Abstract: A system for converting a ceiling fan having blades into an air cleaning and air freshening device which fit snugly over the blades of a ceiling fan, their shape conforming to that of the blade structured and arranged to disperse a fresh and pleasing scent into a room with the fan in motion, and attract and capture dust and other allergens, while facilitating the cleaning of the fan blades when removed.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a volatile material in a continuous manner is disclosed. The apparatus includes a delivery engine having a reservoir for containing a volatile material; a rupturable substrate secured to the reservoir; a rupture element positioned adjacent to the rupturable substrate; and a breathable membrane enclosing the reservoir, rupturable substrate and rupture element.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a volatile material in a continuous manner is disclosed. The apparatus includes a delivery engine having a reservoir for containing a volatile material; a rupturable substrate secured to the reservoir; a rupture element positioned adjacent to the rupturable substrate; and a breathable membrane enclosing the reservoir, rupturable substrate and rupture element. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a housing having a notch for compressing the rupture element and breaching the rupturable substrate as it is inserted into the housing.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a housing having a cavity. A container is provided within the cavity and includes a volatile material therein. The dispenser further includes a resistive heating wire. The container is in thermal communication with at least a portion of the resistive heating wire.

Abstract: A controlled diffuser device can include a cover, a louver panel, a substrate member, and a base is disclosed. A cover and a base can be configured to affix to each other to sandwich a substrate member and a louver panel while enabling a substrate member and louver panel to slidably engage a base upper surface. A substrate member may comprise a material that changes in a physical dimension as it diffuses aromatic components. Because of static securement and slidable engagement configurations, a louver panel operatively shutters apertures of a cover to selectively moderate varying degrees of exposure of a substrate member as a substrate member changes in a physical dimension. Other embodiments may include a base configured to receive a substrate member and have a cover placed over top. As the substrate changed in physical dimension, the cover can be caused to move relative to the base.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to volatile substance evaporators having a container with wick, and has the object of providing a technique for effectively detecting end-of-life of the volatile substance housed within the container. The volatile substance evaporator is configured for coupling to, and maintaining in a stable position, a container of volatile substance having a wick with a lower end housed within said container and an upper end emerging from the container. The evaporator comprises an infrared light emitter disposed so as to emit a beam of light on said upper end of the wick, in such a manner that a receptor is disposed so as to capture said beam of light reflected by the upper end of the wick.

Abstract: A fragrance capsule and a diffusing device therefor, the capsule including substrate elements into which a fragrance is adsorbed, a frame, a first grille and a second grille which are fixed in the frame facing one another, each grille having a plurality of bars, where the bars of one and the same grille being spaced apart and the grilles being spaced apart, so that the capsule allows a single layer of substrate elements to be held in the frame and between the grilles and allows air to circulate through the frame around the substrate elements and the bars.

Abstract: A dispensing device for release of an air treatment material includes a semi-permeable substrate having a mesh size between about 15 strands per cm to about 79 strands per cm and a support component for supporting the semi-permeable substrate. The dispensing device releases the air treatment material at a rate of at least about 0.05 mg/hr at about 25° C.

Abstract: An ambient environment modification mechanism such as a scent dispenser (which could also act as a filter) which may comprise a piston and a piston cylinder, receiving the piston, and forming a piston cylinder chamber volume when the piston is moved from an inserted position in the piston cylinder to a withdrawn position in the piston cylinder. The piston may have a hollow interior receiving an ambient air modification material holder, such as a cartridge, containing ambient air modification material. The hollow interior may be in fluid communication with the piston cylinder chamber volume at a first end of the hollow interior. A ventilation opening may be in fluid communication with the hollow interior at a second end of the hollow interior. A piston cylinder chamber volume forming mechanism, such as spring may move the piston relative to the piston cylinder from the inserted position to the withdrawn position.

Abstract: This invention is a humidifier used to increase and maintain the humidity of a musical instrument, such as a guitar. The humidifier is a container made of a water vapor permeable material that contains a water absorbent material such as acrylate polymer. The container is held within the body of the instrument by being mounted onto the strings of the instrument. The container is filled with water by an opening that is sealed with a cap. The water absorbent material can hold water without dripping, but will allow the water to evaporate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are wearable devices for dispensing insect repellents, fragrances, and/or other chemicals along the outside of the clothing of a human, to avoid the need to apply such chemicals directly to clothing or to human's skin. The devices have an on/off switch that automatically controls a shutter which enables and restricts air flow, while also controlling fan operation and covering of a use-up cue. The device also is designed to prevent fan operation when an impregnated slab is not present. Also disclosed are preferred refills for use with such devices.

