PORTABLE DEHUMIDIFIER

Abstract: A unitary molded synthetic resin mounting member (45) is formed with a horizontal base (46) and a vertical partition wall (47). Front (48) and rear (53) external half-shells are detachably mounted on the base. The front half-shell is provided with an air inlet (50) and with an access panel (49) which houses a water receptacle (26). The rear half-shell is provided with upper and opposing side air outlets, and a pair of coverplates are provided for removable attachment over any of the air outlets. A handle (57) is provided in the rear external half-shell and is supported by an upper portion (59) of the partition wall. A detection device is provide to signal intermediate and maximum water levels in the water receptacle.

Description: Title: Portable Dehumidifier Related Application: This application is a continuation-in-part of United States Patent Application Serial No. 07/817,940, filed January 8, 1992, now abandoned. Background of the Invention: The present invention relates generally to air conditioning apparatus and more particularly to electrically actuated dehumidifiers. Conventional dehumidifiers are equipped with relatively heavy operative components, such as an evaporator coil, a condenser, a compressor and a fan motor. Typically, these components are mounted upon internal support members and are surrounded by one or more external panels or shells. There are several shortcomings or drawbacks to the manner in which the functional components, internal supports and external coverings of dehumidifiers have been designed in the past. First, the support members were usually formed from a plurality of metal components which required considerable SUBSTITUTESHEET assembly time, were subject to corrosion, were electrically conductive and permitted water to pass through gaps therebetween. The lack of unity in the internal support structure resulted in one or more of the internal support members being affixed to an exterior cover member. Upon removing the exterior cover member, the support member attached thereto, as well as any components carried by the support member, would separate from the other internal structures, thereby making it difficult to operate or test the various operative components when the exterior covers were removed. Also, previous support assemblies did not provide substantial separation between the water collecting components and the relatively high voltage components of the dehumidifier and thus did not reduce the possibility of electrical damage. During the dehumidifying process, ice collects on the evaporator fins and coils. Typically, the compressor is turned off before air flow through the evaporator is substantially impeded by the ice. A defrost cycle is provided wherein the fan is on, the compressor is off and relatively warm air passes through the evaporator to thaw the ice. In the past, the defrost cycle was initiated when the evaporator reached a selected low temperature, such as 27° F, and ended at a selected high temperature, such as 37° F. At that point, the compressor resumed operation, if the desired humidity level had not been reached. As a result, there was a tendency in high humidity environments for the compressor SUBSTITUTESHEET to cycle on and off a great deal, thereby reducing the useful life of this critical component. Portable dehumidifiers are, by virtue of their portability, subject to certain drawbacks or considerations that are less significant in standard sized dehumidifiers. One of the most important considerations is the presence of the portable dehumidifier in living areas which would be stained or otherwise damaged if water is spilled. The water receptacle in a portable dehumidifier is typically smaller than the one in a standard unit and is likely to require more frequent emptying. To do so, the user must carry the full receptacle across flooring, carpeting and furniture to a sink, bath tub or other drain site. In previous portable dehumidifiers, a relatively large opening was provided at the top of the receptacle for receiving the condensate from the evaporator coils. As a result, removing and carrying the full receptacle to the drain without spilling water was difficult. Another concern, particularly with portable dehumidifiers, was the possibility of the appliance operating when the water receptacle was full or out of place and the attendant damage to the surroundings caused by water seeping from the appliance. To prevent this problem, previous dehumidifiers were provided with float switches and/or sight gauges for sensing or determining the water level in the receptacle. Typically, the sight gauge was located close to