초록 ▼

The present invention provides a means and a device to control relative humidity and airborne contaminants within a defined environment. The devices and methods of the present invention enable a user to regulate the relative humidity of a defined environment and insure that extreme conditions, e.g.

The present invention provides a means and a device to control relative humidity and airborne contaminants within a defined environment. The devices and methods of the present invention enable a user to regulate the relative humidity of a defined environment and insure that extreme conditions, e.g. less than 15% or greater than 90% relative humidity, do not exist. The air quality control system can also be used to control the relative humidity in and about a narrow range. Control over relative humidity and airborne contaminants is achieved by combining an appropriate salt and water solution, such as a saturated salt solution with a solid phase of that salt, with an isolation membrane and a getter system. The present invention is particularly useful for housing sensors, such as SIR sensors, which are sensitive to relative humidity extremes. The incorporation of a relative humidity control system with a SIR sensor results in greater stability, longer life, an increased response at relative humidity extremes, and a more uniform response over the entire range of relative humidity and temperature. Unlike conventional methods and devices, the present invention uses no power, can be open to the atmosphere, is orientation independent, and is inexpensive.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A device for controlling air quality characteristics within a defined air space of the device, the device comprising:a housing including one or more openings to an external environment:a reservoir incorporated within the housing; anda chamber disposed within the housing

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A device for controlling air quality characteristics within a defined air space of the device, the device comprising:a housing including one or more openings to an external environment:a reservoir incorporated within the housing; anda chamber disposed within the housing separate from the reservoir and providing a defined air space within the device, wherein the reservoir is in air-flow communication with the chamber;means disposed within the reservoir for controlling the relative humidity of air in the chamber; andan isolation means interposed between the means for controlling and the chamber that provides controlled relative rates of diffusion of water vapor into and out of the chamber, and that restricts the movement of liquid or solid matter between the means for controlling and the chamber.