Abstract: A solenoid valve assembly is adapted to control product flow through a dispensing system. The dispensing system includes a housing. A plunger is disposed within the housing and has a first axial surface. A stopper is also disposed within the housing and has a second axial surface facing the first axial surface. At least one flow pathway is provided on at least one of the first and second axial surfaces.

Abstract: A method of operating a dispensing unit includes the step of entering a first active state, during which the detection of motion within a sensory path of a sensor of a dispensing unit initiates a first pattern activation sequence to release a volume A and a volume B of material from a fluid container. The method further includes the step of entering a second active state upon completion of the first pattern activation sequence, in which the detection of motion in the second active state initiates a second pattern activation sequence to release a volume C and a volume D of material from the container if motion is detected before the lapsing of a time period P and initiates the first pattern activation sequence if the motion is detected after the lapsing of the time period P.

Abstract: An automatic discharge device includes a housing retaining two containers therein and an actuator arm attached to the housing and movable between first and second positions. The automatic discharge device also includes a drive unit for automatically moving the actuator arm into one of the first and second positions in response to a signal from at least one of a timer, a sensor, and a manual switch. The movement of the actuator arm actuates a valve stem of one of the two containers in one of the first and second positions and the actuator arm is adapted to spray the contents of the two containers.

Abstract: A method of operating a dispensing system includes the step of alternating between active and lockout modes within a first timing sequence, wherein during the active mode at least one sensor is active to detect sensory input, and whereupon detection of the sensory input results in product being released from a first container, and wherein during a lockout mode product is not released from the first container. The method further includes the step of alternating between active and lockout modes within a second timing sequence, wherein during the active period at least one sensor is active to detect sensory input, and whereupon detection of the sensory input results in fluid being released from a second container, and wherein during a lockout mode fluid is not released from the second container. The expiration of the first timing sequence, and the initiation of the second timing sequence, occurs from at least one of the lapsing of a time interval, sensory input, and manual input from a user.

Abstract: A spray dispenser includes a housing for placement in a space. The housing is adapted to receive at least one container having a material therein for emission into the space in response to at least one of a timer, manual actuation and sensory input. The spray dispenser further includes at least three sensors distributed around a perimeter of the housing for the detection of sensory input.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a housing adapted to receive first and second containers therein and an actuator drive system for selectively releasing product from the first and second containers. The actuator drive system includes first and second armatures for activation of the first and second containers, respectively.

Abstract: An automatic discharge device includes a housing retaining two containers therein. An actuator arm is attached to the housing and movable between first and second positions. A drive unit is provided for automatically moving the actuator arm into one of the first and second positions in response to a signal from at least one of a timer, a sensor, and a manual switch. The movement of the actuator arm actuates a valve stem of one of the two containers in one of the first and second positions. The actuator arm is adapted to spray fluid disposed in an interior of the two containers.

Abstract: An automatic discharge device includes a housing having a top portion and a base portion, wherein surfaces defining a recess are provided therebetween for securely holding a container. At least one gear is disposed substantially between the recess and a rear panel of the housing. A drive motor is in association with the at least one gear. An actuator arm is also provided. Activation of the drive motor and the at least one gear provides for movement of the actuator arm between at least one of a pre-actuation position and a discharge position along a path that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the container.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a volatile material includes the steps of providing power to a volatile material diffuser having a diffusion element and operating the diffusion element for a first period of time, wherein the diffusion element is continuously activated and deactivated during the period of time at a first duty cycle having a first on time and a first off time. Still further, the method includes the step of operating the diffusion element for a final period of time, wherein the diffusion element is continuously activated and deactivated during the final period of time at a final duty cycle having a final on time and a final off time. The first duty cycle is less than about 100% such that the first off time is greater than about 0 seconds and the final duty cycle is about 100% such that the final off time is about 0 seconds and wherein the final period of time begins after the first period of time has finished.

Abstract: A solenoid valve assembly is adapted to control product flow through a dispensing system. The dispensing system includes a housing. A plunger is disposed within the housing and has a first axial surface. A stopper is also disposed within the housing and has a second axial surface facing the first axial surface. At least one flow pathway is provided on at least one of the first and second axial surfaces.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a volatile material comprises the steps of providing power to a volatile material diffuser having a diffusion element. The method further includes the step of operating the diffusion element for a randomly determined period of time, wherein the diffusion element is continuously activated and deactivated during the period of time at a randomly determined duty cycle.