the base of the dehumidifier, making it difficult to read if SUBSTITUTESHEET the appliance was on the floor. The conventional float switch tended to become inaccurate over time and, in any event, provided no indication that the receptacle was approaching maximum capacity until that point was reached. Thus, no warning was provided to a user who, expecting the dehumidifier to operate during an extended absence, left the premises shortly before the float switch turned the dehumidifier off. Another significant consideration in designing a portable dehumidifier is providing a stable and secure handle. In the past, handles have been supported only by the external shell of the appliance. This arrangement required the external shell to be strengthened in some fashion so that it could support the relatively heavy operative components housed therein. This strengthening inevitably resulted in increased cost. Occasionally, more than one handle was provided so that the weight of the appliance would be divided between relatively opposing points on the outer shell. This arrangement, however, required the user to employ both hands when carrying the dehumidifier, without eliminating the need for the shell to be capable of bearing a substantial portion of the load. Since they are intended for use in living areas, portable dehumidifiers are more likely than standard size units to be placed beside a wall or furniture. Typically, a single area on conventional dehumidifiers was provided for air outlet louvers. As a result, it was frequently impossible to place SUBSTITUTESHEET the appliance in a desired position because the flow of dehumidified air would be impeded, thereby reducing the efficiency of the unit. Summary and Objects of the Invention: The present air conditioning apparatus was invented in an effort to eliminate or substantially reduce the above-described drawbacks and limitations of previous portable dehumidifiers. In doing so, the present inventors employed the following components in devising their new electrically powered air conditioning apparatus; namely, a removable water receptacle, a condenser, an evaporator, a fan, a fan motor, a compressor, a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, an electrical circuit extending between the electrically actuated components, a circuit control device, a pair of exterior half-shells and a handle disposed on at least one of the exterior half-shells. The present invention represents an improvement which basically comprises: a mounting member formed with a generally horizontally disposed base adapted to receive the exterior half-shells, the water receptacle and the compressor and with a partition wall extending generally vertically from the base, said partition wall having a lower portion which separates the base into a water receptacle area and a compressor area and which defines a substantially impermeable barrier to the movement of water therebetween, an intermediate portion adapted to carry the condenser, the SUBSTITUTESHEET evaporator, the fan and the fan motor, and an upper portion adapted to support the handle. In addition, the present invention preferably includes the following features: the above-described mounting member is unitarily molded from synthetic resin material; a detection device is provided to generate signals corresponding to selected intermediate and maximum water levels in the water receptacle; a clock device is connected to the circuit control device with the circuit control device being responsive to the temperature sensor and the clock device to maintain operation of the compressor for a selected period of time after a selected low temperature is reached; at least two substantially spaced apart air outlets are provided on one of the exterior half-shells for exhausting the air in at least two substantially different directions; and a substantially restricted opening is provided in the water receptacle for receiving and discharging water. Important objects of the present invention are as follows: to provide a dehumidifier with an internal support member by which the dehumidifier may be carried; to provide a dehumidifier which may be operated during production and/or maintenance with the external covers removed; to eliminate or substantially reduce corrosion and the possibility of short circuiting caused by water reaching electrical components, and particularly high voltage electrical components; to permit the dehumidifier to be placed in close proximity to ^walls, furniture and other objects without hindering the flow SUBSTITUTESHEET of air through the dehumidifier; to eliminate or substantially reduce the likelihood of spillage from the