Abstract: A device for diffusing volatile substances includes a container for the volatile substances, a diffuser configured to diffuse the volatile substances, and at least one battery configured to supply energy to the diffuser. The device also includes a controller detecting data from at least one of the components of the device and determining the period of time during which the at least one battery supplies energy to the diffuser according to the data. This device allows the yield and efficiency to be improved, provides the desired products, and reduces consumption of the batteries.

Abstract: A time-delay actuator assembly is disclosed that can dispense chemicals from an aerosol container. The time-delay actuator assembly is mountable to the aerosol container and includes an inner cap, an outer cap adjacent the inner cap, a retainer coupled to the outer cap, a biasing member, and a time-delay member that resists essentially axial relative movement between the inner cap and the outer cap when the outer cap has been rotated to align a guide member with an essentially axial section of a guide track, thereby causing a time delay between when the guide member is aligned with the essentially axial section and when chemicals are dispensed from the aerosol container.

Abstract: An emanation device is described which comprises: a replaceable refill of liquid containing one or more active materials wherein the active material comprises at least one of: a fragrance; an insecticide; a fungicide; a pesticide; a sanitizing material; and/or a pharmaceutical; wherein the refill comprises a sealed reservoir containing said volatile liquid and a porous wick which extends from the interior of the reservoir to the exterior thereof; and wherein the device comprises: an air pump; a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the air pump such that, in use, air pumped by the pump will flow through the fluid conduit; a nozzle located at the end of the fluid conduit remote from the air pump; a ejector constriction provided in the fluid conduit adjacent or substantially adjacent the nozzle; a liquid conduit provided adjacent the ejector constriction and in fluid communication with the fluid conduit at one end thereof, and open at the other end to receive liquid therein; characterized in that the liquid

Abstract: A dispenser incorporates, or can receive, a containment portion holding a quantity of dispensable material (e.g., a pesticide). The dispenser has an indicator and a sensor, which can sense a level of light in an environment immediately surrounding the dispenser. The dispenser is formed such that when it is in use it can be set to dispense the dispensable material in response to the sensor sensing a predetermined level of light. The dispenser is formed such that once it is activated to dispense the dispensable material it cannot be deactivated until the dispensable material has been dispensed in accordance with settings of the dispenser, and when the dispensable material has been dispensed in accordance with the settings the indicator indicates that this has occurred.

Abstract: A spraying device (10) is described, the device comprising a housing (12) adapted to receive a refill (16) of fluid therein and having an aperture (14) suitable for permitting, in use, the spraying of a fluid therethrough, the device further comprising actuation means (24) configured for periodic actuation of the refill, wherein the device is provided with detection means (26) configured to distinguish between at least one area of lower reflectance and at least one area of relatively higher reflectance on a spray head of said refill. Methods of operation of such a spraying device are also described.

Abstract: A disinfectant dispenser includes a rotating assembly coupled to a base and rotatable thereabout and a first motor operatively coupled to the rotating assembly for rotation thereof when activated. A carriage is pivotally mounted to an upper portion of the rotating assembly and movable between vertical and horizontal configurations. A second motor is operatively connected to the carriage for moving the carriage between the vertical and horizontal configurations. A control unit is electrically connected to the power source and motors and includes programming for activation thereof. A delivery unit configured to hold a propellant container is attached to the carriage, the delivery unit defining an outlet to dispense the propellant when activated. A solenoid is positioned proximate the delivery unit so as to activate the propellant when the solenoid is actuated.

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: The scent sprayer is a device for attracting animals. The device incorporates a scent spray dispenser. The dispenser includes an optionally camouflaged housing with a wind vane for rotating the sprayer in the direction of the wind. A radio frequency (RF) receiver is enclosed in the housing. The receiver is connected to a circuit that operates an electromechanical coupler to release a scent from the scent spray dispenser that attracts game. The scent sprayer also includes an RF transmitter that transmits a control signal on the same frequency as the RF receiver to trigger release of the scent. The scent contained in the scent spray dispenser may be urine, blood, pheromones, or any other scent suited to the game being hunted.

