Abstract: A washcoat showerhead for depositing a washcoat onto a face of a substrate comprises a housing having an inlet for receiving the washcoat, a showerhead plate and a baffle. The housing and showerhead plate define a showerhead cavity with the baffle located within the showerhead cavity. The showerhead plate has a plurality of nozzle apertures for discharging the washcoat towards the face of the substrate. The baffle comprises an impermeable central body and a plurality of arms extending from the impermeable central body, the plurality of arms defining a plurality of flow apertures circumferentially arranged around the impermeable central body.

Abstract: A humidifier includes a container for containing a fluid; a cartridge for nebulizing the fluid, the cartridge configured to be fixed inside the container, the cartridge including a cartridge housing including a bottom side that is configured to contact a bottom of the container, a top side opposite to the bottom side; a back side; a front side; a left side; and a right side; and a handle on the top side of the cartridge housing, the handle projecting upward and away from the cartridge housing.

Abstract: A volatile substance delivery system includes a volatile substance container to contain a volatile substance, an optional absorbent and collapsible element disposed within the container to reduce presence of undesired air during manufacture of the device, an outlet to deliver a volume of the volatile substance from the volatile substance container to an ambient environment, and a manual screw pump to reduce volume (or sometimes, just increase pressure) within the volatile substance container and promote the delivery of the volatile substance from the volatile substance container.

Abstract: A filter cartridge includes a filter media defining an interior space, and having a first end and a second end, a first end plate connected to the first end, and a second end plate connected to the second end. A pin is connected to the second end plate and extends downwardly into the interior space. The pin defines a flow passage therethrough that communicates the interior space with an outside of the filter cartridge.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly with a self-cleaning face is provided, having a nozzle body with a liquid flow path defined therethrough with an inlet and a spray outlet. The nozzle body is mounted in a carrier body, and an annular gas flow channel is located about the nozzle body with a gas discharge outlet defined around the spray outlet. A porous surface is located about the annular gas flow channel at the gas discharge outlet. A radiused surface is formed in the carrier body at the air discharge outlet. A pathway is in communication with the porous surface and adapted to provide a low velocity fluid discharge from the porous surface. A spray device and method are also provided using the nozzle assembly with the self-cleaning face. An adaptor for retrofitting an existing nozzle is also provided.

Abstract: An energized air freshening apparatuses comprising perfume mixtures having an olfactive index and vapor pressure distribution for improved diffusion into a space methods thereof are provided. The energized air freshening apparatus may include a delivery engine containing the volatile perfume mixture, a fluid transport member, and an evaporation assistance element such as a fan that is configured to move a volume of air over the fluid transport member to facilitate evaporation of the perfume mixture into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A handheld sprayer includes a housing, a turbine, a spray tip, and a hopper. An air flow passage extends through the housing. The turbine is configured to generate an airflow within the air flow passage. The spray tip is positioned to receive airflow from the air flow passage. The hopper is connected to the housing and configured to discharge a fluid into the air flow passage. In one embodiment a valve is positioned within the air flow passage and configured to control the airflow from the turbine to the spray tip. In another embodiment, a voltage limiting circuit is configured to control voltage to an electric motor of the turbine to control speed of the turbine. In another embodiment, an air inlet control device is configured to control the air intake of the turbine.

Abstract: A volatile substance delivery system includes a volatile substance container to contain a volatile substance, an outlet to deliver a volume of the volatile substance from the volatile substance container to an ambient environment, and a manual screw pump to increase pressure within the volatile substance container and promote the delivery of the volatile substance from the volatile substance container.

Abstract: A multi-chamber vaporizer is disclosed. The vaporizer includes a heating assembly with a heating element, the heating element having a portion thermally coupled to an airflow passage. A plurality of herbal placement chambers is rotatable relative to the airflow passage. Further, a track assembly having an herbal support surface extends about a central axis at a track radius and with a motor operably configured to rotate the herbal support surface about the central axis at a rotation rate. The herbal support surface is operably configured to support the herbal placement chambers thereon for rotation about the central axis to the airflow passage.

