Abstract: An accessory for a vapor generator, such as a smoke or fog machine, includes an elongated member that connects to an output nozzle of the vapor generator. The elongated member has one or more perforations formed in its sidewall along its length. A vapor generated by the vapor generator travels through an interior of the elongated member and escapes through the perforations to the ambient atmosphere. The effect creates a curtain of smoke or fog.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fog generator comprising a vessel that contains a fog generating fluid and a compressed propellant gas for driving the fog generating fluid from the vessel into a heat exchanger which transforms the fog generating fluid into steam and is connected with the vessel, and a valve positioned between the vessel and the heat exchanger, characterized in that the valve is adapted for controlling the fog generating fluid flow rate by varying its orifice resistance as a function of vessel pressure, such that the fluid flow rate is independent of vessel pressure.

Abstract: A sterilizer employs a vaporizer having sloped surfaces over which flow liquid sterilant solution for vaporization. The arrangement promotes even distribution of the sterilant solution for more efficient vaporization.

Abstract: This invention provides a vaporizer that prevents deterioration of a precursor while reducing a residue, reducing risk of clogging, and easily increasing vaporization flow. The vaporizer comprises an inlet port (P1) for introducing a precursor in a liquid phase or a gas-liquid mixture phase, a vaporizing section (3) for vaporizing the precursor arranged on the downstream side of the inlet port (P1), and an outlet port (P2) for delivering the precursor vaporized at the vaporizing section (3), wherein the vaporizing section (3) is of a flow channel type comprising a nozzle (31) for spraying the precursor and a heating channel (32) arranged on the downstream side of the nozzle (31) continuously thereto. A plurality of vaporizing sections (3) are arranged in parallel between the inlet port (P1) and the outlet port (P2), and arranged such that each vaporizing section (3) can distribute the precursor independently of each other.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for dispensing air treatment chemicals, and refill units for use therewith. Some of these devices have a well facing the heater and a transparent wall to view the use up of the air treatment chemical. Other of these devices have a refill with wells positioned in opposing directions.

Abstract: Combinations, assemblies and methods for releasing candles and like objects to promptly flamelessly release a fragrance are disclosed, which utilize a heater and a fan disposed above or at the top of the candle whereby heat and forced air are applied to the top of the material in the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for vaporizing and disbursing liquid scents and method for use thereof is disclosed. The present invention comprises both handheld and automatic sprayer embodiments that use heat to vaporize liquid scents and that disburse the scents into an area selected by the user. The present invention may be used by hunters for attracting potential game, business owners to attract customers, or by others to repel pests depending on the scent or scents used.

Abstract: A method and a device for the atomization of a liquid by directing a jet of liquid onto a hot contact surface, in particular a deflecting surface, so that a part of the liquid is vaporized. The non-vaporized liquid is atomized into small droplets that form an aerosol.

Abstract: A liquid food heating apparatus includes: a steam jet nozzle (36), a nozzle holder (18) to which the steam jet nozzle (36) is attached; a steam feed pipe (17), nozzle coupling means (14a, 14b, 14c) capable of coupling the steam jet nozzle (36) attached to the nozzle holder (18) to the steam feed pipe (17), and nozzle discard means (12b, 12c, 12d, 18c) capable of detaching from the nozzle holder (18) the steam jet nozzle (36) attached to the nozzle holder (18) and discarding the nozzle. The nozzle discard means detaches from the nozzle holder (18) the steam jet nozzle (36) attached to the nozzle holder (18) and discards the nozzle after releasing the coupling between the steam jet nozzle (36) attached to the nozzle holder (18) and the steam feed pipe (17).

Abstract: A plug-in device adapted to disseminate a plurality of volatile liquids, such as fragrances, individually into an atmosphere, the device comprising a plurality of volatile liquids and a dissemination means, the liquids being accommodated on a rotatable wheel, which wheel is rotated such that the individual liquids come into liquid disseminating proximity to the liquid disseminating means. The device substantially overcomes the problem of “habituation” encountered with a single fragrance air freshener.

