Device for reducing the presence of moisture within an enclosure containing a heat source
US6709493B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 25, 2002 |
| Grant date | Mar 23, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 25, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF21S45/33
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A venting device that reduces the moisture of an enclosure containing a heat source and prevents the entrance of water or other liquids and contamination from entering the enclosure. The moisture reducing device comprises a drying agent or desiccant which is adjacent to said heat source (such as an automotive headlamp bulb or thermally cycling device), an air-impermeable, water-vapor permeable layer, a vent that allows bulk flow of air during thermal cycling of the heat source and a internal diffusion tube or channel that limits the entrance of moisture vapor from the external atmosphere to the drying agent or desiccant. The air-impermeable, water vapor permeable layer allows for continuous diffusion of water vapor, reducing the moisture in the enclosure when the heat source is de-energized. The location of the device to the heat source regenerates the drying agent in the device when the heat source is energized. The device may be in a variety of shapes for ease of placing the device adjacent to the heat source.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.