Vaporizers Patents (Class 261/DIG65)
  • Patent number: 6155540
    Abstract: An apparatus for vaporizing a liquid material and supplying the material in a gas phase, in which a liquid material for CVD is introduced into a vaporizer at a controlled flow rate, atomized by an ultrasonic atomizing device disposed at the inside or the outside of the vaporizer, heated by a circular flow of a carrier gas and vaporized. When a liquid material for CVD is supplied to a CVD apparatus in the production of semiconductors, the concentration of the material is controlled easily in the vaporization, the concentration of the material in the gas can be changed quickly in response with the change in the flow rate of the material, decomposition of the material does not occur and the operating condition of a CVD apparatus is not restricted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Japan Pionics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukichi Takamatsu, Takeo Yoneyama, Yoshiyasu Ishihama
  • Patent number: 6126729
    Abstract: A portable air filter system having a manually operable spray pump for scenting the air flowing therethrough. The system includes an enclosure having an air inlet and an air outlet, a motor/fan assembly for moving air through the air inlet and out the air outlet, a plurality of air filters disposed between the air inlet and the air outlet, and a manually operable pump in fluid communication with a liquid scented material for scenting the air disposed between the air filters and the air outlet. A brush is attached to a pair of side walls of a wide portion of the enclosure and spans the air inlet. In use the brush aids in dislodging dust and lint from fabric materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventor: Gregory S. Smith
  • Patent number: 6113078
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a centrifugal vortex system for preparing a liquid, such as fuel and includes a chamber housing defining a vortex chamber. An array of tangential apertures are formed in the chamber housing to permit fluid to be turbulently introduced into the vortex chamber to create a vortical flow of fluid through the vortex chamber. In one embodiment, a plurality of vortex chambers are arranged in series to allow the fluid to pass through several vortex chambers. In other embodiments, the chamber housing may be stepped, textured, or both to increase the turbulence of the flow through the chamber. In yet another embodiment, a pressure differential supply jacket is provided to normalize the amount of flow through the tangential apertures according to the location of the apertures. A centrifuge chamber is also disclosed which has a plurality of output conduits on a bottom surface and a tapered extension member downwardly extending from a top surface to enhance the centrifugal flow of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: LyteSyde, LLC
    Inventor: Kelly P. Rock
  • Patent number: 6106786
    Abstract: A blowing type aroma apparatus, involving no danger of fire and being capable of providing a natural aroma. A body of the aroma apparatus has an opening in its upper surface. A container for containing a liquid aromatic and a cylinder surrounding this container and having open upper and lower ends are located in the opening. An impregnator impregnated with the aromatic is disposed in the container. An axial flow fan is housed beneath the opening within the body and the air flow generated by the axial flow fan passes through the support member and flows into a space between the cylinder and the container. The air becomes a laminar flow and rises in the space between the cylinder and the container. The air flow permits the volatilization of the aromatic contained in the impregnator, whereby the aroma is diffused from the opening at the upper end of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Futaba Denshi Kogyo K.K.
    Inventor: Ryoichi Akahoshi
  • Patent number: 6098963
    Abstract: A fill-in-place humidifier in which the tank can be rotated 180.degree. between a filling position and an operating position. In the filling position a cap can be removed from the tank for filling and can be replaced when filling is complete, the cap bearing a valve which automatically opens when the tank is rotated into its operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Slant/Fin Corporation
    Inventors: Melvin Dubin, Karl Bachert, Donald Brown
  • Patent number: 6093374
    Abstract: An automated device for periodically revitalizing potpourri can be placed in a potpourri container. The device includes a mixing element for mixing potpourri and an aerosol canister containing a fragrance oil for adding fragrance to the potpourri. A battery powered motor periodically rotates the mixing element to stir the potpourri and activates the aerosol canister to dispense the fragrance oil into the potpourri. The device thus uniformly mixes the fragrance into the potpourri. Electric timer circuitry is provided to activate the device on a preset periodic basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Clifton R. Bukowsky
  • Patent number: 6080367
    Abstract: An aromatic container has a rotating device, a disk vessel disposed on the rotating device, a ring disposed on the disk vessel, a pivot seat engaging with the rotating device, and a clamp device engaging with the pivot seat. The ring has a plurality of lower columns, a plurality of circular apertures, and a center opening receiving a center cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventor: Jun-Ru Lin
  • Patent number: 6062425
