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
Abstract: A waste plastic disposal apparatus (K1-K4) including a storage portion (2) for storing waste plastic; a heating portion (7) for heating the waste plastic, which includes a heater (7b) and a fan (7a); a hot-air circulating path (20) for circulating hot air therethrough, which is defined by the storage portion (2) and the heating portion (7); an exhaust path (10) which branches off from the hot-air circulating path (20); and a deodorizing portion (9) which is provided in the exhaust path in response to intake of a predetermined quantity of external air into the hot-air circulating path (20) per unit time, the hot air in the hot-air circulating path (20) is exhausted in a quantity equal to the predetermined quantity from the exhaust path (10) through the deodorizing portion (9).
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 12, 1998
Date of Patent:
November 23, 1999
Assignee:
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
Abstract: A vacuum bag scenting system is disclosed including a vacuum bag having a pair of faces which are spaced apart upon inflation of the vacuum bag. A closed cellophane bag is disposed in the vacuum bag and coupled to each of the faces of the vacuum bag. A scent pad is disposed in the cellophane bag and is also coupled to a portion of the cellophane bag adjacent one of the faces of the vacuum bag. Inflation of the vacuum bag causes the faces of the vacuum bag to spread apart from each other and in turn tear the cellophane bag apart to expose the scent pad therein to permit releasing of scent from the scent pad into the vacuum bag.
Abstract: The invention relates to a device for removing one or more undesirable or dangerous substances for the human race from a gas or vapour mixture, the device comprising: a predetermined amount of adsorbent for adsorbing the substances and an odourant for releasing an odour in order to alarm a person, wherein the odourant is arranged in such a manner that the odourant is displaceable by the substances, following a predetermined level of saturation of the adsorbent.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 23, 1997
Date of Patent:
August 31, 1999
Assignee:
Nederlandse Organisatie Voor Toegepastnatuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNO
Abstract: A garbage disposing device of an energy-saving type comprises a housing having an air intake port and an air discharge port, and a vessel mounted within the housing to store therein food wastes. The vessel has an air inlet and an air outlet. An intake passage is formed in the housing to extend from the intake port to the air inlet for introducing a fresh air into the vessel. An exhaust passage is formed within the housing to extend from the air outlet to the discharge port for discharging therethrough an air containing unpleasant odor resulting from a decomposition of the food wastes. A deodorizer unit comprises a catalyst for decomposing the unpleasant odor in the air, a heater for activating the catalyst, and a case for incorporating therein the catalyst and the heater.
Abstract: A fragrance evaporator allows doses of fragrance to be released into the atmosphere in a controllable manner and only when required. The fragrance evaporator has a solid surface that may be wetted as required with liquid fragrance from a fragrance reservoir. An evaporation space that surrounds the solid surface and that is in communication with the atmosphere is thus created above the surface.
Abstract: A filter system for an HVAC system includes a rectangular frame with a central opening. A conventional filter spans the central opening for interaction with the incoming forced air. A grid spans the filter on the incoming air side thereof, the grid presenting a plurality of horizontal and vertical spaced-apart strands having aromatic particles impregnated therein. Upon contact of the incoming forced air with the grid, the aromatic particles are transferred to the incoming air so as to scent the conditioned air. The period of material transfer of the scent particles to the incoming forced air preferably corresponds with the useful filter life, such that a cessation of delivery of the scented air is indicative to the user that the filter proper needs to be changed.