water reservoir; to provide the user with an indication when the water receptacle is nearly full; and to improve the efficiency and life of the compressor. The foregoing objects and advantages of the present invention, as well as others, may be more readily understood in view of the following drawings and detailed description of the preferred embodiment. Brief Description of the Drawings: FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a portable dehumidifier according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a top plan view thereof; FIG. 3 is a side elevational view thereof; FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view thereof; FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view thereof; FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view of the present portable dehumidifier particularly illustrating the internal support member and the positioning of various electrically powered components (in diagrammatic fashion) thereon; FIG. 7 is perspective of the internal mounting member and the water receptacle detection armature; FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view of the float assembly in the water receptacle; FIGS. 9A-9D are diagrammatic views of the operation of the water receptacle detection device; SUBSTITUTESHEET FIG. 10 is a wiring diagram of the high voltage power circuit board; and FIG. 11 is a wiring diagram of the low voltage control circuit board. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment: As particularly illustrated in FIG. 6, the present portable dehumidifier, generally designated 20, is equipped with - several operative internal components, namely, a compressor 21, a fan 22, a fan motor 23, a condenser 24, an evaporator coil unit 25, a removable water receptacle 26, an electrical inlet 27 and associated electrical conductors (not shown), a low voltage control circuit board 28 (FIG. 11), a high voltage power circuit board 29 (FIG. 10), a humidity sensor 30 and a temperature sensor 81. The specifications for some of these components are as follows: input voltage and frequency: 198 to 264 VAC RMS, 47-63 Hz; the compressor has a full loan amps (FLA) rating of 1.5 amps at 220/240 VAC and maximum inductive startup current of 12.4 amps. The fan motor has an FLA rating of .24 amps at 220/240 VAC. The compressor is of the reciprocating motor type, resistance start, induction run. The control circuit board 28 is provided with a series of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) which are visible through a touch panel 31 (FIG. 2) mounted on an upper exterior surface of the dehumidifier. LED 32 flashes on and off when the water level in the receptacle 26 reaches 80% capacity and' SUBSTITUTESHEET remains constantly on when the receptacle 26 is completely full. LED 33 is illuminated when the defrost cycle is on. LED 34 is illuminated when the fan is operating at high speed and the compressor is off. LED 35 is illuminated when the fan is operating at low speed and the compressor is on. LED 36 is illuminated when the fan is operating at high speed and the compressor is on. LED 37 is illuminated when a 30% relative humidity level is selected. LEDs 38-41 are illuminated when 40, 50, 60, and 70% relative humidity levels are respectively selected. Switch 42 controls the fan/compressor selections indicated by LED's 34-36. Switch 43 controls the humidity level selections indicated by LED's 37-41. Switch 44 turns the present dehumidifier on and off. As indicated in FIGS. 6 and 7, a unitary molded mounting member 45 is formed with a generally horizontal base portion 46 and a generally vertical partition wall 47. A front exterior half-shell 48 (FIGS. 1, 3, 6) is removably mounted on the base portion 46 and is formed with a movable access panel 49 and with an air inlet 50. An upper corner portion 51 on the front shell 48 is removable therefrom and is attached to an air filter 52 slidably mounted in grooves on opposite inner surfaces on the front shell. A rear exterior half-shell 53 (FIGS. 3, 5, 6) is removably mounted on the base 46 and is provided with substantially spaced apart air outlets 54, 55, 56, which direct the exhaust air in substantially different directions. An inwardly projecting -handle 57 (FIGS. 5, 6) is formed in an upper portion of the SUBSTITUTESHEET external half-shell for insertion into a handle-supporting cavity 58 (FIGS. 6,7) formed in an upper portion 59 of the partition wall 47. The mounting member 45 and the front and rear half-shells 48 and 53 are integrally molded from synthetic resin material. As indicated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the base 46 is adapted to receive the front and