Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electronic smoking article that provides for improved aerosol delivery. Particularly, the article provides for separate delivery of two or more components of an aerosol precursor composition to one or more heaters so as to control the rate of delivery or the rate of heating of the separate components of the aerosol precursor composition.

Abstract: The disclosure herein concerns a method including receiving at a computer at least one target value of a scent parameter for an environment that is remote from the computer, receiving at the computer a sensed parameter of the environment, and controlling, via the computer, diffusion of a liquid from a source of the liquid in fluid communication with at least one scent diffusion device to achieve the target value of the scent parameter, wherein controlling includes setting or adjusting an operation parameter of the at least one scent diffusion device in response to the sensed parameter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for mixing, storing, and dispensing pesticides, and guiding a user to an appropriate pest solution, are provided. One pesticide dispensing system includes a portable container comprising an opening configured to receive a pack having a predetermined size and shape, the pack containing a concentrated pesticide. The system further includes a piercing unit to create a hole in the pack for dispensing the pesticide into the container via the opening. Embodiments also include a pest solution selection kiosk comprising a display for displaying a first set of prompts for selection of a pest solution and receiving a touch input representing user selection of a prompt; a processor for identifying second prompts based on the user selection and stored pest solution criteria and identifying a pest solution product based on user-selection of the second prompts. The display presents information about the selected product and/or a dispense option.

Abstract: A new diffuser for essential oils and the like is rendered more compact by integrating the entire diffuser into a form of cap threaded to fit a bottle operating as a reservoir. The motor and pump system are integrated into a package sleeved inside a housing that then receives in a silo beside the pump and motor the entire reservoir and diffuser system. Simplified control algorithms provide a limited set of buttons that are more intuitive by which a user need only define total time of operation, some level of intensity of scent, and an indication of the comparative size of the space to be conditioned by the diffused scent.

Abstract: A fixture cleaning and deodorizing apparatus including a container assembly with a wick assembly and a solution container, wherein the wick assembly is secured to at least one of the solution container and a dispenser, the dispenser receives at least one of the container assembly and solution container therein, and the dispenser is configured to dispense solution from the solution container; and a fan assembly situated in the dispenser.

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: The present disclosure provides an apparatus for dispensing the fragrance of an odor control substance. The apparatus includes a housing defining a housing interior adapted to receive a refill component. The refill component includes a container with liquid odor control substance and a wick. The refill component is installed from the bottom into the housing for ease of servicing. A pump device in the housing dispenses a dose of the liquid odor control into a wicking area of the refill component. In another embodiment, the refill component includes the pump device. The pump device is installed into the housing when the refill component is replaced.

Abstract: A method of operating a dispensing device includes the step of entering a first active state, in which the detection of sensory input by a sensor initiates a first pattern activation sequence to energize a drive unit of the dispensing device for a first length of time and a second subsequent length of time to actuate a container. Upon completion of the first pattern activation sequence, the device enters a second active state. The detection of sensory input in the second active state initiates a second pattern activation sequence to energize the drive unit for a third length of time and a fourth subsequent length of time to actuate a container if the sensory input is detected before a time period P lapses. The dispensing device initiates the first pattern activation sequence if the sensory input is detected after the lapsing of the time period P.

Abstract: A dispensing device comprising a flexible inner container having a valve unit for dispensing a filling substance present in the inner container and an outer container sealingly engaged with the inner container. Pressurized gas present in an intermediate space between the outer and inner containers is used to generate an expulsion force for discharging the filling substance. To simplify manufacturing and make lower quantities economically feasible to manufacture, while also increasing the metering accuracy of the discharge of the filling substance the intermediate space is connected to an external pressurized gas source.

Abstract: A method includes determining whether an object is sensed by a sensor, dispensing a product responsive to determining that the object has been sensed, setting an object clear time value to a first value, setting a first timer to a first time period and starting the timer, starting a second timer with the set object clear time, determining whether the first timer has expired, determining whether an object is sensed by the sensor responsive to determining that the first timer has not expired, determining whether the second timer has expired responsive to determining that an object is not sensed by the sensor, setting the first timer to a second time period and starting the first timer responsive to determining that the second timer has expired.

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 selecting a sleep period interval between spray operations.

Abstract: A method of operating a dispensing unit includes the steps of applying a power source to a dispensing unit that includes a container and performing a startup procedure in response to applying the power source. The startup procedure also includes the step of performing an activation sequence that discharges a fluid from the container. The method further includes the step of performing an active mode procedure after the startup procedure without providing a lockout period in between. The active mode procedure includes activating a sensor associated with the dispensing unit, performing an activation sequence that discharges the fluid from the container when the sensor detects sensory input, and performing a transition procedure.

