With Enclosing Casing Patents (Class 239/55)
  • Patent number: 6244518
    Abstract: A snake repellent system for use in repelling snakes so as to prevent the human user from being bitten. The snake repellent system consists of a receptacle into which is placed a quantity of garlic or onion, the aroma of which is believed to be effective in repelling snakes. The receptacle is provided with a lid having a plurality of openings for facilitating the dispersal of the garlic or onion aroma. The receptacle may be provided with a mincing rack used to mince a clove of garlic, thereby more fully releasing its aroma. The receptacle may also be provided with a means to both limit child access to the repellent substance within the receptacle and prevent removal of the repellent substance from the lid openings. An adjustable band is provided for attaching the receptacle to the arm or leg of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Thelma F. Pogue
  • Patent number: 6241161
    Abstract: A compact, extensible scent dispensing device adapted for being placed in a closed position, in an extended position, and in a disassembled position. The device is preferably used by a hunter for attracting a game animal. The device comprises an elongated housing, an inner tube, a string, and a clip. The housing is dimensioned and configured for receiving the inner tube. The housing is adapted for receiving a predetermined volume of scented fluid and for being partially inserted into the ground. The inner tube is dimensioned and configured to fit within the housing and to receive a wick member. The inner tube has a hollow body with elongated slots and a cap. The string is attached to the cap and can be configured to form a loop so that the device can be hung from an upright structure and permit the scent to be more easily dispensed to the atmosphere. The clip is attached to the string, and is adapted for attaching to the upright structure and to a clothing member being worn by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Timothy W. Corbett
  • Patent number: 6216960
    Abstract: An annular sustained release pheromone-dispenser having a shape which is favorable for packaging and transportation, easy installation and which can maintain its installed condition over a long time. And is easily handled. Also provided is a tool for easy and rapid installation of the pheromone-dispenser at elevated locations. The inventive sustained release pheromone-dispenser has a plurality of a parallel arranged plastic tubes which are capable of being semi-resiliently deformed. The ends are fused together and the central portions are independent and can form an annular space by separating the tubes from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Shin Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noboru Aiba, Fumiaki Mochizuki, Ryuichi Saguchi
  • Patent number: 6213409
    Abstract: Described is a time release fragrance sachet for air freshening, particularly for use in clothing storage cabinets. The sachets comprise a container fabricated from a substance either sufficiently porous for perfumes to pass therethrough or having openings capable of permitting fragrances to pass through the walls thereof. The sachets each contain thermoplastic particles which have contained in the interstices thereof fragrance materials. The polymer particles can be foamed particles produced using chemical blowing agents or direct gas extrusion processes. Also described are methods for fabricating such sachets and methods of using same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignees: International Flavors & Fragances Inc., Unilever Patent Holdings B.V.
    Inventors: Craig B. Warren, John Ramsbotham, Marcel Belt
  • Patent number: 6161820
    Abstract: A container includes a housing attached to a block for receiving the aromatic material and having a number of orifices for allowing the perfume of the aromatic material to be blown out of the housing. A frame includes a track for slidably supporting the block. One or more wheels are rotatably secured to the frame and coupled to the block by cranks and links and legs. A light bulb is attached to the block, and a switch may be used to control the operation of the light bulb. The block may be attached to a support device by a clipper or the other fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Wen-Fu Wu
  • Patent number: 6135431
    Abstract: A scent cartridge (1) with a substrate (3), wherein the latter consists of porous particles of silica gel, activated carbon and/or aluminum oxide, which are impregnated with scents or active ingredients. The substrate (3) is fixed in a small cylindrical glass or aluminum tube (2) by means of wiremesh caps (4) made of metal or plastic. A membrane disk (6) is sealingly held on each flanged edge (5) of the small glass or aluminum tube (2) by means of a cap (7) each so that the membrane disks (6) can be punctured with needles or cannulae for releasing scents or active ingredients and an air or carrier gas flow controlled in a time-dependent manner is then admitted to the scent cartridge (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Drager Sicherheitstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhold Muhmel, Mark Griesbach, Rita Hamann
  • Patent number: 6132841
    Abstract: The wiping device of the present invention comprises a thermoplastic sheet coupled with an optional absorbent core and an optional liquid impervious backsheet. The thermoplastic sheet defines a plurality of cavities including outwardly extending capillaries. Contained within the absorbent core for release upon demand is one or more fluids which facilitate and enhance the cleaning provided by the wiping device. As the cavities of the thermoplastic sheet are contacted with and wiped across a surface to be cleansed, the cavities collect and remove undesired material such as dirt, feces or blood. The selective release of the one or more fluids onto the surface to be cleansed further facilitates the cleaning and/or provides fragrance and/or medicaments, or the like, to the surface to be cleansed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Tredegar Corporation
    Inventors: Lee F. Guthrie, Paul E. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6119958
    Abstract: A case for deodorants and the like is equipped with a snap opening and closing mechanism. The case has a base for the product, a guide cylinder that is integral with the base for a sliding cover, and a spring to act of the cover to carry it from a closing position to an opening position. Locks capable of engaging this cover when the latter is respectively in the opening and/or closing position are also provided. A clearing button is capable of disengaging this cover from on of the locks to carry it from a closing position to an opening position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Beta Pictoris Inc.