rear shells 48, 53, the water receptacle 26 and the compressor 21. A lower portion 60 of the partition wall 47 separates the base into • a water receptacle area 61 and a compressor area 62 and defines a substantially impermeable barrier to the movement of water between these areas 61, 62. An intermediate portion 63 of the partition wall 47 is adapted to carry the condenser 24, evaporator 25, fan 22, and fan motor 23. Advantageously, the evaporator 25 is mounted on a drip pan 64 which is secured to the intermediate portion 63 of the partition wall. The drip pan is molded from synthetic resin material and is integrally formed with an apertured drain trough 65. The water receptacle 26 is blow-molded from synthetic resin material and is removably mounted in an inwardly projecting shelf 66 on the front access panel 49. The receptacle is formed with a substantially restricted opening 67 for receiving and dispensing water. The opening 67 is provided in the upper surface of the receptacle and is positioned so that it is directly below the apertured drain trough 65 when the front access panel 49 is closed. SUBSTITUTESHEET The upper surface of the water receptacle 26 is formed at an end opposite the water-receiving opening 67 with a second aperture adapted to receive a float assembly 68. As indicated in FIG. 8, the float assembly 68 includes a water-permeable cage or sleeve 69 and a float 70 made of a buoyant material such as styrofoam. The cage 69 consists of a generally circular floor and a generally cylindrical wall, each having pores or voids therein to allow water to penetrate the cage 69. The wall has a lip 71 that overhangs the outer edge of the second aperture in the receptacle 26 to secure the cage in a desired position. The float 70, which is generally bullet-shaped, is vertically movable within the cage 69 in response to the water level in the reservoir. A relatively wide circumferential groove is formed in the outer surface of the float 70; and an inwardly projecting, circular groove-engaging lip is formed in the sleeve to prevent the float from escaping. As indicated in FIGS. 7 and 9A-9D, an armature 72 is pivotally mounted on the partition wall 47. The armature includes a forwardly projecting finger 73 which is disposed to engage the float 70 when the water receptacle is in place (FIG. 9B) . Three electronically detectable members, 74A-C, preferably magnets, are disposed in spaced relation to one another on the armature 72 and the finger 73. A pair of relatively spaced-apart electronic sensors 75, 76, such as magnetic reed switches or Hall Effect sensors, are mounted on the partition wall behind the armature 72. The sensors 75-, SUBSTITUTESHEET 76 are positioned on the partition wall and the magnets 74A-C are positioned on the armature 72 and finger 73 in such a manner that only one magnet/sensor alignment can occur at any given time and so that the alignment is indicative of the water level in the receptacle 26 or the position of the receptacle, as described below. FIG. 9A illustrates the condition in which the receptacle 26 is either not in place in the access door 49 or the access door is not completely closed. In either instance, the magnet 74C in the finger 73 is aligned with the upper sensor 76 and the control circuit 28 will not permit the compressor to operate. FIG. 9B illustrates the condition in which the receptacle 26 is disposed in an operative position, and is either empty or less than sufficiently full for the water level to reach the float 70. In this condition, the finger 73 engages the recessed float 70 and is elevated by the float, thereby breaking the contact between the finger magnet 74C and the upper sensor 76. Although the armature 72 is slightly elevated, neither of the other magnets 74A, 74B is aligned with the lower sensor 75. The control circuit 28 responds by no longer impeding the compressor 21. FIG. 9C illustrates the condition where the water level 77 reaches approximately 80 percent of the receptacle's capacity. In this condition, the float 70 rises in response to the elevated water level, thereby causing the armature 72 to pivot further upwardly so that the innermost magnet 74A is SUBSTITUTESHEET aligned with the lower sensor 75. In this position, the control circuit causes LED 32 (FIG. 2) to flash intermittently but permits the dehumidifier to continue operating in its normal mode. FIG. 9D illustrates the condition in which the water level 77 reaches the top of the receptacle 26. In this situation, the float 70 rises to its highest position, thereby causing the armature 72 to pivot upwardly and align the intermediate magnet 74B with he upper sensor 76. In this position, the