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 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 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 including the steps of applying a power source to a dispensing unit that includes a container and performing a startup procedure in response to applying the power source. The startup procedure includes performing an activation sequence that discharges a fluid from the container. The method further includes the step of performing an active mode procedure after the startup procedure without providing a lockout period in between. The active mode procedure includes activating a motion sensor associated with the dispensing unit, performing an activation sequence that discharges the fluid from the container when the motion sensor detects motion, and performing a transition procedure.

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: 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 dispensing device includes first and second actuators that actuate first and second containers, respectively, to dispense volatile material therefrom and a sensor for detecting an environmental condition. In a first period the first and second actuators are inactive, in a second period the first actuator actuates the first container at a first frequency to dispense volatile material therefrom, and in a third period the second actuator actuates the second container at a second frequency to dispense volatile material therefrom. If the sensor has detected the environmental condition, the first and/or second actuators actuate the first and/or second containers, respectively, during a fourth period at a third frequency.

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 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: A dispensing device includes a controller and first and second actuators coupled to the controller and adapted to actuate first and second containers, respectively, to dispense volatile material therefrom. The device further includes a sensor coupled to the controller for detecting an environmental condition. The controller is configured to operate in a first period during which the first and second actuators are inactive, in a second period during which the first actuator is controlled to periodically actuate the first container at a first frequency to dispense volatile material therefrom, and in a third period during which the second actuator is controlled to periodically actuate the second container at a second frequency to dispense volatile material therefrom.

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 method of operating a dispensing unit includes the step of providing a power source to a dispensing unit that includes a housing having an aerosol container disposed therein and an actuator arm. Other steps include activating the dispensing unit in response to a minimum threshold of light being sensed by a light sensor and selecting a sleep period interval between spray operations. Yet another step includes moving the actuator arm after completion of a startup delay period from a pre-actuation position to a discharge position along a path substantially parallel to an axial length of the container to actuate a nozzle of the container to discharge a fluid from the container. The method also includes the step of alternating automatically between the sleep period having a duration commensurate with the selected sleep period interval and a discharge period during which the fluid is dispensed from the container.

Abstract: An automatic discharge device comprises a housing adapted to receive a container therein. An actuator arm is attached to the housing and movable between first and second positions. The actuator arm includes a dispensing bore therein. 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 actuator arm is adapted to engage and actuate a nozzle of the container in the first position and allow a fluid disposed in an interior of the container to be dispensed through the nozzle and the dispensing bore of the actuator arm.

Abstract: A spraying device 10 comprising a material container 16, control circuitry 24 and an outlet section 22, wherein the control circuitry 24 includes an electromagnetic switch 26 that is operable to allow the control circuitry 26 to control the outlet section 22 only in the presence of a magnet 28 associated with the material container.

Abstract: An automatic air freshener spraying device includes a front cover, a base, two air freshener bottles and a press driving device, and a motor of the press driving device is pivotally coupled to the driving gear, such that when the driving gear rotates clockwise or anti-clockwise at the motor, the driving gear with the transmission of the gear set pushes a protruding member at the bottom of one of the left and right sides of a large fan-shaped gear to obtain a larger instant pressing force, and a set of press driving devices are used for controlling the motor to rotate clockwise or anti-clockwise, and either the left or right air freshener bottles is pressed to spray an air freshener from an air freshener nozzle of the left air freshener bottle or the right air freshener bottle, so as to provide a uniform misty spray.

Abstract: A mount for aiming and firing an aerosol spray can having housing with legs extending from a housing point creating a central axis whereby the housing and aerosol can freely rotate 360 degrees serving to stir the can contents and having rotative fasteners for fixing the angle of the housing and therefore spray path to a desired target and an adjustable laser for targeting and calibrating the device, with an access door and locking member for securing an aerosol spray can therein, whereby when actuated via remote control, operates to turn a cam and series of linkages in a manner whereby a pushrod is driven downwards to discharge the held aerosol can at an interval relative to the cams speed setting.

Abstract: The present invention describes a spraying device comprising: a housing adapted to receive a container of fluid; actuation means configured, in use, for periodic actuation of the container of fluid; motion sensor means; a controller in operable communication with said actuation means and said motion sensor means; wherein the actuation means is operable, in use, to actuate at a time interval of t1; and wherein the motion sensor means is operable, in use, to detect motion in the vicinity of the device and communicate any detection to the controller which causes the actuation means to actuate; and wherein subsequent detection of motion by the motion sensor is communicated to the controller which causes the actuation means to actuate at a time interval of t2; and wherein t2?t1. The present invention further describes a method of spraying fluid from a container.