Abstract: An aerosol generator periodically forms aerosolized fragrance material by repeatedly supplying a liquid fragrance material to a capillary passage via only capillary action and heating the capillary passage, such that the liquid fragrance material at least partially volatilizes and is driven out of an outlet of the capillary passage. A wick feeds the liquid fragrance material to an inlet of the capillary passage by capillary action. An apparatus and method for generating such an aerosolized fragrance material, as well as the methods of heating, are disclosed.

Abstract: A device for the pulmonary delivery of a compound comprising a reservoir for storing a compound, a system for generating particles of a desired size, and a housing comprising an inlet and an outlet between which is formed a substantially unobstructed airflow path.

Abstract: An injection molded nozzle includes a base body having a fluid channel, a fluid inlet, and a fluid outlet. The base body is made of a ceramic material with a positive temperature coefficient. The base body, in response to an electrical current, is configured to vaporize a fluid receivable in the fluid channel by heating. The fluid outlet is configured to eject vaporized fluid as a spray.

Abstract: In one aspect, a steam humidifier is disclosed. The steam humidifier includes a tank for containing water to be heated to generate steam and a water connection manifold that has a manifold chamber in fluid communication with a water supply passage and a water drain passage. The steam humidifier further includes a rotary valve that is configured to control a fluid passage between the tank and the manifold chamber and that is further configured to control the position of one or more locking features. The rotary valve is rotatable between a first locked position and a second unlocked position. In the first locked position, the fluid passage between the tank and the manifold chamber is open and the one or more locking features are engaged with a structure of the steam humidifier. In the second unlocked position, the fluid passage between the tank and the manifold chamber is closed and the one or more locking features are disengaged from the structure of the steam humidifier. Other aspects are disclosed.

Abstract: A mercury ionic gas standard generator for use in the continuous emissions monitoring of exhaust flue gas streams is disclosed. More specifically, the mercury ionic gas standard generator uses a reservoir being coated with an inert silicon-based coating for transporting a volume of an aqueous ionic mercury solution to a liquid mass flow controller and vaporizer.

Abstract: A controlled odor generator, comprising a central processing unit, at least one micropump unit, a sensor unit and a fan. The micropump unit is housed in a casing containing odorous fluid and has a micropump array for ejecting the odorous fluid in tiny droplets. The central processing unit regulates operation of the micropump unit, allowing to control timing quantity and mixture of spread odor. The sensor unit provides the central processing unit with environmental data, like temperature, air density and humidity, as well as human body states for controlling the micropump unit. Environmental changes are followed by a change of spraying of odor, and varying taste and demand are adapted to.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of multiple capillary tubes 10 for the evaporation of volatile active substances, in particular aromatics and/or insecticides from a liquid reservoir 40. The intent is to incorporate individual capillary tubes 20 in a single piece made ideally out of a polymer that can resist both heat and organic compounds. The multiple capillary tubes 10 could replace twisted, braided or woven wicks that are currently used in electronic vapor emanation systems that utilize heat 50 or atomization 60. The multiple capillary tubes 10 are extruded in a single piece and then cut to length or individual capillary tubes are extruded, bundled and then cut to length.

Abstract: Device (10) and method for preventing the drying of fluid products in a delivery head (12) of a machine for dispensing fluid products, wherein the delivery head (12) is provided with a plurality of delivery nozzles (11). The device (10) comprises first elements (25) to generate a conditioning flow, second elements (15, 20, 21) to convey the conditioning flow towards a space (19) underneath the delivery nozzles (11) and create in said space (19) an atmosphere different from that of the environment in which the dispensing machine is to be found during use. The delivery nozzles are divided into at least two groups and the space (19) is divided into at least two distinct conditioning zones (19a, 19b, 19c, 19d), disposed in correspondence with the groups of delivery nozzles (11). Different atmospheres are created in the conditioning zones (19a, 19b, 19c, 19d), according to the type of fluid product delivered by the corresponding group of delivery nozzles (11).

