Abstract: An apparatus for delivering humidified air to a surrounding space and having a housing defining a space within which incoming air is treated, a receptacle for a supply of fluid, and an outlet. A plurality of operating components are supported by the housing, including a nebulizer that causes fluid in the receptacle to become entrained in incoming air. The treated air flows through the housing outlet to the surrounding space. The nebulizer operable by at least one electronic component that generates heat as the nebulizer is operated. The apparatus further has a heat sink assembly on the housing in heat exchange relationship with the at least one electronic heat generating component. The heat sink assembly is: a) cooled by air moving through the housing space; and b) not directly exposed to fluid in the receptacle.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering humidified air to a surrounding space and having a housing defining a space within which incoming air is treated, a receptacle for a supply of fluid, and an outlet. A plurality of operating components are supported by the housing, including a nebulizer that causes fluid in the receptacle to become entrained in incoming air. The treated air flows through the housing outlet to the surrounding space. The nebulizer operable by at least one electronic component that generates heat as the nebulizer is operated. The apparatus further has a heat sink assembly on the housing in heat exchange relationship with the at least one electronic heat generating component. The heat sink assembly is: a) cooled by air moving through the housing space; and b) not directly exposed to fluid in the receptacle.

Abstract: A portable appliance with a housing defining a space for operating components. The operating components define an air moving mechanism for causing atmospheric air to be drawn into the housing space to at least one of: a) cool at least one of the operating components; b) be treated by at least one of the operating components; and c) cause movement of a fluid within the housing space. The housing has a first wall with a downwardly facing surface in which an inlet opening is defined through which atmospheric air is drawn into the housing space. The housing further has a spacing wall that underlies the inlet opening and bounds in conjunction with the first wall an intake space through which atmospheric air is guided in a generally horizontal path towards the inlet opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for directing a vaporized substance into a space. The apparatus has a base with operating components capable of converting a liquid substance into a vapor, and a substance supply container that is separable from the base. The substance supply container in an operative state in relationship to the base delivers a supply of a substance therein in liquid form to the operating components on the base to be vaporized thereby. Vapor generated by the operating components is directed into a space within which the apparatus is located. The base and substance supply container cooperatively simulate the appearance of at least one of an animate or inanimate object.

Abstract: A purifier for air having a housing and at least one component on the housing for changing a characteristic of air in a space within which the air purifier resides. The housing has an external surface that is shaped to simulate the appearance of an animate object.

Abstract: An apparatus for directing a vaporized substance into a space. The apparatus has a base with operating components capable of converting a liquid substance into a vapor, and a substance supply container that is separable from the base. The substance supply container in an operative state in relationship to the base delivers a supply of a substance therein in liquid form to the operating components on the base to be vaporized thereby. Vapor generated by the operating components is directed into a space within which the apparatus is located. The base and substance supply container cooperatively simulate the appearance of at least one of an animate or inanimate object.