Abstract: An active material and light emitting device comprises an ultrasonic atomizer assembly and a light emission device. The active material and light emitting device further includes a housing containing the atomizer assembly and the light emission device such that the atomizer assembly is disposed above the light emission device. The light emission device emits light that is transmitted through a medial portion of the housing.

Abstract: A volatile material dispenser includes an upper housing with an opening extending therethrough and a lower housing with an opening extending therethrough, wherein the upper housing is secured to the lower housing to define a cavity therebetween. Electrical circuitry is disposed within the cavity, wherein the electrical circuitry includes a heater and a USB interface that extends from the upper and lower housings. Further, a volatile material cartridge is disposed within the cavity. The dispenser is adapted to dispense volatile material from the volatile material cartridge through the openings in the upper and lower housings in a passive mode and an active mode, wherein the USB interface is coupled to a power source to energize the heater in the active mode.

Abstract: An attachment mechanism for a container includes a bracket and a connector. The bracket has upper and lower portions. An annular wall is disposed between the upper and lower portions. A plurality of projections extend from the lower portion. The projections are adapted to releasably engage an upper portion of a container. A tab extends radially inwardly from the upper portion. The connector has a prong, wherein a distal portion of the prong is spaced circumferentially from the connector. The prong is adapted to be secured within a slot defined between the tab and the annular wall.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for producing combined presentation of light and aroma to produce a desired overall sensory effect. The includes a fragrance dispenser (31), a light source (42), an audio system (52), and a microprocessor (99). The fragrance dispenser (31) is refillable and controllable, so as to adjust the rate at which the fragrance dispenser dispenses a fragrance. The light source (42) comprises a plurality of LEDs (40a-40c) of at least two different colors and is controllable so as to adjust the operation of the plurality of LEDs (40a-40c). The audio system (52) controls sounds to be emitted from the apparatus. The microprocessor (99) controls the rate at which the fragrance dispenser (31) dispenses fragrance and the operation of the light source (42) and audio system (52).

Abstract: A high volume piezoelectric atomizer for use with common consumer spray products is disclosed. The piezoelectric atomizer may include an actuator, a substrate and a supply of a liquid product to be dispensed. The substrate may include a plurality of tapered perforations in direct contact with the supply of a liquid product. A control circuit vibrates the actuator, substrate and its tapered perforations against the supply at velocities of at least 500 mm/s. Droplets are dispensed at a delivery rate of approximately 0.2 g/s resulting in plumes of at least 2 feet in length resulting in a Valpey factor of at least 51.0.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling emission of fragrances into a given area such as a room or a region of a yard; and more particularly the creation of a desired atmosphere within the given area. In addition, the invention involves a volatile substance dispensing device (200) having mounted therein a plurality of reservoirs (31) storing a volatile substance, and a plurality of atomizer assemblies (34) for emitting volatile substances communicated thereto by the reservoirs (31). Preferably, a microcontroller (50) controls the emission of the volatile substances in accordance with preferred programs.

Abstract: A volatile material dispenser includes a drive unit adapted to be releasably mounted on a container having a tilt-activated valve stem. The drive unit is adapted to radially displace the tilt-activated valve stem. A flexible tube having a discharge end is fixedly held with respect to the container. The flexible tube is adapted to be in fluid communication with the tilt-activated valve stem.

Abstract: A volatile material dispenser includes a housing adapted to receive a container, wherein the container includes a tilt-activated valve stem with a discharge end. The discharge end of the valve stem is adapted to be in fluid communication with a discharge orifice of the housing. A drive unit is disposed within the housing, wherein the drive unit includes a bi-metallic actuator, a piezo-linear motor, an electro-responsive wire, or a solenoid, which is adapted to impart transverse motion to a body of the container.

Abstract: A volatile material dispenser includes a housing adapted to be releasably mounted on a container having a tilt-activated valve stem. The housing includes a discharge orifice. A drive unit is disposed within the housing, wherein the drive unit is activated in response to a signal from at least a sensor, and wherein the drive unit is adapted to radially displace the tilt-activated valve stem in response to the signal.

Abstract: A dispensing system includes a tilt-activated valve stem operably connected to a valve on a container and a vibe motor in communication with the valve stem. The vibe motor is adapted to impart radial motion to the valve stem upon activation.