    Inventor: Monna De Vecchi
  • Patent number: 6109537
    Abstract: A release rate modulator for use with membrane-based formulations systems to control the release of a substance. The release rate modulator is formed from perforated polypropylene containing approximately 36 holes/cm.sup.2. Each hole is approximately 1 mm.sup.2 in size. The flow of substance passes through the holes and the membrane before reaching the surrounding environment. The use of the modulator improves the duration of substance release and provides a more constant release of the substance compared to unpredictable release rates obtained when the formulations systems did not contain the modulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventor: Robert R. Heath
  • Patent number: 6102301
    Abstract: A scent-handling device for attracting wild game includes a plug that snugly fits into either end of a receptacle to selectively place the scent-handling device in a sealed mode for tightly containing a scent inside the receptacle and a wide-open aerating mode for releasing the scent. The device includes several well thought out features that allow it to be inexpensively manufactured by way of a straightforward plastic injection molding process. A resilient clip extending sideways from the receptacle allows the clip and the receptacle to be injection molded together as a unitary piece without having to resort to a complicated mold having expensive side-action pulls. The clip includes several teeth that allow both the receptacle and the plug to be firmly fixed to various size branches or other items, thereby avoiding the problem of startling skittish animals with something dangling from the branch, or dangling while in transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Larry E. Tiedemann
  • Patent number: 6102300
    Abstract: A pocket size aromatherapy scent dispenser includes a flat casing defining a narrow cavity, a lid formed by an upper portion of the casing and a living hinge extending across the casing below the upper portion and pivotally connecting the lid to a remainder portion of the casing such that the lid can pivot about the living hinge between opened and closed positions relative to the remainder portion of the casing. The lid in the opened position is pivoted away from the remainder portion of the casing and opens an upper portion of the narrow cavity above the living hinge to an external environment. The lid in the closed position is disposed adjacent to the remainder portion of the casing and closes the upper portion of the cavity to the external environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventors: Tony A. Bruckner, James V. Bruckner, Robert F. Gurnsey
  • Patent number: 6031967
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices for dispensing volatile vapors such as insecticides. Table-like carrier members provide a compartment for the volatile material. One or more table leg structures extend down from a table top to support a cavity in the table top a distance above a burner element. This results in more moderate and uniform heating, thereby permitting efficient release of the volatile material over a longer period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley J. Flashinski, Nancy J. Vnuk, Murthy S. Munagavalasa, Stacey L. Forkner, Daniel L. Hurrle
  • Patent number: 6029901
    Abstract: A air freshener dispenser for dispensing an aroma from a scented liquid to an area. The air freshener dispenser includes a housing with a porous bladder provided therein. The porous bladder is designed for holding a scented liquid therein and has a plurality of pores therethrough designed for permitting the passage therethrough of the aroma of the scented liquid held therein. The porous bladder has a neck portion providing an opening into the porous bladder to permit filling of the porous bladder with a scented liquid. The neck portion of the porous bladder is outwardly extended through a hole through the housing. The housing has a plurality of spaced apart vent slits therethrough to permit passage of the aroma of a scented liquid in the porous bladder to pass out of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventor: John S. Toy, II
  • Patent number: 5980834
    Abstract: A sample storage device comprises a vial provided with an opening, a permion tube arranged within the vial, permeable to a fluid contained in the vial or the permeation tube, and having a first closed end and an opposite second end, and a septum closure sealing the vial opening. In one embodiment, the permeation tube second end is open, the permeation tube is arranged within the vial with the second end adjacent the vial opening, and the septum closure seals the vial opening and the second open end of the permeation tube. The vial has a sample fluid, at least a portion of which is in contact with an outer surface of the permeation tube, and the permeation tube is permeable to the sample fluid. In a second embodiment, the permeation tube second end is closed, and the permeation tube includes a marker-containing adsorbent therein. The vial has a sample fluid therein and the permeation tube is permeable to the marker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Commerce
