Abstract: A diffusion device includes a housing having a battery disposed therein and adapted to receive a replaceable fluid reservoir for holding a fluid, wherein the fluid reservoir includes a wick for movement of the fluid to a discharge end thereof. The diffusion device further includes a piezoelectric element energized by a power source for vibrating a perforated orifice plate disposed adjacent the discharge end of the wick, wherein the piezoelectric element develops vibratory movement to pump the fluid from the discharge end through the perforated discharge plate and into the atmosphere. A control circuit and light emitting diode (“LED”) are disposed in the housing, wherein the control circuit energizes the LED at a particular frequency when the dispenser is active and a voltage developed by the battery is above a threshold voltage.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a volatile substance includes an electromechanical dispenser attached to a pivot arm, and a cartridge for holding a plurality of reservoirs each containing a volatile substance. The cartridge is rotatable such that any one of the reservoirs can be positioned in an engagement position, in which the volatile substance can be dispensed. The cartridge has a cam feature consisting of a contoured circumferential surface that alternately rises and falls. The pivot arm operates in tandem with the cam feature such that, when the cartridge is rotated, the dispenser alternately engages and disengages from successive reservoirs, and remains out of the path of motion traversed by the reservoirs as the cartridge rotates from one engagement position to a subsequent engagement position. The electromechanical dispenser may be a piezoelectrically actuated vibratory type liquid atomization apparatus, and the volatile substance may be a fragrance.

Abstract: A diffusion device includes a housing having a battery disposed therein and adapted to receive a replaceable fluid reservoir for holding a fluid, wherein the fluid reservoir includes a wick for movement of the fluid to a discharge end thereof. The diffusion device further includes a piezoelectric element energized by a power source for vibrating a perforated orifice plate disposed adjacent the discharge end of the wick, wherein the piezoelectric element develops vibratory movement to pump the fluid from the discharge end through the perforated discharge plate and into the atmosphere. A control circuit and light emitting diode (“LED”) are disposed in the housing, wherein the control circuit energizes the LED at a particular frequency when the dispenser is active and a voltage developed by the battery is above a threshold voltage.

Abstract: A battery powered diffusion device includes a housing having an internal power supply and adapted to receive a replaceable fluid container for holding a fluid, the fluid container including a wick for movement of fluid to a discharge end thereof. The diffusion device further includes a piezoelectric element that is energized by a battery to vibrate a perforated orifice plate disposed adjacent the discharge end of the wick. The piezoelectric element provides sufficient vibratory movement in a dispensing state to pump the fluid from the discharge end through the orifice place and into the atmosphere as aerosolized particles. Diameters of perforations extending through the orifice plate are between about 4.63 microns and about 5.22 microns.

Abstract: A wick assembly is provided for use in a dispensing device that dispenses volatile material from a wick by heat. Two wick sections of differing material are provided in stacked fashion, with a coupler sleeve that can be used to facilitate attachment of the wick structure to a reservoir. One wick section preferably provides control over the rate of dispensing, where the other provides improved thermal resistance and resistance to clogging.

Abstract: Methods and devices for emitting volatile materials are disclosed. In some embodiments, methods and devices for emitting two or more fragrance compositions are disclosed. In one non-limiting embodiment of a device, the device has a housing, and the housing is supported on an electrical outlet by a plug at least indirectly joined to the housing. The device contains a first volatile composition and a second volatile composition. The first volatile composition is emitted in an alternating period relative to said second volatile composition. In one embodiment of the method, the volatile compositions are alternately emitted during periods that are greater than 15 minutes and less than 2 hours.

Abstract: A hand operated flexible bulb for use with a liquid dipensing apparatus 5, the bulb comprises an open ended neck 2 which is securable in an air tight manner to a liquid dispensing apparatus. The flexible bulb is provided with an air inlet 6 separate from the open ended neck, the air inlet having a valve 7 associated therewith such that on application of hand pressure to the bulb, the valve closes to force air through the open ended neck and on release of pressure, the valve opens drawing air into the inlet.

