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`06/10/97
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`IN THE UNITED STATES
`PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`
`Applicant:
`
`Albert L. Saari
`
`For
`
`Docket No.
`
`:
`
`:
`
`Humidity Control Device
`
`S 836-001-PAT
`
`FEE CALCULATION SHEET
`
`Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
`Washington D. C. 20231
`
`Sir:
`
`The fees dueforfiling in the patent application of:
`
`Inventor(s):
`
`Albert L. Saari
`
`Title
`
`:
`
`Humidity Control Device
`
`Are calculated as following:
`
`X__Reduced fees are applicable based on the enclosed Verified Statement claim
`Small Entity status.
`
`
`
`tveidviasaUIAA
`
`06/10/97
`
`
`
`
`¢
`
`,
`
`f
`
`f A
`
`f 24 . \
`!
`a wp /qf) \
`i
`we | em
`
`oo,
`
`a
`
`4
`qh
`
`&
`
`‘
`ES
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES
`PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`
`Applicant:
`
`Albert L. Saari
`
`For
`
`Docket No.
`
`:
`
`:
`
`Humidity Control Device
`
`S 836-001-PAT
`
`FEE CALCULATION SHEET
`
`Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
`Washington D. C. 20231
`
`Sir:
`
`The fees dueforfiling in the patent application of:
`
`Inventor(s):
`
`Albert L. Saari
`
`Title
`
`:
`
`Humidity Control Device
`
`Are calculated as following:
`
`X__Reduced fees are applicable based on the enclosed Verified Statement claim
`Small Entity status.
`
`
`
`FEE CALCULATION SHEET
`
`Attorney Docket No. S 836-001-PAT
`
`Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
`Washington, D.C. 20331
`
`Sir/Madam:
`
`The fees due forfiling in the patent application of:
`
`Inventor(s): Albert L. Saari
`
`Title:
`
`Humidity Control Device
`
`Are calculated as follows:
`
`__X_ Reduced fees are applicable based on the enclosed Verified Statement
`claiming Small Entity status.
`
`(Col. 1)
`
`(Col. 2)
`
`Small Entity
`
`Large Entity
`
`FOR:
`
`NO. FILED
`
`NO. EXTRA
`
`RATE
`
`FEE
`
`OR RATE
`
`FEE
`
`
`
`
`TOTAL =|$165.00Total # of # of Extra 15x11 x22 =
`
`
`
`
`
`
`CLAIMS Claims - 20|Claims 15:
`
`
` ___ Multiple Dependant Claim(s)
`
`INDEP
`CLAIMS
`
`# of Ind.
`Claims - 3
`
`# of Extra
`Claims 3:
`
`Presented
`
`lf the difference in Col. 1 is less than
`zero, ENTER "0" in Col. 2
`
`3x38
`
`=
`
`$114.00
`
`x74
`
`=
`
`+115 =
`
`+230 =
`
`TOTAL
`
`$664.00
`
`TOTAL
`
`
`
`
`
`Please charge Deposit Account No.06-1988 in the amount of $
`This sheet is submittedin triplicate.
`
`X_ Acheckin the amount of $664.00 to coverthefiling fee is enclosed.
`
`The Commissioneris authorized to charge payment of any patent application
`processing orfiling fees under 37 CFR §§ 1.16 and 1.17 or credit any
`overpayment to Deposit Account No. 06-1988. A duplicate copy of this sheetis
`enclosed.
`
`Respectfully submitted,
` NormanP.Friederichs, Reg. No. 24,919
`
`N. Paul Friederichs, Ill, Reg. No. 36,515
`Paul L. Maeyaert, Reg. No. 40,076
`Friederichs Law Firm, plc
`425 Pillsbury Center
`200 South Sixth Street
`Minneapolis, MN 55402
`Tel: 612/672-0102
`Fax: 612/672-0214
`
`
`
`NPF
`
`
`
`HUMIDITY CONTROL DEVICE
`
`Field of the Invention
`
`The present invention relates to humidity control devices and more particularly to
`
`humidity control devices for use in cases for storing stringed instruments andthelike as
`
`well as use with storage of cigars; gummy bears/licorice; dried fruit; electronic devices;
`
`fine jewelry; fire arms; transportation of fine art objects such as paintings, sculptures,
`
`10
`
`tapestries as well as the objects themselves and whateveris best stored under constant
`
`
`
`
`humidity conditions.
