Abstract: A multiple-outlet vapor-dispensing device is configured to interface with an electrical receptacle such that the functionality of that outlet is substantially maintained. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a vapor-dispensing device is configured to connect to an electrical receptacle having at least one outlet. The vapor-dispensing device comprises a housing having a first device outlet and a second device outlet, the housing being attachable to the outlet.

Abstract: A vapor-dispensing or other environment-altering apparatus is configured to integrate with a receptacle in a discreet manner. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an environment-altering apparatus is configured to mimic an electrical receptacle having an outlet pattern. The environment-altering apparatus has a front surface which includes an outlet pattern substantially corresponding to the outlet pattern of the electrical receptacle, and a plug configured to interface with the electrical receptacle. A device configured to modify one or more attributes of the environment is interposed between the front surface and plug pattern. These attributes include, for example, aromatic vapor density, insecticide vapor density, ambient light intensity, ionic air content, ultrasonic frequency intensity, and the like.

Abstract: A multiple-outlet vapor-dispensing device is configured to interface with an electrical receptacle such that the functionality of that outlet is substantially maintained. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a vapor-dispensing device is configured to connect to an electrical receptacle having at least one outlet. The vapor-dispensing device comprises a housing having a first device outlet and a second device outlet, the housing being attachable to the outlet.

Abstract: The present invention provides vapor dispensing devices having improved refill units, detectors which sense changes in the environments surrounding the device, and optionally, make corresponding changes to the device and/or auxiliary devices, volatizable material delivery system, volatizable material enhancers and various other features.

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 toilet paper roll holder vapor-dispensing device configured with an internal material delivery system and high intensity volatizable material. A toilet paper roll holder vapor-dispensing device is configured with adjustable vents and may be configured to have a tamper proof material delivery system. The device may also be configured to increase dispensation of a fragrance when toilet paper is taken off the toilet paper roll through a number of configurations such as using high intensity fragrance (e.g., scented oil). The toilet paper roll holder is configured to be substantially stationary when toilet paper is removed from a roll of toilet paper supported by the holder.

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: A vapor-dispensing device that, through a delivery system, facilitates evaporation of multiple volatizable materials into an environment. In one embodiment, a common evaporative region is utilized; in another, a controller suitably controls an aspect or characteristic of the evaporation.

Abstract: An improved variable resistor at least partially compensates for non-linearities in an electrical circuit containing a heating element, for example, a thin-film heating element. A controllable heater includes a heating element, a voltage source (for example, a standard AC electrical outlet) coupled to the heating element, and a variable resistor coupled to the heating element and voltage source. The variable resistor includes a fixed resistive element (for example, one or more thin-film resistors) and a moveable element such as a slider control. The moveable element adjustably contacts the fixed resistive element at a contact point associated with the position such that the variable resistor has a resistance that is at least partially non-linearly related to the position, but wherein the heating element has a dissipated power that is at least partially linearly related to the position of the variable resistor.

Abstract: An electrical device capable of interfacing with multiple types of duplex receptacles includes at least one set of moveable outlet prongs that are adjustable such that they may be readily inserted into outlets of varying dimensions. Adjustability may be provided by, for example, a rotable or translatable connection between the prongs and one of the outlet plugs of the device. The prongs may be biased into position by a spring or other elastic member. By providing adjustable prongs on at least one outlet plug, the device is able to interface with both outlets in duplex receptacles of various sizes and types, including receptacles having ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) capabilities.

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 multiple-outlet vapor-dispensing device is configured to interface with an electrical receptacle such that the functionality of that outlet is substantially maintained. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a vapor-dispensing device is configured to connect to an electrical receptacle having at least one outlet. The vapor-dispensing device comprises a housing having a first device outlet and a second device outlet, the housing being attachable to the outlet.

Abstract: A vapor-dispensing device exhibiting a range of evaporation rates corresponding to a discernable range of sensory fragrance intensity levels. The vapor-delivery device includes one or more control structure (e.g., a heat control, a vent control, and/or the like) configured to allow a user to specify the evaporation rate of the vapor-dispensing device over a continuous or discretized range of values. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the two extremes of operation correspond to a range of sensory fragrance intensity values that span at least three minimum perceivable intensity zones.

Abstract: A vapor-dispensing or other environment-altering apparatus is configured to integrate with a receptacle in a discreet manner. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an environment-altering apparatus is configured to mimic an electrical receptacle having an outlet pattern. The environment-altering apparatus has a front surface which includes an outlet pattern substantially corresponding to the outlet pattern of the electrical receptacle, and a plug configured to interface with the electrical receptacle. A device configured to modify one or more attributes of the environment is interposed between the front surface and plug pattern. These attributes include, for example, aromatic vapor density, insecticide vapor density, ambient light intensity, ionic air content, ultrasonic frequency intensity, and the like.

Abstract: A vapor dispensing device having a high transverse loading stability includes a relatively low profile with respect to the supporting wall or electrical receptacle such that the frequency and impact of accidental physical contact with the device are appropriately reduced. To achieve a low profile, the housing of a vapor dispensing device is designed such that the distance from the outlet face of the wall receptacle to a worst-case transverse loading point (dL) is less than the distance from the plug to a worst-case support point (dS).

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 exhibiting a range of evaporation rates corresponding to a discernable range of sensory fragrance intensity levels. The vapor-delivery device includes one or more control structure (e.g., a heat control, a vent control, and/or the like) configured to allow a user to specify the evaporation rate of the vapor-dispensing device over a continuous or discretized range of values. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the two extremes of operation correspond to a range of sensory fragrance intensity values that span at least three minimum perceivable intensity zones.