Abstract: Perfume compositions having functional perfume components for aiding in perfume evaporation. The functional perfume components have a Kovat's index in the range of 900-1400 and an ODT of greater than about 1 ppb. In one embodiment, the functional perfume component may be present in an amount from at least about 10% by weight of the composition. In another embodiment, the composition containing a function perfume component is substantially free of a VOC.

Abstract: A device for emitting volatile compositions comprising a capillary element, a channel in fluid communication with the capillary element, an emitting orifice having a forward tilt from about +5 degrees to less than about +90 degrees, and a decoupled piezoelectric actuator for emitting the volatile composition through the emitting orifice. In some embodiments, the device is a plug-in air freshener and reduces surface deposition and improves scent noticeability through improved containment of perfumes during the rest period.

Abstract: A device for emitting volatile compositions comprising a capillary element, a channel in fluid communication with the capillary element, an emitting orifice having a forward tilt from about +5 degrees to less than about +90 degrees, and a decoupled piezoelectric actuator for emitting the volatile composition through the emitting orifice. In some embodiments, the device is a plug-in air freshener and reduces surface deposition and improves scent noticeability through improved containment of perfumes during the rest period.

Abstract: An air treatment device having a piezoelectric actuator powered by a transformer. The transformer has dual inputs comprising oppositely wound coils and input power signals 180 degrees out of phase. This arrangement provides a stronger drive signal to the actuator.

Abstract: A dynamic electrostatic apparatus for purifying air is provided. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes at least one emitter through which a fluid is sprayed into a plurality of electrically charged droplets that intermix with particulates in incoming air and form a plurality of charged agglomerates. A minor portion of such charged agglomerates are collected on a conductive surface and removed from the input air, while a major portion of such charged agglomerates are deflected by a deflecting element onto a collective surface. Thus, the apparatus reduces particulates in output air. In some embodiments, the emitter includes an array of hydrophilic spray fibers.

Abstract: An apparatus for purifying air is provided. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes at least one spray fiber through which an aqueous fluid is sprayed into a plurality of electrically charged nanodroplets that intermix with particulates in incoming air and form a plurality of charged agglomerates. Such charged agglomerates are collected on a conductive surface or a collection pad and removed from said input air, resulting in reduced particulates in said output air. In some embodiments, the aqueous fluid includes an air purifying agent.

Abstract: A delivery system and methods for generating droplets of liquid active materials, such as a perfume, air freshener, insecticide formulation, and volatile materials, to the atmosphere by means of a electromechanical transducer. The electromechanical transducer employs a first period of activation and a second period of deactivation to increase the distribution of volatile materials contained within the liquid active materials to the atmosphere and reduce the hedonic habituation of the user. The electromechanical transducer is configured to improve flow rate and decrease deposition of the droplets on to nearby surfaces.

Abstract: An air treatment device having a piezoelectric actuator powered by a transformer. The transformer has dual inputs comprising oppositely wound coils and input power signals 180 degrees out of phase. This arrangement provides a stronger drive signal to the actuator.

Abstract: Perfume compositions having functional perfume components for aiding in perfume evaporation. The functional perfume components have a Kovat's index in the range of 900-1400 and an ODT of greater than about 1 ppb. In one embodiment, the functional perfume component may be present in an amount from at least about 10% by weight of the composition. In another embodiment, the composition containing a function perfume component is substantially free of a VOC.

Abstract: A liquid particle emitting device comprising a first reservoir formed of a perforated top plate comprising at least one aperture; and a base plate opposite said perforated top plate, wherein said perforated top plate and said base plate form the first reservoir comprising an inner volume. Within the inner volume of the first reservoir is at least one deflecting member.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a device for generating particles comprising: a perforated plate comprising at least one orifice; an electromechanical transducer operably connected to said perforated plate or an optional base plate; a liquid source comprising: a liquid reservoir; and a liquid conductor in fluid communication with said perforated plate and in fluid communication with said liquid reservoir, said liquid conductor comprising at least one open cell composition and at least one stiff-wick composition, wherein said compositions are affixed to one another by sintering.

Abstract: A device for emitting volatile compositions comprising a capillary element, a channel in fluid communication with the capillary element, an emitting orifice having a forward tilt from about +5 degrees to less than about +90 degrees, and a decoupled piezoelectric actuator for emitting the volatile composition through the emitting orifice. In some embodiments, the device is a plug-in air freshener and reduces surface deposition and improves scent noticeability through improved containment of perfumes during the rest period.

Abstract: An actuating device including a load and an integrated electronic control circuit comprising a microcontroller and at least one passive component. The microcontroller performs the dual function of providing a control signal to generate sufficient power to actuate a load and a drive signal to drive the load.

Abstract: An article comprising a multiple use fabric conditioning composition that is operably connectable to the inside of a dryer is useful for softening fabric without staining the fabric.

Abstract: An actuating device including a load and an integrated electronic control circuit comprising a microcontroller and at least one passive component. The microcontroller performs the dual function of providing a control signal to generate sufficient power to actuate a load and a drive signal to drive the load.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a delivery system or apparatus for the production, evaporation or release and wide dispersion of volatile materials using an electromechanical transducer or electromechanical transducer, wherein the transition from droplets to the molecular level of the volatile material is assisted by an air disturbance generator. By increasing the rate of droplet disintegration and the emission or release of the volatile materials, higher detection of the less volatile components is achieved, resulting in higher volatile material concentration and improved hedonics, thus delivering an improved method of dispensing such volatile materials. The system is highly energy efficient and capable of battery operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for treating shoes, especially leather-containing shoes, such as athletic shoes, and methods and articles of manufacture employing same to treat the shoes prior to and/or during and/or after washing the shoes. More particularly, the present invention relates to compositions applied to one or more shoes in need of treatment prior to and/or during and/or after washing the shoes for imparting a desired benefit to the shoes such as cleaning and/or conditioning and/or disinfecting and/or deodorizing.

Abstract: Acidic antimicrobial compositions for treating food surfaces and food contact surfaces comprise an organic acid and a surfactant, said composition having a pH of from about 2 to about 5. Concentrated, acidic antimicrobial compositions preferably comprise a stabilizing agent to prevent precipitation of the surfactant upon dilution of the concentrated composition. Methods of use comprise contacting food surfaces or food contact surfaces with the compositions of the present invention. Articles of manufacture comprise a container, an acidic antimicrobial composition, and a set of instructions in association with the container.

Abstract: Volatile material-containing compositions; methods of making volatile material-containing compositions; and methods of emitting a volatile material from a volatile material-containing composition are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for treating shoes, especially leather-containing shoes, such as athletic shoes, and methods and articles of manufacture employing same to treat the shoes prior to and/or during and/or after washing the shoes. More particularly, the present invention relates to compositions applied to one or more shoes in need of treatment prior to and/or during and/or after washing the shoes for imparting a desired benefit to the shoes such as cleaning and/or conditioning and/or disinfecting and/or deodorizing.