Abstract: A scent lure is configured as a reusable container with two separate compartments, one for a scent wick and one for a disposable heating element. The compartments are separated by a common dividing wall and are independently accessible for ease of use. The separate compartments allow the heating element to be removed and/or replaced without contact with the scent wick and vice versa. Preferably, the heating compartment has vents to facilitate continued activation of a heating element during use. The vents are preferably configured to provide a chimney effect that creates a heated air flow over the sent wick for enhancing the lure's effectiveness.

Abstract: A vapor-dispersing device is described that comprises a pressurizable vessel with at least one opening equipped with a pressure-responsive valve that controllably releases vapor in bursts when the vessel is heated through a controlled heating means.

Abstract: A fragrance dispenser comprises a receptacle for receiving an aromatic substance to be heated; and a heat exchanger connected to the receptacle for heating air upstream of the receptacle, the heat exchanger having means for agitating the air as it is heated and passes therethrough.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for detecting latent fingerprints that discharges a vapor of a cyanoacrylate-containing solution. The apparatus comprises a reservoir for holding a liquid solution comprising cyanoacrylate, a valve for controlling the release of the solution through a capillary flow passage, and a power supply for heating the capillary flow passage and vaporizing the solution. When cyanoacrylate vapor contacts latent fingerprints, the fingerprints are rendered visible.

Abstract: A fuel injector assembly includes a first coil that induces a time varying magnetic field into a second coil that is utilized to heat fuel flowing through the fuel injector. A first coil receives a first signal from a driver to generate a first magnetic field that moves an armature between an open and closed position. The second coil generates a second magnetic field generated by a current induced by the first coil into the second coil. The induced current is generated by an alternating current signal that is interposed onto a direct current signal sent to the first coil. The alternating current signal produces a time varying second magnetic field that induces heating of a magnetically active component with the fuel flow that in turn heats the fuel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for vaporizing liquid fuel. The apparatus includes at least one capillary flow passage, the at least one capillary flow passage having an inlet end and an outlet end; a fluid control valve for placing the inlet end of the at least one capillary flow passage in fluid communication with the liquid fuel source and introducing the liquid fuel in a substantially liquid state; a heat source arranged along the at least one capillary flow passage, the heat source operable to heat the liquid fuel in the at least one capillary flow passage to a level sufficient to change at least a portion thereof from the liquid state to a vapor state and deliver a stream of substantially vaporized fuel from the outlet end of the at least one capillary flow passage; and means for cleaning deposits formed during operation of the apparatus. The flow passage can be a capillary tube heated by a resistance heater or a section of a tube heated by passing electrical energy therethrough.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for generating x-ray or EUV radiation are disclosed. Target material is supplied from a container for target material to a jet-forming orifice in an interaction chamber by means of a flexible capillary tubing of considerable length, wherein the orifice is an integral part of the capillary tubing. A jet formed by urging target material through the orifice is made to interact with a beam of energy, thus producing a radiating plasma emitting the desired electromagnetic radiation. The use of a flexible capillary tubing for supplying target material from a source of target material to an orifice, which is integrated with the tubing, within an interaction chamber, in order to form therein a jet of target material for interaction with an energy beam to generate x-ray or EUV radiation, is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing porous polymer particles is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rotating atomizer wheel (39) onto which a uniform thin layer of a polymer may be applied via a distributor (40), followed by the movement of the polymer to the periphery of the wheel due to centrifugal force and the subsequent release of free flying particles at the periphery of the wheel. The apparatus further includes a catch tray (14) to collect the porous polymer particles produced and an enclosure defining a partition between an interior environment and an exterior environment of the apparatus. The enclosure includes an aperture allowing a gaseous exchange between the interior and exterior environments.