`
`Backgroundof the invention.
`
`Humidity control devices have been known for many years. Perhaps one of the
`
`earliest humidity control devices was simply a pan of water setting on a stove or heater.
`
`The pan was repeatedly re-filled with water as the heat from the stove or heater
`
`evaporated the water. The water vapor raised the humidity in an environment of low
`
`moisture.
`
`It is well recognized that during cold weather, particularly in the Northern climes,
`
`20
`
`the indoor moisture content may often be very low. This low humidity causes damage.
`
`For example, the drying out of wood pieces that have been glued togetheroften results
`
`in the woodenpieces coming apart at glued joints.
`
`In other words, woodenfurniture with
`
`pieces glued together becomeloose and eventually may entirely separate. Legs mayfall
`
`off chairs or legs may becomedisassociated from a table.
`
`25
`
`Overthe years, sophistication has developed in humidity control devices. Homes
`
`
`
`today often include a humidifier that is associated with the central furnace or heating
`
`system. Water is automatically fed into the humidifier. The water is exposed to warm
`
`moving air which picks up the moisture, carrying the water vapor throughout the home.
`
`Electronic controlled humidity regulators are very effective, but expensive and not very
`
`portable. Desiccants have been used to completely or almost completely removeall the
`
`humidity in the air. Desiccants typically leave the humidity at or quite near zero percent.
`
`In other instances environments may contain an excess amount of water vapor.
`
`Such a condition is typically confronted in the below ground level portion of the house,
`
`typically referred to as a basement.
`
`If the basementis located in a soil environmentthat
`
`contains high moisture, the moisture may move through the walls e.g. concrete, of the
`
`basementraising the moisture content in the basementair to an unacceptably high level.
`
`Devices have been designed to lower the moisture content, such devices are
`
`commonly referred to as dehumidifiers. These devices often work on a principle of
`
`refrigeration. The devices include a coil (tubularcoil) through which a compressiblefluid
`
`is passed. Whenthefluid is permitted to expand, the fluid rapidly lowers the temperature
`
`of the tubing. As moist air is passed over the tubing, condensation takes place on the
`
`tubing forming water which drops down into a removable pan. Periodically the pan is
`
`removed and emptied. All too often, the dehumidifier is forgotten, the pan overflows onto
`
`the floor and the water then evaporates, again raising the humidity.
`
`
`
`20
`
`Humidifying devices and dehumidifying devices of the type just described are
`
`generally not suitable for use in an instrument case containing a violin. The described
`
`humidifying devices and dehumidifying devices take up a substantial amount of space and
`
`
`
`simply will not fit within a violin case. Attempts have been madeto design small devices
`
`that fit within a violin case.
`
`Humidifiers today are available from musical instruments supply houses such as
`
`International Violin Company, Ltd. of Baltimore, Maryland. Such devicestypically include
`
`a small bottle with a fine rubber tube extending out of the bottle. Whenthe bottle isfilled
`
`with water, waterwill run through the fine tube to the open end of the tube. Surface
`
`tension permits the flow of the water to the open endof the tube, but does not permit the
`
`waterto flow through the open endof the tube. Anothertype includesa flexible polymeric
`
`tube with a plurality of openings. This tube contains media that holds water, e.g. sponge-
`
`like. The water evaporates out through the openings. Humidifiers of this type are placed
`
`within the violin case and tend to elevate the moisture in the air contained within the case.
`
`While such devices are commonly found today, these devices have inherent
`
`problems. For example, the bottle may come open andrelease the water in the violin
`
`case. The water may wet the woodofthe violin adversely affecting the finish as well as
`
`causing a release of adjacent glued surfaces.
`
`One is confronted with two alternatives. One may leave the case without a
`
`humidifying device and risk the instrument drying out to such an extent that the glued
`
`surfaces separate. Alternatively, one mayplace a prior art humidifier device, of the type
`
`described, in the case with the risk the device leaks and a larger than desired amount of
`
`
`
`
`20
`
`water may escape from the humidifier, wet the adjacent wood surface and/or glued
`
`surfaces, resulting in damage. The wood surface may warp or have varnish separation.
