With Wick Or Absorbent Means Removing Liquid From Holder Patents (Class 239/44)
  • Patent number: 6631891
    Abstract: Dispensers of volatile liquids have a liquid reservoir (10) feeding a downwardly extending dispersal screen (2) formed by spaced threads or groups of threads (20) down which the liquid (L) flows as it is vaporised the screen having a large thread; void ratio whereby a relatively small quantity of liquid is exposed, so that the liquid on the screen is constantly replaced. In other dispensers utilizing a downwardly extending dispersal screen (30; 42; 82; 110; 120; 160). a capillary wick (38; 52; 94; 140; 172) leads the liquid upwards from a reservoir (34; 50; 92; 136; 166) to produce a syphon effect. The amount of liquid on the screen (160) may be limited by an arrangement (184; 186) for interrupting the syphon flow. The liquid flow to a dispenser screen (42; 82; 110) may also be regulated by taking liquid from a supply container (48; 90; 108) into a reservoir chamber (50; 92; 136) having a constant liquid level, whereby the rate of liquid flow is independent of the level in the supply container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventor: Brian Slade
  • Publication number: 20030180194
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Applicant: De Leuriks B.V.
    Inventor: De Pietri Massimo
  • Patent number: 6619560
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Blyth, Inc.
    Inventor: Yip Po Chun
  • Publication number: 20030168520
    Abstract: An emanator for evaporation of a liquid therefrom is provided. The emanator includes a first material and a second material that is disposed adjacent to the first material. The emanator is configured such that a liquid travels through the emanator at a rate no less than a rate at which it would travel through the first material alone and no less than a rate at which it would travel through the second material alone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Carl Triplett, Kristopher J. Stathakis
  • Publication number: 20030146294
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fragrance emitting apparatus comprising: a container body containing an aqueous solution of a perfume composition; a sucking wick held at an opening part of a top of the container body and for sucking the aqueous solution; and a vaporizing part disposed on a top of the sucking wick and for volatizing the aqueous solution sucked through the sucking wick, wherein a part or all of the vaporizing part is covered with an artificial flower that is made of a fabric, a plastic or a combination thereof and that has an apparent volume of 200 to 1500 cm3. The apparatus is excellent in volatizing capability of perfume composition and usability and has also high interior decorating performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Dainihon Jochugiku Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Minamite, Chie Nakano
  • Publication number: 20030132308
    Abstract: A container (1) for volatile substances which can be evaporated by an evaporation device is disclosed having a container body (2) in which the volatile substances are contained. A container neck (3) extends away from the container body (2) in which a container opening (4) is formed. Furthermore, a wick retaining insert (8) in the form of a cylindrical sleeve is provided that can be placed in the container opening (4) of the container neck (3). There is an insert wick passage (9) for the insertion of the wick (10) having an outside wall (13) which presses, at least partially, against an inside container neck wall (15) in a wick clamping connection when inserted. Wick retention is provided by the insert so that wick (10) is secured from being pulled out of the container (1) when inserted. According to the invention wick (10) can be inserted through wick passage (9) of wick retaining insert (8) when the wick retaining insert is not inserted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: Pedro Queiroz Vieira
  • Publication number: 20030098362
    Abstract: The invention relates to a portable perfume-diffusing bottle, consisting of a cap, a plug, a core pillar, and a bottle, characterized in that a partitioned inwardly depressed serrated ring is situated at a central opening of the plug, and the inwardly depressed teeth has a vertical ventilation passage so that the core pillar passes through the central opening of the plug, and is engaged in position. By means of the crevice passages on the transversal surface of the inner teeth, the perfume in the bottle will be directed to the outside airflow, and the core pillar will absorb the scented liquid and release it to the outside airflow which causes the perfume diffusion to start as it passes smoothly into the outside air and circulates. Such arrangement accomplishes the features of the practical application of circulating the diffused perfume into the air by circulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventor: Tang-Jung Chuang
