U.S. patent application number 12/552105 was filed with the patent office on 2010-04-08 for apparatus and method for a steamer.
This patent application is currently assigned to EURO-PRO OPERATING LLC. Invention is credited to Max Rosenzweig, Ognjen Vrdoljak.
Application Number | 20100086287 12/552105 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41503574 |
Filed Date | 2010-04-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100086287 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rosenzweig; Max ; et
al. |
April 8, 2010 |
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR A STEAMER
Abstract
A steam apparatus including a first steam apparatus to produce a
first steam having a humidity level at or above a first
predetermined level and having a temperature at or below a first
predetermined temperature and a second steam apparatus to produce a
second steam having a humidity level at or below a second
predetermined level and having a temperature at or above a second
predetermined temperature. An output apparatus is configured to
receive the first steam and the second steam and output the first
steam, the second steam, or a hybrid steam defined by a mixture of
the first steam and the second steam. An atomizer may be included
to assist the steam generation.
Inventors: |
Rosenzweig; Max; (Montreal,
CA) ; Vrdoljak; Ognjen; (Laval, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VENABLE LLP
P.O. BOX 34385
WASHINGTON
DC
20043-9998
US
|
Assignee: |
EURO-PRO OPERATING LLC
West Newton
MA
|
Family ID: |
41503574 |
Appl. No.: |
12/552105 |
Filed: |
September 1, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61102601 |
Oct 3, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
392/387 ;
392/394 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 39/008 20130101;
A47J 27/04 20130101; F22B 1/285 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
392/387 ;
392/394 |
International
Class: |
F22B 3/00 20060101
F22B003/00 |
Claims
1. A steam apparatus, comprising: a first steam apparatus to
produce a first steam having a humidity level at or above a first
predetermined level and having a temperature at or below a first
predetermined temperature; a second steam apparatus to produce a
second steam having a humidity level at or below a second
predetermined level and having a temperature at or above a second
predetermined temperature; and an output apparatus configured to
receive the first steam and the second steam and output the first
steam, the second steam, or a hybrid steam defined by a mixture of
the first steam and the second steam.
2. An apparatus, comprising: a first steam chamber configured to
contain fluid; a second steam chamber disposed adjacent to the
first steam chamber and fluidly coupled to the first steam chamber,
wherein the second steam chamber defines a passage configured to
receive fluid from the first steam chamber; at least one heating
element disposed within the second steam chamber and substantially
adjacent to the passage, wherein the at least one heating element
is configured to heat the fluid in the first steam chamber to
generate a first steam having a humidity level at or above a first
predetermined level and having a temperature at or below a first
predetermined temperature, and wherein the at least one heating
element is configured to heat the fluid received in the passage to
generate a second steam having a humidity level at or below a
second predetermined level and having a temperature at or above a
second predetermined temperature; and at least one common output
conduit fluidly coupled to an exit of the passage and fluidly
coupled to the first steam chamber, wherein the common output
conduit is configured to receive the first steam and the second
steam and output the first steam, the second steam, or a hybrid
steam defined by a mixture of the first steam and the second
steam.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a first
pipe extending from the first steam chamber to channel the fluid to
an inlet of the passage of the second steam chamber; a pump coupled
to the first pipe to pump the fluid from the first steam chamber to
the inlet of the passage; a second pipe extending from an outlet of
the passage to the at least one common output conduit; and a third
pipe to channel the first steam evaporated from the fluid in the
first steam chamber, wherein the third pipe extends from the first
steam chamber to the at least one common output conduit.
4. The apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: a
mechanical valve assembly coupled to the second pipe and the third
pipe and located before the at least one common output conduit,
wherein the mechanical valve assembly releases at least one of the
first steam, the second steam, or the hybrid steam into the at
least one common output conduit.
5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the mechanical valve
assembly comprises a valve mechanism, a cam coupled to the valve
mechanism, and a micro-switch configured to be engaged by the cam,
wherein the valve mechanism is positionable in at least a first
position, a second position, and a third position, wherein in the
first position the cam does not contact the micro-switch and the
pump is off, wherein in the second and third positions the cam
contacts the micro-switch and the pump is on.
