Abstract: A heat storage unit (2) includes a body having a passage (12) formed therein through which a flowable product passes. A heatable element (10) is incorporated within the body of the heat storage unit (2) in thermal communication with the passage (12). Meanwhile, a heat-retentive material (8) is in thermal communication with the heatable element (10). The heatable element (10) includes either a magnetically-compatible material or a microwave-compatible material that is heated by locating the heatable element in a field (F) generated by a charging device (6), for example.

Abstract: A volatile material dispensing system with a dispenser for providing controlled release of a volatile material, the dispenser being attached to a display frame, and having at least one protrusion. Protrusions are disposed on a face of the frame to distance the membrane from a delicate surface. The system prevents and/or hinders concentration of volatile material gases that could harm a delicate surface and resists tipping from a substantially vertical position.

Abstract: A heat storage unit (2) includes a body having a passage (12) formed therein through which a flowable product passes. A heatable element (10) is incorporated within the body of the heat storage unit (2) in thermal communication with the passage (12). The heatable element (10) includes either a magnetically-compatible material or a microwave-compatible material that is heated by locating the heatable element in a field (F) generated by a charging device (6), for example.

Abstract: A vortex generator creates a waveform within a housing. The waveform evolves into a vortex as it exits an orifice of the housing. The vortex carries a bolus of active substances held within the housing. A different number of actives can be used. To form a waveform, the housing has a diaphragm with an actuator for moving the diaphragm. The housing may have a mechanism for facilitating directional pointing and/or causing oscillating movement of the housing to enable multi-directional targeting of the vortex.

Abstract: RFID tags attached to a product contain information regarding the product and communicate this information to a reader. This information can include the age of the product, the amount of product left and preparation or care instructions for the product. To record the age of a product, a timer is initiated in the RFID tag. Thereafter, the elapsed time on the timer can be read and displayed by the reader. For other products, the RFID tag can have contacts monitoring the level of remaining product. Once the contacts sense that the amount of product is low, this information can be transmitted and communicated by the reader. Preparation and care instructions are prerecorded on the tag. Instructions can also be communicated between a product and a base, such as a heater.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for rapid flash-like volatilization of high and low vapor pressure components from liquid or solid emanators which is in contact with a point or localized heat source. Vaporization is promoted by a geometrically small electrically resistive heating element with variable activation for pulsed or cyclic heating of an emanating surface containing the volatile components. The apparatus is primarily directed towards the treatment of residential air for fragrancing, odor elimination, treatment of insects or pests, air sanitization, air and surface antibacterial or antimicrobial treatment, or other ambient air or surface modification by way of gas or vapor distribution.

Abstract: A device for dispensing toilet bowl treatment preparations, such as a cleaning liquid and a liquid containing a dissolved solid cleaner, from under the rim of a toilet bowl by way of the flow of water during a toilet flush is disclosed. The device comprises a bottle that holds a liquid and a base that is suspended from the toilet rim and holds the bottle. The base has a piercing post for opening a closure of the bottle. A wicking device that is supported by the base conveys the liquid to a dispensing position within the flow of flush water. The container holds a dissolvable solid product, and is configured to permit flush water to enter the container. The container has an exit opening that permits a mixture of water and dissolved product to be released from the container into the toilet bowl.

Abstract: A vortex generator creates a waveform within a housing. The waveform evolves into a vortex as it exits an orifice of the housing. The vortex carries a bolus of active substances held within the housing. A different number of actives can be used. To form a waveform, the housing has a diaphragm with an actuator for moving the diaphragm. The housing may have a mechanism for facilitating directional pointing and/or causing oscillating movement of the housing to enable multi-directional targeting of the vortex.

Abstract: RFID tags attached to a product contain information regarding the product and communicate this information to a reader. This information can include the age of the product, the amount of product left and preparation or care instructions for the product. To record the age of a product, a timer is initiated in the RFID tag. Thereafter, the elapsed time on the timer can be read and displayed by the reader. For other products, the RFID tag can have contacts monitoring the level of remaining product. Once the contacts sense that the amount of product is low, this information can be transmitted and communicated by the reader. Preparation and care instructions are prerecorded on the tag. Instructions can also be communicated between a product and a base, such as a heater.