  • Publication number: 20030094505
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: VALOIS SAS
    Inventors: Gerard Cornet, Firmin Garcia
  • Patent number: 6565012
    Abstract: An air freshener dispenser having a transparent outer container. A detachably mounted top has one or more openings to allow circulation. A detachable insert is suspended in the outer container and thus floats in the outer container above the outer container's bottom. Additional decorative elements may be positioned between the outer container and the insert. An intermediate decorative insert can be removably positioned between the outer container and the transparent or translucent insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: ZaragozaZaragoza, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Zaragoza, Thomas Friedrich
  • Publication number: 20030080197
    Abstract: The invention is a reusable scent lure dispenser. One embodiment can be made of a variety of materials, large enough to throw, comprising two hemispherical body members, each having a planar flange extending along and attached to their outer periphery, a releasable means to couple the body members by their flanges, and a means along the flanges' outer peripheries to form an airtight seal against one another, one body member also having scent openings on its flange within the means to form an airtight seal, and can include a scent carrier disposed within the interior of one of the body members. The lure dispenser can be colored for various appropriate applications. Reflective material may be attached to the exposed surfaces of the hemispherical body members to allow easy retrieval at night. A tab with a mounting hole can allow easy hanging, such as in a tree.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Joseph William Tuomikoski, David Edward Lee, Dale James Syer
  • Publication number: 20030080198
    Abstract: Fluid product dispenser comprising:
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Applicant: VALOIS S.A.S.
    Inventors: Firmin Garcia, Jean-Paul Lecoutre, Alex Millan
  • Patent number: 6553712
    Abstract: An insect bait station is disclosed. The insect bait station includes: a reservoir for holding a liquid bait, the reservoir having a mouth and a closure for sealing the mouth such that the liquid bait is contained in the reservoir; a piercer for opening the closure of the reservoir such that a liquid wicking device positioned in the mouth of the reservoir may transport the liquid bait from the reservoir and through the mouth of the reservoir; and an activation member for moving the piercer into contact with the closure of the reservoir to open the closure, wherein the insect bait station also comprises an insecticide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Amelia H. Majerowski, Brian T. Davis, Thomas Jaworski, Jonathan N. Mandell, Mary Beth Adams, James W. Yonker
  • Patent number: 6555069
    Abstract: An oil lamp emitting a fragrance has a container including a fuel oil and a fragrance and a wick for drawing fuel oil out of the container for burning. A separate ceramic diffuser is positioned adjacent the top of the lamp, near the combustion end of the wick. The ceramic diffuser receives a combination of fuel oil and fragrance and diffuses the fragrance into the air. The diffusion is increased when the lamp is lighted. The lamp provides a scent to the surrounding air which is similar in strength to fragranced wax candles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Bath & Body Works, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 6550689
    Abstract: An animal scent dispensing apparatus and method for dispensing animal scent. The animal scent dispensing apparatus provides for laying a scent trail, while a user is walking to a selected location in order to lure an animal. The animal scent dispensing apparatus provides the capability to refresh the scent trail while walking to the selected location. The animal scent dispensing apparatus includes a staff, a housing unit, a liquid absorbing dragging material and a container of animal scent. The housing unit is attached to the staff. The housing unit provides a chamber for the insertion of the container and for securing the dragging material. The container includes a spraying mechanism to release the scent from the container and onto the dragging material, when pressure is applied downward on the housing unit by the staff. Thereby, providing an easy method of making and refreshing a scent trail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventors: David A. Hoyes, Brock A. Hoyes
  • Patent number: 6513726
