US20100086287A1 - Apparatus and method for a steamer - Google Patents

Apparatus and method for a steamer Download PDF

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Publication number
US20100086287A1
US20100086287A1 US12/552,105 US55210509A US2010086287A1 US 20100086287 A1 US20100086287 A1 US 20100086287A1 US 55210509 A US55210509 A US 55210509A US 2010086287 A1 US2010086287 A1 US 2010086287A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
steam
fluid
chamber
passage
steam chamber
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US12/552,105
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English (en)
Inventor
Max Rosenzweig
Ognjen Vrdoljak
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sharkninja Operating LLC
Original Assignee
Euro Pro Operating LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Euro Pro Operating LLC filed Critical Euro Pro Operating LLC
Priority to US12/552,105 priority Critical patent/US20100086287A1/en
Priority to CA2679715A priority patent/CA2679715A1/en
Priority to PCT/US2009/057231 priority patent/WO2010039438A1/en
Assigned to EURO-PRO OPERATING LLC reassignment EURO-PRO OPERATING LLC ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: ROSENZWEIG, MAX, MR., VRDOLJAK, OGNJEN, MR.
Priority to CN2009101792628A priority patent/CN101929671A/zh
Publication of US20100086287A1 publication Critical patent/US20100086287A1/en
Assigned to BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. reassignment BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. SECURITY AGREEMENT Assignors: EURO-PRO OPERATING LLC
Assigned to SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC reassignment SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/40—Steam generating arrangements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F22—STEAM GENERATION
    • F22B—METHODS OF STEAM GENERATION; STEAM BOILERS
    • F22B1/00—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method
    • F22B1/28—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method in boilers heated electrically
    • F22B1/284—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method in boilers heated electrically with water in reservoirs
    • F22B1/285—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method in boilers heated electrically with water in reservoirs the water being fed by a pump to the reservoirs
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J27/00—Cooking-vessels
    • A47J27/04—Cooking-vessels for cooking food in steam; Devices for extracting fruit juice by means of steam ; Vacuum cooking vessels

Definitions

  • Embodiments of the invention relate to an apparatus for a steamer.
  • the use of steam as a tool has been used in a variety of ways.
  • garment steamers, food steamers, steam irons, and steam cleaners utilize the benefits of steam.
  • Garment steamers are used to remove wrinkles from clothing via an application of steam.
  • Conventional garment steamers are limited in the type of steam produced and the amount of steam generated. Due to the design of known garment steamers, the steam produced is highly susceptible to outputting water with the steam. The output of water with steam can damage delicate fabrics such as silk.
  • Food steamers have been designed to allow for faster, cleaner cooking.
  • conventional food steamers are limited in the amount and kind of steam which can be produced. Due to the varying compositions of food, different foods may require different types and amounts of steam for better cooking. A larger amount of steam may allow for faster cooking times.
  • Steam cleaners use steam to disinfect surfaces. Conventional steamers are limited in the amount and type of steam which may be produced.
  • a steam apparatus comprising: a first steam apparatus to produce a first steam having a humidity level at or above a first predetermined level and having a temperature at or below a first predetermined temperature; a second steam apparatus to produce a second steam having a humidity level at or below a second predetermined level and having a temperature at or above a second predetermined temperature; and an output apparatus configured to receive the first steam and the second steam and output the first steam, the second steam, or a hybrid steam defined by a mixture of the first steam and the second steam.
  • the apparatus may include a first steam chamber configured to contain fluid and a second steam chamber disposed adjacent to the first steam chamber.
  • the second steam chamber may define a passage fluidly connected to the first steam chamber to receive fluid from the first steam chamber.
  • a heating element may be disposed within the second steam chamber and be substantially adjacent to the passage. The heating element may be configured to heat the fluid in the first steam chamber to generate a first steam having a humidity level above a predetermined level and having a temperature below a predetermined degree.
  • the first steam may have a temperature of 110 degrees C. while under 1.5 bars of absolute pressure.
  • the heating element may be configured to heat the fluid received in the passage to generate a second steam having a humidity level below the predetermined level and having a temperature above the predetermined degree.
  • a common output conduit may be fluidly coupled to an exit of the passage and may also be fluidly coupled to the first steam chamber.
  • the common output conduit may be configured to receive the first steam and the second steam and output the first steam, the second steam, or a hybrid steam defined by a mixture of the first steam and the second steam.
