Porous Or External Wick Discharge Means Patents (Class 239/145)
  • Patent number: 11957080
    Abstract: A method of irrigation comprises supplying water to an inclined irrigation pipe provided with a plurality of drippers such that a pressure at a highest level of the inclined irrigation pipe is at most 200 cm H2O.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: N-Drip Ltd.
    Inventors: Uri Shani, Sharon Dabach, Zvi Miller
  • Patent number: 11857704
    Abstract: Various fragrance dispensers are disclosed. The fragrance dispenser can include a core unit that has a connection unit and a control unit. The fragrance dispenser can include a cartridge that is configured to engage with the core unit. The cartridge can include an impeller and a fragrant material. The fragrance dispenser can have a motor that drives the impeller, thereby dispersing the fragrance. The cartridge can be configured to disengage from the connection unit, such as when the cartridge reaches a depleted state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Dispensing Dynamics International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel P. Keily, Victor Landa
  • Patent number: 11071261
    Abstract: A subterranean irrigation system (100) has a plurality of fluid conduit (130) for applying a liquid from a source to an area of ground, to which said liquid is to applied while avoiding interference with the above-ground use of such area, wherein the fluid conduits (130) are connected (140; 500) relative to one another and wherein the plurality of fluid conduits (130) comprise a plurality of outlets to effect the distribution of the liquid to the ground area, wherein the plurality of outlets (600;621, 622, 623; 800; 821, 822, 823) are provided at an underside (602, 802) of a nose-shaped spout attachment (600, 800), wherein the spout attachment (600; 800) is attached at the side in the upper half of the fluid conduit (130; 230; 720) and wherein the underside (602; 802) comprises a rounded surface starting tangentially from the outer diameter of the fluid conduit (130; 230; 720) and ends in the nose-shaped free end of the spout attachment (600; 800).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: ELEMENTAL ENGINEERING AG
    Inventor: Osman Saeed
  • Patent number: 10788224
    Abstract: A water-cooled fan includes a body having an air inlet and an air outlet; a fan unit corresponding to the air inlet or the air outlet; an installation slot placed between the air inlet and the air outlet; and a water supply unit disposed above the installation slot. A method for controlling a multifunctional fan includes configuring a functional space and providing a water supply unit at a top end of the functional space; optionally providing a honeycomb or an air filter unit in the functional space; and when the honeycomb is provided in the functional space, providing, by the water supply unit, dampening water for the honeycomb. The present invention can selectively achieve the effect of air humidification or air purification by using a honeycomb or an air filter unit as needed, and the water-cooled fan of the present invention has high intelligence. A multi-purpose set reduces the cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: JMATEK (ZHONGSHAN) LTD.
    Inventors: Naresh Kumra, Yi Pu
  • Patent number: 10750666
    Abstract: A dispenser for simultaneously dispensing water and fertiliser comprising: a chamber having a chamber wall which is at least partially water permeable; a fertiliser supply line having a fertiliser supply line wall; a water supply line having a water supply line wall, the water supply line wall having at least one aperture extending through the wall; the water supply line and the fertiliser supply line being arranged within the chamber; and at least one dispensing head comprising one or more outlets; wherein the at least one dispensing head extends through the fertiliser supply line wall and the water permeable wall of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Self Irrigation System Limited
    Inventor: Kam Hoi Wong
  • Patent number: 10653080
    Abstract: Features of relatively low pressure microporous (and preferably plant-responsive) irrigation tubes are combined with features of relatively high pressure drip emitter tubes to produce a hybrid irrigation tube. Methods for using and manufacturing the hybrid irrigation tube are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Responsive Drip Irrigation, LLC
    Inventors: David A Conklin, Janice K Gould, Tam M Le
  • Patent number: 10132244
    Abstract: A fuel supply manifold for a gas turbine engine includes a first manifold segment includes a first multiple of double-barrel fittings in communication with a primary fuel circuit and a secondary fuel circuit. A second manifold segment includes a second multiple of double-barrel fittings in communication with the primary fuel circuit and the secondary fuel circuit. The first manifold segment is connected to the second manifold segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: James P. Chasse, Jr., Peter Tu, Robert F. Sheil
  • Patent number: 9879920
    Abstract: A vapor chamber structure includes a first board body, a second board body and a working fluid. The first board body has a hooked section. The second board body has a hook section. The hook section and the hooked section contact and hook and connect with each other. The vapor chamber structure has no additional support structure, but is still free from the problem of thermal expansion. Also, the vapor chamber structure can be both thinned and lightweight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: ASIA VITAL COMPONENTS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hsiu-Wei Yang, Fu-Kuei Chang