`
`The glued surfaces may separate and the belly or the back may separate from the
`
`
`
`remainder of the instrument. Thefinancial risk in many instances is substantial. The
`
`value of such instruments mayruninto the hundreds of thousandsofdollars. Damage
`
`to the instrument may reduceits value very substantially. The present invention over
`
`comes the inherent problems of prior humidity control devices.
`
`Summary Of The Present Invention
`
`The present invention provides a device for controlling the relative humidity in an
`
`environment suchas a cigar humidor, a violin case, a jewelry case, a computerhard drive
`
`case orthe like. The present invention utilizes a saturated aqueous solution of a solute
`
`such asa salt or a sugar or another soluble compoundthat inherently creates a desired
`
`relative humidity in the air space adjacent to the humidity control device. The solution
`
`includes a substantial amount of water in a fluid form as a saturated salt solution. The
`
`solution further includes a gel forming material such as an alginate or xanthan. The
`
`combination of vegetable gum, water and salt provides a highly viscous fluid.
`
`In the
`
`
`
`presentinvention, the viscous solution is contained in a polymeric pouch. The polymeric
`
`
`pouch may be ofathin film of polyethylene (high density or low density), oriented
`
`polystyrene or the like. The solution may be a hydrocolloid including soluble gums
`
`(alginate, xanthan, pectin) a protein gel (egg albumen, gelatin) or inorganic polymer
`
`(silicate).
`
`20
`
`The pouch maybe protected within a rigid casing. A casing suitable for use in the
`
`present invention is a tube for example of 5/8" to 3.25". The pouch maybeplaced within
`
`the cylinder and end caps placed on each end of the tube. The tube walls may have
`
`
`
`openings defined therein to permit the movement of water vapor through the tube walls.
`
`The pouch containing the salt gel may also be protected with an envelope, pouch, netting,
`
`or perforated plate that allows relatively free passage for water vapor, yet protects the
`
`morefragile salt pouch from mechanical damage. Alternately, the container for the salt
`
`pouch may be impermeable except for a "window"through which water vaporcan freely
`
`pass.
`
`Anyof various salts may be used to prepare the salt solution. For example, the
`
`solute may be a single salt such as sodium chloride, ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrite
`
`or a mixture of salts such as 50/50 potassium chloride and ammonium nitrate or a
`
`non-ionic compound such as sucrose. As another example, approximately a 50/50 by
`
`weight combination of potassium chloride and ammonium nitrate or ammonium carbonate
`
`and calcium chloride are suitable.
`
`Several different anions and cations can be combined to produce the propersalt
`
`solutions. The anions which maybe usedare: nitrate, nitrite, chloride, bromide, fluoride,
`
`and iodide. The cations which may be used are:
`
`lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium,
`
`cesium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, and barium.
`
`Sugars, sugaralcohols, polybasic acids, and salts of polybasic acids may also be
`
`used to produce the proper solutions. Some of the sugars which may be used are
`
`sucrose, fructose, glucose, galactose, etc. Some of the sugar alcohols which may be
`
`
`
`
`20
`
`used are sorbitol, xylitol, and mannitol. Someof the polybasic acids which can be used
`
`are citric, maleic, malic, and succinic. The salts of the polybasic acids which are usable
`
`are sodium citrate, sodium malate, and sodium tartrate.
`
`
`
`Several different compounds are usable for creating the solutions. The following
`
`list
`
`is only a partial
`
`list of the compounds which are usable:
`
`lead chlorate,
`
`lead
`
`perchlorate, manganese chloride, mercuric nitrate, potassium dichromate, potassium
`
`permanganate, sodium chromate, aluminum nitrate, ammonium chloride, ammonium
`
`dihydrogen phosphate, ammonium bi-sulfite, barium bromide, cobalt sulfate, copper
`
`sulfate, copper nitrite, ferrous sulfate, and ferric bromide.
`
`A solution of sodium chloride will provide a relative humidity at about 74%.
`
`If the
`
`humidity starts to fall below 74%, the salt solution gives up water to form moisture in the
`
`air until the air reaches a relative humidity of 74%. The water travels through the wall of
`
`the polymeric pouch and out through the various openingsin the protective pouch case.