    Inventor: Thomas J. Bruno
  • Patent number: 5957380
    Abstract: A cigar humidification apparatus comprises a sealed hollow cylindrical container having at least one, and preferably two removable end caps; a porous material contained in the sealed container; and a humidification solution provided in the porous material. The porous material is preferably florists foam. The humidification solution consists of 1-10% propylene glycol; 10-24% water; and 70-80% saturated salt solution. The salt solution is preferably a saturated solution of sodium chloride in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventors: Milton Fitterman, Michael Catalano
  • Patent number: 5947686
    Abstract: Fan blade covers which are particularly useful for covering ceiling fan blades. The covers are easily removed and cleaned providing a safe means for cleaning ceiling fan blades. The covers are provided in numerous colors and decorative patterns allowing the selection of covers which match a room decor. The covers also comprise a balancing arrangement for the fan which includes a pocket positioned on the upper surface of the cover and a dispensing arrangement for dispensing and distributing deodorant throughout a room which includes a vented pocket for receiving a deodorant canister while the vented pocket and canister includes a visual deodorant depletion indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: Tina M. Keyes
  • Patent number: 5876678
    Abstract: An air freshener which has a rigid plastic frame, a hollow shell of translucent, open cell foam which is placed over the frame and which is impregnated with a scent agent, a base which is removably connected to the frame and which has a light bulb extending therefrom into the interior of the frame for illuminating the shell and for heating the scent agent to increase its dispersion. The frame and shell are manufactured in the shape of a basketball, baseball, or other piece of sports equipment and the shell is imprinted with a name or team logo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventors: Stacy Harrell, Steve Romanoli
  • Patent number: 5840246
    Abstract: A fragrance device for delivering a fragrance or other volatile material includes a fluid vessel containing a quantity of a fuel, a wick, and a porous emanator element which releases the fragrance or volatile material particularly when the wick is burning. Methods for the manufacture of the device, as well as methods for its use of are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Reckitt & Colman Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Lee Hammons, Stephen Vito Dente, Thomas Shiaw-tong Lin
  • Patent number: 5800897
    Abstract: This invention is directed to an air freshener composition containing a fiber pad comprising at least one needle-punched, nonwoven, hydrophilic fiber wherein the fiber has a capillary structure and deep grooves or channels along the longitudinal axis of the fiber, a fragrance incorporated into said fiber pad, wherein the fiber pad is enclosed by a container having air passageways to allow for the fragrance to escape into the surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Mahendra Kumar Sharma, Richard Irving Garrity, John Jacob Hiller
  • Patent number: 5759569
    Abstract: Biodegradable articles such as diaper topsheets, diaper backsheets, garbage bags, tampon applicators, disposable syringes and the like that are made from trans-1,4-polyisoprene and like trans-polymers. These articles can also be made from blends of these trans-polymers with other biodegradable components such as starch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Bryn Hird, John Collins Dyer, David Harry Melik
  • Patent number: 5735460
    Abstract: An air freshener assembly is disclosed comprising a rigid housing having an interior cavity, an exterior surface having a substantially planar portion and also having a plurality of apertures formed in the substantially planar exterior surface of the rigid housing. An insert containing a volatile fragrant material is disposed within the interior cavity of the rigid housing. A substantially rigid cover member having an upper decorative surface is attached to the substantially planar exterior surface of the rigid housing such that the cover member is supported substantially parallel to and spaced from the housing surface to permit volatilized aromatic gas emitted from the apertures to mix with ambient air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: United Industrial Trading Corp.