Abstract: In one embodiment, at least two spray containers are used of the type having push button valves that control the delivery of spray from the containers. Each container retains a different type of spray such that activation of one container dispenses a different substance than activation of the other container. In one embodiment the substances are differentiated by their fragrances such that the substance from one container smells different than the substance from the other container. A controller controls actuation of the nozzles such that the pattern of dispensing of the different sprays may be preset. The containers can be actuated automatically in a variety of different patterns.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aerosol dispensing for dispensing a metered amount of an aerosol for dispersion in an area of use unit having a main body. The aerosol dispensing unit according to the present invention includes a reservoir within the main body for holding an aerosol, an outlet in fluid communication with the reservoir and arranged to dispense a metered amount of the aerosol upon activation of a trigger device, and an audio output system adapted to play a sound in response to the activation of said trigger device. The aerosol is preferably one of a deodorizing agent and a disinfectant. The trigger device is adapted to be activated either by a sensor used to detect a person within a given area, and activate the trigger device upon detection of the person, or alternatively, a timer is operatively connected to the trigger device to dispense the metered amount of aerosol and play the sound at timed intervals.

Abstract: A system and method for dispensing microbial solution into a drain line. The system includes a disposable cartridge adapted to hold a quantity of microbial solution. The cartridge may be provided to the end user containing only a dry mix of microbes in a carrier medium. The end user may then remove a replaceable tab covering a fill hole, fill the cartridge with clean water, and replace the tab. The cartridge may then be inserted into a dispensing assembly, which includes an actuator that engages a nozzle on the cartridge at regular intervals. When the actuator engages the nozzle, a small amount of microbial solution is dispensed and routed through a tube to the drain line. The tube may attach to the drain line through a self-tapping valve assembly.

Abstract: A dispensing system for controlled, especially remote controlled, dispensing of medicaments is disclosed. The system consists of a dispensing mechanism adapted to receive a sealed or resealable container of material to be dispensed and to validate that it is the correct material, and which includes a mechanical actuation mechanism which, when actuated, causes a measured dose of material to be dispensed from the material container. The mechanical actuation mechanism may be inhibited from operation by a locking mechanism which, when actuated, locks the device against the further dispensing of a dose of material until release in accordance with the desired dispensing programme, e.g. until a certain time period has elapsed, or until the programme permits dispensing to occur on some other basis. The dispensing system may be in two parts, a hand-held hand-actuated dispensing mechanism (1) and a base or docking station (2) into which the hand-held unit may be placed in order to release the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A system and method for dispensing material from a container. The method comprises the steps of receiving a dispensing time, receiving a working interval, receiving a plurality of working days, and dispensing the material from the container during the dispensing time, during the working interval and on one of the plurality of working days.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved dispensing apparatus for olfactory stimulating material. Utilizing a micro-controller and software control, it is user configurable to be able to operate in a variety of operating modes. Incorporating ambient condition sensor into the apparatus allows it to operate only when certain ambient conditions are met. This gives the apparatus the flexibility to be adaptable to a wide variety of operating conditions. In particular, multiple actuations per dispensing action and operation when ambient conditions change can be configured by the user.

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: An electronically controlled micro-dispensing apparatus (10) is described. The apparatus includes a container (12), an adaptor (18), a nozzle (28) and a control circuit (34 or 42). The container is filled with the chemical (104) and propellant (102). The adaptor, nozzle and control circuit are removable from the container and are reusable. The control circuits controls the length of pulse and the time duration between each pulse. By controlling these factors, the apparatus dispenses a precise amount of liquid over a set time period. The ejector allows for controlled dispensing and allows the liquid to be sprayed a greater distance. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus are used to dispense a pheromone in an outdoor setting, such as an orchard (100), to control insects.

Abstract: A system and method for dispensing material from a container. The method comprises the steps of receiving a dispensing time, receiving a working interval, receiving a plurality of working days, and dispensing the material from the container during the dispensing time, during the working interval and on one of the plurality of working days.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method for selectively dispensing aerosolized water into the atmosphere to adjust the humidity level thereof is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and related method for selectively increasing the humidity in a predetermined zone. The apparatus is a disposable, hand-held, aerosol-type, pressurized container comprising a disposable, hand-held, aerosol-type container; an aerosol composition consisting essentially of water and a liquid propellant in the container; a valve; and an actuator. The present invention also provides a method for increasing the humidity in a predetermined zone from a disposable, hand-held, aerosol-type, pressurized container. The method comprises sensing the humidity in a predetermined zone for a selected humidity level and dispensing a composition consisting essentially of water and a liquid propellant from a disposable, hand-held, aerosol-type pressurized container into the predetermined zone to when the selected humidity level is sensed.