`
`On the other hand, if the moisture in the air around the present device rises above 74%
`
`relative humidity, the salt solution will pick up moisture from the air lowering the relative
`humidity to approximately 74%. A solution of sodium chloride with excess solid crystals
`
`of sodium chloride will provide a relative humidity of about 74%.
`
`Some examplesof humidities possible with single and mixtures of solutes are listed
`
`below. Somesolutes that produce/maintain humidity levels in the 90% or higher range
`
`are: potassium sulfate at 97%; potassium nitrate at 92%; cesium iodide at 91%; and
`
`barium chloride at 90%.
`
`
`
`
`
`Somesolutes that produce/maintain humidity levels in between 80% and 89%are:
`
`20
`
`potassium chloride at 84%; sucrose at 84%; ammonium sulfate at 81%; and potassium
`
`bromide at 81%.
`
`Somesolutes that produce/maintain humidity levels in between 70% and 79% are:
`
`
`
`sodium nitrate at 74%; sodium chloride at 74%; and strontium chloride at 71%.
`
`Somesolutes that produce/maintain humidity levels in between 60% and 69% are:
`
`potassium iodide at 69% and sodium nitrite at 66%
`
`Somesolutes that produce/maintain humidity levels in between 50% and 59% are:
`
`sodium bromide at 58%; sodium dichromate at 55%; and magnesium nitrate at 53%.
`
`A solute that produces/maintains humidity levels in between 40% and 49% is
`
`potassium carbonate at 44%.
`
`
`
`Somesolutes that produce/maintain humidity levels in between 30% and 39% are:
`
`sodium iodide at 38% and magnesium chloride at 33%.
`
`A solute that produces/maintains humidity levels in between 20% and 29% is
`
`calcium chloride at 29%.
`
`Somesolutes that produce/maintain humidity levels between 18% and 6% are:
`
`lithium iodide at 18%; lithium chloride at 11%; potassium hydroxide at 9%; zinc bromide
`
`at 8% andlithium bromide at 6%.
`
`Other salts or combinations of salts can be used to obtain virtually any relative
`
`humidity. For example, a solution of sodium chloride, potassium nitrite and sodium nitrite
`
`of equal molar portions has a relative humidity of 31%. As another example, a solution
`
`of ammonium chloride and potassium nitrate has a relative humidity of 72%.
`
`It has been found desirable in the instance of a cigar humidor holding 4, 6 or 8
`
`20
`
`cigars to provide a pouchthat is capable of passing at least 0.75 grams of water vapor
`
`per 24 hour period. This will permit maintenance of the proper humidity in the humidor
`
`with the humidor being opened up to five times in an environment of less than 30%
`
`
`
`relative humidity.
`
`In most use situations of the present invention a preferred water vapor
`
`transmission rate may bein the range of 1 to 3 grams per day per pouch. This allows
`
`for a reasonably quick restoration of equilibrium in the chamber, e.g. about 2 hours.
`
`The moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) is determined by the type offilm
`
`used and the thicknessof the film. The total transmission is also affected by the area
`
`exposed to the chamberas well as the solution. For example, a 0.5 mil polyvinylchoride
`
`film will transmit about 8 grams per 100 square inches in 24 hours; whereas, a 1.0 mil
`
`film of the same materialwill transmit about 3 or 4 grams in the same time period. The
`
`latter is on the lower end of the practical range for many uses.
`
`Ideally, the rate should
`
`be approximately 10 grams moisture per 100 square inches per 24 hours. The usable
`
`(practical) range for most applications is 5 to 15 grams per 100 square inches per 24
`
`hours. The possibility exists to use rates as low as 0.1 grams per square meter per 24
`
`hours if a necessity exists to maintain a humidity level in a chamberthat has very little,
`
`if any, permeation of moisture vapor through the walls or if oneis willing to build a pouch
`
`with a very large surface area. This rate may work well for disc drives in computers.
`
`Ideally, one would like to have a very large rate,
`
`i.e... 25+ grams per day.
`
`However, it has been found that undesirable seeping may occur if the transmission rate
`
`exceeds 15 grams per 100 square inches per day. Using a goodfirm gel inside of the
`
`pouch mitigates this seepage problem significantly, but not completely.
`
`Films may
`
`
`
`20
`
`become available in the future with very high MVTRs and be suitable for these
`
`applications.
