Humidifier with ultraviolet disinfection
US8940085B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 15, 2012 |
| Grant date | Jan 27, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 2, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02B30/70
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A humidifier for treating humidified air with germicidal light is provided. The humidifier includes a water reservoir, an atomizer to atomize a supply of water, and an ultraviolet light source to expose the atomized water to germicidal light. The ultraviolet light source extends vertically within a cylindrical channel to irradiate the atomized water dissipating upwardly from the atomizer. The water reservoir can include a carbon filter and a hardness-removing module for removing containments and metal oxides from the water supply. A control panel indicates the remaining useful life of the ultraviolet light source, the carbon filter and the hardness-removing module based on historical humidifier usage and water quality levels.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.