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Eisenbraun
  • Patent number: 5678763
    Abstract: It comprises a first substantially flat outer case (1) of semi-rigid material having a number of orifices (110, 140), into which case there is introduced a second, inner case (2) provided with a number of orifices (26, 27) which can be placed opposite the orifices (140, 110) of the outer case (1) by sliding of the inner case (2) in said outer case (1), the inner case containing a plate (3) of a material impregnated with a scented product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Scheuer, Marc Felten
  • Patent number: 5676583
    Abstract: A perfumed doll including a doll, an outer tubular member inserted into the doll, the outer tubular member being open at both ends thereof and provided with internal threads at an upper end thereof, a collar fixedly mounted on the upper end of the outer tubular member and formed with a neck at a central portion thereof, a sleeve having a neck snugly fitted into a lower end of the outer tubular member, an inner tubular member open at a top thereof, the inner tubular member being provided with an enlarged end at a bottom thereof and external threads at an upper end thereof, the inner tubular member being inserted into the outer tubular member with the external threads engaged with the internal threads, and a wick fitted within the inner tubular member and extending upwardly out of the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignees: Sung-Mao Wang, Hsien-Sheng Chung
    Inventors: Sung-Mao Wang, Hsien-Sheng Chung, Meng-Shan Chou, Loong-Kuen Lee
  • Patent number: 5544812
    Abstract: A table-top air freshener has a tubular cylinder containing perfume-impregnated cellulose strips. The cylinder press-fits into a cylindrical cavity formed in a decorative housing with the bottom of the cylinder exposed for attachment to a stand. A selected length of the cylinder can be withdrawn from the cavity to provide a desired perfuming effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Inventor: David F. Torres
  • Patent number: 5518790
    Abstract: A container to hold aromatic substances which can be sealed aroma-tight with a composite film consisting of several laminae. The composite film on the top of the container is made up of an aroma-tight outer film having at least two laminae and an aroma-permeable inner film which is detachably bonded to the outer film by means of a bonding agent. The outer film can be applied onto the inner film or membrane film, which consists of at least two permanently bonded laminae, whereby the lamina adhering to the container is made of polyethylene and the third or top lamina is made of a polymer materialwhich has a different density. The surface structure of the side of the membrane film facing away from the container is selected in such away that the entire membrane film stays on the container when the outer film (16) is pulled off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignees: Klocke Verpackungsservice GmbH. AG, Manka Developpement de Concepts Produits
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Huber, Hartmut Klocke, Herbert Wendel
  • Patent number: 5465521
    Abstract: A cartridge for dispensing an animal attracting scent. The inventive device includes a plurality of scent cartridges stored within a container sealed by a cap. The cap includes a depending hook extending from an interior of the cap for extracting an individual scent cartridge from the container to eliminate contact of the user with the scent cartridge to preclude contamination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Baker, Jeffrey R. Legare
  • Patent number: 5460787
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a scent to a compartment comprising a reusable holder having a connecting means and a scented card insertable into the holder. The connecting means can be a clip which is connectable to a louver of an air duct outlet register of a forced air system or to a fan guard of a utility fan. The apparatus can also be modified to attach to an interior surface of a refrigerator and may even be adaptable for use as costume jewelry. The scented card is produced by a process wherein a heat extrudable thermoplastic material is mixed with a chemical blowing agent and at least one fragrance and optionally a coloring agent, the mixture of material and fragrance is heated and extruded to produce a flat fragrant sheet of material which after being trimmed, forms a relatively rigid but flexible card insertable into the holder and removable therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: Amber M. Colon
  • Patent number: 5437410
    Abstract: A passive aromatic substance dispenser is described. A highly absorbent rod shaped wick, held within a hermetically sealed tube, serves as a fragrance dispensing reservoir in contact with an efficient fragrance diffuser, and also serves as a convenient means for suspending the diffuser in a selected area to be fragranced. When fragrancing an area is not desired, closing the housing for the diffuser seals the diffuser from ambient air currents, protecting the aromatic substance from evaporating from the diffuser. The vacuum that develops within the tube due to the absorption of aromatic substance from the rod and into the diffuser prevents draining of the fragrance material from the rod and into the diffuser when not required, thus providing self regulation of the fragrance material by the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: ISC, Inc.
