With Means To Add Fragrance Or Scent Patents (Class 96/222)
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Publication number: 20070207066Abstract: An air sterilizer for eliminating an associated airborne contaminant from an associated volume of air is provided. The air sterilizer includes a housing including an air inlet and an air outlet, an airflow pathway initiating approximately at the air inlet of the housing and terminating approximately at the air outlet of the housing, and an ultra-violet (UV) radiation source for producing a germicidal UV light. The UV source is disposed in the airflow pathway of the housing for exposing the associated airborne contaminant to the germicidal UV light. The air sterilizer further includes a reflecting member for increasing the exposure of the germicidal UV light to the associated airborne contaminant in the airflow pathway. The reflecting member being disposed in the housing proximal to the UV source. A power supply is provided for powering the UV source.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2007Publication date: September 6, 2007Applicant: GUARDIAN TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: Charles Thur, David Brickner, Richard C. Farone
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Patent number: 7204870Abstract: A diffuser device (1) for volatile substances comprises a motor unit (2) and a refill unit (3) which can be assembled with each other. The motor unit (2) comprises a fan (6) for sucking in air comprising a body (60) and an electric motor (M1) which drives a plurality of blades (62) in rotation, electrical power supply means (4, 5) for the motor (M1) and a structure (20, 21) to support the fan (6) and the power supply means (4, 5). The refill unit comprises a refill of volatile substances (9), air filtering means (90) and a support structure (30) for the refill (9) and the filtering means (90). The filtering means (90) are situated upstream of the fan (6) to filter all the air sucked in by the fan (6). A laminar air flow generated in the fan body (60) strikes the refill (90) to favour diffusion of the volatile substances.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Zobele Holding SpAInventors: Franco Zobele, Fabio Marchetti
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Patent number: 7163567Abstract: Air cleaner including a body forming an exterior, having an first inlet and a second inlet for drawing room air, and an outlet for discharging air having dust or odor removed therefrom, at least more than one dust collecting filters at the first inlet inside of the body, at least more than one deodorizing filters at the second inlet inside of the body, at least more than one discharge fan for providing a suction force so as to draw room air, pass the room air through the filters inside of the body, and discharge the room air through the outlet, and opening/closing means for opening/closing the inlets selectively, thereby operating the air cleaner proper to an environment of use.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2004Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Ho Seon Choi
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Patent number: 7115155Abstract: An air filtration and aromatizer apparatus which includes a housing, a motor in the housing with a fan for drawing air through an inlet toward an outlet through a pollution-collecting chamber, and an elongated hollow tubular perforated member having an upper end connected to the motor output shaft and a lower end disposed in a bath of water. The hollow tubular member is formed in such a manner that as it is rotated by the motor, it draws water from the container under the influence of centrifugal force, and then forces the water through the perforations to form a mist or rain-like atmosphere in the path of motion of the air passing from the housing inlet toward the housing outlet.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2003Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Inventor: Ronald Donald Stead
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Patent number: 7045000Abstract: An air cleaner with aroma generation is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2003Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Inventor: Kil Ho Kim
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Patent number: 7025798Abstract: A personal tabletop-type air cleaner is provided which is user-friendly and can improve smoke sucking efficiency in a simple configuration. The disclosed personal tabletop-type air cleaner has a front opening portion to suck air containing smoke of a cigarette, a blower to forcedly feed air having been sucked into the front opening portions in a centrifugal manner, a pair of right and left peripheral opening portions each being placed in a fringe portion on the right and the left at a front of the air cleaner and forming an air curtain by emitting air fed forcedly from the blower ahead of the front of the air cleaner, a dust collecting filter being placed between the front opening portion and the blower to remove cigarette odor, and a deodorizing filter being placed between the blower and each peripheral opening portion making up the pair of right and left peripheral opening portions to remove cigarette odor.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2003Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: O-DEN CorporationInventor: Kiyomu Endo
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Patent number: 6929681Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, processes and devices for use in HVAC systems to provide air freshening scent to air circulating in the system.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2003Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: Scentco, LLCInventors: Robert Maleeny, Kevin Vick, James Kinney, David Ziser, Richard Laky