Abstract: A device for dispensing toilet bowl treatment preparations, such as a cleaning liquid and a liquid containing a dissolved solid cleaner, from under the rim of a toilet bowl by way of the flow of water during a toilet flush is disclosed. The device comprises a bottle that holds a liquid and a base that is suspended from the toilet rim and holds the bottle. The base has a piercing post for opening a closure of the bottle. A wicking device that is supported by the base conveys the liquid to a dispensing position within the flow of flush water. The container holds a dissolvable solid product, and is configured to permit flush water to enter the container. The container has an exit opening that permits a mixture of water and dissolved product to be released from the container into the toilet bowl.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for rapid flash-like volatilization of high and low vapor pressure components from liquid or solid emanators which is in contact with a point or localized heat source. Vaporization is promoted by a geometrically small electrically resistive heating element with variable activation for pulsed or cyclic heating of an emanating surface containing the volatile components. The apparatus is primarily directed towards the treatment of residential air for fragrancing, odor elimination, treatment of insects or pests, air sanitization, air and surface antibacterial or antimicrobial treatment, or other ambient air or surface modification by way of gas or vapor distribution.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser for dispensing a liquid from the rim of a toilet bowl such that a controlled, consistent amount of liquid is dispensed into each flush. The liquid dispenser includes a bottle for holding the liquid, a base for holding the bottle and for providing a liquid feed conduit between the bottle and a dispensing plate, and a hook for suspending the base from the rim of the toilet bowl. The dispensing plate is integral with or attached to the base, downwardly inclined at an angle of from about 10 to about 30 degrees from the horizontal, and serves to distribute liquid from the feed conduit to a dispensing position on the upper surface of the dispensing plate where the liquid is contacted by flushing water from the toilet bowl. The dispensing plate has various configurations that assist in the distribution of the liquid to the dispensing position on the upper surface of the dispensing plate.

Abstract: A heated volatile dispenser and a volatile carrier for use therewith are disclosed. The volatile dispenser has a closed heating chamber having ceiling and exit vents. A fuel burner is contained within the heating chamber, and a carrier holder is positioned over the fuel burner. The carrier holder holds a volatile carrier in a location above the fuel burner such that hot gases from the fuel burner pass the carrier holder and directly heat a volatile carrier held thereby. The volatile carrier may be held in an edge-on orientation with respect to the flow of hot gases, or transversely with respect to them. The volatile carrier has an inward end that has a cross-sectional profile made to be complementary to that of an insert slot through which the volatile carrier must be inserted for use. An alternative embodiment is shown that uses a candle as a fuel burner.

Abstract: A device for dispensing toilet bowl treatment preparations, such as a cleaning liquid and a liquid containing a dissolved solid cleaner, from under the rim of a toilet bowl by way of the flow of water during a toilet flush is disclosed. The device comprises a bottle that holds a liquid and a base that is suspended from the toilet rim and holds the bottle. The base has a piercing post for opening a closure of the bottle. A wicking device that is supported by the base conveys the liquid to a dispensing position within the flow of flush water. The container holds a dissolvable solid product, and is configured to permit flush water to enter the container. The container has an exit opening that permits a mixture of water and dissolved product to be released from the container into the toilet bowl.

Abstract: A device for dispensing liquid toilet bowl treatment preparations from under the rim of a toilet bowl by way of the flow of water during a toilet flush is disclosed. The device comprises a bottle that holds a liquid and a base that is suspended from the toilet rim and holds the bottle. The base has a piercing post for opening a closure of the bottle. A wicking device that is supported by the base conveys the liquid from the bottle to a dispensing position within the flow of flush water. An extension plate is removably secured to the base or wicking device. The extension plate is dimensioned such that the extension plate is positioned within the flow of water during a toilet flush and such that at least a portion of the flow of water is directed onto the dispensing position of the wicking device during a toilet flush.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser comprises a housing and a hook for suspending the housing from the rim of a lavatory bowl. A user inserts a sealed inverted reservoir bottle into the housing, which breaks the seal. A plate located in the housing conveys liquid from the bottle to a position within the stream of flushing water. The plate can be adjusted to accommodate different lavatories. To allow venting of the bottle, small vent holes are formed in the plate. The plate may have a number of raised holes or elongate slots. A vent system for the bottle is also provided.

Abstract: A heated volatile dispenser and a volatile carrier for use therewith are disclosed. The volatile dispenser has a closed heating chamber having ceiling and exit vents. A fuel burner is contained within the heating chamber, and a carrier holder is positioned over the fuel burner. The carrier holder holds a volatile carrier in a location above the fuel burner such that hot combustion products from the fuel burner pass the carrier holder and directly heat a volatile carrier held thereby. The volatile carrier may be held in an edge-on orientation with respect to the flow of hot gases, or transversely with respect to them. The volatile carrier has an inward end that has a cross-sectional profile made to be complementary to that of an insert slot through which the volatile carrier must be inserted for use. Methods of dispensing volatiles are disclosed.