Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for volatile fluid dispensers with novel activation mechanisms. The device includes a container assembly that includes a reservoir that is sealed to contain a volatile fluid, and an internal barrier. The device also includes a wicking assembly that includes a wick and a puncture element. The application of a force along a longitudinal axis of the wick to the puncture element breaks an internal barrier and allows the fluid in the reservoir to contact the wick.

Abstract: A flame-blocking system includes flame retardant foam having at least one through hole and at least one flame retardant tube passing through the through hole. Both the flame retardant foam and the flame retardant tube comprise graphite, aluminum hydroxide and ammonium phosphate in addition to a base resin. The flame-blocking system prevents flames and toxic gases generated during a fire or a similar accident from being spread through holes through which a wire, a cable or a pipe is installed across a wall of buildings or ships, which can reduce damage to life and property.

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 refill for a liquid wherein the refill comprises: a housing; at least one reservoir in the housing for holding the liquid; at least one aperture in the housing sealed by at least one valve wherein said at least one valve defines a liquid pathway from the reservoir to the exterior of the refill, wherein at least one of said valve(s) is configured to be automatically resealable when not being held open; and at least one wick housed entirely within the housing.

Abstract: A system for consistently emitting a volatile material includes a volatile material dispenser having a diffusion element. The system further includes a refill adapted for disposal within the volatile material dispenser and including a container having a volatile material disposed therein and a wick having a first end disposed in contact with the volatile material in the container and a second end extending out of the container. A time constant for (Parameter 4) for the system is less than or equal to about 1.0 hour when estimated using the equation: Predicted mass change=Parameter4+(Parameter3*T)+(Parameter2*exp(?T/Parameter1)).

Abstract: A cartridge containing aromatic constituents is inserted to an efficacious constituent supply apparatus which is embedded in a door. An insertion slot of the cartridge is formed on a matching surface of the door trim, the surface facing an side surface of an instrument panel. BY forming the insertion slot on the matching surface of the door trim, the insertion slot can be concealed when the door is closed and thus the appearance of the efficacious constituent supply apparatus can be enhanced. In addition, the insertion slot is exposed when the door is opened, working efficiency upon changing the cartridge is not impaired.

Abstract: A liquid storage system includes a liquid container having a plurality of through holes of a nano-size from which volatile liquid contained in the liquid container is led outside by capillary action, and photocatalytic films provided on surfaces of the through holes, the photocatalytic films being hydrophilic during light irradiation, an irradiation unit configured to irradiate the photocatalytic films with light, and a control unit configured to control the irradiation unit in accordance with an amount of the volatile liquid to be led outside.

Abstract: A liquid storage system includes a liquid container having a plurality of through holes of a nano-size from which volatile liquid contained in the liquid container is led outside by capillary action, and photocatalytic films provided on surfaces of the through holes, the photocatalytic films being hydrophilic during light irradiation, an irradiation unit configured to irradiate the photocatalytic films with light, and a control unit configured to control the irradiation unit in accordance with an amount of the volatile liquid to be led outside.

Abstract: A discharge device and a method for evaporating a liquid to the atmosphere are proposed. The liquid pressurized by gas is supplied to an evaporator via a flow restriction device which restricts the flow rate of the liquid such that continuous release and evaporation of the liquid is possible. Further, an evaporator is proposed. The evaporator comprises an evaporation surface which is designed preferably by microstructuring such that the surface area is increased and/or the liquid forms an essentially uniform film on the evaporation surface.

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: Dispensers and refills for volatile liquids, such as fragrances, are disclosed. Dispensers and refills in combination with dispensers according to the present invention may comprise a volatile liquid and a housing. In certain embodiments, the volatile liquid of the present invention has a predetermined evaporation rate, measured and calculated by the method described herein. In other embodiments, the volatile liquid exhibits a predefined relative evaporation rate. In addition to the housing, the present invention includes optional components, such as a motorized fan and/or a wick, to facilitate release of the volatile liquid into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A fragrance diffuser and method of adjusting the evaporation rate of fragrance from a diffuser includes a container having an opening communicating with the interior of the container. A quantity of granular solids material such as silica sand, calcium carbonate sand, salt or starch is located in the container, and a fragrance material is mixed with the solids material to form a solids material-fragrance material mixture that is free of solvents, or includes a minor amount of a low volatility solvent. Wicking material is inserted through the opening of the container, and a portion of the wicking material is immersed into and supported by the solids material-fragrance material mixture. The fragrance material migrates along or through the wicking material and evaporates into the surrounding environment. The evaporation rate of fragrance from the diffuser can be adjusted by varying the length of the wicking material immersed into the granular solids material-fragrance mixture.

