation therewith and in spaced relationship to said first wheel member, said water carrier assembly further comprising cagelike means respectively carried at opposite ends thereof by said first and second wheel members, and generally tubular water lifting means carried generally about said cage-like means for lifting a part of the water from within said water reservoir means and presenting such lifted water to the flow of hot air of said heating system, and said water inlet valving means being separate from said water reservoir means and said housing assembly including said spaced support means.

9. A humidifier assembly, comprising a housing assembly adapted to be secured to a portion of an associated hot air heating system, said housing assembly comprising oppositely disposed and spaced end support means, water inlet means for directing water from an associated water supply means to said water reservoir means, cover means adapted to operatively engage said end support means so as to define an interior chamber including therein said water inlet means, and a rotatable water carrier assembly situated within said chamber, said water carrier assembly being so positioned as to have a portion thereof contacting the water within said water reservoir means, said water carrier assembly comprising a rotatable shaft carrying a plurality of axially spaced disc-like members for rotation therewith, said rotatable shaft having one end adapted for driving connection to associated motor means, said spaced end support means comprising first and second separate end wall-like members each adapted for separate attachment to said portion of said associated hot air heating system, said water reservoir means comprising a separate lower pan-like structure detachably carried by said first and second wall-like members, said pan-like structure including first and second laterally extending flange portions respectively formed at opposite ends of said pan-like structure, and said first and second wall-like members being respectively provided with first and second laterally extending support surfaces being adapted to respectively slideably receive thereon and vertically support said first and second laterally extending flange portions in order to thereby support said pan-like structure generally between said first and second wall-like members, said water inlet means comprising float controlled water inlet valve means, said water inlet means being operatively connected to said hot air heating system separate from said pan-like structure thereby enabling removal of said pan-like structure from said wall-like members without necessity of disconnecting said water inlet means from said associated water supply means.

10. A humidifier assembly according to claim 6, wherein said body portion is formed of at least first and second body sections joined to each other along directions generally longitudinally of said body portion, and wherein said internally formed conduit is partly formed in each of said first and second body sections.

11. A humidifier assembly, comprising a housing assembly adapted to be secured to a portion of an associated hot air heating system, said housing assembly comprising spaced support means, water reservoir means, and water inlet valving means separate from said housing assembly said support means and said water reservoir means for at times supplying water to said water reservoir means in order to replenish water depleted therefrom, said water reservoir means comprising a separate pan-like structure detachably carried by said spaced support means, said water inlet valving means comprising a body portion adapted for detachable mounting to said panlike structure, said pan-like structure comprising at least one slot-like retainer portion carried thereby, and said body portion comprising at least one guide-like member detachably received within said at least one slot-like retainer portion.

Claims (11)

1. A humidifier assembly, comprising a housing assembly adapted to be secured to a portion of an associated hot air heating system, said housing assembly comprising spaced support means, water reservoir means, comprising a separate pan-like structure detachably carried by said spaced support means and water inlet valving means separate from said housing assembly said support means and said water reservoir means for at times supplying water to said water reservoir means in order to replenish water depleted therefrom, said water inlet valving means comprising a body portion adapted for mounting to said associated hot air heating system within the confines of said housing assembly but separately from said housing assembly including said spaced support means and externally of said pan-like structure, said body portion carrying a water flow controlling valve assembly having a discharge end, and a resiliently deflectable conduit operatively secured to said valve assembly, said resiliently deflectable conduit having an inlet portion and a discharge portion with said inlet portion being in communication with said discharge end of said valve assembly, and a float mechanism operatively connected to said body portion and having a float member situated within the confines of said pan-like structure as generally defined by upstanding wall portions thereof, said float member being effective to terminate water flow through said valve assembly discharge end whenever the water level within said panlike structure has attained a predetermined level, said discharge portion of said resiliently deflectable conduit being normally received within the confines of said upstanding wall portions of said pan-like structure and being further effective to resiliently deflect over the effective height of said upstanding wall portions whenever said pan-like structure is withdrawn from said spaced support means in a direction generally transverse to said resiliently deflectable conduit.

2. A humiDifier assembly, comprising a housing assembly adapted to be secured to a portion of an associated hot air heating system, said housing assembly comprising spaced support means, water reservoir means, water inlet valving means separate from said housing assembly said support means and said water reservoir means for at times supplying water to said water reservoir means in order to replenish water depleted therefrom, said water reservoir means comprising a separate pan-like structure detachably carried by said spaced support means, said water inlet valving means comprising a body portion adapted for detachable mounting to said pan-like structure, said pan-like structure comprising slot-like retainer portions formed therein, and said body portion comprising oppositely disposed guide-like members slidably received within said slot-like retainer portions.

3. A humidifier assembly according to claim 2, wherein said body portion comprises an upper end and a lower end with an internally formed conduit communicating between said ends, wherein said lower end is adapted to be juxtaposed to a floor portion of said pan-like structure upon said guide-like members being received within said slot-like retainer portions, and wherein said upper end is provided with a water discharge passage controllable by an associated variably positionable valve member.