Abstract: A home fragrance dispenser has a reservoir for holding fragrance oil. The reservoir is capped with a silicone rubber cap with a vapor port therein for emitting vaporized fragrance oil. A capillary tube has its bottom end extending to the bottom of the reservoir where capillary action draws fragrance oil up into the capillary tube. A heating element inside the capillary tube vaporizes fluid drawn into the tube. Electrical leads for the heating element exit through the silicone rubber cap. The cap, capillary tube and heating element form a unit for insertion into the reservoir, and the combined unit is a capillary pump. A fan in the dispenser cabinet forces fragrant vapor out into the surrounding. A selector dial on the front of the cabinet permits selection of one of several fragrances.

Abstract: A method for producing a filter element includes forming longitudinal ducts extending between upstream and downstream surfaces of the filter element, and installing a heating element for heating regions of walls of the ducts along longitudinal extent of the walls. The filter element is arranged inside an injection valve of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Methods and devices for repelling insects are disclosed. The methods and devices provide personal protection from insect bites and insect landings, particularly mosquito bites. The methods and devices employ insect repellents such as pyrethroids at low (parts per billion) levels. The methods and devices effectively minimize the number of mosquitoes landing on a subject properly using the devices.

Abstract: An aerosol generating device generates an aerosol having a desired particle size by passing a liquid through a flow passage heated to convert the liquid into a vapor. The flow passage includes an outlet section that controls the exit velocity of the vapor and produces an aerosol with a desired particle size. The aerosol generator can be incorporated in a hand held inhaler, and the liquid can include a medicament, which is delivered to a targeted portion of the lung using the inhaler.

Abstract: The present invention is an aromatic evaporator consisting of a base, a heater, a heat conduction aluminum plate, a constant temperature controller, a plug, a ceramic carriers and a cover. The plug sets inside the base to deliver D.C. power; the heater converts the electricity from the plug into heat; the heat conduction aluminum plate adhered to the heater directly evens the heat; the constant temperature controller contains the electric conduction switch and the memory alloy plate connected with the heat conduction aluminum. When the memory alloy plate is straight, the electric conduction switch is switched off and stops the heater from heating. When the temperature reduces, the memory alloy plate is curved by external force and switches on the electric conduction switch, making the heater reheat. The memory alloy plate of the constant temperature controller controls the heater to heat intermittently, making the heater heat at constant temperature.

Abstract: A herbal steam device includes a closed heated boiling chamber with openings at the side for a steam outlet. A collecting chamber surrounds the upper part of the boiling chamber. Cold water from a reservoir below flows into the boiling chamber through an inflow pipe. Surplus water flows through an overflow and a backflow pipe back to the reservoir. An electrical heating plate is present under the boiling chamber, and a herb pot may be placed in the steam space above the boiling chamber. The inflow pipe runs in a curve around the boiling chamber. The steam which escapes from the openings heats up the inflowing water. At the same time, the relatively cold inflow pipe acts as a foam barrier adjacent to the openings.

Abstract: A capillary pump for a fragrance dispenser has a reservoir for holding fragrance oil. The reservoir is capped with a silicone rubber cap with a vapor port therein for emitting vaporized fragrance oil. A capillary tube has its bottom end extending to the bottom of the reservoir where capillary action draws fragrance oil up into the capillary tube. A heating element inside the capillary tube vaporizes fluid drawn into the tube. Electrical leads for the heating element exit through the silicone rubber cap. The cap, capillary tube and heating element form a unit for insertion of the capillary tube and heating element into the reservoir.

Abstract: Methods and devices for repelling insects are disclosed. The methods and devices provide personal protection from insect bites and insect landings, particularly mosquito bites. The methods and devices employ insect repellents such as pyrethroids at low (parts per billion) levels. The methods and devices effectively minimize the number of mosquitoes landing on a subject properly using the devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for the vaporization of materials that releases active constituents for inhalation without the creation of harmful byproducts such as carcinogens associated with combustion and inhalation of substances.