Abstract: A pump assembly for removing contents from inside a bottle is described. The pump assembly includes a pump; a tube having a first end attached to the pump for drawing contents therein when the pump is actuated; and an extractor positioned on the tube and configured to remove contents from the bottom of the bottle. Kits having various embodiments of the extractor are also described herein, including the configurations of the various embodiments of the extractor.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for the atomisation of a liquid including: a piezoelectric substrate (5) having at least one working surface (7), at least one electrode (9) supported on the piezoelectric substrate (5), a signal generating means (21) for applying an ultrasonic signal to said electrode (9) for generating a surface acoustic wave (SAW) in the working surface (7) of the piezoelectric substrate (5); a liquid delivery arrangement (11) including a wick (17) in contact with the working surface (7) for delivering liquid thereof, wherein liquid delivered to the working surface (7) is atomised by SAW irradiation.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating an airspace with a volatile substance includes means for detecting the presence of a specific component in a volatile substance and means for controlling a volatile substance dispenser to dispense the volatile substance only if the volatile substance contains the specific component.

Abstract: A foam generating apparatus includes a body, a porous body, a cap, a cushion and a switching member. The body includes a holding space and a joint opening connecting the holding space, the water supply line coupled with the joint opening so as to inject a liquid into the holding space; the porous body disposed in the holding space, the porous body foaming the liquid injected into the holding space; the cap disposed jointly on an opening of the holding space, the cap including a spray member, the formed liquid being sprayed out via the spray member; the cushion attached inside the cap and against the porous body so the porous body is disposed fixedly in the holding space; the switching member disposed rotatably on the spray member so a user rotates and changes the way the liquid is sprayed from the spray member.

Abstract: A pump fragrance device includes a pump spray, an inner housing connected to a spray head, and an outer housing on the inner housing. On the inner housing, a junction piece connected to the spray head has an opening thereon. The inner housing's surface has an assembling piece to fit with the outer housing, which has an assembling structure to fit with the inner housing. The inner and outer housings form a fixing structure. The fixing structure is filled with a volatile carrier agent, at least a part of which is located in the spray path of the pump spray. When used, the pump spray sprays content onto a surface of the volatile carrier agent, thereby reducing the quantity of the volatile aromatic agent used. This prolongs the diffusion time of the volatile aromatic agent, thereby relieving users from the danger of the fragrance device being under high temperature.

Abstract: An air freshener includes a pair of wicks extending from a pair of reservoirs configured to contain different scents. A hood is sized and shaped to essentially cover only one of the at least two wicks and movable with respect to the wicks between a first scent position in which the hood essentially covers a second of the at least two wicks, a second scent position in which the hood essentially covers a first of the at least two wicks, and a plurality of combined scent positions in which the hood partially covers both of the at least two wicks.

Abstract: A fluid spray dispenser (2) having a fluid reservoir (20) for holding a fluid to be dispensed, a spray head (23) for dispensing the fluid and a porous medium (24) through which the fluid passes from the reservoir (20) to the spray head (23). The porous medium (24) has an effective pore size and/or permeability that decreases towards the spray head (23). Means and methods of creating the pore size and/or permeability gradients are discussed.

Abstract: A fluid spray dispenser (2) having a fluid reservoir (20) for holding a fluid to be dispensed, a spray head (23) for dispensing the fluid and a porous medium (24) through which the fluid passes from the reservoir (20) to the spray head (23). The porous medium (24) has a pathway (25) or pathways located substantially adjacent the spray head (23) for the removal of air ingested into the porous medium (24) during spraying.

Abstract: A scent sampler and air freshener has a wafer of an absorbent resilient material infused with a liquid containing a scent. The wafer is encapsulated in a chamber formed between two panels of sheet material with edges sealed together to form an envelope. An opening in one of the panels enables scent from the liquid to be emitted to the ambient atmosphere. The rate of emission can be increased by squeezing the panels to compress the wafer. The interior surfaces of the panels can be coated with a barrier film to prevent leakage of the liquid from contaminating the sheet material.

Abstract: A wick assembly for use in a dispenser for a volatile liquid includes a wick having an external surface and a discontinuity in the surface providing a location in the wick of less resistance to a force applied to the wick than a location adjacent to the discontinuity. In one embodiment, the wick is adapted to be positioned to extend from an inside of a container, through an opening defined in the container, to an outside of the container, and the wick is formed such that a portion of the wick will block the opening when the wick is broken at the discontinuity.

