Improved Apparatus for Moistening Air.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 6th Oct., 1891-Accepted, 7th Nov., 1001
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improved Apparatus for Moistening Air.
I, ALBERT SCHMID of Zürich in the Confederation of Switzerland, Engineer
do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to
be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:—
This invention consists in an apparatus by which the atmospheric air in any
space or room for instance in a factory may be brought to and maintained at a
desired degree of humidity.
In the improved apparatus a distinguishing feature is that the air when set in
movement and passed through the apparatus is caused to move in a circular or
spiral fashion when in contact with the water so that both are brought in intimate
connection.
In the annexed drawing
Fig. 1 is a cross section Fig. 2 an elevation partly in section and Fig. 3 a plan of
the improved apparatus.
It consists essentially of a casing fixed suitably in the space or room where the
apparatus is to be brought into action, this casing containing a drum adapted to be
revolved. A suitable ventilating fan is a part of the apparatus.
The cylindrical case a carries on its upper side an extension a¹ in which the shaft b
with the fan c is suitably journalled. The drum d in the case a is revolved from
the shaft 6 by a worm on the shaft gearing with a pinion and through bevelled
wheels moving a shaft y also carrying a worm engaging with a toothed wheel on
the shaft of the drum d. The high speed of the shaft b is thus converted into a
slow speed of the drum d. The drum d rests in the end walls of the case a and
consists of a mantle d' with longitudinal slits or holes and carrying a number of
scoops on its circumference and a number of wooden staves d in its interior.
These wooden staves are fixed in the end frames of the drum in several spiral rows
so that being closely fixed they form spiral passages in the interior of the drum
through which the air passes when the drum revolves the air being thus caused to.
pursue a spiral or circular course on its way through the apparatus.
e is a water inlet pipe to the case a and e¹ is a water outlet or overflow pipe. On
one end of the case a is an extension f, in which is a butterfly valve g by adjustment
of which more or less air may be allowed to pass through the apparatus. The arms
of the drum d are round iron rods grouped on rings so as to present little obstacle
to the passage of the air.
When the apparatus is set in action the fan c drives air through the case a and
causes it to pass into the drum d and between the staves d". The water lifted by
the scoops flows into the drum and drops slowly over the wooden staves therein
thus moistening the air on its passage. The spiral arrangement of the staves
causes the air to circulate in connection with a considerable number of staves and
thus increases the effect of the machine.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is ;-
In an air moistening apparatus having a case a a² and a ventilator c adapted to
draw air through a rotating drum d, a number of wooden staves arranged in spiral
rows within a perforated casing or mantle d' of said drum in combination with

page_text: scoops upon the circumference of the drum adapted to lift water and allow it to
flow gradually onto said staves for the moistening of the air passing between the
staves substantially as described.
Dated this 6th day of October 1891.
HERBERT & Co.,
18, Buskingham Street, Strand, London, W.C., Agents to Applicant.