  • the method for generating steam may include heating fluid in the first steam chamber with the heating element to generate the first steam from evaporation of the fluid; channeling the first steam to the common output conduit; pumping the fluid from the first steam chamber to the passage in the second steam chamber; heating the fluid in the passage with the heating element; channeling the fluid through the passage to generate second steam; channeling the second steam to the common output conduit; and outputting the first steam, the second steam, or the hybrid steam from the common output conduit.
  • Embodiments of the invention may overcome the surface tension of the water while using less energy. Further embodiments of the invention may use the saved energy to create more steam. Further embodiments of the invention may be used with any device that is configured to produce steam.
  • FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary front schematic view illustrating an exemplary steamer according to an embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary exploded front schematic view of the exemplary steamer of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary top view of a second steam chamber of the exemplary steamer of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIGS. 4-6 collectively, depict the exemplary steamer of FIG. 1 including an exemplary mechanical valve knob in different exemplary functional positions;
  • FIGS. 7 and 8 collectively, depict an exemplary rear schematic view of an exemplary steamer including an exemplary circuit, which may control an operating speed of an exemplary pump according to an embodiment of the invention
  • FIGS. 9 and 10 collectively, depict a schematic rear partial view of an exemplary steamer including an exemplary mechanical valve for direct water flow control according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIGS. 11 and 12 collectively, depict a schematic exemplary rear partial view of a steamer including an exemplary mechanical valve for indirect water flow control according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • a steamer may include at least two steam generation chambers. Each steam generation chamber may have a different configuration for producing steam. The configurations cause steam to have different properties. The differences between the steams produced may include differences in the steam temperature, the output velocity of the steam, and/or the humidity level of the steam.
  • a first steam chamber may create large quantities of low temperature and low velocity steam output
  • a second steam chamber may create high temperature and high velocity steam output.
  • the first steam chamber may generate the low velocity steam by utilizing a large outlet orifice for producing high volume steam output at low pressure conditions.
  • the second steam chamber may generate high velocity steam by utilizing a small outlet orifice for reducing the steam flow at higher pressure conditions.
  • the steamer may combine the different steams to generate a hybrid steam.
  • a variety of steamer attachments may use the steam for a variety of uses including, e.g., but not limited to, garment steamer attachments, steam iron attachments, food steamer attachments, and/or steam cleaner attachments etc.
  • FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a steamer according to the invention.
  • the steamer 100 may include a first steam chamber 1 and a second steam chamber 2 .
  • the first steam chamber 1 may be filled with a fluid such as, for example, but not limited to, water through an inlet 3 .
  • Other fluids may also be used to enhance the properties of the steam to be produced, such as, for example, but not limited to, salt water, lemon water, or water with bleach etc.
  • the first steam chamber 1 may have an optimum predetermined fluid level to indicate an optimum maximum level of fluid intake for the steamer 100 .
  • the first steam chamber 1 may also include a warning predetermined minimum fluid level to indicate a dangerously low level of fluid in the steamer 100 .
  • a sensor (not shown) may indicate the predetermined fluid level and the warning predetermined minimum fluid level.
  • the first steam chamber 1 may be fluidly connected to the second steam chamber 2 through a series of passages.
  • the first steam chamber 1 may contain a base 4 .
  • the base 4 may include a heating element 5 (see FIG. 2 ) which may be embedded within the base 4 .
  • the heating element 5 may heat the fluid contained in the first steam chamber 1 .
  • a steam (A) may develop from the heated fluid.
  • the steam (A) may be characterized as a “moist steam” which has a temperature below a predetermined degree and a humidity level above a predetermined humidity level.
  • the steam (A) may pass through a steam surface slowly to allow the humidity and heat to transfer to the steam surface over time. Garment steaming of linens, denims, and heavy cottons are examples where low velocity, low temperature, higher humidity steam may be used.
  • the steam (A) can exit the first steam chamber 1 through an outlet pipe 6 .
  • the first steam chamber 1 may also include a thermostat 12 to measure the temperature of the fluid in the first steam chamber 1 .
  • the heating element 5 may be connected to a power supply (not shown) for continuous heating of the fluid.
  • the first steam chamber 1 may be fluidly coupled to the second steam chamber 2 through passages.