    Abstract: A process for the constant emission of volatile products in the liquid state, which may be either natural or synthetic products or compounds (with or without solutes), uses solid absorbent masses of different materials of a diverse nature and composition. A specifically designed and mutually mechanically linked device forming a homogenous set is used for effectively achieving this process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Instituto Nacional De Investigacion Y Tecnologia Agraria Y Alimentaria
    Inventor: José Rafael Esteban Duran
  • Patent number: 6513725
    Abstract: A dispenser for a volatile liquid is intended to be used in a vehicle. It comprises a substantially closed conical container (2) for the liquid, and a pair of plates (14, 28) closing the top of the container form between them a capillary interface (88) leading to a disseminating porous element (42). While the vehicle is in movement, liquid is thrown upwards and outwards by accelerations of the vehicle to the plates and so to drawn through the capillary passages at the interface to reach the porous element. The container is pivoted at its lower region to be tiltable through a similar angle to tilt of the liquid surface, so that all the liquid can reach the plates and so be dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: Brian Slade
  • Patent number: 6506723
    Abstract: Described is a single phase aqueous surfactant-free nontoxic air freshening composition containing 30-70% water, 5-20% of a fragrance, at least 60% of the components of which has a C log10 P≦2.5 and 30-60 weight percent of a mixture of two glycol ether components: (i) dipropylene glycol methyl ether; and (ii) propylene glycol propyl ether or propylene glycol butyl ether. Also described is an air freshener device comprising a vessel for the aforementioned composition, an emanating surface and a wick for supplying the composition to the emanating surface. In another embodiment of the invention is a stain removal wipe, which contains a fragrant aqueous system with low solvent and substantially free of surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
    Inventors: Arnoud Van Walsum, Jan-Willem Zacharias Ruizendaal, Richard M. Boden, Andrew John Crossman, Michael John Robert White
  • Patent number: 6470619
    Abstract: A scent dispensing device for luring an animal to a hunter. The scent dispensing device includes a housing. The housing has a top portion and a bottom portion. The top and bottom portions are removably securable to each other such that a lumen is defined between the top and bottom portions. The bottom portion has an opening therein. The housing has an aperture therein. A rod is positioned in the housing. A nub extends away from and is integrally coupled to an end of the rod. The nub extends through the opening. A crank means for rotatinig the rod with respect to the housing is coupled to the nub. A flexible elongate member has a first end and second end. The first end is coupled to the rod. The second end of the flexible elongate member extends through said aperture. Scented fluid is placed in the lumen so that the flexible elongate member is coated with the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventors: Troy L. Snyder, Pamela E. Snyder
  • Publication number: 20020136886
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of porous materials, for transporting liquids from a reservoir in a vapor dispensing device which addresses many of the shortcomings of the prior art, by selecting pore sizes and void volume ratios of the various wicking materials to fall within an effective range to obtain effective control of liquid delivery. For example, in accordance various aspects of the present invention, a porous polymeric wick is comprised of various polymeric materials having pore sizes less than about 250 microns and void volume ratios from about 25 to about 60%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Mengtao Pete He, Carl Triplett, Debra Park, Christopher J. Wolpert, Kristopher J. Stathakis
  • Publication number: 20020066798
    Abstract: A multiple scent-containing article of manufacture for dispensing multiple scents into the environment wherein a number of the scents in the article are related to each other is disclosed. In one variation, the scents are selected from a group of different types of scents. In another variation, certain of the scents, or all of the scents, can be related to each other in that they share a common theme.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: Christophe Laudamiel-Pellet, Grover David Owens, Pedro Antonio Rodriguez, Frank Andrej Kvietok, Eric Richard Bartsch, Toan Trinh, Kevin George Goodall
  • Patent number: 6399028