Abstract: Methods and devices for repelling insects are disclosed. The methods and devices provide personal protection from insect bites and insect landings, particularly mosquito bites. The methods and devices employ insect repellents such as pyrethroids at low (parts per billion) levels. The methods and devices effectively minimize the number of mosquitoes landing on a subject properly using the devices.

Abstract: An emanator for emanating a composition into its surroundings, the emanator comprising: a container for containing a volatile liquid comprising a composition to be emanated; an emanation surface from which the volatile liquid evaporates; a wick for transporting the volatile liquid from the container to the emanation surface, characterized in that the transport of the liquid through both the wick and the emanator occurs at the surface of both the wick and the emanator and in that transport of the liquid through the wick occurs only at the surface of the wick by capillary action. In a preferred embodiment the wick and the emanation system are integrally formed from a material formed with microgrooves.

Abstract: A device for dispensing scent onto the ground from behind the ankle of a user during walking to attract animals. The device is comprised of a flat, rectangular body having first and second opposed sidewalls; a flexible cord; and a scent source. The body contains an aperture at a first end and a slit at a second opposed end. The slit provides access to a pocket enclosed by the sidewalls of the body. During use, the cord is inserted through the aperture of the body and detachably secured around the ankle area of a user. The scent source is located in the slit and pocket of the body. As the user walks, the body makes contact with the ground and the scent source, maintained in close proximity to the ground surface, dispenses animal scent attractant to the ground from behind the ankle area of the user.

Abstract: An item of jewelry is provided to receive a fragrance composition. The jewelry piece includes a securement member, a setting, and a piece of porous material. The securement member supports the setting and enables the jewelry item to be worn by the person in the manner in which it is intended. In some embodiments, the setting supports the piece of porous material relative to the securement member such that ambient air may flow between it and the securement member, maximizing the exposed surface area of the porous material. The porous material is a ceramic that contains sintered aluminum oxide and receives a liquid fragrance producing composition such as perfume or cologne. A method for applying the fragrance to the piece of porous material is also provided and includes the step of washing the porous material with a solvent suitable to diffuse the carrier liquid of the fragrance producing composition.

Abstract: A replacement reservoir assembly (30) for an atomizing device (20), which uses a vibratable orifice plate (37) for atomizing liquid, includes a container (31), which contains a liquid to be atomized, and an elongated wick (56) having a lower end which is immersed in the liquid within the container (31) and an upper end located above the container (31). The wick (56) includes a dimensionally stable material having capillary passages for drawing liquid out of the container (31) to the upper end of the wick (56), which is outside the container (31). The upper end of the wick (56) has at least one surface that is configured to provide an unobstructed passage to the atmosphere from a region between a top surface of the wick (56) and a facing surface of the vibratable orifice plate (37) when the replacement reservoir is positioned in the atomizing device (20).

Abstract: Methods and devices for repelling insects are disclosed. The methods and devices provide personal protection from insect bites and insect landings, particularly mosquito bites. The methods and devices employ insect repellents such as pyrethroids at low (parts per billion) levels. The methods and devices effectively minimize the number of mosquitoes landing on a subject properly using the devices.

Abstract: Hand-held dispensing devices for dispensing and applying a substance to the skin of a host are described. The devices include a hollow body, a capsule mounted within the hollow body for containing the substance, a nozzle mounted within the hollow body communicating with the substance in the capsule, an actuator to cause metered quantities of the substance to be dispensed from the capsule through the nozzle, a shroud defining an exit space for receiving the substance emerging from the nozzle, and a cap detachably mounted on the shroud to selectively open and close the nozzle and thereby control escape of the substance from the capsule.