6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the mechanical valve
assembly allows passage of the first steam in the first position,
the hybrid steam in the second position, and the second steam in
the third position.
7. The apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising an
electronic control device to control an operational speed of the
pump by sending a control signal to the pump.
8. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the at least one
common output conduit comprises a venturi chamber, wherein the
second steam enters the at least one common output conduit at a
velocity above a predetermined velocity which lowers a pressure in
the third pipe and increases a flow of the first steam into the at
least one common output conduit.
9. The apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a fluid
control valve assembly coupled to the first pipe and located
between the pump and the inlet to the passage, wherein the fluid
control valve assembly is configured to control an amount of fluid
to enter into the passage.
10. The apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a fourth
pipe with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is
coupled to the first pipe before the pump and the second end is
coupled to the first pipe after the pump, wherein the fourth pipe
comprises a valve to allow the fluid to be diverted away from the
passage and to minimize an amount of fluid to enter the
passage.
11. The apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a
thermostat coupled to the first steam chamber to measure the
temperature of the fluid in the first steam chamber, an indicator
light coupled to the first steam chamber and coupled to the
thermostat, wherein the light turns on when the fluid in the first
steam chamber reaches a predetermined temperature.
12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the predetermined
temperature is between 70 and 90 degrees C.
13. An apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a second
heating element disposed within the first steam chamber, wherein
the second heating element is configured to heat the fluid in the
first steam chamber to generate the first steam.
14. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the apparatus
comprises at least one of a garment steamer, a food steamer, a
steam iron, or a steam cleaner.
15. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising an
atomizer disposed to an inlet of the passage, wherein the atomizer
converts the fluid into a mist at the inlet of the passage defined
by the second steam chamber.
16. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a device
coupled to the at least one common output conduit, wherein the
device controls the exiting of the first steam, the second steam,
or the hybrid steam.
17. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said first
predetermined level is the same as the second predetermined
level.
18. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said first
predetermined temperature is the same as the second predetermined
temperature.
19. A method for generating steam, the method comprising: heating
fluid in a first steam chamber with at least one heating element to
generate a first steam from evaporation of the fluid; channeling
the first steam to a common output conduit; pumping the fluid from
the first steam chamber to a passage in a second steam chamber;
heating the fluid in the passage with the at least one heating
element; channeling the fluid through the passage to generate a
second steam; channeling the second steam to the at least one
common output conduit; and outputting the first steam, the second
steam, or a hybrid steam from the at least one common output
conduit.
20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising:
controlling an amount of the second steam, an amount of the first
stream, or an amount of hybrid steam to exit the at least one
common output conduit.
21. The method according to claim 19, further comprising heating
the fluid in the passage with a second heating element.
22. The method according to claim 19, further comprising
controlling the amount of fluid to enter the passage.
23. The method according to claim 19, further comprising varying a
speed of the pumping of the fluid from the first steam chamber to
the passage in the second steam chamber.
24. The apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising
applying the output to a garment, a surface-to-be-cleaned, or to a
food.
25. An apparatus for generating steam, comprising: means for
containing fluid; means for heating fluid in the containing means
to generate first steam from evaporation of the fluid, the first
steam having a humidity level at or above a first predetermined
level and having a temperature at or below a first predetermined
temperature; means for generating second steam having a humidity
level at or below a second predetermined level and having a
temperature at or above a second predetermined temperature; and
means for outputting the first steam, the second steam, or a hybrid
steam defined by a mixture of the first steam and the second
steam.
26. The apparatus according to 25, wherein the apparatus comprises
at least one of a garment steamer, a food steamer, a steam iron, or
a steam cleaner.