  • the fluid in the first steam chamber 1 reaches a predetermined temperature as determined by the thermostat 12
  • the fluid may exit the first steam chamber 1 through an exit pipe 13 .
  • a pump 14 may be coupled to the exit pipe 13 to pump the fluid from the first steam chamber 1 .
  • the thermostat 12 may ensure that the pump 14 pumps only when the fluid in the first steam chamber 1 reaches the predetermined temperature.
  • the predetermined temperature may be within a range of, e.g., but not limited to approximately 70 to 90 degrees C.
  • the thermostat 12 may include an indicator light (not shown) to indicate when the fluid reaches the predetermined temperature.
  • a pressure switch (not shown) may also be provided for reducing the pressure in the first steam chamber 1 and for further monitoring of the conditions in the first steam chamber 1 .
  • the second steam chamber 2 may have a separate device to channel fluid to the second steam chamber 2 in addition to the fluid from first steam chamber 1 or in place of the fluid from the first steam chamber 1 .
  • the pump 14 may pump the fluid through the exit pipe 13 toward an inlet 10 of the second steam chamber 2 .
  • the pump 14 may pressurize the fluid that arrives at the second steam chamber 2 .
  • the end of the exit pipe 13 or the beginning of the inlet 10 may be coupled to an atomizer 15 .
  • the atomizer may convert the fluid into a fine mist without drops of fluid incorporated into the fine mist. Due to the surface tension of fluids such as water, drops of water require more heat energy to evaporate in comparison to a fine mist of water. The conversion of the fluid into a fine mist increases the surface area of the fluid which subsequently reduces the heat energy required for evaporating the fluid.
  • the heat energy saved by utilizing the atomizer may be used to produce more steam
  • the atomizer may be embodied as a spray nozzle device that has a small opening.
  • the fluid velocity at the exit pipe 13 may also be high which may cause the fluid to split into a plurality of small droplets thus creating the fine mist.
  • the fine mist may then enter the second steam chamber 2 through the inlet 10 .
  • the atomizer 15 may limit the possibility of fluid exiting with steam generated in the second steam chamber 2 .
  • a second steam (B) may exit the second steam chamber 2 via the outlet pipe 16 and may enter the exemplary mechanical valve assembly 17 .
  • the steam (B) may have properties different than steam (A).
  • the steam (B) may be characterized as a “dry steam” which may have a temperature above a predetermined degree and a humidity below a predetermined humidity level.
  • the exemplary mechanical valve assembly 17 may include in one exemplary embodiment a switch or valve 18 (or valves) and may control the steam output of steam (A) and/or steam (B).
  • the base 4 may include the heating element 5 and the second steam chamber 2 , which may be defined by a top part or element 7 , and a bottom part or element 8 .
  • a fastening system such as, e.g., but not limited to, a screw assembly 9 may couple the top and bottom parts 7 , 8 together.
  • the heating element 5 may heat the top part 7 to warm the fluid in the first steam chamber 1 and may also heat the contents in the second steam chamber 2 .
  • a second heating element 26 may be provided for heating the first steam chamber 1 or the second steam chamber 2 .
  • the second steam chamber 2 may be defined by corresponding channels formed in the top and bottom parts 7 , 8 of the base 4 .
  • the channels may be positioned in a middle part (not shown) with the top part 7 and the bottom part 8 serving as covers.
  • the path of the heating element 5 may track the channels formed in the top and bottom parts 7 , 8 . In this way, the heating element 5 may heat the contents of the second steam chamber 2 while heating the fluid in the first steam chamber 1 .
  • the second steam chamber 2 may be designed to have the longest possible path available to provide the maximum length possible between inlet 10 and an outlet 11 for the conversion of all the fluid/mist into steam.
  • the second steam chamber 2 may have a shortened path to allow a smaller percentage of evaporation of the fluid. This embodiment may allow a fine mist of fluid to exit with the steam created in the second steam chamber.
  • the exit pipe 13 may couple to the inlet 10 so that fluid from the first steam chamber 1 may enter or be injected to the second steam chamber 2 after passing through the atomizer 15 .
  • the atomized fluid that is injected into the second steam chamber 2 may be converted to steam by the end of the second steam chamber 2 .
  • the channel width of the second steam chamber 2 may be narrow or may narrow to facilitate the conversion of substantially all the fluid into steam.
  • the second steam chamber 2 may include sharp directional changes wherein the passage may turn with a small radius direction change.