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 controllable door handle sanitizer includes a base and an outer housing coupled to the base and movable between an open and a closed position. The sanitizer also includes a holder that receives and holds a container that stores a germicide and includes a first valve member. The holder is coupled to the base such that when the outer housing is opened, the container can be inserted and removed. The holder includes a biasing mechanism for applying a biasing force against the container to maintain the container in a fully loaded position. The sanitizer also includes an electronic valve module that includes a housing that is coupled to the base by engaging locating and support members integrally formed as part of the base. The module is positioned relative to the holder such that in the fully loaded position, the first valve member is actuated and opened, whereby discharge of the germicide is determined by an operating state of a second valve member of the electronic valve module.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an automatic dispenser for periodically spraying an amount of liquid from two aerosol containers. (A, B) Preferably the two aerosol containers (A. B) contain liquid of different nature, such as different perfume or active substance composition, so that the same device is capable of dispensing alternatively two or more different substances.

Abstract: A seal for a valve for use in a pharmaceutical dispensing device, which seal is formed from an elastomeric composition comprising: (a) an isobutylene polymer or co-polymer thereof; (b) a cross-linking agent for the isobutylene polymer or co-polymer thereof; and (c)) an accelerator for the cross-linking agent, wherein the accelerator includes a polysulphide compound derived from a substituted dithiocarbonic acid or derivative thereof.

Abstract: A cartridge stores gas under pressure and a container stores a fragrance substance in the housing. A valve controls the release of the gas. An atomizer receives the gas and draws the fragrance substance from the container such that the fragrance substance is sprayed into the atmosphere. A controller opens the valve at predetermined intervals.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of designing an aerosol spray dispensing system. One or more to-be-determined attributes of the spray dispenser system are identified, including properties of a fluid to be dispensed, characteristics of the dispensing mechanism, and performance characteristic values. The identified attributes are determined using equations taking into account relationships among the properties of the fluid to be dispensed, the characteristics of the dispensing mechanism and the performance characteristic values. Once determined, the attributes are used to design the spray dispensing system.

Abstract: A method of discharging a plurality of aerosolized fluids from a plurality of aerosol cans to an ambient environment, including the steps of: fluidly coupling a first solenoid valve of an aerosol delivery system with a first aerosol can; fluidly coupling a second solenoid valve of the aerosol delivery system with a second aerosol can; determining a first release sequence of a first aerosolized fluid from the first aerosol can; determining a second release sequence of a second aerosolized fluid from the second aerosol can, the second release sequence being independent of the first release sequence; actuating both the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve using an electronic controller electrically coupled to the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve to release the first aerosolized fluid according to the first release sequence and the second aerosolized fluid according to the second release sequence to the ambient environment.

Abstract: A device for application of a fluid to an area to be treated including a reservoir of fluid contained in an aerosol and maintained in a device in the form of a casing, and means for triggering release of the fluid from the reservoir via an ejection nozzle, wherein means of triggering release of the fluid are coupled with a time system controlling duration of release of the fluid.

Abstract: Controlled sanitizing by dispensing a germicide, such as a disinfectant, antibacterial solution or cleansing agent at intervals. A system can include a housing sized to seat an aerosol can and a control circuit that operates to momentarily open a valve on the aerosol can through action of a gear system upon an aerosol delivery tube. A sensor responds to displacement of the delivery tube to deliver state signals to the control circuit. The control circuit prevents action of the gear system in the event that the state signals fail at least one prescribed condition. A method registers at least the displacement of the delivery tube via the sensor and prevents subsequent displacements and hence subsequent sanitizing in the event that the sensor has not registered at least the displacement of the delivery tube. The method ensures that a suitable aerosol can has been properly loaded in the dispenser.

