Abstract: A vapor-dispensing or other environment-altering apparatus is configured to integrate with a receptacle in a discreet manner. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an environment-altering apparatus is configured to mimic an electrical receptacle having an outlet pattern. The environment-altering apparatus has a front surface which includes an outlet pattern substantially corresponding to the outlet pattern of the electrical receptacle, and a plug configured to interface with the electrical receptacle. A device configured to modify one or more attributes of the environment is interposed between the front surface and plug pattern. These attributes include, for example, aromatic vapor density, insecticide vapor density, ambient light intensity, ionic air content, ultrasonic frequency intensity, and the like.

Abstract: A multiple-outlet vapor-dispensing device is configured to interface with an electrical receptacle such that the functionality of that outlet is substantially maintained. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a vapor-dispensing device is configured to connect to an electrical receptacle having at least one outlet. The vapor-dispensing device comprises a housing having a first device outlet and a second device outlet, the housing being attachable to the outlet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a toilet paper roll holder vapor-dispensing device configured with an internal material delivery system and high intensity volatizable material. A toilet paper roll holder vapor-dispensing device is configured to increase dispensation of a fragrance when toilet paper is taken off the toilet paper roll through a number of configurations such as using high intensity fragrance (e.g., scented oil). The toilet paper roll holder is configured to be substantially stationary when toilet paper is removed from a roll of toilet paper supported by the holder.

Abstract: The present invention suitably provides a method and apparatus for controlling the temperature of a liquid vaporizer heating element, and thereby the rate of evaporation and level of fragrance delivery from the same. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the device may include a switch that suitably allows the temperature of various types of heating elements to be controlled for different levels of fragrance output. For example, an exemplary embodiment may include a two-pronged plug adaptable to typical outlets that might be found in residential homes or businesses. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electrical switch generally provides varying resistance values to the electric circuitry of the vaporizer such that, by changing the switch setting, the operating temperature of the wick is controlled and thus the rate of fragrance evaporation from the vaporizer.

Abstract: A composition for reducing malodors in the air and on inanimate surfaces comprises a combination of at least one malodor neutralizing agent, at least one malodor binding agent, at least one malodor masking agent, and at least one performance agent. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the composition includes a surfactant component, a water dispersible polymer component, a metallic salt, a fragrance component, and a liquid carrier.

Abstract: The present invention achieves advancement in the art by providing a method and apparatus for selective positioning of a wick material in a vapor-dispensing device that facilitates effective fragrance vapor delivery while offering significant advantages in manufacture, assembly, product performance, and product safety. In one embodiment, the wick is suitably selected and positioned such that sufficient surface area of the wick material is suitably exposed to the heating unit to enable effective evaporation of a vaporizable liquid, but the wick height relative to the heating element minimizes the amount of surface area of the wick in proximity to the heating element. Additionally, the positioning can reduce the need for protective overcaps and other apparatus for protecting the wick.

Abstract: An emanator for evaporation of a liquid therefrom is provided. The emanator includes a first material and a second material that is disposed adjacent to the first material. The emanator is configured such that a liquid travels through the emanator at a rate no less than a rate at which it would travel through the first material alone and no less than a rate at which it would travel through the second material alone.

Abstract: A liquid vaporizer is provided which includes a housing stabilization system for stabilizing the vaporizer when it is plugged into a wall outlet. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the stabilization system comprises one or more projections which abut the wall or outlet to which the vaporizer is inserted. The liquid vaporizer stabilization system may also serve to prevent dispensing of vaporized material proximate to the electrical outlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the fastening of a fluid transport mechanism to a fluid reservoir, and optionally, to various mechanisms which increase the effectiveness of the vaporizing units within which such devices may be employed. For example, the fluid transport mechanism is suitably fastened to the reservoir and removal of the transport mechanism is substantially inhibited by a retaining force provided by one or more fastening features. That is, the transport mechanism is fabricated or suitably augmented such that once it has been inserted into the reservoir, it is not easily removable without significant force or through the use of tools.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of porous materials, for transporting liquids from a reservoir in a vapor dispensing device which addresses many of the shortcomings of the prior art, by selecting pore sizes and void volume ratios of the various wicking materials to fall within an effective range to obtain effective control of liquid delivery. For example, in accordance various aspects of the present invention, a porous polymeric wick is comprised of various polymeric materials having pore sizes less than about 250 microns and void volume ratios from about 25 to about 60%.

Abstract: Improved gel compositions for delivering volatile materials such as fragrance oils, fragrance solutions, deodorants, insecticides, and the like into the surrounding air are disclosed. In general, such gel compositions do not include the use of cross-linking and/or chelating agents. In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, hardness and resistance to syneresis of a translucent gel composition is significantly improved by employing a modified polysaccharide as the gelling agent. In accordance with other embodiments, also disclosed is the use of an amine oxide to reduce the total surfactant level of the gel. Preferred gel compositions, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, include a nonionic-based silicone antifoam agent to effectively control the production of foam during manufacture of the gel composition.

Abstract: The present invention suitably provides a method and apparatus for controlling the temperature of a liquid vaporizer heating element, and thereby the rate of evaporation and level of fragrance delivery from the same. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the device may include a switch that suitably allows the temperature of various types of heating elements to be controlled for different levels of fragrance output. For example, an exemplary embodiment may include a two-pronged plug adaptable to typical outlets that might be found in residential homes or businesses. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electrical switch generally provides varying resistance values to the electric circuitry of the vaporizer such that, by changing the switch setting, the operating temperature of the wick is controlled and thus the rate of fragrance evaporation from the vaporizer.

Abstract: An aqueous composition comprising a hypochlorite source in an effective oxidizing concentration and a colorant system containing at least one pigment selected from the group consisting of cobalt aluminate and cobalt chromite.