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Patent number: 6887299Abstract: An air improver device and method for air improvement in spaces. The device for air improvement for an air-conditioning system comprises a metering mechanism which carries out a controllable metering of the quantity of an active substance discharged per unit time. The device further includes an absorbent receiving carrier, onto which the active substance discharged by the metering mechanism is metered.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2002Date of Patent: May 3, 2005Inventor: Adolf Weigl
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Publication number: 20040231519Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel air freshener device that comprises a novel secondary amusement feature that is actuated by moving air in the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2003Publication date: November 25, 2004Inventor: Russell Hoffman
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Patent number: 6821318Abstract: An improved air filtration system is provided for a kitchen island so as to cleanse cooking vapors from the air. The system includes an updraft or downdraft air inlet vent for capturing, either individually or simultaneously, the vapor-containing air generated during the cooking process. The captured air is directed through an exhaust duct to an air filter which removes the cooking vapors from the air. The filtered air is then discharged back into the kitchen. The filtered air may also be dehumidified or heated, and a fragrance may optionally be provided to the filtered air. The air filtration system can also be used simply as air cleaner for the kitchen with the option of adding a fragrance to the air.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2002Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Maytag CorporationInventor: M. Michael Khosropour
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Publication number: 20040163542Abstract: Fresh and clean air in a forest, which contains abundant anion and phytoncide molecules, relaxes stress and anxiety and helps the metabolism of human body. An apparatus is disclosed in the present invention, which removes the dust particles, chemicals, smelly compounds, etc. in the air. The apparatus further disperses anions and phytoncide molecules in the air to generate an air condition resembling the air environment in a forest, which is fresh, clean and containing substantial amount of anions and phytoncide molecules. The apparatus of the present invention is also very concise and can be used in a small space, such as in an office, a vehicle, etc. The present invention also discloses the design for building the apparatus, which can generate air condition resembling the air environment of a forest, in a compact manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2003Publication date: August 26, 2004Applicant: Chang Gung Biotechnology Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chun-Hsiang Huang
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Publication number: 20040159239Abstract: According to the present invention, the multi-phase HVAC filtration system provides a unitary device which performs basic filtration, odor-elimination, high-efficiency filtration and adds fragrance to the climate-controlled area.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2003Publication date: August 19, 2004Inventor: Daniel A. Nagem
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Patent number: 6770247Abstract: A liquid product vaporizing apparatus for an air deodorizing system includes an air inlet port for drawing a stream of air into the system and directing the stream of air into a vaporization chamber. An atomizing nozzle sprays a mist of liquid deodorant from a liquid reservoir into the vaporization chamber as the stream of air flows through the vaporization chamber. Much of the atomized liquid deodorant vaporizes within the vaporization chamber. The vaporized particles of liquid deodorant mix with the stream of air flowing through the vaporization chamber to form a stream of treated air. Other particles of liquid deodorant condense and coalesce on the sidewall of the vaporization chamber and are drawn by gravity toward the liquid product reservoir so they may be re-sprayed from the atomizing nozzle. The treated air exits the vaporization chamber and is directed through distribution pipes to a plurality of vapor distribution ports.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2000Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Assignee: Triad Industries, Inc.Inventors: Keith D. Romack, Ricke D. Shamhart
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Patent number: 6767521Abstract: A system for dehumidifying and deodorizing, the system comprising a hanging, dehumidifying and deodorizing pouch comprising a housing having a impermeable membrane and a semi-permeable securely attached to the impermeable membrane. The housing enclosing moisture-absorbent material and deodorizing material. The housing is enclosed within a jacket comprising a perforated contiguous wall; the wall defines an opening for receiving the housing. The jacket further comprises a closing member for closing the opening when the housing is within the jacket. The jacket can comprise a rigid, rectangular cage having a detachable lid. The semi-permeable membrane of the housing can comprise polyethylene or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, individually or a combination thereof. The impermeable can comprise either polyethylene film or polypropylene film. The moisture-absorbent material can comprise a hygroscopic, deliquescent or a combination of a hygroscopic deliquescent and a gel forming polymer.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2000Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: W.M. Barr & CompanyInventors: Fred K. Vogt, Surendra Kumar Mishra, David Prince Heaner