Abstract: A dispenser, the dispenser having a dispenser head 2 and a container 1 containing spray material; the container having a containment portion and an attachment portion 5, the attachment portion having a threaded part 6 and a non-threaded part 7, the threaded part 6 having a greater diameter than the non-threaded part 7, and the threaded part 6 being between the non-threaded part 7 and the containment portion; the spray head being formed complimentary to the attachment portion such that a threaded part of the spray head engages the threaded part of the attachment portion and wherein the non-threaded part of the attachment portion is further inwards of the dispenser head than the threaded part of the attachment portion; the dispenser being formed such that when the container is fitted to the dispenser head the spray material can move through the attachment portion into the dispenser head, and can leave the dispenser to enter an atmosphere as a spray.

Abstract: A valve assembly can automatically dispense aerosol content from an aerosol container at predetermined intervals without the use of electric power. A diaphragm at least partially defines an accumulation chamber that receives gas propellant from a portion of the can during an accumulation phase. Once the internal pressure of the accumulation chamber reaches a predetermined threshold, the diaphragm moves, carrying with it a seal so as to unseal an outlet channel, and thereby initiate a spray burst of the main active chemical. The diaphragm assumes its original position when the pressure within the accumulation chamber falls below a threshold pressure.

Abstract: An actuator assembly is disclosed which can dispense chemicals, such as insect control ingredients, from an aerosol container. The actuator assembly is mountable to the aerosol container and includes a solid plug that, upon initial activation, will be caused by the pressure of the chemical in the aerosol container to move to an unsealed position. Movement of the plug is retarded by a frictional engagement of the plug with an associated passage/conduit. The device can be manually activated, but is designed so that thereafter it does not need to be manually held open. The consumer has time to leave the room before spraying begins, and does not need to be present in the room before spraying has finished.

Abstract: A method of discharging an aerosolized fluid from an aerosol can to an ambient environment, which includes a solenoid valve of an aerosol release device fluidly coupled with a discharge valve on the aerosol can; a duration of a first release period of the aerosolized fluid from the aerosol can being determined the solenoid valve being actuated, using an electronic controller to thereby release the aerosolized fluid to the ambient environment for the duration of the first release period; a duration of a second release period of the aerosolized fluid from the aerosol can being determined; where the duration of the second release period being randomly varied to avoid user habituation of the aerosolized fluid; and the solenoid valve being actuated using the electronic controller to thereby release the aerosolized fluid to the ambient environment for the duration of the second release period.

Abstract: A valve assembly can automatically dispense aerosol content from an aerosol container at predetermined intervals without the use of electric power. A diaphragm at least partially defines an accumulation chamber that receives gas propellant from a portion of the can during an accumulation phase. Once the internal pressure of the accumulation chamber reaches a predetermined threshold, the diaphragm moves, carrying with it a seal so as to unseal an outlet channel, and thereby initiate a spray burst of the main active chemical. The diaphragm assumes its original position when the pressure within the accumulation chamber falls below a threshold pressure.

Abstract: A valve assembly can automatically dispense aerosol content from an aerosol container at predetermined intervals without the use of electric power. A diaphragm at least partially defines an accumulation chamber that receives gas propellant from a portion of the can during an accumulation phase. Once the internal pressure of the accumulation chamber reaches a predetermined threshold, the diaphragm moves, carrying with it a seal so as to unseal an outlet channel, and thereby initiate a spray burst of the main active chemical. The diaphragm assumes its original position when the pressure within the accumulation chamber falls below a threshold pressure.

Abstract: A valve assembly can automatically dispense aerosol content from an aerosol container at predetermined intervals without the use of electric power. A diaphragm at least partially defines an accumulation chamber that receives gas propellant from a portion of the can during an accumulation phase. Once the internal pressure of the accumulation chamber reaches a predetermined threshold, the diaphragm moves, carrying with it a seal so as to unseal an outlet channel, and thereby initiate a spray burst of the main active chemical. The diaphragm assumes its original position when the pressure within the accumulation chamber falls below a threshold pressure.