Abstract: A fuel system for use in an internal combustion engine includes a plurality of fuel injectors, each injector including at least one capillary flow passage, the at least one capillary flow passage having an inlet end and an outlet end, a heat source arranged along the at least one capillary flow passage, the heat source operable to heat a liquid fuel in the at least one capillary flow passage to a level sufficient to convert at least a portion thereof from the liquid state to a vapor state, and a valve for metering fuel to the internal combustion engine, a controller to control the power supplied to the heat source of each of the plurality of fuel injectors to achieve a predetermined target temperature, a sensor for use in determining engine air flow and a sensor for measuring a value indicative of degree of engine warm-up of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for vaporizing liquid fuel. The apparatus includes at least one capillary flow passage, the at least one capillary flow passage having an inlet end and an outlet end; a fluid control valve for placing the inlet end of the at least one capillary flow passage in fluid communication with the liquid fuel source and introducing the liquid fuel in a substantially liquid state; a heat source arranged along the at least one capillary flow passage, the heat source operable to heat the liquid fuel in the at least one capillary flow passage to a level sufficient to change at least a portion thereof from the liquid state to a vapor state and deliver a stream of substantially vaporized fuel from the outlet end of the at least one capillary flow passage; and means for cleaning deposits formed during operation of the apparatus. The flow passage can be a capillary tube heated by a resistance heater or a section of a tube heated by passing electrical energy therethrough.

Abstract: A reinforced structural assembly comprises a structural member and a reinforcing member disposed adjacent to a wall of the structural member. The reinforcing member is an insert having a carrier portion and an expandable portion in the form of a one-part epoxy system having an outer surface disposed toward the wall of the structural member. The epoxy system contains in weight percent about 30% to about 70% epoxy resin and contains a filler in the form of hollow glass microspheres. The epoxy system is in the form of a high-viscosity dough so that in its uncured state it does not significantly flow from and remain supported by the carrier portion of the insert whereby the insert may be placed near the wall before the epoxy dough is cured to bond the dough to the wall when the dough is cured and expands into intimate contact with the wall.

Abstract: A combustion exhaler for the vaporization of an insecticide or perfumed substance, comprises a housing (1, 2) having intake and exit vents (4), and a solid porous combustible element (6, 9) impregnated with said substance, placed inside said housing between said intake and exit vents, and fixed onto appropriate support means. The combustible element shows a high ratio between the mass of the active substance and the mass of the combustible element and, in one embodiment, a low mass/length ratio.

Abstract: A fuel injector for vaporizing a liquid fuel for use in an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector includes at least one capillary flow passage, the at least one capillary flow passage having an inlet end and an outlet end, a fluid control valve for placing the inlet end of the at least one capillary flow passage in fluid communication with the liquid fuel source and introducing the liquid fuel in a substantially liquid state, a heat source arranged along the at least one capillary flow passage, the heat source operable to heat the liquid fuel in the at least one capillary flow passage to a level sufficient to change at least a portion thereof from the liquid state to a vapor state and deliver a stream of substantially vaporized fuel from the outlet end of the at least one capillary flow passage and means for cleaning deposits formed during operation of the apparatus. The fuel injector is effective in reducing cold-start and warm-up emissions of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for the vaporization of materials that releases active constituents for inhalation without the creation of harmful byproducts such as carcinogens associated with combustion and inhalation of substances.

Abstract: A fire-resistant housing forming a heat generating compartment having an access opening and at least one elongated heating element which is coupled to a support element in said compartment to position a second end of the heating element proximate the access opening for vaporizing an herbal sample placed in close proximity thereof. Such second end is further positioned at a height equal to or less than the height between the first end and an underlying support surface. A connector is included to electrically connect the heating element to a power source for energizing the heating element.

Abstract: An aerosol generating device generates an aerosol having a desired particle size by passing a liquid through a flow passage heated to convert the liquid into a vapor. The flow passage includes an outlet section that controls the exit velocity of the vapor and produces an aerosol with a desired particle size. The aerosol generator can be incorporated in a hand held inhaler, and the liquid can include a medicament, which is delivered to a targeted portion of the lung using the inhaler.