  • Patent number: 9491910
    Abstract: Provided is a raised-bed gardening container, including a base, a feeding tube, and a cover frame. The base may include a bottom edge; a top rim at least 36 inches above the bottom edge; an exterior sidewall extending between the bottom edge and the top rim; an interior sidewall extending from the top rim to a bottom interior, the interior sidewall and bottom interior defining an interior volume for containing a gardening media, the interior volume having a diameter of greater than approximately four feet; a feeding tube support generally centrally disposed in the base; and a gardener passage extending to the feeding tube support and having a width configured to allow a gardener to walk through the gardener passage to the feeding tube support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: ERGO GARDEN LLC
    Inventor: Rick E. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 9440249
    Abstract: Applicator wands for cleaning coils and fins of outdoor condenser units and the like with water and cleaning chemical, and a connector link for assembly of wand with siphon container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Crossford International, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Kane, George M Cruz, Joseph J Franzino
  • Patent number: 9442379
    Abstract: A microscreen, substantially formed of a photoresist material, is produced by applying a photoresist layer to a support using a liquid photoresist, partially covering the photoresist layer with a mask that defines the structure of the microscreen, exposing the photoresist to radiation, developing the photoresist, and removing the photoresist from the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Susanne Kornely, Markus Schieber, Daniel Sickert
  • Patent number: 9387422
    Abstract: An embedded type, inverted-filtering and anti-clogging emitter comprises a first component and a second component which are mutually fixed, and a filter cloth sandwiched between the first component and the second component; the first component is provided with a hollowed-out portion which is capable of exposing the filter cloth, and the second is provided with a pressing portion to press the filter cloth against the first component, which completely covers the hollowed-out portion on the projection plane, and presses against the filter cloth along the edge of the hollowed-out portion, whereby water in the water pipeline has to successively pass through the diversion channel, the filter cloth pressed by the pressing portion, and the hollowed-out portion to the water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: SHANGHAI YINE GREEN TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Libin Chen
  • Patent number: 9321642
    Abstract: A method for decreasing steam methane reformer (SMR) tube temperature is provided. The method can include the steps of introducing a hydrocarbon containing feed to be reformed to a plurality of SMR tubes in the presence of steam under conditions effective to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide, monitoring the temperature of at least a plurality of the tubes within the SMR during operation, comparing the monitored temperature against a first predetermined value, and introducing an effective amount of water to a reformer tube when the monitored temperature of the reformer tube is at or above the predetermined value, such that the temperature of the reformer tube is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Société´Anonyme Pour L'Étude Et L'Exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Taekyu Kang, Rong Fan, Pavol Pranda, Hwanho Kim, Robert A. Gagliano
  • Patent number: 9137956
    Abstract: An irrigation system and method is provided that includes a set of longitudinal perforated tubing members, with each tubing member having a tubing proximal end attached or attachable to a proximal lateral fluid conduit and having a tubing distal end attached attachable to a distal lateral fluid conduit to form an irrigation array. Two types of cross members are provided, a spacer cross member and a tubing cross member. The cross members hold each of the perforated tubing members in a grid-like pattern forming a tubing/spacer array or a tubing/tubing array. The longitudinal perforated tubing may be cut to accommodate the shape of a landscape format. Methods are provided for joining or ending the cut portions. The irrigation array is created, attached to a water supply, and buried below the surface of the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Inventor: Carlos Alfredo Pujadas
  • Patent number: 8991722
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) for the atomisation of a liquid including: a piezoelectric substrate (5) having at least one working surface (7), at least one electrode (9) supported on the piezoelectric substrate (5), a signal generating means (21) for applying an ultrasonic signal to said electrode (9) for generating a surface acoustic wave (SAW) in the working surface (7) of the piezoelectric substrate (5); a liquid delivery arrangement (11) including a wick (17) in contact with the working surface (7) for delivering liquid thereof, wherein liquid delivered to the working surface (7) is atomised by SAW irradiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Monash University
