Water-Evaporator Attachment for Hot-Air Registers – Patent No. 435,095
Inventor: Andrew F. Hilyer, of Washington, D.C.
Patent Number: 435,095
Date of Patent: August 26, 1890
Description: Andrew F. Hilyer’s patent is for a “Water-Evaporator Attachment for Hot-Air Registers.” The invention is a device designed to attach a water-holding vessel to a hot-air register. The main purpose of the device was to add humidity to the dry air produced by home heating systems, while also capturing dust and dirt.
Hilyer’s first patent, No. 435,095 (dated August 26, 1890), also described a “Water-Evaporator Attachment for Hot-Air Registers.” The primary focus the first patent was the specific brackets and locking mechanism that allowed the water-holding vessel to be securely attached to any hot-air register without the need for tools or modifications. It also introduced the use of a capillary cloth to increase the evaporation surface and trap dust.
This patent, No. 438,159 was an improvement on the first, with a different focus on the attachment system. Instead of the locking-key brackets, it used a tank with a rod on the rear and hooks that could be journaled on the rod. These hooks had sharply pointed pins that extended above the tank, serving the dual purpose of holding a capillary cloth and acting as handles to lift the tank. This design allowed the evaporator to be placed higher on the register, where it would receive more heat and thus achieve a greater rate of evaporation.
In essence, the first patent was focused on a universal mounting system for the evaporator, while the second was an updated version with a new attachment and a more robust design for the capillary cloth and overall device. Both inventions demonstrate Hilyer’s commitment to improving the comfort and air quality of heated homes during the era.
Societal Impact
Andrew F. Hilyer’s invention was a direct response to a common problem of late 19th-century domestic life. As central heating systems became more common, the dry, hot air they produced was a source of discomfort and a health concern, causing dry skin, sore throats, and other issues.
- Improved Health and Comfort: The invention provided a simple, effective, and non-intrusive way to add moisture to the air in homes. This improved air quality and made living spaces more comfortable, a significant step forward in domestic convenience and health. The secondary function of trapping dust also contributed to a cleaner home environment.
- The Inventor’s Legacy: Andrew F. Hilyer was a prominent African American inventor, civil rights activist, and public servant. Born in Georgia, he moved to Washington, D.C., and became a successful real estate entrepreneur. Beyond his inventions, he was a co-founder of the American Negro Academy, an organization dedicated to the intellectual development and promotion of black scholars. His work in both technology and civil rights highlights the significant, often overlooked, contributions of African Americans to American society during a period of intense racial discrimination. Hilyer’s invention, while simple, is a testament to the practical ingenuity that helped shape everyday life, while his broader life’s work demonstrates his deep commitment to social and intellectual progress.
