Humidifier

Abstract

A portable, free-standing humidifier is disclosed that incorporates an integrated lighting and misting chamber to create a visually aesthetic flame-like or lantern-like effect in addition to functional humidity dispersion. The humidifier includes a tank assembly for holding liquid, a base assembly housing a transducer for generating fine mist, and at least one light source configured to illuminate mist traveling through a transparent or translucent chamber. In some embodiments, a mist tube is positioned within the chamber to concentrate mist flow and enhance illumination effects. The device further includes blower assemblies to entrain mist into an upward flow, magnetic sensing systems for verifying proper tank placement, and a controller for managing mist output, lighting effects, and operational safety. The invention enables dynamic ambient visual displays, safe and efficient humidification, and intelligent user control, creating a multifunctional device that enhances both air quality and interior atmosphere.

1 . A humidifier comprising:
 a tank configured to hold a fluid;   a base configured to support the tank;   a mist generator positioned within the base and configured to generate mist from the fluid;   a chamber positioned within the tank, where the chamber includes a mist inlet in fluid communication with the mist generator and a mist outlet;   at least one light source positioned relative to the chamber and configured to emit light into the chamber; and   at least one blower positioned within the base and configured to propel mist generated by the mist generator upwardly through the chamber toward the mist outlet.   
     
     
         2 . The humidifier of  claim 1 , where the mist generator comprises a transducer. 
     
     
         3 . The humidifier of  claim 2 , where the humidifier comprises a plurality of light sources positioned around the transducer. 
     
     
         4 . The humidifier of  claim 1 , where the fluid held within the tank surrounds at least a portion of an external surface of the chamber. 
     
     
         5 . The humidifier of  claim 1 , where the humidifier includes a magnetic sensing mechanism configured to prevent operation of the humidifier unless the tank is properly seated on the base. 
     
     
         6 . The humidifier of  claim 1 , where the humidifier includes two blowers operating in tandem to increase mist velocity. 
     
     
         7 . A humidifier comprising:
 a tank configured to hold a fluid, where the tank includes a mist outlet;   a base configured to support the tank;   a mist generator positioned within the base and configured to generate mist from the fluid;   at least one light source positioned within the base;   a chamber positioned within the tank, where the chamber includes a mist inlet in fluid communication with the mist generator, where the chamber extends between the at least one light source and the mist outlet of the tank;   at least one blower positioned within the base and configured to propel mist generated by the mist generator upwardly through the chamber toward the mist outlet.   
     
     
         8 . The humidifier of  claim 7 , where the chamber is at least semi-transparent. 
     
     
         9 . The humidifier of  claim 7 , where the chamber is translucent. 
     
     
         10 . The humidifier of  claim 1 , where the light source is configured to emit light into an interior of the chamber. 
     
     
         11 . The humidifier of  claim 1 , where the humidifier further comprises a mist tube positioned within the chamber. 
     
     
         12 . The humidifier of  claim 11 , where the light source is configured to emit light within an interior of the mist tube and the chamber. 
     
     
         13 . The humidifier of  claim 11 , where the light source is configured to emit light within an interior of the chamber and an exterior of the mist tube. 
     
     
         14 . The humidifier of  claim 1 , where the humidifier further comprises a controller configured to adjust mist output from the mist generator and lighting effects from the at least one light source. 
     
     
         15 . A humidifier comprising:
 a tank configured to hold a fluid, where the tank includes a top side having a mist outlet and a bottom side;   a base supporting the tank;   a mist generator positioned within the base and configured to generate mist from the fluid;   a chamber extending from the bottom side of the tank, where the chamber includes a mist inlet in fluid communication with the mist generator,   at least one light source positioned within the base, where the light source is configured to emit light within an interior of the chamber;   at least one blower configured to propel mist generated by the mist generator upwardly through the chamber toward the mist outlet.   
     
     
         16 . The humidifier of  claim 15 , where the tank is at least semi-transparent or translucent. 
     
     
         17 . The humidifier of  claim 16 , where the chamber is at least semi-transparent or translucent. 
     
     
         18 . The humidifier of  claim 15 , where the bottom of the tank includes a valve assembly. 
     
     
         19 . The humidifier of  claim 15 , where the chamber is a cylindrical tube. 
     
     
         20 . The humidifier of  claim 15 , where the bottom side of the tank includes a blower cover.