    Inventors: James Friend, Leslie Yeo, David Morton, Michelle McIntosh, Aisha Qi, Jenny Ho, Anushi Rajapaksa
  • Patent number: 8979003
    Abstract: A filtration irrigation method, filtration irrigation device and the manufacturing method thereof, said filtration irrigation device comprises a water carrying chamber, in which one or more porous filter membranes are arranged. One or more flow restrictors corresponding to each membrane are set on the wall of the water carrying chamber. The total permeation capacity of the flow restrictors is less than that of said filter membranes. The present invention can avoid the blockage of the device effectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Jun Zhu
  • Patent number: 8973851
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is the apparatus that produces very small or nano-sized, charged droplets and the methods for producing such charged fluid droplets. This apparatus avoids the problems known to exist with using spray nozzles having very small orifices to produce such small fluid droplets, those problems including clogging of the nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Vladimir Gartstein, James C Horney, Alan David Willey, Claire Rebecca Yates
  • Patent number: 8960566
    Abstract: This invention provides a spill-proof dispersion device for dispersing volatile liquids, comprising a receptacle for containing volatile liquid therein and having an opening, at least one wick having an end placed in contact with the volatile liquid in the receptacle and for delivering the volatile liquid, and a diffuser in firm connection to the other end of the at least one wick and having a body with a surface from which the volatile liquid delivered from the wick is dispersed into an environment. The diffuser comprises a base located at its bottom and a sheath having a screwed outer surface and is sleeved tightly on an outer surface of the base; the base and the sheath are to be inserted into the opening of the receptacle such that the diffuser is engaged with the receptacle in an air-tight manner; and the wick runs through the base and the sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Chi Nang Leung
  • Patent number: 8955774
    Abstract: A water-drip hose comprises: the first fusion splicing units formed to have an upper fusion splicing line parallel to an end portion of the outer film, a lower fusion splicing line shorter than the upper fusion splicing line, and side fusion splicing lines of a smooth curved shape for connecting the upper fusion splicing line with the lower fusion splicing line; two second fusion splicing units respectively formed at a lower position between the first fusion splicing unit and a neighboring first fusion splicing unit in parallel to the lower fusion splicing line of the first fusion splicing unit at regular intervals, which forms three lower openings; and a third fusion splicing unit formed at an upper position between the first fusion splicing unit and the neighboring first fusion splicing unit in parallel to the upper fusion splicing line of the first fusion splicing unit, which forms two upper openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Sam Won Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae Gon Kim
  • Publication number: 20140161428
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing system comprising a universal refill of liquid and an emanation device; wherein the refill comprises: a housing; at least one reservoir in the housing for holding the liquid; at least one aperture in the housing sealed by at least one valve wherein said at least one valve defines a liquid pathway from the reservoir to the exterior of the refill, wherein at least one of said valve(s) is configured to be automatically resealable when not being held open; at least one wick housed entirely within the housing; and wherein the emanation device is selected from: an emanation device configured to spray the liquid; an emanation device configured to evaporate the liquid by electrically powered means; an emanation device configured to evaporate the liquid by passive, non-electrically powered means; an emanation device configured to emanate the liquid by two or more of spraying the liquid, evaporating the liquid by electrically powered means and/or evaporating the liquid by passive, non-electrically p
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Reckitt & Colman (overseas) Limited
    Inventor: Helen Stephenson
  • Patent number: 8733670
    Abstract: A wick assembly for use in a dispenser for a volatile liquid includes a wick having an external surface and a discontinuity in the surface providing a location in the wick of less resistance to a force applied to the wick than a location adjacent to the discontinuity. In one embodiment, the wick is adapted to be positioned to extend from an inside of a container, through an opening defined in the container, to an outside of the container, and the wick is formed such that a portion of the wick will block the opening when the wick is broken at the discontinuity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Kara L. Lakatos, Ralph Schwarz, Tyler D. Duston
  • Publication number: 20140076995
    Abstract: A vapor chamber and method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The vapor chamber includes a lower shell, an upper shell, a wick structure and a working fluid. The lower shell has a bottom plate and a lower side plate extended from a periphery of the bottom plate. The upper shell has a top plate, an annular slot formed on the outer edge of the top plate, and an upper side plate extended from a periphery of the annular slot. The upper shell covers the lower shell so that the upper side plate abuts against the lower side plate, and a solder accommodating space is formed between the annular slot and the lower side plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventor: Chin-Wen WANG