    Abstract: An ignitable beehive type wick end in an aromatic oil lamp and the attachment for instantaneously enhancing the density of the essence oil, wherein the ceramic wick end includes at least a hollow mushroom structure composed by a bracket seat as well as an upper cover and both are clamped by a clip ring, is characterized that at least a beehive type air conducting block is disposed inside the wick end for conducting the current therein to lower the temperature; a supporting stand disposed with a placement frame covers the upper aspect of a bottle body; a ceramic block with a recessed groove on the top portion and impregnated with the essence oil is placed on the placement frame; the heat heated, raised upwards and dispersed from the ceramic wick end vaporizes the essence oil thereon to instantaneously enhance the density of the essence oil in the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Shu-Li Huang
  • Patent number: 6367706
    Abstract: A fragrance extender releases fragrance from a fragrance producing composition over a prolonged interval of time. The fragrance includes a piece of ceramic material of sufficient porosity to permit penetration of the fragrance emitting substance and the carrier liquid therefor. A support structure supports the piece of material relative to a support surface so that the exposed surface area that receives the fragrance emitting substance is at a removed location. A method of retarding the evaporation of a selected fragrance producing composition is also disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a piece of ceramic material and then contacting a portion of the exposed surface of the ceramic material with the selected composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Larry J. Putz
  • Patent number: 6354513
    Abstract: The plug comprises a body (1) permanently coupled to the neck of a container for an air freshener or insect repellent liquid, with evaporation occurring through a wick (11) axially coupled in a concentric passage of the plug itself. An inner part of the axial passage of the plug in which wick (11) is inserted is provided with slits (7) along the main generatrix line, forming sectors (9) provided with semi pyramidal projections (12), defining means which allow motion in the direction of insertion of wick (11) and prevent its displacement in the outwards direction for removing said wick (11) from the plug, which prevents the container on which the plug is applied from being refilled with a product other than the original.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: DRK Espana, S.A.
    Inventor: Jordi Basaganas Millan
  • Patent number: 6202938
    Abstract: Scent emitting blind operating apparatus including a hollow rod, defining an inner chamber, with a closed end and an open end, with the inner chamber of the rod being designed to receive and hold scented material. A blind engaging plug is removably positioned in the open end of the hollow rod for operative engagement with a blind so as to position the inner chamber generally vertically with the closed end directed downwardly. A sleeve of absorbent material is frictionally engaged over the closed end of the hollow rod and an opening is formed through the hollow rod and positioned to communicate the inner chamber with the absorbent material for directing scented material from the inner chamber into the absorbent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: Michael A. Collier
  • Patent number: 6179219
    Abstract: A vehicle air-freshener includes a holder base for mounting inside a motor vehicle, a container body mounted on the holder base and holding a perfume, the container body having a recessed top side wall, and a top center through hole formed through the lowest area of the recessed top side wall for enabling the smell of the perfume to escape out of the container body into the air, a control ball moved in the recessed top side wall of the container body to close/open the top center through hole, and a perforated cap covered on the container body to hold the control ball in the recessed top side wall of the container body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Ching-Chen Lin
  • Patent number: 6180595
    Abstract: Described is a single phase aqueous surfactant-free nontoxic air freshening composition containing 30-70% water, 5-20% of a fragrance, at least 60% of the components of which has a C log10P≦2.5 and 30-60 weight percent of a mixture of two glycol ether components: (i) dipropylene glycol methyl ether; and (ii) propylene glycol propyl ether or propylene glycol butyl ether. Also described is an air freshener device comprising a vessel for the aforementioned composition, an emanating surface and a wick for supplying the composition to the emanating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
    Inventors: Arnoud Van Walsum, Jan-Willem Zacharias Ruizendaal, Richard M. Boden, Michael John Robert White
  • Patent number: 6158668