Abstract: An actuator cap for a container includes a housing having first and second ends, wherein the first end is adapted to be retained on a container having a valve stem. A conduit includes first and second ends, wherein an engagement member is provided within the conduit adjacent the second end thereof. The engagement member is adapted to prevent fluid discharge from a valve stem having a circular discharge orifice and allow fluid discharge from a valve stem having a non-circular discharge orifice. A solenoid valve is provided in fluid communication with the first end of the conduit and a discharge nozzle of the housing.

Abstract: An actuator cap for a dispenser includes a housing having first and second ends. The first end is adapted to be retained on an aerosol container having a valve stem. A conduit is provided having an inlet adapted to receive the valve stem of the container and to hold the valve stem in an actuated position to open a valve assembly within the container. A solenoid valve is in fluid communication with the conduit and a discharge orifice. The solenoid valve is transitioned from a closed state to an open state by a signal generated by a controller to provide a fluid path between the conduit and the discharge orifice. The controller is adapted to generate the signal in response to the manual depression of a trigger retained on the housing by a living hinge.

Abstract: An overcap for a dispenser includes a housing mountable on a container. The container includes a tilt-activated valve stem with a discharge end. The discharge end of the valve stem is adapted to be in fluid communication with a discharge orifice of the housing. A drive unit is disposed within the housing, wherein the drive unit includes a solenoid, a bi-metallic actuator, a piezo-linear motor, or an electro-responsive wire, which is adapted to impart transverse motion to the valve stem to open a valve of the container.

Abstract: A diffusion device includes a housing and a cavity disposed in a top portion of the housing, wherein the cavity is defined by a bottom wall. The device further includes a flame-shaped compartment extending upwardly through a first aperture in the bottom wall and is disposed within the cavity. A second aperture is disposed within the bottom wall and is spaced from the first aperture and a substance emitter is disposed within the housing, wherein the substance emitter is operable to dispense fluid through the second aperture.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a fluid comprises a housing having an internal power source and a mounting assembly adapted for receiving a replaceable fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoir includes a capillary element for movement of the fluid to a discharge end thereof. A mechanism is disposed within the housing and is energized by the internal power source for vibrating a perforated discharge plate disposed adjacent the discharge end of the capillary element. The mechanism provides sufficient vibratory movement in a dispensing state to pump the fluid from the discharge end through the discharge plate and into the atmosphere. A control is carried by the housing and is disposed beneath the mounting assembly. The control provides an interface for a user to select at least one of a timed mode of operation, an automatic mode of operation dependent upon a sensor output developed by a sensor, and a manual mode of operation.

Abstract: A dispenser for use with an air-treating composition to be emitted includes a base having a container support and a mounting surface separate from the container support. A container is coupled to the base container support and adapted to receive the air-treating composition, and a diffuser element is coupled to the base and positioned to disperse the air-treating composition from the container into the surrounding environment. A cover is adapted for attachment to the base mounting surface. The container support remains intact when the cover is removed therefrom. The cover may include a frame for holding one of a plurality of substrates carrying different images. In addition, the base may be formed of a plastic material while the cover is formed of a ceramic material.

Abstract: A diffusion device comprises a housing and first and second containers disposed within the housing and having first and second wicks, respectively, extending therefrom. The diffusion device further includes first and second active materials disposed in the first and second containers, respectively, and first and second piezoelectric elements disposed adjacent tips of the first and second wicks, respectively. Still further, the diffusion device includes a switch disposed on a top surface of the housing, wherein the switch is adapted to control the mode of operation of the device. The device includes first, second, and third modes of operation, wherein in the first mode of operation, the device emits the first active material, in the second mode of operation, the device emits the second active material, and in the third mode of operation, the device alternates between emitting the first and second active materials.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling emission of fragrances into a given area such as a room or a region of a yard; and more particularly the creation of a desired atmosphere within the given area. In addition, the invention involves a volatile substance dispensing device (200) having mounted therein a plurality of reservoirs (31) storing a volatile substance, and a plurality of atomizer assemblies (34) for emitting volatile substances communicated thereto by the reservoirs (31). Preferably, a microcontroller (50) controls the emission of the volatile substances in accordance with preferred programs.