`
`An important function is to get as much transmission of vapor as possible and
`
`
`
`practical becauseit is preferable to reestablish equilibrium in a chamber as quickly as
`
`possible. The higher the transmission rate, the better the performancein retaining the
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`propermoisturelevel in the material being protected in the chamber. The preferred range
`
`of water vapor transmission rates should be on the order of 1 to 3 grams per dayfor
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`restoration and maintenance of humidity in a 2 inch by 4 inch by 10 inch chamber where
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`cigars are stored.
`
`While one could make a regulator with a surface of 100 or more squareinches,
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`these would be rather cumbersome and awkward to employ.
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`If the film passes 5 to 10
`
`grams of water vapor per 100 square inches in 24 hours, one need only make a pouch
`
`of approximately 10 to 20 square inchesto fulfill the performance requirements.
`
`Typical films that meet the requirements of the present invention include food wrap
`
`films of polyvinylchloride, microfiberous polyethylene
`
`(TYVEK™ from Dupont),
`
`microporous polyethylene, high density polyethylene, oriented polystyrene, cellophane,
`
`polycarbonate, and the like that have MVTR of 3 grams or more.
`
`Severalotherfilms may be used. Thefollowingis a list of possible materials which
`
`the films can be madefrom: polyester, polyamides, polyurethane, ethylcellulose, cellulose
`
`acetate, polybutylene, polyethylene terphatlate, polyvinylidene, polyvinylfluoride, and
`
`polyvinylalcohol. A variety of copolymers and laminates may also be used. Films can
`
`be made from rubbers with suitable properties as well.
`
`
`
`
`20
`
`Othertypesoffilms may be used. Very thin versions of low density polyethylene,
`
`polystyrene, or polypropylene andthelike are also functional but may lack strength and
`
`but can be protected by a screen or a lower grade of a material like TYVEK™ film
`
`
`
`(microfiberous polyethylene). However, thesethin films are moredifficult to fabricate with
`
`leak-free seams.
`
`Detailed Description Of The Present Invention
`
`The present invention comprises a humidity control device including a case with
`
`a plurality of openings, a polymeric pouch having walls sufficiently thin to permit migration
`
`of water through thefilm in the form of water vapor and yet thick enough to prevent the
`
`escape ofliquid water, and a solution including an organic or an inorganic solute (e.g.,
`
`salt or sugar), vegetable gum and water. The saturated solution contains excess solute
`
`(e.g., salt or sugar crystals) and is preferably made moreviscouswith a thickening agent.
`
`In some select situations, a fungicide or inhibitor as well as a small amountof a buffering
`
`salt mixture may be necessary.
`
`The case may be of any suitable size and shape. For use with a violin case, the
`
`device will be rather small for example 2 to 5 inches in length and perhaps 1/2 inch to 1
`
`inch in diameter. Alternatively, when larger reservoir of moisture control is necessary, the
`
`pouch may bepillow-like of sufficient mechanical properties of substantially larger
`
`dimensions. For example, a pouch of 2.5 inches by 5.5 inches could contain about 1.5
`
`ounces of moisture or a pouch of 3.5 inches by 7 inches could contain about 3 ounces
`
`of water. Much larger pouches can be designed to accommodate needs for large
`
`
`
`
`20
`
`reservoirs such as for a piano or a bulk package of tobacco products or confections.
`
`Multiple pouches are normally needed in larger chambers (100 cubic inches) unless
`
`provisions are madeto circulate the air in the chamber. For certain applications, the
`
`10
`
`
`
`container may be of an impermeable material with a windowofa film with suitable water
`
`vapor transmission properties. On the other hand, the case may be muchlarger for use
`
`in conjunction with a bass violin, perhaps 8 to 10 inchesin length and 1 1/2 to 2 inches
`
`in diameter. The case may be of any suitable material, for example, a polymer, metal,
`
`glass, ceramic, wood, etc. The preferred material is flexible polyethylene, or a similar
`
`material, or a rigid polystyrene,or a similar material, for most applications. The case may
`
`also be made from netting orfelt-like material such as paper,cloths, fur felt, plastic fibers,
`
`etc. However, other materials may be suitable as well. For example, wood may be used
`
`in expensive units where esthetics are important. The case may have an operable end
`
`portion for receipt of the pouch andsalt solution. The internal container zone maybe for
`
`example circular, rectangular, or triangular in cross section. The device may even be
`
`spherical in shape. Generally,it is advantageous to have maximum surface area perunit
`
`volume. The wall of the case has defined therein a plurality of small openings.