    Abstract: A reusable hanging container and scent wick for attracting big game has a closed end with a hanger for supporting the container above the ground. An opening into the container is located on the bottom of the container with a cap to sealably close the container. A scent wick for receiving and disbursing a big game scent is sized to fit within the container to permit the sealing of the container with a cap. The scent wick is shaped to permit a substantial portion of the wick to fall out of the container to expose the scent wick while the container above protects the wick from falling moisture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: John R. Burgeson
  • Patent number: 6152379
    Abstract: Two associated air treatment compositions are formulated such that when used together they produce a constant emanating composition throughout the life of an air treatment dispenser of the wick type (dispenser). Composition I comprises components (at least two active agents) in their respective intended concentrations and is used to impregnate the evaporation surface and/or wick of the dispenser. Composition II comprises the same components (at least the same two active agents) as the first composition. However, the concentrations of the components in Composition II with respect to Composition I are adjusted such that a constant emanating composition is maintained. The relationship between Composition I and II can be described by equation ##EQU1## where ##EQU2## is composition II and ##EQU3## is composition I. Coefficients c.sub.i can be calculated based on quantitative analysis of composition I and II by means known in the art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Dragoco Gerberding & Co. AG
    Inventor: Dirk Sorgenfrey
  • Patent number: 6145241
    Abstract: An electric insecticidal apparatus comprising a vessel for storing insecticidal solution, which is oriented in a direction in use; a heating chamber in which the vessel is mounted, said heating chamber containing a heating element; a wick for drawing up the insecticidal solution in the vessel, said wick being provided in the vessel such that the insecticidal solution drawn up by the wick is heated and vaporized by the heating element; an inlet provided at a side of the heating chamber for inserting the vessel into the heating chamber, said vessel being laterally inserted into the heating chamber through the inlet by orienting the vessel in the proper direction; and a guide and holding means for guiding the wick to and holding the wick at a predetermined position at the time of insertion of the vessel into the heating chamber such that the wick confronts the heating element of the heating chamber at a predetermined distance from the heating element, which is provided in the heating chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Yoshitoshi Okuno
  • Patent number: 6123935
    Abstract: This invention provides an air freshener dispenser device comprising (1) a disposable air freshener cartridge which has an affixed electrical-resistance heating element on its upper section surface, and (2) an electrical plug housing. The cartridge has an elongated thermoplastic hollow body configuration with a sealed internal reservoir chamber of liquid air freshener medium, and the upper section of the cartridge body is shaped to a flat shallow extension of the cartridge chamber. A thin wick matrix extends internally from the cartridge chamber bottom up to the top of the chamber shallow extension. The cartridge has an integrally structured means adapted for removal of a top portion of the cartridge chamber shallow extension to expose an upper section of wick matrix to the atmosphere. The electrical plug housing is detachably secured and positioned proximate to the cartridge heating element. Activation of the heating element promotes air freshener dispersion into the atmosphere from the exposed wick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Wefler, John Martin
  • Patent number: 6065687
    Abstract: Herein disclosed is a sustained release dispenser capable of uniformly releasing a volatile liquid ingredient over a long time period even when the amount of the liquid ingredient remaining in a container is reduced. According to an embodiment, the sustained release dispenser comprises a plastic container 4 having a liquid and volatile ingredient-permeable outer layer 1 and a liquid-absorbable inner layer 3 having the same material as those of the outer layer 1 and a liquid and volatile ingredient 2 enclosed in the plastic container. According to other embodiment, the sustained release dispenser comprises a plastic container 6 in which grooves 5 are formed on the inner wall and a volatile ingredient 2 accommodated in the container 6. According to other embodiment, the sustained release dispenser comprises a bag formed from a liquid permeable film 7 provided with a highly wettable film 8 on the inner surface thereof and a liquid sex pheromone 9 accommodated in the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Suzuki, Noboru Aiba, Ryuichi Saguchi, Kinya Ogawa, Kenichi Itoh
  • Patent number: 6051317