  • the second steam chamber 2 may have capture pockets 21 A, 21 B, 21 C, and 21 D (collectively 21 ) where fluid can collect.
  • the capture pockets 21 may purposely create turbulence points within the passage to trap any fluid droplets that may be transferred along with the steam moving at a high velocity.
  • the fluid which is heavier than the steam, may be unable to turn within the passage and may remain trapped in the capture pockets 21 without the possibility to move until the fluid is converted into steam (B).
  • Once the fluid inside the pockets is converted into steam (B), the pressure inside the second steam chamber 2 may increase due to the fluid to steam conversion process.
  • the steam (B) in the passage may travel toward the steam outlet 11 .
  • An outlet pipe 16 (see FIGS. 1 and 4 ) may connect or couple to the steam outlet 11 to channel the steam (B) away from the second steam chamber 2 .
  • the outlet pipe 6 from the first steam chamber 1 and the outlet pipe 16 from the second steam chamber 2 may both be coupled to an exemplary mechanical valve(s) assembly 17 .
  • the mechanical valve assembly 17 may allow the release of steam (A) or steam (B).
  • the mechanical valve assembly 17 may also allow the steam (A) and the steam (B) to mix in order to form a hybrid steam (C).
  • Steam cleaning is an example of using a high velocity moist steam.
  • the hybrid steam (C) may be used.
  • the mechanical valve assembly 17 may include in one embodiment a valve 18 , a micro-switch 19 , and/or a control cam 20 .
  • the steam (A), steam (B), or hybrid steam (C) may exit the mechanical valve assembly 17 through a common output conduit 22 which may be coupled to the mechanical valve assembly 17 .
  • An exemplary micro-switch 19 may control the power supply to the pump 14 . When the micro-switch 19 is depressed, power may be sent to the pump 14 .
  • the pump 14 may channel the fluid at the predetermined temperature from the first steam chamber 1 to the second steam chamber 2 .
  • the control cam 20 may depress the micro-switch 19 to turn the power on for the pump 14 .
  • the valve 18 may be manually or automatically controlled and may control the position of the control cam 20 .
  • the valve 18 also may control the steam passed from outlet pipes 6 and 16 to the common output conduit 22 .
  • the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 4-6 shows the valve 18 with three positions. However, the valve 18 may alternatively be embodied with a single or other positions.
  • FIG. 4 shows an exemplary first position of the valve 18 . In the first position, the mechanical valve assembly 17 may accept steam (A) from the first steam chamber 1 and may output the steam (A) via the common output conduit 22 . In the first position, the control cam 20 may not contact the micro-switch 19 and the pump 14 may be off.
  • the valve 18 may shift to a second position and the control cam 20 may contact the micro-switch 19 .
  • the power may be supplied to the pump 14 and fluid at the predetermined temperature may be channeled to the second steam chamber 2 .
  • the mechanical valve assembly 17 may accept both steam (A) and steam (B) into the assembly 17 to form the hybrid steam (C).
  • the hybrid steam (C) may exit the common output conduit 22 .
  • the valve 18 may shift to a third position and the control cam 20 may contact the micro-switch 19 .
  • the mechanical valve assembly 17 may accept the steam (B) from the second steam chamber 2 via outlet pipe 16 while outlet pipe 6 is closed. Since the steam (A) may not exit the first steam chamber 1 through the outlet pipe 6 in this position, the pressure in the first steam chamber 1 may increase.
  • the pressure switch (not shown) may be used to reduce the pressure generated in the steam chamber 1 .
  • the common output conduit 22 may release the steam (B) in this third position.
  • the valve 18 may have two positions.
  • a first position may allow just one of the steam (A) or steam (B) to exit.
  • both the steam released in the first position and the steam not released in the first position may both be released. Accordingly, the steam released in the first position may always be released regardless of the first or second position.
  • the steam output may be controlled in a range from of a predetermined minimum single release of steam to a maximum hybrid steam (C) of both steam (A) and steam (B).
  • the mechanical valve assembly 17 may control a percentage of the steam (A) to enter the common output conduit 22 and control a percentage of the steam (B) to enter the conduit 22 .
  • the hybrid steam (C) may comprise, e.g., but not limited to, 60% steam (A) and 40% steam (B) etc.
  • the hybrid steam (C) may vary the amounts of steam (A) and steam (B) for the desired use.