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Patent number: 6755898Abstract: An apparatus for supplying an oxygen-enriched air includes hollow membrane units spaced apart from each other, for separating a surrounding air thereof into an oxygen-enriched air and a nitrogen-enriched air, a vacuum pump for sucking in the surrounding air via the separation membrane units to draw in and provide the oxygen-enriched air, and an oxygen-enriched air discharging unit for discharging the oxygen-enriched air. Each of the hollow separation membrane units is of generally a thin cuboidal shape, and the vacuum pump and the oxygen-enriched air discharging unit communicate with each other.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2002Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Daewoo Electronics CorporationInventors: Kwan Choul Park, Jung Hwan Song, Se Yong Park
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Patent number: 6749672Abstract: A scenting device for use with airflow conduits. The scenting device has a porous first member enclosed at a periphery thereof by a frame. A mounting means is used to removably yet securely attach the scenting device to an air filter or ventilation cover in existing heating, ventilating, air conditioning systems in addition to use with hair dryers.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2001Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Inventor: Cathy A. Lynn
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Patent number: 6746521Abstract: A container for holding a fragrant medium is disclosed. Perforations or holes in the container and the fragrant medium allow the fragrance contained inside to be released over time. The fragrant medium may be inserted into a bottom portion of the container. A top portion may then be joined to the bottom portion to form a container for the fragrant medium. The top and bottom portions are joined by a plurality of connection members attached to or molded into each portion. In one embodiment of the present invention, the container is attached to a furnace filter so that the fragrant medium may be dispersed throughout an entire house or building. In another embodiment of the present invention, the container is attached to a computer fan so that the fragrant medium may be dispersed throughout a room.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2001Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Furnace Fresh, Inc.Inventor: David Canfield
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Publication number: 20040094037Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, processes and devices for use in HVAC systems to provide air freshening scent to air circulating in the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2003Publication date: May 20, 2004Inventors: Robert Maleeny, Kevin Vick, James Kinney, David Ziser, Richard Laky
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Patent number: 6723146Abstract: A blower apparatus for a vehicle for blowing air into a cabin. The blower apparatus including a case member, various units and airflow passages. The units include an air cleaning unit for cleaning the air, and a component-adding unit for adding air components such as ions to the air. The units have compatible external shapes and sizes for selective installation in almost the same positions in the airflow passages, thereby meeting user needs of changing the function of the blower apparatus simply by arranging the units to the desired positions.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2002Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Hitoshi Ninomiya, Yukitaka Abe, Shinji Iwama, Kazutoshi Nishizawa
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Patent number: 6716276Abstract: A desiccant system in which a body of water-vapor-adsorbing desiccant material is sealed in a bag which is permeable to water vapor, but not to liquid water or particulates. A humidity indicator is sealed to the bag, and is sensitive to humidity within the bag, but not to water or water vapor outside the bag. The indicator changes color when a predetermined humidity level has been reached within the bag, and thereby to signal that the bag should be replaced.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Desiccare, Inc.Inventors: Calvin L. Loop, Bradley A. Wolk, Bernard Joseph Sullivan
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Patent number: 6712886Abstract: An air purification device has an oxygen-supplying function, in which air in an automobile is sucked by a vacuum pump and purified by a dust collector or an adsorbent such as activated carbon and zeolite, and oxygen is enriched in air to supply oxygen enriched air into the automobile. The air purification device enriches oxygen in air according to a VSA (vacuum swing adsorption) process using a difference between pressure in the adsorption bed and atmospheric pressure, in which nitrogen adsorbed into the adsorbent is release using the vacuum pump. The air purification device has an air filter for removing impurities from air sucked from an inside of the automobile by the vacuum pump, an adsorbent for adsorbing nitrogen from air passing through the air filter and passing oxygen, and an oxygen tank for storing oxygen supplied from the adsorbent and releasing oxygen using a vacuum.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2003Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Inventor: Oh-Young Kim