Abstract: It is the matter of a perfuming device for vehicles to be put, through a suitable fork, on the tabs of the air grille. To always maintain the perpendicularity, the fork can take, by rotating on itself, eight different positions. The bottle of the perfumed essence is housed into a shell which is hermetically closed in its lower part and apt to contain any possible dripping from the wick. Bottle and shell, together, form the disposable recharge, without the hands come into direct contact with any essence leakage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid product dispenser having a reservoir (1) containing a fluid product and a gas, and having an opening (15), a bottom (13), and an actuation wall (11) that is movable to reduce the volume of the reservoir. The dispenser also has a dispensing orifice (22), a plunger tube (4) that extends into the reservoir, and a porous material part (3) that absorbs fluid product by capillary action, and which is placed between the plunger tube and the dispensing orifice (22). The porous material part has a discharge end (31) located in the immediate vicinity of the dispensing orifice (22).

Abstract: A fragrance delivery system has an enclosure having a base and a top surface with a sheet dispensing outlet, a plurality of absorbent sheets disposed within the enclosure and configured for successive exposure of a portion of a sheet from the sheet dispensing outlet when a previous sheet is completely withdrawn from the enclosure. The fragrance delivery system also includes a quantity of fragrance solution within the enclosure and disposed about the plurality of sheets. The fragrance solution is formulated to vaporize into the air from the exposed portion of the sheet and the sheet dispensing outlet is sized to permit wicking of the fragrance solution up along the exposed portion of the sheet.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a fluid product distributor comprising a reservoir of fluid product (1), a distribution outlet, a distribution system (2) for distributing fluid product through the distribution outlet, and an activating button (3) to activate the means of distribution. The distribution further comprises a visible reservoir the distribution outlet and the activating button (3) being located on either side of the reservoir (1), such that the reservoir visibly extends between the distribution outlet and the activating button.

Abstract: A dispensing system for a volatile liquid, comprises a motorized fan adapted to generate an air stream and a capillary member having a body, in which a portion of the body is positioned within the air stream when the fan is activated. The portion of the body of the capillary member is impervious to passage of the air stream through the body in a direction of the air stream. The portion of the body is positioned in the air stream such that the air stream passes unobstructed over opposing surfaces of the capillary member aligned generally transverse to the direction of the air stream.

Abstract: A combustion exhaler for the vaporization of an insecticide or perfumed substance, comprises a housing (1, 2) having intake and exit vents (4), and a solid porous combustible element (6, 9) impregnated with said substance, placed inside said housing between said intake and exit vents, and fixed onto appropriate support means. The combustible element shows a high ratio between the mass of the active substance and the mass of the combustible element and, in one embodiment, a low mass/length ratio.

Abstract: A unit (1) for the transfer and distribution of a liquid (27) using capillary action has an elongated shaft (2) and a screen (3) The shaft (2) includes a first capillary medium (4) suitable for drawing the liquid (27) from a reservoir (26) into the shaft (2) when a bottom portion (20) of the shaft (2) is disposed in the liquid. The screen (3) is connected to the shaft (2) and includes a second capillary medium (5) suitable for receiving the liquid (27) drawn by the first capillary medium (4) and distributing it over at least a major part of the screen (3) where it evaporates.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser for dispensing fluid in liquid or powder form, the fluid dispenser comprising a reservoir (17) provided with at least one deformable actuating wall (2) and with a dispensing orifice (14), said fluid dispenser being characterized in that it further comprises a body (1) defining a frame (10) having a thickness defined to determine a defined inscribed volume (Vi), said actuating wall (2) extending over said frame (10) and being deformable so as to reduce the volume of the reservoir and so as to penetrate into the inscribed volume.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser for dispensing a fluid in the form of a powder, said fluid dispenser comprising a fluid reservoir (23) provided with a movable actuating wall (22) and with a spraying orifice (53), the reservoir containing a piece of porous material (4) suitable for being impregnated with gas and with the fluid in powder form, said fluid dispenser being characterized in that the porous material occupies the major part of the volume of the reservoir.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser for dispensing fluid in liquid or powder form, the fluid dispenser comprising a fluid reservoir (30) of variable volume, said reservoir defining at least one movable wall (31, 32) that can be moved to vary the volume of the reservoir, the dispenser further comprising a dispensing orifice (311) in communication with the reservoir so that fluid from the reservoir can be delivered through the dispensing orifice when the volume of the reservoir is reduced;