    Abstract: A method of facilitating replacement of a supply of air freshener every time a supply of soap is replaced, including the steps of providing a supply of air freshener, providing a supply of soap and joining the supply of soap and the supply of air freshener. Another aspect of the invention is a method of packaging a supply unit including providing a supply of soap and a supply of air freshener and connecting the supply of soap and the supply of air freshener in a manner such that when the supply of soap is removed from a dispenser, the supply of air freshener is removed from the dispenser as well. Another aspect is a supply unit for the dual dispenser including a receptacle, a supply of soap within the receptacle, and a supply of air freshener connected to or secured within the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Fresh Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas S. Brown, David F. Scherger, George C. Heilman, Robert B. Brown
  • Patent number: 6053483
    Abstract: An aroma diffuser includes a housing with front and rear housing parts, a circuit-mounting frame and a fan unit. The front housing part has an upper portion formed with an air outlet. The lower portion of a rear wall of the rear housing part has a carrier that extends transversely into the housing and that supports an aromatic preparation thereon. The circuit-mounting frame is disposed inside the housing and is mounted on the upper portion of the rear wall. The fan unit includes a tubular collecting wall mounted on the circuit-mounting frame and disposed above the carrier. The tubular collecting wall has upper and lower wall portions. The upper wall portion has a front side formed with a radial air flow outlet that is registered with the air outlet of the front housing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Bobson Hygiene International Inc.
    Inventor: Cheng-Chang Chen
  • Patent number: 6050551
    Abstract: A portable apparatus for dispensing of vapor from a volatile insect repelling or animal attracting/repelling substance into the surrounding environment, which includes a body having an inlet and outlet means, a sealing means for selectively closing and opening the vent means, a substance containing means for containing the volatile, a motorized fan, and an electrical power source. The apparatus includes a sealing means to seal the volatile substance within the body of the apparatus when the device is not in use. An important feature is also the ability to transmit volatile insect repelling or animal attracting/repelling substance over a great area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: Brent Gary Anderson
  • Patent number: 6032930
    Abstract: An automatic air scenting system that introduces a variety of pre-selectable scents into the heating/air-conditioning duct of a motor vehicle or habitable structure comprising a perforated housing, an electric fan for drawing air through the perforated housing, a container of compressed fiber blocks soaked in a scented oil based liquid positioned within the perforated housing, and a hose connecting the housing to the duct of the heating/air conditioning system whereby the fan forces the accumulated scent through the hose into the duct. Automatic functioning is obtained by connecting the fan power lines to the on/off switch and thermostat wiring of the heating/air-conditioning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Jay Cee Calino
  • Patent number: 6024783
    Abstract: An apparatus for the remote or local delivery of stored or real-time aroma sensory information to an end user of a multimedia device. The present invention includes an aroma converter for encoding aroma information into electrical signals, a delivery system for delivering the electrical signals, and a retrieval system for receiving and processing the electrical signals to control the aroma or combination of aromas emitted by one or more aroma release chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Mark Budman
  • Patent number: 6019355
    Abstract: A portable humidifier having a base defining a boiler cavity; an evaporation mechanism for inducing evaporation of liquid within the boiler cavity; and a liquid supply including a contractible and expandible vessel having an outlet communicating with the boiler cavity and providing restricted liquid flow between the vessel and the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: Walter Birdsell, Kenneth Ritsher, Jui-Shang Wang
  • Patent number: 6021254
    Abstract: A heat released vehicular air freshener is provided including a power unit for being releasably received in electrical communication with a vehicular cigarette lighter. Also included is a fragrance mechanism mounted on the power unit for dispensing an aroma when actuated. An actuation assembly includes a timer mechanism for actuating the fragrance mechanism for a predetermined amount of time when actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventor: James R. Hunter
  • Patent number: 5976262
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a vaporizer valve which accepts a carrier gas and a pressurized liquid and forms a mixture of the carrier gas and vaporized liquid. An internal cavity receives the carrier gas through a carrier aperture and the liquid through a liquid aperture, and the mixed gas and vapor are exhausted out of the cavity via a third aperture. A moveable diaphragm disposed adjacent to the liquid aperture forms a vaporization region having a pressure gradient. The liquid passing through this pressure gradient vaporizes due to expansion. By controlling the diaphragm position with a feedback control circuit responsive to a liquid flow rate monitor, the liquid flow rate may be controlled independently of the carrier gas flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Visweswaren Sivaramakrishnan, John M. White
  • Patent number: 5971369
    Abstract: A combination vaporize/humidifier having a bucket member for holding water, a vaporizer head and a humidifier head wherein either connectors are provided on the humidifier head and vaporizer head to directly connect the heads to the bucket member. An alternative embodiment provides for an adapter plate such that the adapter plate allows for the heads to be securely attached to the bucket member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Neveu, Marlin L. Goodnight
  • Patent number: 5971367