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Publication number: 20040025697Abstract: A personal tabletop-type air cleaner is provided which is user-friendly and can improve smoke sucking efficiency in a simple configuration. The disclosed personal tabletop-type air cleaner has a front opening portion to suck air containing smoke of a cigarette, a blower to forcedly feed air having been sucked into the front opening portions in a centrifugal manner, a pair of right and left peripheral opening portions each being placed in a fringe portion on the right and the left at a front of the air cleaner and forming an air curtain by emitting air fed forcedly from the blower ahead of the front of the air cleaner, a dust collecting filter being placed between the front opening portion and the blower to remove cigarette odor, and a deodorizing filter being placed between the blower and each peripheral opening portion making up the pair of right and left peripheral opening portions to remove cigarette odor.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2003Publication date: February 12, 2004Applicant: O-Den CorporationInventor: Kiyomu Endo
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Patent number: 6660060Abstract: An air deodorizing assembly including a frame having a liquid reservoir; a filter element connected to the frame; and a switch actuator connected to the frame. The switch actuator is adapted to cause an open electrical path to close when the frame is located proximate the open electrical path.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2002Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: HP Intellectual Corp.Inventor: James E. Chasen
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Patent number: 6610121Abstract: An air filter assembly including a frame, a filter and an odor eliminator liquid. The frame forms an air flow channel. The filter is connected to the frame in the air flow channel. The filter includes at least one filter element. The odor eliminator liquid is located on a first one of the filter elements.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2002Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: HP Intellectual Corp.Inventor: James E. Chasen
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Publication number: 20030126986Abstract: An air deodorizing assembly including a frame having a liquid reservoir; a filter element connected to the frame; and a switch actuator connected to the frame. The switch actuator is adapted to cause an open electrical path to close when the frame is located proximate the open electrical path.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2002Publication date: July 10, 2003Applicant: HP INTELLECTUAL CORP.Inventor: James E. Chasen
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Patent number: 6589317Abstract: An electrostaticly charged filtration media is provided including a plurality of polymeric structured polymeric film layers having a structured surface defined on at least one face of each structured film layer forming at least in part flow channels. The plurality of structured film layers are configured as a stack with the structured surfaces defining a plurality of ordered inlets open through a face of the stack that are in fluid communication with ordered fluid pathways. Each fluid pathway is defined at least in part by at least one discrete flow channel such that fluid can flow substantially unimpeded from one of the inlets to an outlet opening at another face of the stack. A layer of fluid pathways is defined by two opposing charged film layers at least one of which is a structured film layer. The flow channels have an average height of from 0.1 mm to 5 mm and an average width of from 0.05 mm to 50 mm and an average aspect ratio of from 0.5 to 10.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Zhiqun Zhang, Tien T. Wu, Yuan-Ming Tang, Brian E. Spiewak
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Publication number: 20030097936Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, processes and devices for use in HVAC systems to provide air freshening scent to air circulating in the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2001Publication date: May 29, 2003Inventors: Robert Maleeny, Kevin Vick, James Kinney, David Ziser, Richard Laky
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Patent number: 6554887Abstract: A multi-layer package structure useful for vapor phase transfer in an ambient atmosphere, wherein said package protects sensitive contents placed therein such as a desiccant, deodorizer or perfumer by containing the product between a vapor impermeable backing layer, a vapor permeable flexible layer, and a vapor impermeable cover layer. The two outer layers of the package are impermeable to both the contents of the package and the exterior atmosphere, preventing the diffusion of the contents into the atmosphere and protecting the package contents from the outside atmosphere. Upon opening the package by separating the peelable impermeable front web from the permeable layer or membrane the vapors from the from the contents are now free to move through the permeable web into the atmosphere.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Autopax, Inc.Inventor: John T. Inglis
