Autofeed mechanism for heated humidifier chamber
US7614420B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 17, 2006 |
| Grant date | Nov 10, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 28, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/7426
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An autofeed mechanism for controlling the flow and level of a fluid. The mechanism includes a body with an inlet chamber and a float chamber. A seat permits fluid communication between the two chambers. A float and a ball cooperate to permit, or deny, access to the seat. Fluid first enters the inlet and fills the chamber and then enters the float chamber by passing through the seat and exiting via the exit. Initially, the weight of the float keeps the ball away from the seat, but eventually the fluid level rises high enough that the action of the float on the ball decreases to a level that is overcome by the buoyant force of the ball and other fluidic forces resulting in the ball moving away from the ball support. Finally, the ball rises enough to seal against the seat thus stopping the flow of fluid.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.