Abstract: An injection vaporizer has a reservoir for liquid to be vaporized and a delivery conduit connected to the reservoir with an outlet for injecting liquid to be vaporized into a gas space, formed by a flow-through chamber. A pumping system is operable to transfer liquid from the reservoir to the outlet. A heater supplies thermal energy into the delivery conduit. A pressure generator generates an elevated delivery pressure within the delivery conduit and is operable with the heater to establish a heated pressurized liquid at the outlet.

Abstract: A skin cleaner includes a lower container, and an upper bowl having a rim defining an opening for receiving the face of users. The container has a chamber for containing a first liquid while the bowl has a cup located in the opening for containing a second liquid. A heater is provided for heating and converting the second liquid into vapor, which is then discharged from the cup into the opening of the bowl. The skin cleaner further includes a nozzle disposed in the bowl, and a pump for pumping the first liquid to the nozzle and spurting the first liquid from the nozzle over the face received in the bowl.

Abstract: An aerosol generator includes an induction heating arrangement to vaporize fluid contained in a fluid passage. The vapor is then expelled from the fluid passage into the air creating a mist that forms the aerosol. The aerosol generator includes an excitation coil that inductively heats a heating element which transfers heat to the fluid in the fluid passage. The fluid passage can be located in a metal tube which can be removably mounted in the aerosol generator.

Abstract: Process and device for the generation of a fog of micrometric and submicrometric droplets, which may find application to the generation of light in the extreme ultraviolet range, particularly for lithography. According to the process and device, a pressurized liquid is injected into a very small diameter nozzle opening up into a vacuum. Light is generated by focusing laser radiation onto the fog.

Abstract: A fuel injector for vaporizing a liquid fuel for use in an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector includes at least one capillary flow passage, the at least one capillary flow passage having an inlet end and an outlet end, a fluid control valve for placing the inlet end of the at least one capillary flow passage in fluid communication with the liquid fuel source and introducing the liquid fuel in a substantially liquid state, a heat source arranged along the at least one capillary flow passage, the heat source operable to heat the liquid fuel in the at least one capillary flow passage to a level sufficient to change at least a portion thereof from the liquid state to a vapor state and deliver a stream of substantially vaporized fuel from the outlet end of the at least one capillary flow passage and means for cleaning deposits formed during operation of the apparatus. The fuel injector is effective in reducing cold-start and warm-up emissions of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A displaceable nozzle (8) of an injection steam generator for small appliances, particularly irons or ironing stations, comprising a steam chamber (3) inside a steam generator housing (1) provided with an injection opening (5), is positioned telescopically on a fixed member to define a nozzle chamber (10). This nozzle (8) can be displaced by an inside pressure in the nozzle chamber in a first pressure range in the direction of the injection opening (5) and can be moved back from the injection opening (5) by a restoring force e.g., a restoring spring (12), wherein the inside pressure in the nozzle chamber (10) is lower in second pressure range than in the first pressure range. A drain passage (18) for the nozzle chamber 10 is connected via a valve arrangement (19, 21) to the fixed member (11), so that excess residual water, which exits when the nozzle (18) is moved back from the nozzle chamber (10), does not cause calcification of the nozzle opening (9) and the injection opening (5).

Abstract: The present invention involves controlled atomization of liquids for various applications such as part/droplet seeding for laser-based measurements of flow velocity, temperature, and concentration; flame and a plasma based elemental analysis; nano-powder production; spray drying for generation of small-sized particles; nebulizers in the production of sub-micron size droplets and for atomizing fuel for use in combustion chambers. In these and other atomizer applications the control of droplet and/or particle size is very critical In some applications extremely small droplets are preferred (less than a micron), while in others, droplet diameters on the scale of several microns are required. The present invention has the flexibility of forming droplets within a particular range of diameters, wherein not only the size of the average droplet can be adjusted, but the range of sizes may be adjusted as well. The atomizer (4) itself is in the form of a heated tube (44) having an inlet end (48) and an outlet end (50).