Abstract: A chemical cartridge for a blower-type chemical diffusing apparatus includes a chemical-impregnated body including an air-permeable and liquid-absorptive sheet impregnated with a chemical, and a retainer receptacle for containing the chemical-impregnated body. The retainer receptacle includes a liquid pool recess formed at a central area thereof such that liquid chemical stored in the liquid pool recess is permeable towards a peripheral area of the sheet.

Abstract: A dry powder inhalation system suitable for transpulmonary administration characterized by using a combination of: (1) A vessel housing a freeze-dried composition that contains a single dose of an active ingredient, and has: (i) a non-powder cake-like form, (ii) a disintegration index of 0.015 or more, and (iii) a property of becoming fine particles having a mean particle diameter of 10 microns or less or a fine particle fraction of 10% or more upon receipt of an air impact having an air speed of at least 1 m/sec and an air flow rate of at least 17 ml/sec; and (2) A device capable of applying said air impact to the freeze-dried composition in said vessel and for discharging the powder-form freeze-dried composition that has been made into fine particles.

Abstract: A nebulizing element for liquid substances for coupling to procurement elements, includes at least one membrane with a microperforated area; at least one piezoelectric element connected to an electronic circuit and coupled to the membrane to cause it to vibrate; at least one first and one second support that can be placed on top of one another and create, on their interior a compartment to contain the membrane, the piezoelectric element, and a space of limited dimension for the liquid to be nebulized, created beneath the membrane. The second support has an opening for the nebulized liquid outlet, located in correspondence with the perforated area of the membrane. The nebulizing element also includes at least one collector for the liquid that flows from the porous element to the collector itself by capillary action; at least one capillary opening to allow in the liquid to be nebulized and at least one outlet opening to aid air circulation.

Abstract: A wick which comprises a network matrix ceramic that is contacted either directly or indirectly with a liquid composition such as a fragrance-containing composition. The wick absorbs and transports the liquid composition through capillary action, and the composition is subsequently diffused into the surrounding ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: A slow release deer and rodent outdoor deterrent device includes: a) a waterproof hollow housing having a top and a bottom, a top wick orifice and a bottom wick; b) a wick externally extending from outside the hollow housing top, through the top wick orifice and into the hollow housing, through the bottom wick orifice and externally below the hollow housing bottom; c) a teabag containing dried repellant that is activated by water contact. The teabag acts as a two way filter to permit water to enter the teabag and permit a water-dissolved repellant brew to exit the teabag, the teabag being inside the housing in contact with the wick. The device is placed outdoors proximate vegetation to be protected and releases repellent when wetted by rain or watering.

Abstract: Methods and devices include having a container (1) for holding a liquid with a viscosity ?, and a porous wick (5) with an average pore size of at least about 4 microns to about 50 microns and a porosity ? between about 0.20 to about 0.75, and having a length L and a total exposed surface area A exposed to the ambient air. The viscosity of the liquid and the dimensions of the wick are such that a quantity A/?L is in a range of about 4×10?4 to about 18 cm/poise.

Abstract: “A Two-part, Wall-mountable Electrochemical Dispenser. The dispenser assembly consists of a disposable fluid storage reservoir and a non-disposable dispenser. The dispenser holds an electrochemical gas generator, its associated electronics, and a power source. The generator can be set for fluid delivery rates of between 1 mL/day and 50 mL/day. The system has a battery-determined operational life of about 2 years, assuming rates of up to 2 mL/day and 2 C-size batteries. The fluid storage reservoir is formed by two plastic shells separated by a plastic diaphragm. Gas produced by the generator acts on the diaphragm thereby displacing fluid that is then captured by an evaporation pad from which it can readily emanate into the environment. The reservoir can be removed and discarded after depletion of the liquid, and then replaced by another filled assembly. As needed, the refill holds an anti-theft coded card that prohibits the re-use of the refill.