    Inventor: Wolfgang Babasade
  • Patent number: 5422078
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a scent to a compartment comprising a reusable holder having a connecting means and a scented card insertable into the holder. The connecting means can be a clip which is connectable to a louver of an air duct outlet register of a forced air system or to a fan guard of a utility fan. The apparatus can also be modified to attach to an interior surface of a refrigerator and may even be adaptable for use as costume jewelry. The scented card is produced by a process wherein a heat extrudable thermoplastic material is mixed with a chemical blowing agent and at least one fragrance and optionally a coloring agent, the mixture of material and fragrance is heated and extruded to produce a flat fragrant sheet of material which after being trimmed, forms a relatively rigid but flexible card insertable into the holder and removable therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: Amber M. Colon
  • Patent number: 5407642
    Abstract: A clip mount air freshener assembly has an air freshening element, and a holder providing a channel which slidably seats the air freshening element, and a spring mounting clip for mounting the air freshener assembly on the grill of a ventilator so that a stream of air issuing therefrom will flow over the exposed surface of the air freshening element. In the preferred embodiment, the holder and the clip are separate members, with each of the members providing pivot surfaces. A connector between the holder and the clip provides pivoting elements, pivotable on the pivot surfaces to provide pivotal motion of the holder in two orthogonal axes of rotation with respect to the spring mounting clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Inventor: Paul J. Lord
  • Patent number: 5341992
    Abstract: The present invention provides a storage container containing one or more packets of toilet paper. The container is adapted to have at least part of a wall thereof removed to permit access to the contents of the container for removal thereof from the container and is provided with a device located on or adjacent an outer face of the container wall for preferentially releasing a scent or other volatile material externally of the container into the environment of the container and substantially not into the interior of the container. Preferably, the volatile material releasing device is adapted to be actuated to release the material prior to removal of the container wall to permit access to the contents of the container. The invention also provides a disc or the like carrying the volatile material enclosed thereon by a removable cover foil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: The Beautiful Bouquet Company Limited
    Inventor: Derek A. Bishopp
  • Patent number: 5324490
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a perfumed stable gel and to a deodorant container which retains a deodorant in the form of that perfumed stable gel, and which is adapted for use with various deodorant dispensers. The present invention also relates to a method of manufacture for the perfumed stable gel and the deodorant container in a unitary form. Specifically, the invention relates to a disposable deodorant container which retains a perfumed stable gel comprised of a unique combination of chemical components. The stable gel can be maintained at temperatures of up to 140.degree. F. and has a perfume content of up to 75%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Eftichios Van Vlahakis
    Inventors: Eftichios Van Vlahakis, John A. Manolas, Michael J. Marrese
  • Patent number: 5316148
    Abstract: In dispensers for the controlled release of pheromones, in particular sexual pheromones, a dimensionally stable container which consists of a material impermeable to the pheromone and serves as a pheromone reservoir having a volume of from 0.5 to 2.5 ml is closed by means of a pheromone-permeable film which is responsible for the pheromone release and whose release area does not exceed 10 cm.sup.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ulrich Neumann, Ernst Buschmann, Ulrich Kiessling, Guenter Renz
  • Patent number: 5312566
    Abstract: This invention is an air cleaning and/or performance enhancement device. It is made of a porous outer covering and an inside agent. The inside agent outgasses through the outside covering. The device may be placed in air filters or other convenient locations to reduce toxic emissions and modify fuel consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: American Technologies Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Carroll, David Gann, Loren Zanier, Rod L. Quinn
  • Patent number: 5297732
    Abstract: A fragrance-emitting container has a container body, a container lid and a fragrance reservoir well. A fragrance reservoir is positionable in the reservoir well. Screw threads, a sliding friction attachment or other means are used for securing the lid to the container body. A seal is provided between the body and lid to seal in the fragrance when the container is closed. The fragrance emitter is incorporated into the container so that the container contents can be kept substantially free of fragrance producing chemicals which may irritate the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Inventor: Gary S. Hahn