27. A method for generating steam, the method comprising: producing
a first steam having a humidity level at or above a first
predetermined level and having a temperature at or below a first
predetermined temperature in a first steam apparatus; producing a
second steam having a humidity level at or below a second
predetermined level and having a temperature at or above a second
predetermined temperature in a second steam apparatus; receiving
the first steam and the second steam in an output apparatus; and
outputting the first steam, the second steam, or a hybrid steam
defined by a mixture of the first steam and the second steam with
the output apparatus.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/102,601 entitled, "Apparatus and Method of
a Steamer" filed on Oct. 3, 2008, which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Embodiments of the invention relate to an apparatus for a
steamer. The use of steam as a tool has been used in a variety of
ways. For example, garment steamers, food steamers, steam irons,
and steam cleaners utilize the benefits of steam.
[0003] Garment steamers are used to remove wrinkles from clothing
via an application of steam. Conventional garment steamers,
however, are limited in the type of steam produced and the amount
of steam generated. Due to the design of known garment steamers,
the steam produced is highly susceptible to outputting water with
the steam. The output of water with steam can damage delicate
fabrics such as silk.
[0004] Conventional garment steamers and steam irons have
difficulty overcoming surface tension of the water used to create
the steam. Some garment steamers expend extra heat energy to
overcome the tension of a water droplet.
[0005] Food steamers have been designed to allow for faster,
cleaner cooking. However, conventional food steamers are limited in
the amount and kind of steam which can be produced. Due to the
varying compositions of food, different foods may require different
types and amounts of steam for better cooking. A larger amount of
steam may allow for faster cooking times.
[0006] Steam cleaners use steam to disinfect surfaces. Conventional
steamers are limited in the amount and type of steam which may be
produced.
SUMMARY
[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided
a steam apparatus, comprising: a first steam apparatus to produce a
first steam having a humidity level at or above a first
predetermined level and having a temperature at or below a first
predetermined temperature; a second steam apparatus to produce a
second steam having a humidity level at or below a second
predetermined level and having a temperature at or above a second
predetermined temperature; and an output apparatus configured to
receive the first steam and the second steam and output the first
steam, the second steam, or a hybrid steam defined by a mixture of
the first steam and the second steam.
[0008] In another embodiment of the invention, the apparatus may
include a first steam chamber configured to contain fluid and a
second steam chamber disposed adjacent to the first steam chamber.
The second steam chamber may define a passage fluidly connected to
the first steam chamber to receive fluid from the first steam
chamber. A heating element may be disposed within the second steam
chamber and be substantially adjacent to the passage. The heating
element may be configured to heat the fluid in the first steam
chamber to generate a first steam having a humidity level above a
predetermined level and having a temperature below a predetermined
degree. For example, but not limited to, the first steam may have a
temperature of 110 degrees C. while under 1.5 bars of absolute
pressure. The heating element may be configured to heat the fluid
received in the passage to generate a second steam having a
humidity level below the predetermined level and having a
temperature above the predetermined degree. A common output conduit
may be fluidly coupled to an exit of the passage and may also be
fluidly coupled to the first steam chamber. The common output
conduit may be configured to receive the first steam and the second
steam and output the first steam, the second steam, or a hybrid
steam defined by a mixture of the first steam and the second
steam.
[0009] In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method
is provided. The method for generating steam may include heating
fluid in the first steam chamber with the heating element to
generate the first steam from evaporation of the fluid; channeling
the first steam to the common output conduit; pumping the fluid
from the first steam chamber to the passage in the second steam
chamber; heating the fluid in the passage with the heating element;
channeling the fluid through the passage to generate second steam;
channeling the second steam to the common output conduit; and
outputting the first steam, the second steam, or the hybrid steam
from the common output conduit.
[0010] Embodiments of the invention may overcome the surface
tension of the water while using less energy. Further embodiments
of the invention may use the saved energy to create more steam.
