HEAT AND MOISTURE EXCHANGE UNIT

摘要

A heat and moisture exchange (HME) unit (50) including a housing (52), a heat and moisture retaining media (HM media) (54), and a valve mechanism (56). The housing (52) forms an intermediate section (62) extending between two ports (58,60), and defining first and second flow paths. The HM media (54) is maintained along the first flow path. The valve mechanism (56) includes an obstruction member (100) movably retained within the housing (52) and transitionable between opposing, first and second maximum points of travel. At the first maximum point of travel, the obstruction member (100) closes the second flow path to permit airflow through only the first flow path. At the second maximum point of travel, the obstruction member (100) permits airflow through both of the first and second flow paths. The HME unit (50) is simple to use, yet provides an effective bypass state in which airflow freely progresses around the HM media (54).