  • FIGS. 7 and 8 depict another embodiment of the steamer in which the mechanical valve assembly 17 may not be included.
  • an electronic control device 23 may be provided to control the operation and operating speed of the pump 14 .
  • the electronic control device 23 may include a control mechanism such as, for example, but not limited to, a control knob 24 .
  • the control knob 24 may have at least two positions to turn the pump 14 on and off.
  • the control knob 24 When the control knob 24 is shifted to an exemplary first position (see FIG. 7 ), the electronic control device 23 may send a control signal 25 to the pump 14 which may allow power to the pump 14 whereby fluid may be pumped from the first steam chamber 1 to the second steam chamber 2 .
  • the electronic control device 23 may not send a control signal 25 to the pump 14 and the pump 14 may be off.
  • the control knob 24 may have a plurality of intermediate positions between the first position and the second position.
  • the plurality of intermediate positions may control the strength of the control signal 25 and, consequently, the operating speed of the pump 14 and the amount of fluid at the predetermined temperature which may be pumped to the secondary steam chamber 2 .
  • the steam (A) from the first steam chamber 1 may always be present in the output.
  • the steam (B) from the secondary steam chamber 2 may be controllably introduced into the steam flow to form the hybrid steam (C).
  • the steam output may be controlled ranging from a minimum output to a maximum output. In the minimum output, only steam (A) may exit the steamer. In the maximum output, both steam (A) and steam (B) may be generated and mixed to form the hybrid steam (C) output from the steamer.
  • FIGS. 9 and 10 depict another embodiment of the invention.
  • an exit pipe 13 ′ may be provided to fluidly couple or connect the first and the second steam chambers 1 , 2 .
  • the exit pipe 13 ′ may include a valve 27 to allow and disallow the fluid to enter the second steam chamber 2 .
  • the valve 27 may range from disallowing the fluid to enter the second steam chamber 2 all together, to allowing a minimum portion of the fluid through, to allowing a maximum portion of fluid to enter through the exit pipe 13 ′. Accordingly, the fluid flow may change proportionally to the position of the valve 27 .
  • the electronic control device 23 may be used in conjunction with the exit pipe 13 ′ and value 27 or separately. In an alternate embodiment, a direct control circuit or an indirect control circuit may also be used to control the steam (B) from exiting the secondary steam chamber 2 as discussed below.
  • the mechanical valve assembly 17 described in conjunction with the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 4-6 may or may not be used with the embodiment described above and/or depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10 .
  • the outlet pipes 16 and 6 may be, e.g., but not limited to, connected directly or indirectly to the common output conduit 22 .
  • the end of the common output conduit 22 may be configured to allow a plurality of application-specific attachments to attach to the end.
  • the common output conduit 22 may be configured to create a Venturi chamber.
  • the Venturi chamber may use the output velocity of steam (B) from outlet pipe 16 to create a low pressure state for the steam (A) entering the common output conduit 22 from outlet pipe 6 , or vice versa.
  • the introduction of the high velocity steam (B) in the common output conduit 22 may increase the flow of steam (A) from the first steam chamber 1 due to the pressure state.
  • steam may move from a high pressure area to a low pressure area.
  • the steam may move with a velocity which may be changed in proportion to the relative pressures.
  • an indirect return control circuit 28 may be provided.
  • the return control circuit 28 may include a return valve 29 and a fluid return pipe 30 .
  • the return valve 29 may have a range of positions to control the amount of fluid to enter the return pipe 30 and to control the amount of fluid to continue toward the secondary steam chamber 2 .
  • the fluid may be channeled back to a pump inlet side of pump 14 via the fluid return pipe 30 .
  • the return valve 29 may control whether the fluid continues to the secondary steam chamber 2 or is returned to the pump inlet side via the fluid return pipe 30 .
  • the valve 29 may also proportionally control a certain amount of fluid to continue towards the secondary steam chamber 2 while reverting an amount back to the inlet side of the pump 14 via the fluid return pipe 30 . As the valve 29 allows more fluid to continue to the secondary steam chamber 2 , the fluid may flow more slowly toward the chamber 2 due to the decrease in pressure.
  • the valve 29 may allow no fluid transfer between the first steam chamber 1 and the second steam chamber 2 .
  • the return pipe 30 may enable the fluid pumped from the first steam chamber 1 to circulate even if there is no fluid transfer between the first steam chamber 1 and the second steam chamber 2 .