Further embodiments of the invention may be used with any device
that is configured to produce steam.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will be more readily
understood from the following detailed description when read in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary front schematic view
illustrating an exemplary steamer according to an embodiment of the
invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary exploded front schematic view of
the exemplary steamer of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary top view of a second steam
chamber of the exemplary steamer of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIGS. 4-6, collectively, depict the exemplary steamer of
FIG. 1 including an exemplary mechanical valve knob in different
exemplary functional positions;
[0016] FIGS. 7 and 8, collectively, depict an exemplary rear
schematic view of an exemplary steamer including an exemplary
circuit, which may control an operating speed of an exemplary pump
according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0017] FIGS. 9 and 10, collectively, depict a schematic rear
partial view of an exemplary steamer including an exemplary
mechanical valve for direct water flow control according to an
embodiment of the invention; and
[0018] FIGS. 11 and 12, collectively, depict a schematic exemplary
rear partial view of a steamer including an exemplary mechanical
valve for indirect water flow control according to an exemplary
embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0019] Various exemplary embodiments of the invention are discussed
in detail below, including a preferred embodiment. While specific
exemplary embodiments are discussed, it should be understood that
this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in
the relevant art will recognize that other components and
configurations may be used without parting from the spirit and
scope of the invention.
[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, a steamer may include at least two steam generation
chambers. Each steam generation chamber may have a different
configuration for producing steam. The configurations cause steam
to have different properties. The differences between the steams
produced may include differences in the steam temperature, the
output velocity of the steam, and/or the humidity level of the
steam. For example, a first steam chamber may create large
quantities of low temperature and low velocity steam output,
whereas a second steam chamber may create high temperature and high
velocity steam output. The first steam chamber may generate the low
velocity steam by utilizing a large outlet orifice for producing
high volume steam output at low pressure conditions. In contrast,
the second steam chamber may generate high velocity steam by
utilizing a small outlet orifice for reducing the steam flow at
higher pressure conditions. The steamer may combine the different
steams to generate a hybrid steam. A variety of steamer attachments
may use the steam for a variety of uses including, e.g., but not
limited to, garment steamer attachments, steam iron attachments,
food steamer attachments, and/or steam cleaner attachments etc.
[0021] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a steamer according
to the invention. The steamer 100 may include a first steam chamber
1 and a second steam chamber 2. The first steam chamber 1 may be
filled with a fluid such as, for example, but not limited to, water
through an inlet 3. Other fluids may also be used to enhance the
properties of the steam to be produced, such as, for example, but
not limited to, salt water, lemon water, or water with bleach etc.
The first steam chamber 1 may have an optimum predetermined fluid
level to indicate an optimum maximum level of fluid intake for the
steamer 100. The first steam chamber 1 may also include a warning
predetermined minimum fluid level to indicate a dangerously low
level of fluid in the steamer 100. A sensor (not shown) may
indicate the predetermined fluid level and the warning
predetermined minimum fluid level. The first steam chamber 1 may be
fluidly connected to the second steam chamber 2 through a series of
passages.
[0022] The first steam chamber 1 may contain a base 4. The base 4
may include a heating element 5 (see FIG. 2) which may be embedded
within the base 4. The heating element 5 may heat the fluid
contained in the first steam chamber 1. As the fluid in the first
steam chamber 1 increases in temperature, a steam (A) may develop
from the heated fluid. The steam (A) may be characterized as a
"moist steam" which has a temperature below a predetermined degree
and a humidity level above a predetermined humidity level. The
steam (A) may pass through a steam surface slowly to allow the
humidity and heat to transfer to the steam surface over time.
Garment steaming of linens, denims, and heavy cottons are examples
where low velocity, low temperature, higher humidity steam may be
used. The steam (A) can exit the first steam chamber 1 through an
outlet pipe 6. The first steam chamber 1 may also include a
thermostat 12 to measure the temperature of the fluid in the first
steam chamber 1. The heating element 5 may be connected to a power
supply (not shown) for continuous heating of the fluid.