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Patent number: 6536746Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for delivering a controlled amount of scent to a target user. Such methods and systems will preferably provide carefully direct boluses or streams of scent(s) to a single or small group of individual(s) using a bolus generator so as to avoid cross-contamination of scents with other persons and other locations. The present invention preferably delivers the bolus of scent as an air ring. The scented air ring moves through the air between the scent generating device directly to the user as a cohesive unit of air. This phenomenon is similar to a “smoke ring” exhaled by a smoker. The scent ring can be directed with accuracy to a localized target as small as the nose of a single user, such that the entire dosage can be delivered to only the user's direct vicinity. Such targeted delivery minimizes the amount of scent that must be delivered to achieve a desired level of scenting at the target location.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: MicroScent LLCInventor: Carl J. Watkins
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Patent number: 6524375Abstract: A vehicle cabin air filter whose filter material carries microcapsules containing at least one volatile substance, the microcapsules being suitable for diffusing said volatile substance progressively into the air passing through the filter.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2001Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: FiltrautoInventor: Philippe Brun
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Publication number: 20030029319Abstract: A blower apparatus for a vehicle for blowing air into a cabin. The blower apparatus including a case member, various units and airflow passages. The units include an air cleaning unit for cleaning the air, and a component-adding unit for adding air components such as ions to the air. The units have compatible external shapes and sizes for selective installation in almost the same positions in the airflow passages, thereby meeting user needs of changing the function of the blower apparatus simply by arranging the units to the desired positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2002Publication date: February 13, 2003Inventors: Hitoshi Ninomiya, Yukitaka Abe, Shinji Iwama, Kazutoshi Nishizawa
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Patent number: 6511531Abstract: An air filtering and freshening device comprising a filter element within the intake of the device housing, a motorized fan mounted within the device housing which draws contaminated air into the device, and forces air out of the device through an outlet having separate exhaust and scent discharge passages. The exhaust passage including a plurality of arcuate vanes radiating outwardly from the interior of the device, and being disposed across the exhaust passage to promote efficient operation by reducing the pressure drop through the passage and minimizing operational noise. The scent discharge passage includes a scent element producing a freshening scent. The scent element is removably positioned adjacent the scent discharge passage, which carries high velocity, high pressure filtered air from the motorized fan, picks up the concentrated freshening scent, and discharges in an effective and efficient manner, a continuous stream of freshening scent.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2001Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: HMI Industries, Inc.Inventor: Mark A. Cartellone
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Publication number: 20020157540Abstract: A scenting device for use with airflow conduits. The scenting device has a porous first member enclosed at a periphery thereof by a frame. A mounting means is used to removably yet securely attach the scenting device to an air filter or ventilation cover in existing heating, ventilating, air conditioning systems in addition to use with hair dryers.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2001Publication date: October 31, 2002Inventor: Cathy A. Lynn
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Publication number: 20020139251Abstract: An air filtration system for vehicles, aircraft and spacecraft includes a filter element for filtering air passing through an air vent thereby cleaning the air of toxic substances such as smog, exhaust fumes, noxious gases, diesel fumes, asphalt odors and many other combustion odors., in addition to emitting an aroma scent of fragrance providing a pleasant smell which will not interefere with the cleaning process of the air. The filter having a size and shape such that the filter element fits across the path of the air passing through the air vent and the structure for removably mounting the filter element on the vehicle in the path of air passing through the air vent so that its cleans the air in the enclosed enivronment of the cabin of the vehicles.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2001Publication date: October 3, 2002Inventor: Brenda Joyce Simmons
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Patent number: 6413302Abstract: An air treatment device is adapted to be mounted on and directly supported by an electrical socket. A treatment medium, such as a replaceable electrostatic filter or a replaceable absorber/adsorber, is located at the front of the device. A fan draws air through the medium and particles with a particle size above 0.1 &mgr;m are removed.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1999Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser (UK) LimitedInventors: Neale Harrison, Gay Cornelius, Hamilton Scanlon, Allen Pearson