    Abstract: A bypass is provided between the hot air pipes carrying heated air from a furnace and a cold air pipe carrying the return air to the furnace. A certain percentage of the air thus is bypassed. A scented pellet is provided in the bypass and is heated when the air is heated, and thereby evaporates a scent into the air. (It will evaporate scent when the air is cold, also.) Passage of the scent to the cold air pipe insures that it is heated again by the combustion chamber of the furnace, and the scent thereby is fairly evaporated and spread through the heating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Neil Skelding
  • Patent number: 5951923
    Abstract: A vaporizer apparatus efficiently vaporizes difficult-to-vaporize materials such as complex feed materials for producing a high dielectric or ferroelectric material. The vaporizer apparatus includes a vaporizing passage formed by a pair of opposed walls separated by a minute spacing to a liquid feed entrance provided at one end of the vaporizing passage, a vaporized feed exit provided at an opposite end of the vaporizing passage, and a heating arrangement for heating the walls to a temperature in excess of a vaporizing temperature of the liquid feed so that the liquid feed material may be guided into the vaporizing passage to be vaporized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Kuniaki Horie, Hidenao Suzuki, Tsutomu Nakada, Fumio Kuriyama, Takeshi Murakami, Masahito Abe, Yuji Araki
  • Patent number: 5932147
    Abstract: The air freshener device is adapted to be mounted on a ventilation duct in a vehicle or other closed space. The housing has a front side and a back side and respective input and output air ports defined thereon. Forced air, expelled from the ventilation ducts, enters the input air ports of the housing, causes a rotatable fan to rotate and generate arcuate and, preferably rotating, air currents in the generally hollow interior space defined by the housing. An air freshener pellet is disposed within the housing and the arcuate air flow, and preferably rotatable air flow, passes over the pellet, mixes with the expelled ventilation air and is ejected from the housing via the output air port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: American Auto Accessories, Inc.
    Inventor: Wen Jye Chen
  • Patent number: 5925316
    Abstract: A system to deliver gas/vapor from solid materials. Specifically, the delivery system for the use of gas or vapor released from a solid material, such as a non-aqueous/solid hydrogen peroxide complex. The system is comprised of a delivery system that is configured to receive a plurality of disks containing the solid material and provide these disks into an injector. The injector heats the disks to produce a gas or vapor that is then provided into a chamber. The sterilization process can be done by gas or vapor alone, or in combination with plasma or ultra violet radiation. In particular, a control system automatically induces the delivery system to provide the injector with a disk and then remove the disk once the injection sequence is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Jed Kendall, Szu-Min Lin, Robert M. Spencer, Harold R. Williams
  • Patent number: 5918595
    Abstract: In a method an apparatus for vaporizing anesthetic liquids, in which a carrier gas is passed through a vaporizer so as to be saturated with vaporized anesthetic liquid, the vaporizer has a container, partially filled with anesthetic liquid, an inlet for a carrier gas, an outlet for carrier gas saturated with anesthetic and a pressure chamber. The carrier gas is supplied to the vaporizer at a pressure exceeding atmospheric pressure and is bubbled through the anesthetic liquid in the container in order to become saturated with anesthetic. The flow of gas at the outlet can be regulated as needed. Exact pressure and temperature conditions can be measured and/or regulated with a pressure meter, pressure regulator, thermometer and temperature regulator in order to regulate the partial pressure of anesthetic in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens-Elema AB
    Inventors: Sven-Gunnar Olsson, Goran Rydgren, Anders Larsson, Tarmo Niininen
  • Patent number: 5919418
    Abstract: A system to deliver gas/vapor from solid materials. Specifically, the delivery system for the use of gas or vapor released from a solid material, such as a non-aqueous/solid hydrogen peroxide complex. The system is comprised of a delivery system that is configured to receive a plurality of disks containing the solid material and provide these disks into an injector. The injector heats the disks to produce a gas or vapor that is then provided into a chamber. The sterilization process can be done by gas or vapor alone, or in combination with plasma or ultra violet radiation. In particular, a control system automatically induces the delivery system to provide the injector with a disk and then remove the disk once the injecfion sequence is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Jed Kendall, Michael Hahs, Robert M. Spencer, Harold R. Williams
  • Patent number: 5889201
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a misting property of fluids, the method and apparatus simulating mist generation of fluids in machining processes. Fluid is supplied to mist generating means in an enclosure and energy input to the fluid by the mist generating means is controlled. Mist laden gas flows from the vicinity of mist generation to a mist concentration measuring means. Droplets of relatively large mass are removed from the mist prior to the flow of gas reaching the mist concentration measuring means. To further simulate machining processes, the fluid of interest is recirculated from a reservoir through the mist generating means. Mist concentration measurements produced under the same conditions for fluids of different compositions are compared to characterize the misting properties of fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Cincinnati Milacron Inc.