Abstract: A programmable dispenser, especially for dispensing an olfactory stimulating material from a source of the material, is presented. More particularly, the present invention relates to a dispenser for an olfactory stimulating material, such as an air freshener composition, wherein the dispenser can be programmed so as to be operational within a wide variety of operating modes, such as starting and ending operations at specific times during the day, being operational during specific days of the week, and dispensing frequency (i.e., in the case of an aerosol or pump source) and/or intensity (i.e., in the case of a gel or cartridge source).

Abstract: An electronically controlled micro-dispensing apparatus (10) is described. The apparatus includes a container (12), an adaptor (18), a nozzle (28) and a control circuit (34 or 42). The container is filled with the chemical (104) and propellant (102). The adaptor, nozzle and control circuit are removable from the container and are reusable. The control circuits controls the length of pulse and the time duration between each pulse. By controlling these factors, the apparatus dispenses a precise amount of liquid over a set time period. The ejector allows for controlled dispensing and allows the liquid to be sprayed a greater distance. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus are used to dispense a pheromone in an outdoor setting, such as an orchard (100), to control insects.

Abstract: An aerosol dispenser includes a housing adapted to accommodate an aerosol container. A spray mechanism communicates with the aerosol container and is actuable to dispense an aerosol spray of material from the aerosol container. A controller actuates the spray mechanism to effect dispensing of the aerosol material. A remote unit is provided to establish a wireless communication link with the controller.

Abstract: An electronically controlled micro-dispensing apparatus (10 or 210) is described. The apparatus includes a liquid storage container (12), a propellant container (16), a control circuit (34 or 42) and an ejector (28). In a second embodiment, the liquid and propellant are in the same container (212). The control circuits control the length of pulse and the time duration between each pulse. By controlling these factors, the apparatus dispenses a precise amount of liquid over a set time period. The ejector allows for controlled dispensing and allows the liquid to be sprayed a greater distance. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus are used to dispense a pheromone in an outdoor setting, such as an orchard, to control insects.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing material from a container having a dispensing element includes a motor for repeatedly actuating the dispensing element to facilitate dispensing of the material from the container and a controller for activating the motor at predetermined time intervals. The apparatus includes a stall detection circuit coupled to the motor and to the controller to detect a stall condition of the motor, the stall detection circuit configured to issue a stall detection signal when the stall condition is detected. The controller deactivates the motor in response to receiving the stall detection signal.

Abstract: A method is presented for indicating the dispensing of a predetermined amount of a material in a dispenser having a dispenser device which dispenses the material during periods of operation and frequency or intensity which can be varied. The inventive method includes determining the amount of time the dispenser device is operational; calculating a dispensing score representative of the time of operation of the dispenser device multiplied by a factor representative of the frequency or intensity of dispensing; and producing a signal indicating the dispensing of the predetermined amount of the material to be dispensed when the dispensing score is at least equal to a predetermined total score required for dispensing a predetermined amount of material. A dispenser incorporating such method is also described.

Abstract: A holder includes a casing, a timer-controlled press device, a holding frame, and a locking device. The casing is adapted to keep a deodorant bottle therein and has an opening formed therethrough. The timer-controlled press unit is installed in the casing and can press a spray head of the deodorant bottle at pre-set times to spray out deodorant from the bottle so that the deodorant flows out from the casing through the opening of the casing, thereby spreading fragrance around the casing. The holding frame is mounted slidably within the casing at a normal position and is adapted to carry the bottle thereon. The frame can slide on the casing to an extended position, in which the bottle can be taken out from the frame by hand for replacement. The locking device locks releasably the frame at the normal position within the casing. The locking device can be actuated by the use of a needle-shaped tool so as to unlock the frame from the casing, thus permitting movement of the frame to the extended position.

Abstract: A drop dispensing device includes a liquid ejection system, such as a timed pump mechanism, and a multi-channeled nozzle cooperative with the ejection system, for directing ejected liquid out of a container and into a chamber external to the container wherein the nozzle further includes drip tabs for forming and directing drops. The chamber is divided into a plurality of cavities and is formed by a plurality of interconnected walls. The chamber is adapted to receive the nozzle and includes a raised drainage orifice for each cavity such that the drainage orifice is operatively coupled to a guide tube for simultaneously guiding draining drops from the chamber to a plurality of selected surfaces.

Abstract: A low fluid indicator for a fluid injection system of the type having a sealed pressurized canister, and a valve responsive to a control signal to release fluid from the canister includes a counter that maintains a count. A pulse generating circuit increments the count by a first increment and a second increment in response to the control signal. The first increment is insensitive to the duration of the control signal above a threshold duration and is selected in accordance with a fill volume of the injection system. The second increment varies with duration of the control signal above the threshold duration and has a count rate selected in accordance with an injection flow rate of the injection system. A low fluid indicator lamp is responsive to the counter to indicator a low fluid condition when in the canister when the count exceeds a selected value.