  • Patent number: 8540168
    Abstract: A fragrance diffuser and method of adjusting the evaporation rate of fragrance from a diffuser includes a container having an opening communicating with the interior of the container. A quantity of granular solids material such as silica sand, calcium carbonate sand, salt or starch is located in the container, and a fragrance material is mixed with the solids material to form a solids material-fragrance material mixture that is free of solvents, or includes a minor amount of a low volatility solvent. Wicking material is inserted through the opening of the container, and a portion of the wicking material is immersed into and supported by the solids material-fragrance material mixture. The fragrance material migrates along or through the wicking material and evaporates into the surrounding environment. The evaporation rate of fragrance from the diffuser can be adjusted by varying the length of the wicking material immersed into the granular solids material-fragrance mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventors: Gregory Bennett, Aksornsil Kaewbudda
  • Publication number: 20130220314
    Abstract: An apparatus and method utilize a porous vaporization element with a dispersion mechanism to disperse a liquid agent onto the porous vaporization element. The porous vaporization element extends across a majority of a cross-sectional area of the flow passage. In one implementation, the liquid agent is sprayed onto the porous vaporization element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Douglas Bottom
  • Patent number: 8449828
    Abstract: A chemical cartridge for a blower-type chemical diffusing apparatus includes a chemical-impregnated body including an air-permeable and liquid-absorptive sheet impregnated with a chemical, and a retainer receptacle for containing the chemical-impregnated body. The retainer receptacle includes a liquid pool recess formed at a central area thereof such that liquid chemical stored in the liquid pool recess is permeable towards a peripheral area of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Fumakilla Limited
    Inventors: Kazunori Yamamoto, Shinya Kawamura, Satoshi Yamasaki, Yasuharu Takei, Takao Jo
  • Patent number: 8430336
    Abstract: A wick which comprises a network matrix ceramic that is contacted either directly or indirectly with a liquid composition such as a fragrance-containing composition. The wick absorbs and transports the liquid composition through capillary action, and the composition is subsequently diffused into the surrounding ambient atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Stonewick, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Pisklak
  • Patent number: 8424778
    Abstract: A slow release deer and rodent outdoor deterrent device includes: a) a waterproof hollow housing having a top and a bottom, a top wick orifice and a bottom wick; b) a wick externally extending from outside the hollow housing top, through the top wick orifice and into the hollow housing, through the bottom wick orifice and externally below the hollow housing bottom; c) a teabag containing dried repellant that is activated by water contact. The teabag acts as a two way filter to permit water to enter the teabag and permit a water-dissolved repellant brew to exit the teabag, the teabag being inside the housing in contact with the wick. The device is placed outdoors proximate vegetation to be protected and releases repellent when wetted by rain or watering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventor: Bradley G. Mount
  • Publication number: 20130075490
    Abstract: The disclosure includes various embodiments of an irrigation mat. In some embodiments, the mat is generally installed so that plants meet the layer of moisture formed by a nonwoven textile web in a relatively short time due to growth of roots. Some embodiments include a web where the roots of plants can grow into the web and thus those plants can be supplied with moisture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas H. ROESS, Todd D. POLDERMAN
  • Patent number: 8353698
    Abstract: A coaxial injection device for injecting and dispersing reagents into a reactor, including an exterior duct for high-velocity gas injection; an outer-middle injector with at least one nozzle for liquid injection; an inner-middle duct for low-velocity gas injection; and an interior injector with nozzle for liquid injection; wherein, the exterior duct is formed by the internal wall of an insert and the external wall of the outer-middle injector; and is located externally to and circumferentially surrounds all other injectors and ducts; the outer-middle injector is formed by two concentric cylinders with end plate and injector nozzles; the inner-middle duct is formed by interior wall of the outer-middle injector and the exterior wall of the interior injector; the interior injector is formed by a cylinder with an endplate, the endplate having a nozzle; thereby ensuring the mixing and dispersion of the liquids and gases into the reactor to increase reaction homogeneity, reaction efficiency, reactor efficiency and
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Nalco Mobotec, Inc.