    Abstract: The invention relates to sheet-like absorbents for water and aqueous solutions, containing at a defined distributionA) at least one water-swellable synthetic and/or natural superabsorbent polymer, andB) at least one water-soluble synthetic and/or natural polymeras a matrix of sheet-like design wherein the superabsorbent component A) is integrated or fixed. The sheet-like absorbents have an increased absorptive capacity for water and aqueous liquids, particularly under load. They are manufactured by forming a sheet-like matrix from the water-soluble synthetic and/or natural polymers B) and providing same with said water-swellable synthetic and/or natural superabsorber A), e.g., by applying a solution of matrix B) on a surface, sprinkling same with component A), and drying the sheet-like structure thus obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Stockhausen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Helmut Brueggemann, Kurt Dahmen, Dieter Lehwald, Roland Theilmann
  • Patent number: 6015094
    Abstract: A vehicle perfume dispenser for mounting on the dashboard of a vehicle. The dispenser is operative to release perfume during the acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle. The vehicle perfume dispenser includes a lower case member provided with a perfume cartridge receptacle disposed at the front of the lower case member. The dispenser also includes a rear upper hollow case member mounted at the upper rear portion of the lower hollow case member and having at least a pair of longitudinally disposed slots. The dispenser also includes a see-sawing rectangular member adapted to be pivotably mounted on the lower casing and further having a counterweight. The rectangular member has a rotatively secured equilibrium adjusting apparatus for adjusting the rotation of the rectangular member relative to the lower casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventor: Sze Pik Por
  • Patent number: 5958346
    Abstract: An article deodorizer system and method which is suitable for fixed, mobile, and vehicular mounting and complete interfacing with their air systems at any sites including homes, businesses, airplanes, ships, railcars, automobiles, etc., providing for air improvement by deodorizing selected air streams continuously by effecting the induction of desired interchangeable deodorizing additives into air streams whether conditioned or not improving human conditions. A control system provides for either stand-alone or complete automated operation and complete interfacing with other small and/or supervisory or complex, large control systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Bennie L. Evans, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5950922
    Abstract: A holder for an air freshener comprising a wall section having a perimeter, a forward facing rim disposed along the perimeter, a rearward facing rim disposed along the perimeter forming a rear space for containing the air freshener. An image may be disposed on the forward facing surface of the wall section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Gregory Flinn
  • Patent number: 5945094
    Abstract: This invention provides a disposable air freshener dispenser device which is adapted for engagement and support by a wall electrical outlet. The dispenser device consists of a cartridge which has a sealed content of liquid air freshener medium, and an absorbent matrix which can be exposed for wicking of air freshener into the atmosphere. An electrical-resistance type heater module is detachably secured and positioned proximate to the exposed absorbent matrix section for promotion of the wicking action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: John Martin, Mark E. Wefler
  • Patent number: 5927618
    Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device is disclosed having a container (16) for the liquid to be sprayed and a capillary structure (22) extending into the container. To maintain a substantially constant liquid level at the location where liquid is drawn into the capillary structure, the container is partitioned into two chambers, one (68) of which is isolated from atmosphere and the other (66) of which is in communication with atmosphere. The capillary structure (22) extends through one chamber and the arrangement is such that the liquid level at the location where the capillary structure communicates with the liquid is maintained substantially constant over a wide range of variation of the liquid level within the other chamber. The upper end of the capillary structure may be provided with an oblique end face (50; 70, 72) to facilitate dispersal of the spray into the surroundings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Andrew Jefferies, Maurice Joseph Prendergast, Michael Leslie Green, Timothy James Noakes
  • Patent number: 5909845
