Abstract: A piezoelectric liquid cartridge for a dispenser unit a cartridge body, a piezoelectric discharge nozzle supported by the body and including a micro-perforated vibratory plate a liquid reservoir supported by the body, and a wick. A liquid path from the liquid reservoir to the piezoelectric nozzle includes a channel. The wick is at least partially positioned in the channel. The wick includes a first fibrous wick portion in engagement with the vibratory plate of the piezoelectric discharge nozzle and a second non-fibrous wick portion. The piezoelectric cartridge is installable in the housing of the dispenser unit with electrical contacts of the cartridge connectable to corresponding electrical contacts of the dispenser to enable the micro-perforated vibratory plate to release atomized liquid particles from the piezoelectric discharge nozzle.

Abstract: A dispensing system includes a container securing mechanism configured to secure a container in a fully engaged position suitable for dispensing a substance held within the container and further configured to release the container from the fully engaged position upon the actuation of a container release actuator. The system further includes a container stop mechanism configured to stop the container in a disengaged position upon release of the container from the container securing mechanism, the disengaged position being between the fully engaged position and a position in which the container is fully released from the system.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing fragrance from a refill component that is installed and removed along a vertical axis through an opening at the bottom of the housing of the apparatus includes securing structure for releasably securing the refill component to the housing when the refill component is in the housing interior in operative position.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing web material from a roll contained within the dispenser includes an air freshener for providing a pleasing fragrance to the area surrounding the dispenser. The dispenser may include a housing to which the air freshener may be attached. The housing may include a pivoting cover, and the air freshener may be coupled to the pivoting cover to selectively cover one of the rolls of web material housed within the dispenser. The air freshener may alternatively be supported within a mandrel configured to support one of the rolls of web material within the dispenser. A fan may be provided and configured to push the fragrance into the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A dispensing system includes a container securing mechanism configured to secure a container in a fully engaged position suitable for dispensing a substance held within the container and further configured to release the container from the fully engaged position upon the actuation of a container release actuator. The system can further include a container stop mechanism configured to stop the container in a disengaged position upon release of the container from the container securing mechanism, the disengaged position being between the fully engaged position and a position in which the container is fully released from the system. The system can include a movable multiple use hammer assembly that functions to automatically release the container from the system under predetermined conditions.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing fragrance from a refill component that is installed and removed along a vertical axis through an opening at the bottom of the housing of the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing fragrance from a refill component that is installed and removed along a vertical axis through an opening at the bottom of the housing of the apparatus includes securing structure for releasably securing the refill component to the housing when the refill component is in the housing interior in operative position.

Abstract: A dispensing system includes a container securing mechanism configured to secure a container in a fully engaged position suitable for dispensing a substance held within the container and further configured to release the container from the fully engaged position upon the actuation of a container release actuator. The system can further include a container stop mechanism configured to stop the container in a disengaged position upon release of the container from the container securing mechanism, the disengaged position being between the fully engaged position and a position in which the container is fully released from the system. The system can include a movable multiple use hammer assembly that functions to automatically release the container from the system under predetermined conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for use on standard or customized wheelchairs for moving the wheelchair and wheelchair occupant up or down a stairway or stairway-like structure (e.g., a curb) with greater confidence and stability to the occupant of the wheelchair and its handler(s). The apparatus includes a motorized assembly that interacts with stair steps when the apparatus and wheelchair are tilted backwardly. The motorized assembly allows the wheelchair to glide or move up or down the steps without experiencing the bumps commonly associated with rolling a wheelchair up or down a set of stairs. The apparatus includes a headrest to provide comfort to the occupant during operation and includes pivoting handlebars to allow the operator of the wheelchair to control the movement of the wheelchair. The apparatus is mountable to, and removable from (when not in use), the wheelchair. The apparatus can be considered as a retrofit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for dispensing and collecting handle or armature cover material or covers for use, by way of example, with door handles, knobs, and the like. In one embodiment, the device is an automated handle cover dispenser that can include a dual use handle cover refill cartridge for both supplying and collecting handle cover material, or alternatively, a plurality of reels or cartridges (e.g., a supply reel and a take-up reel). The material, when supplied, at least partially covers a handle (e.g., door handle) during use by a consumer. This maintains sanitary integrity of the handle, so as to protect a consumer or other individual from touching an otherwise dirty or unsanitary handle. The dispenser can include at least one cutter for cutting at least one side of the handle cover material so as to facilitate supply, and in particular, collection of the handle cover material.

Abstract: A device for controllably releasing a fluid into an ambient environment. According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the device comprises a housing having a fluid compartment and an orifice compartment disposed adjacent thereto and in fluid communication therewith via an orifice. The fluid compartment contains the fluid for release to the ambient environment. The orifice compartment includes a fluid exit opening covered by a removable sealing element and contains an initial quantity of fluid when the device is in an inactivated state. A fluid restrictor is disposed adjacent the orifice to restrict fluid flow from the fluid compartment into the orifice compartment in the inactivated state. A gas-generating cell is in selective communication with the fluid compartment such that gas generated by the cell is directed into the fluid compartment when the device is in an activated state.

Abstract: A casing vent security device is disclosed and illustrated. The device includes an in-line section in communication with a casing vent, the in-line section having an ambient air passageway for selectively allowing ambient air to pass through the in-line section and into the vent; a plurality of sensors disposed within the in-line section for monitoring the ambient air passing through the in-line section; occlusion means positioned in the in-line section for selectively occluding the passage of ambient air into the vent upon receiving a signal from the sensors; and signaling means for providing information on the plurality of sensors and the vent.