4. A humidifier assembly according to claim 3, wherein said variably positionable valve member is operatively connected to a float member disposed within said pan-like structure so as to be responsive to the existing level of the water within said pan-like structure.

5. A humidifier assembly according to claim 3, wherein said body portion is formed of at least first and second body sections joined to each other along directions generally longitudinally of said body portion, and wherein said internally formed conduit is partly formed in each of said first and second body sections.

6. A humidifier assembly, comprising a housing assembly adapted to be secured to a portion of an associated hot air heating system, said housing assembly comprising spaced support means, water reservoir means, and water inlet valving means separate from said housing assembly said support means and said water reservoir means for at times supplying water to said water reservoir means in order to replenish water depleted therefrom said water reservoir means comprising a separate pan-like structure detachably carried by said spaced support means, said water inlet valving means comprising a body portion adapted for mounting to said associated hot air heating system separate from said spaced support means and externally of said pan-like structure, said body portion comprising a lower water inlet end adapted for connection to a suitable source of water and an upper end adapted for at times discharging water into said pan-like structure, conduit means formed internally of said body portion communicating between said upper and lower ends, and a float member situated within said pan-like structure and adapted for controlling the flow of water from said upper end into said pan-like structure.

7. A humidifier assembly according to claim 6, wherein said spaced support means comprises first and second separate end wall-like members each adapted for separate attachment to said portion of said associated hot air heating system, wherein said pan-like structure is slidably supported at its opposite ends by said first and second wall-like members, including cover means adapted to operatively engage said end wall-like members so as to define an interior chamber which at least partially includes therein said upper end of said body portion of said water inlet valving means.

8. A humidifier assembly, comprising a housing assembly adapted to be secured to a portion of an associated hot air heating system, said housing assembly comprising oppositely disposed and spaced end support means, water reservoir means situated intermediate said spaced end support means, water inleT means for directing water from an associated water supply means to said water reservoir means, cover means adapted to operatively engage said end support means so as to define an interior chamber including therein said water inlet means, and a rotatable water carrier assembly situated within said chamber, said water carrier assembly being so positioned as to have a portion thereof contacting the water within said reservoir means, said water carrier assembly comprising a rotatable shaft carrying a plurality of axially spaced disc-like members for rotation therewith, said rotatable shaft having one end adapted for driving connection to associated motor means, said axially spaced disc-like members comprising a first wheel member carried by said shaft for rotation therewith, a second wheel member carried by said shaft for rotation therewith and in spaced relationship to said first wheel member said water carried by said shaft for rotation therewith and in spaced relationship to said first wheel member, said water carrier assembly further comprising cage-like means respectively carried at opposite ends thereof by said first and second wheel members, and generally tubular water lifting means carried generally about said cage-like means for lifting a part of the water from within said water reservoir means and presenting such lifted water to the flow of hot air of said heating system, and said water inlet valving means being separate from said water reservoir means and said housing assembly including said spaced support means.

9. A humidifier assembly, comprising a housing assembly adapted to be secured to a portion of an associated hot air heating system, said housing assembly comprising oppositely disposed and spaced end support means, water inlet means for directing water from an associated water supply means to said water reservoir means, cover means adapted to operatively engage said end support means so as to define an interior chamber including therein said water inlet means, and a rotatable water carrier assembly situated within said chamber, said water carrier assembly being so positioned as to have a portion thereof contacting the water within said water reservoir means, said water carrier assembly comprising a rotatable shaft carrying a plurality of axially spaced disc-like members for rotation therewith, said rotatable shaft having one end adapted for driving connection to associated motor means, said spaced end support means comprising first and second separate end wall-like members each adapted for separate attachment to said portion of said associated hot air heating system, said water reservoir means comprising a separate lower pan-like structure detachably carried by said first and second wall-like members, said pan-like structure including first and second laterally extending flange portions respectively formed at opposite ends of said pan-like structure, and said first and second wall-like members being respectively provided with first and second laterally extending support surfaces being adapted to respectively slideably receive thereon and vertically support said first and second laterally extending flange portions in order to thereby support said pan-like structure generally between said first and second wall-like members, said water inlet means comprising float controlled water inlet valve means, said water inlet means being operatively connected to said hot air heating system separate from said pan-like structure thereby enabling removal of said pan-like structure from said wall-like members without necessity of disconnecting said water inlet means from said associated water supply means.

10. A humidifier assembly according to claim 6, wherein said body portion is formed of at least first and second body sections joined to each other along directions generally longitudinally of said body portion, and wherein said internally formed conduit is partly formed in each of said first and second body sections.

11. A humidifier assembly, comprising a housing asseMbly adapted to be secured to a portion of an associated hot air heating system, said housing assembly comprising spaced support means, water reservoir means, and water inlet valving means separate from said housing assembly said support means and said water reservoir means for at times supplying water to said water reservoir means in order to replenish water depleted therefrom, said water reservoir means comprising a separate pan-like structure detachably carried by said spaced support means, said water inlet valving means comprising a body portion adapted for detachable mounting to said pan-like structure, said pan-like structure comprising at least one slot-like retainer portion carried thereby, and said body portion comprising at least one guide-like member detachably received within said at least one slot-like retainer portion.

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