Abstract: A method for delivering an aerosol, especially an aromatic aerosol, comprising the steps of contacting a capillary wick, comprising an EHD comminution site, with a liquid source, whereby at least a portion of the liquid transports to the EHD comminution site; applying a voltage to the liquid within the capillary wick at a location spaced apart from the liquid source and proximate the EHD comminution site; and applying a ground reference at a location external to the EHD comminution site, wherein at least a portion of the liquid EHD comminutes to form a spray having a generally-consistent flowrate and a device therefor.

Abstract: Spray device comprising a piezoelectric element, a sonotrode having a base coupled to the piezoelectric element, and a tube extending as far as a horn, a drive circuit for vibrating the piezoelectric element, and a feed device for bringing the product to be sprayed up to the front face of the horn. The sonotrode mainly vibrates in a mode parallel to the tube, the horn being dimensioned so as not to flex along the longitudinal axis, without flexing when the drive circuit vibrates the piezoelectric element. This spray device is applicable in cosmetology and in perfumery.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include an air freshener device that emits fragrance through the evaporation of a fragrance-containing fluid comprising: a container, comprising a particular volume of the fragrance-containing fluid; a wick disposed partially in, and partially out of the fragrance-containing fluid, the wick having an immersion section immersed in the fluid so as to displace a displacement volume of fluid and a non-immersion section extending outward from a surface of the fluid, the immersion and non-immersion section being disposed on opposite lateral ends of the wick; the wick further comprising a displacement portion and a wicking portion, the displacement portion being configured to displace a desired first volume of fluid, the wicking portion being configured to wick a second volume of fluid; the displacement portion and the wicking portion designed to achieve a desired ratio between the displaced first volume of fluid and the wicked second volume of fluid.

Abstract: An air brush marker includes a marker barrel having a first end and a second end, with a pump disposed at the first end of the marker barrel and a hollow nib disposed at the second end that is configured to absorb ink. A filter is disposed within the marker barrel, is configured to absorb ink and is positioned in contact with the nib. A tube is disposed within the marker barrel and provides an air passage extending from the pump to the nib. The pump is configured to supply a burst of air through the tube and the nib such that ink particles are sprayed out of the marker at the second end in a generally dispersed pattern.

Abstract: A high volume piezoelectric atomizer for use with common consumer spray products is disclosed. The piezoelectric atomizer may include an actuator, a substrate and a supply of a liquid product to be dispensed. The substrate may include a plurality of tapered perforations in direct contact with the supply of a liquid product. A control circuit vibrates the actuator, substrate and its tapered perforations against the supply at velocities of at least 500 mm/s. Droplets are dispensed at a delivery rate of approximately 0.2 g/s resulting in plumes of at least 2 feet in length resulting in a Valpey factor of at least 51.0.

Abstract: An air freshener device includes an open-cell, polyurethane foam body having a scent material interspersed in the foam body that is capable of diffusing out of the foam, and a flexible cover surrounding and conforming to the foam body having at least one hole in the cover to facilitate the release of scent. The foam body can be flexible and compressible, and also resilient and returnable to its original configuration. The flexible cover can have a fabric shell that is soothing to the touch, and may also have a non-porous inner liner to contain the scent material and prevent it from migrating out of the foam body. In addition, the air freshener can have a freestanding, self-supported, three-dimensional shape, and can be fashioned into the shape of a common sports ball, such as a baseball.

Abstract: A cedar oil evaporator includes: a housing having openings therein for ventilation of air; a reservoir within the housing containing cedar oil; and a carrier for wicking away the cedar oil from the reservoir for dispersing cedar oil via air that passes through the housing. Each carrier is a length of cotton twine having a diameter of one-sixteenth of an inch or smaller and a length of twelve and one-half feet or longer. The housing includes a door movable about a hinge between a first position, wherein the reservoir is accessible for removal from the housing; and a second position, wherein the reservoir is inaccessible for removal. An extent of the carrier that is received within the reservoir for immersion in the cedar oil preferably represents 10% or less of the overall length of the carrier, the remainder being randomly exposed within the interior space of the housing.