control circuit causes the "Reservoir full" LED 32 to light continuously and suppresses the compressor. The source code for the control circuit microprocessor accompanies this application and is identified as Appendix A. As indicated diagrammatically in FIG. 6, a temperature sensor 81 is attached to the evaporator coil 25. A timing device 77 (FIG. 10) is provided on the control circuit board 28. The control circuit is programmed so that when the evaporator coil reaches a selected temperature, preferably 27 degrees F, the control circuit initiates the clock 78. Once the clock has run for a selected period of time, preferably 45 minutes, the control circuit stops the compressor 21 while the fan 22 and its associated motor 23 continue to operate in order to defrost the evaporator coils 25. During the defrost period, the associated LED 33 is illuminated. When the coil temperature rises to a selected temperature, preferably 37 degrees F, the compressor restarts. SUBSTITUTESHEET As indicated in FIG. 5, the air outlets 54-56 are substantially identical in size and shape. A pair of detachable coverplates 79, 80 are provided and are formed to provide a snap-fit engagement with portions of the rear half-shell 53 disposed in surrounding relation to the outlets 54-56. While a single preferred embodiment of the present portable dehumidifier has been illustrated and described in some detail, the foregoing specification is not intended to unduly limit or restrict the spirit of the invention nor the scope of the following claims. SUBSTITUTESHEET APPENDIX A ***** Paral l ax PIC14C5x Assembl er v2.0 ***** DEVICE PIC14C57 DEVICE RC-OSC DEVICE WDT-OFF DEVICE PROTECT-OFF XXKXKX*xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx*XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXKXXXXX*x*XKXX* t ,* Regi ster Assi gnments * xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx .VALUES ,THE HIGHER THE HUMIDITY THE LOWER THE COUNT , IE LOW HUMIDITY-BIG COUNT HIGH HUMIDITY-SMALL COUNT RAISE LOWER RAISE HUMIDITY ,12370% HUMIDITY ,12860% HUMIDITY ,12950% HUMIDITY ,13040% HUMIDITY ,131 30% HUMIDITY SUBSTITUTE SHEET ORS OOW START CALL IMIT . IMIT PORTS BCF PORT B . LED DEFROST BCF PORT C. LED 70 GOTO START CALL COMPRESSOR ON CALL COMPRESSOR OFF goto di spl ay humidi ty BTF9C PORT B . SW FAN .CHECK I F TEST MODE GOTO HERE BTF9C PORT B.SW HUMIDITY GOTO HERE GOTO DISPLAY HUMIDITY . BOTH SWITCHES ARE ACTIVE 90 T HERE . REPLACE WITH STATUS OF E3PROM BCF PORT C . LED FAN HIGH . DEFAULT TO FAN HIGH SPEED MOVLW 0000000 I D MOVWF FAN BCF PORT C. LED 30 . DEFAULT TO 30% HUMIDITY LEVEL MOVLW 0000000 I D MOVWF HUMID MAIN LOOP CALL CHECK RESERVOIR LEVEL CALL CHECK FAM SWITCH CALL CHECK HUMIDITY SWITCH CALL CHECK DEFROST TEMPERATURE CALL CHECK HUMIDITY GOTO MAIN LOOP xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxstxxxxxxxx , '* SUBROUTINES FOLLOW XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX.lt .NO RESERVOIR ISN'T FULL SEE I ,YES RESERVOIR IS FULL TURN 0 .SHUT OFF UNIT CAL1 SUBSTITUTE SHEET .TURN OFF RESERVOIR LED .CHECK IF BUCKET IS STILL 80% .SWITCH OPEN SO RETURN .CHECK IF BUCKET IS NOW ALL FU ,YES. RESERVOIR IS 80% TURN ON .BLINK RESERVOIR LED .TURN OFF RESERVOIR LED .BLINK RESERVOIR LED .LOOP UNTIL RESERVOIR IS EMPTI CFSO CFS1 CFS2 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxκxxx«xxx*xxxxxx«x*«x*xxxxxx«xxxxxxxxxxxxxxχχxχxx«χxx*x SUBSTITUTE SHEET CHS2 CHS3 CHS4 «««t«- t «ttt «»*««*«*»««»«t*«««*«t*Mtt**«»*««)r«-l»««*««««»«*«»*-l**«« INIT xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx SUBSTITUTE SHEET BLINKS BLK2 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxx BLINK2 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xx* NEXT LOOP OFF! BSF PORT B . LED DEFROST GOTO NEXT LOOP 0FF2 BSF PORT B. LED BUCKET GOTO TEST TEMPS xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx DISPUY HUMIDITY .CLEAR RTCC REGISTER .SET TEST SIGNAL ,DEUY TIME TO SAMPLE RTCC PIN .DEUY TIME TO SAMPLE RTCC PIN .DEUY TIME TO SAMPLE RTCC PIN .DEUY TIME TO SAMPLE RTCC PIN ,DEUY TIME TO SAMPLE RTCC PIN .CLEAR TEST SIGNAL .TURN OFF ALL LEDS SUBST TUTE SHEET NEXT2 NEXT3 NEXT4 NEXT5 NEXT6 GOTO DISPUY HUMIDITY xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx . CLEAR RTCC REGISTER . DEUY TIME TO SAMPLE RTCC PIN ,DEUY TIME TO SAMPLE RTCC PIN , DEUY TIME TO SAMPLE RTCC PIN ,DEUY TIME TO SAMPLE RTCC PIN . DEUY TIME TO SAMPLE RTCC PIN xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx CHECK DEFROST TEMPERATURE .WHEN TEMP 27 GOES LOW ITS LESS BTFSC PORT A.TEMP 27 .START DEFROST CYCLE TIME 45 GOTO BYPASS TEMP .NOT BELOW 2790 RETURN BCF PORT B.LED DEFROST .TURN ON DEFROST LED SUBSTITUTE SHEET .TURN ON FAN NOW OR