[0023] The first steam chamber 1 may be fluidly coupled to the
second steam chamber 2 through passages. When the fluid in the
first steam chamber 1 reaches a predetermined temperature as
determined by the thermostat 12, the fluid may exit the first steam
chamber 1 through an exit pipe 13. A pump 14 may be coupled to the
exit pipe 13 to pump the fluid from the first steam chamber 1. The
thermostat 12 may ensure that the pump 14 pumps only when the fluid
in the first steam chamber 1 reaches the predetermined temperature.
For example, the predetermined temperature may be within a range
of, e.g., but not limited to approximately 70 to 90 degrees C. The
thermostat 12 may include an indicator light (not shown) to
indicate when the fluid reaches the predetermined temperature. A
pressure switch (not shown) may also be provided for reducing the
pressure in the first steam chamber 1 and for further monitoring of
the conditions in the first steam chamber 1. In an alternate
embodiment, the second steam chamber 2 may have a separate device
to channel fluid to the second steam chamber 2 in addition to the
fluid from first steam chamber 1 or in place of the fluid from the
first steam chamber 1.
[0024] The pump 14 may pump the fluid through the exit pipe 13
toward an inlet 10 of the second steam chamber 2. The pump 14 may
pressurize the fluid that arrives at the second steam chamber 2.
The end of the exit pipe 13 or the beginning of the inlet 10 may be
coupled to an atomizer 15. The atomizer may convert the fluid into
a fine mist without drops of fluid incorporated into the fine mist.
Due to the surface tension of fluids such as water, drops of water
require more heat energy to evaporate in comparison to a fine mist
of water. The conversion of the fluid into a fine mist increases
the surface area of the fluid which subsequently reduces the heat
energy required for evaporating the fluid. The heat energy saved by
utilizing the atomizer may be used to produce more steam The
atomizer may be embodied as a spray nozzle device that has a small
opening. As the fluid is pumped through the atomizer at high
pressure, such as, for example 2 bars or greater, the fluid
velocity at the exit pipe 13 may also be high which may cause the
fluid to split into a plurality of small droplets thus creating the
fine mist.
[0025] The fine mist may then enter the second steam chamber 2
through the inlet 10. The atomizer 15 may limit the possibility of
fluid exiting with steam generated in the second steam chamber 2. A
second steam (B) may exit the second steam chamber 2 via the outlet
pipe 16 and may enter the exemplary mechanical valve assembly 17.
The steam (B) may have properties different than steam (A). The
steam (B) may be characterized as a "dry steam" which may have a
temperature above a predetermined degree and a humidity below a
predetermined humidity level. The exemplary mechanical valve
assembly 17 may include in one exemplary embodiment a switch or
valve 18 (or valves) and may control the steam output of steam (A)
and/or steam (B).
[0026] As depicted in FIG. 2, the base 4 may include the heating
element 5 and the second steam chamber 2, which may be defined by a
top part or element 7, and a bottom part or element 8. A fastening
system such as, e.g., but not limited to, a screw assembly 9 may
couple the top and bottom parts 7, 8 together. The heating element
5 may heat the top part 7 to warm the fluid in the first steam
chamber 1 and may also heat the contents in the second steam
chamber 2. In an alternate embodiment, a second heating element 26
may be provided for heating the first steam chamber 1 or the second
steam chamber 2.
[0027] As depicted in FIG. 3, the second steam chamber 2 may be
defined by corresponding channels formed in the top and bottom
parts 7, 8 of the base 4. Alternatively, the channels may be
positioned in a middle part (not shown) with the top part 7 and the
bottom part 8 serving as covers. The path of the heating element 5
may track the channels formed in the top and bottom parts 7, 8. In
this way, the heating element 5 may heat the contents of the second
steam chamber 2 while heating the fluid in the first steam chamber
1. In one embodiment, the second steam chamber 2 may be designed to
have the longest possible path available to provide the maximum
length possible between inlet 10 and an outlet 11 for the
conversion of all the fluid/mist into steam. In another embodiment,
the second steam chamber 2 may have a shortened path to allow a
smaller percentage of evaporation of the fluid. This embodiment may
allow a fine mist of fluid to exit with the steam created in the
second steam chamber.