Abstract: A discharge device, an evaporator and a method for evaporating a liquid to the atmosphere in which the liquid is supplied to an evaporation surface only by a capillary.

Abstract: A wick assembly is provided for use in a dispensing device that dispenses volatile material from a wick by heat. Two wick sections of differing material are provided in stacked fashion, with a coupler sleeve that can be used to facilitate attachment of the wick structure to a reservoir. One wick section preferably provides control over the rate of dispensing, where the other provides improved thermal resistance and resistance to clogging.

Abstract: A wick-based delivery system includes a container for holding a liquid that has an opening therein. A porous wick is positioned in the container so that a lower region of the wick is in contact with the liquid in the container and an upper region of the wick is exposed to the ambient air. The porous wick has discrete inner and outer concentric cylindrical sections, the inner cylindrical section being made of a sand-based material and the outer cylindrical section being made of a plastic material.

Abstract: Comprises a vessel (1) containing scented liquid, a wick (2) partially submerged in the liquid, a stopper (3) coupled on the mouth (7) of the vessel (1) and a cap (5) that covers the stopper (3) and has a lower tubular portion (11) provided with two windows (15) and an inner threaded segment that unscrews from a central threaded tubular portion (13) of the stopper (3) as the cap (5) is turned, raising it and gradually revealing the windows (15) so that the wick (2) is exposed to the exterior, facilitating the adjustable evaporation of the scented liquid, the cap (5) being provided with flexible stops (16) that are prolonged externally from the base of its lower tubular portion (11) and as they rise meet a trapezoidal inner peripheral flange (17) defined in a cylindrical body (14) of the stopper (3) to prevent the exit of the cap (5).

Abstract: A wick-based emanation device for dispensing a volatile liquid is disclosed. The dispensing device includes a housing and a fan mounted in the housing for generating an air stream used for dispersing the volatile liquid. Walls of the housing form an enclosure for mounting the fan and for receiving an exposed portion of the wick therein. A retention structure is provided for coupling the wick to the housing and securing the wick in the air stream generated by the fan. The volatile liquid migrates along the wick from the reservoir to the exterior of the container where it is evaporated from the surface of the wick by forced airflow generated by a motorized fan mounted in the housing. The wick is formed to have a width dimension W which does not exceed 1.2 times a dimension R of a blade of the fan extending from the fan axis of rotation to an edge of the fan blade farthest from the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A composite wick for delivering two liquids with different properties to a surface includes a first section provided for delivering a first liquid to the surface of the wick and a second section provided for delivering a second liquid to the surface of the wick. Preferably, the first section is made of hydrophobic materials and the second section is made of hydrophilic materials. Also, a composite wick includes a first section made of either a porous ceramic-based material or a porous sand-based material and a second section made of a porous plastic material, wherein the first and second section preferably are formed as concentric cylinders, with the first section being disposed within the second section.

Abstract: A wick-based delivery system includes a container for holding a liquid, and a porous wick, having a first section of a material with a pore size of a predetermined size and a second section of a material of a predetermined pore size that is greater than that of the material of the first section. The porous wick extends through an opening in the container so that when the liquid is added to the container, a lower region of the porous wick is in contact with the liquid, and an upper region of the porous wick is exposed to the ambient air. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first section and at least a portion of the second section are exposed to the ambient air. In another embodiment, only the second section is exposed to the ambient air.

Abstract: A device that can be used for dispersing a liquid is disclose. The device comprises a container, a capillary device, and a housing. The container has an open end that is connected to the capillary device and comprises a liquid. The capillary device comprises a substantially tubular member having one end secured to the open end of the container and the opposing end extended therethrough a substantially tubular capillary structure, which is coaxially aligned with the substantially tubular member. The capillary structure is in fluid communication with the liquid in the container. The housing comprises a first end having an opening attached thereon the container, a low voltage supplier attached to one wall, a high voltage converter attached to another wall, a voltage contact and a counter electrode, optionally a heat and/or lighting source, a wicking material, and further optionally electronics for voltage regulation. Also disclosed is a process for dispensing liquid using the device.

