Abstract: The invention is directed to a precision release aerosol dispenser for dispensing material from a pressurized source of material. The precision release aerosol dispenser comprises dispensing means for dispensing into the environment the material from the source of material, a microchip coupled to the dispensing means for controlling the release rate of the material to be dispensed, and means for initiating the dispensing means. The microchip usable in the precision aerosol dispenser of the invention is a multilayer device fabricated using MEMS fabrication techniques.

Abstract: A dispenser configured to discern a specific source of material from a plurality of other sources of material, wherein the specific source of material and the plurality of other sources of material all comprise at least substantially similarly shaped bodies and spray heads, wherein the specific source of material comprises an identifier associated therewith, the identifier not being associated with the plurality of other sources of material. In a preferred embodiment, the dispenser comprises an interrogator, operationally coupled to the controller, for interrogating the identifier to determine whether the source of material is a specific source of material. An actuation mechanism is inhibited from causing the dispensing of the material if the interrogator does not detect the specific source of material. In preferred embodiments, the interrogator may be a sensor or a reader, and the identifier may be a magnet, a barcode, or an RFID transponder that is compatible with the specific interrogator chosen.

Abstract: A device that includes at least one consumable source that decreases in effectiveness over time. The device comprises a timer, operatively coupled to the consumable source, for maintaining the duration that the at least one consumable source is in use; and an effectiveness indicator, operatively coupled to the timer, for indicating when the timer has reached a preset duration. In an alternative embodiment, the device may include a sensor for sensing the effectiveness of the at least one consumable source.

Abstract: An arrangement for flushing a toilet of the type that comprises a toilet bowl and a toilet tank. In one embodiment, the arrangement comprises a handle assembly comprising a manually actuatable handle that provides a flush signal to the flush valve flapper lifting assembly in response to manual actuation of the handle. In another embodiment, a flush valve actuation assembly, comprising a handle assembly that comprises at least one sensor for detecting the presence of a user in a target area, is mountable in the aperture through a sidewall through which a conventional handle, comprising a lift arm to lift a conventional chain to pivot a conventional flush valve flapper, is mountable.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system for determining the effectiveness of a consumable source in a device that uses the consumable source to perform an action of the device. The system comprising a controller for monitoring the consumable source in the device, a consumable source operatively connected to the device, sensing means for determining when the consumable source needs replacing; and an indicator operatively coupled to the sensing means that signals when the replaceable source needs replacing.