[0028] The exit pipe 13 may couple to the inlet 10 so that fluid
from the first steam chamber 1 may enter or be injected to the
second steam chamber 2 after passing through the atomizer 15. The
atomized fluid that is injected into the second steam chamber 2 may
be converted to steam by the end of the second steam chamber 2. The
channel width of the second steam chamber 2 may be narrow or may
narrow to facilitate the conversion of substantially all the fluid
into steam.
[0029] The second steam chamber 2 may include sharp directional
changes wherein the passage may turn with a small radius direction
change. At these points, the second steam chamber 2 may have
capture pockets 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D (collectively 21) where
fluid can collect. The capture pockets 21 may purposely create
turbulence points within the passage to trap any fluid droplets
that may be transferred along with the steam moving at a high
velocity. The fluid, which is heavier than the steam, may be unable
to turn within the passage and may remain trapped in the capture
pockets 21 without the possibility to move until the fluid is
converted into steam (B). Once the fluid inside the pockets is
converted into steam (B), the pressure inside the second steam
chamber 2 may increase due to the fluid to steam conversion
process. The steam (B) in the passage may travel toward the steam
outlet 11. An outlet pipe 16 (see FIGS. 1 and 4) may connect or
couple to the steam outlet 11 to channel the steam (B) away from
the second steam chamber 2.
[0030] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the outlet pipe 6 from
the first steam chamber 1 and the outlet pipe 16 from the second
steam chamber 2 may both be coupled to an exemplary mechanical
valve(s) assembly 17. The mechanical valve assembly 17 may allow
the release of steam (A) or steam (B). The mechanical valve
assembly 17 may also allow the steam (A) and the steam (B) to mix
in order to form a hybrid steam (C). Steam cleaning is an example
of using a high velocity moist steam. Thus, for steam cleaning, the
hybrid steam (C) may be used.
[0031] The mechanical valve assembly 17 may include in one
embodiment a valve 18, a micro-switch 19, and/or a control cam 20.
The steam (A), steam (B), or hybrid steam (C) may exit the
mechanical valve assembly 17 through a common output conduit 22
which may be coupled to the mechanical valve assembly 17. An
exemplary micro-switch 19 may control the power supply to the pump
14. When the micro-switch 19 is depressed, power may be sent to the
pump 14. The pump 14 may channel the fluid at the predetermined
temperature from the first steam chamber 1 to the second steam
chamber 2. The control cam 20 may depress the micro-switch 19 to
turn the power on for the pump 14.
[0032] The valve 18 may be manually or automatically controlled and
may control the position of the control cam 20. The valve 18 also
may control the steam passed from outlet pipes 6 and 16 to the
common output conduit 22. The embodiment depicted in FIGS. 4-6
shows the valve 18 with three positions. However, the valve 18 may
alternatively be embodied with a single or other positions. FIG. 4
shows an exemplary first position of the valve 18. In the first
position, the mechanical valve assembly 17 may accept steam (A)
from the first steam chamber 1 and may output the steam (A) via the
common output conduit 22. In the first position, the control cam 20
may not contact the micro-switch 19 and the pump 14 may be off.
[0033] In the second position (see FIG. 5), the valve 18 may shift
to a second position and the control cam 20 may contact the
micro-switch 19. In this second position, the power may be supplied
to the pump 14 and fluid at the predetermined temperature may be
channeled to the second steam chamber 2. The mechanical valve
assembly 17 may accept both steam (A) and steam (B) into the
assembly 17 to form the hybrid steam (C). The hybrid steam (C) may
exit the common output conduit 22.
[0034] In the third position (see FIG. 6), the valve 18 may shift
to a third position and the control cam 20 may contact the
micro-switch 19. In this third position, the mechanical valve
assembly 17 may accept the steam (B) from the second steam chamber
2 via outlet pipe 16 while outlet pipe 6 is closed. Since the steam
(A) may not exit the first steam chamber 1 through the outlet pipe
6 in this position, the pressure in the first steam chamber 1 may
increase. The pressure switch (not shown) may be used to reduce the
pressure generated in the steam chamber 1. The common output
conduit 22 may release the steam (B) in this third position.