    Abstract: A child-resistant, wick-based liquid emanation system includes a container which is capable of containing liquid and has an opening. A wick is partially disposed within the container and extends through the opening of the container. A hollow overcap encases the extended portion of the wick and has a closed, separable tip and an open base attached to cover the opening of the container. The system is activated by separating the tip from the overcap. A retainer may be provided for obstructing complete removal of the wick from the container through the overcap after the tip is separated from the overcap. The retainer can include a shoulder disposed in the overcap between the tip and the base to retain the wick toward the base of the overcap. Alternatively, a protrusion from the wick can engage an inner surface of the overcap or the container. In this case, the overcap can have a frangible portion facilitating separation of the tip, and the wick can extend past the frangible portion toward the tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith J. Greatbatch, Mark E. Welfer
  • Patent number: 5875968
    Abstract: This invention provides an air freshener dispenser device with a nonporous wicking feature, which consists of (a) a first container with an upside open end, and a downside closed end with a sharp piercing structure extending up from the interior bottom surface, (b) a second container which is inverted and internally-nested within the first container, with an upside closed end comprising a vapor-emanating means, and a downside end which is sealed with an impermeable membrane, and (c) a reservoir of liquid air freshener medium enclosed within the second container. The coextensive sidewalls of the two containers are in a capillary spacing proximity. For activation of the dispenser device into an operational mode, the second container is adjusted until the impermeable membrane is breached by the sharp-structure at the bottom of the first container. The released air freshener medium is transported by capillary action to the vapor-emanating surface for evaporation into the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Miller, John Martin
  • Patent number: 5871153
    Abstract: An improved disinfectant dispensing and fragrance diffusing apparatus for dispensing a liquid disinfectant. The disinfectant dispensing and fragrance diffusing apparatus has a first portion including a container and a delivery mechanism. The container is for holding the liquid disinfectant, and the delivery mechanism is for delivering the liquid disinfectant from the container into a toilet bowl or urinal. The improvement comprises a second portion including at least one object having a particular fragrance and an attachment mechanism for removably attaching the object to the first portion. The attachment mechanism can removably attach more than one object to the first portion so that the intensity of the particular fragrance can be varied. The particular fragrance is diffused into the air adjacent the toilet bowl or urinal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Auto-San, Inc.
    Inventor: John H Doggett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5857620
    Abstract: A liquid vapor dispenser is disclosed that includes a two-compartment reservoir for retaining a quantity of liquid to be dispensed, and an integral wick/emanator assembly. The assembly includes a wick, which extends into the reservoir to conduct the liquid out from the reservoir. An emanator is formed integrally with the wick and provides an evaporative surface to dispense the liquid conducted from the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: The Scott Fetzer Company
    Inventor: John Nakoneczny
  • Patent number: 5850972
    Abstract: An automatic dispensing apparatus for dispensing liquid at discrete time intervals, including a reservoir for containing a dispensable liquid, a dispensing tube positioned within the reservoir and in fluid communication with the liquid within the reservoir, and a dome at least partially enclosing the dispensing tube. The improved design has only two dispenser components, and use of the dome eliminates any trapping of air bubbles which can delay or prevent dispensing. A method for using the dispensing apparatus also forms a part of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Flow-Rite Controls, Ltd.
    Inventor: Daniel N. Campau
  • Patent number: 5839221
    Abstract: An insecticidal device is provided which has a panel of a color having insect attracting properties, preferably yellow, and a spherical body of another color, preferably red. The spherical body is capable of defusing a liquid which contains an insect attractant and is combined with the panel in a manner that they form together an essentially flat panel having hemispherical bulges formed by the spherical body. A specific panel, which can be used as a panel in the above device and can be used as an independent insecticidal device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Ronpal Ltd.