    Inventors: Henry Turchin, Edward Harry Rolfert
  • Patent number: 5861128
    Abstract: An air freshening device is made from a solution of a polymer and a fragrant material, which is applied to an air permeable substrate. A solid fragrant residue is formed on the substrate. A fragrant material diffuses from the residue for scenting flowing through and about the substrate. Means are provided for attaching the substrate to an air filter received in a forced air heating, ventilating, and cooling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: New Ideas International, Inc.
    Inventors: Doug M. Vick, James T. Baxter, George S. Gibbs
  • Patent number: 5851442
    Abstract: A button-actuated air freshener in which rotatable within a dome having a vented cylindrical shell is a turret having a central shaft aligned with the axis of the shell and an array of wings radiating from the shaft, each formed by a panel of porous material impregnated with a fragrance oil. Mounted on top of the dome is a spring-biased button operatively coupled to the shaft whereby when the button is depressed, this action causes the turret to spin to create within the shell an air vortex. This vortex acts to volatilize fragrance oil on the surface of the wings to produce an aromatic vapor that is discharged through vents in the shell into the atmosphere of the enclosure in which the air freshener is installed, the aromatic vapor serving to mask unpleasant odors permeating the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Inventor: Donald Spector
  • Patent number: 5820791
    Abstract: An air freshening device used in conjunction with an air circulation system of a building for impregnating the air with an aromatic scent. The device comprises a combination integrally-mixed plastic and scent substance formed through a manufacturing process that produces a shape for the scent impregnating device which permits it to be removeably attached to an air filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: William P. Canale
  • Patent number: 5820792
    Abstract: A perfume dispenser includes a housing, a fan and a perfume respectively mounted in the housing at different elevations and separated by a partition wall, the housing having clamping plates for mounting in louvers of an air output port of an air conditioner, a first air inlet adapted for guiding currents of air from the air conditioner into the fan chamber to turn the fan, a second air inlet adapted for guiding outside air into the perfume chamber, and a plurality of air outlets adapted for guiding air out of the fan chamber, the partition wall defining an air passage through which air passes from the perfume chamber to the fan chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Hsi Huang Lin
  • Patent number: 5809210
    Abstract: A phosphorescent assembly for humidifiers and vaporizers that enables the vaporizers and humidifiers to be easily seen in dark or dimly lit areas. The presently preferred embodiment of the invention provides for the water reservoir in both the humidifiers and the vaporizers to be blow-molded from a phosphorescent, plastic material that will be luminescent for several hours after being exposed to radiation within the light frequency spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Devin Lee Moore, James E. Berkeley
  • Patent number: 5805768
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for diffusing aroma therapy oils which allows the user to pre-select a variety of aromas to be introduced at predetermined time intervals so that different moods or state of minds may be created. The apparatus includes a tray having a plurality of receptacles for various aromatic materials, and a heating means for heating a pre-selected receptacle, and thus aromatic material. The apparatus also includes a motor driven timer, that rotates the tray, so that the plurality of receptacles containing different aromatic materials are exposed to the heating means at a predetermined time period. The apparatus further includes a lid with a hole that exposes the pre-selected receptacle and aromatic material when the receptacle and aromatic material are exposed to the heating means. The aroma released from the heated aromatic material emanates into the environment through the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Bunny Moon Enterprises
    Inventors: Gary Schwartz, Caleb Chung
  • Patent number: 5799826
    Abstract: A method of facilitating replacement of a supply of air freshener every time a supply of soap is replaced, including the steps of providing a supply of air freshener, providing a supply of soap and joining the supply of soap and the supply of air freshener. Another aspect of the invention is a method of packaging a supply unit including providing a supply of soap and a supply of air freshener and connecting the supply of soap and the supply of air freshener in a manner such that when the supply of soap is removed from a dispenser, the supply of air freshener is removed from the dispenser as well. Another aspect is a supply unit for the dual dispenser including a receptacle, a supply of soap within the receptacle, and a supply of air freshener connected to or secured within the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Fresh Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas S. Brown, David F. Scherger, George C. Heilman, Robert B. Brown
  • Patent number: 5776378