[0035] In an alternative embodiment, the valve 18 may have two
positions. A first position may allow just one of the steam (A) or
steam (B) to exit. In a second position, both the steam released in
the first position and the steam not released in the first position
may both be released. Accordingly, the steam released in the first
position may always be released regardless of the first or second
position. The steam output may be controlled in a range from of a
predetermined minimum single release of steam to a maximum hybrid
steam (C) of both steam (A) and steam (B).
[0036] In alternate embodiments of the invention, the mechanical
valve assembly 17 may control a percentage of the steam (A) to
enter the common output conduit 22 and control a percentage of the
steam (B) to enter the conduit 22. For example, the hybrid steam
(C) may comprise, e.g., but not limited to, 60% steam (A) and 40%
steam (B) etc. Depending on user preference, the hybrid steam (C)
may vary the amounts of steam (A) and steam (B) for the desired
use.
[0037] FIGS. 7 and 8 depict another embodiment of the steamer in
which the mechanical valve assembly 17 may not be included. In this
embodiment, an electronic control device 23 may be provided to
control the operation and operating speed of the pump 14. The
electronic control device 23 may include a control mechanism such
as, for example, but not limited to, a control knob 24. The control
knob 24 may have at least two positions to turn the pump 14 on and
off. When the control knob 24 is shifted to an exemplary first
position (see FIG. 7), the electronic control device 23 may send a
control signal 25 to the pump 14 which may allow power to the pump
14 whereby fluid may be pumped from the first steam chamber 1 to
the second steam chamber 2. When the control knob 24 is shifted to
an exemplary second position (see FIG. 8), the electronic control
device 23 may not send a control signal 25 to the pump 14 and the
pump 14 may be off.
[0038] The control knob 24 may have a plurality of intermediate
positions between the first position and the second position. The
plurality of intermediate positions may control the strength of the
control signal 25 and, consequently, the operating speed of the
pump 14 and the amount of fluid at the predetermined temperature
which may be pumped to the secondary steam chamber 2. In this
embodiment, the steam (A) from the first steam chamber 1 may always
be present in the output. The steam (B) from the secondary steam
chamber 2 may be controllably introduced into the steam flow to
form the hybrid steam (C). In this embodiment, the steam output may
be controlled ranging from a minimum output to a maximum output. In
the minimum output, only steam (A) may exit the steamer. In the
maximum output, both steam (A) and steam (B) may be generated and
mixed to form the hybrid steam (C) output from the steamer.
[0039] FIGS. 9 and 10 depict another embodiment of the invention.
In this embodiment, an exit pipe 13' may be provided to fluidly
couple or connect the first and the second steam chambers 1, 2. The
exit pipe 13' may include a valve 27 to allow and disallow the
fluid to enter the second steam chamber 2. The valve 27 may range
from disallowing the fluid to enter the second steam chamber 2 all
together, to allowing a minimum portion of the fluid through, to
allowing a maximum portion of fluid to enter through the exit pipe
13'. Accordingly, the fluid flow may change proportionally to the
position of the valve 27. The electronic control device 23 may be
used in conjunction with the exit pipe 13' and value 27 or
separately. In an alternate embodiment, a direct control circuit or
an indirect control circuit may also be used to control the steam
(B) from exiting the secondary steam chamber 2 as discussed
below.
[0040] The mechanical valve assembly 17 described in conjunction
with the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 4-6 may or may not be used
with the embodiment described above and/or depicted in FIGS. 9 and
10. When the mechanical valve assembly 17 is not used, the outlet
pipes 16 and 6 may be, e.g., but not limited to, connected directly
or indirectly to the common output conduit 22. The end of the
common output conduit 22 may be configured to allow a plurality of
application-specific attachments to attach to the end.