Abstract: A useful life indicator is provided to display an indication of the remaining useful life of an associated product such as an impregnated substrate of an air treatment chemical dispenser. The cue is preferably a well having a volatile indicator material positioned therein. The well's cavity is configured to achieve clumping of the remaining indicator material as some volatizes due to capillary attraction. This presents a shrinking display that can be coordinated with the level of use of the air treatment chemical dispenser. The cue may also be used in connection with monitoring other products such as perishable products.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for dispensing air treatment chemicals. There is a substrate bearing a first volatile air treatment chemical that is capable of being dispensed from the substrate when the substrate is heated, and an indicator unit holding a volatile indicator chemical separate from the first volatile air treatment chemical such that the volatile indicator chemical is capable of being dispensed from the unit when the unit is heated. The extent of dispensing of the first volatile air treatment chemical can be indicated by a visible cue whose appearance results from the dispensing of the volatile indicator chemical. In one form the unit also holds a second air treatment chemical. In another the indicator unit is a replaceable cartridge positionable more remote from the heater than the substrate.

Abstract: An air freshener with a device configured to maintain an air freshener's ability to disseminate a constant odor to an environment. The device incrementally advances the position of an air freshening composition such that an effective amount to maintain the air freshening odor is consistently exposed to the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A vapor-emitting device according to various embodiments of the invention includes an end of use indicator to visually warn a user that it is nearing the time and/or has reached the time to replace the vapor-emitting device or refill the device. The vapor-emitting device includes a cover that is displaceable relative to a base. A gel material is contained within the base having disposed therein an end of use indicator. The end of use indicator is configured to visually indicate when the gel material evaporates below a pre-determined level.

Abstract: Disclosed are a chemical carrier body capable of volatilizing a chemical stably for an extended period of time, a receptacle for retaining the chemical carrier body, an indicator adapted for displaying a degree of consumption of a chemical contained in the chemical carrier body, and a chemical heating, volatilizing apparatus adapted for heating the chemical carrier body. The chemical carrier body retaining receptacle is provided with at least one vent hole and has its inner surface spaced from the carrier body by a distance of 1 to 10 mm. The indicator has a mark gradually disappearing and a mark gradually appearing with a lapse of time of heating. The chemical heating, volatilizing apparatus has a heater element that is lager in size than the bottom surface of the chemical carrier body retaining receptacle and whose heat releasing surface is inclined at an angle of 0 to 70 degrees with respect to the plane on which the apparatus is placed.

Abstract: A vapor-emitting device according to various embodiments of the invention includes an end of use indicator to visually warn a user that it is nearing the time and/or has reached the time to replace the vapor-emitting device or refill the device. The vapor-emitting device includes a cover that is displaceable relative to a base. A gel material is contained within the base having disposed therein an end of use indicator. The end of use indicator is configured to visually indicate when the gel material evaporates below a pre-determined level.

Abstract: An indicator system with a dispenser providing controlled release of a volatile material contained within a dispenser, which indicates the exhaustion of the volatile material. The dispenser includes a blister that contains a vapor permeable membrane that collapses on a bottom wall due to internal vacuum forces created by the evacuation of volatile material. As the membrane collapses the remaining volatile material migrates to the periphery of the dispenser thereby indicating exhaustion of the volatile material.

Abstract: A universal cartridge that is useable in either a stagnant fluid environment or in a moving fluid environment with the universal cartridge floatable in a stagnant fluid environment and securable in a moving fluid environment with the universal cartridge having an inner housing having a diffusion port and an outer sleeve having a diffusion port with the housing and the sleeve mateable engaged with each other through frictional engagement to inhibit flow therebetween while permitting rotational displacement of the housing with respect to the sleeve to allow one to increase or decrease a dispersant transport area between a zone within the housing to a zone exterior to the housing through aligning a recessed diffusion port of the housing with a diffusion port of the sleeve with the diffusion ports inhibiting fluid flow therethrough but permitting dispersant transfer therethrough.

Abstract: A refill indicator includes an elongated member for removably positioning in a drink container. The elongated member has a first end and a second end. A first color indicia is positioned on an outer surface of the elongated member and generally extends from the first end to a middle of the elongated member. A second color indicia is positioned on an outer surface of the elongated member and generally extending from the second end to a middle of the elongated member. Wherein the first color indicia indicates that a refill is requested while the second color indicia indicates that a refill is not desired.

Abstract: Deodorising-perfuming device applicable to an internal air vent of a vehicle; the device comprises an outer casing having at least one rear inlet aperture, and at least one outlet aperture defining a flow path for an air stream. An open container for a deodorising and/or perfuming gel substance in a solid form, is disposed inside the outer casing; a manually operable control means allows a gradual withdrawal of the deodorising/perfuming gel substance from the inner container for its progressive exposure to the air flow.