  • the return pipe 30 may prevent the pump 14 , which is running continuously, from working without any fluid flow through the pump 14 . If, for example, there is a blockage in the first steam chamber 1 , fluid may be able to circulate through the return control circuit 28 and the pump 14 may not be affected.
  • the indirect return control circuit 28 may offer more precise control in comparison with the exit pipe 13 ′ having valve 27 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 .
  • the indirect return control circuit 28 may be easier for maintaining the tolerances of the system. Due to the pressure conditions relieved by the circuit 28 , the return pipe 30 causes smaller changes in the first steam chamber 1 and the main flow of fluid through the pump 14 to the second steam chamber 2 .
  • an output control mechanism such as, for example, a knob 31 or an attachment 32 may be provided to vary the amounts of steam (A), (B), or (C) to exit the common output conduit 22 ,
  • the attachment 32 may control the mechanical valve assembly 17 , the electronic control device 23 , the valve 29 , or control the valve 27 (see FIGS. 1 , 8 and 9 ).
  • the attachment 32 may be coupled to the output conduit 22 and may include a control device 33 to trigger the control of the mechanical valve assembly 17 , the electronic control device 23 , the valve 29 , or control the valve 27 .
  • the control device 33 may have, e.g., but not limited to, a plurality of positions to signify (i) a predetermined minimum output of steam, (ii) a predetermined medium output of steam, and (iii) a predetermined maximum output of steam.
  • An indicator light may indicate that the steam output may be increased by engaging the control device 32 .
  • the attachment 32 may be use-specific. Examples include, but are not limited to, attaching a hose to the conduit 22 to use the steamer as a garment steamer, attaching an iron apparatus to the conduit 22 , attaching a food apparatus to the conduit 22 to steam food, and/or attaching a cleaning device to the conduit 22 to use the steam to disinfect surfaces.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Treatment Of Fiber Materials (AREA)
  • Commercial Cooking Devices (AREA)
  • Devices For Medical Bathing And Washing (AREA)
US12/552,105 2008-10-03 2009-09-01 Apparatus and method for a steamer Abandoned US20100086287A1 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/552,105 US20100086287A1 (en) 2008-10-03 2009-09-01 Apparatus and method for a steamer
CA2679715A CA2679715A1 (en) 2008-10-03 2009-09-17 Apparatus and method for a steamer
PCT/US2009/057231 WO2010039438A1 (en) 2008-10-03 2009-09-17 Apparatus and method for a steamer
CN2009101792628A CN101929671A (zh) 2008-10-03 2009-09-29 蒸汽装置及其产生蒸汽的方法

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10260108P 2008-10-03 2008-10-03
US12/552,105 US20100086287A1 (en) 2008-10-03 2009-09-01 Apparatus and method for a steamer

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US20130098892A1 (en) * 2010-06-22 2013-04-25 Crastal Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. Electric Steamer and Control Method Thereof
US8464562B1 (en) * 2012-04-02 2013-06-18 Michael G. Colburn Garment steamer
US9367068B2 (en) 2011-09-29 2016-06-14 Azbil Corporation Gas/liquid two-phase flow state controlling device and gas/liquid two-phase flow state controlling method
US20210127886A1 (en) * 2018-07-17 2021-05-06 Carogusto Ag Device and method for preparing foods held in a vessel
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US11261561B2 (en) 2020-03-04 2022-03-01 Conair Llc Garment steaming device
US11306429B2 (en) 2020-03-04 2022-04-19 Conair Llc Garment steaming device
US11505893B2 (en) 2020-03-04 2022-11-22 Conair Llc Garment steaming device
US11629453B2 (en) 2020-03-04 2023-04-18 Conair Llc Garment steaming device

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CN102389258B (zh) * 2011-10-28 2013-12-18 九阳股份有限公司 电蒸炉产生过热蒸汽的控制方法
JP2013208252A (ja) * 2012-03-30 2013-10-10 Panasonic Corp 衣類処理装置
CN103982887A (zh) * 2014-04-29 2014-08-13 李士明 组合非燃烧式蒸汽机
EP3230517B1 (en) * 2014-12-08 2019-03-06 Conair Corporation Portable handheld steamer apparatus
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US11505893B2 (en) 2020-03-04 2022-11-22 Conair Llc Garment steaming device
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