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying scent to clothing has an enclosed compartment having a top, bottom and side walls. A horizontal perforated shelf extends across the compartment and divides the compartment into upper and lower portions. A closeable access opening is located in the side walls of the compartment for placing articles of clothing on top of the shelf. An air circulation conduit connects the upper and lower portions of the compartment. A fan is connected to the conduit for moving air therethrough from the upper portion to the lower portion of the compartment. A scent cartridge is in communication with the compartment in the path of air passing therethrough so the passing air will pick up the scent of the scent cartridge whereupon the scented air will move into the lower portion of the compartment, thence through the shelf and articles of clothing, and thence into the upper portion of the compartment and back into the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Modern Muzzleloading, Inc.
    Inventor: William A. Knight
  • Patent number: 5776255
    Abstract: A chemical vapor deposition apparatus comprises a starting material container holding a starting material in a liquid state, a starting gas generating container into which the liquid starting material is fed from the starting material container, a means for keeping constant the liquid level of the liquid starting material held in the starting gas generating container, a means for injecting a bubbling gas from the outside into the liquid starting material held in the starting gas generating container, thereby bubbling the starting gas, and a reaction chamber into which a mixed gas of the starting gas and the bubbling gas are fed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuo Asaba, Yasushi Kawasumi, Kazuaki Ohmi, Yasuhiro Sekine, Yukihiro Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 5775876
    Abstract: A ceiling-fan-blade-mounted air freshener apparatus includes a housing assembly which includes a lower housing portion and an upper housing portion projecting upward from the lower housing portion. The upper housing portion includes a plurality of vent apertures. An air freshener/matrix assembly is housed within the housing assembly. A housing-to-blade connector connects the housing assembly to a ceiling fan blade. In one embodiment, the housing-to-blade connector is comprised of a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive bonded to a bottom side of the lower housing portion. The housing-to-blade connector further includes a peel strip removably adhered to a bottom surface of the layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive. The housing assembly includes a pointed end, and the air freshener/matrix assembly includes a complementary pointed end. The pointed end of the air freshener/matrix assembly is wedged into the pointed end of the housing assembly under an influence of centrifugal force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventors: Qwan James Walker, Christopher Williams
  • Patent number: 5755381
    Abstract: An aroma emission device for emitting aroma from an aromatic liquid such as a perfume and eau de Cologne for a certain period of time at a uniform level of aroma without using gas, heat, electricity or any other energy source. The vessel of the device is constructed of an upper compartment and a lower compartment with a partitioning plate therebetween. The upper and lower compartments have respective top and bottom cover portions through which respective air tubes are allowed to pass. Each air tube is open to the outside while its inner open end open deep inside each compartment. A perforation is provided in the partitioning plate to allow the upper compartment to communicate with the lower compartment. By simply alternating the vessel upside down and up, vaporized aromatic liquid is given off and spread out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventor: Seiichi Yazaki
  • Patent number: 5711816
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for delivering an involatile reagent in gaseous form, wherein an involatile reagent source liquid is flash vaporized on a vaporization matrix structure at elevated temperature. A carrier gas may be flowed past the flash vaporization matrix structure to yield a carrier gas mixture containing the flash vaporized source reagent. The matrix structure preferably has a high surface-to-volume ratio, and may suitably comprise a foraminous matrix element such as screen mesh onto which the reagent source liquid is distributed for flash vaporization. The invention is particularly useful for delivery of Group II reagents and compounds and complexes of early transition metals such as zirconium and hafnium, and may be usefully employed with Group II beta-diketonate source layers, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Advanced Technolgy Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter S. Kirlin, Robin L. Binder, Robin A. Gardiner, Peter Van Buskirk, Gregory Stauf, Jiming Zhang
  • Patent number: 5707415