AFTER 45 MIN WHEN COMPRESSOR GOES OFF? BYPASS TEMP BTFSC PORT B. LED DEFROST .NOT IN DEFROST SO NO NEED FOR RETLW 0 BTFSS PORT A.TEMP 37 .TEST IF ABOVE 37, IF SO END D RETLW 0 .ELSE RETURN BSF PORT D.LED DEFROST .TURN OFF DEFROST LED .TURN ON FAN TEMP RETURN RETLW xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx LONG DEUY MOVLM OFFH MOVWF D01 LDLY1 CLRF D02 DECFSZ D01 GOTO LDLY2 RETLM 0 LDLY2 DECFSZ D02 GOTO LDLY2 ' GOTO LDLY1 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx* ONE MINUTE CALL BLINK2 RETLW 0 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx THREE MINUTE CALL BLINK2 RETLW 0 XX**XX*XXXXXttXXXXXXXftXXXXXXX*XXXX*X*ft***XXXXXX*«W*X*XXttXXXft******XXXXX FORTY-FIVE MINUTE RETLW 0 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXKXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXttXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX COMPRESSOR ON BCF PORT B.OUT COMPRESSOR RETLW 0 COMPRESSOR OFF BSF PORT B.OUT MOTOR HI RETLW 0 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXKXXXKXXXXXXXX MOTOR LO BSF PORT B.OUT MOTOR HI BSF PORT B.OUT MOTOR LO RETLM 0 MOTOR HI BSF PORT B.OUT MOTOR LO BCF PORT B.OUT MOTOR HI RETLW 0 SUBSTITUTE SHEET Errors. 0 SUBSTITUTE SHEET

Claims: Claims : 1. In an electrically actuated dehumidifier provided with a removable water receptacle, a condenser, an evaporator, a fan, a fan motor, a compressor, a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, electrical circuit means, circuit control means, a pair of exterior half-shells and a handle disposed on at least one of the exterior half-shells, the invention characterized by: a mounting member formed with a generally horizontally disposed base adapted to receive the exterior half-shells, the water receptacle and the compressor and with a partition wall extending generally vertically from the base, said partition wall having a lower portion which separates the base into a water receptacle area and a compressor area and which defines a substantially impermeable barrier to the movement of water therebetween, an intermediate portion adapted to carry the condenser, ~" the evaporator, the fan and the fan motor, and an upper portion adapted to support the handle. 2. The dehumidifier according to Claim 1, and further characterized by the mounting member being unitarily molded from synthetic resin material. 3. The dehumidifier according to Claim 1, and further characterized by detection means adapted to generate a first signal-^€orres onding to an intermediate water level in the SUBSTITUTESHEET water receptacle and a second signal corresponding to a maximum water level in the water receptacle. 4. The dehumidifier according to Claim 1, and further characterized by clock means electrically connected to the circuit control means, said circuit control means being responsive to the temperature sensor and the clock means to continue operation of the compressor for a selected period of time after said temperature sensor reaches a selected low temperature. 5. The dehumidifier according to Claim 1, and further characterized by at least two substantially spaced apart air outlets provided on one of the exterior half-shells for exhausting the air in at least two substantially different directions. 6. The dehumidifier according to Claim 1, and further characterized by the water receptacle being formed with a restricted opening for receiving and discharging water. 7. The dehumidifier according to Claim 3, and further characterized by the detection means comprising a float assembly mounted in the water receptacle, an armature movably mounted on the partition wall and adapted to engage the float assembly, a plurality of magnets affixed to the armature and a—pair of sensors, each of said sensors being— leG-trically SUBSTITUTESHEET connected to the circuit control means and adapted to generate a signal upon alignment of one of the magnets with said sensor. 8. The dehumidifier according to Claim 4, and further characterized by the selected period of time being at least 30 minutes. 9. The dehumidifier according to Claim 5, and further characterized by the air outlets being substantially identical to one another in shape and size. 10. The dehumidifier according to Claim 9, and further characterized by a coverplate being adapted to be removably received on portions of the exterior half-shell surrounding each of the air outlets. SUBSTITUTESHEET

Inventors: ACHTNER JOSEPH, BUSICK LOUIS M, CHANEY DAVID B, WHARTON STEVEN W, ACHTNER, JOSEPH, BUSICK, LOUIS, M., CHANEY, DAVID, B., WHARTON, STEVEN, W.
Applicants: EBCO MFG CO, EBCO MANUFACTURING COMPANY
Application year: 1993
Main classification: F24F3
IPC codes: F24F1, F24F3