Abstract: An air freshener includes a housing having at least a first compartment and a second compartment, each of the first and second compartments having vents. The air freshener includes a first fan unit disposed within the first compartment and a second fan unit disposed within the second compartment. The air freshener also includes a first fragrance emitting substance disposed within the first compartment proximate the first fan unit and a second fragrance emitting substance disposed within the second compartment proximate the second fan unit. A programmable processor is operatively connected to a power source and the first and second fan units and configured to drive at least one of the first and second fan units so as to promote discharge of one of the first and second fragrance emitting substances from the housing.

Abstract: A controllable door handle sanitizer includes a base and an outer housing coupled to the base and movable between an open and a closed position. The sanitizer also includes a holder that receives and holds a container that stores a germicide and includes a first valve member. The holder is coupled to the base such that when the outer housing is opened, the container can be inserted and removed. The holder includes a biasing mechanism for applying a biasing force against the container to maintain the container in a fully loaded position. The sanitizer also includes an electronic valve module that includes a housing that is coupled to the base by engaging locating and support members integrally formed as part of the base. The module is positioned relative to the holder such that in the fully loaded position, the first valve member is actuated and opened, whereby discharge of the germicide is determined by an operating state of a second valve member of the electronic valve module.

Abstract: An air freshener includes a housing having at least a first compartment and a second compartment, each of the first and second compartments having vents. The air freshener includes a first fan unit disposed within the first compartment and a second fan unit disposed within the second compartment. The air freshener also includes a first fragrance emitting substance disposed within the first compartment proximate the first fan unit and a second fragrance emitting substance disposed within the second compartment proximate the second fan unit. A programmable processor is operatively connected to a power source and the first and second fan units and configured to drive at least one of the first and second fan units so as to promote discharge of one of the first and second fragrance emitting substances from the housing.

Abstract: A controllable door handle sanitizer includes a base and an outer housing coupled to the base and movable between an open and a closed position. The sanitizer also includes a holder that receives and holds a container that stores a germicide and includes a first valve member. The holder is coupled to the base such that when the outer housing is opened, the container can be inserted and removed. The holder includes a biasing mechanism for applying a biasing force against the container to maintain the container in a fully loaded position. The sanitizer also includes an electronic valve module that includes a housing that is coupled to the base by engaging locating and support members integrally formed as part of the base. The module is positioned relative to the holder such that in the fully loaded position, the first valve member is actuated and opened, whereby discharge of the germicide is determined by an operating state of a second valve member of the electronic valve module.

Abstract: Attachments for aerosol cans used in automated sprayers can comprise a hollow tube having a first end and a second end. The first end is shaped to seat on the valve of the aerosol can. The second end is opposite the first end and has a nozzle disposed adjacent the second end. The nozzle is disposed in fluid communication with the first end via the hollow tube and can disperse aerosol therefrom, preferably in an axial direction. A bearing surface is disposed along the hollow tube, preferably clear of the second end hollow tube to facilitate axial dispersion of aerosol. An exterior feature disposed along the hollow tube moves in synchronization with the bearing surface.

Abstract: Controlled sanitizing by dispensing a germicide, such as a disinfectant, antibacterial solution or cleansing agent at intervals. A system can include a housing sized to seat an aerosol can and a control circuit that operates to momentarily open a valve on the aerosol can through action of a gear system upon an aerosol delivery tube. A sensor responds to displacement of the delivery tube to deliver state signals to the control circuit. The control circuit prevents action of the gear system in the event that the state signals fail at least one prescribed condition. A method registers at least the displacement of the delivery tube via the sensor and prevents subsequent displacements and hence subsequent sanitizing in the event that the sensor has not registered at least the displacement of the delivery tube. The method ensures that a suitable aerosol can has been properly loaded in the dispenser.

Abstract: Controlled sanitizing by dispensing a germicide, such as a disinfectant, antibacterial solution or cleansing agent at intervals. A system can include a housing sized to seat an aerosol can and a control circuit that operates to momentarily open a valve on the aerosol can through action of a gear system upon an aerosol delivery tube. A sensor responds to displacement of the delivery tube to deliver state signals to the control circuit. The control circuit prevents action of the gear system in the event that the state signals fail at least one prescribed condition. A method registers at least the displacement of the delivery tube via the sensor and prevents subsequent displacements and hence subsequent sanitizing in the event that the sensor has not registered at least the displacement of the delivery tube. The method ensures that a suitable aerosol can has been properly loaded in the dispenser.