Abstract: A method for delivering an aerosol, especially an aromatic aerosol, comprising the steps of contacting a capillary wick, comprising an EHD comminution site, with a liquid source, whereby at least a portion of the liquid transports to the EHD comminution site; applying a voltage to the liquid within the capillary wick at a location spaced apart from the liquid source and proximate the EHD comminution site; and applying a ground reference at a location external to the EHD comminution site, wherein at least a portion of the liquid EHD comminutes to form a spray having a generally-consistent flowrate and a device therefor.

Abstract: A vapor-dispersing device comprising a moveable piston with an evaporative member is described that operates by the repetitive movement of the piston to bring the evaporative member into repeated contact with the exposed end of a liquid transfer means to wick volatile liquid out from a reservoir onto the evaporative member and to expel vapors out through vents.

Abstract: A vapor-dispersing device comprising a moveable piston with a porous protuberance is described that operates by the repetitive movement of the piston to intermittently dip the porous member into a volatile liquid and to expel air out through vents.

Abstract: A protective covering constructed from an electrostatically charged sheet having a top and bottom surface and an absorbent layer. The absorbent layer has top and bottom surfaces, the bottom surface of the absorbent layer being bonded to the top surface of the electrostatically charged sheet. The absorbent layer is divided into a plurality of cells for containing liquid spilled on the absorbent layer. The absorbent layer can be constructed from paper, open cell foam, fibrous mat, or any other absorbent material. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cells are constructed by providing hydrophobic barriers in the absorbent layer. The barriers can be constructed from paraffin, plastic, or any other material that can penetrate the absorbent layer. In one embodiment of the present invention, a hydrophobic layer is bonded to the top surface of the absorbent layer.

Abstract: A diffuser for an air freshener product includes a casing having front and rear casing portions fastened together. A neck opening is formed inside said casing into which a neck of an air freshener reservoir is secured. A wick extends from the neck of the air freshener reservoir into the interior of the casing. The casing has openings in the front and back through which air flows. An air flow control element is provided in the casing to permit a user to change the air flow to the wick and thereby vary the air freshener product dispersed into the air. The air flow control element has a knob extending from the casing that is operable by the user. The rear portion of the casing has a fastener to which is attached a clip having two extended flexible arms that engage into a vent grill of an air conditioner system of a vehicle. The clip is securable in the fastener at positions oriented 90 degrees from one another to enable the clip to be fastened to vertically or horizontally oriented air conditioner grill slats.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include an air freshener device that emits fragrance through the evaporation of a fragrance-containing fluid comprising: a container, comprising a particular volume of the fragrance-containing fluid; a wick disposed partially in, and partially out of the fragrance-containing fluid, the wick having an immersion section immersed in the fluid so as to displace a displacement volume of fluid and a non-immersion section extending outward from a surface of the fluid, the immersion and non-immersion section being disposed on opposite lateral ends of the wick; the wick further comprising a displacement portion and a wicking portion, the displacement portion being configured to displace a desired first volume of fluid, the wicking portion being configured to wick a second volume of fluid; the displacement portion and the wicking portion designed to achieve a desired ratio between the displaced first volume of fluid and the wicked second volume of fluid.

Abstract: A multiple liquid and solids dispenser apparatus and method includes a solids dispenser for holding and dispensing solids. A liquid dispenser is connected to the solids dispenser and the liquid dispenser contains more than one liquid and is positioned so as to dispense the more than one liquid on the solid or not on the solid as desired.

Abstract: A device for achieving a controlled low emanation rate of small volumes of liquid solutions, such as single or multi-component solutions, fragrances, or pheromones, for pest and insect management or fragrance enhancement. The device has a housing with an upper chamber to hold a bladder containing desired liquid solution to be released, a lower chamber containing an electro-chemical gas generator, a collector pad for receiving liquid solution from the bladder, and a cap which, when translated downward, activated the gas generator which fills the upper chamber with gas exerting pressure on the bladder which in turn forces the liquid solution from the bladder onto the pad for release to the environment. The gas generator is capable of releasing gases such as hydrogen, oxygen, or carbon dioxide at extremely small, pre-determined, and adjustable rates.

