Patent ID: 6394427
Filing Date: 2002-05-28
Classification: F24F

Abstract:
A humidifier comprising:a housing permanently connected to a water supply of a building and including an evaporative water panel allowing water to flow downwardly and wick upwardly; circulating means for directing air from the building through the water panel; a reservoir positioned in the housing for supporting the water panel and holding excess water deposited from the water panel; a water distributor for moving the water from the water supply to a top of the water panel; and water control means responsive to the water level therein for automatically controlling the flow of water to the water panel to provide a desired humidity level in the building, wherein the reservoir includes first and second vertical walls connected to a horizontal base wall, wherein the water control means includes a solenoid valve connected to a water level sensor, and wherein the water level sensor is comprised of a float switch having a float member provided with a magnet therein and a reed switch connected to the solenoid valve, the float member and magnet being positioned above the horizontal base wall of the reservoir, and the reed switch being aligned with the magnet and positioned below the reservoir isolated from any water contact therewith.