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Publication number: 20020066368Abstract: A molecular sieve apparatus and magnetic/adsorbent material composition facilitate molecular adsorption and separation using a magnetic field to hold, move, cool, and/or heat an adsorbent 1 that is bonded to magnetic materials 3 that are moveable by a magnetic field. An adsorbent 1 is bonded to a soft magnetic material 3 with a binder 2 into a powder composite material adsorbent attractable by a magnetic field (magnetoadsorbent 4). Magnetoadsorbent 4 functions to adsorb and desorb working substances, causing a molecular separation; thereby increasing the efficiency of the adsorption cycle by moving the adsorbent 1 to a location that optimally processes the adsorbent 1. Magnetic field manipulation of adsorbents 1 enables delivery of molecules to locations within systems. Magnetoadsorbents 4 of the present invention further increase the efficiency of the adsorption cycle by combining materials with functions including: catalyst, buoyancy, suspension, magnetic heating, and sinking in liquid.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2001Publication date: June 6, 2002Applicant: Hexablock, Inc.Inventor: David A. Zornes
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Patent number: 6357726Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for delivering a controlled amount of scent to a target user. Such methods and systems will preferably provide carefully direct boluses or streams of scent(s) to a single or small group of individual(s) using a bolus generator so as to avoid cross-contamination of scents with other persons and other locations. The present invention preferably delivers the bolus of scent as an air ring. The scented air ring moves through the air between the scent generating device directly to the user as a cohesive unit of air. This phenomenon is similar to a “smoke ring” exhaled by a smoker. The scent ring can be directed with accuracy to a localized target as small as the nose of a single user, such that the entire dosage can be delivered to only the user's direct vicinity. Such targeted delivery minimizes the amount of scent that must be delivered to achieve a desired level of scenting at the target location.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Microscent, LLCInventor: Carl J. Watkins
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Patent number: 6346143Abstract: An odor adsorptive filter for use in refrigerators, freezers, and/or other cold storage units, is removably securable to one of the interior walls or panels of the unit and adsorbs odoriferous matter from spoiled foods, strong food odors, etc. as the air within the unit circulates. The present filter comprises a filter housing which is removably secured within the refrigerator or freezer by suction cups which adhere securely to the smooth surfaces of such units, without damage or marring of the surface. The filter element is in turn removably secured within the filter housing, for replacement as necessary. The filter element comprises a woven or nonwoven fiber material, with the fibers being coated or impregnated with an odor adsorbent material such as baking soda and/or activated carbon in some form. The filter element, or the housing, may also include a pleasant scent which will permeate the air in the cold storage device as unpleasant odors are adsorbed by the filter element.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2000Date of Patent: February 12, 2002Inventor: Kimberly F. McGowan
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Patent number: 6338818Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 11, 2001Date of Patent: January 15, 2002Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Mark Budman
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Patent number: 6328287Abstract: The invention relates to a device for supplying substances to be dispensed into air or air mixtures, especially scents, with a flat disk-shaped or plate-shaped base body with multiple separate channels running through it essentially parallel to its top and/or bottom sides, with the channels accommodating the substances to be dispensed and containing an inlet port and an outlet port, respectively, so that a stream of gas supplied to the inlet port can flow through it, with the inlet and outlet ports of at least one channel being sealed in a gastight manner until the substance is released and/or the substance is placed with an airtight seal in at least one channel in a reservoir which does not release this is substance until the time of dispensation thereof.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2001Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Inventor: Götz-Ulrich Wittek
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Publication number: 20010039882Abstract: A vehicle cabin air filter whose filter material carries microcapsules containing at least one volatile substance, the microcapsules being suitable for diffusing said volatile substance progressively into the air passing through the filter.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2001Publication date: November 15, 2001Inventor: Philippe Brun
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Publication number: 20010035095Abstract: A container for holding a fragrant medium is disclosed. Perforations or holes in the container and the fragrant medium allow the fragrance contained inside to be released over time. The fragrant medium may be inserted into a bottom portion of the container. A top portion may then be joined to the bottom portion to form a container for the fragrant medium. The top and bottom portions are joined by a plurality of connection members attached to or molded into each portion. In one embodiment of the present invention, the container is attached to a furnace filter so that the fragrant medium may be dispersed throughout an entire house or building. In another embodiment of the present invention, the container is attached to a computer fan so that the fragrant medium may be dispersed throughout a room.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2001Publication date: November 1, 2001Inventor: David Canfield