Abstract: A valve assembly can automatically dispense aerosol content from an aerosol container at predetermined intervals without the use of electric power. A diaphragm at least partially defines an accumulation chamber that receives aerosol content from the can during an accumulation phase. Once the internal pressure of the accumulation chamber reaches a predetermined threshold, the diaphragm moves axially, carrying with it a leg so as to unseal an outlet, and thereby initiate a spray burst. A pawl extends from the diaphragm, and engages a retention surface to resist movement of the diaphragm and prolong the accumulation phase. The diaphragm assumes its original position when the pressure within the accumulation chamber falls below a threshold pressure.

Abstract: A valve assembly can automatically dispense aerosol content from an aerosol container at predetermined intervals without the use of electric power. A diaphragm at least partially defines an accumulation chamber that receives gas propellant from a portion of the can during an accumulation phase. Once the internal pressure of the accumulation chamber reaches a predetermined threshold, the diaphragm moves, carrying with it a seal so as to unseal an outlet channel, and thereby initiate a spray burst of the main active chemical. The diaphragm assumes its original position when the pressure within the accumulation chamber falls below a threshold pressure.

Abstract: A valve assembly can automatically dispense aerosol content from an aerosol container at predetermined intervals without the use of electric power. A diaphragm at least partially defines an accumulation chamber that receives aerosol content from the can during an accumulation phase. Once the internal pressure of the accumulation chamber reaches a predetermined threshold, the diaphragm moves, carrying with it a leg so as to unseal a valve stem, and thereby initiate a spray burst. The diaphragm assumes its original position when the pressure within the accumulation chamber falls below a threshold pressure. A barrier prevents the aerosol container from resupplying the accumulation chamber at a high rate during the spray phase, preferably due to a textured interface between the barrier and a passageway in which it is housed.

Abstract: An valve assembly is provided that automatically dispenses aerosol content from a can at predetermined intervals. A diaphragm at least partially defines an accumulation chamber that receives aerosol content from the can during an accumulation phase. Once the internal pressure of the accumulation chamber reaches a predetermined threshold, the diaphragm flexes to initiate a spray phase, during which the aerosol content is delivered from the accumulation chamber to the ambient environment. A rotatable pawl provides resistive pressure and control of diaphragm movement.

Abstract: An apparatus periodically dispenses an air freshening substance from a pressurized container into a room. A device is provided to sense when the room is occupied, such as by detecting the light level in the room. The air freshening substance is dispensed more frequently when the room is being used than at other times. However, the dispensing continues even when the room is unoccupied to treat odors arising from objects permanently located in the room.

Abstract: Apparatus (2), for dispensing a chemical, including an aerosol container (10), which contains the chemical, the aerosol container provided with magnetic material, a solenoid (12) which extends around the aerosol container (10), and a control switch (16) and timer (18) to control actuation of the solenoid (12). The actuation of the solenoid (12) causes the aerosol container (10) to behave as the solenoid core and the aerosol container (10) moves from a non-dispensing position to a dispensing position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to aerosol dispensers and more particularly to automatic aerosol dispensers. In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a portable automatic aerosol dispenser device for intermittently releasing a dose of an aerosol from an aerosol can to an environment.

Abstract: A fragrance dispensing apparatus and method is disclosed for use in a multi-room building having an existing HVAC system ventilated by a forcing fan. The apparatus includes a plurality of fragrance containers, a plurality of solenoids, a plurality of programmable timers, and a single fan timer. A fragrance container is mounted in communication with the HVAC ductwork leading into a given room. Each fragrance container is controlled by a separate solenoid, which is in turn controlled by a separate programmable timer. All of the programmable timers are connected to a single fan timer, which controls the operation of the forcing fan. The method allows one or more of the programmable timers to activate corresponding containers to dispense fragrances as the forcing fan runs to distribute the fragrances into the rooms supplied by the ductwork.

Abstract: A valve assembly for attachment to a pressurized aerosol can which automatically releases a measured amount of spray at preset time intervals utilizing the pressure of the contents of the aerosol as the sole energy source to drive the valve assembly of the invention.