Abstract: A visual indicator microporous membrane that provides controlled-release of active ingredients, and prevents formulation leakage for use such as with an insecticidal or fragrance emanator device. During use, the semiporous membrane visually indicates transmission of active ingredient vapor to the consumer. These micropores that are normally opaque become saturated and turn from opaque to clear when in use, and when additional volatile material remains. Upon depletion of the volatile material from the reservoir and subsequently from the membrane, the membrane turns opaque again. In a preferred embodiment, the container comprises a protective shield at least partially covering the porous membrane.

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: Fan blade covers which are particularly useful for covering ceiling fan blades. The covers are easily removed and cleaned providing a safe means for cleaning ceiling fan blades. The covers are provided in numerous colors and decorative patterns allowing the selection of covers which match a room decor. The covers also comprise a balancing arrangement for the fan which includes a pocket positioned on the upper surface of the cover and a dispensing arrangement for dispensing and distributing deodorant throughout a room which includes a vented pocket for receiving a deodorant canister while the vented pocket and canister includes a visual deodorant depletion indicator.

Abstract: An air freshener for motor vehicles, of a type inserted inside an electrical lighter of a vehicle and using current from the electrical lighter, includes a casing for holding an air freshening material of a pastille or gel form therein, the casing having a cover; a main resistor surrounded by the casing and which is electrically activated by the current to generate heat; a printed circuit board with resistors of lower voltage rating than the main resistor and connected to the main resistor; holes in the cover for entry of air; interior projections in the casing for holding the air freshening material; a buzzer placed inside the casing, activated by the current and triggered by a time mechanism corresponding to usage time; two electrical poles for receiving current from the electrical lighter; at least one wire for connecting the two electrical poles with the printed circuit board and/or main resistor; and a light which is illuminated by the current during activation of the main resistor.

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

Abstract: Disclosed is an evaporator for volatile active substances such as insecticides or perfumes. It has a housing containing ports through which the active substance emerges. The housing is made up of at least two housing sections which are movable about a hinge axis. At least one receiving section for an active substance container is provided and includes at least one opening device for opening the container. The operating condition is indicated, and there is a further container holding an indicator fluid which is opened when the evaporator is in use so that the indicator fluid can evaporate over the time period during which the active substance is depleted.

Abstract: A wooden, refillable container having an interior fragrance loading chamber at the base is filled with air freshening oil. A closure is secured to the bottom of the container to hold the oil inside the chamber, to allow removal for charging and recharging, and to protect the surface on which the container is from contact with the oil. The oil migrates through the wood along the capillaries of the wood grain until it reaches the outside wooden surface of the container. After exposure to the open air, the oil vaporizes, thereby releasing the fragrance into the air. The wood acts as a metering device for the gradual release of the air freshening agent. As the oil evaporates, the wooden member loses its luster and lightens in appearance, signaling that more air freshening agent is needed. This change in appearance allows an observer to easily determine whether the chamber needs to be refilled.

Abstract: Described is a dispensing unit of a volatilizable substance capable of visible determination of its extent of use. The unit has a variably located centroid initially positioned proximate the geometric center point of the unit with the centroid moving downward when the unit is in use. As the volatilizable substance evaporates, a weight eccentrically located in the same place as the volatilizable substance angularly rotates about the "z" axis leaving its upper position and finally coming to rest at a lower position when the volatilizable material is used up. At least the final position is rendered visibly detectable by means of a simple sighting mechanism.

Abstract: An air freshener device which indicates when air freshening fragrance formulation contained therein is consumed. The device has a plurality of chambers which contain the same or different fragrance formulations. The inner walls of the chambers are contrastingly colored with respect to the fragrance formulation so that, when the fragrance formulation is consumed, the colored walls are exposed indicating to the user that the formulation within that chamber has been depleted. The multi-chamber feature of the device provides the possibility of multiple fragrance choices and, at the same time, allows for the release of fragrance for an extended period of time.

Abstract: A consumable article for diffusing active volatile substances, in particular perfume, into the ambient atmosphere, the article comprising a support element of shrinkable material, in particular heat shrink material, with the volatile substance being absorbed in the support element. The invention also provides a method of diffusing volatile substances, in particular perfume, by means of an article of this type, and also a device for implementing the method.

Abstract: Time duration indicator systems comprising a porous inert carrier and a volatile liquid, capable of reversibly changing the visual properties of the carrier. Such indicator systems can be used for products having a limited duration of use or life.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a volatile liquid as a vapor includes a porous support of natural or synthetic woven or non-woven fibre, porous glasses, porous plastics (optionally in film form), parchment, leather or rubber provided with an organopolysiloxane material which serves to close the pores of the support to the passage of liquid but permits the passage of vapour from the liquid. The volatile liquid is a perfume, insecticide, insect repellant, insect attractant, higher animal repellant, corrosion inhibitor, a germicidal agent or a medicament. A space treatment vapor emanating device is thus provided the external surface of which device is dry to the touch.