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Patent number: 6296692Abstract: An air cleaning apparatus provides a housing with a column shape and an air cleaning unit within a portion of the housing, the cleaning unit having a complementary shape. The air inlet and outlet nozzles to the housing are provided at a top and bottom face, with the inlet and outlet openings to the air cleaning unit corresponding with the housing nozzle inlets and outlets locations. However, the air cleaning unit inlet and outlet openings are displaced from the nozzle inlets and outlets.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 1998Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Inventor: Rudolf Gutmann
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Patent number: 6241944Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 20, 1999Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Mark Budman
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Patent number: 6234455Abstract: The invention relates to a device for supplying substances to be dispensed into air or air mixtures, especially scents, with a flat disk-shaped or plate-shaped base body with multiple separate channels running through it essentially parallel to its top and/or bottom sides, with the channels accommodating the substances to be dispensed and containing an inlet port and an outlet port, respectively, so that a stream of gas supplied to the inlet port can flow through it, with the inlet and outlet ports of at least one channel being sealed in a gastight manner until the substance is released and/or the substance is placed with an airtight seal in at least one channel in a reservoir which does not release this substance until the time of dispensation thereof.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1998Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Inventor: Gotz-Ulrich Wittek
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Patent number: 6152990Abstract: Device and method for removing volatile compounds from a gas stream, the device including a material which is capable of removing and retaining the volatile compounds while displaying a visible color change, wherein at least some moisture has been removed from the material and there is relative movement between the gas stream and the material.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 1999Date of Patent: November 28, 2000Assignee: Engelhard CorporationInventors: Fred M. Allen, Charles Knott
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Patent number: 6126729Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 26, 1998Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Inventor: Gregory S. Smith
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Patent number: 6117218Abstract: A scenting device for attachment to an air filter in a HVAC system. The scenting device comprises a sheet formed from a material that is substantially impervious to air. The sheet is cut so as to form at least one opening through which the air to be scented flows. The opening is preferably serpentine and defines a plurality of fingers in the sheet. A relatively thick layer of a high viscosity liquid, such as a gel, containing a fragrance is deposited onto the sheet. The device is made by partially cutting through the sheet so as to form a zone of weakness having the shape of the intended opening. After the fragrance-containing material is deposited on the sheet, it is packaged and slipped to the user. The user tears the sheet along the zone of weakness, thereby forming the opening.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1999Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Assignee: Web Products, Inc.Inventors: Michael R. Snyder, Gary A. Robinson
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Patent number: 6077336Abstract: An air filter system that includes a mechanism for notifying a user when a proper filter replacement period had elapsed that further includes a scenting mechanism for scenting the air flowing through the filter system with a pleasant odor. The air filter system includes a scent impregnated filter element held within a filter element frame provided with a user notification system and multiple scent impregnated strips.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1998Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Inventors: Marcia A. Ulrich, Uwe J. Ulrich
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Patent number: 6068681Abstract: The invention discloses a filtering device (1) for neutralizing volatile bad smells present in the atmosphere or carried by a flow of gas (5). The device comprises at least a layer (3) of natural zeolite material of set thickness impregnated with an aqueous solution with, for 100 parts by weight of zeolite, about 5 to about 20 parts by weight of the aqueous solution. This aqueous solution comprises for 1000 parts by weight of water, between about 1 part and about 20 parts by weight of a composite mixture comprising, for one part of ammonium ions or equivalent, one part of at least of one perfuming and/or deodorising composition.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1999Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Assignee: DeotechInventor: Christiane Bourguignon