Abstract: The invention discloses an end of use indicator (EUI) with a visual cue and a dryer device thereof. The EUI prompts the consumer to refill a cartridge within a device, replace a cartridge within a device, or replace the device itself. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention teaches a repetitive use, dryer device with an EUI for the treatment of fabrics in a laundry dryer.

Abstract: The present teachings provide apparatus and methods for reducing wrinkles in a laundered fabric. In various embodiments, the apparatus includes a dryer and a vapor generator device mounted within the dryer that dispenses a wrinkle reduction composition into the dryer upon a signal from a sensor in the dryer. Furthermore, the present teachings provide methods for delivering a wrinkle reduction composition into laundry dryer. In an exemplary embodiment, a method can include electronically monitoring at least one operating parameter of a laundry dryer to determine when the operating parameter meets a first preset condition, then activating a vapor generator when the first preset condition is met, and dispensing a vapor of a wrinkle reduction composition into the laundry dryer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intermediary device which alters a surrounding environment and attaches to and/or integrates with at least one other device with little or no effect on devices to which the intermediary device is attached.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device consisting of an implement configured with a piercing mechanism that allows the user to make a uniform opening in the package through which the fluid inside can dispense. In one embodiment, the implement is configured with an affixing mechanism for affixing the implement to a surface. In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the implement is configured to pierce and house the packet during pretreatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of porous materials, for transporting liquids from a reservoir in a vapor dispensing device which addresses many of the shortcomings of the prior art, by selecting pore sizes and void volume ratios of the various wicking materials to fall within an effective range to obtain effective control of liquid delivery. For example, in accordance various aspects of the present invention, a porous polymeric wick is comprised of various polymeric materials having pore sizes less than about 250 microns and void volume ratios from about 25 to about 60%.

Abstract: The present invention achieves advancement in the art by providing a method and apparatus for selective positioning of a wick material in a vapor-dispensing device that facilitates effective fragrance vapor delivery while offering significant advantages in manufacture, assembly, product performance, and product safety. In one embodiment, the wick is suitably selected and positioned such that sufficient surface area of the wick material is suitably exposed to the heating unit to enable effective evaporation of a vaporizable liquid, but the wick height relative to the heating element minimizes the amount of surface area of the wick in proximity to the heating element. Additionally, the positioning can reduce the need for protective overcaps and other apparatus for protecting the wick.

Abstract: A vapor dispensing device is provided which is less noticeable as a dispensing device to observers of the device. For example, in this context, the dispensing device may have the general appearance of a standard electrical wall outlet and have the ability to use the outlets into which the dispensing device is plugged.

Abstract: The present invention suitably provides a method and apparatus for controlling the temperature of a liquid vaporizer heating element, and thereby the rate of evaporation and level of fragrance delivery from the same. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the device may include a switch that suitably allows the temperature of various types of heating elements to be controlled for different levels of fragrance output. For example, an exemplary embodiment may include a two-pronged plug adaptable to typical outlets that might be found in residential homes or businesses. In accordance With another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electrical switch generally provides varying resistance values to the electric circuitry of the vaporizer such that, by changing the switch setting, the operating temperature of the wick is controlled and thus the rate of fragrance evaporation from the vaporizer.

Abstract: A liquid vaporizer is provided which includes a housing stabilization system for stabilizing the vaporizer when it is plugged into a wall outlet. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the stabilization system comprises one or more projections which abut the wall or outlet to which the vaporizer is inserted. The liquid vaporizer stabilization system may also serve to prevent dispensing of vaporized material proximate to the electrical outlet.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intermediary device which alters a surrounding enviroment and attaches to and/or integrates with at least one other device with little or no effect on devices to which the intermediary device is attached.

Abstract: A wick includes a first wick portion and a second wick portion. At least one combustion barrier is positioned between the first and second wick portions. The combustion barrier is configured to obstruct combustion from the first wick portion to the second wick portion.

