Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for the low energy flash-like vaporization of liquids and the release of the resulting vaporized liquid into the atmosphere in the form of a visible plume, mist or cloud. Vaporization is occasioned in a geometrically small device capable of producing vaporized liquid that varies little in composition in comparison to the starting liquid feed to the device. The apparatus and method are primarily directed towards the treatment of small areas for residential air fragrancing, odor elimination, treatment of insects or pests, air sanitization, air and surface antibacterial or antimicrobial treatment, administration of personal pharmaceuticals or medicaments, as well as other ambient air or surface modification by way of gas, vapor or droplet distribution.

Abstract: A capillary pump is provided for producing pressurized and unpressurized vapor emissions from liquid feed. In its simplest form, the capillary pump incorporates a liquid feed intake, a porous vaporization component, and a heat transfer component. Additional components, such as an insulator component, a feed pre-heat component, a liquid feed reservoir and/or delivery system, an integrated or associated heater component, a vapor collection chamber, a heat distribution component, an orifice component and/or vapor release component, may also be associated with or integrated in the improved capillary pumps. Capillary pump arrays are provided, and numerous applications for capillary pumps are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns capillary force vaporizers for use in vaporizing liquids and emitting pressurized vapors. In one embodiment, the inventive capillary force vaporizer includes a porous member, a heater component to convey heat to the porous member, and a vapor containment region. The porous member further includes a capillary network, a surface for receiving liquid and a vaporization area in which vapor is produced from the liquid. The vapor is collected and pressurized within the vapor containment region, which includes one or more openings for the release of vapor at a velocity greater than zero. Several different embodiments for capillary force vaporizers and systems comprising capillary force vaporizers are disclosed along with methods for their use.

Abstract: A fabric treatment composition that includes at least one zeta potential modifier and a hydrophobic agent with a melting point or glass transition temperature below 100° C. that imparts fabric protection benefits, including improved stain and soil resistance, oil repellency, water repellency, softness, wrinkle and damage resistance, and better handfeel to treated fabrics. Treatment compositions can be used as a pretreatment prior to washing, through soaking, or added to the treatment liquor, that is either the wash or rinse cycle of an automatic washing machine, to first provide and then maintain and restore the beneficial fabric protection benefits imparted to the fabrics during a first treatment operation. The fabric treatment is complete when the fabric is cured by drying and/or heating.