Abstract: A wick-based delivery system includes a container for holding a liquid, and a porous wick, having a first section of a material with a pore size of a predetermined size and a second section of a material of a predetermined pore size that is greater than that of the material of the first section. The porous wick extends through an opening in the container so that when the liquid is added to the container, a lower region of the porous wick is in contact with the liquid, and an upper region of the porous wick is exposed to the ambient air. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first section and at least a portion of the second section are exposed to the ambient air. In another embodiment, only the second section is exposed to the ambient air.

Abstract: The invention concerns a volatile substance diffuser (102) comprising a body (104) with an aperture (111), and a reservoir (120) of product, comprising a volatile substance, the reservoir (102) being mounted mobile in the body (104) between a diffusing position enabling a gas to circulate through the product, then through the aperture (111) and a closed position wherein the product is isolated from the aperture (111), the reservoir and the body having respective surfaces (122,116) extending opposite each other. One of the surfaces (122) is spherical.

Abstract: Two associated air treatment compositions are formulated such that when used together they produce a constant emanating composition throughout the life of an air treatment dispenser of the wick type (dispenser). Composition I comprises components (at least two active agents) in their respective intended concentrations and is used to impregnate the evaporation surface and/or wick of the dispenser. Composition II comprises the same components (at least the same two active agents) as the first composition. However, the concentrations of the components in Composition II with respect to Composition I are adjusted such that a constant emanating composition is maintained. The relationship between Composition I and II can be described by equation ##EQU1## where ##EQU2## is composition II and ##EQU3## is composition I. Coefficients c.sub.i can be calculated based on quantitative analysis of composition I and II by means known in the art.

Abstract: An article deodorizer system and method which is suitable for fixed, mobile, and vehicular mounting and complete interfacing with their air systems at any sites including homes, businesses, airplanes, ships, railcars, automobiles, etc., providing for air improvement by deodorizing selected air streams continuously by effecting the induction of desired interchangeable deodorizing additives into air streams whether conditioned or not improving human conditions. A control system provides for either stand-alone or complete automated operation and complete interfacing with other small and/or supervisory or complex, large control systems.

Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device is disclosed having a container (16) for the liquid to be sprayed and a capillary structure (22) extending into the container. To maintain a substantially constant liquid level at the location where liquid is drawn into the capillary structure, the container is partitioned into two chambers, one (68) of which is isolated from atmosphere and the other (66) of which is in communication with atmosphere. The capillary structure (22) extends through one chamber and the arrangement is such that the liquid level at the location where the capillary structure communicates with the liquid is maintained substantially constant over a wide range of variation of the liquid level within the other chamber. The upper end of the capillary structure may be provided with an oblique end face (50; 70, 72) to facilitate dispersal of the spray into the surroundings.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing odorant vapor into an air stream is disclosed. The apparatus contains a reservoir for containing a volatilizable liquid, a dispensing well, liquid moving means for withdrawing liquid from the reservoir and causing it to flow into the dispensing well, and switch means for activating the liquid moving means.

Abstract: A device for both instant and continuous dispensing of an air-treating composition. The device has a pressurized vessel with a valve stem, an actuator-overcap, and an absorbent member adjacent to vented actuator-overcap walls. The actuator-overcap, which is preferably a single integrally-molded piece, has an actuator button and a channel member engaged with the stem and terminating in a spray orifice. The channel member and/or the valve stem have outlets for directing liquid onto the absorbent member, and the spray orifice, outlets and liquid passageway are configured such that the rate of discharge onto the absorbent member exceeds the rate of spray discharge into the air, preferably by more than 2:1.

Abstract: Sources which emit tracer gas at a known constant rate are positioned throughout a building. Samples of air are collected in selected rooms with constant rate adsorbent samplers. Samplers are analyzed in a laboratory to determine the tracer gas concentration during the period sampled, which concentration is compared to the known volume of the building to determine air infiltration rates. The tracer gas emission rate is rendered independent of room temperature by allowing the gas to escape through specially designed orifices which automatically open and close in response to changes in temperature. In one design, an orifice is formed in a material which expands and contracts with variations in temperature surrounded by a second, less elastic material. In another design, the area of an orifice is changed by a needle valve imbedded in a material which expands and contracts with temperature variations to move the needle in and out of the orifice.

