Abstract: A system for consistently emitting a volatile material includes a volatile material dispenser having a diffusion element. The system further includes a refill adapted for disposal within the volatile material dispenser and including a container having a volatile material disposed therein and a wick having a first end disposed in contact with the volatile material in the container and a second end extending out of the container. A time constant for (Parameter 4) for the system is less than or equal to about 1.0 hour when estimated using the equation: Predicted mass change=Parameter4+(Parameter3*T)+(Parameter2*exp(?T/Parameter1)).

Abstract: A method and composition for deodorizing soft surfaces such as carpeting and upholstery are disclosed. The method includes the spraying of a liquid composition on a soft surface and allowing the composition to absorb into the soft surface, form liquid agglomerations within the soft surface to the agglomerations can make contact with malodorants disposed within the soft surface. The composition is capable of penetrating rapidly and deeply into the soft surfaces for contacting odor-causing substances embedded therein. The composition comprises an active ingredient such as a glycol or triethanolamine. Other ingredients that contribute to the surface penetration and/or agglomeration formation include ethanol, water, fragrance and a combination of at least one nonionic and at least one ionic surfactant.

Abstract: A method and composition for deodorizing soft surfaces such as carpeting and upholstery are disclosed. The method includes the spraying of a liquid composition on a soft surface and allowing the composition to absorb into the soft surface, form liquid agglomerations within the soft surface to the agglomerations can make contact with malodorants disposed within the soft surface. The composition is capable of penetrating rapidly and deeply into the soft surfaces for contacting odor-causing substances embedded therein. The composition comprises an active ingredient such as a glycol or triethanolamine. Other ingredients that contribute to the surface penetration and/or agglomeration formation include ethanol, water, fragrance and a combination of at least one nonionic and at least one ionic surfactant.

Abstract: A method of operating a volatile material dispenser includes the step of operating the volatile material dispenser according to a pre-defined algorithm for a first operational cycle. The method further includes the steps of sensing a change in an emission parameter initiated by a user and storing information related to the change in emission parameter. Still further, the method includes the step of operating the volatile material dispenser for a second operational cycle according to a new algorithm, wherein the new algorithm comprises the pre-defined algorithm with modifications according to the change initiated by the user.

Abstract: A dispensing device includes a container having a wall that defines an opening into an interior, a first layer of carrier disposed in the interior distal from the opening, and a second layer of carrier disposed between the first layer and the opening, wherein the first layer of carrier isolates the second layer of carrier from the opening. The first layer of carrier has a first characteristic of an active ingredient, and the second layer of carrier has a second characteristic of active ingredient, wherein the first characteristic is different from the second characteristic. A barrier is disposed between the first layer and the second layer to retard or prevent diffusion of the active ingredient of the second layer into the first layer.

Abstract: A composition for solvating one or more active agents in an aqueous solution which is suitable for dispensing as a compressed gas aerosol composition is disclosed. The composition includes at least one surfactant, at least one active agent (such as a fragrance or an insecticide), and a compressed gas propellant. The at least one surfactant is preferably present in an amount from about 0.1 wt. % to about 3 wt. %. The at least one active agent is preferably present in an amount from about 0.1 wt. % to about 2 wt. %. The compressed gas propellant is preferably present in an amount from about 0.1 wt. % to about 1 wt. %. The total surfactant weight to active agent weight ratio for the composition is preferably about 1:3 to 5:1. The composition uses a reduced amount of surfactant and active agent thereby allowing for a more efficient active agent loading and a reduced stickiness or tackiness on surfaces contacted during use.

Abstract: A refill for a volatile material includes a container having a reservoir portion and a neck portion. The refill further includes a plug assembly disposed within the neck portion of the container and a channel through a central portion of the plug assembly. Still further, the refill includes a porous wick extending through the channel, wherein the wick includes an upper portion extending outside the container and a lower portion disposed within the reservoir portion. A slit is formed in the lower portion of the wick to form a barb that catches on the plug assembly to prevent removal of the wick from the container.

Abstract: A refill for a volatile material includes a container having a reservoir portion and a neck portion. The refill further includes a plug assembly disposed within the neck portion of the container and a channel through a central portion of the plug assembly. Still further, the refill includes a porous wick extending through the channel, wherein the wick includes an upper portion extending outside the container and a lower portion disposed within the reservoir portion. A slit is formed in the lower portion of the wick to form a barb that catches on the plug assembly to prevent removal of the wick from the container.

Abstract: An improved combination air sanitizer, soft surface sanitizer, soft surface deodorizer and hard surface disinfectant is disclosed. The preferred active ingredient for the air sanitization and soft surface odor treatment functions is triethylene glycol (TEG). The preferred active ingredient for soft surface sanitization and hard surface disinfection functions is a mixture of various alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinates. The formulation may be provided in an aerosol spray form and is useful for sanitizing and removing bacteria and malodorant molecules from the air as well as disinfecting hard surfaces. A unique combination of corrosion inhibitors is disclosed for convention steel or tin-plated steel cans. A single produce can be used as an air sanitizer/air freshener, a soft surface sanitizer, a soft-surface odor remover/reducer and, a hard surface disinfectant.

Abstract: A method and composition for deodorizing soft surfaces such as carpeting and upholstery are disclosed. The method includes the spraying of a liquid composition on a soft surface and allowing the composition to absorb into the soft surface, form liquid agglomerations within the soft surface to the agglomerations can make contact with malodorants disposed within the soft surface. The composition comprises an active ingredient that is a liquid at room temperature with a vapor pressure of less than 0.0035 mmHg at room temperature. For example, the active ingredient can be triethylene glycol. Other ingredients that contribute to agglomeration formation include ethanol, water, fragrance and a combination of at least one nonionic and at least one ionic surfactant.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are foamed gel air-treating compositions that have at least 50% water, between 1 and 15 percent soap surfactant, a volatile fragrance, at least 0.1 percent carbon, and a foam stabilizer. These compositions can fragrance a room as well as adsorb malodors in the room. Methods for forming these foamed gels are also disclosed.