Abstract: The present invention suitably provides a method and apparatus for controlling the temperature of a liquid vaporizer heating element, and thereby the rate of evaporation and level of fragrance delivery from the same. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the device may include a switch that suitably allows the temperature of various types of heating elements to be controlled for different levels of fragrance output. For example, an exemplary embodiment may include a two-pronged plug adaptable to typical outlets that might be found in residential homes or businesses. In accordance With another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electrical switch generally provides varying resistance values to the electric circuitry of the vaporizer such that, by changing the switch setting, the operating temperature of the wick is controlled and thus the rate of fragrance evaporation from the vaporizer.

Abstract: The present invention achieves advancement in the art by providing a method and apparatus for selective positioning of a wick material in a vapor-dispensing device that facilitates effective fragrance vapor delivery while offering significant advantages in manufacture, assembly, product performance, and product safety. In one embodiment, the wick is suitably selected and positioned such that sufficient surface area of the wick material is suitably exposed to the heating unit to enable effective evaporation of a vaporizable liquid, but the wick height relative to the heating element minimizes the amount of surface area of the wick in proximity to the heating element. Additionally, the positioning can reduce the need for protective overcaps and other apparatus for protecting the wick.

Abstract: A vapor dispensing device is provided which is less noticeable as a dispensing device to observers of the device. For example, in this context, the dispensing device may have the general appearance of a standard electrical wall outlet and have the ability to use the outlets into which the dispensing device is plugged.

Abstract: A vapor dispensing device is provided which is less noticeable as a dispensing device to observers of the device. For example, in this context, the dispensing device may have the general appearance of a standard electrical wall outlet and have the ability to use the outlets into which the dispensing device is plugged.

Abstract: The present invention suitably provides a method and apparatus for controlling the temperature of a liquid vaporizer heating element, and thereby the rate of evaporation and level of fragrance delivery from the same. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the device may include a switch that suitably allows the temperature of various types of heating elements to be controlled for different levels of fragrance output. For example, an exemplary embodiment may include a two-pronged plug adaptable to typical outlets that might be found in residential homes or businesses. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electrical switch generally provides varying resistance values to the electric circuitry of the vaporizer such that, by changing the switch setting, the operating temperature of the wick is controlled and thus the rate of fragrance evaporation from the vaporizer.

Abstract: The present invention achieves advancement in the art by providing a method and apparatus for selective positioning of a wick material in a vapor-dispensing device that facilitates effective fragrance vapor delivery while offering significant advantages in manufacture, assembly, product performance, and product safety. In one embodiment, the wick is suitably selected and positioned such that sufficient surface area of the wick material is suitably exposed to the heating unit to enable effective evaporation of a vaporizable liquid, but the wick height relative to the heating element minimizes the amount of surface area of the wick in proximity to the heating element. Additionally, the positioning can reduce the need for protective overcaps and other apparatus for protecting the wick.

Abstract: A vapor dispensing device is provided which is less noticeable as a dispensing device to observers of the device. For example, in this context, the dispensing device may have the general appearance of a standard electrical wall outlet and have the ability to use the outlets into which the dispensing device is plugged.

Abstract: A liquid vaporizer is provided which includes a housing stabilization system for stabilizing the vaporizer when it is plugged into a wall outlet. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the stabilization system comprises one or more projections which abut the wall or outlet to which the vaporizer is inserted. The liquid vaporizer stabilization system may also serve to prevent dispensing of vaporized material proximate to the electrical outlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of porous materials, for transporting liquids from a reservoir in a vapor dispensing device which addresses many of the shortcomings of the prior art, by selecting pore sizes and void volume ratios of the various wicking materials to fall within an effective range to obtain effective control of liquid delivery. For example, in accordance various aspects of the present invention, a porous polymeric wick is comprised of various polymeric materials having pore sizes less than about 250 microns and void volume ratios from about 25 to about 60%.