  • Patent number: 5242111
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing device capable of dispensing an active liquid at a slow substantially constant rate over an extended period of time. The liquid dispenser consists of a sealed flexible bag or pouch containing a supply of the active liquid, a wick located inside a tubular member, and an emanator which diffuses the active liquid. The active liquid supply inside the impermeable bag is kept isolated from the wick prior to use by means of a containment element. Upon removal of the containment member, the active liquid is free to contact the wick, whereby the enclosed tubular wick conveys the active liquid to the emanator for slow dispersion. The sealed reservoir bag gradually collapses inward as the active liquid supply is depleted, obviating the need for a vent. The liquid dispensing device could be used as an air freshener, diffusing a volatile scent-producing liquid into the atmosphere. The device could also be adapted to dispense pharmaceuticals transdermally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Inventors: John Nakoneczny, Sharon A. Nakoneczny
  • Patent number: 5234162
    Abstract: An air freshener device (10) having a cartridge (14) and a cartridge housing (16) is disclosed. The housing (16) has a sealed first cavity (18) and a sealed second cavity (20) having a first fragrance (22) and a second fragrance (24), respectively. First and second cavities (18) and (20) have first and second opening (34) and (54) respectively. The device (10) includes a housing (12) having air passage openings (70), (76), (78), a fan (82) and power means (80) and also supports cartridge (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: William E. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 5233680
    Abstract: An electrically activated aromatic ornament (1, 9, 20, 28 and 29) has a wreath shaped structure in which an electrical heater (2) activates a volatile aromatic material (30) to cause incense gases to be exhausted through selective orifices (22 and 24) proximate decorative objects. Electrical power can be provided through such limited power electrical conductors as Christmas tree light cords (5 and 6) for hanging small sizes of this aromatic ornament on Christmas trees or on other fragile objects. Electrical power can be provided also through standard extension cords (31 and 32) for larger sizes to be hung on larger and more sturdy structures. Decorative items such as natural leaves, flowers, ribbons and artificial plants can be attached to some embodiments of this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Ornamotor, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Fussell
  • Patent number: 5230867
    Abstract: A cartridge for an air freshener is disclosed, having a pad sealed within a housing by an air-permeable membrane. The density, permeability, and fiber characteristics of the pad and membrane are selected to achieve extended life while maintaining satisfactory air freshening performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignee: Waterbury Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter A. Kunze, Robert J. Semanchik
  • Patent number: 5230837
    Abstract: A fragrance dispenser utilizing a fragrance dispensing wheel is described. The fragrance wheel is directly mounted onto a rotatable motor shaft, the motor being powered by either conventional A.C. or D.C. current, or by a photovoltaic cell. Absorbent panels on the wheel direct ambient air in response to motor rotation. When powered by photovoltaic cell fragrance is dispensed in an economic and safe manner in proportion to room lighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Inventor: Wolfgang W. Babasade
  • Patent number: 5180107
    Abstract: Described is a dispensing unit of a volatilizable substance capable of visible determination of its extent of use. The unit has a variably located centroid initially positioned proximate the geometric center point of the unit with the centroid moving downward when the unit is in use. As the volatilizable substance evaporates, a weight eccentrically located in the same place as the volatilizable substance angularly rotates about the "z" axis leaving its upper position and finally coming to rest at a lower position when the volatilizable material is used up. At least the final position is rendered visibly detectable by means of a simple sighting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Assignee: International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
    Inventor: Jerome I. Lindauer
  • Patent number: 5170886
    Abstract: A package consisting of a hermetically sealed ensemble in plastic material, under vacuum, intended for containing devices for perfuming or purifying ambient air or closed spaces, said devices having a wall of polymeric material for diffusing active odoriferous substances, the package being characterized in that said devices therein-contained are joined side by side by superposition, under subatmospheric pressure, of the surfaces of their diffusion walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: Firmenich S.A.
