(19)
(11) EP 0 707 179 A3

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88) Date of publication A3:
26.02.1997 Bulletin 1997/09

(43) Date of publication A2:
17.04.1996 Bulletin 1996/16

(21) Application number: 95307261.8

(22) Date of filing: 12.10.1995
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)6: F24F 6/04
(84) Designated Contracting States:
DE FR GB IT SE

(30) Priority: 13.10.1994 JP 247985/94

(71) Applicant: JAPAN GORE-TEX, INC.
Setagaya-ku Tokyo 156 (JP)

(72) Inventors:
  • Hamasaki, Sadakatsu
    Okayama-Shi, Okayama-Ken 709-08 (JP)
  • Shibata, Yoshihiko
    Okayama-Shi, Okayama-Ken 704 (JP)
  • Shimizu, Yoichi
    Okayama-Shi, Okayama-Ken 703 (JP)

(74) Representative: Jones, Andrée Zena et al
CRUIKSHANK & FAIRWEATHER 19 Royal Exchange Square
Glasgow, G1 3AE Scotland
Glasgow, G1 3AE Scotland (GB)

   


(54) Humidifier assembly


(57) The invention provides an assembly of humidification elements (10) for use in a humidifier unit. The elements consist of porous polymeric membranes (1,2) and support materials formed into planar envelope-type or hollow tubular configurations which are treated with a water- and oil repellent organic polymer in such a way that at least a portion of the structure forming the pores is coated with the organic polymer, yet the pore volume and air permeability of the porous materials are only minimally affected. Assemblies having spiral-wound, folded, and parallel arrangements of elements are disclosed.






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