Who Invented the Ultrasonic Humidifier?
The company DeVilbiss invented the ultrasonic humidifier in 1964 and was granted a European patent in 1965. This Ohio company was founded in 1888 by Dr. Allen DeVilbiss, who focused the mission of his company on the commercialization of respiratory solutions for patients with breathing difficulties.
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Heritage
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This invention comes after 70 years of ideas and products that provided means to add moisture into the air. French inventor, Sales-Girons, thought of using air pressure to create an atomizer for the inhalation of medication in 1858. The Germans introduced a steam driven version in 1864 that served as a foundation for Francis Riddell Limited in London who developed the first electrical compression humidifier in the 1930's.
Invention
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The ultrasonic humidifier leverages piezo electric technology to convert electrical energy into mechanical movement. In the DeVilbiss invention, vibrations resulting from the excitation of piezo electric crystals move sound waves through the water and create waves on its surface. From the crest of the waves, cold water droplets are propelled out of the humidifier through blasts of air. The vibrations typically resonate at 1.7 megahertz, which is a frequency above the audible spectrum.
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Significance
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Originally conceived for helping patients with asthma, the concept expanded into households to moisturize buildings or rooms with dry air. This broadening of applications stemmed from the significant saving in electrical power over the steam approach. A 90 percent reduction in required energy facilitated its adoption as a solution that can be used on a continuous basis.
Advantages
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In addition to significant savings of electrical energy, these humidifiers retain most of their water. In contrast, steam humidifiers lose up to 30 percent and atomizers approach 70 percent water loss. In ultrasonic humidifiers, the water disperses itself in micro-particles much lighter than in previous approaches. These small water drops mix well with air and travel further. Finally, there is no warming period and the systems reach full power immediately upon being turned on.
Caution
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Using distilled water over regular tap water addresses the major hazard with ultrasonic humidifiers. It prevents the formation of a white "dust" made from mineral particles present in tap water. If inhaled, this dust may be trapped in the lungs, according to a study done by R. Highsmith and C. E. Rodes from the agency's Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory.
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References
Resources
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