[0041] In another embodiment of the invention (not shown), the
common output conduit 22 may be configured to create a Venturi
chamber. The Venturi chamber may use the output velocity of steam
(B) from outlet pipe 16 to create a low pressure state for the
steam (A) entering the common output conduit 22 from outlet pipe 6,
or vice versa. The introduction of the high velocity steam (B) in
the common output conduit 22 may increase the flow of steam (A)
from the first steam chamber 1 due to the pressure state. In an
exemplary embodiment, steam may move from a high pressure area to a
low pressure area. In another exemplary embodiment, the steam may
move with a velocity which may be changed in proportion to the
relative pressures.
[0042] In another embodiment of the invention depicted in FIGS. 11
and 12, an indirect return control circuit 28 may be provided. The
return control circuit 28 may include a return valve 29 and a fluid
return pipe 30. The return valve 29 may have a range of positions
to control the amount of fluid to enter the return pipe 30 and to
control the amount of fluid to continue toward the secondary steam
chamber 2. As the fluid is pumped from the pump 14, the fluid may
be channeled back to a pump inlet side of pump 14 via the fluid
return pipe 30. The return valve 29 may control whether the fluid
continues to the secondary steam chamber 2 or is returned to the
pump inlet side via the fluid return pipe 30. The valve 29 may also
proportionally control a certain amount of fluid to continue
towards the secondary steam chamber 2 while reverting an amount
back to the inlet side of the pump 14 via the fluid return pipe 30.
As the valve 29 allows more fluid to continue to the secondary
steam chamber 2, the fluid may flow more slowly toward the chamber
2 due to the decrease in pressure.
[0043] The valve 29 may allow no fluid transfer between the first
steam chamber 1 and the second steam chamber 2. The return pipe 30
may enable the fluid pumped from the first steam chamber 1 to
circulate even if there is no fluid transfer between the first
steam chamber 1 and the second steam chamber 2. The return pipe 30
may prevent the pump 14, which is running continuously, from
working without any fluid flow through the pump 14. If, for
example, there is a blockage in the first steam chamber 1, fluid
may be able to circulate through the return control circuit 28 and
the pump 14 may not be affected. The indirect return control
circuit 28 may offer more precise control in comparison with the
exit pipe 13' having valve 27 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The indirect
return control circuit 28 may be easier for maintaining the
tolerances of the system. Due to the pressure conditions relieved
by the circuit 28, the return pipe 30 causes smaller changes in the
first steam chamber 1 and the main flow of fluid through the pump
14 to the second steam chamber 2.
[0044] According to another exemplary embodiment, an output control
mechanism such as, for example, a knob 31 or an attachment 32 may
be provided to vary the amounts of steam (A), (B), or (C) to exit
the common output conduit 22, The attachment 32 may control the
mechanical valve assembly 17, the electronic control device 23, the
valve 29, or control the valve 27 (see FIGS. 1, 8 and 9). The
attachment 32 may be coupled to the output conduit 22 and may
include a control device 33 to trigger the control of the
mechanical valve assembly 17, the electronic control device 23, the
valve 29, or control the valve 27. The control device 33 may have,
e.g., but not limited to, a plurality of positions to signify (i) a
predetermined minimum output of steam, (ii) a predetermined medium
output of steam, and (iii) a predetermined maximum output of steam.
An indicator light may indicate that the steam output may be
increased by engaging the control device 32.
[0045] The attachment 32 may be use-specific. Examples include, but
are not limited to, attaching a hose to the conduit 22 to use the
steamer as a garment steamer, attaching an iron apparatus to the
conduit 22, attaching a food apparatus to the conduit 22 to steam
food, and/or attaching a cleaning device to the conduit 22 to use
the steam to disinfect surfaces.
[0046] While various exemplary embodiments of the present invention
have been described above, it should be understood that they have
been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus,
the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be
limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but
should instead be defined only in accordance with the following
claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *