Abstract: An indirectly heated capillary aerosol generator comprises a capillary tube adapted to form an aerosol when liquid material in the capillary tube is heated to volatilize at least some of the liquid material therein and a thermally conductive material in thermal contact with the capillary tube. The indirectly heated capillary aerosol generator provides substantially even and uniform heating across the heated length of the capillary tube.

Abstract: An indirectly heated capillary aerosol generator comprises a capillary tube adapted to form an aerosol when liquid material in the capillary tube is heated to volatilize at least some of the liquid material therein and a thermally conductive material in thermal contact with the capillary tube. The indirectly heated capillary aerosol generator provides substantially even and uniform heating across the heated length of the capillary tube.

Abstract: A method for delivering vaporized precursor in a substrate processing system using a vapor delivery system includes (a) selectively supplying push gas to an inlet of an ampoule storing liquid and vaporized precursor during a deposition period of a substrate; (b) measuring a pressure of the push gas and the vaporized precursor at an outlet of the ampoule during the deposition period; (c) determining a maximum pressure during the deposition period; (d) determining an integrated area for the deposition period based on a sampling interval and the maximum pressure during the sampling interval; and (e) repeating (a), (b), (c) and (d) for a plurality of the deposition periods for the substrate.

Abstract: A portable skin cleaning apparatus that includes a cleanser assembly and a mist dispenser assembly. The cleanser assembly is configured to apply a cyclical mechanical force to a skin surface area of a user with a cleaning object. The mist dispenser assembly is configured to deliver a heated misted liquid to a skin surface area of a user.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising a vapor outlet, a first container for storing a first vaporizable colorant, a second container for storing a non-colorant vaporizable material, a mixing chamber coupled to the first container for receiving the first vaporizable colorant and the second container for receiving the non-colorant vaporizable material, configured for mixing the first vaporizable colorant and the non-colorant vaporizable material, and a vaporizer component configured for vaporizing the mixed first vaporizable colorant and the non-colorant vaporizable material to generate a colored vapor and for providing the colored vapor to the vapor outlet.

Abstract: A hot air extraction vaporizer that is provided with a heat exchanger, a filling chamber for accommodating a substance generating an aerosol when subjected to heat, and a vaporizer outlet for inhaling the aerosol/air mixture. The heat exchanger is in a thermally conductive connection with the filling chamber that when heated up subjects the substance to radiant heat. The heat exchanger is provided with at least one airflow channel generating a hot airflow. The filling chamber comprises at least one of airflow passages and a mesh allowing the hot airflow to pass through the filling chamber and the substance provided therein.

Abstract: A method for treating laundry spraying a liquid with dissolved detergent into a drum holding laundry, delaying for a predetermined time period after spraying the liquid to allow the detergent to be absorbed in the laundry, spraying steam into the drum to rinse the laundry, and supplying heated air into the drum to dry the laundry. The detergent including 5 to 10 wt % of polyoxyethylene alkylether, 3 to 10 wt % of sodium ethylhexyl sulfate, and the balance of water.

Abstract: An improved scent pad and mechanism for housing the same. The mechanism is preferably a part of a humidifier or similar device and positioned adjacent to a heated surface. The mechanism preferably includes a cover, a keyed portion and a rib portion which allows the scent pad to fit properly and prevents other shaped pads from being inserted into or otherwise used in the housing mechanism, insuring optimal performance. In one embodiment the scent pad includes an upper straight edge, side edges, two lower beveled edges and a lower straight edge situated between the beveled edges. The upper straight edge and lower straight edge are preferably substantially parallel to each other. The side edges are preferably substantially parallel to each other and the beveled edges are preferably arranged at an angle that intersects both the lower straight edge and a side edge.

Abstract: A method of emitting a volatile material includes the step of programming a volatile material dispenser to include at least two intensity levels, wherein upon initiation of each of the intensity levels for an operating cycle, a resistor is operated at a first percentage of its power rating for a first period of time. Upon selection of a first of the at least two intensity levels and after the first period of time, the resistor is operated at a second percentage of its power rating for a remainder of an operating cycle. Upon selection of a second of the at least two intensity levels and after the first period of time, the resistor is operated at the second percentage of its power rating for a second period of time and, after the second period of time, operating the resistor at a third percentage of its power rating for a remainder of an operating cycle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for ejecting material. The ejected material is ejected as liquid and liquid vapor via an explosive process which can provide a very fast ejection as well as an ejection which has a large throw. The apparatus can be used to eject fuel for a fuel injector.

Abstract: A fluid heating system for heating and dispensing fluid in a primary fluid flow path is disclosed, and may include a reservoir defining an interior for holding a quantity of a fluid, with the interior being in fluid communication with the primary fluid flow path such that the quantity of fluid in the interior is able to flow into the primary fluid flow path. A primary pump may be configured to pump fluid in the primary fluid flow path, the primary pump being in fluid communication with the primary fluid flow path. A fluid dispensing device may be configured to selectively dispense fluid from the primary fluid flow path. A steam injection apparatus may be in communication with the interior of the reservoir device to inject steam into the interior to heat fluid located in the interior of the reservoir.

Abstract: A method of operating a pressure compensated fuel injector includes: filling a fuel chamber with a charge of fuel by closing an injector valve and circulating a fuel from a fuel source through a plurality of recirculating valves and a cap valve; then isolating the fuel chamber and the charge of fuel from the fuel source; then equalizing a pressure within the fuel chamber to a rising pressure outside the fuel chamber by reducing a volume of the isolated fuel chamber; and then activating a solenoid that is coupled to the injector valve, opening the injector valve; and then further reducing the volume of the isolated fuel chamber to apply an over pressure within the chamber, pumping fuel from the fuel chamber through the injection orifice.

Abstract: A filament may be provided having enhanced solderability and/or heating characteristics configured for heating a substance to release an airborne scent. In exemplary implementations, the ends of a high-temperature compatible filament may be coated with a metal film having greater solderability and/or conductivity relative to the filament. The coated ends may allow the filament to be incorporated into a heating circuit using low-temperature solder, rather than by using high-temperature solder or clamping. The coated ends may have a lower resistance relative to uncoated portions of the filament such that, when electrical current is passed through the filament, most of the current will flow through the coating at the end portions of the filament concentrating heat emitted by the filament to the uncoated portions.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide materials and methods for forming monodisperse particles. In one embodiment, the monodisperse particles can be formed by first spraying a nanoparticle-containing dispersion into aerosol droplets and then heating the aerosol droplets in the presence of a shell precursor to form core-shell particles. By removing either the shell layer or the nanoparticle core of the core-shell particles, monodisperse nanoparticles can be formed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for atomizing and vaporizing liquid is described. An apparatus having an ejector configured to eject one or more droplets of liquid may be inserted into a reservoir containing liquid. The ejector may have a vibrating device that vibrates the ejector and causes liquid to move from the reservoir up through the ejector and out through an orifice located on the top of the ejector. The one or more droplets of liquid ejected from the ejector may be heated and vaporized into the air.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for ejecting material. The ejected material is ejected as liquid and liquid vapor via an explosive process which can provide a very fast ejection as well as an ejection which has a large throw. The apparatus can be used to eject fuel for a fuel injector.

Abstract: Steam generator (1) is provided with an electric heating element (2) for heating water to be evaporated, consisting of an electric heating resistor (21) inserted in a profiled base (8) of a metal supporting element (7), fixed in a hole obtained in one of the vertical walls (15) of the container (4) for heating water.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes: a processing chamber configured to accommodate a substrate; a vaporized gas supply system which includes a vaporizer to vaporize a liquid precursor into a vaporized gas and is configured to supply the vaporized gas into the processing chamber; and a control unit configured to control the vaporized gas supply system to supply a liquid precursor and a carrier gas into a vaporization chamber formed in the vaporizer such that a ratio of a partial pressure of the liquid precursor to a total pressure in the vaporization chamber is equal to or lower than 20%.

Abstract: This invention provides a vaporizer that prevents deterioration of a precursor while reducing a residue, that can expect reduction in risk of clogging, and that can increase vaporization flow easily. The vaporizer comprises an inlet port for introducing a precursor in a liquid phase or a gas-liquid mixture phase, a vaporizing section for vaporizing the precursor arranged on the downstream side of the inlet port, and an outlet port for delivering the precursor vaporized at the vaporizing section, wherein the vaporizing section is of a flow channel type comprising a nozzle for spraying the precursor and a heating channel arranged on the downstream side of the nozzle continuously thereto. A plurality of vaporizing sections are arranged in parallel between the inlet port and the outlet port, and arranged such that each vaporizing section can distribute the precursor independently of each other.

Abstract: There is provided a smoke generating device for use with a vaporizing material. The smoke generating device includes a housing defining an inner chamber configured to receive the vaporizing material, and a heating element disposed within the housing. A capillary is disposed within the inner chamber and is in thermal communication with the heating element. The capillary includes opposed first and second end portions, with the first end portion being disposable in the vaporizing material and the second end portion defining an opening in fluid communication with the internal chamber. The capillary is configured to convey the vaporizing material to the heating element. An inlet conduit in fluid communication with the inner chamber and fluidly connectable to a pressurized fluid source, and an outlet conduit in fluid communication with the inner chamber and configured to convey vapor from the inner chamber.

Abstract: An injector for injecting a reagent includes an axially translatable valve member positioned within a housing. An electromagnet is positioned within the housing and includes a coil of wire positioned proximate the valve member such that the valve member moves between a seated position and an unseated position relative to an orifice in response to energizing the electromagnet. A capillary tube is provided to convert liquid reagent to an ambient pressure vapor and supply it to the orifice.

Abstract: A device for the thermal fogging of a liquid, includes a unit for producing a stream of pressurized hot gas an ejection pipe; a first source of liquid; and a first circuit for injecting a measured flow of liquid into the ejection pipe (5) from the first source of liquid. In addition, the device includes a sensor for detecting a total or partial interruption of the measured flow of liquid injected into the ejection pipe from the first source of liquid; a second source of liquid; and a second circuit for injecting an emergency flow of liquid into the ejection pipe from the second source of liquid when the sensor detects a total or partial interruption of the measured flow of liquid injected into the ejection pipe from the first source of liquid.

Abstract: Provided are a steam spraying apparatus and a clothing drying machine including the same. The steam spraying apparatus include a flow passage forming unit, a steam generating heater, and a nozzle. The flow passage forming unit has a flow passage for guiding water introduced through an inlet to an outlet. The steam generating heater applies heat to water flowing along the flow passage. A nozzle sprays steam generated by the heating of the steam generating heater at a certain pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chemical vaporizer device for the purposes of vaporizing and controllably dispensing a pesticide material into a bee hive to kill varroa mites and other predatory pests that threaten honey bees. The device comprises an elongated cylinder having a proximal and distal end, a compressed air inlet, air pressure controller and heating element. The distal end of the device comprises a diffuser outlet and a coiled heating element, which is adapted to rapidly vaporize granular pesticide material in the cylinder while the compressed air discharges the vapor in a constant manner and in higher busts on demand. The user supports the body of the device while controlling the outgoing vapor pesticide by modulating the compressed air controller, which actuates an air valve in the controller. Material is fed into the device proximal end, vaporized and forcibly discharged through the distal end and into a bee hive.

Abstract: An improved scent pad and mechanism for housing the same. The mechanism is preferably a part of a humidifier or similar device and positioned adjacent to a heated surface. The mechanism preferably includes a cover, a keyed portion and a rib portion which allows the scent pad to fit properly and prevents other shaped pads from being inserted into or otherwise used in the housing mechanism, insuring optimal performance. In one embodiment the scent pad includes an upper straight edge, side edges, two lower beveled edges and a lower straight edge situated between the beveled edges. The upper straight edge and lower straight edge are preferably substantially parallel to each other. The side edges are preferably substantially parallel to each other and the beveled edges are preferably arranged at an angle that intersects both the lower straight edge and a side edge.

Abstract: A liquid control apparatus 30 controls a spread mode of a liquid. The liquid control apparatus 30 includes a main body 31 having an upper surface 31c to which the liquid is supplied, and a mesh 47 knitted in a net-like shape and provided to be in contact with the upper surface 31c. An inhibiting groove 41 is provided in the upper surface 31c in a portion that is in contact with the mesh 47. An introducing port 33b for introducing a gas from the inside of the main body 31 into the inhibiting groove 41 is provided in the main body 31. The introducing port 33b is formed such that the gas is introduced into the inhibiting groove 41 substantially parallel to the upper surface 31c.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for generating a decontamination agent vapor, in particular hydrogen peroxide vapor. The device includes an evaporator body, a heating unit for heating the evaporator body, and a plurality of feed channels for feeding decontamination liquid to the evaporator body. The decontamination liquid is evaporated by the evaporator body. In one embodiment, the liquid contains hydrogen peroxide. In some embodiments, a plurality of blind holes are provided in a single- or multi-part evaporator body, and at least one of the feed channels is assigned to the blind holes.

Abstract: An improved feeder system and method for vapor transport deposition that includes at least two vaporizers couple to a common distributor for vaporizing and co-depositing at least any two vaporizable materials as a material layer on a substrate. Composition of the material layer can be controlled by changing the flow of vapors from the respective vaporizers into the distributor to adjust the proportion of respective vapors in the combined vapor prior to deposition. Flow of the vapors from the respective vaporizers into the distributor may be controlled by adjusting the flow of carrier gas transporting the raw material into the vaporizer and/or by adjusting the vibration speed and/or amplitude of the powder feeders that process the raw material.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices which generate a mist of a treatment composition, viz, an aerosolized treatment composition which imparts a technical benefit to surfaces, or airspaces, which come into contact with the said aerosolized treatment composition. Also disclosed are methods for the treatment of surfaces utilizing the devices of the invention.

Abstract: A fuel injector (10) includes an inlet tube (20). A valve body (12) is associated with the inlet tube to define a fuel passage (23). A valve seat (14) is associated with the valve body and defines an outlet opening (18). An armature (42) is movable with respect to the valve body between a first position and a second position. The armature is associated with a closure member (18) that opens and closes the outlet opening. An electromagnetic coil (40) is energizable to provide magnetic flux that moves the armature between the first and second positions to control fuel flow through the outlet opening. A heat exchanger (50) is provided in the inlet tube and a secondary coil (46) is energizable to provide a magnetic field to inductively heat the heat exchanger and thus fuel prior to exiting the outlet opening.

Abstract: Steam wrinkle-removing appliance comprising a steam-producing boiling chamber (60) incorporated into a water tank (110), said boiling chamber (60) being in direct communication with the water tank (110) while being supplied with water by gravity via at least one supply line (70) extending from the tank (110), said boiling chamber (60) comprising a heating unit (4) and a steam outlet (62) through which the steam can freely flow toward a wrinkle-removing element (3) such as a steam brush, the tank (110) comprising a filling inlet (121A) in the upper part of the tank (110), characterized in that said steam outlet (62) is in direct communication with a hose (2) connected to the steaming element (3) so that the steam produced by the boiling chamber (60) is not diffused into the tank (110).

Abstract: A procedure for dosing a reducing agent into the exhaust gas of an combustion engine with a valve is presented, which shows a solenoid and a movable seal body for adjusting a percolation profile, whose value is depending on the current through the solenoid, whereby the valve is triggered by a current profile, which shows two consecutive sectors. The procedure distinguishes itself in that it is checked in the first sector whether the valve is frozen or whether a danger of freezing exists, and that an electric energy that has been fed into the solenoid with the electric current is set in the second sector depending on the result of the checking. Furthermore a controller is introduced, which is customized for controlling the process of such a procedure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable cordless hand held device and method for heating or reheating food directly in a dish such as a plate, bowl, cup, platter or serving bowl with steam, hot air or their mix and applying this steam and/or heat to foods conveniently and at anytime needed or desired after the food has been served to the consumer at the table or otherwise.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for conducting a continuous operation, flowing vapor phase decontamination in either an open loop or a closed loop. Using the method, a multi-component liquid decontaminant is vaporized and delivered into, through and out of a sealable enclosure by means of a carrier gas that is flowing into, through and out of said sealable enclosure. After leaving the enclosure, the vapor is captured in a cold-water bath and decomposed. The invention humidifies the carrier gas by passing it through a temperature controlled water bath to warm, or to cool, the carrier gas as necessary in order to bring the carrier gas to the desired temperature and humidity before it is combined with the vaporized sterilant and allowed to flow into the sealable enclosure. The concentration of the vapor sterilant and the percent saturation of the vapor sterilant are simultaneously controlled by controlling the rate at which the carrier gas flows and the rate at which the liquid sterilant is vaporized.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus is described and which includes a housing which is moveable across a supporting surface; a first electrically actuated fluid pump which is mounted in the housing, and which is operable to deliver a first stream of fluid at a pressure of at least about 150 PSI to less than about 1200 PSI; a second electrically actuated fluid pump which is mounted in the housing, and which is operable to deliver a second stream of fluid, at a pressure, of less than about 600 PSI; and an electrically actuated heater which is mounted in the housing, and which is operable to impart heat energy to the second fluid stream.

Abstract: An air treatment device includes a container containing a mixture. The container allows the mixture to be selectively exposed to ambient air. In one embodiment, the mixture contains at least the following: (1) a heat-generating material that generates heat when exposed to ambient air; and (2) a volatile substance in intimate contact with the heat-generating material and inert relative to the heat-generating material, wherein the volatile substance vaporizes in the presence of heat. In another embodiment, the mixture contains at least the following: (1) a gas-generating material that produces gas when exposed to ambient air; and (2) a volatile substance in intimate contact with the gas-generating material and inert relative to the gas-generating material, wherein the volatile substance vaporizes in the presence of the generated gas. Corresponding methods are also disclosed herein.

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: An apparatus for atomizing a precursor liquid for vapor generation and thin film deposition on a substrate. The precursor liquid is atomized by a carrier gas to form a droplet aerosol comprised of small precursor liquid droplets suspended in the carrier gas. The droplet aerosol is then heated to form vapor, producing a gas/vapor mixture that can be introduced into a deposition chamber to form thin films on a substrate. The liquid is introduced into the atomizing apparatus in such a manner as to avoid excessive heating that can occur or lead to the formation of undesirable by-products due to material degradation as result of thermal decomposition. The apparatus is particularly suited for vaporizing high molecular weight substances with a low vapor pressure that requires a high vaporization temperature for the liquid to vaporize. The apparatus can also be used to vaporize solid precursors dissolved in a solvent for vaporization.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating an aerosol of a therapeutic agent and methods of using the same are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a heating element having a surface and a composition coating at least a portion of the heating element surface. The composition comprises a carrier and a therapeutic agent, wherein when the heating element surface is heated to at least the vaporization point of the carrier, the carrier vaporizes and releases the therapeutic agent from the composition as an aerosol. The heating element can be a coiled filament. The therapeutic agent can be a small molecule, a polynucleotide, a polypeptide, or a recombinant virus. The apparatus can be incorporated into a delivery device, such as a metered dose inhaler or an exposure chamber.

Abstract: A light-emitting smell-altering aroma dispenser includes a casing having a bottom opening blocked by a base member, heater members supported on trays above a control circuit board in the casing, tubular aroma containers inserted through the top wall of the casing into the heater members at the trays and holding a respective aromatic substance for heating by the heater members to release a pleasant smell subject to the control of the control circuit board, and light emitting devices controlled by the control circuit board to emit light toward the aroma containers when the aroma substance in the aroma containers is being heated to release a pleasant smell.

Abstract: A mercury ionic gas standard generator for use in the continuous emissions monitoring of exhaust flue gas streams is disclosed. More specifically, the mercury ionic gas standard generator uses a reservoir being coated with an inert silicon-based coating for transporting a volume of an aqueous ionic mercury solution to a liquid mass flow controller and vaporizer.

Abstract: A steam spraying device that includes a handle having a hollow inner cavity and a body including a right shell and a left shell that has an interior void for receiving a container containing liquid. A pump is disposed within the interior void of the body, and a steam generation chamber for producing steam. A spray nozzle for dispensing the steam is disposed on the exterior of the body. The spraying device optionally includes a hood over the spray nozzle for limiting over spray.

Abstract: An air freshening device includes a liquid supply operable to supply liquid fragrance material, a wick in contact with the liquid supply, a conductive mesh material operable to retain the liquid material in interstices thereof, and a power supply operable to apply voltage across the mesh material so as to heat the mesh material and the liquid fragrance material contained in interstices of the mesh material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid. The air freshening device is operable to substantially prevent deposition of the vaporized liquid material.

Abstract: There is disclosed a water discharge device that has a water flow path that extends from an inlet through an outlet chamber to an outlet spout; a valve assembly for opening and closing the water flow path; a heating element for heating the outlet chamber and spout to evaporate moisture on internal surfaces of the outlet chamber and spout when the flow path is closed by the valve assembly, the heating element being remote from the flow path; and a controller for controlling operation of the valve assembly and the heating element, the controller including a switch that is operated directly or indirectly by a user to control the opening of the water flow path.

Abstract: An entertainment system (1019, 2) having a fluid system with a smoke generator (1007, 4), the smoke generator being supplied from at least one pump (1005, 8, 10) connected to at least one container for fluid (1003, 12, 14), which at least one pump (1005, 8, 10) is controlled by a controller (1009, 6), wherein the controller is adapted to perform a shutdown process upon malfunctioning of at least a part of the entertainment system. The shutdown process performs a purge of at least part of the fluid system. Furthermore, a method of operating the entertainment system (1001, 2), has the steps of performing a shutdown process upon malfunctioning of at least a part of the entertainment system, the shutdown process including the step of purging (2009, 3003a, 3003b) at least a part of said fluid system.

Abstract: A portable scent dispensing device includes a base having a warming element for heating scented matter situated thereon, the warming element being configured for electrical communication with a power source. The dispensing device includes a first switch for actuating the warming element with the power source. A hood is directly above the base and includes a fan configured for electrical communication with the power source, the hood being separated from the base to allow the scented matter to be positioned upon the warming element. A first wall extends upwardly from the base and a second wall extends downwardly from the hood. At least one fastener maintains the hood at respective heights directly above the base by maintaining the second wall at respective positions relative to the first wall, wherein the first wall and the second wall collectively surround at least about halfway around the scented matter.

Abstract: A device and a method for preventing the drying of fluid products in a delivery head of a machine for dispensing fluid products, wherein the delivery head is provided with a plurality of delivery nozzles. The device comprises first elements to generate a conditioning flow, second elements to convey the conditioning flow towards a space underneath the delivery nozzles and create in said space an atmosphere different from that of the environment in which the dispensing machine is to be found during use. The delivery nozzles are divided into at least two groups and the space is divided into at least two distinct conditioning zones, disposed in correspondence with the groups of delivery nozzles. Different atmospheres are created in the conditioning zones, according to the type of fluid product delivered by the corresponding group of delivery nozzles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fog generator comprising a heat exchanger for transforming a fog generating fluid into its vapor, characterized in that the fog generator further comprises a latent heat of fusion accumulator.

Abstract: A heated fuel injector includes a heated body, liquid fuel flowing through a fuel passage within the body, and a member that increases heat transfer from the heated body to the fuel within the fuel passage. The thermal efficiency of the fuel injector is increased separately or in combination by diverting the fuel flow along an inner circumferential contour of the heated body, by limiting the volume of fuel bypassing the heated inner surface of the body, by redirecting heat from the body to unheated portions of the fuel flow field within the fuel passage, and by increasing the available contact surface area for heat transfer. Improved heat transfer from the heated body to the fuel is achieved by integrating features that increase the contact surface area into the inside surface of the body or by positioning an insulating or a thermally conductive spacer within the fuel passage.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a tablet (1) for retaining a volatile substance in a liquid or solid state, such as a perfume and/or an insecticide. The tablet comprises at least a first and a second layers (2,4) of volatile substance retaining material, said first and second layers being spaced apart from each other at a selected distance, and wherein it further comprises a layer of impermeable material (3) joined to said layers and located in between said first and second layers.