Abstract: A yaw and pitch thrust vectoring exhaust nozzle includes a spherical collar, and two surrounding clam shells hinged to a gimbal ring and pivotal about an axis perpendicular to the clam shell hinge axis. The clam shells define a variable area nozzle throat (42) which can be selectively directed vertically by rotation of the clam shells about the hinge axis (38), or horizontally by rotation of the clam shells and gimbal ring about the pivot axis (30), thereby biasing the nozzle exhaust flow vector. Divergent flaps (44, 46) further direct the exhaust downstream of the nozzle throat (42).

Abstract: An improved odor control device including a source of deodorizing olfactory stimuli, a squirrel cage fan for circulating air carrying the stimuli, an electronic circuit providing a visual indicia relating to the status of the power source. A secondary circuit controls indicia means for indicating the elapse of a predetermined span of time from initilization of control of one such span of time for the purpose of alerting the user to examine and/or replace the olfactory stimuli.

Abstract: An air freshener unit having an impermeable backing sheet that is adherable to a substrate, and a facing sheet laminated to the backing sheet. Trapped between the sheets is a rupturable capsule containing a supply of a volatile fragrance. The facing sheet is formed of microporous, opaque material having good wicking properties. Printed on the rear surface of the facing sheet or on the front surface of the backing sheet is artwork that is normally blocked from view; but when the unit is activated by rupturing the capsule, the released fragrance is absorbed and exuded by the facing sheet which is made wet thereby and rendered translucent. As a result, the artwork becomes visible to a viewer. But when the exuded fragrance approaches exhaustion, the facing sheet, as it dries, reverts to its normal opacity, thereby causing the artwork to fade from view to signal to a user the need for a fresh unit.

Abstract: An air-treating article of the type having an enclosed volatile composition which will permeate through a film to be dispensed to the atmosphere. A grill-like cover member protects the film from human contact and a peelable impermeable strip under the cover member is adhered to the film until it is peeled away by means of a leader. The leader is attached at its proximal end to one end of the strip, overlies the strip under the cover member, and terminates in a gripping end outside the cover member. The strip may be peeled away to expose the film while the cover member remains in place protecting the film. In preferred embodiments the composition is a free liquid, and a use-up indicator is provided.

Abstract: A water treatment container for utilization in a tank of a toilet bowl having an upper chamber through which water may circulate; an intermediate wall separating the upper chamber from a lower chamber, the intermediate wall carrying water treatment material which may be used up and if necessary a ballast material, the lower chamber being sealed to be buoyant. The weight of the water treatment material and, if necessary, the ballast, is such as to hold the container in the tank in an orientation where the air chamber is the lower one standing on the bottom wall of the tank. An additional chamber at the bottom of the container having an opening extending to the bottom wall is provided, said additional chamber carrying a water coloring material.

Abstract: A device for vaporizing a fluid desired to be introduced into the air by forcibly moving air over the surfaces of an absorptive material which has been impregnated with the fluid desired to be distributed. The device comprises a housing adapted to be attached to a wall or other surface and utilizes a liquid material contained within a hollow container which is so positioned within the housing that the liquid flows into a cup-like member within which a layer of the absorptive material is disposed. The cup-like member includes at least one opening over which air is caused to pass and thereby evaporate the liquid from the absorptive material. A battery powered fan is so positioned as to cause the air to flow past the opening in the cup member and thereby evaporate some of the vaporizable fluid. The entire assembly is contained within a housing which has an air inlet and an air plus vapor outlet, and includes means for properly positioning the several elements in the proper relationship.

Abstract: An air treating device in which the exhaustion of the operative fluid is visually signaled by a run-out signal system. The operative fluid and an immiscible signal fluid are held in a reservoir having associated therewith a substrate that selectively first wicks the operative fluid onto the evaporative surface portion of said substrate and, when the operative fluid is substantially depleted, the substrate then transports the signal fluid to the evaporative surface. The signal fluid is of a different hue from the operative fluid to provide an easily observed signal denoting exhaustion of the operative fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for dispensing plant nutriments to a growing medium, such as soil, sand or the like, the apparatus being effective to transfer to the medium over protracted periods of time doses of nutriments at a rate which is a function essentially solely of the amount of water added to the growing medium at each watering. Broadly stated, the invention relates to a container which preferably includes a probe adapted to be inserted sufficiently below the surface of the growing medium to prevent evaporation. The container is sealed except for a dispensing aperture or apertures in the probe of critical size, larger than a capillary. The apparatus is characterized by its being filled with a hydrophilic gel, within which gel there has been dissolved a soluble nutriment component, preferably in saturation quantities. The gel may contain an inert soluble dye to signal the exhaustion of the active products.