    Inventors: Eyal Ron, Neriel Paglin, Yaron Reshef, Uri Alon
  • Patent number: 5832648
    Abstract: A container forms a shoulder disposed annularly about an opening in the container. The container contains a scented liquid therein. A cap is configured to removably cover the opening. The cap includes a ring thereon for tying a cord thereto, for hanging the cap from a tree branch. A plurality of elongated members are attached to the cap. Each of the elongated members includes a catch member at a distal end thereof and disposed outward from the elongated member. Each of the catch members is configured to retain the container thereon by seating beneath the shoulder, thus the container is suspendable below the cap when the cap is removed from the opening. A flexible, planar member forms a base of the cap. The planar member includes a slot formed therein. The slot is configured to snugly retain an end of an elongated wick therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Richard E. Malone
  • Patent number: 5810265
    Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device for spraying liquids comprises a hollow capillary structure having a convoluted inner surface, one end of which contacts a reservoir of an electrostatically sprayable liquid preferably having a viscosity from 1 to 20.times.10.sup.-6 m.sup.2 /s and a volume resistivity from 2.5.times.10.sup.6 to 5.times.10.sup.8 ohm cm, the other end of which terminates in an atomization tip, and means for applying high voltage to the liquid in order to cause the liquid at the atomization tip to break up into a plurality of electrostatically charged droplets. Cartridges for use in the electrostatic spraying device are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Reckitt & Colman Products Limited
    Inventors: Gay Joyce Cornelius, Timothy James Noakes, Andrew Jefferies, Michale Leslie Green, Maurice Joseph Prendergast
  • Patent number: 5749519
    Abstract: This invention provides an air freshener dispenser device which consists of (a) a transparent container which has a content of liquid air freshener medium, (b) a transparent nonporous insert sleeve which is coextensive with the container sidewall interior surface, and (c) a container closure comprising a vapor-emanating surface mechanism, such as an absorbent matrix, which is in contact with the insert sleeve. The insert sleeve surface and the sidewall interior surface are in a capillary spacing proximity which provides an upward wicking passageway for transmission of the liquid air freshener medium to the vapor-emanating surface for evaporation into the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric J. Miller
  • Patent number: 5749520
    Abstract: This invention provides an air freshener dispenser device with a nonporous wicking feature, which in an operational mode consists of (a) a first container with an upside open end, (b) a second container which is inverted and internally-nested within the first container with a downside open end and an upside closed end, and with the sidewalls of the two containers in a capillary spacing proximity, (c) a top-surface closure in the first container which is a vapor-emanating surface mechanism, such as an absorbent matrix, that is in contact with the upside closed end of the nested second container, and (d) a content of air freshener medium confined within the nested second container. The capillary spacing proximity of the container sidewalls provides a nonporous wicking mechanism for transmission of the liquid air freshener medium from the interior reservoir to the vapor-emanating surface for evaporation into the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: John Martin, Eric J. Miller
  • Patent number: 5635132
    Abstract: A process for decontamination and detoxification of a room wherein an atomizer is used to diffuse a product containing essential oils as a mist. The outer openings of the room to be decontaminated and detoxified are closed and the product is diffused as a true aerosol from the center of the room. After the diffusion is stopped, the mist is allowed to decontaminate and detoxify room and the room is then aired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Inventor: Michel Blanc
  • Patent number: 5622314
    Abstract: A Game Scent Diffusion Device adapted to be disposed in a bottle of liquid game scent. The device comprises an inverted "T" shaped member. The member comprises a body portion, defining orifices along its length, and a generally perpendicular crossbar portion. An absorptive wick is woven through the orifices. The ends of the crossbar are springingly, temporarily bent together to facilitate insertion of the device into the bottle. Once the device is inserted into the bottle the crossbar assumes its original shape. When the device is partially withdrawn from the bottle, the ends of the crossbar contact the neck of the bottle. The device can be hung from a convenient location such as a limb. A length of saturated wick and a portion of the saturated wick woven through the orifices in the member are exposed to the ambient air. When not in use the device can be stowed in the bottle, allowing the hunter to carry it in his pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Donald J. Eason
  • Patent number: RE38150
    Abstract: A child-resistant, wick-based liquid emanation system includes a container which is capable of containing liquid and has an opening. A wick is partially disposed within the container and extends through the opening of the container. A hollow overcap encases the extended portion of the wick and has a closed, separable tip and an open base attached to cover the opening of the container. The system is activated by separating the tip from the overcap. A retainer may be provided for obstructing complete removal of the wick from the container through the overcap after the tip is separated from the overcap. The retainer can include a shoulder disposed in the overcap between the tip and the base to retain the wick toward the base of the overcap. Alternatively, a protrusion from the wick can engage an inner surface of the overcap or the container. In this case, the overcap can have a frangible portion facilitating separation of the tip, and the wick can extend past the frangible portion toward the tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith J. Greatbatch, Mark E. Wefler