Abstract: Glycolic disinfectant compositions and related methods and apparatus for electrostatic dispensation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refill for a spray device for spraying at least one scented substance, the refill comprising: a reservoir of elongate shape along a longitudinal axis; and a transporter element for transporting the substance by capillarity, the element being of a shape with a bend, being in contact with the substance in the reservoir and having a dispenser end for dispensing the substance, said end being oriented transversally relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A refill for a volatile material includes a container having a reservoir portion and a neck portion. The refill further includes a plug assembly disposed within the neck portion of the container and a channel through a central portion of the plug assembly. Still further, the refill includes a porous wick extending through the channel, wherein the wick includes an upper portion extending outside the container and a lower portion disposed within the reservoir portion. A slit is formed in the lower portion of the wick to form a barb that catches on the plug assembly to prevent removal of the wick from the container.

Abstract: Water is fed from a tank to a capillary carrier having an emitter end from which an ionized water particle is emitted by a voltage being applied across the emitter end and an opposed electrode. A cation exchanger is provided to remove minerals such as Ca2+ and Mg2+ from the water being fed through the capillary carrier or from the water to be fed to the carrier from the tank, thereby avoiding the ions from precipitating at the emitter end as CaCO3 or MgO in reaction with CO2 in the surrounding air, and therefore assure reliable electrostatic atomization over a long period of time.

Abstract: An air freshener replacement bottle having an open ended, externally threaded neck a wick holding sleeve which press fits onto the open end of the bottle. The sleeve has an outwardly directed flange with a lower face that abuts against an upper end of the bottle neck. An internally threaded cap is threaded onto the neck of the bottle compressing the wick holder flange forming a seal. The cap has a cylindrical wall smaller in diameter than the lower portion of the cap, protruding from its top. The cylindrical wall contains at least one annular groove on it outside. A wick extends through the sleeve and the cylindrical wall with one end projecting into the cavity of the bottle and the opposite end exposed to the air. Another cap whose internal diameter is sized slightly larger than the cylindrical wall on the first cap has at least one internal annular rib sized slightly smaller than said at least one groove in said cylindrical wall.

Abstract: Efficient fuel combustion catalyst delivery device and method are provided. A fuel combustion catalyst delivery device includes a storage vessel that contains a liquid. The liquid includes one or more catalytic materials. The storage vessel is attached to a nebulizer that can convert the liquid to an aerosol to be delivered into an air intake of a combustion zone. The aerosol can accelerate fuel combustion. The storage vessel and the nebulizer are made from materials suitable to be exposed to the liquid and the aerosol. The storage vessel and the nebulizer are also suitable to be placed in proximity to the combustion zone such as an engine compartment so that the aerosol can be delivered into the air intake of the combustion zone easily and effectively. The surfaces of the delivery device exposed to the liquid or the aerosol may be made of corrosion-resistant or inert materials if the liquid is acidic.

Abstract: An air brush marker includes a marker barrel having a first end and a second end, with a pump disposed at the first end of the marker barrel and a hollow nib disposed at the second end that is configured to absorb ink. A filter is disposed within the marker barrel, is configured to absorb ink and is positioned in contact with the nib. A tube is disposed within the marker barrel and provides an air passage extending from the pump to the nib. The pump is configured to supply a burst of air through the tube and the nib such that ink particles are sprayed out of the marker at the second end in a generally dispersed pattern.

Abstract: Efficient and effective fuel combustion catalyst delivery apparatus is disclosed. A fuel combustion catalyst delivery apparatus may include a receptacle containing a material such as a liquid. The liquid may include one or more catalytic materials. The apparatus may further include a vibration pump configured to convert the liquid to an aerosol to be delivered into an intake air of a combustion zone, a pressure equalizer configured to maintain the pressure level of the receptacle at about the same pressure level as that of the intake air of the combustion zone, and a liquid delivery device configured to deliver the liquid to the vibration pump. The apparatus may further include an electronic control module and a mounting bracket or a docking station. The electronic control module may be used to control the vibration pump.

Abstract: A diffusion device comprises a bottom portion having a bottom cover disposed thereon. The device further includes a top portion having a top cover disposed atop the bottom portion and a pump assembly disposed between the top cover and the bottom cover. First, second, and third arm portions extend from the pump assembly, wherein the first, second, and third arm portions include first, second, and third piezoelectric devices, respectively, attached thereto.