    Inventor: Gunter Holzner
  • Patent number: 5165603
    Abstract: A fragrance-emitting container has a container body, a container lid and a fragrance reservoir well. A fragrance reservoir is positionable in the reservoir well. Screw threads, a sliding friction attachment or other means are used for securing the lid to the container body. A seal is provided between the body and lid to seal in the fragrance when the container is closed. The fragrance emitter is incorporated into the container so that the container contents can be kept substantially free of fragrance producing chemicals which may irritate the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Inventor: Gary S. Hahn
  • Patent number: 5160700
    Abstract: A sterilizing system includes a sealed container releasably containing a gaseous sterilant under pressure and a first enclosure made at least partially of a gas-permeable material. The container and the articles to be sterilized are disposed in and sealed within the first enclosure, the container while in the sealed first enclosure being manipulatable to release gaseous sterilant into the sealed first enclosure. A second enclosure in which the first enclosure is disposed is constructed such that the sterilant released into the first enclosure from the container diffuses through the gas-permeable material of the first enclosure into the second enclosure at a rate capable of establishing sterilizing conditions in the first enclosure during a sterilizing cycle to thereby effect sterilization of the articles in the first enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: H. W. Andersen Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold W. Anderson, Charles H. Harrison
  • Patent number: 5148984
    Abstract: A device for dispensing a vaporizable material including a base adapted to support thereon an air freshener element and adapted to be supported on a pivotable door, a cover supported on the base and cooperating with the base to define an air passage communicating with the air freshener element, guide rails for affording selective movement of the cover relative to the base between a closed position wherein the air passage is substantially obstructed by a baffle and an open position wherein the device promotes passage of a flow of air through the passage during pivotal movement of the door, and detents on the base and cover which cooperate to retain the relative position of the cover and base during pivotal movement of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Vaportek, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Bryson, Jr., Robert G. Kopp
  • Patent number: 5115975
    Abstract: A replaceable cartridge for a diffusion device for a volatilizable substance includes a primary control of diffusion rate of the substance into the surrounding atmosphere. The cartridge includes a base and a cover, and a membrane separating the cartridge into two chambers. The membrane has characteristics for controlling the rate of passage of a vaporized form of the substance from a first chamber, wherein the substance is stored, to a second chamber. A vent structure in the cover provides control over diffusion of the vaporized substance to the atmosphere. The diffusion device may include a heater or other catalyst device for imparting energy to the cartridge, thereby to volatilize the substance, and a timing circuit for control of heater operation. Additionally, the device may include a structure to assist proper placement of the cartridge adjacent the catalyst device by sensing at least a partial insertion of the cartridge and by automatically completing the insertion and positioning process thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Inventor: Lynndon Shilling
  • Patent number: 5106596
    Abstract: A sulphur dioxide generator is disclosed which comprises two sheets of synthetic or other material which are laminated together by a laminating substance. Dispersed in the laminating substance is a material which, in the presence of moisture, generates sulphur dioxide. The sheets are pervious to water vapor and sulphur dioxide and can be of natural, synthetic or semi-synthetic sheet material. Suitable sheet materials are polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, cellulose, paper, cellulose acetate or regenerated cellulose foil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Inventor: Dennis C. Clemes
  • Patent number: 5087273
    Abstract: An air freshening device used in conjunction with an air circulation system of a business or residential building for impregnating the air with an aromatic scent. The device comprises a rectangular envelope made out of an air permeable synthetic mesh containing a plurality of aromatic beads. The envelope has a fastener at one corner. It is affixed to the internal conduit of the air circulation system, preferably to the main air filter for the system. As air passes through the air permeable envelope, the aromatic beads volatize, saturating the air with a fragrant scent. The air is then transferred throughout the building via the normal conduit or duct system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Assignee: Ward Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Lacy D. Ward
  • Patent number: 5083708
    Abstract: A wildlife repellant unit is provided which is constructed of a substantially cylindrical tube having a cavity therein into which chemical repellant is placed, further having a barrier positioned inside the cavity to restrain the chemical wildlife repellant from deteriorating until activation, and further including a pair of openings positioned above the barrier to facilitate movement of air, thereby distributing the repulsive odors of the chemical repellant once the unit is activated. The body of the wildlife repellant unit may be constructed of a strong yet pliable material such as rubber or plastic so that, when it is pressed between the thumb and the forefinger, the barrier can be broken and the wildlife repellent unit activated. A clip is also provided to facilitate attachment of the wildlife repellant unit to a limb of a tree, thereby facilitating use of the wildlife repellant unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Inventor: Gerald A. Walters
  • Patent number: 5082636
    Abstract: A method for maintaining hydration of the contents of water-impermeable packages containing items to be sterilized includes placing a moisture-releasing humidifying device into the package with the items to be sterilized, hermetically sealing the package, and releasing moisture from the moisture-releasing humidifying device into the package before the package is exposed to the gaseous sterilant. The moisture-releasing humidifying device includes an absorbent material and a cover about the absorbent material. The cover is made at least partially of a hydrophobic and vapor-permeable material such that moisture absorbed by the absorbent material passes through the vapor-permeable material to effect humidification within the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: H. W. Andersen Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold W. Andersen