Allen M Foote

US Patent:

41503724, Apr 17, 1979

Filed:

Nov 7, 1977

Appl. No.:

5/849396

Inventors:

Allen M. Foote - Dana NC

International Classification:

G08B 2100

US Classification:

340620

Abstract:

A humidity control system, such as can be used with a piano to control the level of humidity within the interior of the piano, is comprised of a low water measuring/warning sub-system and a "blind" refill sub-system. The low water measuring/warning sub-system comprises stainless steel probes extending below the water level in a humidifying unit when the unit is filled with water. When the water in the humidifying unit is sufficiently high to cover the ends of the probes, a neon light is shorted, the absence of light emission from said neon light thereby indicating a sufficient water supply to be present in the humidifying unit. Evaporation of the water to a level below the ends of the probes causes a circuit including the neon light to be completed, thereby causing the light to be lit and indicating that the water supply in the humidifying unit has been diminished by a predetermined amount and can be replenished by said predetermined amount without the need for visual observation of the humidifying unit. The "blind" refill sub-system comprises a water refill conduit fixed in operative relation to the humidifying unit, the conduit having a water-receiving funnel attachable to the distal end thereof and disposed for convenient access such that the humidifying unit can be exactly refilled without the need for visually observing the unit to avoid overfilling.

US Patent:

44236581, Jan 3, 1984

Filed:

Aug 4, 1981

Appl. No.:

6/289896

Inventors:

Allen M. Foote - Dana NC

International Classification:

G10C 300
G05D 2202

US Classification:

84453

Abstract:

A humidifier adapted to be associated with a grand piano to facilitate the control of humidity conditions and which also can be used to humidify any small enclosed area. The humidifier includes a tank having a supply of water therein, a heating element and evaporator pads disposed at the top of the tank and a unique supporting assembly for the tank to support the tank from the top of the braces or posts in a grand piano or between the rim and an adjacent brace or posts or between the rims with the supporting structure including support rods and clips or telescoping tube assemblies. A distribution shield or baffle having depending skirts is disposed above the tank and supported from the support rods or tubes and extends throughout the length and width of the tank so that it will spread moisture more evenly in relation to the components of the piano.