Abstract: A method of operating a dispensing unit includes the step of entering a first active state, during which the detection of motion within a sensory path of a sensor of a dispensing unit initiates a first pattern activation sequence to release a volume A and a volume B of material from a fluid container. The method further includes the step of entering a second active state upon completion of the first pattern activation sequence, in which the detection of motion in the second active state initiates a second pattern activation sequence to release a volume C and a volume D of material from the container if motion is detected before the lapsing of a time period P and initiates the first pattern activation sequence if the motion is detected after the lapsing of the time period P.

Abstract: A method of operating a dispensing unit includes the step of providing a power source to a dispensing unit that includes a housing having at least two aerosol containers disposed therein and an actuator arm. The dispensing unit activates in response to a minimum threshold of light being sensed by a light sensor. The method also includes the step of providing a means for selecting a sleep period interval between spray operations.

Abstract: A method of retaining only compatible refills by a volatile material dispenser includes the step of providing a dispenser having a housing and at least one movable latch disposed within the housing. The method further includes the steps of providing a compatible refill that includes a container for holding a volatile material and a wick extending from the container and inserting the refill into the housing so that the refill actuates the movable latch into engagement with a structure disposed on a neck of the refill to retain the refill within the housing. The incompatible refills are incapable of actuating the movable latch, and thus, the movable latch does not retain the incompatible refills within the housing.

Abstract: A refill for a volatile material dispenser comprises a container having a neck portion. A wick is in contact with a volatile material in the container and extends out of the neck portion. A structure is disposed on an outer surface of the neck portion for attachment of a cap thereto. The structure is also adapted to interact with latches disposed in a volatile material dispenser to retain the refill therein and the container is devoid of an additional retaining structure on the neck portion thereof.

Abstract: A power source is provided to a dispensing unit that includes a housing having an aerosol container disposed therein. A sleep period interval between spray operations is selected and a motion sensor is activated to detect motion within a sensory path of the sensor after completion of the sleep period interval. If no motion is detected by the motion sensor a fluid is automatically discharged from the aerosol container and the sleep interval is reset and if motion is detected by the motion sensor a delay time interval is initiated and fluid is not discharged from the aerosol container. The dispensing unit alternates between activating the sensor to detect motion and resetting the delay time interval until no motion is detected by the motion sensor at the expiration of the delay time interval, which results in the automatic discharge of fluid and a resetting of the sleep period interval.

Abstract: An automatic discharge device includes a housing having a top portion and a base portion, wherein surfaces defining a recess are provided therebetween for securely holding a container. At least one gear is disposed substantially between the recess and a rear panel of the housing. A drive motor is in association with the at least one gear. An actuator arm is also provided. Activation of the drive motor and the at least one gear provides for movement of the actuator arm between at least one of a pre-actuation position and a discharge position along a path that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the container.

Abstract: An automatic discharge device includes a housing having a top portion and a base portion, wherein surfaces defining a recess are provided therebetween for securely holding a container. At least one gear is disposed substantially between the recess and a rear panel of the housing. A drive motor is in association with the at least one gear. An actuator arm is also provided. Activation of the drive motor and the at least one gear provides for movement of the actuator arm between at least one of a pre-actuation position and a discharge position along a path that has a directional component parallel to a longitudinal axis of the recess.

Abstract: A volatile material refill includes a container with a volatile material disposed therein, a plug assembly disposed within an opening, and a wick retained within the container by the plug assembly. The refill further includes an attachment connected to a top portion of the container for assisting in retaining the refill in at least one volatile material dispenser.

Abstract: A volatile material dispenser includes a housing, a retention mechanism coupled to the housing, a first refill having a wick extending therefrom, and a first adapter removably attached to a portion of the first refill. The retention mechanism non-removably retains the first adapter to the housing when the first refill and the first adapter combination are inserted therein. When the first refill is removed from the dispenser, the first adapter remains in the dispenser such that a second refill with a second adapter removably attached thereto can be inserted into and retained by the first adapter.