    Abstract: A vaporizer (film evaporator) (13) for halide-free, silicon-containing liquid reactants used in producing preforms is provided. The vaporizer includes a plurality of packed-bed columns (22) surrounding a central tube (24). A mixture of liquid reactant, e.g., octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, and gas, e.g., oxygen, is sprayed onto the top surfaces (54) of the columns (22) by a set of spray nozzles (32). The liquid reactant and the gas flow downward together through the columns and are heated by hot oil (28) which flows around the columns' walls (50). The liquid reactant evaporates into the gas until the dew point temperature is reached, at which point all of the liquid reactant will have been converted into vapor. The vapor/gas mixture exits the bottom surfaces 56 of columns (22), where its direction of flow changes from downward to upward. This change in flow direction separates higher molecular weight species (46) from the vapor/gas mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael B. Cain
  • Patent number: 5698166
    Abstract: An air freshening device is made from a solution of a polymer and a fragrant material, which is applied to an air permeable substrate. A solid fragrant residue is formed on the substrate. A fragrant material diffuses from the residue for scenting flowing through and about the substrate. An attachment is provided for attaching the substrate to an air filter received in a forced air heating, ventilating, and cooling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: New Ideas International, Inc.
    Inventors: Doug M. Vick, James T. Baxter, George S. Gibbs
  • Patent number: 5695692
    Abstract: Described is an air freshener unit comprising a container, a disc-shaped cartridge of air freshening material rotatably mounted about a horizontal axis within the container, and a discharge outlet in the wall of the container to allow the air freshening vapor to be dispensed. The container has baffle means adapted to allow a faster rate of evaporation of the air freshening material in one part of the cartridge relative to the remainder of the cartridge. The quicker rate of evaporation of the offset part causes the center of gravity to self-rotate within the container. The disc-shaped cartridge comprises a holder having a hub portion for rotatably mounting the cartridge in the container and holding means for supporting air freshening material in block form uniformly around the hub portion. The hub portion has oppositely directed stub shafts for location in apertures in opposed walls of the container, the apertures allowing the cartridge to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: David Kennedy (Engineers) Holdings Limited
    Inventor: James Walter Kennedy
  • Patent number: 5672299
    Abstract: A humidifier is constructed from basic units that have a rigid part supporting a hydrophilic part. A lower portion of a basic unit is disposed in a water-filled canal, and the upper portion is exposed to air, especially heated air from a heater. One embodiment is adapted for placement over a floor outlet for heated air to evaporate water from the canal into the heated air to increase the humidity thereof. This embodiment may be above or just below floor level. Various forms of covers are associated with the units. The humidifier may take the form of an ornamental replica of a windmill having hydrophilic material on rotating blades that dip into a water reservoir, and having a fan inside that blows air onto such material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventor: Yousef Daneshvar
  • Patent number: 5662835
    Abstract: An apparatus for emitting a chemical agent includes a supply of the chemical agent, an emanator from which the chemical agent can diffuse, means for transporting the chemical agent from the supply to the emanator, means for interrupting the transportation of the chemical agent from the supply to the emanator and means for providing a flow of air over the emanator to promote diffusion of the chemical agent from the emanator. The supply of the chemical agent, the emanator, the means for transporting the chemical agent and the means for interrupting the transportation of the chemical agent may be provided in the form of an integral replaceable cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Reckitt & Colman Products Limited
    Inventor: Keith Collingwood
  • Patent number: 5635132
    Abstract: A process for decontamination and detoxification of a room wherein an atomizer is used to diffuse a product containing essential oils as a mist. The outer openings of the room to be decontaminated and detoxified are closed and the product is diffused as a true aerosol from the center of the room. After the diffusion is stopped, the mist is allowed to decontaminate and detoxify room and the room is then aired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Inventor: Michel Blanc
  • Patent number: 5632797
    Abstract: A vaporizer for halide-free, silicon-containing liquid reactants used in producing preforms is provided. The vaporizer includes a heated, vertically-oriented expansion chamber (20) and a vertical hollow shaft (42) which extends into the chamber and has a plurality of orifices (45) at its upper end (44). Preheated reactant is supplied to the vertical shaft (42) at an elevated pressure and is sprayed onto the chamber's heated wall (22) by the orifices (45). A portion of the liquid reactant vaporizes upon entering the internal volume (24) of the chamber (20) due to the pressure drop between the inside of the shaft and the inside of the chamber. The remainder of the liquid reactant vaporizes by being heated through contact with the chamber's wall (22). Higher molecular weight species present in the raw material or generated by the vaporization process are collected in the bottom portion of the chamber where they can be periodically removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventor: Richard R. Williams
  • Patent number: 5595324