`
`In one
`
`preferred embodiment the openings were oval in shape being approximately 1/16 inch by
`
`1/8 inch in open area. The openings may be provided adjacent to one another with
`
`sufficient adjacent wall structure to provide the strength and protection desired to prevent
`
`damageto the pouch. One preferred device according to the present invention contained
`
`20% open area. The strength requirement is dependent on the application and the abuse
`
`to which the case may be subject.
`
`
`
`20
`
`The pouchof the present invention may be constructed of any polymeric material
`
`such as polyethylene, polystyrene, polyvinylchloride, polybutylene, polycarbonate,
`
`cellophane, microporous polyethylene, microfiberous polyethylene and the like that will
`
`11
`
`
`
`provide the porosity necessary for the movementof the water vapor and retention ofliquid
`
`water. The most suitable materials are polyvinylchloride - shrink wrap, polyvinylchloride,
`
`microporous polyethylene and microfibrous polyethylene. Other suitable materials are K-
`
`Resin (from Phillips Petroleum),
`
`low density polyethylene if less than 0.3 mil thick,
`
`cellophane(brittleness may be a problem), and polystyrene films of 0.5 mil or less, thin
`
`polycarbonate, etc. Typically the film from which the pouch is constructed will have a
`
`thickness of 0.25 to 1.0 mils. The film maybe as thin as 0.15 mils or thinner. Depending
`
`upon the polymer from which the pouch is made, the film may have a thickness of 1 mil
`
`or greater, providing sufficient moisture migration can take place through thefilm. As a
`
`general matter, thinnerfilm is preferred providing the strength of thefilm is sufficient to
`
`avoid rupture during normal use.
`
`Films are characterized by moisture transfer rates. The preferred rate of moisture
`
`transferin the films of the present invention may be as low as .1 grams per square meter
`
`per 24 hours. The preferred rate is in the range of about 10 to 25 grams per 24 hours
`
`per square meteroffilm. Because of the cost and manufacturing considerations, the
`
`useable range for most applications is 5 to 15 grams per 24 hours. Rates as low as 0.1
`
`gram per square meter per 24 hours may be adequate if the chamberhasvery little,
`
`if
`
`any, permeation of moisture vapor through the walls or if a pouch with a very large
`
`surface area is built.
`
`
`
`20
`
`The solution of the present invention may be any suitable solute which has a
`
`saturated solution at 20% solute in water (percent by weight of solute in weight of
`
`solution) as a minimum and anysolute that will provide a saturated solution at 75% solute
`
`12
`
`
`
`in water (percent by weight of solute in weight of solution) as a maximum. The preferred
`
`range of solubility is 25 to 50%. The preferred saturated solution contains 50% solute
`
`and 50% water, however, the maximum range contemplated in the present invention
`
`provides a saturated solution at 5% solute and as high as 90% solute by weight. A
`
`suitable solution may include a 50/50 combination of ammonia nitrate and calcium
`
`chloride, this solution will provide a relative humidity slightly under 70%. Some sugars
`
`may besuitable. Sucroseis suitable, but works at a slowerrate than salts. Glucose and
`
`fructose work well for disposable pouches. These two sugar solutions workforfive to ten
`
`cycles. Sodium chloride is a preferred salt which is used in a large range of applications
`
`becauseof its humidity (ca 75%), good solubility (25%), non-toxicity, and cost. Other
`
`salts or solutes would be usedif a different humidity is desirable.
`
`Thesalt solution of the present invention is thickened with a vegetable gum. The
`
`vegetable gum mustbe suitable for use in the concentrated salt solution. The preferred
`
`thickeners are propylene glycol alginate and xanthan. Other usable vegetable gums are
`
`pectin, guar, arabic, tragacath, or starches. Some microbial gums which are usable are:
`
`Gellan and Xanthan. Some seaweed gums which are usable: such as carrageenan,
`
`alginate such as sodium alginate or calcium alginate. Some synthetic gums which are
`
`usable are: carboxymethyl cellulose and propyleneglycol cellulose. Since manyof these
`
`gums are unstable thickeners for saturated salt solutions, the resulting syneresis of
`
`
`
`20
`
`saturated salt solutions requires 100% integrity of pouch seals.