Abstract: A small, substantially flat, envelope-shaped scent dispensing packet contains a porous, absorbent scent emitting material which retains a desired scent or fragrance. Compressing the packet forces scent-laden air within the packet through an opening in the packet, thereby delivering the scent to a user.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser characterized in that it comprises:

Abstract: A spray-drawing apparatus includes a tubular body and a cover. The tubular body is integrally formed with a liquid-storage chamber for storing liquid and an air supply chamber for acting as a passageway, wherein an air vent is formed on the tubular body. A writing element communicates with the liquid-storage chamber and absorbs the liquid, such that a user can write with the writing element. The cover is detachably coupled to the tubular body and is formed with an opening and a seal portion. By this arrangement, the liquid stored in the liquid-storage chamber can be sprayed from the opening by means of airflow from a user. And the writing element can be sealed by the seal portion when the apparatus is not in use.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a fluid product includes a reservoir configured to contain a fluid product and a spray orifice associated with the reservoir. The reservoir may include at least one actuating zone having a predetermined threshold resistance to deformation. The actuating zone may be configured to deform in response to pressure exerted on the actuating zone so as to cause the product to be sprayed out from the orifice. When pressure exerted on the actuating zone is less than a threshold pressure Ps sufficient to overcome the predetermined threshold resistance to deformation of the actuating zone, substantially no portion of the product is sprayed from the spray orifice. Actuating zone deformation resulting from exertion of at least the threshold pressure Ps on the actuating zone may persist when the pressure exerted ceases.

Abstract: A unit (1) for the transfer and distribution of the liquid (27) using capillary action has an elongated shaft (2) and a screen (3). The shaft (2) includes a first capillary medium (4) suitable for drawing the liquid (27) from a reservoir (26) into the shaft (2) when a bottom portion (20) of the shaft (2) is disposed in the liquid. The screen (3) is connected to the shaft (2) and includes a second capillary medium (5) suitable for receiving the liquid (27) drawn by the first capillary medium (4) and distributing it over at least a major part of the screen (3) where it evaporates.

Abstract: A dispenser device is provided for dispensing a fluid substance in spray form. The dispenser device comprising a reservoir containing the fluid to be dispensed and a spray orifice. The reservoir includes at least one actuating wall that can be deformed by applying a pressing force.

Abstract: A bottle assembly is provided. The bottle assembly includes a bottle having a neck with a neck passage disposed therethrough, and a wick holder assembly disposed in the neck passage and having a wick holder passage disposed therethrough. The wick holder assembly includes at least two fingers, each of the fingers having an inner surface that defines part of the wick holder passage and an outer surface, and a clip disposed abutting the outer surfaces of the at least two fingers. The bottle assembly also includes a wick disposed in the wick holder passage with at least a part of the wick between the at least two fingers. The wick has an outer surface that abuts the inner surface of the wick holder passage with the clip disposed abutting the outer surfaces of the at least two fingers.

Abstract: A fluid product sample is provided in the form of a substantially flat dispenser. A preferred embodiment includes (1) at least one thermoformed shell forming part of a reservoir and defining a deformable actuation wall; (2) an additional element, such as a capsule-forming substrate or film or a thermoformed shell for finishing off the reservoir, with the reservoir formed in this way containing at least a gas; (3) a spray orifice through which the fluid is sprayed; (4) a porous material piece which is capable of retaining a quantity of fluid and which is disposed upstream from the spray orifice; and (5) a support member fixed to the thermoformed shell to hold the porous material piece in place. The spray orifice is formed by the support member.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser, including a fluid reservoir formed with an opening, the reservoir including a deformable flexible pouch in which the fluid is stored at a pressure substantially equal to or slightly lower than atmospheric pressure; a fluid dispensing system including a dispensing outlet; and a feed duct connecting the opening of the reservoir to the dispensing system; and wherein the flexible pouch contains a piece of porous material.

Abstract: A showerhead according to the present invention includes a housing, a baffle located within the housing, a fluid-permeable absorbent element, and a fluid distribution element. The baffle and the upper lid of the housing define a fluid chamber that receives fluid from a fluid inlet. The fluid flows through seep holes in the baffle and into a second fluid chamber that contains the absorbent element. The fluid distribution element encloses the absorbent element within the second fluid chamber. The fluid distribution element includes a plurality of holes and a plurality of protrusions configured to release fluid from the second fluid chamber.

Abstract: A dispenser device for dispensing a fluid substance in spray form, said device comprising a reservoir (13) containing the fluid substance to be dispensed, and a spray orifice (16), said reservoir (13) including at least one actuating wall (131) that can be deformed by applying a pressing force (F) so as to reduce the internal volume of the reservoir (13) and thus to exert a pressure on the fluid substance so as to deliver it through the spray orifice (16), said dispenser device being characterized in that said at least one actuating wall (131) has a predetermined threshold of resistance to deformation that must be overcome in order to deform it.

Abstract: A dispenser device is provided for dispensing a fluid substance in spray form. The dispenser device comprises a reservoir containing the fluid to be dispensed and a spray orifice. The reservoir includes at least one actuating wall that can be deformed by applying a pressing force.

Abstract: There is described, in conjunction with a vibrating orifice plate type atomizing dispenser, a refill reservoir which has a wick mounted in a unitary wickholder to provide precise locating of the wick in relation to the vibrating orifice plate in the dispenser. There are also described a novel reservoir overcap and wickholder construction in which mating tubular surfaces on these elements telescope together to ensure a good liquid seal without interfering with the wick. There is also described a novel camming arrangement which enables the overcap to be removed easily from the reservoir.

Abstract: There is described a battery driven atomizer in which an alternating voltage is applied to a piezoelectric actuation element to cause it to expand and contract and vibrate an atomizing membrane. The alternating voltage is controlled to produce a high amplitude vibration during a first portion of a drive period, to initiate atomization, and thereafter to produce a lower amplitude vibration to sustain atomization during the remainder of the drive period. The frequency of the alternating voltage is swept repeatedly during each drive period.

Abstract: Methods and devices for repelling insects are disclosed. The methods and devices provide personal protection from insect bites and insect landings, particularly mosquito bites. The methods and devices employ insect repellents such as pyrethroids at low (parts per billion) levels. The methods and devices effectively minimize the number of mosquitoes landing on a subject properly using the devices.

Abstract: Liquid dispensing apparatus comprises a tubular casing having at one of its ends a mouthpiece and an elongate cap, and at the other of its ends a nozzle having an orifice in communication with an expansion chamber bounded by sides which diverge away from the orifice. A liquid source including an elongate body and an absorbent nib (e.g. a felt-tipped pen) is located within the casing with side surfaces of the pen body spaced from internal was surfaces of the casing to define an air flow passageway therebetween. First and second stop means are provided within the casing against the first of which a surface of the elongate body can abut to position the nib of the liquid source within or in close proximity to the nozzle orifice, and against the second of which a rearward end of the elongate body can abut to position the nib of the liquid source in a relatively airtight manner into one end of the elongate cap. The other end of the elongate cap is closed.

Abstract: Liquid dispensing apparatus comprises a tubular casing having at one other end an inlet nozzle connectable to a source of gas under pressure and at its end an outlet nozzle having an orifice in communication with an expansion chamber bounded by sides which diverge away from or converge towards the orifice. The liquid dispensing apparatus containing a pen-like liquid source having an absorbent nib at least partially within the casing with the nib within or in close proximity to the nozzle orifice. The pen-like source may comprise a felt-tipped pen.

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: Apparatus for dispensing a fine spray of liquid particles comprises a hollow tubular casing (1) whose internal cross section is formed with at least one abutment surface. A tubular liquid source (2) is positioned within the casing (1) with the abutment surface in close contact with the outer surface of the source to provide support thereto. The casing (1) includes a passageway for the flow of air from a mouthpiece (3) positioned at one end of the casing (1) to a nozzle (9) positioned at the other end of the casing (1) into which the discharge end of the liquid source protrudes. The liquid source may comprise a pen formed with a nib (14) of absorbent material.

Abstract: A pump spray dispenser is provided with a squeezable container normally biased to an expanded condition and defining a gas discharge opening. A housing is connected to the container. In one embodiment of the dispenser, a mixing chamber is defined in a housing and communicates with the container. A cartridge holder is defined by the housing for receiving a cartridge that contains a fluid product and that has an openable seal. A fluid product transfer passage establishes communication between the mixing chamber and cartridge when the seal is opened. A spray dispensing orifice is defined in the housing for discharging a spray mixture of the fluid product and gas from the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A deodorizer container including a casing, an inner container fitted into the casing and designed for receiving liquid deodorizer, the inner container being provided with a spray nozzle at a top thereof, and an evaporation controller including an outer tube and an inner tube rotatably fitted into the outer tube, the outer tube being formed with a plurality of perforations, the outer tube being provided at an end with a cylindrical portion communicated with the outer tube through a slot, the cylindrical portion being adapted to receive the spray nozzle of the inner container, whereby the evaporation rate of the liquid deodorizer in the deodorizer container can be controlled as desired.

Abstract: A two-piece tool inter-connected by a flexible soap water tube (12) which will perform a quick and clean car wash, void of soap film or streaks. The user simply rinses off the loose dirt and cools down the hot metal surface of a section of the car with one piece of the tool held in one hand (FIG. 18), and then washes with the other piece of the tool held in the other hand. The user again rinses with the other tool in the opposite hand to remove the soap before it dries leaving a soap film or streaks. This process is repeated until the last section of the car is completed. The user can expect about five car washes from one ounce of liquid soap before refilling and will find easy control of the rinse water flow rate and pattern whereby conserving soap and water.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a fine spray of liquid particles comprises a manually operated pump connected to supply air under pressure directly to a nozzle so positioned that air leaving the nozzle is directed onto and over the nib of a pen releasably supported within a holder with the pen nib in close proximity with the nozzle outlet to cause liquid from the pen to be dispensed as a fine particulate spray in air.

Abstract: An air brush set including an air brush handle having a nozzle, a tank in communication with the handle, a pump in communication with the tank which is capable of increasing the pressure of gas within the tank and an ink source having a felt tip adapted to act in communication with the air brush nozzle.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser suitable for metering fertilizer concentrate into a lawn irrigation system has a canister coupled to a main stream water passage by a cotton wick which passes through an aperture between the canister and the passage. A relief hole permits pressure equalization between the canister and the passage. Very low feed rates are possible without danger of clogging by dirt.

Abstract: A device (10) for use in eliminating malodorous smells from a confined area. The device (10) includes a housing (12) defined by a side-wall (14) and walls (18, 22) closing opposite axial ends (16, 24) thereof. A reservoir (20) is defined within the housing (12) within an annular, interior wall (32). An annular space (38) is defined, thereby, between the interior wall (32) and the side-wall (14) of the housing (12). A porous insert (62) formed of fibrous material is received within the annular space (38). An annular ring of wicking material (64) encircles the insert (62), and a plurality of angularly-spaced, radially-extending spoke-like wicks (68) extend from the reservoir (20) to the ring wicking material (64). Liquid neutralizing agent (34) in the reservoir (20) is conducted from the reservoir (20), through the spoke-like wicks (68) to the ring wicking material (64), and, in turn, to the porous insert (62).