    Abstract: A method of facilitating replacement of a supply of air freshener every time a supply of soap is replaced, including the steps of providing a supply of air freshener, providing a supply of soap and joining the supply of soap and the supply of air freshener. Another aspect of the invention is a method of packaging a supply unit including providing a supply of soap and a supply of air freshener and connecting the supply of soap and the supply of air freshener in a manner such that when the supply of soap is removed from a dispenser, the supply of air freshener is removed from the dispenser as well. Another aspect is a supply unit for the dual dispenser including a receptacle, a supply of soap within the receptacle, and a supply of air freshener connected to or secured within the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Fresh Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas S. Brown, David F. Scherger, George C. Heilman, Robert B. Brown
  • Patent number: 5567361
    Abstract: A fragrance enhancer apparatus including a hollow container with a plurality of vent holes formed thereon and with the container having a size for holding a replaceable wick fragrance material therein; an electrically energizable fan disposed within the container for forcing air therefrom through the vent holes; an electrically energizable and user adjustable timer mechanism coupled to the container for allowing the fan to be electrically energized for a period of time; a power supply mechanism for supplying electrical energy for use; and a power switch mechanism coupled between the timer mechanism and power supply mechanism for selectively energizing and de-energizing the timer mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Inventor: Edward C. Harper
  • Patent number: 5564900
    Abstract: A fan blade cover slip is removably secured to each blade of a ceiling fan with fabric extending over the lower face of each blade to substantially cover the lower face of each blade. Each cover slip includes an elongated fabric sheet having longitudinal edges folded over the upper face of a blade to form longitudinal flaps, and with an outward end folded over the upper surface of the fan blade to form an outward end flap. A cord is journaled through a sleeve formed along the longitudinal edges and the outward end of the fabric sheet, with ends projecting out inward ends of the longitudinal sleeves. The projecting ends of the cord are pulled tight and then fastened together to secure the cover slip to the fan blade. An opening is formed generally midway along each longitudinal sleeve, with the cord crossing over from an inward sleeve on one side to the outward sleeve on the opposing longitudinal edge at the openings, to further secure the cover slip on the fan blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: LCRM Consulting, Inc.
    Inventor: Becky J. McAuley
  • Patent number: 5565148
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivering one or more aromas at selected times includes a housing with a receptacle and an aroma delivery device detachably received in the receptacle. The aroma delivery device includes a carrier having a plurality of aroma-bearing elements that are selectively communicated with an air passageway for providing one or more aromas as desired. The device is especially useful for providing a realistic sensory experience in an interactive or non-interactive use, and may be used in such diverse settings as the entertainment industry, the educational training field or a medical arena.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Daniel B. Pendergrass, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5547636
    Abstract: An air freshening device is made from a solution of a polymer and a fragrant material, which is applied to an air permeable substrate. A solid fragrant residue is formed on the substrate. A fragrant material diffuses from the residue for scenting flowing through and about the substrate. The air freshening device includes attaching the substrate to an air filter received in a forced air heating, ventilating, and cooling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: New Ideas International, Inc.
    Inventors: Doug M. Vick, James T. Baxter, George S. Gibbs
  • Patent number: 5547616
    Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing a volatile active ingredient from an air-transmitting substrate that forms a part of a refill assembly. The dispensing device includes a housing with an intake vent and an exit vent and an air flow path extending between them. Refill assembly support means are provided for removably supporting the refill assembly with its substrate located in the air flow path. Battery-powered fan means are provided for propelling air from the intake vent through the substrate and out the exit vent. A battery holder holds a fan battery in such a manner that a refill assembly not fully inserted within the refill assembly support means blocks the placement of a battery in the battery holder, while a battery correctly held in the battery holder blocks the removal from the air flow path of a refill assembly supported by the refill assembly support means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Imre J. Dancs, Frank Savage
  • Patent number: D374714
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Philippe Vullion, S.A.
    Inventor: Philippe Vullion
  • Patent number: D374924
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald G. Cramer