`
`The preferred
`
`concentration is at 1 to 2% of the total solution which gives viscosity ranges in excessof
`
`2500 cps whichis acceptable to an actual gel. Such a viscosity is adequate to maintain
`
`13
`
`
`
`a uniform suspension of the excess solute duringfilling of the pouches with the solution.
`
`A thixotropic or shear thinning gel is preferred for manufacturing purposes. Viscosities
`
`between 1500 cps and 5000 cps will work. The preferred viscosity is 2500 cps.
`
`Viscosities of less than 2500 cps can be used with proper seals at the seams.
`
`In some
`
`instances, the present invention may be without the addition of a gum or any other type
`
`of thickening agent.
`
`If desired the present humidity control device may include a mechanism for
`
`securing the device in place such asin the violin case. One suggested approachis the
`
`use of VELCRO® mounting, a hook and loop mechanism, in the case.
`
`Examples of the Present Invention
`
`Example 1. The following is an example of the present invention. Approximately 40
`
`gramsof propylene glycolalginate (Kelcoloid HVF, Kelco Corp.) was thoroughly blended
`
`with 200 gramsof sodium chloride. This mixture was added to 250 ml tap water at room
`
`temperature with vigorousstirring until the suspension was homogeneousto the naked
`
`eye. This gel was placed into tubes of 0.35 or 0.7 mil polyethylene tubing, sealed and
`
`inserted into a tube, 1/2 inch internal diameter and 5/8 inch external diameter. This unit
`
`is suitable for inclusions into a cigar humidor of approximately 6 inches by 4 inches by
`
`3/4 inches.
`
`
`
`20
`
`A pouch containing 7 grams of the above gel was placed in water at room
`
`temperature (200C). The pouch gained approximately 0.3-grams of water per houruntil
`
`all of the salt was dissolved upon which no further absorption occurred. The Moisture
`
`14
`
`
`
`Vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR) was 0.07 gramsperday perunit, relative humidity was
`
`14%,
`
`Example 2. The following is a second example of the present invention. One-hundred
`
`fifty (150) grams of potassium chloride and 160 grams of ammonium nitrate were blended
`
`with 15 grams of propylene glycol alginate (Kelcoloid HVF). This wasstirred into 300 ml
`
`of water. The resulting gel was placed into pouchesof 0.7 mil polyethylene, sealed and
`
`placed into 3.25 inch tubes prepared from low density polyethylene netting material.
`
`These flexible tubes were inserted into slots prepared in pocket sized cigar humidors.
`
`The relative humidity at 200C was approximately 72%, the MVTRpercylinder was 0.08
`
`gramsper day.
`
`Example 3. Four hundred (400) grams of sugar
`
`(sucrose) and 12 grams of
`
`pregelatinized tapioca starch were added to 160 grams of water in a blender. Upon
`
`blending, a pourable thickened suspension was obtained. Forty (40)to fifty (50) gram
`
`portions were placed in pouchesprepared from microfibril polyethylene (TYVEK™) coated
`
`with a heat sealing adhesive. A small amount of seepage was noted in a pouch with a
`
`poor seal at one seam of 5 pouches prepared. The MVTRper pouch was 5.5 grams per
`
`day and the relative humidity was 82%.
`
`
`
`
`Example 4. Nine (9) grams of xanthan gum and 50 grams of ammonium chloride were
`
`dry blended and added to 250 grams of water. This was mixed at a slow speed in a
`
`20
`
`blender until a thick gel formed. To this was added an additional 200 grams of
`
`ammonium chloride with good mixing in the blender. Samples of about 40 gramsofthis
`
`gel were placed in a 3 X 5.5 inch pouch of 1.0 mil PVC film. The MVTR per pouch was
`
`15
`
`
`
`about 0.85 grams per day and the relative humidity was 77%.