    Inventor: Goran Moberg
  • Patent number: 8292196
    Abstract: Methods and devices include having a container (1) for holding a liquid with a viscosity ?, and a porous wick (5) with an average pore size of at least about 4 microns to about 50 microns and a porosity ? between about 0.20 to about 0.75, and having a length L and a total exposed surface area A exposed to the ambient air. The viscosity of the liquid and the dimensions of the wick are such that a quantity A/?L is in a range of about 4×10?4 to about 18 cm/poise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Padma Prabodh Varanasi, Joel E. Adair
  • Patent number: 8292193
    Abstract: A spill-proof aerator is disclosed that is adapted to flamelessly diffuse a liquid solution into the atmosphere. The device comprises a liquid solution having less than 20% volatile organic compounds housed in a vessel with at least one wall, wherein an opening is disposed in the wall. The device further includes a wick assembly including at least a wick of porous material capable of being disposed in the opening of the vessel for at least partial submergence in the liquid solution. The wick is further disposed for drawing up the liquid solution thorough capillary action. The wick assembly is reusable and adapted to removably seal the opening in the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Le Cherche Midi
    Inventors: Nathan Motylinski, Ali Alexandre Mehfar
  • Patent number: 8221016
    Abstract: A device and a method for continuous and adjustable dosage of fluids at low pressure. The invention is self-cleaning and low tech. It consists of a tapering dosage unit in which a filling, which allows fluids to pass in the longitudinal direction of the dosage unit, is inserted. At the outlet end of the dosage unit, a venturi tube is located which clamps the filling and thereby create a nozzle opening that fits the fluids viscosity and the pressure for a given desired dosage. When the dosage unit clogs, a flushing can be obtained by either increasing the pressure of the fluid and thereby forcing a flexible dosage unit to increase the sectional area and allow cleaning or in the same way through a mechanical opening of the dosage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Idekontoret Aps
    Inventors: Tom Juul Andersen, Bo Boye
  • Patent number: 8172160
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising a rotary body (1) made of a fibrous or porous material, means for rotating (3, 4) said body (1) and means for inputting liquid (10, 11) contacting said body (1), so as to subject said liquid to the dispersing action of forces at the liquid/solid interface, and to rotate the body (1) so as to subject the comminuted liquid to a centrifugal force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventors: François Simon, Sandre Simon
  • Publication number: 20120104113
    Abstract: The dispensing device provides dispensable material in a closable container in concert with a corresponding accessory so that the container and the accessory can be commonly stored when not in use, and further provides a ventilated storage volume within the device that can facilitate drying and aerating the accessory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: DIGITAL INNOVATIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Tony Abfall, Kara Lineal, Paul Holbrook
  • Patent number: 8157188
    Abstract: A container for a volatile liquid in a liquid dispensing device comprises a body and a neck extending from the body to define an opening. A retention structure is integral with the container body and is adapted to be releasably engaged with two opposing sidewalls of a housing of the dispensing device. The sidewalls are spaced apart in a first direction, and the retention structure is inhibits motion of the container in two opposing directions generally transverse to the first direction. The retention structure may be located on a side of the container body. A capillary member extends from inside the container to an exterior of the container. The volatile liquid migrates along the capillary member from the reservoir to the exterior of the container where it is evaporated from the surface of the capillary member by forced airflow generated by a motorized fan mounted in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyler D. Duston, Kishen Gohil, Colin W. Brown, Guy Naish, Mary Beth Adams, Ann E. Weeks
  • Patent number: 8141795
    Abstract: A method for delivering an aerosol, especially an aromatic aerosol, comprising the steps of contacting a capillary wick, comprising an EHD comminution site, with a liquid source, whereby at least a portion of the liquid transports to the EHD comminution site; applying a voltage to the liquid within the capillary wick at a location spaced apart from the liquid source and proximate the EHD comminution site; and applying a ground reference at a location external to the EHD comminution site, wherein at least a portion of the liquid EHD comminutes to form a spray having a generally-consistent flowrate and a device therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: James E. Dvorsky, Beverly A. Piatt
  • Patent number: 8133434
    Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention includes at least one reservoir with a delivery mechanism in communication therewith. The delivery mechanism draws an air treatment material from the reservoir and provides the air treatment material in response to a decreased level of active air treatment material or the detection of a malodor. Additionally, the delivery mechanism includes a control system and a detection system. The control system activates the detection system at a timed interval or in response to a change in one or more ambient conditions (e.g., motion, temperature, light, humidity, etc.). Once activated, the detection system samples the environment for either the level of active air treatment material or the quality of the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: The Dial Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Bankers, Sanam Nassirpour, Kevin Hafer
