Abstract: An aroma diffuser assembly is provided with an electrical wire heating element for effecting the release of an aroma from a contained aroma producing material. Power is supplied to the heating element by a power supply assembly which has a first portion for electrical connection to an external power source and a second portion for supplying power from the external power source to other than the heating element. The power supply assembly is rotational within the aroma diffuser assembly to accommodate both vertical and horizontal orientations of a conventional household outlet as a source of power.

Abstract: A driver circuit having a predetermined on time and a predetermined off time provides a drive signal to a heating element of an aroma generating apparatus. The drive signal is applied during each positive half cycle of the input AC voltage while maintaining the gate of a silicon controlled rectifier saturated over the entire positive and negative cycles of the input AC voltage.

Abstract: An aroma generating apparatus includes a driver circuit which functions as a real time lapse counter and includes a signal indicator to designate the replacement period of useful lifetime of the aroma producing cartridge. The driver circuit continuously operates between a low frequency during the off state of the resistance heating element and a high frequency during energizing of the resistance heating element. The dual frequency permits monitoring ofthe real time operation of the apparatus without the need of providing memory devices to accommodate inoperative periods of the apparatus.

Abstract: An improved heater assembly for an aroma generating unit is disclosed. A serpentine heater element is disposed between mica insulating layers. The terminals of the heater element are extended through one of the layers. A two piece frame holds the heater element and insulating layers together. Both pieces have outer peripheral wall portions adapted for mating engagement when the frames are attached together. One of the pieces further comprises an inwardly divided flange while the other includes an inner peripheral wall portion which is shorter than the outer wall portion. When the heater assembly is joined together the insulating layers and intermediate heater element are held together between the flange and inner wall portion. A pair of opposite sides of the inner wall are spaced apart from the corresponding sides of the outer wall to form compartments which enclose the extended terminals of the heater element and the terminal ends of external power source leads such as an AC cord and related circuitry.