`
`Example 5. About 1200 gramsof saturated potassium chloride solution (in water) was
`
`treated with a blend of 250 grams of powdered potassium chloride and 60 grams of
`
`propylene glycol alginate (Kelcoloid HVF) in a blender. The gelled material was placed
`
`into pouches prepared from microfibril polyethylene (TYVEK™) with a heat sealing
`
`adhesive. These pouches measuring 2.25 X 3.5 inches contained about 50 gramsofgel.
`
`The MVTR was about 3.3 grams per pouchper day.
`
`
`
`16
`
`
`
`Operation Of The PresentInvention
`
`The presentinvention is assembled by placing the pouch containing the thickened
`
`saturated salt solution within the container zone of the case. The caseis then enclosed,
`
`for example, by securing the end portionsto a tubular case. The caseis then placed in
`
`the violin case in a secure location.
`
`It may for example simplylie loose within the violin
`
`case, such as in a pocket. The device may be secured in a desired location using
`
`VELCRO® mounting (a hook and loop mechanism), plastic clips orthe like. For a case,
`
`such as a violin case, a plurality of pouches may be usedto increase the humidity within
`
`a reasonable time.
`
`If humidity is above the certain humidity characteristic of the salt solution, the water
`
`vaporwill be removed from the air and held within the salt solution until the humidity has
`
`returned to the predetermined point. On the other hand, if the air surrounding the device
`
`falls below the characteristic humidity point, water vapor will be given off by the salt
`
`solution so the air will return to that point.
`
`
`
`
`17
`
`
`
`Abstract Of The Invention
`
`A humidity control device for use in maintaining a desired humidity, the device
`
`including a protective case, a water vapor permeable pouch and a thickened saturated
`
`5
`
`solution, the solution having a suitable humidity control point.
`
`
`
`18
`
`
`
`What Is Claimed Is;
`
`1.
`
`A humidity control device for use in a stringed instrument case for maintaining a
`
`desired humidity, said deviceincludinga protective case, a water vapor permeable pouch
`
`and a thickened saturated salt solution, said case comprising wall means defining an
`
`enclosure, said wall meansincluding a plurality of openings through which water vapor
`
`mayfreely move, said pouch being formedof a thin wall polymer film through which water
`
`vapor may pass, said thickened saturated salt solution comprising water, salt and a
`
`thickening agent, said salt being present in an amount between 20 and 75 percent by
`
`weight based on the weight of the combination of water and salt, said thickening agent
`
`being present in an amountsufficient to thicken the salt solution, said thickened saturated
`
`salt solution being contained within the polymeric pouch and sealed from escape from the
`
`pouch, said pouch containing the thickened saturated salt solution being contained within
`
`the protective case to protect the pouch from rupture.
`
`2.
`
`The humidity control device of Claim 1 wherein the polymerfilm has a thickness
`
`of between 0.15 mils and 1 mil.
`
`
`
`3.
`
`The humidity contro! device of Claim 2 wherein the polymer film is a member
`
`selected from the group consisting of high density polyethylene, polyvinylcholride, oriented
`
`20
`
`polystyrene, microporous polyethylene, and microfiberous polyethylene.
`
`4.
`
`The humidity control device of claim 3 wherein the salt solution comprises a 50/50
`
`19
`
`
`
`mixture of NH,NO, and KCl by weight.
`
`5.
`
`The humidity control device of claim 4 wherein the thickening agent comprises
`
`propylene glycol alginate.
`
`6.
`
`The humidity control device of claim 4 wherein the thickening agent comprises
`
`xanthan.
`
`
`
`
`
`7.
`
`The humidity control device of claim 5 wherein the case comprises a tubular
`
`structure having openings of between about 1/16th inch by 1/8th inch.
`
`8.
`
`The humidity control device of claim 7 wherein the case includes a pair of
`
`removable end caps.
`
`9.
`
`The humidity control device of claim 8 wherein the case is constructed of a
`
`polymer.
`
`10.|The humidity contro! device of claim 9 wherein the case is about 2 to 5 inchesin
`
`length and 5/8th to 3/4 inchesin internal diameter.
`
`20
`
`11.|The humidity control device of claim 10 wherein the device includes a securement
`
`mechanism for attaching the device to the inside of an instrument case.
`
`20
`
`
`
`12.
`
`A humidity control device for maintaining a desired humidity, said device including
`
`a protective case, a water vapor permeable pouch andathickeneds
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