  • Patent number: 8047453
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention include an air freshener device that emits fragrance through the evaporation of a fragrance-containing fluid comprising: a container, comprising a particular volume of the fragrance-containing fluid; a wick disposed partially in, and partially out of the fragrance-containing fluid, the wick having an immersion section immersed in the fluid so as to displace a displacement volume of fluid and a non-immersion section extending outward from a surface of the fluid, the immersion and non-immersion section being disposed on opposite lateral ends of the wick; the wick further comprising a displacement portion and a wicking portion, the displacement portion being configured to displace a desired first volume of fluid, the wicking portion being configured to wick a second volume of fluid; the displacement portion and the wicking portion designed to achieve a desired ratio between the displaced first volume of fluid and the wicked second volume of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Filtrona Porous Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Bennett C. Ward, Wolfgang Broosch, Bernhard Kutscha
  • Patent number: 7997508
    Abstract: A spill-proof aerator is disclosed that is adapted to flamelessly diffuse a liquid solution into the atmosphere. The device comprises a liquid solution having less than 20% volatile organic compounds housed in a vessel with at least one wall, wherein an opening is disposed in the wall. The device further includes a wick assembly including at least a wick of porous material capable of being disposed in the opening of the vessel for at least partial submergence in the liquid solution. The wick is further disposed for drawing up the liquid solution thorough capillary action. The wick assembly is reusable and adapted to removably seal the opening in the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Le Cherche Midi
    Inventors: Nathan Motylinski, Ali Alexandre Mehfar
  • Publication number: 20110121095
    Abstract: A fluid spray dispenser (2) having a fluid reservoir (20) for holding a fluid to be dispensed, a spray head (23) for dispensing the fluid and a porous medium (24) through which the fluid passes from the reservoir (20) to the spray head (23). The porous medium (24) has an effective pore size and/or permeability that decreases towards the spray head (23). Means and methods of creating the pore size and/or permeability gradients are discussed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Daniel Crichton, Richard Wilhelm Janse Van Rensberg
  • Patent number: 7891580
    Abstract: A high volume piezoelectric atomizer for use with common consumer spray products is disclosed. The piezoelectric atomizer may include an actuator, a substrate and a supply of a liquid product to be dispensed. The substrate may include a plurality of tapered perforations in direct contact with the supply of a liquid product. A control circuit vibrates the actuator, substrate and its tapered perforations against the supply at velocities of at least 500 mm/s. Droplets are dispensed at a delivery rate of approximately 0.2 g/s resulting in plumes of at least 2 feet in length resulting in a Valpey factor of at least 51.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard S. Valpey, III, Wenlu Gu, Thomas A. Helf, Thomas P. Blandino
  • Patent number: 7883028
    Abstract: A device adapted to provide volatile liquid material to an atmosphere, comprising a reservoir containing volatile liquid material, a rod-like transfer member extending therefrom and adapted to transfer liquid from the reservoir, and at least one diffusion surface adapted to receive the liquid from the transfer member and facilitate its evaporation into the atmosphere, the diffusion surface extending essentially laterally from the transfer member and comprising at least one non-integral, non-porous sheet bearing a surface capillarity, which sheet has an extent and a capillarity sufficient to allow an appropriate evaporation. The device is cheap and easy to construct, versatile and diffuses odor without major changes of the odor over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Givaudan SA
    Inventors: Thomas McGee, Richard P. Sgaramella, Colin Brown, Guy Edward Naish, Kishen Gohil
  • Publication number: 20100314460
    Abstract: A method for delivering an aerosol, especially an aromatic aerosol, comprising the steps of contacting a capillary wick, comprising an EHD comminution site, with a liquid source, whereby at least a portion of the liquid transports to the EHD comminution site; applying a voltage to the liquid within the capillary wick at a location spaced apart from the liquid source and proximate the EHD comminution site; and applying a ground reference at a location external to the EHD comminution site, wherein at least a portion of the liquid EHD comminutes to form a spray having a generally-consistent flowrate and a device therefor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventors: James E. Dvorsky, Beverly A. Piatt
  • Patent number: 7819336