Abstract: A vapor dispersing device in which evaporative dispersion of volatile and diffusive components of an air treating agent is regulated over an extending period by the use of a container, for the agent, into which at least one rigid porous wick extends to transfer the agent from the container to a porous plastic element from the surface of which dispersion of the agent will occur by means of evaporation, the surface of the element being impregnated with an occluding agent, the evaporation rate of which is chosen, relative to rate of deposition on non-volatile components of the air treating agent in the element, to result in an even dispersion rate over a desired operating period.

Abstract: A vapor dispersing device in which evaporative dispersion of volatile and diffusive components of an air treating agent is regulated over an extending period by the use of a container, for the agent, into which at least one rigid porous wick extends to transfer the agent from the container to a porous plastic element from the surface of which dispersion of the agent will occur by means of evaporation, the surface of the element being impregnated with an occluding agent, the evaporation rate of which is chosen, relative to rate of deposition on non-volatile components of the air treating agent in the element, to result in an even dispersion rate over a desired operating period.

Abstract: A water distributor is disposed above an air-liquid contact pad, and is supplied with water from a supply line. The water is received within an elongated enclosed chamber having at least one elongated corner in its lower portion. A floor portion of the chamber is formed of an imperferate slightly flexible wall disposed generally tangential to the corner. A screen is disposed on the inner surface of the floor portion and is manually adjusted to engage with the said corner in a line contact relationship to form a water flow restriction or gap. The chamber above the restriction is sealed. During each cycle of operation, as water initially flows into the chamber, a miniscus forms at the gap which prevents water discharge. As the chamber fills with water, the air thereabove is trapped and pressurized and, together with the pressure of the accumulating head of water, gradually increases the pressure on the miniscus.

Abstract: A device for producing a pleasant or fragrant scent in a room or automobile, for example. The device includes a housing that encloses a container of a fragrant liquid. At least part of the container is made of a substantially transparent material that can also be pierced by a needle or sharp pin. The container includes a reservoir part that is visible through an opening formed in the housing, so that a user may check the amount of liquid remaining in the container. The container further includes a chamber part that may be pierced so that the liquid seeps from it, and a pad or layer of material absorbs the seepage. An adjustable window formed on the housing controls the amount of the liquid that evaporates from the absorbent layer.

Abstract: Gas diffusion elements, formed of a body of solid particles which has been shaped, pressed and rendered coherent by bonding or sintering in a compacted form having pores, and having an enhanced apparent volumetric compression ratio in a central zone thereof, are disclosed. Such elements have a generally horizontal portion including an upper gas discharge surface having a bubble release pressure in water, by a test disclosed herein, in the range of about 2 to about 20 inches of water. Among the preferred embodiments is an element whose gas discharge surface has the property that its coefficient of variation is not greater than about 0.25, based on the values of bubble release pressure at a plurality of points over said surface. Such elements may provide improved gas, e.g. oxygen, transfer efficiency, and therefore hold promise of improving the efficiency and economics of gas transfer processes, such as for instance treatment of sewage or other waste water with air, oxygen and/or ozone.

Abstract: Gas diffusion elements, formed of a body of solid particles which have been shaped, pressed and rendered coherent by bonding or sintering in a compacted form having pores, and having an enhanced apparent volumetric compression ratio in a central zone and in a boundary zone thereof, are disclosed. Such elements have a generally horizontal portion including an upper gas discharge surface having a bubble release pressure in water, by a test disclosed herein, in the range of about 2 to about 20 inches of water. Among the preferred embodiments is an element whose gas discharge surface has the property that its coefficient of variation is not greater than about 0.25, based on the values of bubble release pressure at a plurality of points over said surface. Such elements may provide improved gas, e.g. oxygen, transfer efficiency, and therefore hold promise of improving the efficiency and economics of gas transfer processes, such as for instance treatment of sewage or other wastewater with air, oxygen and/or ozone.