    Abstract: A fragrance is held in one or more layers of a three-layer liquid mixture. The three layers are mutually immiscible to form an aesthetically pleasing effect while the specific gravities of the layers are adjusted so as to provide for their transfer to the atmosphere via a simple wick. Such adjustment is determined as a function of the wicking material that is used. The formulation of the mixture involves the combination of two mutually immiscible non-aqueous components that are temporarily rendered miscible during the formulation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Latitudes International
    Inventor: Ron Newman
  • Patent number: 7798422
    Abstract: A cedar oil evaporator includes: a housing having openings therein for ventilation of air; a reservoir within the housing containing cedar oil; and a carrier for wicking away the cedar oil from the reservoir for dispersing cedar oil via air that passes through the housing. Each carrier is a length of cotton twine having a diameter of one-sixteenth of an inch or smaller and a length of twelve and one-half feet or longer. The housing includes a door movable about a hinge between a first position, wherein the reservoir is accessible for removal from the housing; and a second position, wherein the reservoir is inaccessible for removal. An extent of the carrier that is received within the reservoir for immersion in the cedar oil preferably represents 10% or less of the overall length of the carrier, the remainder being randomly exposed within the interior space of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Ruben E. Trevino
  • Patent number: 7798420
    Abstract: A method for delivering an aerosol, especially an aromatic aerosol, comprising the steps of contacting a capillary wick, comprising an EHD comminution site, with a liquid source, whereby at least a portion of the liquid transports to the EHD comminution site; applying a voltage to the liquid within the capillary wick at a location spaced apart from the liquid source and proximate the EHD comminution site; and applying a ground reference at a location external to the EHD comminution site, wherein at least a portion of the liquid EHD comminutes to form a spray having a generally-consistent flowrate and a device therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: James J. Lind, Beverly A. Piatt, James E. Dvorsky, Brian Graham
  • Patent number: 7785699
    Abstract: A protective covering constructed from an electrostatically charged sheet having a top and bottom surface and an absorbent layer. The absorbent layer has top and bottom surfaces, the bottom surface of the absorbent layer being bonded to the top surface of the electrostatically charged sheet. The absorbent layer is divided into a plurality of cells for containing liquid spilled on the absorbent layer. The absorbent layer can be constructed from paper, open cell foam, fibrous mat, or any other absorbent material. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cells are constructed by providing hydrophobic barriers in the absorbent layer. The barriers can be constructed from paraffin, plastic, or any other material that can penetrate the absorbent layer. In one embodiment of the present invention, a hydrophobic layer is bonded to the top surface of the absorbent layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Calvin B. Ward
  • Publication number: 20100213276
    Abstract: The dispensing device provides dispensable material in a closable container in concert with a corresponding accessory so that the container and the accessory can be commonly stored when not in use, and further provides a ventilated storage volume within the device that can facilitate drying and aerating the accessory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Tony Abfall, Kara Lineal, Paul Holbrook
  • Patent number: 7766255
    Abstract: A system and method for applying an aqueous pesticide solution comprising a motor and a pump combination wherein the pump is operable in the 1000-3000 pounds per square inch range; a reservoir for holding the solution to be dispersed; a regulator and pressure monitoring gauge; a hose and nozzle system configured to disperse the pesticide solution at a rate of about 1.5 to about 2.5 gallons per minute and to atomize the solution being dispersed into droplets of between 1 to 30 microns, wherein an adhesion property of the dispersed aqueous pesticide solution is significantly enhanced by such configuration, and wherein the solution is hydro-kinetically charged when released from its hydrostatic state as the solution flows through the dispersion nozzle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Gordon Laboratories, Inc
    Inventor: Glenn Gordon
  • Patent number: 7731102
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention include an air freshener device that emits fragrance through the evaporation of a fragrance-containing fluid comprising: a container, comprising a particular volume of the fragrance-containing fluid; a wick disposed partially in, and partially out of the fragrance-containing fluid, the wick having an immersion section immersed in the fluid so as to displace a displacement volume of fluid and a non-immersion section extending outward from a surface of the fluid, the immersion and non-immersion section being disposed on opposite lateral ends of the wick; the wick further comprising a displacement portion and a wicking portion, the displacement portion being configured to displace a desired first volume of fluid, the wicking portion being configured to wick a second volume of fluid; the displacement portion and the wicking portion designed to achieve a desired ratio between the displaced first volume of fluid and the wicked second volume of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Filtrona Richmond, Inc.
    Inventors: Bennett C. Ward, Wolfgang Broosch, Bernhard Kutscha